2024 Nissan Altima Fluid Type Specifications

Quick reference

Fluid	Type/Spec	Capacity
Engine Oil (2.5L KR25DD)	SAE 0W-20, API SN or SN Plus, or ILSAC GF-6A	5.3 quarts (with filter)
Engine Oil (2.0L VC-Turbo KR20DDET)	SAE 0W-20, API SN or SN Plus, or ILSAC GF-6A	5.6 quarts (with filter)
Engine Coolant	Nissan Genuine Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (Blue), Phosphate-free, OAT	8.8 quarts (2.5L) / 8.7 quarts (2.0L VC-Turbo)
Transmission Fluid (CVT)	Nissan NS-3 CVT Fluid	Consult owner's manual / OEM service info
Brake Fluid	DOT 3	Consult owner's manual / OEM service info
Power Steering Fluid	Electric Power Steering (EPS) - No serviceable fluid	N/A
Windshield Washer Fluid	Pre-mixed Washer Fluid	Consult owner's manual / OEM service info

Engine Oil

The 2024 Nissan Altima is available with two engine options: the 2.5L KR25DD naturally aspirated inline-4 and the 2.0L VC-Turbo KR20DDET variable compression turbocharged inline-4. Both engines specify the use of SAE 0W-20 viscosity engine oil. It is crucial to use oil that meets API SN or SN Plus standards, or the newer ILSAC GF-6A specification. These standards indicate the oil provides robust protection against issues like low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI), which is particularly important for turbocharged direct-injection engines like the VC-Turbo.

For the 2.5L engine, the oil capacity is approximately 5.3 quarts with a filter change. The 2.0L VC-Turbo engine has an oil capacity of about 5.6 quarts with a filter change. Always verify the exact capacity in your owner's manual or OEM service information, as slight variations can occur.

Intervals and Pitfalls: Nissan recommends engine oil and filter changes every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. For severe driving conditions (e.g., frequent short trips, towing, extensive idling, dusty environments), more frequent changes may be necessary. Using an incorrect oil viscosity or an oil that does not meet the specified API/ILSAC standards can lead to increased engine wear, reduced fuel economy, and potential engine damage. Never mix different types of engine oil, and always ensure the oil filter is replaced with an equivalent OEM or high-quality aftermarket part.

Engine Coolant

The 2024 Nissan Altima uses Nissan Genuine Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (Blue). This is a phosphate-free, Organic Acid Technology (OAT) coolant. It is pre-mixed and should be used as supplied without adding water. Using an incorrect type of coolant, especially one that contains phosphates or silicates, can lead to corrosion, clogs, and damage to the cooling system components over time. Mixing different coolant technologies (e.g., OAT with HOAT or IAT) can cause chemical reactions that form precipitates, reducing cooling system efficiency and potentially causing severe damage.

The total cooling system capacity is approximately 8.8 quarts for the 2.5L engine and 8.7 quarts for the 2.0L VC-Turbo engine. Always confirm precise capacities in your owner's manual.

Intervals and Pitfalls: Nissan recommends inspecting the coolant level and condition at every service interval. The long-life coolant typically has an initial replacement interval of 100,000 miles or 5 years, and then every 60,000 miles or 3 years thereafter. Always verify the exact service schedule in your owner's manual. When topping off, use only the specified Nissan Genuine Blue coolant or an equivalent phosphate-free OAT coolant. Never use plain water, as it lacks the necessary anti-corrosion and anti-freeze properties.

Transmission Fluid (CVT)

The 2024 Nissan Altima is equipped with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). This transmission requires specific fluid: Nissan NS-3 CVT Fluid. It is critically important to use only NS-3 fluid specified by Nissan. Using any other type of transmission fluid, including generic "multi-vehicle" CVT fluids that do not explicitly state NS-3 compatibility, can lead to severe transmission damage, premature wear, and void your warranty. CVTs are highly sensitive to the frictional properties of their fluid, and the wrong fluid can cause belt slippage, overheating, and component failure.

Due to the complexity of the CVT and the specific filling procedures, obtaining an exact capacity without specialized equipment or procedures can be difficult. Always consult your owner's manual or an authorized Nissan service center for detailed information on fluid checks and capacities. Transmission fluid changes are typically not part of routine maintenance under normal driving conditions, but are recommended for vehicles driven under severe conditions (e.g., heavy towing, frequent stop-and-go traffic, mountainous terrain). Consult your owner's manual or a Nissan technician for severe service intervals.

Intervals and Pitfalls: Never use automatic transmission fluid (ATF) designed for conventional stepped automatics in a Nissan CVT. Transmission fluid levels should be checked according to the procedure outlined in the service manual, often requiring specific fluid temperatures and diagnostic tools. If you suspect an issue with your CVT fluid, or need a service, it is highly recommended to have it performed by a Nissan dealership or a qualified independent shop with experience servicing Nissan CVTs.

Brake Fluid

The 2024 Nissan Altima uses DOT 3 specification brake fluid. Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air over time. This moisture content lowers the fluid's boiling point and can lead to corrosion within the brake system components. It is essential to use fresh, sealed DOT 3 fluid when topping off or performing a brake fluid flush.

Intervals and Pitfalls: Nissan typically recommends inspecting brake fluid at every service. A brake fluid flush and replacement are generally recommended every 2 years or 30,000 miles, but always verify this in your owner's manual. Never mix different types of brake fluid (e.g., DOT 3 and DOT 4, or DOT 5 silicone-based fluid), as this can lead to fluid incompatibility issues and brake system failure. DOT 5 fluid, which is silicone-based, is explicitly not compatible with DOT 3/4 systems. When opening the brake fluid reservoir, minimize exposure time to the atmosphere to reduce moisture absorption.

Power Steering Fluid

The 2024 Nissan Altima is equipped with an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system. This system does not use hydraulic fluid. Therefore, there is no power steering fluid to check or replace. The system is electronically controlled, providing assistance to the steering rack directly.

Windshield Washer Fluid

For the windshield washer system, it is recommended to use a high-quality pre-mixed windshield washer fluid. These fluids are formulated to effectively clean the windshield, prevent freezing in cold weather (often containing methanol or ethanol), and some may include bug or rain repellent additives. Never use plain water, especially in freezing temperatures, as it can freeze and damage the washer fluid reservoir, pump, and lines.

Intervals and Pitfalls: Regularly check the washer fluid level and refill as needed. In winter months, ensure you are using a fluid rated for colder temperatures to prevent freezing.

Differential and Transfer Case Fluids

The 2024 Nissan Altima is primarily a front-wheel-drive vehicle, with Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD) available as an option.

Front Differential (integrated into the transaxle): The front differential uses the same Nissan NS-3 CVT Fluid as the transmission in both FWD and AWD models. As this is integral to the CVT, its fluid is serviced as part of the CVT system.

Rear Differential (AWD models only): For AWD models, the rear differential requires specific gear oil. Often, Nissan specifies a Nissan Differential Oil Hypoid Super GL-5 80W-90 or equivalent. However, specific requirements can vary by model year and even production batch. It is imperative to consult your owner's manual or an authorized Nissan service center for the exact fluid type and specification for the rear differential of your specific 2024 Altima AWD model. Using the wrong fluid can lead to premature wear and damage to the differential.

Transfer Case (AWD models only): The transfer case in AWD models also requires a specific gear oil. Similar to the rear differential, Nissan generally specifies a Nissan Differential Oil Hypoid Super GL-5 80W-90 or equivalent. Again, always refer to your owner's manual or OEM service information for the precise fluid type and capacity for the transfer case in your 2024 Altima AWD.

Intervals and Pitfalls (Differentials & Transfer Case): Under normal driving, these fluids may have long service intervals. However, under severe driving conditions (e.g., heavy towing, off-road driving, or frequent driving in mountainous areas), more frequent inspection and replacement may be necessary. Always confirm the intervals in your owner's manual. Failure to use the correct viscosity and GL-rating for the gear oil can result in accelerated wear, noise, and eventual failure of the differential or transfer case.

Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)

The 2024 Nissan Altima is exclusively offered with gasoline engines and does not use Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF). DEF is only required for diesel engines equipped with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems.

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