is an affordable, fuel-efficient compact car that’s great for any driver. If you’re a Nissan Versa owner, you need to stay on top of changing your engine oil to keep your car running at peak performance.

Oil changes are one of the top priorities for car owners, as regular oil changes are crucial for keeping your car healthy. To perform an oil change, there’s a lot of information you need—first and foremost, how much engine oil does your Nissan Versa hold?

For the answer to this and other crucial questions, read on.

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2011 Nissan Versa engine oil capacity

The Nissan Versa has an engine oil capacity of 4.3 quarts in its 2.8L engine and an oil capacity of 3.2 quarts in its 1.6L engine. You’ll need to know this number when changing your oil, as this is how much oil you can pour in after draining the old oil.

The 2011 Nissan Versa has either a 1.6L 4-cylinder or a 1.8L 4-cylinder, depending on what trim level you drive. This gives the Versa a total horsepower of either 107 or 122. It’s worth noting that the 1.6L is the engine’s displacement, not the oil capacity. Engine displacement is the total volume the engine’s cylinders take up and is a different number than the car’s engine oil capacity.

What kind of oil does a 2011 Nissan Versa need?

You also need to know what type of engine oil to pour into your 2011 Nissan Versa. For the Nissan Versa, you’ll need to fill your engine with full synthetic oil. Synthetic oil is tailor-made from chemicals to last longer and enhance engine performance.

More specifically, you’ll want 5W-30 engine oil. These numbers refer to the engine oil’s viscosity (thickness) at certain temperatures. The first number, next to the W, is its viscosity at cold temperatures. The second number is its viscosity at normal engine operating temperatures. The higher the number, the slower the oil will flow.

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Ultimate FRAM oil filter guide

How often to change oil on a 2011 Nissan Versa

You will want to change your engine oil every 5,000 miles.

Conventional oil needs to be changed every 3,000 miles to remain effective. Since the 2011 Nissan Versa takes synthetic oil, it can make it longer between oil changes. While some synthetic oils can make it 7,5000 to 10,000 miles between changes, Nissan recommends an oil change every 5,000 miles to keep your Versa in peak condition.

However, there are certain warning signs that indicate you need to change your oil, regardless of how long it’s been since your last oil change. Be on the lookout for the following symptoms:

Motor oil that needs changing is dark brown or black (Clean oil is light brown or amber, like a cup of tea. Dirty oil is like a cup of soda.)

Motor oil feels coarse or gritty

Unfamiliar noises

coming from the engine

New smells, especially anything that smells like oil, smoke, or burning

Changes in your vehicle’s performance

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How to check and decode a Nissan VIN

How to change your oil and oil filter

If it's time to change your engine oil, consider changing it yourself at home! This will save you money on ownership costs.

All you need is a bottle of synthetic oil, a new oil filter, a socket wrench, a drain pan, and a filter wrench.

Before you start, let your car run for a few minutes so the engine reaches normal operating temperature. Let your car cool down a bit and wear gloves while changing your oil to protect your skin against the hot surfaces.

It may also be helpful to jack your car up for easy access.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to changing your oil:

Remove the oil fill cap. Do this first because if you can’t get it off after you drain your old oil your car will be stuck.

Remove the oil drain bolt and washer from under the engine. This will drain the old oil into the drain pan.

While the oil drains, remove the old

oil filter

and install the new filter.

Once the oil fully drains, replace the oil drain bolt with a new washer.

Refill the engine with fresh oil through the oil fill hole.

Once you’ve got enough engine oil, replace the fill cap.

Run your car for a moment to check for leaks or performance issues. With that, you’re good to go!

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.

Make sure you dispose of your old oil correctly, however—don’t just dump it or leave it in the trash. You need to bring the oil in a sealed container to your local recycling plant.

Don’t forget regular insurance policy maintenance

Once you change your engine oil, you should take a few minutes to see if it's time to change your car insurance as well! To check if you’re getting the best possible deal on your car insurance, you need to go comparison shopping with

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