zand02max

iTrader: (22)

Okay heres the deal,

Changed my oil back in Jun 04 on my 02 Maxima.

Currently have put 2600 miles since then.

My question is this, I am about to take a 2000 mile road trip.

1. Should I change the oil before the trip?

2. Wait until after the trip and change the oil?

BTW, I use Mobil-1 5W-30.

MIAPLAYA

iTrader: (3)

Change it now...It cant hurt. Speaking of which my truck is about 300 miles past due...Dammit thanks for reminding me...

zand02max

iTrader: (22)

I was kind of wanting to wait until I get back since I only have put 2600 miles on since the last change and this stuff goes for $4.75 a quart, that way I have fresh oil for the winter time.

MIAPLAYA

iTrader: (3)

Well technically with Mobil1 you could wait until about 5k (post road trip) but I wouldn't...I guess its personal preference on it. I used own a Spec V which is NOTORIOUS for losing 1/2-3/4 qt every 2500 miles so I'm kind of stuck in the mindset now where I change my oil every 2500 miles.

n8vz

just check your engine oil level. Mobil 1 is mostly based on Group IV PAO ("True Synthetic") Basestock..it should last for another 2K miles. I usually go 4-5K miles between oil change with Mobil 1. Some even stretch it to 7.5K miles

stumpmj

iTrader: (1)

I actually got to speak to the guys at Mobil and I asked them about the longevity of Mobil-1. The only reason to change the oil is to remove particulates (by changing the filter) and to remove acids and water contamination. This only needs to be done every 3-6 months depending on climate. Acording to engineers at Mobil, changing your filter every 7500 miles and your oil every 15000 miles would be fine as long is you change the oil at least once every 6 months. I put about 50k miles a year on my old car and following the change strategy above, I didn't have any engine problems after 150k miles. Of course, I change the Mobil-1 in my Z after every track day which ends up being about 2000 mile change intervals...

jjellyneck

My brother has run his pickup trucks at his shop (Chevy V8's and the 4.3 liter V6) for 200,000 miles and changed the oil and filter every 10-12K miles with Mobil1. He used them to plow snow and do light-medium towing. Never had an engine problem and never burned more that a pint of oil every 5K miles. Seemed kind of amazing to me. He sold them after that, and they're still running around town without problems.

Sharif@Forged

iTrader: (92)

Check your oil level...top off if necessary, and go on your road trip. 5K between oil changes with full synethetic is borderline paranoid for an N/A engine.

zand02max

iTrader: (22)

Thanks, call me cheapo, but I will wait until after my trip. The odo will only be 4600 miles since my last change, so I am good.

BTW, I change my oil twice a year on both cars, but rarely go over 6000 a year on both cars.

was wesman

iTrader: (7)

As Gq said be sure to check the level prior to leaving. Some peoples Z's are eating Mobil1......mine being one of them


--wes

scubasteve

iTrader: (6)

I just changed my oil while my car was up on blocks....the oil level was about halfway down the full grid. I also use Mobil 1.....wonder if I should switch. I only have 17K miles. I just purchased a 5 gallon jug of Mobil 1 5w30 for $20.20 at Wal Mart. I bought 2 just because it was a great deal

ZeeCar

I change oil every 5k in my Honda Accord. Mobil 1 and a synthetic filter should do the trick.

Mean Gene

Z - I'm an engineer for Shell & my friends @ Exxon/Mobil agree with Stumpmj. Here's the intervals they recommend - Change the oil & filter & go 5k then change just the filter. Go another 5k & change the oil & filter. This rotation will help balance the cost of the M1. FWIW - lab tests show synthetics to be good for 25k miles IF kept clean. I used to run M1 in all my rydes but recently converted over to Royal Purple. I still recommend M1 or Redline as 2 of the more readily available synthetics out there. Enjoy!

Gene

zand02max

iTrader: (22)

?, if you just change the filter, wouldn't you lose some oil in the process, like a quart or more?

Remember folks this is on my 02 Maxima. Prob doesnt matter though.

RCKTDAWG

Change it every 5K (no more). I read in the forums that someone sent their oil out for testing, and said don't go over 5K. Our engines are hard on oil.

mrZ

how do you get the filter out without dumping the oil?

jjellyneck

Just get under there and unscrew the filter. You will get a little bit of oil dribbling out, but not very much at all. Do it when the engine is cold so that you don't fry your hands. The filter will be full of oil, so don't let it drop, and keep it level/upright to prevent spillage.

jjellyneck

That interval is probably very good through the first 20K miles or so. As the engine breaks in further, there will be less minerals/metal from break-in and wear. Then you can begin to extend the interval of the oil changes (depending upon how hrd you've run the car, etc.) The lubricating aspects of a good synthetic will go beyond 5K miles, though.