Changing the oil in your 2018 Nissan Altima SR keeps the QR25DE 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine performing at its best and prevents premature engine wear. You'll need 0W-20 synthetic oil and an oil filter replacement every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Doing this job at home takes about thirty minutes and saves you a trip to the service center.
The 2018 Altima SR features a sporty suspension and a responsive CVT paired with a standard four-cylinder engine. (Note: While some older Altima trims offered a V6, the 2018 SR model came exclusively with the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine). Because modern engines run with tight tolerances, keeping up with clean fluid is non-negotiable. Here's your complete breakdown of capacities, tools, step-by-step procedures, and common maintenance pitfalls.
Exact Oil Specifications and Capacities
Getting the fluid volume and weight right matters just as much as doing the job on time. Putting the wrong weight or amount into your crankcase leads to rough idling, decreased fuel economy, or internal component damage.
Oil Weight and Type
Nissan specifies 0W-20 full synthetic oil for the 2018 Altima SR. Full synthetic oil maintains its viscosity better across extreme temperature swings than conventional blends, flowing smoothly during freezing winter mornings and protecting internal parts during hot summer highway commutes. Look for oil meeting the API certification seal and Nissan's internal standards (often listed as Nissan NS-3 for transmission, but for engine oil, standard API SN or SP certified 0W-20 is required).
Fluid Capacity
- Crankcase capacity: 4.2 quarts (3.9 liters) with a filter change.
- Pro tip: Always buy a 5-quart jug. You'll use about 4.2 quarts, leaving you a bit left over for top-offs between services.
Tools and Materials Needed
Gather your equipment before crawling under the car to keep the process smooth and mess-free.
- 5 quarts of 0W-20 full synthetic motor oil
- OEM replacement oil filter (Nissan part #15208-65F0E or equivalent high-quality aftermarket filter like Fram or Wix)
- 14mm socket and ratchet (or wrench)
- Oil filter wrench (optional, but helpful if the previous filter was cranked on too tight)
- Drain pan
- Funnel
- Floor jack and sturdy jack stands (never crawl under a car supported only by a hydraulic jack)
- Wheel chocks
- Clean shop rags or paper towels
- Nitrile gloves
Step-by-Step Oil Change Procedure
Safety comes first. Park your Altima on a flat, level surface, engage the parking brake, and place wheel chocks behind the rear tires.
Step 1: Warm Up and Elevate
Run the engine for three to five minutes to warm the oil. Warm oil flows faster and carries more suspended contaminants out of the pan than cold oil. Turn off the engine, pop the hood, and loosen the oil filler cap slightly to allow air venting. Jack up the front of the vehicle securely and place your jack stands underneath the factory pinch weld reinforcement points.
Step 2: Drain the Old Oil
Slide your drain pan underneath the oil pan drain plug, located toward the rear of the engine block. Using your 14mm socket, loosen the plug counterclockwise. Once loose, spin it off by hand, quickly pulling your fingers away as the final threads disengage to avoid getting hot oil on your skin. Let the oil drain completely for five to ten minutes until it slows to a steady drip.
Step 3: Replace the Oil Filter
Locate the oil filter on the passenger side lower front portion of the engine block. Position your drain pan beneath it, as some oil will spill out when you remove the filter. Turn the filter counterclockwise to remove it. Inspect the old filter to ensure the black rubber O-ring gasket came off with it; sometimes, the old gasket sticks to the mounting base, causing a dangerous double-gasket leak if you install a new filter over it. Dip a clean finger into fresh oil and smear a thin film across the rubber gasket of your new filter. Screw the new filter on by hand until it seats snugly, then turn it an additional three-quarter turn. Do not over-tighten with a wrench.
Step 4: Reinstall the Drain Plug
Clean the drain plug threads and the area around the oil pan drain hole with a shop rag. Inspect the crush washer on the plug; if it's flattened or cracked, replace it. Thread the plug back in by hand to ensure it isn't cross-threading, then tighten it securely with your 14mm socket. Avoid over-tightening, which can strip the aluminum oil pan threads.
Step 5: Refill with Fresh Oil
Lower the vehicle back to the ground. Remove the oil filler cap under the hood and insert your clean funnel. Pour in 4 quarts of your 0W-20 synthetic oil. Remove the funnel, replace the filler cap securely, and start the engine. Let it run for thirty seconds while checking underneath for leaks around the drain plug and filter. Turn the engine off, wait two minutes for the oil to settle back into the pan, pull the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it, and check the level. Add small amounts of the remaining oil until the level sits right at the upper "H" mark on the dipstick.
Resetting the Maintenance Reminder
After completing your oil change, update your dashboard reminder so you can track your next service interval accurately.
- Turn your ignition switch to the ON position without starting the engine (press the push-button start twice without holding the brake pedal).
- Use the directional pad on your steering wheel to navigate to Settings on the instrument cluster display.
- Scroll down and select Maintenance.
- Choose Oil Control or Service and press OK.
- Select Reset, adjust the mileage interval if desired (typically set to 5,000 or 7,500 miles), and confirm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use conventional oil instead of synthetic in my 2018 Altima SR?
No. Nissan engineered the 2018 Altima SR engine to run specifically on 0W-20 synthetic oil. Conventional oil breaks down faster under high operating temperatures, leading to sludge buildup and increased wear on critical valve train components.
What happens if I accidentally overfill the engine oil?
Adding a fraction of a quart over the limit usually causes no harm, but significantly overfilling creates excessive internal pressure. This causes the crankshaft to whip the oil into a foam, reducing lubrication efficiency and potentially blowing out engine seals or damaging the catalytic converter. If you overfill, drain a small amount from the plug or use a fluid extractor pump through the dipstick tube.
How do I check my oil level between changes?
Pull the dipstick out, wipe it clean with a lint-free rag or paper towel, push it all the way back in, and pull it out again. Inspect the fluid film against the two dots or hash marks at the tip. The oil level should always sit right between the minimum and maximum markers. You can check out Nissan USA for official vehicle manuals and maintenance schedules. For broader automotive maintenance best practices, consult resources like Edmunds.
Is a filter change required every single time I change the oil?
Yes. Replacing the oil filter with every oil change ensures that trapped debris, metal shavings, and carbon deposits don't contaminate your fresh oil within the first few miles of driving. Modern oil filters are inexpensive, making it risky to skip this step.
