The 2017 Nissan Pathfinder is a solid pick among three-row midsize SUVs, combining comfort, style, safety, and value. But if you want optimal performance from your Pathfinder, knowing its engine oil capacity is key—and it’s 5.1 quarts.

While a Nissan might not be the epitome of luxury, that doesn’t always mean that car expenses come cheap. Insurance costs and maintenance fees can quickly add up. However, if you’re behind the wheel of a 2017 Nissan Pathfinder, changing your oil at home is a simple way to cut car costs—just be sure to check your owner’s manual before to ensure you have the right oil and capacity for your vehicle.

Can’t find the manual? Don’t sweat it. If you’re looking for all the details on your 2017 Nissan Pathfinder’s engine oil capacity,

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2017 Nissan Pathfinder engine oil capacity

Let’s start with the most important question: How much engine oil does a 2017 Nissan Pathfinder need?

The Nissan Pathfinder’s 3.5-liter V-6 engine has an oil capacity of 5.1 quarts or 4.8 liters. When looking at engine oil capacity, don’t be confused by the 3.5-liter engine—that number is the displacement, or the volume of the engine’s cylinders, whereas engine oil capacity is how much oil is required at each oil change. Engine displacement is not the same as oil capacity.

What kind of oil does a 2017 Nissan Pathfinder need?

Once you figure out how much oil your Pathfinder needs, the next step is determining what oil you need. Engine oil isn’t standard across the board, and some engines have different requirements. To keep your 2017 Pathfinder in top shape, look for a premium grade full synthetic 0W-20 motor oil.

Your owner’s manual should recommend NISSAN Motor Oil 0W-20 SN, but you can also use something like Mobil 1 - Advanced Fuel Economy 0W-20 Full Synthetic Motor Oil. Alternatively, you can also use a high-mileage 0W-20 full synthetic motor oil or an extended-performance 5W-20 full synthetic motor oil.

But what exactly do these numbers mean?

The numbers in the oil grade refer to the oil’s viscosity, or how thick it is, while the “W” stands for winter certification. The number 0 tells us that the oil has a low viscosity at 0 degrees F, while the number 20 means that it has a higher viscosity (i.e., it’s thinner) at higher temperatures.

Simply put, these are the ideal ratings for the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder because it means your oil will perform well in cold weather conditions, and lower viscosity means less wear and tear on your engine.

But there’s another piece to the puzzle—synthetic motor oil. Most vehicle manufacturers, including Nissan, will recommend synthetic motor oil for your engine because it offers greater engine protection, a cleaner engine, better viscosity, and turbocharger protection.

MORE:

Ultimate FRAM oil filter guide

How often to change oil on a 2017 Nissan Pathfinder

Now that you know the type and quantity of oil you’ll need for your 2017 Nissan Pathfinder, it’s time to

change your oil

But before you get started, check when the last time your oil was changed. Nissan recommends changing your oil and filter every 3,000 to 5,000 miles if using conventional oil and every 7,500 to 10,000 miles if using synthetic oil. However, if you’re putting heavy mileage on your vehicle, you may consider getting your oil changed every six months.

The ranges for engine oil changes are pretty big, so checking your oil levels regularly is a better benchmark for when you need it changed. Once a month, check your oil levels and look for the following signs that your oil needs to be changed:

“Change engine oil” light is on (the most obvious sign)

Motor oil that needs changing is dark brown or black (clean oil is light brown or amber)

The engine oil level is closer to the minimum line on the dipstick

Motor oil feels gritty

Unfamiliar engine noises

Changes in your vehicle’s performance

MORE:

The Most Common Nissan Problems

How to change your oil and oil filter

If you’ve never done an oil change before, performing one might be daunting—but don’t sweat, it’s simple! Before starting, collect your materials:

Socket wrench

Drain pan

Filter wrench

Replacement engine oil filter

6 quarts of premium 0W-20 engine oil

Once you have everything, start your car and let your engine run until it reaches normal operating temperature. In normal weather, this should only take a few minutes. Once your car is at the right temperature, turn off the engine, open the vehicle’s hood, and follow these steps:

Remove the oil fill cap

Get underneath the engine and remove the oil drain bolt and washer, and let the oil drain into the drain pan (about five minutes) until the flow has slowed to a trickle

Remove the old oil filter and let the remaining oil drain

Install the new filter

Replace the drain plug and tighten it until snug (overtightening can damage the oil pan and drain plug)

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

Use the dipstick to check that the oil is at the correct level

Once you’ve completed your oil change, turn on your Pathfinder and let it idle and warm up. Check for any leaks under the vehicle and around the oil filter. If the

oil pressure light

on your dashboard was illuminated, confirm that it has turned off.

Don’t forget regular insurance policy maintenance

Once you’ve completed all these steps, your Pathfinder is ready to hit the ground running! Keeping up with

regular maintenance

—which includes oil changes at regular intervals—is one of the easiest ways to

save money on car expenses

. But did you know there’s also an easy way to save money on

car insurance

Say hello to

Jerry

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