Modern cars and trucks need much less maintenance than the vehicles of 25 years ago, but they still have needs. You no longer have to do a tune up every six months but regular fluid changes and tire rotations are still essential to your vehicle’s longevity. What follows is our quick reference guide to recommended routine maintenance tasks, most of which you can do yourself. If you need guidance, or step by step instructions, check out our OnDemand video tutorials, or get the online manual, or our traditional printed manual.
Oil Change
Engine Oil Type 5W30
Engine Oil Capacity 3-1/8 quarts (1.6 liter motor)
4-3/8 quarts (1.8 liter motor)
Oil Drain Plug Torque 25 ft-lbs
Transaxle Fluid Change
Transaxle Fluid Type Nissan Matic S ATF (4 speed automatic)
Nissan NS-3 CVT fluid (CVT automatic)
75W-85 GL-4 gear oil (manual)
Transaxle Fluid Capacity 8-1/8 quarts (2007-12 1.6 liter motor 4 speed auto)**
(when changing filter) 8-3/8 quarts (2007-12 1.8 liter motor 4 speed auto)**
5-1/5 quarts + 30-50% (2013-on 4 speed auto)**
7-7/8 quarts (2007-10 CVT auto)
7-1/4 quarts (2011-on CVT auto)
Up to 5-1/2 pints (2007-2011 5 speed manual)
Up to 4-1/4 pints (2007-2011 6 speed manual)
Up to 5-5/8 pints (2012-on manual)
Transaxle Drain Plug Torque 25 ft-lbs (automatic)
25 ft-lbs (manual)
Transaxle Overflow Tube Torque 31 in-lbs (4 speed & CVT auto)
Transaxle Check/Fill Plug 39 ft-lbs (manual)
**The best way to determine the amount of fluid needed during a routine fluid change is to measure the amount drained. Additionally, on 2012 and later models, the fluid change procedure requires 30-50% more fluid than what is listed here to fill (see section 25 in manual).
Cooling System Flush and Fill
Coolant Type 50/50 mix of ethylene glycol-based antifreeze and water (2007-11)
Pre-diluted Nissan Long Life blue antifreeze/coolant (2012-on)
Cooling System Capacity 6-5/8 quarts (2007-12 1.6 liter motor)
7-1/4 quarts (2007-12 1.8 liter motor)
7-5/8 quarts (2013-on with CVT auto)
6-5/8 quarts (2013-on with 4 speed auto or manual)
Other Miscellaneous Fluid Types
Brake Fluid DOT 3 brake fluid
Clutch Fluid DOT 3 brake fluid
Other Miscellaneous Torque Specs
Wheel Lug Nuts 83 ft-lbs
Brake Caliper Bolts 32 ft-lbs (2009-11 1.6 liter motor)
20 ft-lbs (all others)
Caliper Bracket Bolts 62 ft-lbs
Brake Hose to Caliper Bolt 156 in-lbs
Wheel Cylinder Bolts 108 in-lbs (2007-2011)
80 in-lbs (2012-on)
Maintenance Schedule
The following intervals are based on the assumption that you will be doing the service work yourself, as opposed to paying to have the work done. These are our recommended minimum maintenance intervals for vehicles that are driven daily, and in many cases are shorter than the factory’s recommendations. Because frequent maintenance enhances the efficiency, performance and resale value of your car, we encourage you to follow our schedule. If you drive in dusty areas, idle or drive at low speeds for extended periods, or drive short trips (less than four miles at a time) in below freezing temperatures, even shorter intervals are recommended.
When the vehicle is new, follow the maintenance schedule to the letter, record it in your owner’s manual and keep all receipts to protect the warranty. In many cases the initial maintenance check will be done at no cost by the dealer (check with the service department for more information).
Every 250 miles or weekly
- Check the engine oil level
- Check the coolant level
- Check the windshield washer fluid level
- Check the brake fluid level
- Check the clutch fluid level (manual transaxle)
- Check the tires and tire pressures
Every 3,000 miles or 3 months
...all items listed above, as well as
- Change the engine oil and filter
- Check the automatic transaxle fluid level
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months
...all items listed above, as well as
- Rotate the tires
- Inspect the windshield wiper blades
- Check and service the battery
- Check the engine accessory belt
- Inspect under hood hoses
- Check the cooling system
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months
...all items listed above, as well as
- Change the cabin air filter
- Inspect the fuel system
- Inspect the brake system*
- Inspect the exhaust system
- Inspect steering and suspension
- Check CV joint boots
- Check transaxle fluid level (manual)
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months
...all items listed above, as well as
- Replace the air filter*
- Flush and fill cooling system
- Inspect evaporative emissions control system
- Check PCV valve and replace if needed
Every 60,000 miles or 48 months
...all items listed above, as well as
- Change automatic transaxle fluid**
- Change manual transaxle fluid**
- Check valve clearance and adjust if needed
- Replace the engine accessory belt
Every 105,000 miles or 60 months
...all items listed above, as well as
- Replace spark plugs
- Change brake fluid
* Perform at half the indicated intervals if the vehicle is operated under under one or more of the following conditions: Driving in dusty areas, idling for extended periods, driving at low speed or short trips in below freezing temperatures
** Perform at half the indicated interval if operated under one or more of the following conditions: In heavy city traffic with temperature above 90-degrees F, in hilly or mountainous terrain with temperature above 90-degrees F
Valve Clearances (with engine cold)
2008 and earlier 1.8L engine (MR18DE)
Intake valves 0.010 to 0.013 inch
Exhaust valves 0.011 to 0.015 inch
2009 and later engines (all)
Intake valves 0.012 inch
Exhaust valves. 0.013 inch
