2008 Nissan Sentra Engine Oil Capacity
Need to know the 2008 Nissan Sentra oil capacity? We’ve scanned your owner’s manual for you and included some additional tips.
Written by Matthew Lynaugh
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
The 2008 Nissan Sentra is the quintessential Point A to Point B car—you can count on its compact body and fuel-efficient system to get you wherever you need to go. To keep your Sentra in the best mechanical condition, you’ll need to learn about its engine oil capacity.
Although it may sound daunting at first, performing your own oil changes can save you both serious time and money. If this recurring trip to the mechanic sounds like an expense you want to cut, you’ll need to refer to your owner’s manual for the proper oil type and capacity.
Maybe flipping through that dense manual sounds like too much work—we get it. That’s why
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.2008 Nissan Sentra engine oil capacity
Let’s dive right in: how much engine oil does the 2008 Nissan Sentra need?
The 2008 Sentra’s 2.0-liter V4 engine has an oil capacity of 4.1 quarts or 3.9 liters. The 2.0-liter volume refers to the engine's displacement, which tells you how much volume its cylinders take up, and is not the same thing as its oil capacity. Oil capacity refers to how much oil you need to replace when doing an oil change. These numbers are not interchangeable, so it is important to understand the distinction.
What kind of oil does a 2008 Nissan Sentra need?
Now that you know how much oil your Sentra holds, let’s cover the oil type you’ll be using to fill it up. There are going to be plentiful oil options when you go shopping, but your best bet will be Genuine Nissan Synthetic Oil 5W-30. This type of oil is what
Nissan
recommends for its drivers, and following their advice will keep your Sentra at peak performance.Let’s dissect this oil type even further. Synthetic means the oil is manufactured with chemical modifications, rather than being purely crude oil. The “W” stands for winter, and the 5 means that the oil remains a thin blend when at cold temperatures. The 30 refers to the oil’s viscosity (thickness) at normal operating temperatures.
Simply put, the ideal oil for a 2008 Nissan Sentra is one that is thin enough to keep your engine lubricated, and free of wear and tear no matter the engine’s temperature. The lower the number in front of the W, the easier the engine start-up in those freezing winter mornings.
MORE: Car won't start in cold weather? Here's what to do
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How often to change oil on a 2008 Nissan Sentra
Now that you have a better understanding of the 2008 Sentra oil capacity and type, it’s finally time to change the oil.
Nissan recommends an oil change every 5,000 miles to preserve the life and performance of the engine. If you do not drive often, it’s still important to change your oil and keep it fresh—you can do this by changing your oil every six months.
You should always monitor your oil level so you know when a change will be required. Neglecting to change your oil will cause it to turn into sludge, and will lead to complete engine failure. These signs can also tell you that an oil change is imminent:
- The oil has turned a black or dark brown color
- Your engine is making strange noises
- You smell burning or smoke odors
- You notice changes in your car’s performance
MORE: Does insurance cover engine failure?
How to change your oil and oil filter
As soon as you’re ready to perform the oil change, gather these essential car tools and supplies before starting: jacks, a socket wrench, a drain pan, a filter wrench, a fresh filter, and a rag. Lastly, be sure to have your new five-quart bottle of Synthetic 5W-30 engine oil.
- Jack up the front of your Sentra
- Place the oil pan under the oil drain plug
- Remove the oil drain plug and let the oil drip out
- Take out the old filter with the filter wrench
- Wipe the filter surface clean and install the replacement
- Screw in the oil drain bolt with a new washer and tighten to 20 lb-ft
- Pour the new oil into your engine and replace the cap
After changing your oil, it’s a good idea to turn on your car and let your engine run for about 30 seconds before you check the oil level. This will give you a more accurate measurement, and you’ll be able to top it off if necessary.
Pat yourself on the back (after washing your hands), you did it! It’s a good idea to use your dipstick to ensure you’ve filled up with a sufficient amount of oil, and let your car run for a bit to see if there are any leaks. If your oil pressure dashboard light has turned off, then you are all set.
As far as clean-up is concerned, you should never dump the old oil on the ground or in a garbage bin. The proper way to dispose of oil is to put it in a sealed container and bring it to a nearby recycling center.
Don’t forget regular insurance policy maintenance
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