Nissan Altima Oil Type Finder

The Nissan Altima has a rich history dating back to 1992 when it was first introduced as a mid-size car, continuing the Nissan Bluebird lineage which began in 1955. While the Altima has always been larger and more luxurious than the Nissan Sentra, it has been less powerful and smaller than the Nissan Maxima. Initially, the Altima was exclusively manufactured in the US and sold in North and South America, the Middle East, and Australia. However, for other markets, Nissan released the Nissan Teana, a related mid-size sedan that was positioned between the Altima and the Maxima in terms of size. The Teana became a rebadged version of the fifth-generation Altima in 2013.

Interestingly, the name "Altima" was first used for a top trim line of the Nissan Leopard in Japan in 1986, and later applied to the Nissan Laurel mid-size car sold in Central America and the Caribbean before 1992. Nissan decided to discontinue the Stanza, a Nissan Bluebird clone in 1992, replacing it with the US-built Altima, which remained a compact car. The first Altima was produced in June 1992 as a 1993 model. All Altima models sold in the North American market were produced in Smyrna, Tennessee, until June 2004 when the Canton, Mississippi plant also began manufacturing the model to meet high demand.

You might have come across the saying that a Nissan can last for eternity if you change the oil regularly. While it may seem like an overstatement, it's a testament to the durability of cars like the Nissan Altima. However, the trickiest part of heeding this advice is figuring out which oil suits your Altima the most. With a plethora of options available in the market, it can be overwhelming. But fret not, as we've delved into the research and found the perfect oils that complement your Nissan Altima. If you're thinking about changing the oil on your Nissan Altima, it's crucial to pick the right type of oil to keep your ride in tip-top shape. When it's time for a change, it's best to stick with fully synthetic oils from the list of options mentioned. Whether you prefer to have a mechanic handle it or you're up for a DIY project, these oils are a smart choice that can help your Altima run like a dream.

What Oil For Nissan Altima?

When it comes to taking care of your Nissan, you might have heard mixed messages about whether or not synthetic oil is necessary. While some Nissan dealerships might say it's not a must, they do recommend it. Opting for synthetic oil can make a real difference in how smoothly your car runs over the long haul. But when shopping for synthetic oil, don't get too hung up on brand names or fancy labels. Instead, focus on the oil's viscosity rating - especially if you're dealing with a car like the Nissan Altima. For that model, a synthetic oil with a viscosity rating of 5W-30 is a safe bet. This rating lets you know how well the oil will hold up in different temperatures - the "5" is for cold weather and the "30" is for warmer weather. Unless you're living in a climate that's super extreme, 5W-30 will be just right.

Nissan Altima Oil Change Interval

Keeping up with oil changes is essential to maintaining your Altima's performance, but it can be tough to know when to take it in. A few different factors play a role in determining your ideal oil change schedule, such as your driving style, the type of oil you typically use, and the age of your car. With so much conflicting advice out there, it can be tough to know what to do. That's why it's often best to rely on the manufacturer's recommendations - in this case, Nissan's. Based on their guidelines, it's recommended that you use synthetic oil and change it every 7,500 to 10,000 miles. However, if you don't put a ton of mileage on your car, it's still a good idea to have the oil changed periodically to ensure that it stays in tip-top shape.

Nissan Altima Engine Oil Capacity - How Much Engine Oil Does a Nissan Altima Need?

The amount of oil your Altima needs is determined by the size of its engine. Now, most Altima models out there come with a standard 2.0-liter engine, and that one will require about 4.7 liters of oil to keep it purring. But if you happen to be cruising around in one of the fancy-schmancy premium trims, you'll be dealing with a 2.5-liter engine instead. And for that bigger engine, you'll need to pour in about 5.1 liters of motor oil to keep things running smoothly.

We have listed all the Nissan Altima models and engine types in the following table, as well as the correct engine oil grade for each of the cars. You can use the search and filter to easily find the right engine oil for your Nissan Altima.

Car Make & Model	Year	Oil Grade
Nissan Altima 2.0 SR VC-Turbo Petrol	2018, 2019, 2020	5W-30
Nissan Altima 2.0 SR VC-Turbo Petrol	2021, 2022, 2023	5W-30
Nissan Altima 2.5 S Petrol	2018, 2019, 2020	0W-20
Nissan Altima 2.5 S Petrol	2021, 2022, 2023	0W-20
Nissan Altima 2.5 SV Petrol	2018, 2019, 2020	0W-20
Nissan Altima 2.5 SV Petrol	2021, 2022, 2023	0W-20
Nissan Altima 2.5 SR Petrol	2018, 2019, 2020	0W-20
Nissan Altima 2.5 SR Petrol	2021, 2022, 2023	0W-20
Nissan Altima 2.5 SL Petrol	2018, 2019, 2020	0W-20
Nissan Altima 2.5 SL Petrol	2021, 2022, 2023	0W-20
Nissan Altima 2.5 S Petrol	2013, 2014, 2015	0W-20 or 5W-30
Nissan Altima 2.5 S Petrol	2016, 2017, 2018	0W-20 or 5W-30
Nissan Altima 2.5 SR Petrol	2013, 2014, 2015	0W-20 or 5W-30
Nissan Altima 2.5 SR Petrol	2016, 2017, 2018	0W-20 or 5W-30
Nissan Altima 2.5 SR Midnight Edition Petrol	2013, 2014, 2015	0W-20 or 5W-30
Nissan Altima 2.5 SR Midnight Edition Petrol	2016, 2017, 2018	0W-20 or 5W-30
Nissan Altima 2.5 SV Petrol	2013, 2014, 2015	0W-20 or 5W-30
Nissan Altima 2.5 SV Petrol	2016, 2017, 2018	0W-20 or 5W-30
Nissan Altima 2.5 SL Petrol	2013, 2014, 2015	0W-20 or 5W-30
Nissan Altima 2.5 SL Petrol	2016, 2017, 2018	0W-20 or 5W-30
Nissan Altima 3.5 SR Petrol	2013, 2014, 2015	0W-20 or 5W-30
Nissan Altima 3.5 SR Petrol	2016, 2017, 2018	0W-20 or 5W-30
Nissan Altima 3.5 SL Petrol	2013, 2014, 2015	0W-20 or 5W-30
Nissan Altima 3.5 SL Petrol	2016, 2017, 2018	0W-20 or 5W-30

How Do I Change The Oil In A Nissan Altima?

These step-by-step instructions will guide you in changing the oil in your car. Start by safely jacking up your car or pulling it onto ramps, then loosen the oil drain bolt with a 14mm socket and prepare your oil catch can. Remove the oil drain bolt and allow the oil to drain out. After the oil has slowed to a drip, replace the oil drain bolt and remove the oil filter. Coat the new oil filter's rubber o-ring gasket with oil and screw it back onto the engine block. Replace the plastic shield and pour 4.5 quarts of 0W-20 weight oil back into the engine. Double check for leaks, then turn on the engine and let it idle. Finally, check the oil level and recycle the used oil.

Can I put 10w30 instead of 5W-30 Nissan Altima?

For Nissan Altima cars, it's recommended to use synthetic motor oil with a viscosity rating of 5W-30. However, if you accidentally use 10W-40 instead, don't fret too much as it's only slightly heavier. You may experience slightly lower gas mileage, but that's the only noticeable difference. As engines get older and start using a bit of oil, many people switch to 10W-30 anyway.