I recently acquired a '96 Nissan Quest GXE
mini-van. It has 220K miles on it. What type of motor oil should I use, synthetic or conventional, and what weight/viscosity?
The climate I drive in ranges from roughly
90 max in summer to the 20’s in winter, with frequent dampness. Also, any type of
antifreeze/coolant is best to use?
The type and the viscosity of the motor oil that you should use is the type that is specified in your Owner’s Manual. Most manuals even have a temperature chart to guide you to the proper viscosity for various seasons. The manual should also provide information regarding the type of coolant, the type of spark plugs, the type of transmission fluid, and virtually everything else that you need to know for the economical and safe operation of your vehicle.
Get into the habit of referring to your Owner’s Manual whenever you have any questions regarding the car. If you don’t have one, then purchase one, as it is really important to have this valuable information at your finger tips.
I would only add that some vehicles have the oil viscosity printed on the fill cap, which makes it very easy to find even if you don’t have an owner’s manual. You don’t need any sort of “special” oil because of the vehicle’s age or mileage.
In case you need a manual, Books4Cars.com is a good place to find an inexpensive used one.
This van has a timing belt. Make sure that it’s been changed recently. Other than that. There’s no special oil requirement. I’d go with a either a 5W-30 or 10W-30 dino oil, use whatever brand you like. Same thing for the coolant, just use regular green stuff, again whatever brand you like.
In the summer maybe 10/40 if you were going to take a trip…A little extra cushion for all those miles…