First Car, trying to get as much info as possible

[ScarletDreamz]

Hello!

I just purchased my first car, which is an Altima 2009 2.5s 4 cylinder, with 166k miles on it, now, where i drive it, the regular temp its around 46 Degrees, So i was wondering what is the better oil for this car,i did read the post that explained that there is not better oil in general, but i would like to know, what would be the best one to put in on my car due the mileage and the temperature.

The recommended manual oil is 5-w30, but some friends recommend me the Synthetic one, some people tell that , synthetic is only for new cars, and I'm a bit confused in here.

I want to stay with this car as much as possible, and i would really like the best MPG rate possible, so i found this forum, and would like your advice!/

Thanks for the info!

 

[HerrStig]

Is that F, or C ?

 

[barkingspider]

5w30 would be the "best" IMO. U can use syn, blend, or dino. If u want to keep this car for a long time, change all fluids regularly, fix all leaks, keep it clean and don't beat on it.

 

[tc1446]

If you find it uses much oil, you might want to try a brand of "High Mileage" oil that supposedly swells the seals and reduces oil usage.

 

[Stevie]

Change all belts, change radiator coolant, change brake fluid, change transmission fluid and filter, and change air filter. As for oil, as I've learned here, change oil, any oil seems to work well. I would do an oil analyst to make sure your engine is good and sound and you can trust it. And as Spider said, "don't beat on it."

 

[bigj_16]

What geographic area do you live in? Are you going to change the oil yourself?

 

[55Test]

Synthetic can be used in anything old or new, the main issue with synthetics is the upfront cost. Synthetic oil can generally be used in a properly running engine for much longer than conventional oil so if you're keen on keeping up maintenance you would probably save money in the long run with a good synthetic oil.

 

[69GTX]

In the USA there are no "upfront costs" with synthetics if you're buying them on sale + rebates for a net $2.00-$2.75/qt. That's essentially the same price as the brand name conventionals. I choose synthetic because not only do they provide benefits that synthetics cannot, they cost about the same when purchased judiciously. I just sold 28 qts of top synthetic oils (Mobil 1, Pennzoil Platinum) to a forum member for $2/qt...which is about what paid. They are not always expensive...unless you buy them through a dealership or max retail outlet.

 

[E150GT]

Go to Walmart and pick whatever bottle of 5w30 you like the design on best. I like the the V on the Valvoline bottle and the embossed Valvoline on the side of the bottle. It gives me warm and fuzzies. That's makes it my go to oil and I'm happy.

 

[Johnny2Bad]

What do you mean by "regular temp [sic]"?

 

[FCD]

At 46F the cold start performance between a Dino and a full synthetic 5w30 will probably not even be noticeable, synthetics are handy in extreme cold, and extreme heat, you are seeing neither i suppose so it doesn't really matter THAT much, now synthetics do have other advantages like better cleanliness, you can in most cases go longer between oil changes etc.

 

[MinamiKotaro]

Pick a 5w30. Use it. Don't worry about it.

 

[NO2]

At -46F you will have issues without a 0w oil

 

[andyd]

Kid never replied.

 

[FowVay]

ScarletDreamz, I use Quaker State synthetic blend 5w30 in my 2.5 liter Nissan. The reason is that it is the lowest priced Dexos-1 rated oil that Wal-Mart sells.

I choose an oil that meets Dexos-1 specification because it has more stringent requirements for several oil performance categories.

I use OEM oil filters (p/n 15208-65F0E) and drain plug gaskets that I mail-order for $5.50 each. I change the oil at 5,000 mile intervals as specified in my owners manual.

 

[fdcg27]

This should be a durable engine and if it's running well and showing reasonable oil consumption at 166K, it should continue to run well for some time to come.
The thing about cars with highish miles is that it's pretty easy to tell the difference between those that have been decently maintained and those that haven't.
At the temperatures you write of, any 5w30 or 10w30 would be just fine.
A synthetic could be used, especially when you can catch them cheaply, as with the current O'R' Havoline clearance or the soon to come M1 MIR extravaganza.
Use what you want. I doubt that this 166K engine will care. Having made it this far, I'd doubt that it's really picky about oil.
Me? I'd use just about anything in the stash but I'd be inclined toward a syn 5W- or 10w30.

 

[FermeLaPorte]

I have a Nissan. Nissan calls for 5w30 or 10w30 synthetic and conventional as a temporary substitute