How to change oil Nissan Versa Note

Changing engine oil for a Nissan Versa Note car can be an overwhelming task for an unprepared person, and stretch out for a whole day. Although the work can be done in just 30 minutes. I’m here to share my experience and secrets with you! Let’s start with a few words about the car.

The Nissan Versa Note is a hatchback version of the Nissan Versa compact car, also known as the Nissan Note in other markets. Nissan introduced the Versa Note to the U.S. market in 2013 for the 2014 model year. It was well-received for its affordability, fuel economy, and spacious interior for a subcompact car.

The Versa Note in the U.S. came in several trims, including the base S, the S Plus, the SV, the SR, and the top-of-the-line SL. The car was equipped with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 109 horsepower and 107 pound-feet of torque.

How to Change Engine Oil on Nissan

Changing the oil is critical because it keeps the engine running smoothly. It removes dirt and debris that can damage the engine and helps improve fuel economy. Regular oil changes prolong the life of your engine, saving you money on repairs in the long run.
So, let’s define the basic steps for performing a car engine oil change.

Warm up the engine to operating temperature

Drain the used engine oil and remove the old oil filter

Install a new filter and fill with fresh oil

Check the oil level with a dipstick

By following these simple steps, you can service your car. Now let’s take a closer look at each of the steps, select the recommended oil and filter. At the end of this page I will answer possible questions.

Do I Need to Urgently Change the Oil Right Now?

If your oil is dark and dirty, or if your car’s telling you it’s time for a service, you should change your oil as soon as you can. Driving with old oil can damage your engine.

What is the Frequency (Interval) for Changing Nissan Engine Oil?

Most cars need an oil change every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, but the Nissan Versa Note can go up to 7,500 miles. But always check your manual. If you’re driving a lot of short trips, or in rough conditions, you may need to change it more often.

How to Check the Engine Oil Level in Nissan Versa

Checking the engine oil level involves verifying the amount of oil present in the engine to ensure it is at an appropriate level. It is important to check the oil level periodically as part of regular vehicle maintenance. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Park your vehicle on a level surface and ensure the engine is turned off.
2. Open the hood of your car and locate the dipstick, which is usually marked with a bright-colored handle and labeled “Engine Oil.”
3. Remove the dipstick from its tube by pulling it out.
4. Wipe the dipstick clean using a cloth or paper towel to remove any existing oil.
5. Reinsert the dipstick fully back into its tube.
6. Pull out the dipstick again and observe the oil level on the end of the dipstick.
7. The dipstick will have markings indicating the minimum and maximum oil levels. The oil level should ideally be between these two marks.
8. If the oil level is below the minimum mark or significantly low, you may need to add oil to bring it up to the proper level. Consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the recommended oil type and the correct procedure for adding oil.

Checking the engine oil level periodically is important for several reasons:

1. Lubrication: Engine oil lubricates various components within the engine, preventing excessive friction and wear. Maintaining the proper oil level ensures effective lubrication and helps extend the life of engine parts.
2. Cooling: Oil helps dissipate heat generated by the engine. Insufficient oil can lead to overheating and potential damage to engine components.
3. Monitoring Oil Consumption: By checking the oil level regularly, you can monitor the rate at which your engine consumes oil. If you notice a significant decrease in oil level between checks, it may indicate an underlying issue that requires attention.
4. Early Detection of Problems: Visual inspection of the oil level can reveal signs of oil leaks or excessive oil consumption, which may indicate mechanical issues or malfunctioning components. Detecting problems early can prevent more extensive damage and costly repairs.

Visual (Express) Assessment of the Condition of Engine Oil

A visual assessment of engine oil involves examining its appearance to determine its condition. You can perform a simple visual inspection to get an idea of the oil’s health. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Park your vehicle on a level surface and ensure the engine is off.
2. Open the hood and locate the dipstick for checking the engine oil level.
3. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean with a cloth or paper towel.
4. Reinsert the dipstick fully and then remove it again.
5. Observe the color and consistency of the oil on the dipstick.

During the visual assessment, you should look for the following indicators:

1. Color: Fresh engine oil is typically amber or light brown in color. As it ages and accumulates contaminants, it becomes darker.
2. Consistency: The oil should have a smooth and uniform texture. If it appears gritty or contains metal particles, it may indicate potential engine problems.
3. Clarity: Clean engine oil is transparent or slightly translucent. If the oil appears cloudy or murky, it may suggest the presence of contaminants or water contamination.
4. Odor: Fresh engine oil usually has a mild petroleum smell. If you detect a burnt or strong odor, it could signify issues with the engine or oil breakdown.

Preparing to Change Engine Oil Nissan Versa Note

What Needs to Be Changed Along With the Oil?

When you’re changing the oil, you should also change the oil filter. You might also want to check the air filter and replace it if it’s dirty.
When you’re getting your oil changed, it’s a good time to consider checking and potentially maintaining or replacing the following parts as well. Whether or not they need to be replaced or maintained can depend on the condition, age, and mileage of your vehicle. Always refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual for specific guidelines.

1. Air Filter: While it’s not necessary to change this with every oil change, checking it is good practice.
2. Cabin Air Filter: Similarly, the cabin air filter may not need to be replaced with every oil change, but it should be checked.
3. Fuel Filter: Depending on your vehicle and the condition of your fuel filter, it may be worth checking or replacing.
4. Spark Plugs: These don’t need to be changed with each oil change, but older vehicles in particular can benefit from regular checking.
5. Transmission Fluid: Depending on your vehicle’s mileage, it may be time to consider a transmission fluid change.
6. Brake Fluid: This is another fluid that should be checked periodically.
7. Power Steering Fluid: The same applies for power steering fluid.
8. Coolant/Antifreeze: While a coolant flush isn’t needed at each oil change, it’s important to keep an eye on the coolant level and condition.
9. Belts and Hoses: Checking for any signs of wear and tear is always good practice.
10. Battery Terminals: You may need to clean corrosion off the battery terminals, and it’s worth checking the battery’s charge.
11. Windshield Wiper Blades: Depending on the climate and their use, your wiper blades may be due for a replacement.
12. Tire Pressure and Tread Depth: These should be checked regularly to ensure safe and efficient operation.
13. Lights: Check all your vehicle’s lights, including brake lights, turn signals, and headlights.

Remember, while these are items that can be checked and possibly maintained during an oil change, it doesn’t mean they necessarily need to be.

What Type of Oil Should Be Used for a Nissan Versa?

For a Nissan Versa Note, you should use 5W-30 or 10W-30 oil, but check your manual to be sure.

How to Choose Oil Depending on the Season and Operating Conditions?

In colder weather, use a lower viscosity oil like 5W-30. In hot weather, a higher viscosity oil like 10W-30 can be better. If you’re doing a lot of high-speed driving or towing, you might want a higher viscosity oil too.

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Types of Oils for Nissan Versa Note?

Using synthetic oil in your Nissan Versa Note gives you longer intervals between changes and better engine protection. It can withstand high temperatures and maintain its viscosity, but it’s a bit more expensive. Conventional oil is cheaper, but it doesn’t offer the same protection or longevity.

Engine Oil Selection

Generation (Year)	Engine	Suitable Oil Viscosity	Popular American Brands	Required Amount of Oil
1st (2004-2013)	1.4L	5W-30	Castrol ($29/5 quarts), Valvoline ($29/5 quarts), Mobil 1 ($27/5 qarts)	4.3 quarts
2nd (2013-present)	1.2L	5W-30	Castrol ($29/5 quarts), Valvoline ($29/5 quarts), Mobil 1 ($27/5 qarts)	4.6 quarts

Which Oil Filter is Right for You?

Generation (Year)	Engine	Popular American Brands	Catalog Number
1st (2004-2013)	1.4L	FRAM ($5)	PH6607
2nd (2013-present)	1.2L	Mobil 1 ($12), Purolator ($10)	M1-108A, PL14612

Necessary Tools and Conditions

To change the oil on a Nissan Versa Note, you’ll need a jack and jack stands or ramps, an oil drain pan, a wrench or socket set to remove the drain plug, an oil filter wrench, and a funnel to add the new oil. It’s best to do it on a flat surface, in a well-ventilated area.

How to Warm Up the Engine Before Changing the Oil?

Before you change the oil, run the engine for about five minutes. This warms up the oil and makes it flow out easier. Don’t let it get too hot though, or you could burn yourself.

Step-by-step Instruction

Follow the following step-by-step instructions for changing engine oil on a Nissan Versa Note and you can get the job done in just 30 minutes.

1. Warm up the engine for about five minutes, then turn it off.
2. Jack up the car and secure it with jack stands or ramps.
3. Place your oil drain pan under the drain plug and unscrew the plug.
4. Let the oil drain out completely, then screw the plug back in.
5. Use the oil filter wrench to remove the old filter, then screw on the new one.
6. Use the funnel to add new oil, checking the level with the dipstick.
7. Once you’ve added the right amount of oil, start the engine and let it run for a few minutes. Check for leaks and recheck the oil level.

Changing the oil should take you about an hour, maybe a bit longer if it’s your first time.

Replacing Transmission Fluid in Automatic Transmission

What is the Frequency (Interval) of Changing the Transmission Fluid on the Nissan Versa Note in an Automatic Transmission?

Most automatic transmissions need their fluid changed every 60,000 to 100,000 miles. If you’re towing heavy loads or driving in extreme conditions, you may need to change it more often. Your car’s manual will have the specifics.

What Transmission Fluid to Choose?

Generation (Years)	Engine	Fluid Required	Popular American Brands
1st (2004-2013)	1.4L	6.3 quarts	Valvoline ($26/Gallon), Nissan ($62/5 quart)
2nd (2013-present)	1.2L	6.3 quarts	Valvoline ($26/Gallon), Nissan ($62/5 quart)

Required Tool

To change your transmission fluid, you’ll need a car jack and jack stands or ramps, a drain pan, a socket set and wrench to remove the drain plug, a funnel to add new fluid, and a torque wrench to tighten the drain plug.

Step-by-step Instruction

1. Warm up your engine by running it for a few minutes.
2. Securely lift and support your car with a jack and jack stands or ramps.
3. Position a drain pan under the transmission drain plug and loosen the plug.
4. Allow the old fluid to drain out completely, then reinstall the plug and torque it to the specs in your manual.
5. Locate the transmission fluid fill port, remove the cap, and use a funnel to add the new fluid. Be sure not to overfill.
6. Start the engine, shift through all the gears, then back to park.
7. Check the fluid level according to your manual’s instructions, adding more fluid if necessary.
8. Replace the fill port cap and lower your car off the jack stands or ramps.

Be careful when you’re doing this job. Transmission fluid can be hot, and it’s important to properly support your car to avoid injury. Expect it to take about an hour.

Possible Questions After Self-Service

So, you changed the engine oil on your Nissan Versa – congratulations. Let’s look at a few more questions you might have.

What problems can arise after an incorrect self-changing engine oil? If you change your engine oil incorrectly, several problems can occur. You might put in too much or too little oil, both of which can harm your engine. If you use the wrong type of oil, it could lead to less lubrication and more engine wear. Not replacing the oil filter, or not securing it correctly, can also cause issues like oil leaks or contamination of the new oil.

How can I check for engine oil leaks after changing it myself? After changing the oil, start the car and let it run for a few minutes. Then, turn off the engine and inspect underneath for any oil drips. You can also check your driveway or garage floor for oil spots in the following days. Another way is to check the oil level on the dipstick periodically – if it drops significantly, you might have a leak.

How to reset the oil change counter on Nissan Note after service? The process can vary depending on the year of your Nissan Note, but generally, you’ll want to:

1. Turn on the ignition but don’t start the engine.
2. Navigate to the “Settings” menu on your dashboard display using steering wheel controls.
3. Select “Maintenance” then “Oil and Filter”.
4. Select “Reset” or “New”, then press “OK” or hold the “Enter” button until the mileage resets.
5. Turn off the ignition.

If you can’t find the right menu or these steps don’t work, check your owner’s manual for instructions specific to your model.

What to do with old used engine oil after self-replacement? You should never throw away used engine oil in the regular trash or pour it into a drain. Instead, store it in a closed, leak-proof container. Many auto parts stores, service stations, and recycling centers accept used motor oil for recycling. Check with local facilities to find one that takes it. Some communities also have curbside recycling programs for used motor oil.