Hey guys! Changing your oil is one of the most important things you can do to keep your 2018 Nissan Altima SR running smoothly. It's like giving your car a fresh breath of life! Not only does it extend the life of your engine, but it also ensures optimal performance. Doing it yourself can save you money and give you a sense of accomplishment. This guide will walk you through each step, making the process straightforward and stress-free. We'll cover everything from gathering the necessary materials to safely disposing of the old oil. So, let's get started and keep that Altima purring like a kitten!

Gathering Your Supplies

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let's make sure you've got all the right tools and materials. Nothing's worse than getting halfway through an oil change and realizing you're missing something! First off, you'll need the correct type and amount of oil for your 2018 Nissan Altima SR. Check your owner's manual to be absolutely sure, but typically, you'll be looking at 5W-30 synthetic blend or full synthetic oil. The quantity is usually around 4.8 quarts, but again, double-check that manual! Next, you'll need an oil filter specifically designed for your Altima SR. A new oil filter ensures that the fresh oil stays clean and effective. You can find the correct one at any auto parts store – just ask for the filter for your specific year and model.

Now, for the tools. A wrench or socket set is essential for removing the oil drain plug and the oil filter. Make sure you have the right size socket or wrench for the drain plug to avoid stripping it. You'll also need an oil filter wrench to loosen and remove the old filter. A drain pan is crucial for catching the old oil, preventing a messy spill. Get one that's large enough to hold all the oil from your engine. A funnel will help you pour the new oil into the engine without making a mess. Gloves are a must to keep your hands clean and protected from the old oil. Rags or shop towels are great for wiping up any spills or drips. Wheel chocks are necessary for safety, preventing the car from rolling while you're working underneath it. Finally, you might need a jack and jack stands to safely lift the car, giving you enough room to work comfortably. Remember, safety first! Make sure the car is stable and secure before you get underneath it.

Having everything prepared in advance will make the oil change process smooth and efficient. It's like prepping all your ingredients before you start cooking – it just makes everything easier! So, take a few minutes to gather your supplies, and you'll be well on your way to a successful oil change.

Preparing Your Altima

Alright, now that we've got all our supplies, let's get your 2018 Nissan Altima SR ready for its oil change. This step is all about ensuring safety and making the job as easy as possible. Start by warming up the engine. Run it for about 5-10 minutes. This helps the oil flow more freely, making it easier to drain. However, be careful not to let it get too hot, or you could burn yourself. Once the engine is slightly warm, turn it off and engage the parking brake. This is a crucial safety step to prevent the car from moving while you're working on it.

Next, you'll need to lift the car. If you have a jack and jack stands, position the jack under the designated jacking point on your Altima. These points are usually indicated in your owner's manual. Slowly and carefully lift the car until you have enough room to work comfortably underneath it. Once the car is at the desired height, place the jack stands securely under the frame, near the jacking points. Lower the car onto the jack stands. Never work under a car supported only by a jack! Jack stands are essential for safety.

If you don't have a jack and jack stands, you can use ramps designed for this purpose. Drive the car slowly and carefully onto the ramps, ensuring that the wheels are properly aligned. Once the car is safely on the ramps, engage the parking brake. Whether you use a jack and jack stands or ramps, make sure the car is stable and secure before you proceed. Give it a good shake to double-check. Now, locate the oil drain plug. It's usually on the bottom of the oil pan, which is located at the bottom of the engine. Have your drain pan ready and positioned under the drain plug. With everything in place, you're ready to start draining the old oil. Remember, safety is paramount, so take your time and double-check everything before moving on.

Draining the Old Oil

Okay, time to get our hands a little dirty! With your 2018 Nissan Altima SR safely prepped, it's time to drain that old, yucky oil. Grab your wrench or socket set and find the right size for the oil drain plug. Position your drain pan directly underneath the drain plug to catch the oil. Now, carefully loosen the drain plug. Be prepared, as soon as you fully remove the plug, the oil will start gushing out. Let the oil drain completely. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes. You might notice that the oil is black and thick – that's a sign it was time for a change!

While the oil is draining, take a look at the drain plug. Check the condition of the sealing washer. If it's damaged or worn, replace it with a new one. A new sealing washer will prevent leaks when you reinstall the drain plug. Once the oil has stopped dripping, give it a few extra minutes to be sure. Now, it's time to reinstall the drain plug. Make sure the sealing washer is in place, and then carefully thread the plug back into the oil pan. Tighten the plug with your wrench or socket, but don't overtighten it. Overtightening can damage the threads on the oil pan. A good rule of thumb is to tighten it snugly, but not with all your might. If you have a torque wrench, consult your owner's manual for the correct torque specification.

After tightening the drain plug, wipe the area around it clean with a rag. This will help you spot any leaks later on. Double-check that the drain plug is secure. With the old oil drained and the drain plug reinstalled, you're one step closer to having fresh, clean oil in your Altima. Remember to dispose of the used oil properly. Most auto parts stores will accept used oil for recycling. Don't just dump it down the drain or in the trash – that's bad for the environment! Keep up the great work; you're doing an awesome job keeping your Altima in tip-top shape.

Replacing the Oil Filter

Alright, with the old oil drained, it's time to tackle the oil filter on your 2018 Nissan Altima SR. This is a crucial step, as the oil filter keeps your new oil clean and free of contaminants. First, locate the oil filter. It's usually somewhere on the engine block, and it might be a little tricky to reach. Once you've found it, position your drain pan underneath the filter to catch any oil that spills out when you remove it.

Now, grab your oil filter wrench. Place it around the oil filter and turn it counterclockwise to loosen it. You might need to use a bit of force, especially if the old filter is on tight. Once you've loosened it, you should be able to unscrew it by hand. Be careful, as there will be some oil inside the filter that will spill out as you remove it. With the old filter removed, take a look at the mounting surface on the engine. Clean it with a rag to remove any dirt or debris. This will ensure a good seal when you install the new filter.

Before you install the new oil filter, take a little bit of the new, clean oil and lubricate the rubber gasket on the filter. This helps create a better seal and makes it easier to remove the filter the next time you change your oil. Now, carefully screw the new filter onto the engine by hand. Tighten it until the gasket makes contact with the mounting surface, and then tighten it another half to three-quarters of a turn. Don't overtighten it, as this can damage the filter or the engine. If you're not sure how tight to make it, consult the instructions that came with the new filter.

Once the new filter is securely in place, wipe up any spilled oil with a rag. Double-check that the filter is tight and that the mounting surface is clean. With the new oil filter installed, you're ready to add the fresh oil. You're doing great! Keep up the momentum, and your Altima will be running smoothly in no time.

Adding New Oil

Now for the most satisfying part: adding that fresh, clean oil to your 2018 Nissan Altima SR! First, locate the oil filler cap on top of your engine. It usually has an oil can symbol on it. Remove the cap and set it aside. Grab your funnel and insert it into the oil filler opening. This will help prevent spills and make the process much cleaner.

Now, carefully pour in the new oil. Remember to check your owner's manual for the correct amount of oil for your Altima SR. As we mentioned earlier, it's usually around 4.8 quarts, but double-check to be sure. Pour in about 4 quarts to start, and then check the oil level with the dipstick. The dipstick is usually located near the oil filler opening. Pull it out, wipe it clean with a rag, and then reinsert it fully. Pull it out again and check the oil level. It should be between the minimum and maximum marks on the dipstick.

If the oil level is below the minimum mark, add a little more oil and check the level again. Repeat this process until the oil level is correct. Be careful not to overfill the engine with oil, as this can also cause problems. Once the oil level is correct, remove the funnel and replace the oil filler cap. Make sure it's tightened securely. Wipe up any spills or drips with a rag. With the new oil added, you're almost done! Just a few more steps to go.

Now, start the engine and let it run for a few minutes. Check the oil pressure gauge or warning light on your dashboard to make sure the oil is circulating properly. Also, check for any leaks around the oil drain plug and the oil filter. If you see any leaks, tighten the drain plug or filter a little more. After a few minutes, turn off the engine and let it sit for a few minutes. Check the oil level with the dipstick again to make sure it's still correct. With the new oil in place and everything checked, you've successfully changed the oil in your 2018 Nissan Altima SR! Give yourself a pat on the back – you did it!

Final Checks and Cleanup

Congratulations, you've just given your 2018 Nissan Altima SR a fresh oil change! But before you call it a day, let's do a few final checks and clean up to make sure everything is in order. First, double-check the oil level one last time with the dipstick. Make sure it's still within the acceptable range. Next, inspect the area around the oil drain plug and the oil filter for any leaks. If you spot any, tighten the connections slightly. Run the engine for a few more minutes and re-inspect for leaks.

Now, it's time to lower your Altima. If you used a jack and jack stands, carefully lift the car off the jack stands and remove them. Slowly lower the car back to the ground. If you used ramps, carefully drive the car off the ramps. Once the car is back on the ground, remove the wheel chocks. Now for the cleanup. Carefully pour the used oil from the drain pan into a sealed container. Most auto parts stores will accept used oil for recycling. Take the used oil and the old oil filter to your local auto parts store for proper disposal. Don't dump them in the trash or down the drain – that's harmful to the environment.

Clean up any spills or drips with rags. Dispose of the used rags properly. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Finally, reset the oil change reminder in your Altima's system. Consult your owner's manual for instructions on how to do this. Resetting the reminder will help you keep track of when your next oil change is due. With everything checked, cleaned up, and reset, you can now enjoy the peace of mind knowing that your 2018 Nissan Altima SR is running smoothly with fresh, clean oil. You've saved money, learned a new skill, and taken great care of your car. Awesome job!