Ensure your 2016 Nissan Sentra runs as good as new for as long as possible by keeping up with regular oil changes. With an engine oil capacity of 4.2 quarts, you’ll need to buy 5 quarts of oil to perform an oil change yourself.

The Nissan Sentra leads the pack in compact sedans when it comes to value. The highest trim level, which is loaded with features, had a starting price hovering around $25,400 when purchasing it brand new in 2016.

Annual maintenance adds to overall car expenses, though. So if you’re hoping to save a bit of money, you can always complete your oil changes at home. But you’ll need to have the right tools and knowledge to get the job done.

Read on for a guide to the 2016 Nissan Sentra engine oil capacity, as well as some tips for a DIY oil change.

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2016 Nissan Sentra engine oil capacity

The 2016 Nissan Sentra has an engine oil capacity of 4.2 quarts or 4 liters.

Every version of the Sentra is powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, though that 1.8 liters refers to the amount of space the engine takes up (also known as engine displacement). This is, of course, different from the engine oil capacity, which is the amount of oil needed for an oil change.

What kind of oil does a 2016 Nissan Sentra need?

A lot of engine oil options are available on the market. Make sure you select one that is compatible with your car.

For a 2016 Nissan Sentra, you’re best off using full synthetic SAE 0W-20 oil, though you can also use 5W-20 full synthetic oil in a pinch.

If you’re not familiar with how oil is named, that’s okay! Here’s a brief explanation:

The numbers represent the viscosity of the oil at certain temperatures

The “W” stands for winter, which means the number next to it denotes the oil’s viscosity in cold temperatures

SAE simply stands for Society of Automotive Engineers, which is the group that codes oil viscosity

The 0 before the W in this case, means that the oil has a very low viscosity at temperatures of 0°F. The 20 means the viscosity is higher, though it is still relatively thin, on the other end of the temperature spectrum at 212°F.

This means 0W-20 oil can hold up to both low and high temperatures, which protects your engine from wear and tear.

You’ll also notice

Nissan

specifies that the Sentra should only be given full synthetic oil. While this is a bit more expensive, it offers more longevity than synthetic blends or conventional oil. Plus, since they are manmade, synthetic oils are less likely to contain sediment that can build up in an engine.

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How often to change the oil on a 2016 Nissan Sentra

So, how often do you have to change the synthetic oil in your Nissan Sentra? Not as often as conventional oil.

While using conventional oil means you need to complete a change every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, synthetic oil only needs to be changed every 7,500 to 10,000 miles.

If you don’t drive very often, you should be changing your oil at least once a year to be sure it stays clean even if you aren’t hitting those mileage markers.

There are some tell-tale signs that it's time to change your engine oil, too. If you notice one or more of the following, it's probably time for an oil change:

Dark brown or black oil

Coarse engine oil

Knocking or shaking coming from the engine

The smell of oil, smoke, or burning

Changes in performance

Check engine oil light is on

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How to change your oil and oil filter

If it is time to change your oil, you have two choices: You can either take it to your local mechanic, where an

oil and oil filter change will likely cost

between $40 and $100, or you can do it yourself at home, which may save you money if you have the tools already.

Here's what you’ll need for an oil change:

A socket wrench

A drain pan

A filter wrench

A replacement filter

A new washer

4.2 quarts of 0W-20 engine oil

First, you’ll need to make sure you’re parked on a level surface. Run your car for a few minutes so that it reaches operating temperature. Then, remove the oil filler cap, place a drain pan under the drain plug, and use a wrench to remove the drain plug.

The oil should begin draining into the pan at this point. Once it is done, replace the drain plug and secure it with a new washer. Finally, refill the engine oil, and replace the oil filler cap.

You should also change your engine oil filter (at the very least every other time you have your oil changed). To do this, follow these steps after you drain the oil:

Loosen the oil filter with the oil filter wrench, then remove it completely by turning it counterclockwise by hand

Use a clean rag to wipe the engine oil filter sealing surface

Use new engine oil to coat the gasket on the new filter

Screw on the new oil filter

After this, resume the steps of changing the engine oil. Once you’re all done, run the car for a few minutes to check for leaks, and check the final oil levels using the dipstick. Add more oil if necessary

Remember not to dump dirty oil into the trash or onto the ground, where it can seriously pollute the environment. Instead, bring it to a nearby recycling center in a sealed container.

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