What can low oil do to my Nissan Altima engine?

Engine oil is a lubricant for the moving parts in your engine. If your oil reservoir is low or empty, these parts can grind together, generate too much heat, and eventually lead to Nissan Altima engine failure. That’s why you’re better off checking your oil levels and investing in routine lube services.

Can I change my Nissan Altima oil at home?

First off, changing your own oil isn’t as easy as you’d think. It requires special tools and old oil must be disposed of properly. Having your oil professionally changed reduces the chances of something going wrong with the oil change, but it’ll also help your car perform smoothly down the road.

Why is my Nissan Altima spewing blue or gray exhaust smoke?

You could have an oil leak and have a case of burning oil. It may be time for a pro to take a look. The leak could be the result of worn valve seals, damaged piston rings, or old cylinder walls.

Who can change the oil on my Nissan Altima?

Firestone Complete Auto Care performs Nissan Altima oil changes and more! Our technicians also replace oil filters, troubleshoot oil leaks, and advise on the right oil for your ride.

What does it mean if my Nissan Altima oil light comes on?

Your Nissan Altima oil change reminder light may come on if you're overdue for an oil change. The oil pressure light will typically come on if the oil level in the engine is too low, the oil pump is failing, you have a clogged oil filter, or there's a faulty oil pressure sensor.

Should the oil filter be replaced when getting an oil change for my Nissan Altima?

Every time you change the oil in your Nissan Altima, you should also replace the oil filter. Otherwise, you risk contaminating your brand-new oil with the dirt and debris built up in your old filter.

2012 Nissan Altima Oil Change Service

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Get an Oil Change for Your Nissan Altima

Help your 2012 Nissan Altima run newer, longer with routine oil changes. Schedule your oil change appointment today.

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How Often to Change 2012 Nissan Altima Oil

Not sure how or where to get your Nissan Altima’s oil changed? Look no further than Firestone Complete Auto Care! We are experts in car care — not just tires. Oil and lube services are also our specialties. After all, "Oil is the blood of the engine. It's the #1 thing you can do for your car," says our maintenance technician, Brianna.

Nissan recommends changing your 2012 Altima’s oil at regular intervals. Check the interval for your vehicle mileage in the table above. No matter the mileage, your Altima may need its oil changed ASAP if your check engine light is on, you hear knock knock knock coming from the engine, smell oil inside the car, or see an excess amount of vehicle exhaust. You may also need an oil change more frequently than Nissan recommends if you haul heavy loads, drive in dusty areas, enjoy off-roading, or go at low speeds on long distance trips. In general, being extra-diligent about oil changes won’t damage your Nissan Altima. In fact, every oil change is an opportunity to diagnose and treat any other issues, such as bad brakes or a failing battery.

What Kind of Oil Should I Get for My Nissan Altima?

Whether it’s synthetic, conventional, or a blend of both — your local Firestone Complete Auto Care has the right oil for your Nissan Altima. Nissan has specifically identified either synthetic or conventional as the best motor oil for your 2012 Altima. Motor oil helps lubricate the engine’s moving parts, keep the engine cool, and prevent harmful substances from accumulating in the engine. In an oil change service, one of our techs will change your Altima’s oil, replace and recycle your used oil and oil filter, check all of your other filters, top-off important fluids, and visually inspect the rest of the vehicle. You can drive with confidence knowing that we look out for you and your Altima by taking into account your driving style, and mileage.

Types of Motor Oil for Nissans

What motor oils are available at Firestone Complete Auto Care? We stock outstanding motor oils because that's what your engine deserves. Check your owner's manual and talk with a technician to select the right Nissan Altima oil, whether it's Quaker State® Advanced Durability™ conventional oil, Pennzoil® High Mileage Vehicle® motor oil, Pennzoil Platinum® Full Synthetic motor oil with PurePlus™ Technology, or Shell Rotella® heavy-duty engine oil. With so many motor oil brands in the market, why do we carry these brands? They are tested and trusted. For instance, Quaker State was shown to provide 2x more protection than the industry standard when tested in taxi fleets across the country. [1] There's also Pennzoil. Unlike traditional synthetic motor oils, the Pennzoil Platinum® Full Synthetic line of motor oils with PurePlus® Technology is formulated from pure natural gas, which helps lead to better performance. But don't forget about Shell Rotella for heavy-duty engines. It's expressly designed for gasoline and diesel engines that need to withstand rugged conditions, and is fortified to deliver increased wear protection, heightened performance in extreme temperatures, and improved oxidation resistance. For help picking the correct motor oil for your 2012 Nissan Altima, refer to Nissan's recommendations first.

Where to Go for 2012 Nissan Altima Oil Change

When the time for your Altima’s next oil change rolls around, you know where to turn. Your local Firestone Complete Auto Care has some of the best motor oil for Nissan Altimas. We’ve got convenient appointment times to take care of you, with the right motor oil at the right price. Find out how much your Nissan Altima oil change will cost by calling ahead. Make an appointment for an oil change service today and let the oil experts take care of your Altima's engine. Many stores offer extended and weekend openings for your convenience.

[1] ILSAC GF-5 represents the latest performance standard set by the International Lubricant Standardization and Approval Committee (ILSAC), a joint effort of U.S. and Japanese automobile manufacturers. Most automobile manufacturers are expected to recommend oils that meet ILSAC GF-5. API SN is the most recent service category issued by API’s Lubricants Group. Oils meeting API SN and the new “Resource Conserving” designation meet all ILSAC GF-5 performance requirements.

2012 Nissan Altima Oil Change Questions

What can low oil do to my Nissan Altima engine? Engine oil is a lubricant for the moving parts in your engine. If your oil reservoir is low or empty, these parts can grind together, generate too much heat, and eventually lead to Nissan Altima engine failure. That’s why you’re better off checking your oil levels and investing in routine lube services.
Can I change my Nissan Altima oil at home? First off, changing your own oil isn’t as easy as you’d think. It requires special tools and old oil must be disposed of properly. Having your oil professionally changed reduces the chances of something going wrong with the oil change, but it’ll also help your car perform smoothly down the road.
Why is my Nissan Altima spewing blue or gray exhaust smoke? You could have an oil leak and have a case of burning oil. It may be time for a pro to take a look. The leak could be the result of worn valve seals, damaged piston rings, or old cylinder walls.
Who can change the oil on my Nissan Altima? Firestone Complete Auto Care performs Nissan Altima oil changes and more! Our technicians also replace oil filters, troubleshoot oil leaks, and advise on the right oil for your ride.
What does it mean if my Nissan Altima oil light comes on? Your Nissan Altima oil change reminder light may come on if you're overdue for an oil change. The oil pressure light will typically come on if the oil level in the engine is too low, the oil pump is failing, you have a clogged oil filter, or there's a faulty oil pressure sensor.
Should the oil filter be replaced when getting an oil change for my Nissan Altima? Every time you change the oil in your Nissan Altima, you should also replace the oil filter. Otherwise, you risk contaminating your brand-new oil with the dirt and debris built up in your old filter.