What You Need Before You Start
An oil change on a Nissan Altima takes about 30 to 45 minutes if you have done it before, longer if this is your first time. You will need the correct oil type and capacity for your model year, a new oil filter, an oil drain pan, a wrench or socket set, an oil filter wrench, and jack stands if you are working underneath. Most Altimas from 2007 onward have the drain plug and filter in accessible locations, though you may need to remove a plastic undertray to reach them.
Before you buy anything, check your owner's manual or look up your specific model year and engine size online — Altimas use different oil grades depending on whether you have a 2.5-liter four-cylinder or a 3.5-liter V6, and the capacity ranges from about 3.7 quarts to 4.8 quarts. Using the wrong oil or overfilling can damage the engine, so this step matters.
Key Takeaways
- Drain the old oil while the engine is warm but not hot, then replace the drain plug and tighten it by hand plus a quarter turn with a wrench.
- The oil filter on most Altimas sits on top of the engine or on the side, and you remove it by turning counterclockwise with a filter wrench until it spins free.
- Fill the new filter halfway with fresh oil before installing it, then hand-tighten it until the rubber gasket touches the engine, then turn it three-quarters of a turn more.
- Add the correct amount of new oil through the top of the engine, wait a minute, check the dipstick, and add more if needed — overfilling is as harmful as underfilling.
Draining the Old Oil
Start with the engine warm — drive the car for a few minutes or let it idle, then turn it off and wait five minutes. Warm oil flows faster and drains more completely, but you do not want it so hot that you burn yourself. Raise the front of the car on jack stands if you need clearance to reach the drain plug, or work from the side if your Altima sits high enough.
Locate the drain plug underneath the engine — it is a bolt roughly the size of a quarter head, usually on the lowest point of the oil pan. Place your drain pan underneath it, then use a wrench to turn the plug counterclockwise. Once it is loose enough, unscrew it by hand and let it fall into the pan. The oil will pour out; this takes three to five minutes. While it drains, wipe the drain plug clean with a rag and inspect the rubber washer. If it looks cracked or flattened, replace it — a new one costs a dollar or two.
Once the oil stops dripping, screw the drain plug back in by hand until it is snug, then tighten it with a wrench by about a quarter turn. Do not overtighten — you can strip the threads in the aluminum pan and create a leak that is expensive to fix. If you are unsure, hand-tight plus a small quarter turn is the right amount of pressure.
Removing and Installing the Oil Filter
The oil filter on most Altimas sits on top of the engine or mounted vertically on the side, depending on your model year and engine. Locate it, place your drain pan underneath (there will be some oil in the filter), and use an oil filter wrench to turn it counterclockwise. The wrench grips the cylindrical body of the filter; turn it until the filter spins free by hand, then unscrew it the rest of the way and set it aside.
Wipe the filter mounting surface clean with a rag — you want to remove any old rubber or debris. Take your new filter and coat the rubber gasket (the flat ring around the top) with a thin layer of fresh oil. This helps the seal work and makes removal easier next time. Screw the new filter on by hand until the gasket touches the engine, then turn it three-quarters of a turn more. You should be able to turn it with one hand; if you need a wrench, you have tightened it too much.
Adding New Oil and Checking the Level
Locate the oil filler cap on top of the engine — it usually has an oil can symbol on it. Unscrew it and set it aside. Pour in the amount of new oil specified in your owner's manual, which is typically between 3.7 and 4.8 quarts depending on your model. Pour slowly and pause halfway through to let the oil settle into the pan.
Once you have added the recommended amount, screw the cap back on, start the engine, and let it run for about a minute. The new filter will fill with oil and the level will drop slightly. Turn off the engine, wait a minute, then pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean on a rag, reinsert it fully, and pull it out again to check the level. The oil should reach the full mark or sit between the minimum and maximum marks. If it is below the minimum, add a little more oil and check again. If it is above the full mark, you have overfilled — drain a small amount out through the drain plug until the level is correct.
Starting the Engine and Checking for Leaks
Start the engine again and let it idle for a minute while you watch the dashboard. The oil pressure warning light should come on briefly when you first start, then turn off within a few seconds as oil circulates through the new filter. If the light stays on, turn off the engine when ready and check that the filter is tight and the drain plug is find.
Once the engine has run for a minute, turn it off and wait another minute. Look underneath the car for drips around the drain plug and filter. A few drops are normal as excess oil drains away, but a steady drip means something is loose. If you see a leak, tighten the drain plug or filter slightly and recheck. Do not drive the car until you are confident there are no leaks.
Resetting the Oil Change Indicator (If Your Altima Has One)
Many Nissan Altimas from 2007 onward have an oil change reminder light on the dashboard. After you finish the oil change, you need to reset it so it does not come on again until the next service interval. The process varies by model year and whether you have a traditional dashboard or a digital display.
For most Altimas, turn the ignition to the "On" position without starting the engine, then press the accelerator pedal to the floor three times within ten seconds. The light should flash and turn off. If this does not work, consult your owner's manual or search for your specific model year — some require a different sequence or a visit to a dealer to reset. Resetting the light yourself takes less than a minute and costs nothing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I change the oil in my Altima?
Nissan recommends an oil change every 3,000 miles for older Altimas or every 10,000 miles for newer models with synthetic oil, though this varies by engine type and driving conditions. Check your owner's manual for the exact interval for your year. If you drive mostly on highways, you can usually go longer between changes than if you drive in stop-and-go city traffic.
What happens if I use the wrong oil grade?
Using oil that is too thick or too thin can reduce fuel economy, cause the engine to run hotter, or prevent proper lubrication of moving parts. Over time, this can lead to engine wear or damage. Always use the grade specified in your owner's manual — it is printed on the oil filler cap and in the manual itself.
Can I reuse the old drain plug?
The drain plug itself can usually be reused many times, but the rubber washer underneath it should be replaced if it looks cracked or flattened. A new washer costs very little and prevents leaks. If the plug threads are stripped or damaged, you will need a new plug, which also costs just a few dollars.
What should I do with the old oil?
Never pour old oil down the drain or into the ground — it is toxic and illegal to dispose of that way. Take it to a recycling center, an auto parts store that accepts used oil, or a quick-lube shop. Many accept old oil for free or for a small fee. Some will also take the old filter if you bring it in a sealed bag.
Do I need to change the air filter at the same time?
An air filter and an oil filter are different parts. You do not have to change the air filter during an oil change, but checking it is a good idea — if it looks dirty or clogged, replacing it improves engine performance and fuel economy. An air filter change takes about five minutes and costs less than an oil filter.