Just wondering, I have had my G for about 2 weeks now, and I am wondering what I should do as far as engine oil. I have never used synthetic, however I just maintain a rigorous oil change schedule every 3,000 miles. As the title says, I am almost to 37,000 miles and I am wondering if I can/should start putting in Mobil 1 fully synthetic oil from now on? If I can get a 5 quart jug for ~$22 at Walmart, then I can deal with that cost, especially if I can push maybe 4,000 miles between changes. What do you all think?
Is it too late to really benefit from this? If it is a good idea, should I get the OEM filters from Infiniti or should i use a mobil1 filter?

I appreciate all the input, from the research I've done - the extra couple of bucks for synthetic oil is probably worth it in the long run, especially considering I will be driving this car for a long time and putting 125k + miles on it.

 

nobody has any input? I'm still debating if it is even worth it at all!?

 

I have the same long-term goals as you do and came to about the same conclusion. Synthetic oil is worth the extra $$$ to me.

On the filter, from what research and testing I could find, regular Purolator filters were preferred. Get the longer filter, too. I just put synthetic into my car for the first time and plan on getting the oil analyzed at the next change (about 4500 miles on the oil).

 

How many miles were on your car when you switched to synthetic? And do you have any idea off hand how much it costs to get the oil analyzed?

I'm also not sure what you mean when you say regular purolator filters - is that a brand or a type?

 

I had about 8k when I switched. I've heard you want to keep regular oil in there for a few thousand miles to let parts wear correctly. An oil analysis costs $20 from Blackstone Labs.

Purolator makes a regular filter (Premium Plus) and a higher-level model (Pure ONE). I report I read thought the PureONE might have too much filter media to allow full flow. The Mobil1 filter was said to be good but expensive.

 

I have used the M1 5W/30 since 2200 miles with the PureOne PL14610 filter. Had oil analysis done with 7888 miles on the oil change. They told me all was well and told me to go to 9000 next time. Im on the M1 5W/30 extended performance now and will go 10000 between changes.

My advice? Get the 5W/30 EP at Walmart for $26 a jug, the PureOne at PepBoys etc. for $6, take both to the dealer and they will charge $20-25 for labor. But you get a wash/vacuum too. Hard to beat that cost every 10000 miles. Just dont let them sell you every damn thing while in the service writers office.

 

Thank you fro the Blackston Labs feedback sheet! I think it all sounds great, however what about the mileage on my car currently? I have almost 37k, and when I change it, it will probably have closer to 38k miles. Is this too late to start using synthetic?
I wish there was a clear, cut and dry answer!

 

Its never too late to start using synthetic. But there is some truth that once you start, its not a good idea to go back to dino due to seal swell. But why would you want to? The per mile cost of syn every 8-10K is less than the cheap dino juice anyway.

 

if you're gonna change at 3k then it's not worth it. I use M1 10w30 and M1 filter to extend my intervals, but I still change at 5k, it just buys me a little more time.

 

I hear some few synthentic fanatics still keep a 3k oil change interval. This, to me, seems like a waste of money, no? Anyways, to switch to synthetic, is there anything special that needs to be done? For instance, for the first oil change, only run a couple thousand miles and change it again, to somewhat 'flush' the system out? Is there anything along those lines that would be a recommended procedure?

 

bump!

 

Synthetics are fully compatible with conventional oil these days, there's no need to flush prior to changing. I've changed to synthetics in multiple cars over the years, some at 50k-60k, some at 130k, some at 5k, and I never had any problems with any of them. A couple of now-myths:

1: Once you change to synthetic you can never change back.
FALSE: Synthetic oils today don't change the composition of any metals and don't cause gaskets to swell. Early synthetics used to cause gaskets to swell, but due to the change in formulations in both the gaskets and synthetic oils this is no longer an issue.

2: Using synthetic oil will cause oil leaks
FALSE: Synthetic oil has excellent cleaning properties and resists sludge build-up, cleaing what was left behind by conventional oil. If you start seeing a leak or leaks after switching to synthetic it is because the synthetic oil has exposed pre-existing leaks that were plugged by conventional oil sludge/crusties. Synthetic oil also has a shorter carbon chain which makes it able to fit through smaller orifices and gasket gaps/holes, which is another reason people may think it "causes" leaks when in fact is's just exposing what is already there.

I'll be going to Mobil 1 on my '04 sedan with 27k miles at the next oil change.

 

I personally use Mobil 1 oil with Mobil 1 filters and change every 3500 miles .....i have used this combo since my first oil change at 3000 miles...nothing else...ever...

 

Sounds good, thanks for the input! I am leaning towards going with the synthetic... Does anyone else have any other opinions as far as switching to synthetic at 38k miles?

 

If you are still concerned about the longer oil change intervals, there is a guy running a website dedicated to finding out how long regular Mobil One will last. I don't recall the website, but you should be able to do some Googling to find it.

Anyway, last I checked, which has been over a year ago, he was over 10k miles on the same oil. He sends in samples to Blackstone every 1 or 2k, I believe. I don't recall what his filter change interval is, but it's amazing how long synthetic oil will last and how little wear there is between changes.