2020 Nissan Altima Coolant Capacity & Type

The 2020 Nissan Altima holds approximately 7.6 to 8.6 quarts (7.2 to 8.1 liters) of coolant in its cooling system, depending on the engine. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of your Altima's coolant needs.

Quick Answer

• Total Cooling System Capacity: 7.6 - 8.6 quarts (7.2 - 8.1 liters)
• OEM Coolant Spec: Nissan Genuine Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (Blue, Phosphated Organic Acid Technology - POAT equivalent, specifically Nissan L250 or equivalent).
• Mix Ratio: 50/50 prediluted or mix concentrate with distilled water.

Capacity by Engine Option

The coolant capacity for the 2020 Nissan Altima varies slightly by engine type:

Flush Interval

Nissan recommends the following coolant flush intervals for the 2020 Altima:

• Normal Duty: Replace every 15 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first, after the initial replacement at 15 years/150,000 miles.
• Severe Duty (e.g., heavy towing, extreme temperatures, dusty conditions): While not explicitly stated as different from normal duty for this long-life coolant, it's always a good practice to inspect coolant periodically (every 30,000 miles or 2 years) and consider a flush sooner if the coolant appears dirty or if the vehicle is subjected to consistent severe operating conditions.

How to Refill & Bleed

Properly refilling and bleeding the cooling system is crucial to prevent air pockets that can cause overheating. Always perform this on a cool engine.

1. Drain: With the engine cool, open the draincock on the bottom of the radiator (and on the engine block if applicable) and remove the radiator cap to allow the old coolant to drain completely. Capture the old coolant in a suitable container for proper disposal.
2. Close Drains: Once drained, close the radiator draincock (and engine block drain if opened).
3. Refill: Slowly pour the new Nissan Genuine Long Life Blue coolant (50/50 mix) into the radiator filler neck. Fill until the coolant level reaches the filler neck.
4. Bleed Air (Standard Method):
   • Start the engine with the radiator cap off and the heater set to full hot (fan speed low). This opens the heater core bypass valve.
   • As the engine warms up, coolant will circulate, and air bubbles will rise and escape through the filler neck. Squeeze the upper and lower radiator hoses gently to help dislodge air pockets.
   • Continuously monitor the coolant level in the radiator and top off as needed. Continue until no more air bubbles appear and the coolant level stabilizes.
   • Once stabilized, install the radiator cap.
5. Bleed Air (Specific for Altima): Some Nissan models, including the Altima, can be prone to air pockets. Utilizing a spill-free funnel can aid in maintaining a high coolant level during the bleeding process. For persistent air pockets, especially after a major component replacement, a vacuum filling tool can be very effective in pulling a vacuum on the system and then drawing in coolant without introducing air.
6. Check Reservoir: Ensure the coolant reservoir (overflow tank) is filled to the "MAX" line when the engine is cold.
7. Final Check: After driving, let the engine cool completely and recheck the coolant level in both the radiator (if accessible safely) and the reservoir. Top off as necessary.

Common Cooling System Issues for this Generation Nissan Altima (2019-Present)

While generally reliable, some common cooling system considerations for the L34 generation Altima include:

• Thermostat Issues: Though less common in newer vehicles, a failing thermostat can cause overheating or underheating. Symptoms include erratic temperature gauge readings or the engine taking a long time to warm up.
• Radiator Fan Problems: Issues with the electric cooling fans (motor failure, relay issues) can lead to overheating, especially in stop-and-go traffic or at idle.
• Hose Leaks: Over time, rubber hoses can degrade, leading to leaks. Inspect hoses for cracks, bulges, or softness regularly.
• Water Pump Leaks/Failure: The water pump, responsible for circulating coolant, can eventually develop leaks or internal bearing failure, resulting in overheating or a noticeable squealing noise.
• Heater Core Issues: A clogged or leaking heater core can result in a lack of heat in the cabin or a sweet smell inside the vehicle.
• Coolant Quality and Type: Using the incorrect type of coolant or mixing different types can lead to premature wear of cooling system components and potential clogs or corrosion. Always use Nissan Genuine Long Life Blue coolant or an equivalent POAT formulation.

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