Help Six Months and 1700 miles later

[kazu-kun]

I think I'm due for an oil change.

Of course, this is my first real car (driving mom's car don't count), I don't know jack about changing oil and oil filter etc.

So a couple of q's:

Pretty much bringing my own oil, but do I need to get a oil filter while I'm at it as well?

Since it's under 4000 miles, I should go to a dealership for this kind of maintenance. Now the question is do I have to go to the same dealership that I got my car from? Can I pick and choose any dealership (like one closer or one more reliable?)

Yeah I know they're all n00b questions, but really, nobody ever taught me anything about maintaining my car. Thanks

[CEELOSG37S]

U dont really need an oil change till about 3000 miles.

[aliiin]

wow you really never drive the car huh? only 1700 miles? usually you should change the oil every 3750 miles, but looks like you let the time catch up... so every 6 months would be okay too. you can get an oil change from any dealership, even some nissan dealerships service infinitis, the most of cars are the same platform.

[kazu-kun]

yeah, it's my weekend car, I take BART to work.

Thanks for the answers, now I go find time to do this.

[Goonz]

I put 20k miles in one year..you are lucky!

[wakeboardr116]

^Damn, it will be 2 years for me in a few weeks and I just broke 18K.

[Wongster]

Since you only have 1,700 miles on your car you should just use the dipstick and examine the oil. If it's black, replace it. If it's clear you're good to go until 3,750.

You do not need to take your car to an Infiniti dealer for maintenance unless you're having warranty repairs performed. If you do chose to go to a dealership, you can go to any Infiniti dealership, not just the one you purchased your car from.

[KnoxvilleG37]

To maintain your warranty, you need to have a 6 month oil change. The owner's manual states changes every 3 months or 3750mi with "severe service" or 6 months or 7500mi with non-severe schedule. I'd say buy some ramps, a filter, and some oil and change it yourself. It's VERY easy on this car. Or if you want, take it to the dealer. They SHOULD do your first oil change for free.

[kazu-kun]

Ok, just check my dipstick, it's black.

So it has to six months exact for the first oil change? What if I'm behind on that for about...a week, or two?

[KnoxvilleG37]

Originally Posted by kazu-kun

Ok, just check my dipstick, it's black.

So it has to six months exact for the first oil change? What if I'm behind on that for about...a week, or two?

I'm sure you'll be fine, but I'd go ahead and either make an appointment at Infiniti or run by a quick lube place (if you trust those kinds of people). Please for the love of God do not let them tell you that you need a new air filter, engine flush, or a special exhaust cleaning service. LOL

You'll be fine if you're 1-2 weeks behind but next time, make sure you change it more regularly. I would NEVER leave the same oil in my car for 6 months.

[Black Betty]

Do not ever listen to automotive advice from anyone who tells you to change your oil because it's black. The color of used motor oil tells you absolutely nothing. Black motor oil is not necessarily in need of changing or particularly contaminated, it's just black. It's supposed to be. If you don't believe me, take 5 minutes and use Google to search the internet. I wish to God people would stop spreading this foolishness to people who don't know any better. My oil is completely black and has been for some time. I just hit 7500 miles on this oil and I am going to change it. I will send it in to Blackstone Labs for analysis and I will wager to any of the "change it because it's black" people that my analysis will come back good. Anybody care to put their money where their mouth is?

OP, Change your oil at 3750 miles. Since you've reached 6 months before reaching that mileage, go ahead and change it. You can take it to any dealership you choose, it doesn't have to be the one where you purchased the car or even an Infiniti dealership. You can take it to a Nissan dealer if you like (they'll be cheaper). Or Honda, Ford, Toyota, etc. You could do it yourself. It's really easy and if you've never done anything on your car before it will give you a huge sense of pride and satisfaction. And save you lots of money. You do not need to take your own oil or filter unless you have a preference. If possible, go somewhere that will let you watch them perform the service; my Infiniti dealership allows customers to walk through the service bays and watch the techs work (stay out of their way and don't bug them while they're working). It will help you to see and learn what they are doing. Good luck.

[pdarby]

Feb 28th will be 2 yrs for me. Already have 45500 on her. Bought the premier maint program. Its paid for itself a few times over already. Oil change every 3750 plus all the other maint they do. Love driving this everywhere

[kazu-kun]

Thanks again everyone.

I've decide to ask a friend to help me change (plus he has a ramp) and he lives close to an Infiniti Dealership.

Now I will go and educate myself on finding which oil filter and oil to get.