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General Question about oil changes
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computerinfoseeker23
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Feb 8, 2012, 8:17 PM
Post #1 of 8
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General Question about oil changes
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Hi Guys,
I am new here and don't know a lot about cars. That is why I am here, LOL. My mother has a 2005 Nissan Altima. She only puts about 1500 miles/year on the car...hard to believe I know. My question is should I change the oil every 3 months even tho it takes her about 2 years to put 3,000 miles on the vehicle. Thanks in advance for anyone who responds. I am glad I found this forum. I may be able to learn a thing or two from all the experts here. I try and do the simple stuff like oil changes, esp. in this tough economy where we are all having to pinch our pennies.
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Cars = 2005 Nissan Altima (4 cylinder)
2003 Toyota Echo (4 cylinder)
1998 Honda Accord (6 cylinder)
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Feb 8, 2012, 10:10 PM
Post #2 of 8
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Re: General Question about oil changes
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Oil still gets polluted especially if not garaged and low use like that is hard on things but do check fluids and the list of things you do for lube service anyway on some schedule.
Rule is 3mo or 3,000 but two years is too long IMO but you could do twice a year unless there are signs that it needs more often,
T
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computerinfoseeker23
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Feb 8, 2012, 10:31 PM
Post #3 of 8
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Re: General Question about oil changes
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Thanks for your reply Tom, much appreciated friend. I have another question for you. When I change the oil in my mother's Nissan, the service manual says I should replace the oil drain plug seal/gasket. How critical is this in your opinion? I have never changed the one on my Toyota echo. Should I be doing this after each oil change. My toyota has a metal gasket I think. Again, thanks for your response.
**********Signature************
Cars = 2005 Nissan Altima (4 cylinder)
2003 Toyota Echo (4 cylinder)
1998 Honda Accord (6 cylinder)
**********Line****************
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computerinfoseeker23
User
Feb 8, 2012, 10:40 PM
Post #4 of 8
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Re: General Question about oil changes
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Another question Tom? The image is from Autozone. I looked up the 2005 Altima. It says>>>>
Features & Benefits
The 653306 premium rubber gasket assortment includes all of the best selling styles including nylon, ribbed nylon, copper, metal rubber and aluminum. Why be forced to make a choice for your car? This combination kit has it all for 1/2 In. applications. This is one of our best sellers !
Combination pack has all of the popular styles including aluminum, nylon, ribbed nylon and metal rubber
Kit has enough gaskets for 5 oil changes
Each gasket is made of premium materials
1/2 In. assortment
The best
Question? Can you use any of these 5 or if the one that is on your oil drain plug is metal, should you replace it with a metal one? Why would they have 5 different ones in the same pkg if you can't use them all? Thanks..
**********Signature************
Cars = 2005 Nissan Altima (4 cylinder)
2003 Toyota Echo (4 cylinder)
1998 Honda Accord (6 cylinder)
**********Line****************
(This post was edited by computerinfoseeker23 on Feb 8, 2012, 10:43 PM)
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Feb 8, 2012, 10:43 PM
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Re: General Question about oil changes
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It's cheap insurance to prevent a leak that could ruin the car if not noticed. Done with biz a looong time ago now but kept a whole assortment on hand. Some are more durable and I don't go nuts for my own but would notice the first drop on floor of garage too.
For this I'd just do it as suggested as I think that one crushes once well to seal - some other types don't so much and last forever.
Low use can have some strange problems so do the right thing for your mother,
T
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Feb 9, 2012, 4:07 AM
Post #6 of 8
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Re: General Question about oil changes
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That is an assortment, meaning they are for different applications. Find the correct ones for your specific car. I don't think it's necessary to change the gasket every time although they do eventually wear out but it depends on if it was overtightened too often.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Feb 9, 2012, 7:55 AM
Post #7 of 8
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Re: General Question about oil changes
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Right use only the specific correct one. Some parts places will sell them out of a box of 10 one by one but are trending towards blister packing for inventory no doubt,
T
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computerinfoseeker23
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Feb 9, 2012, 10:12 AM
Post #8 of 8
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Re: General Question about oil changes
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Tom and Hammer, thank you so much for your replies. This is a great site. I enjoy reading and learning.
**********Signature************
Cars = 2005 Nissan Altima (4 cylinder)
2003 Toyota Echo (4 cylinder)
1998 Honda Accord (6 cylinder)
**********Line****************
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