The Nissan GT-R was born in 2007 and quickly became a legend in the sports car world. This model, also known as R35, broke away from the Skyline name of its predecessors (R32, R33, R34), and was a completely new vehicle. The GT-R is known for its advanced all-wheel-drive system, twin-turbocharged V6 engine, and impressive performance, often matching or beating cars costing much more.
Contents
- 1 Do I Need to Urgently Change the Oil Right Now?
- 2 Preparing to Change Engine Oil
- 2.1 What Type of Oil Should be Used for a Car?
- 2.2 Choosing Oil Depending on the Season and Operating Conditions
- 2.3 Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Types of Oils for Nissan GT-R
- 2.4 Engine Oil Selection
- 2.5 Which Oil Filter is Right for You?
- 2.6 Necessary Tools and Conditions
- 2.7 How to Warm Up the Engine Before Changing the Oil?
- 3 Step-by-step Instruction
- 4 Replacing Transmission Fluid in Automatic Transmission
- 5 Possible Questions After Self-Service
Do I Need to Urgently Change the Oil Right Now?
If your car is showing signs of low oil pressure, strange engine noises, or if the oil change light is on, you should change your oil as soon as possible. Also, if you’ve significantly exceeded your recommended oil change interval, it’s a good idea to get it done.
Oil Change Frequency
Typically, car manufacturers recommend changing the oil every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, depending on your driving habits and the type of oil used. For a high-performance car like the Nissan GT-R, the interval is shorter, often around 3,000 miles or every six months, whichever comes first. However, this may change if you often drive aggressively, in hot conditions, or in stop-and-go traffic.
Checking the Engine Oil Level
To check the oil level in a Nissan GT-R, make sure the car is on level ground and has been off for a few minutes to let the oil settle. Then, pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it fully, and pull it out again to read the level. If the oil is below the ‘low’ mark, you should add oil as soon as possible.
Visual Assessment of Engine Oil Condition
To check the condition of your engine oil, remove the dipstick and put a drop of oil on a clean, white piece of paper. If it’s transparent and light in color, the oil is in good shape. If it’s dark and dirty, or if you see any metallic particles, it’s time to change it.
Preparing to Change Engine Oil
Before you change the engine oil, make sure you have the right tools, like a wrench, oil filter wrench, oil drain pan, and the correct type and amount of new oil and a new oil filter.
What Type of Oil Should be Used for a Car?
The type of oil for your car will depend on its make, model, and year. For the Nissan GT-R, Nissan recommends using synthetic 0W-40 motor oil.
Choosing Oil Depending on the Season and Operating Conditions
In general, thicker oils (higher viscosity, like 10W-30) work better in hot weather and thinner oils (like 0W-20) are better for cold weather. The first number in the oil type is its viscosity at cold temperatures, and the second number is its viscosity when hot. The type of driving you do should also be considered. For example, high-performance driving or towing might require a higher viscosity oil. Always refer to your vehicle’s manual for specific recommendations.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Types of Oils for Nissan GT-R
Synthetic oil is best for the GT-R. It offers excellent protection, better performance in extreme temperatures, and longer life. But, it’s more expensive than conventional oil. Conventional oil, while cheaper, doesn’t perform as well in high-performance engines or extreme temperatures, and needs to be changed more often.
The experiments showed that synthetic oil provides better protection for gasoline car engines than mineral oil. The mixture of synthetic and mineral oils provided some of the benefits of synthetic oil without the high cost.
Engine Oil Selection
| Generation (Year) | Engine | Suitable Oil Viscosity | Popular Brands | Required Amount | Article Number |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R35 (2007-Current) | VR38DETT | 0W-40 | Mobil 1 ($27/5 quart), Pennzoil ($84/5 quart), Castrol ($53/6 quart) | 5.9 quarts | Mobil 1 120760, Pennzoil 550038111, Castrol 03101 |
Which Oil Filter is Right for You?
| Generation (Year) | Engine | Popular Brands | Catalog Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| R35 (2007-Current) | VR38DETT | Fram ($9), Purolator ($9), K&N, Mobil 1, Bosch | K&N HP-1008, Mobil 1 M1-110A, Bosch 3323 |
Necessary Tools and Conditions
For a DIY oil change on a Nissan GT-R, you’ll need an oil filter wrench, socket set, oil drain pan, funnel, jack and jack stands, and a clean rag. Make sure to do it on a flat, level surface, ideally in a garage or driveway.
How to Warm Up the Engine Before Changing the Oil?
Start the car and let it idle for a few minutes to warm up the oil. This makes it flow out easier and can help remove more of the old oil. Be careful not to overheat it; you don’t want to burn yourself.
Step-by-step Instruction
- Warm up the engine for a few minutes, then turn it off.
- Use a jack to raise the front of the car and put it on jack stands.
- Put on safety glasses and gloves, then locate the oil drain plug.
- Put your oil drain pan under the plug, then use a socket to loosen and remove it. Let the oil drain out.
- While the oil drains, use an oil filter wrench to remove the old oil filter.
- Apply a little bit of new oil to the gasket on the new filter, then screw it on. Make it hand-tight.
- Once the oil has drained, replace and tighten the drain plug.
- Use a funnel to add new oil. Be careful not to overfill.
- Start the engine and check for leaks. If there are no leaks, turn off the engine and check the oil level.
- Dispose of the old oil properly.
This process should take around an hour for a beginner. Remember, safety first. Always double-check your work and refer to your owner’s manual for specifics.
Replacing Transmission Fluid in Automatic Transmission
Frequency of Changing the Transmission Fluid in an Automatic Transmission
Transmission fluid typically needs to be changed every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, but check your vehicle’s manual for specific recommendations. Conditions that can cause the fluid to degrade more quickly include heavy stop-and-go traffic, towing, or aggressive driving.
Transmission Fluid Selection
| Generation (Years) | Engine | Fluid Amount | Popular Brands | Catalog Number |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R35 (2007-Current) | VR38DETT | 10 quarts | Valvoline ($27/Gallon), Castrol ($27/Gallon), Red Line | Valvoline 773775, Castrol 06811, Red Line 30504 |
Required Tool
To change the transmission fluid on a Nissan GT-R, you’ll need a socket set, torque wrench, a drain pan, jack and jack stands, a long-neck funnel, and the correct type and amount of transmission fluid.
Step-by-Step Instruction
- Warm up the transmission by driving the car for a few minutes, then park on a level surface and raise the car using a jack and secure with jack stands.
- Place a drain pan under the transmission drain plug, then remove the plug using a socket. Allow the fluid to drain.
- Once the fluid is drained, reinstall the drain plug and torque it to the specification listed in your vehicle’s manual.
- Locate the transmission fill plug, remove it and insert the long-neck funnel.
- Pour in the new transmission fluid. Be careful not to overfill. The exact amount required can be found in your vehicle’s manual.
- Once filled, reinstall the fill plug and torque it to the correct specification.
- Lower the vehicle and start the engine. Shift through all the gears with the brake applied, then check for leaks.
- Finally, check the fluid level according to the procedure in your vehicle’s manual.
This process can take around 1-2 hours for a beginner. As always, safety is the most important thing, so always double-check your work.
Possible Questions After Self-Service
Problems After Incorrect Self-Changing Engine Oil
If you change your engine oil incorrectly, you might face several issues like oil leaks if the drain plug or filter isn’t tightened properly. Using the wrong type or amount of oil can lead to engine damage or poor performance. If the oil filter isn’t changed or is installed incorrectly, the engine might not get enough oil.
Checking for Engine Oil Leaks After Changing It Myself
After you change your oil, start your car and let it run for a few minutes. Then, turn it off and check under the car for any oil drops on the ground. You can also check the oil level on the dipstick – if it’s low, you might have a leak.
Resetting the Oil Change Counter
On the Nissan GT-R, to reset the oil change counter, turn the ignition to the “ON” position but don’t start the engine. Navigate to the “Maintenance” section on the display using the steering wheel buttons. Select “Engine Oil” and reset the counter. Make sure to refer to your owner’s manual for specific instructions.
Disposing of Old Oil After Replacement
After you change your oil, you need to dispose of the old oil properly. It’s illegal and harmful to the environment to dump it on the ground or in a sewer. Most auto parts stores and many recycling centers will accept used motor oil for free. Always store and transport the used oil in a sealed container.
