The Nissan Almera was introduced in 1995 as a small family car. It replaced the Nissan Sunny model. The Almera had three generations.
- The first generation (N15, 1995–2000) had hatchback and sedan versions. It was popular due to its reliability, economical engines, and good driving dynamics.
- The second generation (N16, 2000–2006) brought better build quality and more comfort features. It offered a range of petrol and diesel engines.
- The third generation (N17, 2012–present) is marketed in some regions as the Nissan Sentra or Pulsar. It focuses on offering plenty of interior space and improved fuel efficiency.
Contents
- 1 Do I need to urgently change the oil right now?
- 2 Preparing to change engine oil
- 2.1 What type of oil should be used for a car?
- 2.2 How to choose oil depending on the season and operating conditions?
- 2.3 What are the advantages and disadvantages of different types of oils for Nissan Almera?
- 2.4 Engine oil selection
- 2.5 Which oil filter is right for you?
- 2.6 Necessary tools and conditions
- 2.7 How to warm up the engine before changing the oil?
- 3 Step-by-step instruction
- 4 Replacing transmission fluid in automatic transmission
- 5 Possible questions after self-service
Do I need to urgently change the oil right now?
It depends on your car’s mileage and the last time the oil was changed. If it’s been a long time or you’ve driven many miles, you probably need to change it. Also, if your engine oil looks dirty or smells burnt, change it.
What is the frequency (interval) for changing engine oil?
Typically, it’s recommended to change your engine oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles or every 3 to 6 months, whichever comes first. But this can vary depending on the make, model, and year of your car, as well as driving conditions.
What is the frequency (interval) of changing Nissan Almera engine oil?
For a Nissan Almera, the manufacturer suggests changing the oil every 7,500 miles or every 6 months. But this could change if you drive in severe conditions such as stop-and-go traffic, short trips, or in very hot or cold weather.
How to check the engine oil level?
To check the oil in your Nissan Almera, park on a level surface, turn off the engine and wait for a few minutes for the oil to settle. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, and then reinsert it. Pull it out again and look at the oil level. If it’s between the two marks, your oil level is good. If it’s low, you need to add more oil.
Visual (express) assessment of the condition of engine oil
You can check your oil condition by taking some on your finger and rubbing it. If it’s very dark or has a gritty texture, it’s time to change it. Another method is putting a drop of oil on a white paper. If the spot spreads thin and has a light color, your oil is good. If it’s dark and thick, change it.
Based on the research conducted by Jinyoung Jang, Young-Jae Lee, Ohseok Kwon, Minseob Lee, and Jeonghwan Kim, published in 2014, the appearance of engine oil does indeed change after use, often darkening due to contamination. The study, conducted at the Korea Institute of Energy Research, Hanyang University, and KPETRO, used three types of engine oil in one gasoline and one diesel vehicle. They took periodic samples of the engine oil and compared the colors.
While the color changed, particularly rapidly for the diesel vehicle, the properties and components of the engine oil remained nearly the same comparing new and used samples. The type of engine oil did not significantly affect emissions or fuel economy in either type of vehicle.
In summary, while the appearance of engine oil can provide valuable information about its quality and condition, it is not the sole determining factor. Additional tests and assessments are often necessary to provide a comprehensive understanding of the oil’s performance and suitability for a specific application.
Preparing to change engine oil
Before changing the engine oil, gather the right tools: a wrench, oil filter wrench, oil pan, new oil filter, and new oil. Warm up your car for a few minutes to get the old oil flowing.
What type of oil should be used for a car?
Nissan Almera typically uses synthetic engine oil with a viscosity rating of 5W-30 or 10W-40. Check your owner’s manual to be sure.
How to choose oil depending on the season and operating conditions?
In colder climates or during winter, use oil with a lower viscosity like 5W-30 as it flows better in cold. In hotter climates or during summer, use oil with a higher viscosity like 10W-40, as it will resist thinning at high temperatures. If you frequently drive in severe conditions, consider more frequent oil changes.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of different types of oils for Nissan Almera?
The two main types of oils are synthetic and conventional.
- Synthetic Oil: It provides better lubrication, withstands high temperatures, and lasts longer than conventional oil. However, it’s more expensive.
- Conventional Oil: It’s less expensive than synthetic oil but doesn’t perform as well, especially in extreme temperatures. It also needs to be changed more often.
Engine oil selection
| Generation (Year) | Engine | Suitable Oil Viscosity | Popular American Brand |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Gen (1995-2000) | 1.4L, 1.6L, 2.0L | 5W-30, 10W-40 | Castrol, Mobil 1 ($28), Pennzoil |
| 2nd Gen (2000-2006) | 1.5L, 1.8L | 5W-30, 10W-40 | Castrol, Mobil 1 ($28), Pennzoil |
| 3rd Gen (2012-Present) | 1.6L, 1.8L | 5W-30, 10W-40 | Castrol, Mobil 1 ($28), Pennzoil |
Which oil filter is right for you?
| Generation (Year) | Engine | Popular Oil Filter Brand | Catalog Number | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Gen (1995-2000) | 1.4L, 1.6L, 2.0L | Fram ($5), Bosch, Mobil 1 | PH7317 (Fram) | $5-$15 |
| 2nd Gen (2000-2006) | 1.5L, 1.8L | Fram ($5), Bosch, Mobil 1 | PH7317 (Fram) | $5-$15 |
| 3rd Gen (2012-Present) | 1.6L, 1.8L | Fram ($5), Bosch, Mobil 1 | PH7317 (Fram) | $5-$15 |
Necessary tools and conditions
You need a wrench, oil filter wrench, drain pan, funnel, new oil filter, new oil, gloves, and rags. You also need a level, firm surface.
How to warm up the engine before changing the oil?
Start your car and let it run for 5-10 minutes. This warms up the oil and helps it flow out easily when you drain it. Be sure not to get it too hot to prevent burns.
Step-by-step instruction
- Warm up the engine.
- Park the car on a level surface and turn off the engine.
- Locate the oil drain plug under your car and place a drain pan underneath.
- Using a wrench, carefully remove the drain plug and let the oil drain into the pan.
- Once the oil is drained, replace the plug securely.
- Locate the oil filter, use the filter wrench to remove it, and replace it with the new one.
- Open the oil fill cap on the top of the engine, insert a funnel, and pour the new oil.
- Replace the fill cap securely and check the oil level with the dipstick to ensure it’s correct.
- Dispose of the old oil properly at a recycling center.
This whole process should take about 30-45 minutes.
Replacing transmission fluid in automatic transmission
What is the frequency (interval) of changing the transmission fluid in an automatic transmission?
Typically, transmission fluid should be changed every 30,000 to 60,000 miles under normal driving conditions. However, if your Nissan Almera is often driven under severe conditions such as heavy traffic, hot weather, or hauling heavy loads, the interval may need to be as frequent as 15,000 miles.
What transmission fluid to choose?
| Generation (Year) | Engine | Required Fluid Quantity | Popular US Brands | Catalog Number |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Gen (1995-2000) | 1.4L, 1.6L, 2.0L | 7.4 quarts | Castrol, Valvoline ($26 for Gallon), Mobil 1 | ATFQT (Castrol) |
| 2nd Gen (2000-2006) | 1.5L, 1.8L | 7.4 quarts | Castrol, Valvoline ($26 for Gallon), Mobil 1 | ATFQT (Castrol) |
| 3rd Gen (2012-Present) | 1.6L, 1.8L | 7.4 quarts | Castrol, Valvoline ($26 for Gallon), Mobil 1 | ATFQT (Castrol) |
Required tool
You will need a wrench, socket set, screwdriver, drain pan, funnel, and new transmission fluid. Working on a level and solid surface is important for safety and accuracy.
Step-by-step instruction
- Start your car and let the engine warm up to normal operating temperature.
- Raise your Nissan Almera using a car jack and securely support it with jack stands.
- Locate the drain plug on the transmission pan and place your drain pan beneath it.
- Use your wrench to carefully remove the drain plug and allow the old transmission fluid to drain out.
- Once fully drained, reinstall the drain plug and tighten it securely.
- Lower your car from the jack stands.
- Locate the transmission fluid dipstick in your engine bay. Remove it and insert a clean funnel in its place.
- Pour the new transmission fluid into the funnel, making sure not to overfill. Usually, you’ll pour in as much new fluid as you drained out.
- Reinsert the dipstick and start the engine. Let it run for a few minutes, then check the fluid level on the dipstick. If necessary, add more fluid until it reaches the “Full” line.
- Once the fluid level is correct, replace the dipstick and close the hood.
This process should take about 1-2 hours for a beginner. Remember to dispose of the old transmission fluid properly at a local recycling facility.
Possible questions after self-service
What problems can arise after an incorrect self-changing engine oil?
Incorrect self-changing of engine oil can lead to several issues. If you put in too little oil, your engine might overheat due to insufficient lubrication. Too much oil can cause increased pressure in the engine, leading to leaks or damage to seals and gaskets. Using the wrong type of oil can cause engine performance issues.
How can I check for engine oil leaks after changing it myself?
After you’ve changed the oil, start the car and let it run for a few minutes. Then turn off the engine and check under the car for any signs of dripping oil. You can also place a piece of cardboard under the car overnight and check it in the morning for any oil stains.
How to reset the oil change counter?
To reset the oil change counter on a Nissan Almera:
- Turn the ignition key to the “ON” position, but don’t start the engine.
- Navigate to the “Settings” menu using the steering wheel buttons.
- Scroll to the “Maintenance” option and select it.
- Select “Oil” and then “Reset”.
- Confirm your selection and the oil change counter should now be reset.
What to do with old oil after replacement?
Do not throw old oil in the trash or pour it down the drain. Instead, take it to a local recycling facility or auto parts store. They often accept used oil for free or a small fee. Store it in a clean, leak-proof container for transport.
