Originally Posted By: Nitrohaulic
Hey guys, I have been away from this board for 6 year or so and I am glad to be back. I recently traded my Dodge/Cummins in for a Dodge Nitro with the 3.7 as I needed a more family friendly ride. As most of you probably know it specs 5w20 oil. I plan on running Pennzoil conventional for the first change around 5 to 6 K and going with synthetic after that. As a long time Amsoil user I am very interested in running their 0w20 but I don't want to do anything that could potentially harm the warrenty since 5w20 is the spec. Would I be better off running Pennzoil Platinum / Pennzoil Ultra 5w20 or Mobil 1 Extended Performance 5w20? Or maybe Amsoil XL 5w20? The vehicle gets around 30K/year with the majority being 40 to 50 mile trips. I live in Kentucky so temperature is not an issue. I would like to get 7500 to 10,000 OCI's (Based on used oil analysis of course). I will be running WIX or Pure One filters. Thanks for any suggestions.
Stay with a 20 weight for sure. There should be no issue with running a 0W-20 if you wish to but seeing as you don't see any extreme cold temps where you live there isn't much need. 5W-20 is fine for year round use. You need an oil that is API certified with the Starburst and it must meet or exceed Chrysler MS6395.
Wix and Purolator are good filters. I see nothing wrong with your choice of filter.
The Amsoil XL line is the ONLY Amsoil oil that meets your warranty requirements just FYI. IF you want to run Amsoil stay with the XL version while under warranty. Your Pennzoil conventional for 5K then swapping to a synthetic is a good plan although you can make the swap any time you wish. The Amsoil XL is fine warranty wise as said or you can run any of the name brand synthetics and do well too( QS UD, PP, VVLSP, KGT1, M1, etc... ).
The only issue I see with your plan is your OC interval length. The maximum Dodge allows for is 6 months or 6000 miles. Even with the OLM they are very clear on that. Even though you could go 7500-10K on synthetics in a healthy engine this will put you at odd's with the mfg warranty wise. Better off to do your OC's at 6/6 to be safe.
2010 Dodge Nitro
Owner's Manual
Page 440-441 / Maintenance Schedule
Quote:
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
The oil change indicator system will remind you that it is time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.
On Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) equipped vehicles “Oil Change Required” will be displayed in the EVIC and a single chime will sound, indicating that an oil change is necessary.
On Non-EVIC equipped vehicles “Change Oil” will flash in the instrument cluster odometer and a single chime will sound, indicating that an oil change is necessary.
Based on engine operation conditions the oil change indicator message will illuminate, this means that service is required for your vehicle. Have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible, within the next 500 miles (805 km).
NOTE:
• The oil change indicator message will not monitor the time since the last oil change. Change your vehicles oil if it has been six months since your last oil change even if the oil change indicator message is NOT illuminated.
• Change your engine oil more often if you drive your vehicle off-road for an extended period of time.
• Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed 6,000 miles (10 000 km) or six months, whichever
comes first.
Enjoy the new ride.
