Nissan Altima Quiz
Technical data and consumer information

Engine oil and oil filter recommendations

In this manual: Technical data and consumer information
Foreword — 1Nissan Customer Assistance Program — 1Illustrated Table of Contents — 8Safety - Seats, Seat Belts and Supplemental Restraint System — 28Controls and instruments — 50Pre-Start Checks and Adjustments — 43Monitor, Climate, Audio, Phone and Voice Recognition Systems — 90Starting and driving — 37In an Emergency — 12Appearance and care — 17Maintenance and owner do-it-yourself — 37Technical data and consumer information — 24Using the multi-function display — 1Start-up Display — 1Settings — 1Multi-function display warnings and indicators — 1Changing the Display — 1How to Park Using the Predicted Course Lines — 1Screen Settings — 1Driving tips — 1Moving Object Detection System (if equipped) — 1Blind Spot Warning System Operation — 1Blind Spot Warning system driving situations — 1Lane Departure Warning system operation — 1Camera Maintenance — 1Headlights — 1Fog Lights (if equipped) — 1Parking Lights and Turn Signal Lights — 1
~3min read

Modèles à moteur VQ35DE
VQ35DE engine models

Selecting the correct engine oil

Choosing engine oil of the correct category, quality and viscosity is essential to maintain engine durability and performance. See "Recommended Fluids and Capacities" in this chapter. NISSAN recommends using an energy-conserving oil to improve fuel economy.

Only use engine oils certified by the American Petroleum Institute (API) or the International Lubricant Standardization and Approval Committee (ILSAC) and that meet the SAE viscosity standard. These oils carry the API certification mark on the front of the container.

Use only oil bearing the specified quality label. Using non-certified oil may damage the engine.

Oil additives

NISSAN does not recommend the use of oil additives. Using an oil additive is unnecessary when the correct type of oil is used and the maintenance schedule is followed.

Never use used oil or oil that may contain foreign matter.

Oil viscosity

Engine oil viscosity, or thickness, varies with temperature. It is therefore important to select the engine oil viscosity according to the temperatures the vehicle will be operated in until the next oil change. Using engine oil with a viscosity other than the recommended one may cause serious engine damage.

Choosing the correct oil filter

Your new NISSAN vehicle is equipped with a high-quality genuine NISSAN oil filter.

Replace it with a genuine NISSAN filter or an equivalent for the reasons stated in "Change Intervals".

Change intervals

Engine oil and oil filter change intervals for your engine are based on the use of oils and filters of the specified quality. Using lower-quality engine oil or filters, or exceeding the change intervals, may reduce engine life. Any engine damage caused by improper maintenance, by using oil of an inadequate viscosity, or by using a poor-quality filter is not covered by the NISSAN New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

Your engine was filled at the factory with high-quality engine oil. It is not necessary to drain the engine oil before the first recommended interval. Engine oil and filter change intervals vary depending on how the vehicle is used.

If you operate your vehicle under the following conditions, you will need to change the engine oil and replace the filter more often:

  • Repeated short trips in cold weather
  • Driving on dusty roads
  • Extended periods of idling
  • Towing a trailer
  • City driving

See the "NISSAN Maintenance and Repair Guide" for the scheduled maintenance program.

Test yourself

A quick Nissan Altima quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.