2019 Nissan Rogue Oil Change Guide: Everything You Need To Know
Hey guys! Changing the oil in your 2019 Nissan Rogue might seem like a small thing, but it's super important for keeping your ride running smoothly for years to come. Think of it as giving your engine a regular health check-up. In this guide, we're going to dive deep into everything you need to know about 2019 Nissan Rogue oil changes. We'll cover what type of oil to use, how often to change it, step-by-step instructions for doing it yourself, and even what to expect if you take it to a professional. Whether you're a seasoned DIYer or a complete newbie, we've got you covered.
Why is Oil So Important for Your 2019 Rogue?
Okay, let's break down why oil is like the lifeblood of your engine. Your engine has a ton of moving parts that are constantly rubbing against each other at high speeds. Without oil, all that friction would create a ton of heat and wear, which could seriously damage your engine.
- Lubrication: First and foremost, oil lubricates all those moving parts, creating a slippery barrier that reduces friction. This helps your engine run smoother and quieter.
- Cooling: As oil circulates through your engine, it absorbs heat and carries it away, helping to keep everything at the right temperature. Overheating can cause major damage, so this is a big deal.
- Cleaning: Oil also acts like a cleaner, picking up dirt, debris, and other contaminants that can build up inside your engine. These contaminants can cause wear and reduce performance, so it's important to keep them in check.
- Protection: Finally, oil helps to protect your engine from corrosion and rust. This is especially important if you live in an area with harsh weather conditions.
So, as you can see, oil does a lot more than just lubricate your engine. It's a vital part of keeping your 2019 Rogue running in top condition.
Choosing the Right Oil for Your 2019 Nissan Rogue
Now, let's talk about choosing the right oil for your 2019 Nissan Rogue. Nissan recommends using 0W-20 synthetic oil for the 2019 Rogue. But what does that even mean? Let's break it down:
- 0W-20: This refers to the oil's viscosity, or how thick it is. The "0W" indicates the oil's viscosity at cold temperatures, while the "20" indicates its viscosity at operating temperature. A lower number means the oil is thinner and flows more easily, which is important for cold starts.
- Synthetic: Synthetic oil is a type of oil that is manufactured in a lab, rather than being refined from crude oil. Synthetic oil offers several advantages over conventional oil, including better performance at extreme temperatures, better protection against wear, and longer oil change intervals. I strongly recommend using synthetic oil in your 2019 Rogue to get the best possible protection for your engine.
Here are some popular brands of 0W-20 synthetic oil that you might consider:
- Mobil 1: Mobil 1 is a well-known and trusted brand of synthetic oil. It offers excellent protection against wear and tear and is a great choice for your 2019 Rogue.
- Castrol: Castrol is another popular brand of synthetic oil. It is known for its high quality and performance.
- Pennzoil: Pennzoil is a good option that offers a balance of performance and price. It is formulated to provide excellent protection against sludge and deposits.
- Amsoil: If you're looking for the best of the best, Amsoil is a great choice. It's a bit more expensive than other brands, but it offers superior performance and protection.
No matter which brand you choose, make sure it meets the API SN or ILSAC GF-5 standards. These certifications ensure that the oil meets certain performance requirements and is suitable for use in your 2019 Nissan Rogue.
How Often Should You Change Your Oil?
Okay, so now you know what kind of oil to use, but how often should you change it? Nissan recommends changing the oil in your 2019 Rogue every 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. However, if you do a lot of severe driving, you might need to change it more often. Severe driving includes things like:
- Frequent short trips: If you mostly drive short distances, your engine doesn't have a chance to warm up properly, which can lead to oil sludge and buildup.
- Stop-and-go traffic: Constantly accelerating and braking puts extra stress on your engine and can cause the oil to degrade more quickly.
- Towing or hauling: Towing or hauling heavy loads puts extra strain on your engine, which can also lead to oil degradation.
- Driving in extreme temperatures: Driving in very hot or very cold weather can also affect oil performance.
If you do a lot of severe driving, you might want to consider changing your oil every 5,000 miles or 6 months. It's always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to oil changes.
Here are some signs that your oil needs to be changed:
- The oil change light comes on: This is the most obvious sign that your oil needs to be changed. Don't ignore it!
- The oil looks dark and dirty: Clean oil is amber in color. If your oil looks dark and sludgy, it's time for a change.
- The engine is making unusual noises: If your engine is making knocking or tapping noises, it could be a sign that the oil is low or degraded.
- The oil level is low: Check your oil level regularly. If it's low, it could be a sign of a leak or excessive oil consumption.
DIY Oil Change: Step-by-Step Guide
Alright, ready to get your hands dirty? Changing your own oil can save you money and give you a sense of accomplishment. Here's a step-by-step guide to changing the oil in your 2019 Nissan Rogue:
What You'll Need:
- 0W-20 synthetic oil: Make sure you have the correct amount of oil for your 2019 Rogue (usually around 4.8 quarts).
- New oil filter: Use the correct oil filter for your 2019 Rogue. You can find this information in your owner's manual or at your local auto parts store.
- Wrench: You'll need a wrench to remove the oil drain plug.
- Oil filter wrench: This will help you remove the old oil filter.
- Drain pan: This will catch the old oil as it drains from your engine.
- Funnel: This will help you pour the new oil into your engine without spilling it.
- Gloves: Protect your hands from the oil.
- Rags or paper towels: For cleaning up spills.
- Jack and jack stands (optional): These will make it easier to access the oil drain plug and filter.
Steps:
- Warm up the engine: Run the engine for a few minutes to warm up the oil. This will help it flow more easily.
- Park the car on a level surface: Make sure your car is parked on a level surface and set the parking brake.
- Jack up the car (optional): If you're using a jack and jack stands, raise the car and secure it with the jack stands.
- Locate the oil drain plug: The oil drain plug is located on the bottom of the oil pan. Consult your owner's manual if you're not sure where it is.
- Place the drain pan under the drain plug: Position the drain pan so that it will catch the oil as it drains.
- Remove the drain plug: Use the wrench to remove the drain plug. Be careful, as the oil may be hot.
- Let the oil drain completely: Allow the oil to drain completely from the engine. This may take 15-20 minutes.
- Remove the old oil filter: Use the oil filter wrench to remove the old oil filter. Be prepared for some oil to spill out when you remove the filter.
- Lubricate the new oil filter: Before installing the new oil filter, lubricate the rubber gasket with a little bit of new oil.
- Install the new oil filter: Screw the new oil filter onto the engine by hand. Tighten it until it is snug, but don't overtighten it.
- Reinstall the drain plug: Once the oil has drained completely, reinstall the drain plug. Tighten it to the specified torque (check your owner's manual for the correct torque). Don't overtighten it.
- Lower the car (if applicable): If you used a jack and jack stands, lower the car back to the ground.
- Add new oil: Use the funnel to add the correct amount of new oil to the engine. Check your owner's manual for the correct amount.
- Check the oil level: Use the dipstick to check the oil level. Add more oil if necessary to bring the level up to the "full" mark.
- Start the engine: Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes. Check for any leaks around the drain plug and oil filter.
- Check the oil level again: After running the engine for a few minutes, check the oil level again. Add more oil if necessary.
- Reset the oil change light: Reset the oil change light in your car's computer. The procedure for this varies depending on the model year. Refer to your owner's manual for instructions.
Professional Oil Change: What to Expect
If you're not comfortable changing your own oil, you can always take it to a professional. Here's what to expect:
- Cost: The cost of an oil change at a shop can vary depending on the shop and the type of oil you use. However, you can typically expect to pay somewhere between $50 and $100 for an oil change at a shop.
- Time: An oil change at a shop usually takes about 30-60 minutes.
- Service: When you take your car to a shop for an oil change, they will typically perform a few other services as well, such as checking your fluid levels, inspecting your tires, and lubricating your chassis.
Disposing of Used Oil
It's important to dispose of used oil properly. Don't just dump it down the drain or in the trash! Most auto parts stores and service stations will accept used oil for recycling. Check with your local stores to see if they offer this service. You can also contact your local government to find out about recycling options in your area.
Conclusion
So, there you have it – everything you need to know about 2019 Nissan Rogue oil changes! Whether you choose to do it yourself or take it to a professional, keeping up with regular oil changes is essential for keeping your engine running smoothly and extending the life of your car. Follow these tips, and you'll be well on your way to a long and happy relationship with your 2019 Rogue! Remember, a little maintenance goes a long way!