I have a 07 Altima 2.5L with a 5 quart sump. I drive 23 miles one way to work (all highway). I will be moving closer to work at the end of the month. I will be driving 5 miles one way (all city streets). Would you recommend 3 or 6 month OCI's? I will most likely use any SM rated dino which goes on sale. I'm currently using Pennzoil 5w30.
3 months or 6 months
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How much $ does that 2007 Nissan Altima cost?
How much $ does 5 quarts of oil and 1 filter cost?
How much $ does 5 quarts of oil and 1 filter cost?
4 months
If I did the math correctly your commuting amounts to ~920 miles per month (46 miles per day * 5 days per week * 4 weeks = 920 miles). Even if you drive an extra 50 miles per week this still only amounts to 1,120 miles per month.
5 quarts of conventional oil + an oil filter = about $15. A three month OCI would amount to $30 every six months.
5 quarts of PP + a decent oil filter = about $30 (less if you buy the 5 quart jug at Walmart or use rebates).
Why not use a good Group III based synthetic, such as PP, and a Wix or K&N oil filter? The protection and cost will be the same and, as an added benefit, you will only need to use a six month OCI. The cost will be equal to, or less than, using a three month OCI on Conventional oil. Your OCI will amount to anywhere from 5520 to 6720 miles every six months, which is very reasonable. If you have concerns about going six months, collect a sample and perform a used oil analysis to see how your oil looks.
Just my 2 cents.
5 quarts of conventional oil + an oil filter = about $15. A three month OCI would amount to $30 every six months.
5 quarts of PP + a decent oil filter = about $30 (less if you buy the 5 quart jug at Walmart or use rebates).
Why not use a good Group III based synthetic, such as PP, and a Wix or K&N oil filter? The protection and cost will be the same and, as an added benefit, you will only need to use a six month OCI. The cost will be equal to, or less than, using a three month OCI on Conventional oil. Your OCI will amount to anywhere from 5520 to 6720 miles every six months, which is very reasonable. If you have concerns about going six months, collect a sample and perform a used oil analysis to see how your oil looks.
Just my 2 cents.
At my present job I have been driving four miles five days a week for 11 years. Sub arctic winters, and I change every six months. Same vehicle '92 Mazda Protege Mobil 1 5w30 winter, Chevron Supreme 5w30 warmer months.I don't drive this car on weekends.
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Go 6 months ..do one UOA just to determine how the oil held up ..forget the wear numbers. If that looks good from an oil standpoint, you've answered your question. If it looks unfavorable, then you've still got your answer if you want to stay with that oil, under that service.
One OCI isn't going to make or break an engine.
One OCI isn't going to make or break an engine.
On my wifes car, she drives about the same as you, 11 miles to work one way, mixed highway and streets, I was changing it at 3 months/3000. I went to PP and bumped it up to 5 months/5000 but I still feel thats overkill. I think every four months if you stay with a conventional SM oil is plenty safe.
Go 6 months. I assume you drive it more than just to work too.
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