The 2018 Nissan Pathfinder is a versatile, roomy, and decently fuel-efficient vehicle. It’s no wonder why so many drivers choose it as their everyday car. As with any other car, though, your

Nissan

is going to need regular maintenance—so you’re going to need to know its engine oil capacity.

There’s a reason why regular maintenance is so important: it keeps your car running for many years to come. But it can get expensive, and sometimes, maintenance and

car repair

fees add up to a hefty price tag. That’s why so many drivers choose to do oil changes at home. But before gathering all your tools, make sure you read your owner’s manual to find your 2018 Nissan Pathfinder engine oil capacity and ideal oil type.

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, here’s a comprehensive guide to oil changes for your 2018 Nissan Pathfinder. Make sure you stick around till the end, we’ve got some tips on how you can save on

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2018 Nissan Pathfinder engine oil capacity

Before getting ahead of yourself, you’re going to need to find out how much oil your 2018 Nissan Pathfinder needs.

Your 2018 Nissan Pathfinder engine oil capacity is 5.1 quarts—not to be confused with the car’s engine displacement of 3.5 liters.

While oil capacity refers to how much oil your engine needs when you do an oil change, engine displacement tells you how much volume your vehicle’s cylinders take up. Confusing these numbers can result in damage to your Nissan’s engine, so make sure to double-check before adding your fresh engine oil!

What kind of oil does a 2018 Nissan Pathfinder need?

While it might seem like you can just add any oil you find on your local hardware store’s shelves, engines can be picky about the type they work best with. Nissan recommends that you use 0W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil when doing an oil change, and it’s best to stick with that suggestion.

This type of oil is designed to work well in colder temperatures and causes less engine damage due to its lower viscosity (i.e., thickness), so if you want to prolong your Nissan’s lifespan, using 0W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil is your best bet.

Owner's manual recommendation: Genuine NISSAN Motor Oil 0W-20 SN

MORE:

Ultimate FRAM oil filter guide

How often to change oil on a 2018 Nissan Pathfinder

Equipped with the right materials, you also need to be able to recognize when it’s time to

change your Nissan’s oil

Mechanics recommend that you change your Nissan’s oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. This range might increase if you aren’t a frequent driver or are using fully synthetic oil, but it’s best to keep an eye on your engine after every other refuel to be safe.

Here are some signs that your Nissan is due for an oil change:

The oil is dirtier (darker vs light brown when it’s clean)

The oil feels coarse or gritty between your fingertips

Sudden noises come from your engine

Strange smells (e.g., oil, smoke, or burning)

Decrease in your vehicle’s performance

MORE:

The most common Nissan problems

How to change your oil and oil filter

If you notice that you need an oil change, make sure you’ve got a socket wrench, a drain pan, and a filter wrench to remove the old filter. You’ll want to purchase a new oil filter and six quarts of 0W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil.

Follow these steps:

Let your engine run until it has warmed to normal operating temperature (this should take around five minutes in normal weather)

Turn the vehicle off and open the hood

Remove the oil fill cap and the oil drain bolt and washer (which should be under the engine)

Let the old oil drain out

Remove the old filter and wait until the oil is finished draining

Insert a new filter

Replace the oil drain bolt using a new washer and tighten it to 29 lb-ft

Refill the engine with your new oil and replace the fill cap

Run the engine for a few minutes once you’re done (keep an eye out for any leaks)

Use your dipstick as an indicator of when you’ve added enough oil to your engine. Once your

oil pressure light

turns off, you know you’ve done the oil change properly.

After changing your oil, it’s a good idea to turn on your car and let your engine run for about 30 seconds before you check the oil level. This will give you a more accurate measurement, and you’ll be able to top it off if necessary.

Last but not least—the clean-up. Don’t dump dirty oil on the ground! Instead, clean it up and gather it into a sealed container. Take it to your nearest recycling center to dispose of it properly.

Don’t forget regular insurance policy maintenance

And there you go! Saving money on vehicle maintenance is easy as pie—and so is finding the best car insurance savings with

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* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score

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