When it comes to maintaining your Nissan vehicle, one of the most important tasks is changing the oil regularly. But how often should you visit your Nissan dealer for an oil change? The answer can vary depending on various factors such as the age of your vehicle, the type of oil used, and your driving habits.
Oil Change Recommendations
In the past, changing your oil was recommended every 3,000 miles. However, advancements in engine technology, oil chemistry, and manufacturing methods have significantly extended the recommended intervals for modern vehicles. Today, most Nissan vehicles can go much longer without having to change your oil, typically ranging from 5,000 to 7,500 miles.
When your Nissan vehicle is still under warranty, it is crucial to follow recommendations for changing your oil as outlined in the owner’s manual. Failure to do so may result in voiding your warranty. The owner’s manual provides specific guidelines on the type of oil, mileage, and time intervals for servicing your car. It is essential to consult the manual or check for an online version if you have misplaced the physical copy.
Utilizing the Oil-Life Monitor
Some newer Nissan vehicles are equipped with an oil-life monitor system. This innovative technology uses sensors, algorithms, and software to track various driving conditions and calculate the condition of the oil.
The oil-life monitor considers the temperatures you’re driving in, how long you drive for, how long you idle for, and how often you rev your engine. It then provides you with accurate information on when your oil needs to be changed. Make sure to follow the recommendations displayed in the instrument cluster or information screen of your vehicle.
Using Synthetic Oils
One of the significant advantages of synthetic oils is their ability to extend the amount of time in between changing your oil. While conventional oils may require more frequent changes, synthetic oils can often go longer between services. Some Nissan models equipped with synthetic oil can even reach up to 15,000 miles before changing your oil. However, it is essential to consult your owner’s manual to determine the specific recommendations for your car.
Driving Habits
Evaluate your driving habits and determine whether they fall under normal or severe conditions. If you frequently engage in severe driving conditions, you might have to change your oil more frequently. Making frequent short trips of five miles or fewer in normal weather or short trips of 10 miles or fewer in freezing temperatures can impact your car negatively.
Driving in extremely hot weather in stop-and-go traffic, towing hefty loads, driving slowly for many miles, and driving often on roads that are covered in salt, dust, mud, sand, or gravel can also impact the need for you to change your oil.
If you still have questions about changing your oil, stop by Banister Nissan of Chesapeake and let our knowledgeable associates offer some guidance.
