What is the best oil to buy from autozone, pep boys, etc?

babbagandu

Just curious what oil people buy from auto parts stores. Most of the posts I read on here recommend oil that these stores don't carry, such as Redline. Is there anything good I can buy at my local autozone?

2011 Nismo#91

Mobile 1

5W-30 is the full synthetic I believe?

Viera

Just go to Walmart and get the 5 qt of Mobil 1 for like $25.

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Viera

Yes.

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babbagandu

^thanks, mobile 1 5w-30 it is.

cheshirecat

From what I understand, the Mobil1 5w-30 is not a true synthetic anymore. Also, oil analyses have shows that the VQ doesn't like it as much as other brands. Strangely, it's very similar to Royal Purple as far as the tests go.

That being said, you most likely won't be able to tell any difference either in the operation or the longevity of the engine as long as you change your oil and filter according to the maintenance schedule.

babbagandu

I see...do you recommend a different oil in that case? Also, can I get the filter from autozone as well or should I get that from the dealer?

cheshirecat

The Mobil1 filters are actually some of the best you can get, from what I've read.

As far as oil, Mobil1 is fine. This is one of those topics that you can debate for hours and research for months and still not have a definitive answer when it comes to real-world consumer use. To my knowledge, the only fully synthetic oil Mobil1 makes is their 0w-40. The rest are blends.

This is how I understand it:

Basically, there are "groups" which are kind of like grades of synthetic oil. Mobil1 5w-30 is a "Group III" oil, which means it's a synthetic blend with a natural petroleum base. They used to be Group IV, but it's more profitable for the company to manufacture Group III and you can blend in additives that bring it close to Group IV performance.

However, many people prefer Group IV "true synthetics", as they are better suited at withstanding viscosity loss from combustion than Group III oils. Also, something interesting is that the ester oil Nissan recommends is actually a Group V type oil, which means it doesn't fall into a standard oil type category.

Group III oils, like the Mobil1 5w-30, cannot even be called "synthetic" in Germany or Japan by law. Only Group IV can carry that label.

Again- this will most likely not have any impact on your performance, especially if you aren't engaging in hard driving. Don't take this like I'm saying a Group III oil is bad for your car- it isn't, however, there are better oils out there if you want to look for them.

XwChriswX

I've ran Mobil 1 5w30 Full Synthetic in my engine for about 30k miles. Had zero issues. I've recently switched to Redline due to getting Oil/PS/Rear Diff fluids all changed at the same time and a special on ordering multiple products etc...

With Filters, just don't get the basic $5 brand. Spend a few more bucks to get a better one. I think the dealers jack up the price a bit on the filters if I'm not mistaken? But I think the nismo ones are a good buy, if someone has these before please let me know if I'm wrong as I might need to get one soon.

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Bonnie - Stage 2, Audio build coming this fall!
R.I.P. Abby 3/29/10 - 3/30/14

Boost_lee

I like pennzoil ultra, but usually it's only at pep boys. If I can't get that, then I go with mobil1

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My TT Z

waterbull

Mobile 1= 5W-30 full synthetic is good i have put in my truck for pass 8 years and got 180,000 miles and i have no problem out of the truck and all motor should be the same and i have use this in my 370z too.

Viera

I ran with Redline for all of my fluids for the first 40k miles with zero issues. Now at around 50k+, I use Mobil 1 5w30 and still no issues. They are both basically the same... can't really tell the difference. I also use a filter mag and mag drain plug for that extra protection haha. But seriously, they are both good. I just went the cheaper route

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SPOHN

I've always used Mobil one and there filters. Love it. Just picked up 41qts and seven filters last week. Yea I'm ready for my track days.

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harman.khinda

bobtheoilguy did a comparison of oils on the VQ35HR engine I believe and Castrol Syntec and Castrol GTX did amazingly well in the UOA. They are both affordable and widely availible. Mobil 1 on the other hand is good at flowing during a cold start but showed lots of Fe wear.

Boost_lee

For what its worth: I tried Castrol Syntec on one oil change. I had much more valvetrain noise, very loud ticking. I did send the oil to Blackstone to get it analyzed and there were no indications of excessive wear. Since going back to Pennzoil Ultra and Mobil1, the valvetrain is quiet again.

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My TT Z