Nissan Altima (2018 year). Instruction

∙ Tire tread of the TEMPORARY USE

ONLY spare tire will wear at a faster
rate than the standard tire. Replace
the spare tire as soon as the tread
wear indicators appear.

∙ Do not use the spare tire on other

vehicles.

∙ Do not use more than one spare tire at

the same time.

∙ Do not tow a trailer when the TEMPO-

RARY USE ONLY spare tire is installed.

CAUTION

∙ Do not use tire chains on a TEMPO-

RARY USE ONLY spare tire. Tire chains
will not fit properly and may cause
damage to the vehicle.

∙ Because the TEMPORARY USE ONLY

spare tire is smaller than the original
tire, ground clearance is reduced. To
avoid damage to the vehicle, do not
drive over obstacles. Also, do not drive
the vehicle through an automatic car
wash since it may get caught.

Do-it-yourself

8-43

Some day-to-day and regular mainte-
nance is essential to maintain your vehicle
good mechanical condition, as well as its
emissions and engine performance.

It is the owner’s responsibility to make sure
that the scheduled maintenance, as well as
general maintenance, is performed.

As the vehicle owner, you are the only one
who can ensure that your vehicle receives
proper maintenance. You are a vital link in
the maintenance chain.

GENERAL MAINTENANCE

General maintenance includes those items
which should be checked during normal
day-to-day operation. They are essential
for proper vehicle operation. It is your re-
sponsibility to perform these procedures
regularly as prescribed.

Performing general maintenance checks
requires minimal mechanical skill and only
a few general automotive tools.

These checks or inspections can be done
by yourself, a qualified technician or, if you
prefer, a NISSAN dealer.

SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE

The maintenance items listed in this sec-
tion are required to be serviced at regular
intervals. However under severe driving
conditions, additional or more frequent
maintenance will be required.

WHERE TO GO FOR SERVICE

If maintenance service is required or your
vehicle appears to malfunction, have the
systems checked and serviced. It is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for
this service.

NISSAN technicians are well-trained spe-
cialists and are kept up-to-date with the
latest service information through techni-
cal bulletins, service tips and training pro-
grams. They are completely qualified to
work on NISSAN vehicles before work be-
gins.

You can be confident that a NISSAN deal-
er’s service department can perform the
service needed to meet the maintenance
requirements on your vehicle.

During the normal day-to-day operation of
the vehicle, general maintenance should
be performed regularly as prescribed in
this section. If you detect any unusual
sounds, vibrations or smells, be sure to
check for the cause or have it checked
promptly. In addition, it is recommended
that you visit a NISSAN dealer if you think
that repairs are required.

When performing any checks or mainte-
nance work, closely observe the “Mainte-
nance precautions” in the “Do-it-yourself ”
section of this manual.

EXPLANATION OF GENERAL
MAINTENANCE ITEMS

Additional information on the following
items with “ * ” is found in the “Do-it-
yourself ” section of this manual.

Outside the vehicle

The maintenance items listed here should
be performed from time to time, unless
otherwise specified.

Doors and engine hood: Check that the
doors and engine hood operate properly.
Also ensure that all latches lock securely.
Lubricate hinges, latches, latch pins, rollers
and links if necessary. Make sure that the

MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS

GENERAL MAINTENANCE

9-2

Maintenance and schedules

secondary latch keeps the hood from
opening when the primary latch is re-
leased.

When driving in areas using road salt or
other corrosive materials, check lubrica-
tion frequently.

Lights*: Clean the headlights on a regular
basis. Make sure that the headlights, stop
lights, tail lights, turn signal lights, and other
lights are all operating properly and in-
stalled securely. Also check headlight aim.

Road wheel nuts (lug nuts)*: When check-
ing the tires, make sure no wheel nuts are
missing, and check for any loose wheel
nuts. Tighten if necessary.

Tire rotation*: Tires should be rotated ev-
ery 5,000 miles (8,000 km).

Tires*: Check the pressure with a gauge
often and always prior to long distance
trips. If necessary, adjust the pressure in all
tires, including the spare, to the pressure
specified. Check carefully for damage, cuts
or excessive wear.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
transmitter components: Replace the
TPMS transmitter grommet seal, valve core
and cap when the tires are replaced due to
wear or age.

Wheel alignment and balance: If the ve-
hicle should pull to either side while driving
on a straight and level road, or if you detect
uneven or abnormal tire wear, there may
be a need for wheel alignment. If the steer-
ing wheel or seat vibrates at normal high-
way speeds, wheel balancing may be
needed.

For additional information regarding tires,
refer to “Important Tire Safety Information”
(US) or “Tire Safety Information” (Canada) in
the Warranty Information Booklet.

Windshield: Clean the windshield on a
regular basis. Check the windshield at least
every six months for cracks or other dam-
age. Have a damaged windshield repaired
by a qualified repair facility.

Windshield wiper blades*: Check for
cracks or wear if they do not wipe properly.

Inside the vehicle

The maintenance items listed here should
be checked on a regular basis, such as
when performing scheduled maintenance,
cleaning the vehicle, etc.

Accelerator pedal: Check the pedal for
smooth operation and make sure the

pedal does not catch or require uneven
effort. Keep the floor mat away from the
pedal.

Brake pedal: Check the pedal for smooth
operation. If the brake pedal suddenly goes
down further than normal, the pedal feels
spongy or the vehicle seems to take longer
to stop, have your vehicle checked imme-
diately. It is recommended that you visit a
NISSAN dealer for this service. Keep the
floor mat away from the pedal.

Brakes: Check that the brakes do not pull
the vehicle to one side when applied.

Continuously

Variable

Transmission

(CVT) P (Park) position mechanism: On a
fairly steep hill check that the vehicle is held
securely with the shift lever in the P (Park)
position without applying any brakes.

Parking brake: Check the parking brake
operation regularly. The vehicle should be
securely held on a fairly steep hill with only
the parking brake applied. If the parking
brake needs adjustment, it is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for
this service.

Seats: Check seat position controls such
as seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc., to
ensure they operate smoothly and all

Maintenance and schedules

9-3

latches lock securely in every position.
Check that the head restraints/headrests
move up and down smoothly and the locks
(if so equipped) hold securely in all latched
positions.

Seat belts: Check that all parts of the seat
belt system (for example, buckles, anchors,
adjusters and retractors) operate properly
and smoothly, and are installed securely.
Check the belt webbing for cuts, fraying,
wear or damage.

Steering wheel: Check for changes in the
steering system, such as excessive free
play, hard steering or strange noises.

Warning lights and chimes: Make sure all
warning lights and chimes are operating
properly.

Windshield defroster: Check that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly
and in sufficient quantity when operating
the heater or air conditioner.

Windshield wiper and washer*: Check
that the wipers and washer operate prop-
erly and that the wipers do not streak.

Under the hood and vehicle

The maintenance items listed here should
be checked periodically (for example, each
time you check the engine oil or refuel).

Battery*

(for

serviceable

batteries):

Check the fluid level in each cell. The fluid
should be at the bottom of the filler open-
ing. Vehicles operated in high tempera-
tures or under severe conditions require
frequent checks of the battery fluid level.

NOTE:

Care should be taken to avoid situations
that can lead to potential battery dis-
charge and potential no-start conditions
such as:

1. Installation or extended use of elec-

tronic accessories that consume bat-
tery power when the engine is not
running (Phone chargers, GPS, DVD
players, etc.).

2. Vehicle is not driven regularly and/or

only driven short distances.

In these cases, the battery may need to
be charged to maintain battery health.

Brake fluid level*: Make sure that the brake
fluid level is between the MAX and MIN lines
on the reservoir.

Engine coolant level*: Check the coolant
level when the engine is cold.

Engine drive belts*: Make sure the drive
belts are not frayed, worn, cracked or oily.

Engine oil level*: Check the level after
parking the vehicle on a level spot and
turning off the engine. Wait more than
15 minutes for the oil to drain back into the
oil pan.

Exhaust system: Make sure there are no
loose supports, cracks or holes. If the
sound of the exhaust seems unusual or
there is a smell of exhaust fumes, immedi-
ately have the exhaust system inspected. It
is recommended that you visit a NISSAN
dealer for this service. For additional infor-
mation, refer to “Exhaust gas (carbon mon-
oxide)” in the “Starting and driving” section
of this manual.

Fluid leaks: Check under the vehicle for
fuel, oil, water or other fluid leaks after the
vehicle has been parked for a while. Water
dripping from the air conditioner after use
is normal. If you should notice any leaks or if

9-4

Maintenance and schedules

fuel fumes are evident, check for the cause
and have it corrected immediately.

Power steering fluid level* and lines:
Check the level when the fluid is cold, with
the engine off. Check the lines for proper
attachment, leaks, cracks, etc.

Radiator and hoses: Check the front of the
radiator and clean off any dirt, insects,
leaves, etc., that may have accumulated.
Make sure the hoses have no cracks, defor-
mation, rot or loose connections.

Underbody: The underbody is frequently
exposed to corrosive substances such as
those used on icy roads or to control dust. It
is very important to remove these sub-
stances, otherwise rust may form on the
floor pan, frame, fuel lines and around the
exhaust system. At the end of winter, the
underbody should be thoroughly flushed
with plain water, being careful to clean
those areas where mud and dirt may accu-
mulate. For additional information, refer to
the “Appearance and care” section of this
manual.

Windshield-washer fluid*: Check that
there is adequate fluid in the reservoir.

The following descriptions are provided to
give you a better understanding of the
scheduled maintenance items that should
be regularly checked or replaced. The
maintenance schedule indicates at which
mileage/time intervals each item requires
service.

In addition to scheduled maintenance,
your vehicle requires that some items be
checked during normal day-to-day opera-
tion. For additional information, refer to
“General maintenance” in this section.

Items marked with “*” are recommended
by NISSAN for reliable vehicle operation.
You are not required to perform mainte-
nance on these items in order to maintain
the warranties which come with your
NISSAN. Other maintenance items and in-
tervals are required.

When applicable, additional information
can be found in the “Do-it-yourself ” section
of this manual.

NOTE:

NISSAN does not advocate the use of
non-OEM approved aftermarket flush-
ing

systems

and

strongly

advises

against performing these services on a
NISSAN product. Many of the aftermar-
ket flushing systems use non-OEM ap-
proved chemicals or solvents, the use of
which has not been validated by NISSAN.

For recommended fuel, lubricants, fluids,
grease, and refrigerant, refer to “Recom-
mended fluids/lubricants and capaci-
ties” in the “Technical and consumer in-
formation” section of this manual.

EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
MAINTENANCE:

Drive belts*: Check engine drive belts for
wear, fraying or cracking and for proper
tension. Replace any damaged drive belts.

Engine air filter: Replace at specified inter-
vals. When driving for prolonged periods in
dusty conditions, check/replace the filter
more frequently.

Engine coolant*: Replace coolant at the
specified interval. When adding or replac-
ing coolant, be sure to use only Genuine
NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue)

EXPLANATION OF SCHEDULED
MAINTENANCE ITEMS

Maintenance and schedules

9-5

or equivalent with the proper mixture. (For
additional information on the proper mix-
ture for your area, refer to “Engine cooling
system” in the “Do-it-yourself ” section of
this manual.)

NOTE: Mixing any other type of coolant
or the use of non-distilled water may re-
duce the recommended service interval
of the coolant.

Engine oil and oil filter: Replace engine oil
and oil filter at the specified intervals. For
recommended oil grade and viscosity refer
to “Recommended fluids/lubricants and
capacities” in the “Technical and consumer
information” section of this manual.

Engine valve clearance*: Inspect only if
valve noise increases. Adjust valve clear-
ance if necessary.

Evaporative emissions control vapor
lines*: Check vapor lines for leaks or loose-
ness. Tighten connections or replace parts
as necessary.

Fuel filter: Periodic maintenance is not re-
quired. (in-tank type filter)

Fuel lines*: Check the fuel hoses, piping
and connections for leaks, looseness, or
deterioration. Tighten connections or re-
place parts as necessary.

Spark plugs: Replace at specified intervals.
Install new plugs of the type as originally
equipped.

CHASSIS AND BODY
MAINTENANCE:

Brake lines and cables: Visually inspect for
proper installation. Check for chafing,
cracks, deterioration, and signs of leaking.
Replace any deteriorated or damaged
parts immediately.

Brake pads and rotors: Check for wear,
deterioration and fluid leaks. Replace any
deteriorated or damaged parts immedi-
ately.

Exhaust system: Visually inspect the ex-
haust pipes, muffler and hangers for leaks,
cracks, deterioration, and damage. Tighten
connections or replace parts as necessary.

In-cabin microfilter: Replace at specified
intervals. When driving for prolonged peri-
ods in dusty conditions, replace the filter
more frequently.

Steering gear and linkage, axle and sus-
pension parts, drive shaft boots: Check
for damage, looseness, and leakage of oil
or grease. Under severe driving conditions,
inspect more frequently.

Tire rotation: Tires should be rotated every
5,000 miles (8,000 km) according to the in-
structions under “General maintenance” in
this section. When rotating tires, check for
damage and uneven wear. Replace if nec-
essary.

Transmission fluid/oil: Visually inspect for
signs of leakage at specified intervals.

If using a car-top carrier or driving on rough
or muddy roads:

∙ Replace the CVT fluid every 60,000 miles

(96,000 km) or request the dealer to in-
spect the fluid deterioration data using
a CONSULT. If the deterioration data is
more than 210000, replace the CVT fluid.

9-6

Maintenance and schedules

To help ensure smooth, safe and economi-
cal driving, NISSAN provides two mainte-
nance schedules that may be used, de-
pending upon the conditions in which you
usually drive. These schedules contain
both distance and time intervals, up to
120,000 miles (192,000 km)/144 months. For
most people, the odometer reading will in-
dicate when service is needed. However, if
you drive very little, your vehicle should be
serviced at the regular time intervals
shown in the schedule.

After

120,000

miles

(192,000

km)/144

months,

continue

maintenance at the same mileage/time
intervals.

ADDITIONAL MAINTENANCE ITEMS
FOR SEVERE OPERATING
CONDITIONS

Additional maintenance items for severe
operating conditions should be per-
formed on vehicles that are driven under
especially demanding conditions. Addi-
tional maintenance items should be per-
formed if you primarily operate your vehicle
under the following conditions:

∙ Repeated short trips of less than 5 miles

(8 km).

∙ Repeated short trips of less than

10 miles (16 km) with outside tempera-
tures remaining below freezing.

∙ Operating in hot weather in stop-

and-go “rush hour” traffic.

∙ Extensive idling and/or low speed driv-

ing for long distances, such as police,
taxi or door-to-door delivery use.

∙ Driving in dusty conditions.

∙ Driving on rough, muddy or salt spread

roads.

∙ Using a car-top carrier.

NOTE:

For vehicles operated in Canada, both
standard and severe maintenance items
should be performed at every interval.

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

Maintenance and schedules

9-7

The following tables show the standard
maintenance schedule. Depending upon
weather

and

atmospheric

conditions,

varying road surfaces, individual driving
habits and vehicle usage, additional or
more frequent maintenance may be re-
quired.

After

120,000

miles

(192,000

km)/144

months,

continue

maintenance at the same mileage/time
interval.

EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE

Abbreviations: I = Inspect and correct or replace as necessary, R = Replace

MAINTENANCE OPERATION

Perform at number of miles, kilometers or

months, whichever comes first.

miles x 1,000

(km x 1,000)

Months

MAINTENANCE INTERVAL

(8)

(16)

(24)

(32)

(40)

(48)

(56)

(64)

(72)

(80)

(88)

(96)

Drive belts

See NOTE (1)

Air cleaner filter

See NOTE (2)

Engine oil

Engine oil filter

Engine coolant*

See NOTE (4)(5)

EVAP vapor lines

Fuel lines

Fuel filter

See NOTE (3)

Spark plugs (Iridium - tipped type)

See NOTE (6)

Replace every 105,000 miles (168,000 km)

Intake and exhaust valve clearances*

See NOTE (7)

STANDARD MAINTENANCE

9-8

Maintenance and schedules

Abbreviations: I = Inspect and correct or replace as necessary, R = Replace

MAINTENANCE OPERATION

Perform at number of miles, kilometers or

months, whichever comes first.

miles x 1,000

(km x 1,000)

Months

MAINTENANCE INTERVAL

(104)

(112)

(120)

(128)

(136)

102

(144)

108

(152)

114

100

(160)

120

105

(168)

126

110

(176)

132

115

(184)

138

120

(192)

144

Drive belts

See NOTE (1)

Air cleaner filter

See NOTE (2)

Engine oil

Engine oil filter

Engine coolant*

See NOTE (4)(5)

EVAP vapor lines

Fuel lines

Fuel filter

See NOTE (3)

Spark plugs (Iridium - tipped type)

See NOTE (6)

Replace every 105,000 miles (168,000 km)

Intake and exhaust valve clearances*

See NOTE (7)

NOTE:
(1) After 40,000 miles (64,000 km) or 48 months, inspect every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months. Replace the drive belts if
found damaged.
(2) If operating mainly in dusty conditions, more frequent maintenance may be required.
(3) Periodic maintenance is not required.
(4) First replacement interval is 105,000 miles (168,000 km) or 84 months. After first replacement, replace every 75,000 miles
(120,000 km) or 60 months.
(5) Use only Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) or equivalent with proper mixture ratio of 50% antifreeze and 50%
demineralized or distilled water. Mixing any other type of coolant or the use of non-distilled water may reduce the life expectancy
of the factory fill coolant.
(6) Replace spark plug when the plug gap exceeds 1.25 mm (0.049 in) even within specified periodic replacement mileage.
(7) Periodic maintenance is not required. However, if valve noise increased, inspect valve clearance.
* Maintenance items and intervals with “*” are recommended by NISSAN for reliable vehicle operation. The owner need not perform
such maintenance in order to maintain the emission warranty or manufacturer recall liability. Other maintenance items and
intervals are required.

Maintenance and schedules

9-9

CHASSIS & BODY MAINTENANCE

Abbreviations: I = Inspect and correct or replace as necessary, R = Replace,

MAINTENANCE OPERATION

Perform at number of miles, kilometers or months,

whichever comes first.

miles x 1,000

(km x 1,000)

Months

MAINTENANCE INTERVAL

(8)

(16)

(24)

(32)

(40)

(48)

(56)

(64)

(72)

(80)

(88)

(96)

Brake lines and cables

Brake pads and rotors

夝

Brake fluid

夝

CVT fluid

See NOTE (1)

Steering gear and linkage, axle and suspension parts
夝

Tire rotation

See NOTE (2)

Front drive shaft boots

夝

Exhaust system

夝

In-cabin microfilter

NISSAN Intelligent Key® battery

9-10

Maintenance and schedules

Abbreviations: I = Inspect and correct or replace as necessary, R = Replace,

MAINTENANCE OPERATION

Perform at number of miles, kilometers or months, which-

ever comes first.

miles x 1,000

(km x 1,000)

Months

MAINTENANCE INTERVAL

(104)

(112)

(120)

(128)

(136)

102

(144)

108

(152)

114

100

(160)

120

105

(168)

126

110

(176)

132

115

(184)

138

120

(192)

144

Brake lines and cables

Brake pads and rotors

夝

Brake fluid

夝

CVT fluid

See NOTE (1)

Steering gear and linkage, axle and suspension parts

夝

Tire rotation

See NOTE (2)

Front drive shaft boots

夝

Exhaust system

夝

In-cabin microfilter

NISSAN Intelligent Key® battery

NOTE:

Maintenance items with “

夝” should be performed more frequently according to “Maintenance under severe driving conditions”.

(1) If using a car-top carrier or driving on rough or muddy roads, inspect CVT fluid deterioration every 60,000 miles (96,000 km),
then change CVT fluid if necessary. And if the inspection is not performed, change (not just inspect) CVT fluid every 60,000 miles
(96,000 km). It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
(2) For additional information, refer to “General maintenance” in this section.

Maintenance and schedules

9-11

The maintenance intervals shown on the preceding pages are for normal operating conditions. If the vehicle is mainly operated under
severe driving conditions as shown below, more frequent maintenance must be performed on the following items as shown in the table.

SEVERE DRIVING CONDITIONS

∙ Repeated short trips of less than 5 miles

(8 km).

∙ Repeated short trips of less than

10 miles (16 km) with outside tempera-
tures remaining below freezing.

∙ Operating in hot weather in stop-

and-go “rush hour” traffic.

∙ Extensive idling and/or low speed driv-

ing for long distance, such as police, taxi
or door-to-door delivery use.

∙ Driving in dusty conditions.

∙ Driving on rough, muddy or salt spread

roads.

∙ Using a car-top carrier.

Maintenance operation: Inspect = Inspect and correct or replace as necessary.

Maintenance item

Maintenance operation

Maintenance interval

Brake fluid

Replace

Every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months

Brake pads and rotors

Inspect

Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months

Steering gear & linkage, axle & suspension parts

Inspect

Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months

Front drive shaft boots

Inspect

Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months

Exhaust system

Inspect

Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months

MAINTENANCE UNDER SEVERE
OPERATING CONDITIONS

9-12

Maintenance and schedules

Nissan Altima (2018 year). Instruction - part 26