The 2017 Nissan Altima SR has an oil capacity of 4.8 quarts. To cut down on car-related expenses, you can learn to change the oil on your own! Be sure to change your Altima SR’s oil regularly to keep your car running smoothly.

Changing your car’s oil yourself isn’t too complicated, but you definitely want to do it correctly to avoid causing damage to your car’s engine. One important thing you need to know before you get started: Your Nissan’s oil capacity and oil type.

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2017 Nissan Altima SR oil capacity

There’s no better way to find out your Nissan Altima SR’s oil capacity than consulting the owner’s manual. But, if you can’t seem to find it, it’s ok—we’ve got answers.

The 2017 Nissan Altima SR has an oil capacity of 4.8 quarts. Pay attention to this number, as overfilling the engine could result in engine damage.

What kind of oil does a 2017 Nissan Altima SR need?

Another helpful tidbit of information that’s in your owner’s manual is the kind of oil your Altima SR takes. Nissan recommends that you only use fully synthetic oil over conventional oil in your Altima SR.

The use of Genuine Nissan Motor Oil 0W-20 SN is recommended. This viscosity—or thickness—of oil is great for both very cold and very warm temperatures. If you live in an area that gets freezing in the winter, you won’t need to worry about how this type of oil will behave in your Altima SR.

MORE:

2017 Nissan Altima SR oil change intervals

One of the benefits of using fully synthetic oil is that it’s better for your car and requires changing less often. While conventional oil calls for changing every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, that mileage number bumps up to 7,500 to 10,000 miles with synthetic oil.

That being said, you should still be checking your car’s oil regularly as part of your

basic car maintenance schedule

. If you don’t drive often, use the dipstick to make sure your oil isn’t getting sludgy inside the engine or doesn’t need to be topped off before you drive somewhere.

If you hear atypical sounds coming from your engine as you drive—don’t crank up the music. This is your engine’s way of signaling something may be amiss. The same goes for any unusual smells of oil or smoke, or changes in your Nissan’s driving performance.

If you suspect you have an engine problem—don’t wait. It’s best to address engine issues right away by consulting a professional mechanic.

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2017 Nissan Altima SR: how to change oil

Ready to

change the oil and filter

on your 2017 Nissan Altima SR? The first step is getting together everything you’ll need to successfully change your Altima SR’s oil. To make it easier, we’ve put together a list of necessary items:

Car jack and jack stands

Work gloves

Oil filter

12-inch oil filter pliers

Ratchet with 14mm socket

Oil drain pan

4.8 quarts of engine oil

Funnel

It’s recommended that you also replace your oil filter when you change your Nissan’s oil. They are fairly cheap to buy and not difficult to change. Ready to begin?

To start, lift the front of your Altima SR with the jack and secure it on the jack stands.

Time to put your gloves on—the oil will be dirty.

Run your car for a few minutes to warm up the oil and remove the dipstick and oil cap. This helps the oil flow better.

Jack up your vehicle and carefully position it on the jack stands.

Use your ratchet and socket to loosen the oil filter plug underneath the car. Make sure your oil pan is positioned below the panel to catch the oil as it flows out.

After the oil has drained, replace the oil filter plug by hand, and gently secure it with the ratchet, making sure not to overtighten the plug.

Remove the plastic access panel covering the oil filter. Unscrew the oil filter by hand, or use the oil filter pliers if it's fastened too tight.

Before installing the new oil filter, coat the seal with fresh oil to ensure it seals tightly and doesn’t leak.

Pour the old oil into a sealed container and dispose of it at a local recycling facility.

Fill your Nissan with new oil. Use your dipstick to check the levels and prevent overfilling.

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.

You did it! And you just saved a bunch of money, considering that the average synthetic oil change for a 2017 Nissan Altima SR costs between $102 and $111.

MORE:

Is a Nissan hybrid worth it?

How to save money on Nissan insurance

Changing the oil on your 2017 Nissan Altima SR isn’t the only way to

save money on your car expenses

. Getting a quality car insurance policy at an affordable price will also help you save. When it comes to finding a great deal, there’s no better resource than

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