2015 Nissan Murano Oil Type And Capacity

The 2015 Nissan Murano represents a significant model year in the vehicle's evolution, boasting a sleeker design and enhanced fuel efficiency. A crucial aspect of maintaining its performance and longevity is understanding its lubrication requirements. This guide delves into the specifics of the 2015 Nissan Murano's oil type and capacity, exploring the technical reasons behind Nissan's recommendations.

Oil Type Specification

Nissan officially recommends using SAE 5W-30 engine oil for the 2015 Murano. This recommendation is based on extensive testing and engineering considerations, primarily to ensure optimal engine protection and performance across a wide range of operating temperatures. Understanding the SAE grade is key to choosing the correct oil.

Understanding SAE Viscosity Grades

The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) viscosity grade is a numerical classification system that describes the flow characteristics of oil at different temperatures. The "5W-30" designation breaks down as follows:

5W: This part indicates the oil's winter (W) viscosity. The lower the number, the easier the oil flows at cold temperatures. A "5W" oil is designed to maintain sufficient fluidity at lower temperatures, facilitating easier cold starts and reducing wear during initial engine startup, especially in colder climates. This is crucial for preventing engine damage caused by oil starvation.

30: This number represents the oil's viscosity at 100°C (212°F), a typical operating temperature for an engine. A higher number indicates a thicker oil, offering greater film strength and protection against metal-to-metal contact at higher temperatures and under heavy loads. A "30" weight oil provides a good balance between fuel efficiency and engine protection in most operating conditions.

Using an oil with a viscosity grade significantly different from the recommended 5W-30 can have detrimental effects. For instance, using a heavier weight oil (e.g., 10W-40) in colder climates can make cold starts difficult, increase wear during startup, and potentially reduce fuel economy. Conversely, using a lighter weight oil (e.g., 0W-20) in hot climates or under heavy towing conditions might not provide adequate film strength, leading to increased engine wear and potentially catastrophic engine failure.

Synthetic vs. Conventional Oil

While Nissan recommends 5W-30 oil, the type (synthetic, conventional, or synthetic blend) is also a significant consideration. Synthetic oils offer several advantages over conventional oils:

• Improved Thermal Stability: Synthetic oils are more resistant to breakdown at high temperatures, offering better protection against sludge and varnish buildup.
• Enhanced Low-Temperature Performance: They flow more easily at cold temperatures, providing superior cold start protection.
• Greater Oxidation Resistance: Synthetic oils degrade slower than conventional oils, extending oil change intervals and reducing the formation of harmful deposits.
• Improved Fuel Economy: The reduced friction characteristics of synthetic oils can contribute to a slight improvement in fuel economy.

While a conventional 5W-30 oil will meet the minimum requirements for the 2015 Murano, using a full synthetic 5W-30 is highly recommended, particularly for drivers who frequently operate their vehicles under severe conditions, such as towing, stop-and-go traffic, or extreme temperatures. Synthetic blends offer a compromise between the performance of synthetic oils and the cost-effectiveness of conventional oils.

Oil Standards and Certifications

When selecting engine oil, it's essential to look for oils that meet or exceed industry standards set by organizations like the American Petroleum Institute (API) and the International Lubricant Standardization and Approval Committee (ILSAC). These certifications ensure that the oil has been tested and proven to meet specific performance criteria. Look for the API starburst symbol and the ILSAC GF-5 (or newer) specification on the oil container. This indicates that the oil meets current industry standards for wear protection, deposit control, and fuel economy.

Oil Capacity of the 2015 Nissan Murano

The 2015 Nissan Murano, equipped with the 3.5-liter VQ35DE V6 engine, has an oil capacity of 5.1 quarts (4.8 liters) when changing the oil and filter. It's crucial to use the correct amount of oil to ensure proper lubrication and prevent engine damage. Overfilling or underfilling can both lead to problems.

Consequences of Overfilling

Overfilling the engine with oil can cause a number of issues:

• Increased Oil Pressure: Excessive oil pressure can damage seals and gaskets, leading to leaks.
• Aeration of Oil: The crankshaft can churn the excess oil, creating air bubbles. This aerated oil has reduced lubricating properties and can cause engine wear.
• Catalytic Converter Damage: Excess oil can be forced into the combustion chambers, where it burns and can damage the catalytic converter.

Consequences of Underfilling

Underfilling the engine with oil is equally detrimental:

• Inadequate Lubrication: Insufficient oil volume can lead to inadequate lubrication of critical engine components, resulting in increased wear and potential engine seizure.
• Increased Engine Temperature: Oil also helps cool the engine. Insufficient oil reduces its cooling capacity, potentially leading to overheating.
• Oil Starvation: During cornering or acceleration, the oil pump may struggle to pick up oil from the sump if the level is too low, leading to momentary oil starvation.

Checking the Oil Level

Regularly checking the oil level is a vital maintenance task. The procedure is as follows:

1. Park the vehicle on a level surface.
2. Allow the engine to cool down for at least 10 minutes. This allows the oil to drain back into the oil pan, providing an accurate reading.
3. Locate the dipstick, usually marked with a brightly colored handle.
4. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean with a lint-free cloth, and reinsert it fully.
5. Remove the dipstick again and check the oil level. The oil level should be between the minimum and maximum marks on the dipstick.
6. If the oil level is below the minimum mark, add oil gradually until the level reaches the full mark.

Changing the Oil and Filter

Changing the oil and filter at the recommended intervals is essential for maintaining engine health. Nissan typically recommends oil changes every 5,000 miles (8,000 kilometers) for normal driving conditions, but this interval may be shorter for severe driving conditions. Refer to the owner's manual for specific recommendations. The oil filter should be replaced with every oil change.

When changing the oil, always use a high-quality oil filter designed for the 2015 Nissan Murano. This ensures proper filtration and prevents contaminants from circulating through the engine. Make sure to properly tighten the drain plug and the oil filter to prevent leaks.

Conclusion

Choosing the correct oil type and ensuring the proper oil level are fundamental aspects of maintaining the 2015 Nissan Murano's engine. By understanding the significance of SAE viscosity grades, synthetic vs. conventional oil, and the consequences of overfilling or underfilling, owners can proactively protect their vehicle's engine and ensure its long-term reliability. Regular oil changes with a high-quality filter, combined with vigilant monitoring of the oil level, are key to maximizing the performance and lifespan of the 2015 Nissan Murano's engine.