2014 Nissan Altima Oil Change

Alright, let's talk about changing the oil in your 2014 Nissan Altima. It's a routine maintenance task, but doing it yourself can save you money and give you a better understanding of your car's health. This guide is aimed at those of you who are comfortable wrenching on your own vehicles and want a detailed walkthrough.

Gathering Your Supplies

Before you even think about sliding under your Altima, you need to assemble everything. Having all your tools and materials ready will make the process much smoother. Here's what you'll need:

New Oil: Consult your owner's manual to determine the correct oil type and quantity. The 2014 Altima typically uses 0W-20 or 5W-30 synthetic oil, depending on the engine (2.5L I4 or 3.5L V6). Double-check your manual to be absolutely sure.
Oil Filter: Use a high-quality oil filter that meets Nissan's specifications. Using the correct filter is crucial for proper oil filtration and engine protection. A common filter number for the 2.5L is a Nissan 15208-9F60A. Verify this for your specific vehicle.
Oil Filter Wrench: These come in various sizes, so make sure you get one that fits your chosen oil filter. A cap-type wrench or a band-type wrench will both work.
Wrench for the Drain Plug: You'll need the correct size socket or wrench to remove the oil drain plug. This is typically a 14mm or 19mm socket, but again, verify before starting.
Drain Pan: A container large enough to hold all the used oil (around 5 quarts or more).
Funnel: For pouring the new oil into the engine without spills.
Rags or Shop Towels: Essential for cleaning up any messes.
Gloves: To protect your hands from the dirty oil. Nitrile gloves are a good choice.
Jack and Jack Stands: To safely lift and support the vehicle. Never work under a car supported only by a jack!
Wheel Chocks: To prevent the car from rolling while it's lifted.
Torque Wrench: For tightening the drain plug and oil filter to the correct specifications. This prevents leaks and damage.

Preparing Your Altima

Safety is paramount. Follow these steps before you even start wrenching:

Warm Up the Engine: Run the engine for a few minutes (2-3 minutes is sufficient) to warm the oil. Warm oil flows more easily, ensuring a more complete drain. However, don't let it get too hot, as you could burn yourself.
Park on a Level Surface: Ensure your car is parked on a flat, stable surface.
Engage the Parking Brake: Make sure the parking brake is firmly engaged.
Chock the Rear Wheels: Place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels.
Lift the Vehicle: Consult your owner's manual for the correct jacking points. Carefully lift the front of the car using a jack and then securely place jack stands under the designated support points. Double-check that the jack stands are properly seated before proceeding.

Draining the Old Oil

Now comes the messy part. Get ready to get your hands dirty:

Locate the Oil Drain Plug: This is usually found on the bottom of the oil pan. It's a large bolt that protrudes from the pan.
Position the Drain Pan: Place the drain pan directly underneath the oil drain plug.
Loosen the Drain Plug: Using the correct size wrench or socket, carefully loosen the drain plug. Be prepared for the oil to start flowing once the plug is fully removed.
Remove the Drain Plug: Once loosened, remove the drain plug completely by hand. Be careful, as the oil will be hot! Let the oil drain completely. This can take 15-20 minutes.
Inspect the Drain Plug: Check the drain plug and its sealing washer. If the washer is damaged or worn, replace it with a new one. This is essential for preventing leaks.
Clean the Drain Plug: Wipe the drain plug clean of any debris.
Reinstall the Drain Plug: Once the oil has completely drained, reinstall the drain plug with a new crush washer if available. Tighten it to the manufacturer's specified torque using a torque wrench. Typically, this is around 25-30 ft-lbs. Over-tightening can damage the oil pan.

Replacing the Oil Filter

Next up is the oil filter. This is a crucial step for maintaining engine cleanliness.

Locate the Oil Filter: The oil filter location varies depending on the engine, but it's typically accessible from underneath the car, near the front.
Loosen the Oil Filter: Use the oil filter wrench to loosen the old oil filter. You might need to apply some force. Be prepared for some oil to spill when you loosen it.
Remove the Old Oil Filter: Once loosened, unscrew the oil filter completely by hand. Hold a rag underneath to catch any drips.
Prepare the New Oil Filter: Lightly lubricate the rubber gasket on the new oil filter with clean engine oil. This helps create a good seal.
Install the New Oil Filter: Screw the new oil filter onto the engine by hand until the gasket makes contact with the engine surface. Then, tighten it an additional ¾ to 1 full turn, as indicated on the filter itself. Avoid over-tightening, as this can damage the filter or the engine. You can use the oil filter wrench for the final tightening, but be careful not to overdo it.

Adding New Oil

Now it's time to replenish your Altima's lifeblood:

Locate the Oil Fill Cap: This is usually located on the top of the engine and is marked with an oil can symbol.
Remove the Oil Fill Cap: Unscrew and remove the oil fill cap.
Insert the Funnel: Place a funnel into the oil fill opening.
Add the Correct Amount of Oil: Pour the correct amount of new oil into the engine, as specified in your owner's manual. Start with slightly less than the recommended amount and check the dipstick.
Check the Oil Level: Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it fully, and then remove it again to check the oil level. The oil level should be between the minimum and maximum marks on the dipstick.
Add More Oil if Needed: If the oil level is low, add more oil in small increments and recheck the dipstick until the level is correct.
Replace the Oil Fill Cap: Securely tighten the oil fill cap.

Final Steps and Cleanup

Almost there! Just a few more things to do:

Lower the Vehicle: Carefully remove the jack stands and lower the vehicle back to the ground.
Start the Engine: Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes.
Check for Leaks: While the engine is running, check for any leaks around the oil drain plug and the oil filter. If you see any leaks, immediately shut off the engine and tighten the drain plug or oil filter as needed.
Check the Oil Level Again: After running the engine, check the oil level one more time. Add more oil if necessary to bring the level to the correct mark.
Reset the Oil Life Monitoring System: Refer to your owner's manual for instructions on how to reset the oil life monitoring system. This will remind you when your next oil change is due.
Dispose of the Used Oil Properly: Take the used oil and oil filter to a recycling center or auto parts store for proper disposal. Do not pour used oil down the drain or onto the ground!
Clean Up: Clean up any spills and put away your tools.

Congratulations! You've successfully changed the oil in your 2014 Nissan Altima. Regular oil changes are crucial for maintaining your engine's health and prolonging its lifespan.

Torque Specifications Summary

Important: Always consult your vehicle's service manual for the most accurate and up-to-date torque specifications. The following are typical values, but may vary.

Oil Drain Plug: 25-30 ft-lbs

Oil Filter: Tighten by hand until the gasket contacts the engine, then an additional ¾ to 1 full turn.

Oil Type and Capacity Considerations

As mentioned earlier, the correct oil type and capacity are critical. The 2014 Nissan Altima usually uses either 0W-20 or 5W-30 synthetic oil. The 2.5L engine typically requires around 4.9 quarts (4.6 liters) with a filter change. The 3.5L V6 engine might need slightly more. Always double-check your owner's manual to confirm the exact specifications for your specific vehicle. Using the wrong oil can negatively affect engine performance and longevity. Synthetic oil is generally recommended for its superior lubrication and protection, especially in modern engines with tighter tolerances.