
What is the Oil Capacity of a 2021 Nissan Altima?
Updated on November 13th, 2022 by Searchforparts.com
The 2021 Altima with a 2.0 turbo has a capacity of 5 quarts and if you have the 2.5L engine then it has a capacity of 5.4 quarts.
What oil does a 2021 Nissan Altima take?
If you have the 2.0L turbo, you will need 5W-30. If you have the 2.5L engine then you will need 0w-20 oil.
Upgrade your Nissan’s oil with a high quality synthetic that will protect your engine. Avoid costly repairs, save time and money in the long-term!

5W-30 Oil
For the 2.0L 2021 Nissan Altima. Lasts up to 15k/1year with our filter!

0W-20 Oil
For the 2.5L 2021 Nissan Altima. Lasts up to 15k/1year with the filter listed here!

2021 Altima 2.0/2.5L Filter
Works great with the Signature Series Oil for intervals up to 15,000 miles or 1 year!
How to change the oil and oil filter in your 2021 Nissan Altima
Oil changes are necessary at regular intervals. To carry out an oil change, follow the steps listed below:
Step 1: Run your engine briefly to warm up the oil. It enables the oil to flow out with ease.
Step 2: Jack up your car to access the oil drain plug beneath the vehicle. Once the oil drain plug is located, place an oil pan below it.
Step 3: Loosen the plug with a socket ratchet and drain the old oil into the pan below it. You may wear gloves for this step to prevent burns if the oil is very hot. Remove the oil cap on your engine to fasten the draining process.
Step 4: Replacing the oil plug once the old oil is completely drained. Tighten the plug first by hand and then with a ratchet. Be careful not to overtighten the oil plug.
Step 5: Locate the oil filter attached to the engine block, place your oil pan beneath it and loosen it with a filter wrench. The oil pan can collect any extra oil from the filter.
Step 6: Take out your new filter and lubricate the gasket around the filter. Screw the new filter clockwise into place.
Step 7: Now that the oil is drained and the oil filter is changed, it’s time to add new oil. Use a funnel to prevent spillage while pouring the oil into your engine. Also, ensure you pour the oil slowly to prevent overfilling your engine.
Once these steps have been completed, your Nissan should be ready to hit the road.
What is the Difference between Synthetic Blend Oil vs Full Synthetic Oil?
Both synthetic blend oil and Full synthetic oil are beneficial to your engine. There are, however, certain differences that might give one an edge over the other.
Synthetic blend oil contains traditional oil, addictive compounds, and synthetic oil as base stocks. On the other hand, a full synthetic oil contains higher synthetic base oil mixed with various high-performing additives. Its base oil is chemically modified to contain uniform molecules with fewer impurities.
As a result of these differences in their makeup, Synthetic blend oil provides more engine protection than conventional oil but less protection than what a full synthetic oil would provide.
In addition, with full synthetic oil, you can drive between 10,000 – 15,000 miles before an oil change. Synthetic blend, on the other hand, can only last for around 6,000 miles before an oil change is needed.
The latter option is highly recommended if you choose between a synthetic blend oil or a full synthetic oil. Though it is pricier than its counterpart
Why do you change the oil in the 2021 Nissan Altima?
Like in many vehicles, regular oil change in your Nisan Altima is important for proper maintenance. Some benefits of regular oil changes include:
Protection from engine wear.
Your motor oil serves as a lubricant for your engine parts. It develops a strong fluid that ensures components of your engine are kept separated. The anti-wear additives in synthetic oil further reduce wear and extend engine life.
Reduces oil consumption
Motor oils, particularly synthetic oil, reduce oil consumption by limiting excess burn-off and evaporation. Most synthetic oils like Amsoil Signature Series 5W-30 Synthetic Motor fall below the API limit for volatility. These oils are less prone to burn-offs, leading to longer oil duration and life span.
Protects Turbocharger in high-temperatures
In high temperatures, the level of stress created by turbos can be detrimental to your engine oil. Your oil becomes susceptible to breakdown and can form harmful bearing deposits. These harmful deposits have adverse effects on turbos and can lead to low performance and, in severe cases, turbo failure. Effective motor oil would help limit the temperature change within the Turbocharger to an appropriate level (13% or below).
Note: If your oil level is low, it becomes difficult for your engine parts to perform their functions. When this happens, you may notice hot steams coming from your engine due to its components grinding against each other. If action is not taken immediately, engine failure becomes inevitable. It is why Nissan recommends you change your engine oil and filter every 3,000 – 5,000 miles (conventional oil) and every 7,500 – 10,000 miles for synthetic oil. Furthermore, while changing the oil in your 188-hp 2.5-liter four-cyl engine, replace the existing oil with a full synthetic 5W-30 oil.
How Much Does an Oil Change Cost for a 2022 Nissan Altima?
The cost of having an oil change will depend on the quality of the oil purchased and the labor cost of the mechanic. You should ensure you take your 2021 Nissan Altima to a certified professional Nissan expert to help you with the oil change.
What Is the Recommended Motor Oil for the 2021 Nissan Altima?
Your 2021 Nissan Altima is not just a car. It is an extension of your personality and needs to be taken care of well. We recommend Amsoil as a quality oil product for your vehicle. They are certified by the American Petroleum Institute (API) as an oil manufacturer in the United States.AMSOIL 5W-30 synthetic motor oil is a great option for your 2021 Nissan Altima.
Final remark!
One of the biggest issues with the Nissan Altima is that the engine could sometimes run rough or refuse to start. This fault has been traced to an oil leak from the camshaft, and using the recommended oil for your 2021 Nissan Altima will help to prevent this issue. We recommend using quality Amsoil synthetic oil for your Nissan Altima, as they contain additional benefits not present in most conventional oil. These benefits include long-lasting protection and fuel economy.
As a Nissan owner, the maintenance of your vehicle should be a top priority for quality performance and longevity. Regular oil change for instance, is an easy yet effective way to ensure your 2.5L 4 -cyl Engine stays at top performance. However, any motor oil you use must be one with a compatible viscosity rating. If you need additional information on your Nissan Altima then please check the owner’s manual and which can be found here. 2021 Nissan Altima Owner’s Manual