The 2020 Nissan Sentra is an easy-to-love sedan with a comfortable interior, a light-as-air ride, and a more powerful engine than its predecessors. If you want to keep yours running like new for as long as possible, you’ll need to keep up with regular oil changes.

We have just what you need to get the job done. Read on for information about oil recommendations, when to do an oil change, and how to change your oil yourself.

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2020 Nissan Sentra engine oil capacity

Whether you opt for the

, or

trim of the 2020 Nissan Sentra, the engine oil capacity is the same: 4.3 quarts, or 4.1 liters.

You will likely hear a different number thrown around in conversation about the Sentra: 2.0 liter. This number, however, refers to the engine displacement—in other words, the amount of room your engine’s cylinders take up. The engine oil capacity, however, refers to the amount of oil you need for an oil change.

What kind of oil does a 2020 Nissan Sentra need?

So you need 4.3 quarts of oil for your Nissan Sentra. The next question is, of course, what kind?

According to the Sentra owner’s manual, your best bet is Genuine Nissan Synthetic Oil 0W-20. If you’re wondering what all those letters and numbers mean, let’s break it down: the numbers represent the viscosity of the oil; in other words, how thick it is.

The placement of the numbers and the W after the 0 also have a meaning: they indicate temperature. The “W” stands for winter, so 0 is the viscosity of the oil at a low temperature of 0°F. The 20 stands for its viscosity in hot temperatures at 212°F. The lower the number, the lower the viscosity, and the thinner the oil.

If you can’t find this particular oil, you can also use a synthetic 0W-20 GF-5 oil. This oil also performs well at low and high temperatures thanks to its low viscosity.

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How often to change the oil on a 2020 Nissan Sentra

Once you have everything you need to change your oil, your next step is to get under the hood and get the job done. If you’re wondering if it's time to change your oil, there are a few rules of thumb to guide you.

Nissan recommends changing your oil once every 5,000 miles or so, but if you don’t drive very often, you can assume it's a good idea to change your oil at least every six months.

If you’re using the recommended synthetic oil, you may be able to stretch it a bit longer, as experts recommend that you change that type of oil every 7,500 miles.

You should also check your oil regularly with your dipstick to be sure it is at a healthy level, and watch for these signs that you're due for an oil change:

Dark brown or black motor oil

Coarse or gritty oil

Strange noises from the engine

The smell of burning or smoke from the engine

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How to change your oil and oil filter

When it is time to change your oil and oil filter, you’ll need to gather your 0W-20 oil, along with:

A socket wrench

A drain pan

A filter wrench

To get started, run your engine for a bit to get it up to a normal running temperature. Then shut off the engine, pop the hood, and remove the oil fill cap. From here, you’ll need to get under the engine and follow these steps:

Remove the oil drain bolt and washer

Drain the old oil into the drain pan

Remove the old oil filter and install the new filter

Replace the oil drain bolt and use a new washer and tighten it

Fill the engine with the new oil

Replace the fill cap

After you’re finished, turn on the car for 30 seconds or so to let the new oil into the pan. Then, use your dipstick to check your oil level.

You should also run your Nissan for a while to be sure there aren’t any leaks, and check to be sure your

oil pressure light

is turned off.

To dispose of the oil, place it in a Tupperware or other sealed container, and bring it to a nearby recycling center. Dumping it on the ground, down a drain, or even in a trash can may contaminate the environment.

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