2017 Nissan Altima SR: Choosing The Right Oil Filter

Nov 14, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 53 views

Choosing the right oil filter for your 2017 Nissan Altima SR is crucial for maintaining its engine's health and performance. The oil filter plays a vital role in removing contaminants from the engine oil, preventing them from circulating and causing wear and tear on critical engine components. Selecting the correct oil filter ensures optimal filtration, proper oil flow, and long-term engine reliability. In this article, we'll guide you through the essential aspects of choosing the right oil filter for your 2017 Nissan Altima SR, covering the specifications, types of filters, and factors to consider.

Understanding the Importance of Oil Filters

Before diving into the specifics of choosing an oil filter, it's essential to understand why oil filters are so important. The engine oil in your 2017 Nissan Altima SR is responsible for lubricating moving parts, reducing friction, and dissipating heat. As the oil circulates through the engine, it picks up contaminants such as dirt, debris, and metal particles. If these contaminants are not removed, they can cause significant damage to engine components, leading to reduced performance, increased wear, and potentially costly repairs. Therefore, a high-quality oil filter is a vital component in protecting your engine from these harmful contaminants.

An effective oil filter ensures that the oil remains clean and free from debris, allowing it to perform its lubricating and cooling functions optimally. This, in turn, helps to extend the life of your engine and maintain its performance. Regular oil and filter changes are a fundamental part of vehicle maintenance, and choosing the right oil filter is just as important as selecting the right type of oil. Failing to use the correct oil filter can lead to inadequate filtration, which can compromise the engine's health and longevity.

Key Specifications for the 2017 Nissan Altima SR Oil Filter

When selecting an oil filter for your 2017 Nissan Altima SR, it's crucial to consider the key specifications to ensure compatibility and optimal performance. These specifications include the filter size, thread size, and micron rating. The correct filter size ensures that the filter fits properly in the oil filter housing, while the correct thread size ensures a secure and leak-free installation. The micron rating indicates the size of particles that the filter can effectively remove from the oil.

Filter Size: The oil filter for the 2017 Nissan Altima SR typically has specific dimensions that must match the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) specifications. Using a filter that is too large or too small can lead to improper sealing or insufficient filtration.
Thread Size: The thread size of the oil filter must match the threads on the engine's oil filter mount. Using the wrong thread size can damage the threads on the engine or result in a loose and leaking connection. Always consult your vehicle's manual or a trusted mechanic to verify the correct thread size.
Micron Rating: The micron rating indicates the size of particles that the filter can capture. A lower micron rating means the filter can capture smaller particles, providing better filtration. However, a very low micron rating can also restrict oil flow, so it's important to choose a filter with a micron rating that balances filtration efficiency and oil flow. A range between 20 to 30 microns is generally recommended for most modern engines.

Types of Oil Filters Available

There are several types of oil filters available for the 2017 Nissan Altima SR, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The most common types include:

Conventional Oil Filters: These are the most basic and affordable type of oil filter. They typically use a cellulose paper filter element to remove contaminants from the oil. Conventional oil filters are suitable for standard oil change intervals and everyday driving conditions. However, they may not offer the same level of filtration as more advanced filter types.
Synthetic Oil Filters: Synthetic oil filters use a synthetic filter element, such as microfiber or a blend of synthetic fibers and cellulose. These filters offer superior filtration efficiency and can capture smaller particles than conventional filters. Synthetic oil filters are often recommended for vehicles that use synthetic oil and for drivers who want the best possible protection for their engine. They also tend to have a longer service life compared to conventional filters.
Extended Life Oil Filters: These filters are designed to last longer than conventional filters, often up to 10,000 miles or more. They typically use a combination of synthetic and cellulose filter elements and have a larger capacity for holding contaminants. Extended life oil filters are a good option for drivers who want to extend their oil change intervals and reduce maintenance costs.
Cartridge Oil Filters: Some vehicles, including certain models of the Nissan Altima, use cartridge-style oil filters. These filters consist of a replaceable filter element that is housed inside a permanent filter housing. When changing the oil, only the filter element is replaced, rather than the entire filter assembly. Cartridge oil filters are often more environmentally friendly than spin-on filters, as they generate less waste.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Oil Filter

When choosing an oil filter for your 2017 Nissan Altima SR, consider the following factors:

Driving Conditions: If you primarily drive in normal conditions, a high-quality conventional oil filter may be sufficient. However, if you frequently drive in dusty or off-road conditions, or if you engage in high-performance driving, a synthetic or extended-life oil filter may be a better choice. These filters offer superior filtration and can better protect your engine from the increased levels of contaminants.
Oil Type: The type of oil you use in your 2017 Nissan Altima SR can also influence your choice of oil filter. If you use synthetic oil, it's generally recommended to use a synthetic oil filter as well. Synthetic oil filters are designed to work with the unique properties of synthetic oil and can provide better filtration and longer service life.
Oil Change Intervals: If you follow the manufacturer's recommended oil change intervals, a conventional oil filter may be sufficient. However, if you prefer to extend your oil change intervals, an extended-life oil filter is a better option. These filters are designed to last longer and can maintain their filtration efficiency over extended periods.
Budget: Oil filters vary in price, with conventional filters being the most affordable and synthetic or extended-life filters being more expensive. Consider your budget and choose a filter that offers the best value for your money. Remember that the cost of a high-quality oil filter is a small price to pay compared to the cost of repairing or replacing an engine due to inadequate filtration.

Recommended Oil Filters for the 2017 Nissan Altima SR

To help you choose the right oil filter for your 2017 Nissan Altima SR, here are some recommended options:

OEM Nissan Oil Filter: Using an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Nissan oil filter is always a safe bet. These filters are designed specifically for Nissan vehicles and meet the manufacturer's strict quality standards. OEM filters ensure proper fit, filtration, and performance.
Mobil 1 Extended Performance Oil Filter: Mobil 1 is a well-known and trusted brand in the automotive industry, and their extended-performance oil filters are a popular choice for many drivers. These filters offer excellent filtration efficiency and are designed to last for extended oil change intervals.
Bosch Premium Oil Filter: Bosch is another reputable brand that produces high-quality oil filters. Their premium oil filters offer a good balance of filtration efficiency, oil flow, and durability.
K&N Performance Gold Oil Filter: K&N is known for their high-performance air filters, and they also offer a range of oil filters designed for enhanced performance. These filters typically feature a synthetic filter element and a robust construction for improved durability.

Step-by-Step Guide to Changing the Oil Filter

Changing the oil filter on your 2017 Nissan Altima SR is a relatively straightforward process that can be done at home with the right tools and knowledge. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Gather Your Supplies: You'll need a new oil filter, the correct type and quantity of engine oil, an oil filter wrench, a wrench for the oil drain plug, a drain pan, gloves, and safety glasses.
Warm Up the Engine: Run the engine for a few minutes to warm up the oil. This will help it flow more easily.
Locate the Oil Filter and Drain Plug: Consult your vehicle's manual to find the location of the oil filter and the oil drain plug.
Position the Drain Pan: Place the drain pan under the oil drain plug.
Remove the Drain Plug: Use the correct wrench to loosen and remove the drain plug. Allow the oil to drain completely into the pan.
Remove the Old Oil Filter: Use the oil filter wrench to loosen and remove the old oil filter. Be prepared for some oil to spill out.
Prepare the New Oil Filter: Lightly lubricate the rubber gasket on the new oil filter with fresh engine oil.
Install the New Oil Filter: Screw the new oil filter onto the engine by hand until the gasket makes contact. Then, tighten it an additional half to three-quarters of a turn using the oil filter wrench. Do not overtighten.
Reinstall the Drain Plug: Clean the drain plug and reinstall it with a new crush washer. Tighten it to the manufacturer's specified torque.
Add New Oil: Remove the oil filler cap and add the correct amount of new engine oil. Consult your vehicle's manual for the correct oil capacity.
Check the Oil Level: Use the dipstick to check the oil level and add more oil if needed.
Start the Engine: Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes. Check for leaks around the oil filter and drain plug.
Final Check: Turn off the engine and check the oil level again. Add more oil if needed.

Conclusion

Choosing the right oil filter for your 2017 Nissan Altima SR is essential for maintaining your engine's health and performance. By understanding the key specifications, types of filters, and factors to consider, you can make an informed decision and select a filter that provides optimal filtration and protection. Regular oil and filter changes, using the correct oil filter, will help extend the life of your engine and keep your 2017 Nissan Altima SR running smoothly for years to come. Whether you opt for an OEM filter or a high-quality aftermarket option, be sure to choose a filter that meets the specific requirements of your vehicle and your driving conditions. Keep your Altima purring like new, guys!