Ive always ran my altima on 5w30 since new. it has 138000 on it now. Im wondering if I need to be using 10w30. All the oil selectors on the internet and in stores say 10w30 but the manual says 5w30. Im confused. Have I been using the wrong weight all along or is the 10w30 just for high mileage?
10w30 for a high mileage VQ35?
- Thread starter Volv04Life
- Start date
- Status
Is there an emoticon for that? I know what people said about my z but the altima is my wifes. I just want what it calls for since I never get to drive it. Im just wondering if it called for 10w30 from factory or not.
Assuming by "manual" you mean the owner's manual that came with the car:
What evidence have you uncovered that the "oil selectors on the internet and in stores [that] say 10w30" know more than the engineers that specified 5w30?
Kevin
What evidence have you uncovered that the "oil selectors on the internet and in stores [that] say 10w30" know more than the engineers that specified 5w30?
Kevin
None. I just figured like 4 brands all recommending the same weight cant be wrong. Get what i mean?
Ok. Im done.
Mobil 1 0W40 is a perfect fit for the Nissan vq. It's a shear monster and the Mobil 1 is already on the lighter side of 40.
Originally Posted By: mclasser
I also have a VQ35. Unless you're burning oil, there's no sense in switching to a higher weight. No reason to rock the boat if 5W30 has worked fine for 138K miles.
Yep. Stick with a 5w30 unless it starts burning/leaking a lot, and then try a 5w30 HM.
I would not consider 138k very high mileage. 200k maybe.
I also have a VQ35. Unless you're burning oil, there's no sense in switching to a higher weight. No reason to rock the boat if 5W30 has worked fine for 138K miles.
Yep. Stick with a 5w30 unless it starts burning/leaking a lot, and then try a 5w30 HM.
I would not consider 138k very high mileage. 200k maybe.
The "what is high mileage" thing is starting to get on my nerves. Why do oil companies and car dealers consider anything over 75k or 100k high mileage?
Ive been hearing good things about M1 0w-40.
Originally Posted By: Volv04Life
The "what is high mileage" thing is starting to get on my nerves. Why do oil companies and car dealers consider anything over 75k or 100k high mileage?
Because it's an upsell technique. They can also use it to scare people into buying a newer car. It's no different than the 3,000 mile myth.
The "what is high mileage" thing is starting to get on my nerves. Why do oil companies and car dealers consider anything over 75k or 100k high mileage?
Because it's an upsell technique. They can also use it to scare people into buying a newer car. It's no different than the 3,000 mile myth.
Interesting thread for me. My wife's Xterra is now nine years old. Odometer just passed 82k. Last OCI I used Maxlife for the first time. Was it too soon? I kept reading all the great revues on this oil with the added protection against wear and seal conditioners for an older car. So I figured why not. Is the age of the car for oil purposes predicated on years on the road or the mileage. My wife averages a little over 9100 miles a year. Am I locked in to using hm oils from now own or can I switch back to a regular syn or conventional oil at my next oil change.
Originally Posted By: Mfrank84
Interesting thread for me. My wife's Xterra is now nine years old. Odometer just passed 82k. Last OCI I used Maxlife for the first time. Was it too soon? I kept reading all the great revues on this oil with the added protection against wear and seal conditioners for an older car. So I figured why not. Is the age of the car for oil purposes predicated on years on the road or the mileage. My wife averages a little over 9100 miles a year. Am I locked in to using hm oils from now own or can I switch back to a regular syn or conventional oil at my next oil change.
Nothing bad will come of using the HM oil, but why pay extra for it and limit your choices?
You can switch back to a regular synthetic or regular conventional whenever you want.
Interesting thread for me. My wife's Xterra is now nine years old. Odometer just passed 82k. Last OCI I used Maxlife for the first time. Was it too soon? I kept reading all the great revues on this oil with the added protection against wear and seal conditioners for an older car. So I figured why not. Is the age of the car for oil purposes predicated on years on the road or the mileage. My wife averages a little over 9100 miles a year. Am I locked in to using hm oils from now own or can I switch back to a regular syn or conventional oil at my next oil change.
Nothing bad will come of using the HM oil, but why pay extra for it and limit your choices?
You can switch back to a regular synthetic or regular conventional whenever you want.
Thanks Dparm. I asked about switching because I thought I read somewhere that once a HM oil was used, due to the seal conditioners, it was wise to stick with it. That's good to know. I guess I'm really interested in knowing at what point would a high mileage oil be the best choice for someone? Years vs mileage? This answer might be in another thread about HM oils; I just haven't found it yet. Thanks again.
Originally Posted By: Mfrank84
I guess I'm really interested in knowing at what point would a high mileage oil be the best choice for someone?
There isn't a certain point, be it mileage or age, where a high mileage oil is needed. The most beneficial attribute of these products is their ability to mitigate seal leakage -- if that's needed in your application, then usage would be advised.
I guess I'm really interested in knowing at what point would a high mileage oil be the best choice for someone?
There isn't a certain point, be it mileage or age, where a high mileage oil is needed. The most beneficial attribute of these products is their ability to mitigate seal leakage -- if that's needed in your application, then usage would be advised.
Originally Posted By: Mfrank84
I asked about switching because I thought I read somewhere that once a HM oil was used, due to the seal conditioners, it was wise to stick with it.
I don't know where that old wives tale comes from but it just refuses to die, even on here. You can switch or do whatever you want later.
I asked about switching because I thought I read somewhere that once a HM oil was used, due to the seal conditioners, it was wise to stick with it.
I don't know where that old wives tale comes from but it just refuses to die, even on here. You can switch or do whatever you want later.
MolaKule
Staff member
I have a 2003 PathFinder with the VQ35 (148,000 +) and have used everything from my developmental low viscosity 0W30 to higher viscosity 10W30's, and OTC HM 10W30's (for comparitive tests ) and have kept detailed analysis records and notes.
I have never seen any unusual wear indications in the analysis for any of the oils used. In fact the wear materials iron, aluminum, copper, lead, etc. has always been about 1 ppm/1,000 miles.
Engine power is still very good, 3-speed auto transmission still shifts very well.
What I have seen is that during the summer (in the upper midwest, fairly mild temperature) is that unless a low NOACK PCMO is used, there is some oil loss, about 1/2 quart per 2,500 miles. This situation has been observed since 300 miles when I brought it home.
I have never seen any unusual wear indications in the analysis for any of the oils used. In fact the wear materials iron, aluminum, copper, lead, etc. has always been about 1 ppm/1,000 miles.
Engine power is still very good, 3-speed auto transmission still shifts very well.
What I have seen is that during the summer (in the upper midwest, fairly mild temperature) is that unless a low NOACK PCMO is used, there is some oil loss, about 1/2 quart per 2,500 miles. This situation has been observed since 300 miles when I brought it home.
Last edited:
- Status