The 2017 Nissan Altima 2.5 needs slightly less oil than a 3.5L. But for either model, it’s easy to do an oil change yourself. Here’s what you need to know to keep your Altima running smoothly with regular oil changes.

This midsize sedan has been a popular choice for commuters since the 1990s. With sleek styling, an optional V6 engine, and an affordable MSRP, what’s not to love about the 2017 Altima?

Sticking to a regular

car maintenance schedule

is the easiest way to keep car ownership costs low (and prevent expensive problems). At the top of the maintenance list is oil changes, and ultimately, your vehicle’s performance depends on you! Here’s what you need to know about your 2017 Nissan Altima 2.5’s engine oil capacity.

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2017 Nissan Altima engine oil capacity

Before you get your hands dirty, there’s one important question that needs answering: how much engine oil does a 2017 Nissan Altima 2.5 need?

Your 2.5L engine needs 4.9 quarts of engine oil (this includes the filter).

Remember, 2.5L refers to your engine’s displacement. This is different from your oil capacity. When it’s time for an oil change, you will need 4.9 quarts of engine oil to quench your Nissan Altima’s thirst.

What kind of oil does a 2017 Nissan Altima need?

You know you need 4.9 quarts, but you don’t know what kind of oil. Not all engine oils are the same. Do not grab the first bottle with the nicest logo at the gas station!

Nissan recommends that you use synthetic Genuine Nissan Motor Oil with an 0W-20 rating.

It’s critical to stick to the manufacturer’s recommendation as far as the rating goes. However, you’ll be fine with another brand so long as it’s a premium-grade synthetic oil rated to 0W-20.

What does this rating actually mean? Oil ratings tell you how viscous (thick or thin) the oil becomes at certain temperatures.

In the 0W-20 rating, the “W” refers to winter. The 0 in front of the W tells you that the oil has very low viscosity at 0°F, while the number 20 means that it’s also relatively thin at 212°F. Low viscosity is great for engines because it reduces wear and tear.

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How often to change oil on a 2017 Nissan Altima

You’re basically an expert now! It’s time to roll up your sleeves and put what you’ve learned about your 2017 Nissan Altima 2.5 oil capacity to work. It’s time to

change your oil and filter

Nissan recommends that you do an oil change every 10,000 miles. That’s about every six months, depending on your driving habits. Synthetic oil lasts for a lot longer than conventional oil—so don’t feel like you have to follow your grandma’s advice about getting oil changes more often than you actually need them!

You should check your oil level regularly. Many drivers check the oil once a month when refueling, just to keep an eye on things. You’re checking to see if there is enough oil and if it’s still good quality.

Here are some signs you may need an oil change:

Motor oil is dark in color (clean oil is light amber)

Motor oil looks gritty (clean oil is free from debris)

Odd noises coming from the engine

Burning or smoky smells

Worsening performance

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How to change your oil and oil filter

If you’re doing the oil change yourself, gather a few essential items. You will need a new filter, a socket wrench, a 14mm socket, a flathead screwdriver, an oil filter wrench, eye protection, gloves, a clean rag, an oil pan, and five quarts of 0W-20 synthetic engine oil.

Park the car in a safe place and set the parking brake. Before you pop the hood, run the engine for a few minutes. Once it reaches normal operating temperature, shut off the car. Open the hood and put on your protective gear.

Here’s how to do an oil change on a 2017 Nissan Altima:

Place the oil pan underneath and completely remove the oil drain bolt

Remove the oil filler cap to help the old oil drain out

Replace the drain bolt and tighten it to about 25 lb-ft of torque

Remove the old oil filter using your flathead screwdriver on the rivets and your oil wrench

Install the new filter, coating the O-ring lightly first

Screw it onto the engine block until it’s finger-tight and then go ⅓ of a turn farther

Reinsert the rivets

Top up with oil

Replace the oil filler cap

Now it’s time to check your work! Run the engine and watch for leaks. After a few minutes, use the dipstick to confirm that the oil level is appropriate. Add more oil if necessary.

The last step is to safely dispose of old engine oil. Put it in a sealed container and ask your local recycling center where you should deposit it. Do not dump dirty engine oil down the drain or in the trash.

That’s it! You just saved yourself about $100 by doing an oil change on your own.

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