2015 Nissan Versa S | Oil Reccomendations

[DEEPfrom1]

I have been searching the forums regarding the 1.6L Versa, not a lot of information out there.

From what I have gathered, Pennzoil conventional seems to be to the go to for this car. Along with the factory recommended OIC of 3750. I will be avoiding the dealer oil changes, as I do not want an OEM Nissan filter, and would rather have the piece of mind of doing it myself.

A few questions:

1. Does anyone recommend dumping the FF before 3750 miles?

2. Does anyone recommend using an oversize filter for this car, to possibly help the small oil capacity?

3. Should I be switching this car to Synthetic, or just sticking with the 5w30 conventional during the factory warranty?

4. Lastly, what other brand oils should I be looking at besides Pennzoil conventional?


Thanks everyone, I always enjoy reading the BITOG forums!

 

[wemay]

If you are sticking with an OCI of 3750, Pennzoil conventional would work just fine, as would any dino with SN/GF-5 certifications. I would stick with the factory filter dimensions if concerned with warranty coverage and hassles should any unforeseen issue pop up.

 

[DEEPfrom1]

Thank you for the advice. Do you have any thoughts on conventional oil for fuel efficiency? I like ideology behind the increased efficiency, but there versa is frugal on gas use, as is. Would I be loosing out on protection with the FE oil?

 

[SwampSurvivor]

Originally Posted By: wemay
If you are sticking with an OCI of 3750, Pennzoil conventional would work just fine, as would any dino with SN/GF-5 certifications. I would stick with the factory filter dimensions if concerned with warranty coverage and hassles should any unforeseen issue pop up.


I believe that is Nissan's requirement on this vehicle as it has something like a 2.5 or 3 quart sump.

 

[wemay]

Originally Posted By: DEEPfrom1
Thank you for the advice. Do you have any thoughts on conventional oil for fuel efficiency? I like ideology behind the increased efficiency, but there versa is frugal on gas use, as is. Would I be loosing out on protection with the FE oil?


Any fuel efficiency gains or loss will be negligible at best and most likely, non-existent in real world driving. In the lab or under controlled testing environments, sure there are gains with synthetics and lower viscosity oils, but with so many variables effecting a daily driver, i'm not sure the gains manifest themselves into money saved at the pump.

 

[ARCOgraphite]

I had one. And someone else had two. I don't think anyone's engine lasted more than a few thousand miles before it started knocking hard. Mine started in the winter - I blame the china filter with the cardboard endcaps having near ZERO space for the oil to get around. Honda and better yet, Hyundia Kia 2.0 and 2.4L engine filters fit. I didn't even like the GOHNER Mexicans either. though iot may be that the engine was toast by then. I trade my 2014 Versa in after a couple months woth a toasted clutch and a knocking, powerless motor and bad steering geometry.

 

[AZjeff]

Originally Posted By: wemay
If you are sticking with an OCI of 3750, Pennzoil conventional would work just fine, as would any dino with SN/GF-5 certifications. I would stick with the factory filter dimensions if concerned with warranty coverage and hassles should any unforeseen issue pop up.


Can anyone cite an actual instance where it is documented that some sort of engine warranty work was denied because a larger than OEM oil filter was in use, or is it regurgitated urban legend?

 

[ARCOgraphite]

Originally Posted By: Miller88
Originally Posted By: wemay
If you are sticking with an OCI of 3750, Pennzoil conventional would work just fine, as would any dino with SN/GF-5 certifications. I would stick with the factory filter dimensions if concerned with warranty coverage and hassles should any unforeseen issue pop up.


I believe that is Nissan's requirement on this vehicle as it has something like a 2.5 or 3 quart sump.
IIRC its over 3.5qts. maybe 3.5L. This is the Renault.

 

[SilverC6]

You would probably only see a 2 or 3% increase in fuel economy with the synthetic vs. the conventional oil.

It would be very hard to quantify at the pump but it may offset the cost differential between a sale priced synthetic and a top quality conventional over a longer OCI.

However, if you find a good buy on a high quality synthetic, by all means use it and enjoy whatever gain you receive.

Pennzoil Conventional is hard to beat and has a substantial following on BITOG.

While it's a little harder to find, I also like Havoline (Chevron) conventional.

As others will state, just about any name brand API SN rated conventional will do the job for you. You really do have to search to find bad engine oil in the world today.

 

[DEEPfrom1]

Originally Posted By: ARCOgraphite
I had one. And someone else had two. I don't think anyone's engine lasted more than a few thousand miles before it started knocking hard. Mine started in the winter - I blame the china filter with the cardboard endcaps having near ZERO space for the oil to get around. Honda and better yet, Hyundia Kia 2.0 and 2.4L engine filters fit. I didn't even like the GOHNER Mexicans either. though iot may be that the engine was toast by then. I trade my 2014 Versa in after a couple months woth a toasted clutch and a knocking, powerless motor and bad steering geometry.


Huh, that sounds abnormal. I traded in my 09 Versa Base with the same 1.6, at 129K of hard driven miles. That versa has driven through most mountain passes in American, and lived a hard cold NY life, and had the minimal amount of maintenance done. The only thing to ever be replaced on that car were front pads (2x) Oem rotors, shocks and all!

I am hoping the new one will be just as solid.

 

[DEEPfrom1]

Originally Posted By: Miller88
Originally Posted By: wemay
If you are sticking with an OCI of 3750, Pennzoil conventional would work just fine, as would any dino with SN/GF-5 certifications. I would stick with the factory filter dimensions if concerned with warranty coverage and hassles should any unforeseen issue pop up.


I believe that is Nissan's requirement on this vehicle as it has something like a 2.5 or 3 quart sump.


Are you saying I should look into the larger filter?

 

[donnyj08]

Quote:


4. Lastly, what other brand oils should I be looking at besides Pennzoil conventional?


VWB!

 

[stchman]

Originally Posted By: DEEPfrom1
I have been searching the forums regarding the 1.6L Versa, not a lot of information out there.

From what I have gathered, Pennzoil Conventional seems to be to the go to for this car. Along with the factory recommended OIC of 3750. I will be avoiding the dealer oil changes, as I do not want an OEM Nissan filter, and would rather have the piece of mind of doing it myself.

A few questions:

1. Does anyone recommend dumping the FF before 3750 miles?

2. Does anyone recommend using an oversize filter for this car, to possibly help the small oil capacity?

3. Should I be switching this car to Synthetic, or just sticking with the 5w30 conventional during the factory warranty?

4. Lastly, what other brand oils should I be looking at besides Pennzoil Conventional?


Thanks everyone, I always enjoy reading the BITOG forums!


First off 3750 OCIs is absurd, you will be dumping perfectly good oil.

According to the Nissan Service Maintenance Guide, they recommend changing the oil and filter every 5000 miles.

If you decide to go with a synthetic, you could stretch that interval out to 7500 miles.

DO NOT use anything but the filter the filter manufacturer states is for your car. A slightly longer filter will have ZERO effect and if you ever needed warranty engine work, you would have some tall explaining to do.

I usually dump the factory fill at 1000 miles and then change the oil out at the recommended intervals. Does it make a difference, I don't know, but it is what I have done when I got a new vehicle.

I am quite sure the OEM Nissan oil filter will do the job as needed.

As far as using Pennzoil Conventional for conventional, I would personally use Mobil Super 5000. A 5 quart jug can be had at Walmart for $12.88 where a 5 quart jug of Pennzoil Conventional is $16.47. The decision is up to you.

 

[MoreCowbellAz]

Unless Nissan change the Versa S OCI specs since 2008, 3750 is the severe use OCI, 7500 is normal. I wouldn't even consider dumping the oil before 3750, I seriously doubt even 3750 is required for the vast majority of folks. Unless you're one of those select few I'd go at minimum 7500 and even better 10k with syn. But that's how I roll. And no oversize filter, just regular spec. My manual shows it takes 4.4 qts, that's not tiny.

 

[ARCOgraphite]

Dump the FF before 3000 miles for sure; It will be sheared down well below grade and LOADED with flotsam and when the filter bypasses some % of stuff will be let loose on bearings with running clearances below 0.0007"

RENAULT/Nissan has had problems with CHINA made filters. They use DENSO FOR OE, so maybe try aftermarket denso.

This car is completely different than your last SUPERIOR Versa. Its been cost reduced to a potato chip. Good luck - YOU WILL NEED IT.

A previous Versa Note Owner in this FORUM warned me about the engine issue with the 1.6L DOHC dual injector motor. I scoffed and the engine junked itself 1 month later. It was pretty sweet running - much more tractable than the Honda Fit 1.5 - until it gave up the ghost in a cloud of clatter

 

[Vern_in_IL]

So am I in trouble for using NAPA gold filters on my '14 Note?

 

[Garak]

Originally Posted By: SilverC6
You would probably only see a 2 or 3% increase in fuel economy with the synthetic vs. the conventional oil.

I would suggest even that would be a big stretch, unless the conventional were a 10w30 HDEO and the synthetic an ILSAC rated 0w-30. Even then, I'd be skeptical.

PYB would certainly be a fine choice.

 

[DEEPfrom1]

Originally Posted By: ARCOgraphite
Dump the FF before 3000 miles for sure; It will be sheared down well below grade and LOADED with flotsam and when the filter bypasses some % of stuff will be let loose on bearings with running clearances below 0.0007"

RENAULT/Nissan has had problems with CHINA made filters. They use DENSO FOR OE, so maybe try aftermarket denso.

This car is completely different than your last SUPERIOR Versa. Its been cost reduced to a potato chip. Good luck - YOU WILL NEED IT.

A previous Versa Note Owner in this FORUM warned me about the engine issue with the 1.6L DOHC dual injector motor. I scoffed and the engine junked itself 1 month later. It was pretty sweet running - much more tractable than the Honda Fit 1.5 - until it gave up the ghost in a cloud of clatter



Hmm, I understand your hatred for the car. But, my last versa was even more stripped then this one. The car is using the same hr16de, with the difference being the injector method, the same transmission is used as well. I really am not too worried, and am attempting to be positive, as it was the only car I can afford at this point in my life!

Don't give me fears, just yet!

 

[DEEPfrom1]

Originally Posted By: MoreCowbellAz
Unless Nissan change the Versa S OCI specs since 2008, 3750 is the severe use OCI, 7500 is normal. I wouldn't even consider dumping the oil before 3750, I seriously doubt even 3750 is required for the vast majority of folks. Unless you're one of those select few I'd go at minimum 7500 and even better 10k with syn. But that's how I roll. And no oversize filter, just regular spec. My manual shows it takes 4.4 qts, that's not tiny.


My ownders manual states 5000 OCI or 3750 sever, my initial statement was reflecting what the sales lady told me (3750).

 

[DEEPfrom1]

Originally Posted By: MoreCowbellAz
Unless Nissan change the Versa S OCI specs since 2008, 3750 is the severe use OCI, 7500 is normal. I wouldn't even consider dumping the oil before 3750, I seriously doubt even 3750 is required for the vast majority of folks. Unless you're one of those select few I'd go at minimum 7500 and even better 10k with syn. But that's how I roll. And no oversize filter, just regular spec. My manual shows it takes 4.4 qts, that's not tiny.



Good info, unfortunately the owners manual states 5000, so I will be sticking to that with Pennzoil conventional. I don't want any warranty issues to arise.