The Nissan Frontier 4.0 is as good as it gets when it comes to robust horsepower and class-topping torque. To keep the power going behind the Frontier’s 4.0L V6 engine, you’ll need 5.4 quarts of 5W-30 motor oil.

Odds are you crossed paths with a reliable Frontier because you’re a road warrior with big adventures on the horizon. Owning a truck of this caliber can certainly enhance your life—and your expenses to keep it maintained. Thankfully, it’s simple to take on servicing your Frontier’s oil at home as long as you have the space and tools to do it yourself.

If you’ve lost the owner’s manual with all the details on a DIY oil change, don’t fret! We’ve got all you need to know about the Nissan Frontier 4.0’s engine oil capacity and how to take an oil change into your own hands.

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Nissan Frontier 4.0 engine oil capacity

Nissan Frontiers with 4.0L V6 engines have an oil capacity of 5.4 quarts (5.1 liters). You’ll need this amount every time you pop the hood to do an oil change.

The 5.1-liter oil capacity is not to be mixed up with the 4.0-liter engine displacement. The displacement is the volume taken up by the engine’s cylinders. Make sure to distinguish engine oil capacity from engine displacement to avoid adding too much or too little oil to your engine.

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What kind of oil does a Nissan Frontier 4.0 need?

Once you have the oil capacity down, it’s time to shop for the right oil. Your Nissan Frontier 4.0 won’t take just any old oil can—you’ll need SAE 5W-30 motor oil.

What exactly does that code name mean? The letters and numbers represent how the oil performs at different temperatures in terms of viscosity. Let’s break it down:

SAE stands for the Society of Automotive Engineers—the group that codes oil for quality standards

The “W” stands for “Winter” and the number “5” represents its performance in cold weather

The number “30” indicates the oil’s performance at higher temperatures

Your best bet is to refer to your owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s recommended oil type, which is Genuine Nissan 5W-30 Engine Oil in this case. Prefer to use synthetic oil? That’s fine, too—as long as it meets the same requirements.

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How often to change the oil in a Nissan Frontier 4.0

The owner’s manual recommends changing the car’s oil and oil filter every 3,000 to 5,000 miles to keep it in tip-top shape.

You don’t necessarily have to keep track of it yourself, though. Most modern cars have maintenance alert lights on the dashboard that illuminate when it’s time for an oil change. This is why it’s important to reset the maintenance alerts if you’re changing your oil.

No automated alert is flawless, so it’s a good idea to check your oil once a month to be sure it’s good to go. Here are some other signs your oil could be due for a change, just in case:

The oil is dark brown (instead of amber-colored, clean oil)

The oil has a gritty texture

Your engine has unusual noises coming from it

Odd smells are noticeable in your car

Your car’s drivability is impaired

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How to change your oil and oil filter

Once you’re sure your Frontier is up for an oil change, it’s time to get your tools together. Grab a socket wrench, a drain pan, and a filter wrench to remove the old oil filter. You’ll also need a replacement filter and 5W-30 engine oil.

From there, follow these steps:

Run the engine until it reaches operating temperature, turn it off, and wait 15 minutes

Raise and support the vehicle using a suitable floor jack and safety jack stands

Place a large drain pan under the drain plug and oil filter, and remove the oil filler cap

Remove the drain plug with a wrench by turning it counterclockwise and drain the oil

Loosen the oil filter with an oil filter wrench by turning it counterclockwise

Remove the oil filter—turn it by hand

Coat the gasket on the new filter with clean engine oil.

Screw in the oil filter clockwise until you feel a slight resistance

Clean and re-install the drain plug with a new washer

Refill the engine with new oil through the oil filler opening and install the oil filler cap

Wait a few minutes, then start the engine and check for leaks

Check the oil level with the dipstick

After that, you should be ready to hit the road—almost. Make sure to lower the vehicle and dispose of the old oil responsibly instead of dumping or tossing it with the regular trash. Check your local regulations as to where to take it.

MORE: How much should an oil change cost?

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