2012 Nissan Sentra

Maintenance & specsVERIFIED Jun 15, 2026
Engine Oil
5W-30
Conventional or Synthetic
OEM spec · API SNBuy oil
Capacity
4.2qt
with filter
3.8 qt without filter
Oil Filter
15208-65F0E
Nissan (OEM)
OEM spec: API SN

The 2012 Nissan Sentra takes 5W-30 Conventional or Synthetic with a total capacity of 4.2 quarts (filter included). You’ll need a 14mm socket for the drain plug, torqued to 34 Nm. The OEM oil filter is the Nissan 15208-65F0E, with 2 compatible alternatives listed below. Below you’ll find complete maintenance specs, fluid capacities, parts, and links to buy what you need.

⚑ QUICK DIY TIPS FOR THE 2012 NISSAN SENTRA
  • Torque your drain plug to 34 Nm (25 ft-lbs) to avoid leaks or stripped threads.
  • Using the OEM filter (Nissan 15208-65F0E) is recommended for warranty compliance.
  • Always use 5W-30 Conventional or Synthetic as specified by Nissan — using the wrong viscosity can void your powertrain warranty.
  • Check the maintenance schedule below for your next service interval.
01

Oil & Filter

OilBuy
Viscosity5W-30
Oil typeConventional or Synthetic
Capacity (with filter)4.2 qt
Capacity (w/o filter)3.8 qt
OEM specAPI SN
Filter Options
Nissan15208-65F0EOEM
Buy
Mobil 1M1-113A
Buy
Bosch3300
Buy
OEM oil filter
Drain Bolt & Hardware
Socket size14 mm
ThreadM12x1.25
Torque spec34 Nm
GasketCrush washer
6th gen B16 (2.0L MR20DE I4)
02

Fluid Specifications

Transmission FluidBuy
TypeNissan Matic S
Capacity4 qt
Change interval60,000 mi
Brake FluidBuy
DOT typeDOT 3
Change interval45,000 mi
CoolantBuy
TypeLong Life
ColorGreen
Capacity6.5 qt
Change interval100,000 mi
Power Steering FluidBuy
TypeNissan PSF
03

Parts & Specifications

Spark Plugs
TypeIridium
Gap0.044
Quantity4
Change interval100,000 mi
NGKDILKAR6A-11OEM
Buy
DensoFXE20HR11
Buy
Battery
Group size35
CCA550
InterstateMT-35OEM
Buy
DieHard35-2
Buy
Tires
Size215/55R17
Front pressure33 PSI
Rear pressure33 PSI
Air Filter
Nissan16546-JK20AOEM
Buy
K&N33-2409
Buy
FramCA10233
Buy
Cabin Air Filter
Nissan27277-4BA0AOEM
Buy
FramCF10140
Buy
Brake Pads
NissanD1060-9N00AOEMfront
Buy
AkebonoACT1650front
Buy
Wiper Blades
Bosch26Adriver, 26"
Buy
Rain-X26-1driver, 26"
Buy
Bosch18Apassenger, 18"
Buy
Rain-X18-1passenger, 18"
Buy
04

Maintenance Schedule

≈ every 6 months
  • Change Engine Oil & Filter
05

Torque Specifications

lug nut
80ft-lb·108.5Nm
spark plug
14mm thread, aluminum head
18ft-lb·24.4Nm
07

Technical Service Bulletins

103

Estimated Current Value

Original MSRP
$25,000
Private Party
$4,037–$4,462
Dealer Retail
$4,675–$5,312
Trade-In
$3,612–$4,037
Depreciation
83%

Estimated values assume average condition and mileage for vehicle age.

Source: estimated

Save by doing it yourself
A shop typically charges $70–$140 for this service. Buy the parts and save.
Shop oil & filters ↗
08

Tools & Supplies

Oil Drain Pan
Catch the old oil cleanly
Shop on Amazon
Funnel
Spill-free refill
Shop on Amazon
14mm Socket
For the drain plug
Shop on Amazon
5W-30 Oil
4.2+ quarts
Shop on Amazon
Shop parts for the Nissan Sentra
Find oil, filters, and maintenance parts for the 2012 Nissan Sentra on Amazon.
Shop parts ↗
Step-by-step guide
Detailed walkthrough with tips for first-timers.
Read guide
How often to change oil
Intervals, severe service, and what your car needs.
Read guide
Synthetic vs. conventional
Which oil type is right for your engine and budget.
Read guide
Other 2012 Nissan models
Other Nissan Sentra years
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