So I took my car in to Merchants earlier this morning for a 3k mile oil change. I paid for the full synthetic option, and I figured that they would use 5W30, but I noticed on the receipt they used 0W20... I'm not sure if that's what they actually used, but will it make a big difference? Should I go back and have them redo it with 5W30?

 

Your manual doesn't recommend 0w20. The winter viscosity isn't bad but eh 20 weight when warmed up is too thin. You'd probably be okay but you could get a proper oil for no charge if you asked. I'd probably do it.

 

When I called them to clarify they said that 5W30 is only the conventional oil option while the full synthetic option is 0W20... Pfft next time I'm bringing in my own oil. 5W30 definitely comes in synthetic.

 

wow...l those people do not sound like they know much...

this is why I do my own oil changes...

 

0w20 is fine if you live in a warm climate like California. The 20 weight would be more ideal for a 6 cylinder na performance motor than the heavier 30, even for the G, unless your car is up there in mileage.

 

It's at 82,500 miles and I live in MD. The weather is about to get cooler

 

0w20 is usually designated for high efficiency rated cars like hybrids. If your manual states a certain weight when warm, I wouldn't deviate from it much. I guess 0w20 synthetic would have sufficient film strength for a G35 originally designed for a 30 weight. You also might burn a bit more oil with the 20 weight also.

 

a synthetic 0 20, u might as well be running hair clipper oil. I wudnt run it in any kind of VQ. Hurry up and go back before they refuse to give u 5 30.

 

Since before those cars came about, 0w20 was actually used to flush out the motor.

 

Yeah I'm not too comfortable with 0W20 in the car... I'll go back tomorrow and ask for 5W30 and hope they don't charge me.

 

Today's high efficiency engines have tight tolerances/clearances. Today's synthetics have the strength to maintain it's film strength.

It's probably why you can only find 0w20 in synthetic?

 

^^^The vq doesnt. Lol

 

That would be reason never to let them change my oil again. What kinda flaky shop would only carry 20 weight synthetic. Go to Wallmart and buy Mobil1 5W/30 synthetic and let them change it for free. You shouldn't switch from dino oil to synthetic and back, not the best idea. Nissan recommends 5W/30 oil, that's good enough for most of us!
Gary

 

Went to the shop this morning to double check with the manager and he said that they did put 5W-30 in, according to the technician who performed the oil change and based off of the inventory. I guess the 0W-20 on the receipt was just a mistake.

 

Or they simply told you that to get out of doing another change on your car for free. I would do it myself and put 5W-30 in... simply for piece of mind.