You are a wise man, hartsick. Manufacturers anticipate that you will follow their guidelines, and they know these cars are sold from northern Canada to California and Texas. The exception being that I would consider an oil change for cold temperatures during the winter, if you aren't keeping it in a hot-wall garage or using a block heater. The 350z deserves to be garaged anyway.

 

I've never seen a car get over 210, and thats sittin in traffic in the sun with no airflow.

No so shocked that you would say 200 but the 220-250 range is kinda out there.

 

Hey guys,

Thanks for all the feedback. It's always good to hear different opinions even if we don't always all agree.

Did another 150km of mixed urban and higway driving yesterday with a good few pulls to redline. I'm happy to report this morning the oil level hasn't changed from yesterday. Decided not to do the oil change last night as I'm waiting for my new PCV valve from Nissan (which should arrive today)

On the oil issue. Our climate varies from a low of around -5C in winter (if even) to a max of around 40 deg C in summer. From what I can gather 10w40 will give me good protection through this range, but most good oils around here only come in 5w40.
Mobil 1 has disappointed me with their change in formulae of late and only comes in 0w30 now. Way too thin for me.

So it's Shell, Liqui Molly, Motul or Amzoil for me.

 

Ok two more days of mixed driving (traffic, highway and hard driving) and no obvious change in the oil level. Perhaps 1/2 a mm this time? Covered around 300km (or +/-190 miles)

It seems the oil somewhat reduces very slightly if I drive the car VERY HARD. What could be causing this?

 

I wouldn't be worried at all that it's burning that small of an amount of oil. Both my cars burn oil at less than a quart every 3000 miles (which is where I change at anyways).

And as far as the differing climates go, get two different weight oils? Run the thin one in the summer and the thicker in the winter. I'm assuming you would be changing the oil at least twice a year?

 

Yeah I cahnge oil every 5000km actually just to be safe. Probably overkill but it gives me peace of mind.

After reading as much of the oil thread here I've decided to go with Mobil 1. It's only available in 0w40 here by us so I'm going to see how it does during winter. If in summer it doesn't hold up I'll have to try and find something else. Possibly the Mobil 1 for motorcycles which I think I might be able to find in a different weight.

Thanks

 

I bought an 04, Feb last year. Right off I noticed I was losing oil. Cant even remember how much time I spent looking at every little thing trying to figure out where it was going. Im losing a half quart every 600 miles. Ended up just topping it off every other time I fill up the gas.

**Oh yeah, Ive put roughly 12,000 miles on it so far and no problems.

 

there are so many OIL EXPERTS on here its enough to make your head spin...try this....add one quart of Rislone to the oil you now have drive it for 500 miles flush it all out. change to 15-40 Shell dino oil....worked for me