Choosing the right motor oil is fundamental to the long life of your car's engine. For owners of brand cars Nissan, especially models Qashqai or X-Trail, the use of specialized lubricant is not just a recommendation, but a requirement of designers. Standard viscosity 5W40 is suitable for most temperate climates, providing easy winter starting and reliable protection in high summer temperatures.
The 5 liter canister is the most popular format on the market, as it ideally covers the fluid requirement for a complete oil change in a medium-sized engine, taking into account residual losses. Synthetics has molecular homogeneity, which is not achieved in semi-synthetic or mineral formulations, which is critical for modern turbocharged units.
Specifications and Compliance
Engine oil with markings 5W40 is an all-season product, where the first number indicates viscosity at low temperatures, and the second - at operating temperatures. For engines Nissan this means that the lubricant remains fluid down to -30°C, allowing you to turn the crankshaft even in severe frost, and does not become too liquid when heated to 100°C.
Original oil from the manufacturer or high-quality analogues must meet strict international standards. In technical documentation you will definitely come across abbreviations API SP or ACEA C3, which guarantee the absence of deposits and compatibility with exhaust gas aftertreatment systems. Using an uncertified fluid may lead to failure of the catalyst or particulate filter.
It is important to consider that the synthetic base has a higher viscosity index, which reduces friction between parts and saves fuel. However, if the engine has high mileage and obvious signs of wear (increased oil consumption), it may be worth considering switching to thicker compounds or semi-synthetics.
- 🔍 Standard API SN/SP guarantees protection against wear and oxidation in modern engines.
- ❄️ Low temperature pumpability limit reaches -35°C for high-quality synthetics.
- 🛡️ Special additives prevent the formation of sludge and soot in the channels of the lubrication system.
⚠️ Attention: Do not buy oil in cans without holograms or seals, as counterfeits may contain aggressive solvents that destroy rubber engine seals.
Compatible with Nissan and other brands of engines
Engines Nissan The MR, QR and VK series are designed to use low viscosity oils, but 5W40 remains a universal solution for most models manufactured after 2010. For turbocharged engines such as MR16DDT on Qashqai, this oil provides a stable oil film under high pressure in the turbocharger.
Besides Nissan, this type of lubricant is often suitable for cars Renault, Dacia and some models Infiniti, as these brands share common platforms and powertrains. However, always check the technical book of your car, where the manufacturer's approval is indicated.
If you are the owner Patrol With a V8 petrol engine, 5W40 may not be viscous enough for extreme loads, and it is better to consider 10W40 or 10W60. At the same time, for compact engines Juke or Note 5W40 viscosity is optimal for a balance between protection and economy.
- Original Nissan 5W40
- Analogue from another brand (Shell, Mobil)
- Semi-synthetics
- Mineral oil
How to distinguish an original from a fake when purchasing
The auto parts market is full of counterfeit products, and a 5-liter canister of synthetics is one of the most counterfeited items. A genuine product has a clear label print, smooth packaging seams and high-quality plastic that does not smell of chemicals. On the original canister Nissan The batch number and production date must be indicated.
Pay special attention to the lid and protective seal. In the original, the lid fits tightly to the neck, and the protective foil underneath is intact, without traces of plywood. If you see that the label is crooked or the text on it is blurred, it is better to refuse the purchase.
Checking the code on the manufacturer’s website or through special applications is a reliable way to verify the authenticity of the product. Many official dealers provide a verification service using a QR code printed on the bottom or side of the canister.
- 📦 Check the quality of the plastic: the original container should not be too thin or fragile.
- 🔢 Check the batch code on the label with the code on the bottom of the canister - they must match.
- 🧪 Pay attention to the color of the oil: it should be transparent, with a slight yellowish or amber tint.
⚠️ Warning: Fake oil often has a cloudy color or sediment at the bottom, and may have a strong chemical smell that is different from the original product.
What to do if you have already uploaded a fake?
If you suspect that you have filled in counterfeit oil, stop using the vehicle immediately. Do a complete engine flush and replace the oil and filter with original ones. Flushing will help remove aggressive impurities that could damage seals or clog oil passages.
Instructions for changing the oil yourself
The process of changing engine oil does not require complex equipment, but requires careful preparation and adherence to a sequence of actions. Before starting work, warm up the engine to operating temperature so that the old oil becomes more liquid and flows out of the pan more easily. Prepare a new 5 liter canister, a new oil filter and a drain plug with a gasket.
Place the car on a level surface or a lift, open the hood and unscrew the filler cap to allow air to enter. Then move under the car, find the oil pan drain plug and place a container for waste. Unscrew the plug with a wrench and let the oil drain completely, this may take from 10 to 20 minutes.
After draining the old oil, replace the oil filter. Pre-apply some new oil to the rubber O-ring of the new filter to ensure a tight seal. Screw on the drain plug with a new gasket and tighten it to the recommended torque to avoid stripping the threads.
☑️ Preparing for an oil change
Pour new oil into the engine through the filler neck. It is recommended to start with 4.5 liters, then check the level with a dipstick and top up to the MAX mark. Do not overfill oil above the maximum mark, as this may cause foaming and damage to the seals.
- 🔧 Use a torque wrench to tighten the drain plug and filter to avoid damage.
- 🛢️ The filling volume depends on the specific engine, for example, for MR20 this is approximately 4.9 liters.
- 🔄 Be sure to replace the oil filter at every oil change.
Tip: Before tightening the drain plug, wipe the oil pan of any old oil so you can see right away if a leak appears.
Features of servicing turbocharged engines
Turbocharged engines such as MR16DDT or VR38DETT in GT-R, operate under conditions of extreme temperatures and pressures. The turbine rotates at enormous speed, and its bearings are lubricated with oil, which must withstand high thermal loads without coking.
Synthetic oil 5W40 has high thermal stability, which allows it to maintain its properties even during prolonged operation at high speeds. However, for such engines it is critical to observe replacement intervals, which may be shorter than for naturally aspirated engines.
After intense driving, do not turn off the engine immediately. Let it idle for 1-2 minutes so that the turbine cools down and the oil continues to circulate, cooling the assembly. This will extend the life of the turbocharger bearings.
⚠️ Attention: Operating a turbocharged engine with low-quality oil or with an expired replacement interval will lead to rapid failure of the turbocharger, the repair of which is very expensive.
Turbocharged engines require more frequent oil changes and the use of only high-quality synthetics with high thermal characteristics to prevent coking.
Compatibility and filling volume table
Below is a table showing approximate oil volumes for various models Nissan with a complete replacement with filter. This data may vary slightly depending on the year of manufacture and modification of the engine, so always check the service book.
| Car model | Engine | Filling volume (l) | Recommended viscosity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qashqai (J10/J11) | MR20 / MR16DDT | 4.9 | 5W30, 5W40 |
| X-Trail (T31/T32) | MR20 / QR25 | 4.9 | 5W30, 5W40 |
| Teana (J32) | VQ25 / VQ35 | 4.7 | 5W30, 5W40 |
| Patrol (Y62) | VK56 | 5.5 | 5W30, 5W40, 10W40 |
| Murano (Z51/Z52) | VQ35 / VQ35HR | 4.6 | 5W30, 5W40 |
If you see that the filling volume exceeds 5 liters, one canister may not be enough and you will have to buy an additional liter container. This is especially true for series engines VQ with a large working volume.
For most modern Nissan engines up to 2.5 liters in volume, one 5-liter canister of 5W40 synthetic is sufficient with a small margin.Frequently asked questions and answers (FAQ)
Is it possible to mix 5W40 oil from different manufacturers?
It is strictly not recommended to mix oils of different brands, even if they have the same viscosity and tolerances. Different additive packages can enter into a chemical reaction, which will lead to sedimentation and loss of lubricating properties.
How often do you need to change the oil in a Nissan engine?
The official replacement interval is 15,000 km or 1 year, but when operating in city conditions, traffic jams and dust, it is recommended to reduce this interval to 7,000 - 10,000 km to preserve engine life.
What to do if the oil level drops quickly?
If the oil level drops faster than once every 3000 km, this may indicate wear on the piston rings, valve stem seals or leaking seals. It is necessary to have the engine diagnosed by a specialist.
Is 5W40 oil suitable for older engines with high mileage?
Yes, for engines with a mileage of more than 150,000 km, 5W40 oil is often better than 5W30, since it better compensates for increased gaps in friction pairs and reduces oil consumption due to waste.
Do I need to warm up the engine before driving after changing the oil?
Yes, after changing the oil, it is recommended to let the engine idle for 2-3 minutes so that the oil fills all channels and the filter, and also removes air from the lubrication system.