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Tony J Profile
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Date Registered: 06-2012
TOTAL POSTS: 8
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Top up with mixed oil?


Hi, I'm new to this forum so bear with me if my question has been answered.

Friend's 2003 X-Trail (QR25) was serviced by a dealer in Canberra several months ago and now she found the oil is below the minimum mark. Before going into any oil leak issue, just want to top up first to see whether it drops down too quickly.

She has already asked the original dealer, but they want to charge $60 to top up! This is outrageous considering they did last service and will likely to do she next service.

The service log does not show what oil the dealer uses, presume it is Nissan OEM oil? It won't be available in any auto shops. Do you think if she can just buy the Penrite HPR5 or Castrol Edge and top up? Will it be any problems for mixing oils?

She's not able to change the oil. Top up would be the only DIY option. Or would you recommend any good mechanic in Canberra?

Thanks.
20/Jun/2012, 8:24 am Link to this post Send Email PM   Send Private Message Blog
 
jalalski Profile
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Date Registered: 02-2004
Location: SUTHERLAND, SYDNEY
TOTAL POSTS: 29100
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Re:


The Oil Bible will answer your question.

Ask your friend to check for leaks rather than relying on top-ups, as the consequences could be quite costly if ignored.

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20/Jun/2012, 11:50 am Link to this post Send Private Message MSN Blog
 
Tony J Profile
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Date Registered: 06-2012
TOTAL POSTS: 8
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Re: Re:


The oil bible has a lot of info to digest. So from a quick read, it is a "Yes" answer to mix oil?

Topping up is just the first step. If consumption is too fast, then need to find a good mechanic in canberra. Any ACT members have recommendations?
20/Jun/2012, 4:19 pm Link to this post Send Email PM   Send Private Message Blog
 
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Date Registered: 02-2004
Location: SUTHERLAND, SYDNEY
TOTAL POSTS: 29100
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Re:


I wouldn't do it, but am old school. According to the Oil Bible it's OK to mix new oils.

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20/Jun/2012, 5:40 pm Link to this post Send Private Message MSN Blog
 
cooch t31 Profile
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Date Registered: 06-2008
Location: Blue Mountains, NSW
TOTAL POSTS: 5966
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Don't mix oils, they could have different viscosity which would not work well in an engine.
Be good if your friend could find out what the dealer used and then match it.

If it's only just low of the full mark, I wouldn't even bother.

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Tony X-891c

HERE is my D22 Navara
HERE is my old 2008 T31, ST Series1

20/Jun/2012, 6:15 pm Link to this post Send Private Message
 
DogTrail Profile
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Date Registered: 05-2012
Location: Sunshine Coast
TOTAL POSTS: 481
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Re: Top up with mixed oil?


If, as you say, the oil level is below the minimum marker, then if you need to travel before finding a vendor of the correct grade oil - then top it up with what you have at hand.

Any oil is better than no oil.

As you've hit the minimum oil level in the sump, it may be safe to assume that (a) it has been a while between oil changes , and (b) It is not a brand new car under dealer service warranty requirements.

If the car needs a top-up to get an idea of oil consumption per thousand Km, and it was serviced recently, buy a 4 litre container & top it up with the recommended grade shown in the manual. The brand matters much less than the grade specification.

Everyone who sells oil has a booklet or chart which states the recommended viscosity for the make and model of most vehicles.

Rule of thumb is to use the best oil reasonably economically available which fulfills or exceeds the oil standards (shown by codes on the container) in a newish motor.

On older motors - not much point in greatly exceeding the standard with lighter (but more advanced) oils than they were designed to use. Might just end up with a lovely bore but oily plugs and an elegant plume of vapour trailing expensively behind.



Last edited by DogTrail, 20/Jun/2012, 10:52 pm


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12/11 Japan , 02/12 Compliance Australia:- 2.5 litre petrol 4WD, Series IV ST, CVT with bonnet and headlight protectors, neat Nissan mats and after-market HD towbar with added step for the old dogs. ;) Garmin GPS, further add-ons pending.
20/Jun/2012, 10:37 pm Link to this post Send Email PM   Send Private Message
 
Tony J Profile
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Date Registered: 06-2012
TOTAL POSTS: 8
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Re: Re:


quote:

cooch t31 wrote:

Don't mix oils, they could have different viscosity which would not work well in an engine.
Be good if your friend could find out what the dealer used and then match it.
.



Of course will use the same viscosity as much as possible. What I was asking was the fear of mixing different brands of oil. The Nissan dealer where she serviced from used OEM oil (and they do not sell small quantities), which they claim synthetic 5W-30. From supercheap auto booklet the Penrite HPR5 is compatible.

But I'm not too sure whether what they claimed OEM oil is fully synthetic, some sources said its semi 7.5W-30. Then another ACT dealer said they used Shell 10W-30 mineral. All the more confusion no less!


Last edited by Tony J, 21/Jun/2012, 8:14 am
20/Jun/2012, 10:49 pm Link to this post Send Email PM   Send Private Message Blog
 
Tony J Profile
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Date Registered: 06-2012
TOTAL POSTS: 8
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Re: Top up with mixed oil?


quote:

DogTrail wrote:

(b) It is not a brand new car under dealer service warranty requirements.




It was way out of warranty. However the dealer over there only charged $200 something, quite reasonable price so she just continue to use them. What irritates was they ask for $60 just to top up!
20/Jun/2012, 10:55 pm Link to this post Send Email PM   Send Private Message Blog
 
DogTrail Profile
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Date Registered: 05-2012
Location: Sunshine Coast
TOTAL POSTS: 481
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Re: Re:


The brand of oil with the same specifications does not matter for the normal car.

(I'm assuming you don't usually expect over 6000 rpm for every gear change)

Viscosity / specification recommended by the manufacturer of the motor should be observed.

That is all that is sufficient and necessary.

The cheapest oil will do the same job as the most expensive Brand of the same specification.

Some oils are well over 25 bucks/litre, but that is an area of exotica to the user and erotica to the vendor.

Edit : To buy a 4 litre cask of the oil grade specified in your manual for 20-30 dollar and top it up yourself would seem an easier / cheaper way out of the bizarre 60 dollar top-up situation.

Last edited by DogTrail, 20/Jun/2012, 11:22 pm


---
12/11 Japan , 02/12 Compliance Australia:- 2.5 litre petrol 4WD, Series IV ST, CVT with bonnet and headlight protectors, neat Nissan mats and after-market HD towbar with added step for the old dogs. ;) Garmin GPS, further add-ons pending.
20/Jun/2012, 11:11 pm Link to this post Send Email PM   Send Private Message
 
cooch t31 Profile
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Date Registered: 06-2008
Location: Blue Mountains, NSW
TOTAL POSTS: 5966
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Re:


Tony,
Brand does not matter too much, but viscosity does. As to synthetic compared to mineral well that's definitely a no no.
If in doubt, drain the oil and put new stuff in, that way your sure.

How low does the level read on the dipstick, show us a photo of the dipstick.

---
Tony X-891c

HERE is my D22 Navara
HERE is my old 2008 T31, ST Series1

21/Jun/2012, 6:56 am Link to this post Send Private Message
 


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