CHECKING ENGINE COOLANT LE-
VEL
Check the coolant levelin the reservoir when
the engine is cold. If the coolant level is below
the MIN level
*2, open the reservoir cap
(pressure type)
*Band add coolant up to
between the MAX and MIN level
*3. If the
reservoir is empty, open the radiator filler cap
*Aand check the coolant level in the radiator when
the engine is cold. If there is insufficient
coolant in the radiator, fill the radiator with
coolant up to the filler opening and also add it to
the reservoir up to between the MAX and MIN
level
*3.
This vehicle contains Genuine NISSAN Long
Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue). The life expec-
tancy of the factory-fill coolant is 24,000 miles
(38,400 km) or 2 years. Mixing any other type of
coolant or the use of non-distilled water will
reduce the life expectancy of the factory-fill
coolant. Refer to the GT-R Service and Main-
tenance Guide for more details.
If the cooling system frequently requires
coolant, have it checked by a GT-R certified
NISSAN dealer.
Check that the level of coolant is between MAX
and MIN on the pressurized radiator reservoir. If
the level is below the midpoint, the amount of coolant circulating may be insufficient for max-
imum vehicle performance, possibly causing
engine overheating or other trouble.
If it is difficult to determine the midpoint between
MAX and MIN, remove the coolant reservoir cap
and look inside through the opening to check
that the coolant level is above the divider
*3between the top half and bottom half of the
pressurized coolant reservoir.
NOTICE
.
The coolant reservoir is equipped
with a pressure type cap, and the
radiator is equipped with a non-
pressure type cap. Do not switch
the radiator filler cap and the cool-
ant reservoir cap. Doing so will
cause substandard cooling perfor-
mance and overheating.
. If you have added only water as the
coolant in an emergency, change it
to a coolant mixture ratio specified
as soon as possible.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-11
9-6Technical and consumer information
Octane rating tips
Using unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating lower than recommended above can
cause persistent, heavy spark knock.
(Spark knock is a metallic rapping noise.)
If severe, this can lead to engine damage.
If you detect a persistent heavy spark
knock even when using gasoline of the
stated octane rating, or if you hear steady
spark knock while holding a steady speed
on level roads, have a GT-R certified
NISSAN dealer correct the condition. Fail-
ure to correct the condition is misuse of
the vehicle, for which NISSAN is not
responsible.
Incorrect ignition timing will result in knocking,
after-run or overheating. This in turn may cause
excessive fuel consumption or damage to the
engine. If any of the above symptoms are
encountered, have your vehicle checked at a
GT-R certified NISSAN dealer or other compe-
tent service facility.
However, now and then you may notice
light spark knock for a short time while
accelerating or driving up hills. This is no
cause for concern, because you get the
greatest fuel benefit when there is light
spark knock for a short time under heavy
engine load.
ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER RE-
COMMENDATION
Selecting the correct oil
It is essential to choose the correct grade,
quality, and viscosity engine oil to ensure
satisfactory engine life and performance.
(
“Capacities and recommended fuel/lubri-
cants” page 9-2)
Mobil 1 (0W-40) (100% synthetic) is the factory
fill oil. The VR38 engine with its plasma-sprayed
bores was developed using this oil. NISSAN
cannot ensure proper engine operation and
durability if other 0W-40 synthetic oil is used.
If Mobil 1 (0W-40) is not available, Mobil 1
(10W-40) (100% synthetic) may be used;
however, some performance loss may be
noticed.
NOTICE
Using an engine oil other than that
specified could adversely affect the
engine. See the 2013 NISSAN GT-R
Warranty Information Booklet for de-
tails and exclusions.
Oil additives
NISSAN does not recommend the use of oil
additives. The use of an oil additive is not
necessary when the proper oil type is used and
maintenance intervals are followed.
Oil which may contain foreign matter or has
been previously used should not be used.
Oil viscosity
The engine oil viscosity or thickness changes
with temperature. Because of this, it is important
that the engine oil viscosity be selected based
on the temperatures at which the vehicle will be
operated before the next oil change. Choosing
an oil viscosity other than that recommended
could cause serious engine damage.
Selecting the correct oil filter
Your new vehicle is equipped with a high-quality
genuine NISSAN oil filter. NISSAN recommends
to use the genuine NISSAN oil filter for the
reason described in change intervals.
Change intervals
The oil and oil filter change intervals for your
engine are based on the use of the specified
quality oils and filters. Oil and filter other than the
specified quality, or oil and filter change intervals
longer than recommended could reduce engine
