Nissan Altima Oil Types

Originally, the function of motor oil was to remove wear products and heat from the friction zone, taking it to the crankcase, as well as to lubricate crankshaft necks. Then, it was made to lubricate the cylinders and parts of the gas distribution mechanism.

Well, it’s very simple. It protects the motor by creating a protective film on parts. It helps reduce friction and wear and tear. In addition, the film protects the parts from dirt, corrosion and other harmful impurities. In general, the main function of it include:

In addition to the base oil, i.e. the main component, there are various additives. They can perform a wide variety of functions, such as adjusting viscosity or cleaning motor parts from dirt. Additives can make engine oil unique, as they can enhance or weaken various properties. They are responsible for film stability and  viscosity (viscosity additives), cleaning of motor parts (washing additives), etc.

Does Nissan Altima need synthetic oil?

There are three main types of motor oils: mineral, synthetic and semi-synthetic.

Mineral motor ones have high viscosity, as they are the primary product of oil processing. It has to be changed frequently. Typically, this product is suitable for older engines that are over ten years old.

More and more car owners are choosing synthetic ones due to their excellent performance. Synthetics do not lose their properties in the summer heat, and do not get much thicker at sub-zero temperatures overboard the car, but, of course, these properties of the synthetics retain only within the temperature range specified for a particular oil.

Synthetic ones perfectly protect the car, prevent the formation of soot, clean the internal surfaces of the engine, have good stability of characteristics and performance properties. The name of this group of is due to the manufacturing process, this oil is fully synthesized as a result of chemical reactions. The packaging is usually marked “Fully Synthetic”.

Semi-synthetics are a kind of mixture of the previous two products. They consist of synthetic component by 30-50% and mineral component by 50-70%. Compared to mineral, semi-synthetic ones are much more effective. And some types are cheaper than synthetic oils.

The second classification of oils implies their separation by engine type, in which it can be used:

In addition, there is a division into seasonal and all-season motor ones. Seasonals are used at stable temperatures, that is, they cannot be used in winter and summer at the same time. It should also be noted that in the range of different manufacturers it is positioned not only as a multi-season, but also universal. Universal motor oil means that it can be used equally in both gasoline and diesel types. Gasoline/diesel or diesel/gasoline one makes it possible to simplify maintenance of vehicle fleets, eliminating the need to purchase lubricants for different types of engines separately.

To find out what kind of oil to fill your Nissan (USA / CAN) Altima, L33 (2013 – ) you need to decide on the type of car you have. For each specific product you will find the types of engines in which it can be applied. Before buying it, find all the information about your car.

Nissan 100 % synthetic brand is officially recommended by the manufacturer. This does not mean that others are worse or better. Some models also take conventional or semi-synthetic oil.

You can find oil type recommendation in your owner’s manual, but if you don’t have it or can’t find it, you can also check your preferred  type on the cap that is on the receptacle in your vehicle’s motor.   The manufacturer recommends choosing it according to the engine condition (mileage) and the car conditions. You can get the recommendations from your dealer, oil shop or from the websites of oil producers.

For cars with gasoline and diesel engines, it is most often different. Depending on the type of transmissions, the oil may also differ in viscosity.

How much oil does a Nissan Altima take?

The volume to be filled for Nissan Altima depends on the selected modification (choose the model, year and engine type when buying oil). But also take into account the oil filter, which absorbs part of it. After the change, check the oil level for a few days. Refill if necessary.

Here is a chart that can help you choose the type and the amount.

It is not difficult to guess that oil is constantly heated and cooled during the operation of the vehicle and engine, it accumulates dirt, products of wear and deposits, changes in viscosity and stability of the film, etc. So, to remove the accumulated impurities from the motor, as well as to provide protective, washing and other properties, the lubricant must be changed. As a rule, manufacture gives recommendation when to change the oil, taking into account the certain mileage. On average, this is fixed at 9000 miles. However, if the engine is operated in heavy-duty conditions, fuel quality is unsatisfactory, the car is rarely used or there are regular short trips when the engine does not have time to warm up to operating temperature, etc., then the change interval should be necessarily reduced by 30-50%.