The oil filter location and part number for your Nissan Altima
Your Nissan Altima's oil filter sits on the driver's side of the engine, below the intake manifold. On most model years from 2007 onward, you access it from underneath the vehicle rather than from the top. The exact location and part number depend on your engine size and year, so checking your owner's manual or the Nissan parts website before you buy ensures you get the right filter.
Nissan uses different filter part numbers across model generations. A 2015 Altima with a 2.5-liter engine uses a different filter than a 2020 model, even though both are Altimas. The safest approach is to enter your vehicle identification number (VIN) into the Nissan parts lookup tool at nissanparts.com, or call a Nissan dealership parts department with your year, make, model, and engine size. They will give you the exact part number and current price.
OEM (original equipment manufacturer) Nissan filters typically cost between $8 and $15. Aftermarket filters from brands like Fram, Mobil 1, or Bosch are often cheaper and widely available at auto parts stores. Both OEM and quality aftermarket filters meet the same performance standards for your Altima, though some owners prefer sticking with Nissan parts for peace of mind.
Key Takeaways
- The oil filter on most Nissan Altimas sits below the intake manifold on the driver's side and requires access from underneath the vehicle.
- Your exact filter part number depends on your model year and engine size, so use your VIN on nissanparts.com or call a Nissan dealership to confirm before buying.
- OEM Nissan filters cost $8 to $15, while quality aftermarket filters from established brands are often cheaper and perform the same function.
- You will need an oil filter wrench, a drain pan, and new oil to complete the replacement yourself, or you can have a shop do it during a regular oil change.
How to access and remove the filter yourself
Before you start, warm up your engine for a minute or two, then turn it off and wait five minutes. Warm oil drains faster and more completely, but you want it cool enough to touch. Raise the vehicle on jack stands or drive it onto ramps so you can reach underneath safely. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
Locate the filter canister on the driver's side of the engine. You will see a cylindrical metal housing about the size of a soda can. Use an oil filter wrench — a socket-like tool that grips the filter housing — to turn it counterclockwise. Most filters unscrew by hand once you have broken them loose with the wrench. Place a drain pan underneath to catch the oil that spills out as you remove the old filter.
Before installing the new filter, wipe the rubber gasket surface on the engine block clean with a rag. explore a thin layer of new oil to the rubber gasket on the new filter — this helps create a watertight seal. Screw the new filter on by hand until the gasket contacts the block, then turn it an additional three-quarter turn. Do not use the wrench to tighten it; hand-tight is correct.
What to do if the filter is stuck or hard to reach
If the filter will not budge, you may have overtightened it during the last change, or it may have been on the vehicle for a long time. Wrap a rubber band or old inner tube around the filter housing to improve your grip, then try the wrench again with steady pressure. If that does not work, carefully puncture the filter with a screwdriver and use the hole as leverage to turn it — this is a last resort and will make a mess, so have your drain pan positioned first.
Some Altima model years have filters positioned so tightly that even an oil filter wrench barely fits. If you cannot get a wrench in, a filter removal tool with a long handle or a strap wrench may work better. Auto parts stores rent or sell these tools for $10 to $20. If you still cannot access it comfortably, a shop can remove and replace it quickly during your next service.
Checking your owner's manual for service intervals
Nissan recommends oil change intervals based on your driving habits and the year of your vehicle. Older Altimas (2007–2012) typically need an oil change every 3,000 miles or three months. Newer models with synthetic oil (2013 onward) often go 5,000 to 7,500 miles between changes. Your owner's manual lists the exact interval for your year and specifies whether to use conventional or synthetic oil.
If you drive mostly on highways at steady speeds, you may be able to extend the interval slightly. If you drive in stop-and-go city traffic, tow a trailer, or drive in dusty conditions, you should stick to the shorter interval or even change oil more often. Your engine's condition depends on regular oil changes, so following the manual's recommendation protects your investment in the vehicle.
Where to buy Nissan Altima oil filters
Nissan dealerships stock OEM filters and can order any part number within a day or two. Expect to pay full retail price, but you know you are getting the exact filter designed for your vehicle. Many dealerships offer discounts on parts if you are a regular customer or if you buy filters in bulk.
National auto parts chains like AutoZone, O'Reilly, Advance Auto Parts, and NAPA carry both OEM and aftermarket filters. You can search by your vehicle year and model on their websites or in-store, and most offer same-day pickup or delivery. Online retailers like Amazon also stock filters, though shipping times vary and you should verify the part number matches your Altima before ordering.
Local independent shops and quick-lube facilities often have filters in stock and may install one for you while you wait. Prices vary by location, but you typically pay for the filter plus a small labor fee. Calling ahead to confirm they have your specific filter in stock saves a trip.
Understanding filter specifications and quality differences
All oil filters for your Altima must meet Nissan's specifications for flow rate, bypass valve pressure, and gasket material. The filter's job is to remove particles from the oil while allowing oil to flow freely to the engine. A filter that is too restrictive can starve the engine of oil; one that is too loose lets dirt through. Nissan's part number ensures the filter meets these requirements.
Aftermarket filters from established manufacturers like Fram, Mobil 1, Bosch, and Purolator are engineered to the same standards and perform well in Altimas. Budget filters from unknown brands may be cheaper but sometimes have lower-quality media or weaker gaskets. Reading reviews from other Altima owners on forums or retailer websites can help you choose a reliable aftermarket option if you want to save money.
Some filters are labeled "synthetic" or "extended life," which means they can go longer between changes if you use synthetic oil. These filters cost more upfront but may save money over time if you drive high mileage. For most owners doing routine maintenance, a standard filter paired with the correct oil change interval works fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any oil filter on my Nissan Altima, or does it have to be Nissan brand?
You do not have to use a Nissan-branded filter. Any filter that matches your vehicle's part number and meets Nissan's specifications will work. Quality aftermarket filters from established brands perform the same function and cost less. The key is matching the correct part number to your year and engine size, not the brand name on the box.
How often should I replace my Altima's oil filter?
Replace the filter every time you change your oil. Nissan recommends an oil change every 3,000 miles for older models or 5,000 to 7,500 miles for newer models with synthetic oil, depending on your year and driving conditions. Your owner's manual lists the exact interval for your vehicle. The filter should never go longer than the oil change interval.
What happens if I install the oil filter too tight?
Overtightening the filter makes it nearly impossible to remove at the next change and can damage the rubber gasket, causing leaks. Hand-tight plus three-quarter turn is the correct installation. If you overtighten it, the next person to change it will struggle, and you risk damaging the threaded housing on the engine block if too much force is used.
Is it cheaper to change my own oil filter or have a shop do it?
Changing your own filter costs only the price of the filter itself, usually $8 to $15 for an aftermarket option. A shop typically charges $20 to $50 for labor plus the filter cost. If you have the tools and a safe place to work, doing it yourself saves money. If you do not have a jack, ramps, or a wrench, paying a shop is faster and safer.
Where is the oil filter drain plug on a Nissan Altima?
The oil drain plug is separate from the filter. It is a bolt on the bottom of the oil pan, usually on the driver's side. You remove the drain plug to drain old oil into a pan, then replace the plug. The oil filter is a separate cylindrical component that you unscrew. Both need to be replaced during an oil change, but they are two different parts.