To replace the power steering fluid in your 2012 Nissan Altima, take off the black reservoir cap, drain the old fluid, and fill the reservoir with fluid.
Is your steering wheel feeling stiff or hard to turn, or making loud squeaking or screeching noises each time you turn it? If you’ve recently noticed these symptoms, or it’s been over three years since you last replaced the power steering fluid in your Nissan Altima, it’s probably time to replace it!
Unsure about whether you should do this job from home, or how to do it? Don’t worry—Jerry
, the car insurance
shopping and comparison super app has all the answers! We’ll go over how to change your power steering fluid at home, what kind of power steering fluid you should purchase, and how often you should do this regular maintenance job. Plus, we'll drop some tips that could save you hundreds on Nissan Altima insurance costs
. How do I replace my 2012 Nissan Altima’s power steering fluid?
Fortunately, replacing your Nissan Altima’s power steering fluid at home is a quick and easy job, whether you’re a car maintenance expert or a beginner. Just follow these four simple steps:
Open your car’s hood and find the power steering fluid reservoir. You’ll see the power steering fluid reservoir on the far left of the engine. Its black cap should read “PSF” for power steering fluid.
Drain the power steering fluid from the reservoir using a pump, like a shampoo or soap bottle dispenser. Use the pump as you normally would to empty the reservoir and catch the old fluid in a container.
Fill the reservoir with new power steering fluid. You can use a funnel to make this step easier!
Replace the cap, ensuring it’s screwed on tightly. Close the hood of your car.
And you’re good to go! You’re ready to drive your Nissan
safely again. If you’d like to do a more thorough job from your driveway, add two more steps into this fluid replacement process: Disconnect your fluid line.
Drain the entire system. The last few fluid drops in the line can be removed from the line by gently shaking the steering wheel back and forth.
Does this job sound like more than you signed up for, or are you uninterested in replacing your Nissan’s power steering fluid from home? Don’t sweat it—you don’t have to do this job yourself if you don’t want to. You can always take your car to a repair shop or mobile mechanic
instead. Let's look at the advantages and disadvantages of having a pro work on your car! Should I change it myself or take it to a mechanic?
Deciding on whether you should change your Altima’s power steering fluid yourself or take it to a trusted mechanic comes down to two questions: are you nervous or unsure about performing this task at home, and are you okay with paying around $120 for someone else to do it?
If you answered a resounding yes to both of these questions, you’re likely better off bringing your Altima to a mechanic you trust and having them perform a professional power steering fluid service
. On the flip side, if you aren’t worried about doing this job correctly and want to save some money, you should replace your power steering fluid yourself! You’ll have to purchase new fluid for your car priced around $10-$20, but the entire process should only take you about an hour.
MORE: How to check and add power steering fluid
Which power steering fluid is best for a 2012 Nissan Altima?
There are a ton of reliable, high-quality power steering fluids on the market, so it can be tough to narrow down the one you should purchase.
For great quality at an even better price point, we love Prestone’s power steering fluid
. This power steering fluid is a popular pick for many brands like Honda
, Infiniti
, and Toyota
. Here’s a comparative table of our top power steering fluid choices for your Nissan Altima:
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Peak Full Synthetic Asian | | |
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4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ drivers When do I need to replace my 2012 Nissan Altima power steering fluid?
To stay on top of your Nissan’s steering system before problems crop up, you should replace your power steering fluid every three years or 30,000 miles, whichever passes first. Maintaining a power steering fluid replacement routine keeps you safe on the roads. Plus, it’ll prolong your car’s lifespan and keep it running smoothly for years to come.
You might experience steering issues or strange noises, which tell you that it's time to change your power steering fluid sooner than you anticipated. Keep an eye out for these signs that your car needs new power steering fluid:
When you turn, you may hear screeching or squealing noises
Steering is harder than it used to be
Your power steering fluid has bubbles in it
The fluid's color has changed from clear to yellow
Put a basic car maintenance schedule
in place to make sure your power steering fluid is replaced regularly to avoid complications and keep your car running smoothly. How to save money on Nissan Insurance
Changing your power steering fluid at regular intervals will help your car last for years, but car ownership isn't just about upkeep. You'll also need to find a quality insurance policy. And thanks to Jerry
, doing this is easier than ever. It’s this simple: download Jerry's trustworthy super app
or go to getjerry.com. In less than 45 seconds, Jerry collects all of your information from your existing insurer. Choose from competitive quotes from top car insurance
companies and Jerry takes care of the rest—securing your new policy and helping you cancel your old one upon request. And the savings are real: by comparing quotes and switching providers, the average Jerry user saves over $800 per year on car insurance expenses.
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