How Much is a Nissan Oil Change?

by Synthetic Oil | Last Updated: June 23, 2023

Getting a timely oil change is one of the most important things you can do to keep your Nissan running almost like new. Motor oil is vital to your vehicle’s longevity, after all. Not only does oil lubricate the moving parts of the Nissan engine, but it also helps dissipate heat and enables your car to operate at peak performance. That said, if this is your first time changing the oil in your Nissan, you may be wondering, “What’s the Nissan oil change price? How much do I need to set aside?” 

While a Nissan oil change is nowhere as expensive as a Mercedes or Lamborghini oil change, it is still an expense to keep in mind. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at how much a Nissan oil change costs and the factors influencing the price.

The Nissan Oil Change Price

On average, an oil change for a Nissan vehicle falls within the $30 to $70 range. This encompassing estimate includes the cost of oil, oil filter, skilled labor, and any additional fees. However, let’s not forget that this range serves as a general guideline, and the actual price may fluctuate based on numerous variables. For instance, conventional oil will cost you roughly $30-$35, whereas synthetic oil sets you back $60-$65.

Fortunately, Nissan owners don’t have to worry about shelling out hundreds of dollars to simply change their oil. Whether you opt to DIY your oil change or pay for one, your Nissan is a cost-effective machine!

Factors That Alter The Nissan Oil Change Price

Let’s take a look at some of the factors that decrease or increase the cost of a Nissan oil change:

Model and Year

Nissan has many popular models on the road, such as the Nissan Sentra, Altima, and Rogue. If you drive a Sentra, you can expect to pay a little less for an oil change than you would a Rogue. Generally, Sentras and Altimas will cost between $50-$80 for an oil change. A Nissan Rogue is between $56-$85. If you have a Nissan GT-R, the price of the oil change is going to be higher than more economical models—around $112 to $140 for the oil change (with the labor being between $45-$60).

Now, keep in mind that this is just for the oil change and not the labor cost, which may bring the cost of your oil change up by $20-$60, for a total of $70-$140.

Oil Type

Few vehicles use conventional motor oil these days, including Nissan models. As such, it is safe to assume that you will be using a full synthetic or synthetic blend in your Nissan. Synthetic oil is generally more expensive per quart than conventional oil, resulting in a higher overall cost for a synthetic oil change. The exact price difference varies depending on the brand, grade, and quantity of oil required for the specific vehicle.

Do keep in mind that synthetic oil formulas are not identical. Some oils come with proprietary additives to enhance the performance of your vehicle. Depending on the quality of the oil you choose, the cost may increase or decrease.

Oil Filter Cost

Regardless of whether you change your Nissan’s oil yourself or take it to a professional service, you will have to change the oil filter. Similar to the oil you use, the filter selected is going to differ in price depending on your vehicle’s model.

Service Center vs Local Auto Shop

If you choose to go to a Nissan service center vs a local auto shop, you can anticipate the Nissan oil change price to increase. Here are some things to consider when choosing between a service center vs a local auto shop:

• Overhead Costs: Service centers, especially dealership-affiliated ones, tend to have higher overhead costs due to their larger facilities, brand-specific equipment, and dealership-affiliation expenses. These costs can influence the overall pricing of services, including oil changes. Local auto shops may have lower overhead costs, allowing them to offer more competitive pricing for their services.
• Labor Rates: Service centers, particularly those affiliated with dealerships, often have higher labor rates compared to local auto shops. This is because service centers typically employ highly trained technicians with specialized knowledge of the specific vehicle brand. Their expertise and access to genuine parts contribute to the higher labor costs. In contrast, local auto shops may have lower labor rates as they cater to a broader range of vehicle brands and may not have the same level of brand-specific specialization.
• Parts Pricing: Service centers may have higher prices for parts, including oil and oil filters, compared to local auto shops. This is partly due to the use of genuine OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts, which are designed specifically for the vehicle brand. Local auto shops may have access to aftermarket parts or options to source parts from different suppliers, which can result in cost savings.

How Often Should You Change Your Nissan’s Oil?

Generally speaking, most modern models of Nissan cars require an oil change once every 5,000 miles. For older cars with higher mileage engines, that interval may be less. For example, if you are using conventional motor oil, you need to change it every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. That’s roughly two times a year. If you are using a high-grade full synthetic, on the other hand, you may only need to change your Nissan every 7,500 to 10,000 miles.

The frequency you change oil also depends on your driving habits and the environment. If you make a lot of frequent stops or take shorter trips, that tends to be more taxing on your engine. You may end up changing the oil sooner than expected—which is why checking the oil level routinely is so essential! Conversely, your oil will last a bit longer if you are going on longer drives requiring less stopping and starting. Dusty roads tend to impact oil, as do extreme temperatures.

Should You DIY Your Nissan Oil Change?

If you don’t feel like paying for the labor costs, you may be considering DIYing your oil change. Nissan models are easy for regular people to maintain. So long as you have the supplies—your synthetic oil, an oil drain pan, a new oil filter, and some confidence—you should have no problem changing your Nissan’s oil and saving some money.

Trying to change the oil in your Nissan Altima? Here is a video guide to follow:

Just remember to properly dispose of your used oil! (And yes, you can even dispose of oil for free in many places.)

Final Thoughts on Nissan Oil Change Price

The cost of a Nissan oil change is influenced by various factors, including where you take your Nissan for the oil change and its model. Generally, the cost of a Nissan oil change is between $30-$100, though you may have to pay more for more pricey models. Remember, regular oil changes are an investment in the long-term performance and longevity of your vehicle, ensuring it continues to run smoothly and efficiently for years to come.