How to Change a Nissan Oil Filter

When you're in the middle of an oil change, Nissan recommends that you also change your oil filter. Oil filter removal requires a specialized wrench which you can purchase at a Nissan dealership or online. Different models use different filters and wrenches, so you may need your car's model and year for the purchase.
Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Instructions
Things You'll Need
Crescent wrench
Oil filter wrench
Socket wrench
Rag
Oil filter
1

Remove the engine oil refill cap, remove the oil drain bolt at the bottom of the engine and let the engine drain into a pan. You don't want the engine full of oil when you remove the oil filter. Replace the drain bolt after 20 minutes of draining.
2

Identify the oil filter as a baseball-sized cylinder about as wide as it is tall. Its location varies by car model, but it will invariably be on the underside of the engine.
3

Orient your oil filter wrench to grip when turned counterclockwise, if it is the type of wrench that has a directional grip. (Some oil-filter wrenches grasp only when turned in one direction.)
4

Cover the end of the oil filter with the oil filter wrench.
5

Attach a wrench to the oil filter wrench, preferably a socket wrench--the male socket goes in the oil filter wrench's center hole. If you don't have a socket wrench, a crescent wrench will do.
6

Loosen the filter with the wrench, turning counterclockwise.
7

Unscrew and remove the filter manually. Don't position your face under the filter since it's full of used oil that is both carcinogenic and possibly hot.
8

Remove the seal (rubber O-ring) that sits between the filter and the engine and wipe clean any O-ring residue left in the engine cavity with a rag.
9

Coat both sides of the new O-ring on the new filter with clean oil. Hold the O-ring in the engine cavity and screw in the new filter manually until you feel resistance.
10

Reset the oil filter wrench to grasp clockwise, if need be. Put the oil filter wrench on the oil filter and turn clockwise an additional 2/3 of a revolution. Don't over-tighten, which could lead to an oil leak.
11

Idle the engine in neutral until the radiator fan turns on. Then check underneath for leaks through the filter.