3-7-08: 2008 Altima Hybrid Update & Log
Friday March 7, 2008
Time for our monthly update on the latest addition to our alt fuel fleet--as you may remember, we purchased a new hybrid when our 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid review week (along with the 2008 test drive) left us wanting more.
Mileage: 3091
Fuel economy: 35.4 mpg
Weather conditions: Spring is on its way here in central PA, and we’ve had milder weather conditions with days in the 40’s with an occasional 60F teaser thrown in. Still enjoying how quiet and effortless the Altima makes trips around town.
Maintenance/Repairs: Time for the first oil change rolled around last weekend—and although we can adhere to the level 2 (non-severe) maintenance schedule due to our driving conditions, we thought it best to get that initial factory fill oil out of the crankcase and get a new filter and fresh batch in. Level 2 calls for 6 month/7500-mile oil change intervals, but we just wanted to get a look at the first change-out oil and get a baseline for how hard the oil gets used. As you can see from the pictures, the first 3,000 miles put a little (not bad) “wear and dirt” on it compared to the virgin lubricant. Nissan recommends API service SM, SAE 0W20 replacement oil (currently only available in full synthetic formulation) mainly because of the numerous engine start/stop cycles endured by hybrid drivetrains. In fact, this formulation is being marketed as “Hybrid Oil.”
photo © Adrian Gable - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
Mileage: 3091Fuel economy: 35.4 mpg
Weather conditions: Spring is on its way here in central PA, and we’ve had milder weather conditions with days in the 40’s with an occasional 60F teaser thrown in. Still enjoying how quiet and effortless the Altima makes trips around town.
Maintenance/Repairs: Time for the first oil change rolled around last weekend—and although we can adhere to the level 2 (non-severe) maintenance schedule due to our driving conditions, we thought it best to get that initial factory fill oil out of the crankcase and get a new filter and fresh batch in. Level 2 calls for 6 month/7500-mile oil change intervals, but we just wanted to get a look at the first change-out oil and get a baseline for how hard the oil gets used. As you can see from the pictures, the first 3,000 miles put a little (not bad) “wear and dirt” on it compared to the virgin lubricant. Nissan recommends API service SM, SAE 0W20 replacement oil (currently only available in full synthetic formulation) mainly because of the numerous engine start/stop cycles endured by hybrid drivetrains. In fact, this formulation is being marketed as “Hybrid Oil.”
photo © Adrian Gable - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
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