Your Nissan is a high-performance machine designed to be smooth, powerful, and responsive. Like all modern vehicles, its engine is a complex instrument that relies on oil to lubricate its components and operate smoothly. By getting your Nissan’s oil changed regularly, you can maintain your engine’s performance and prolong its life span. Here’s why regular oil changes are important and how frequently drivers in Burleson, Texas, should have them done.
Understanding Your Nissan’s Oil Change Needs
To ensure optimal vehicle health, follow the Nissan service intervals indicated in your owners manual. While these intervals vary depending on your make, model, and driving habits, the company recommends a synthetic oil change for Nissan vehicles every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. However, certain driving styles and conditions can affect your vehicle’s oil change interval. These include:
- Vehicle age: Newer cars and SUVs have highly efficient powertrains that can run longer between oil changes. If you drive a vehicle that’s older than 10 years, you might need to have its oil changed more frequently.
- Oil type: Synthetic oil is the best oil for Nissan vehicles. It lasts longer and functions better than conventional oil, allowing you to drive longer between oil changes.
- Vehicle use: If you don’t drive your vehicle very often, the oil sitting in the engine will start to degrade and might need to be changed sooner. You might also have to get your oil changed frequently if you drive long distances and put lots of miles on your vehicle.
- Driving habits: Certain types of driving, such as off-roading and towing, can strain your engine, requiring more frequent oil changes.
Follow these oil change guidelines to keep your Nissan performing as it should. Consider whether your driving style might affect how often you get the oil changed, and schedule extra appointments as needed.
Signs Your Nissan Needs an Oil Change
If you forget to change your oil within the recommended Nissan service interval, your vehicle might eventually let you know. Be aware of these signs showing you that it’s time for an oil change:
- Illuminated engine light: If your Nissan dashboard oil change indicator lights up, that’s an obvious sign you need to schedule an oil change. While the check engine light can mean many things, one is a lack of lubricating oil.
- Engine noises: As old oil gets dirty and loses its lubrication properties, the engine parts might start rubbing against each other, causing a knocking or ticking noise.
- Engine heat: If your temperature gauge is higher than normal, it might be due to dirty oil, which doesn’t dissipate heat well and can lead to engine overheating.
- Dirty oil: Check the oil dipstick to see if the oil is dark and sludgy, instead of clear and amber. If you wipe it clean, and it’s dark with dirt and debris, it’s time for an oil change.
- Low oil level: You can check the dipstick to see if the oil level is lower than the recommended threshold, which means your engine isn’t getting the lubrication it needs.
- Exhaust smoke: If you let oil changes lapse, leaks can eventually occur, resulting in burning oil and smoke coming out of your exhaust pipe. This is a sign your engine needs immediate attention.
- Bad smells: Dirty oil can lead to unpleasant burning smells in your vehicle.
- Reduced fuel efficiency: If you’re not getting the miles per gallon you’ve come to expect from your vehicle, it could be a sign you need an oil change. This is because the engine has to work harder when it doesn’t have enough lubrication.
- Decreased performance: Stretching out the miles between oil changes can impact your vehicle’s acceleration and power.
By being vigilant and watching for these signs, you can keep your Nissan performing at its best and avoid more expensive issues in the future.
Maximize Your Nissan’s Performance and Longevity Through Regular Oil Changes
When you adhere to a regular oil change schedule, you reap several benefits and safeguard your Nissan’s life span and performance.
Extend the Engine’s Longevity
A clean and well-lubricated engine experiences less friction and wear. Regular oil changes also keep engine parts from overheating and needing repairs. To ensure your Nissan’s engine lasts for many years to come, without requiring expensive repairs, make sure you stay current on this important maintenance task.
Maximize Vehicle Performance
Over time, engine oil accumulates dirt and debris. It develops a thicker consistency as a result, which can affect the engine’s performance. You might feel it in the vehicle’s responsiveness and efficiency. By scheduling regular oil changes, you get rid of the dirty, sludgy oil and allow the engine to work sharply and effectively.
Improve Fuel Efficiency
Engines run best with fresh oil. They perform better and use gasoline more efficiently. For this reason, you get better gas mileage and save money at the pump by following a regular oil change schedule.
FAQ
Here are answers to commonly asked questions about Nissan oil change schedules.
How Many Miles Can a Nissan Go Without an Oil Change?
You can drive your Nissan up to 10,000 miles without an oil change, depending on your driving style and vehicle age. However, Nissan recommends scheduling an oil change every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, or at least twice a year.
Does Engine Oil Go Bad?
Yes, when oil sits in a car unused for long periods, it begins to degrade. This is why it’s important to stick to a regular oil change schedule when you drive infrequently just like when you drive daily.
How Long Does an Oil Change Take?
An oil change at a Nissan dealership typically takes less than an hour. Because our certified technicians are expertly trained to change your engine’s oil and use only Nissan-recommended products, they generally perform the process faster and more thoroughly than if you were to attempt it yourself.
Schedule Your Next Oil Change Today
Regular oil changes are crucial for maintaining your Nissan’s health and performance. Schedule your next oil change with our service team at Burleson Nissan, your go-to resource for Nissan oil change schedules and expert vehicle care. You can easily book a service appointment online and take advantage of current service specials and coupons. Contact our team at Burleson Nissan for all your Nissan maintenance needs.
Under Nissan’s hood by Mike Babcock is licensed with CC BY 2.0 DEED
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