What kind of engine oil is best for the Teana car?
4 Answers
Teana cars should use fully synthetic engine oil with the specification 5W-30-SN. Below is relevant information: 1. Nissan vehicles are compatible with three types of engine oil: genuine oil, semi-synthetic oil, and fully synthetic oil. As long as these oils meet the SAE-certified grade, they can be used. However, high-quality engine oil can extend the engine's lifespan, reduce engine noise during use, lower fuel consumption, and more. 2. In "0W-40," the "0" represents the oil's freezing point at -35 degrees Celsius, "W" stands for winter-grade oil, and "40" refers to the oil's viscosity. These numbers indicate the thickness or thinness of the oil. Generally, the more precise the engine or the lower the temperature, the thinner the oil used should be, while older engines or higher temperatures require thicker oil.
My old Altima had clocked nearly 150,000 kilometers, and I always insisted on using 5W-30 full synthetic oil. For older engines, slightly thicker oil makes the engine sound more solid, especially when driving on highways – the throttle feels smoother. If you're in northern regions, be extra careful in winter; 5W oil has better low-temperature fluidity, preventing dry starts. The manual for newer Altima models recommends 0W-20 oil for better fuel efficiency, but I wouldn't dare try it in my old car. Always opt for SN or SP grade oils – Japanese cars demand high cleanliness standards. Keep oil change intervals under 8,000 km, and shorten it if you frequently encounter stop-and-go traffic. For oil filters, Mann or Mahle brands are reliable choices.
Having run an auto repair shop for over 20 years, the most common issue I see with Altimas coming in is the misuse of engine oil. The manufacturer clearly recommends 0W-20 full synthetic, which has low viscosity and reduced resistance - the old VQ engines are long obsolete now. Some owners buy 5W-40 because of promotions, only to see fuel consumption skyrocket and fault codes appear. For models marked 'GF-6' on the oil cap, you must use oils with ILSAC certification - Shell Helix Ultra or Idemitsu Zepro are good choices. Hybrid versions require extra caution, as the electric motor components need specially formulated oil - using the wrong type can corrode the coils. When changing oil yourself, always check for the API certification mark and avoid unbranded products, otherwise sludge can completely clog the oil passages.
When I first got the Nissan Teana, the 4S dealership used semi-synthetic oil for the initial maintenance, and the engine always felt sluggish. Later, I switched to Shell Helix 0W-20 full synthetic oil, and the throttle response became noticeably sharper, with fuel consumption dropping by 0.8 liters. Even when climbing hills with the AC on in summer, the engine remains composed at 4000 RPM. Now, I change the oil myself every 7500 km, buying Hong Kong version Shell oil from JD International for just over 200 RMB. Remember to check the oil cap specifications—China VI models must use SP-grade oil with dexos certification to avoid clogging the particulate filter. For older naturally aspirated engines, 5W-30 is a safer choice.