Safety Glasses
Nitrile Gloves
SYNTEC High Mileage
MicroGard Select Oil Filter
Fel-Pro Oil Drain Plug Gasket
Ratchet and Socket Set
Shop Towels
Step 1: Prepare Your Altima
Park on a level surface and open the hood. Chock the rear wheels then lift and support the front end of the car using a jack and jack stands. Use a flathead screwdriver or trim tool to remove the push clips securing the splash shield, and move it aside.
Step 2: Position Your Oil Drain Pan
Locate the oil drain plug and position your drain pan underneath it. Use your ratchet and 14mm socket to loosen the drain plug. Take it the rest of the way out by hand, and let the oil drain completely.
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Do It Right: You can also remove the oil fill cap on the engine to allow oil to drain more quickly. |
Step 3: Locate the Old Filter
While the oil drains, you can access the oil filter in the passenger fender well by removing the push clips on the panel covering it, and moving the panel aside. Position shop towels or rags below the filter before you unscrew it. Or, wait until the oil has drained and move your pan under it to catch the excess oil.
Step 4: Access Old Filter Through Passenger Fender Well
Use a filter wrench if necessary, and remove the filter by turning it counterclockwise. Make sure the old O-ring came off with the filter when you removed it. Once all the oil has drained, use a shop towel or rag to wipe down the filter mounting area, the drain plug, and the drain port on the oil pan.
Step 5: Install A New Crush Washer
Install a new crush washer on your drain plug, and thread the plug into place by hand. Use a torque wrench and your 14mm socket to tighten the drain plug to 25 foot-pounds.
Step 6: Install Your New Oil Filter
Lubricate the O-ring on your new oil filter with some fresh engine oil. Spin the filter into place until it's seated against the block. Then, give it two-thirds of a turn to secure and seal it.
Step 7: Secure Passenger Fender Well
Secure the panel covering the oil filter using the push clips you removed earlier. Once the drain plug and new filter are secure, if you haven't already, remove the oil fill cap.
Step 8: Add Fresh Motor Oil
Add 4.8 quarts of 0W-20 motor oil. This car has over seventy-five thousand miles, so we'll be using Syntec Full Synthetic High Mileage. Once the oil level is refilled, replace the oil fill cap.
Remove the drain pan from underneath the car. Reattach the splash shield using the push clips you removed earlier. Remove the jack stands, lower the front end, and remove the wheel chocks.
Step 9: Check Your Fluids
Now, find the engine oil dipstick, remove it, and use a shop towel or rag to wipe it off. Insert the dipstick again, and check it to make sure the oil level is within the safe operating range indicated on the dipstick.
Step 10: Start Your Vehicle
Before closing the hood, start the engine and let it run until it's warm. Check under the front end for any leaks. Turn the engine off, and use the dipstick to check the oil level once more. If everything looks good, close the hood.
Step 11: Reset Oil Indicator Levels
To reset your oil change notification: Press the 'MENU' button... and use the arrow buttons to navigate to 'SETTINGS.' From there, you can select the menu to adjust the distance until the next oil change, or reset the automatic reminder.
Regularly changing the oil in your Nissan Altima according to the information and recommendations in your owners manual protects your engine from friction and wear, and keeps your vehicle performing as it should. Going too long between oil changes can result in a clogged or dirty oil filter or contaminated oil, reducing your engine’s performance and leading to engine damage or catastrophic engine failure. Following these steps and video instructions can help you complete your oil change quickly and easily. For more useful information about choosing the right oil for your vehicle, or to learn more about synthetic oil vs conventional oil, visit our How-To Hub.
The automotive repair work depicted in this series is performed under the direction of the manufacturer of the product featured. Prior to undertaking any of the demonstrated repairs on your vehicle, we suggest you consult with a certified mechanic or another professional who can adequately advise you of the proper repair or remedy required. O’Reilly Automotive Stores, Inc. and its affiliates (“O’Reilly”) disclaims any responsibility for injury or damage resulting from a viewer’s attempt to recreate the repairs shown in this series.