Oil filters in the 2013 Altima are located on the engine block, but the exact spot depends on which engine your car has. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder (QR25DE) typically places the filter on the side of the engine block toward the front, while the 3.5-liter V6 (VQ35DE) generally situates it toward the front of the engine. Both locations are accessible from beneath the vehicle with the front splash shield removed.
Engine options and probable locations
There were two common engines in the 2013 Altima. The oil filter’s position varies between them. Use this as a guide and consult the owner’s or service manual for your exact vehicle if you’re unsure.
2.5L QR25DE (four-cylinder)
In the 2.5-liter QR25DE, the oil filter is mounted on the side of the engine block toward the front of the engine. It is typically accessed from underneath the car after removing the front splash shield. The filter may be a cartridge-style unit inside a metal housing that you unscrew with an appropriate filter wrench.
3.5L VQ35DE (V6)
For the 3.5-liter VQ35DE, the oil filter is located toward the front of the engine, on the side facing the radiator area. Access often requires lifting the vehicle or removing some shielding to reach it from below. This setup also commonly uses a canister-style filter with a replaceable cartridge inside a dedicated housing.
What you’ll need to locate and replace the filter
The following checklist helps you prepare for locating and replacing the oil filter on a 2013 Altima. Use this to guide your work and ensure you have the right tools on hand.
- Appropriate oil and a new oil filter compatible with your engine (2.5L or 3.5L).
- Oil filter wrench that fits the filter type on your engine (canister or cartridge style).
- Oil drain pan to catch used oil.
- Wrench or socket set (often around 14–17 mm for the drain plug, depending on your model).
- Jack stands or ramps, wheel chocks, and a means to safely lift and support the vehicle.
- Rags and a funnel for cleaning and refilling.
- Owner’s manual or service manual for torque specs and any engine-specific steps.
Using the right tools helps prevent damage to the filter and surrounding components, and ensures a safe, clean oil change.
How to access and replace the filter (general steps)
These steps provide a typical workflow. Always follow your vehicle’s manual for exact torque values and procedures, as access can vary with trim and engine variations.
- Park on a level surface, apply parking brake, and place wheel chocks. If needed, lift the front of the car and support it securely on jack stands.
- Remove the front splash shield or shielding to gain access to the underside of the engine (you may need to temporarily remove components blocking access).
- Place the oil drain pan beneath the oil pan drain plug and remove the drain plug to drain old oil. Allow complete drainage before removing the filter.
- Use the oil filter wrench to loosen and remove the old oil filter housing or cartridge. Be prepared for residual oil to spill.
- Install the new oil filter or replace the cartridge inside the housing, ensuring the O-ring or seal is properly seated. Tighten to the manufacturer’s torque specification.
- Reinstall the drain plug, refill with the recommended engine oil to the proper level, and run the engine to check for leaks.
With the filter replaced and the oil topped up, you’re ready to recheck for leaks and reset any oil-change reminders if applicable.
How to confirm the exact location on your car
Since the Altima’s oil filter location can vary by engine type and trim, consult the owner’s manual or a Nissan service sheet for your VIN. If you’re unsure which engine you have, check under the hood for the engine code badge or look up the VIN in Nissan’s service portals or a trusted automotive repair database. Visual inspection from underneath, with the splash shield removed, will typically reveal the filter housing once you know which engine is installed.
Summary
In a 2013 Nissan Altima, the oil filter’s location depends on the engine: the 2.5L QR25DE usually has the filter on the side of the engine block toward the front, accessible from beneath after removing the splash shield; the 3.5L VQ35DE generally places the filter toward the front of the engine, also accessible from below with shielding removed. Always verify the exact location by consulting the manual for your VIN, and follow proper safety steps when performing an oil change.