The 2022 Buick Enclave with the 3.6L V6 engine (Engine Code [W] LFY W) relies on precise lubrication to maintain its smooth ride, fuel efficiency, and long-term durability. Using the correct fluids is essential for managing the high temperatures generated by this direct-injection, turbo-friendly powertrain and ensuring that the 9-speed automatic transmission shifts without hesitation. Whether you drive in extreme heat, navigate heavy traffic, or tow small trailers, your vehicle needs premium synthetic protection to prevent wear, sludge buildup, and premature component failure.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
- AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – The premier choice for maximum engine protection, extending oil change intervals up to 25,000 miles or one year while fighting wear and horsepower loss.
- AMSOIL Extended-Life 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Ideal for drivers seeking extended protection up to 20,000 miles with enhanced cleaning power to keep engines running smoother for longer.
- AMSOIL OE 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – A cost-effective, API-licensed synthetic oil that outperforms conventional oils and meets GM dexos1 Gen 2 specifications.
- AMSOIL 5W-30 100% Synthetic High-Mileage Motor Oil – Formulated specifically for vehicles with over 75,000 miles to reduce oil consumption, sludge, and leaks while restoring engine performance.
- AMSOIL Oil Filter – Designed for extended service life with 99% filtration efficiency at 20 microns to capture wear-causing contaminants and protect engine bearings.
- WIX XP Oil Filter – A premium alternative filter option featuring high-efficiency media that outperforms standard OEM filters.
- WIX Oil Filter – A reliable choice for standard maintenance intervals, offering premium media construction for effective contaminant removal.
- AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant – A 50/50 pre-mixed formula providing corrosion protection for up to 150,000 miles or five years.
- AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant – A concentrated, phosphate- and silicate-free coolant that offers superior protection against corrosion and erosion for up to 150,000 miles.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Engineered to withstand heavy towing, high temperatures, and the demands of the 9T65 transmission while maintaining fluidity in cold weather.
- AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Provides robust protection against wear and deposits for the 9-speed automatic transmission.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Protects the rear differential from extreme pressure, rust, and thermal runaway while reducing operating temperatures.
- AMSOIL 100% Synthetic Multi-Vehicle Power Steering Fluid – Resists heat and oxidation to keep seals soft and prevent leaks while ensuring quiet operation.
- AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid – Maintains stable viscosity across a wide temperature range for responsive ABS and traction control.
- AMSOIL P.i.® Performance Improver Gasoline Additive – Cleans fuel injectors and restores up to 14% horsepower, ideal for GDI engines prone to carbon buildup.
Engine oil is the lifeblood of your 3.6L V6, acting as the primary defense against the intense heat generated by direct injection and potential turbocharging forces. This engine requires a 5W-30 viscosity to ensure quick lubrication during cold starts while maintaining film strength at high operating temperatures. The standard fill capacity is 6.0 quarts when the AMSOIL Oil Filter is replaced. Proper oil changes are critical for preventing Low-Speed Pre-Ignition (LSPI) events, which can damage internal components. AMSOIL extended-life synthetic oils are rigorously tested to resist LSPI and meet or exceed GM dexos1 Gen 2 standards, ensuring that your engine remains clean and protected against sludge formation. By choosing a premium signature series synthetic, you can extend maintenance intervals significantly compared to conventional oils, reducing the overall cost of ownership while keeping the engine running at peak efficiency.
Beyond the engine, the 9-speed automatic transmission (9T65) in the 2022 Enclave demands specialized attention. This transmission is complex and sensitive to fluid degradation, often requiring a total fill of 10 quarts during a complete flush, though an initial fill for maintenance purposes is approximately 5.3 quarts. Using a high-quality signature series fuel-efficient 100% synthetic automatic transmission fluid is vital to prevent the shuddering or hesitation that can occur as the fluid breaks down. AMSOIL OE fuel-efficient 100% synthetic automatic transmission fluid are designed to resist shear, oxidation, and foaming, which ensures that the transmission shifts smoothly even under heavy towing loads or in extreme temperatures. The fluid remains stable and fluid in sub-zero conditions, protecting the transmission’s internal components from wear and ensuring long service life.
Thermal management is equally important for the longevity of the Enclave’s cooling system. The coolant capacity varies depending on whether the transmission cooler is included: 15.4 quarts without the transmission cooler and 17.6 quarts with it. AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant are engineered to provide superior corrosion protection for all metals, gaskets, and hoses, outperforming original equipment standards. These formulas are phosphate-, nitrite-, silicate-, and borate-free, making them compatible with various vehicle makes and models while offering protection for up to 150,000 miles or five years. This eliminates the need for frequent top-offs and ensures that the engine does not overheat, which is a common concern for luxury SUVs used in stop-and-go traffic.
The vehicle’s rear differential and power steering system also benefit from synthetic lubrication. The rear differential requires a specific amount of SEVERE GEAR® 75W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube depending on the gear ratio; standard fills are around 1.7 pints, while limited-slip differentials may require slightly different volumes. AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® lube offers advanced protection against rust, corrosion, and thermal runaway, helping to reduce operating temperatures and extend the life of the seals. Similarly, the 100% Synthetic Multi-Vehicle Power Steering Fluid should be a high-performance synthetic to maintain soft seals and prevent leaks, ensuring quiet and responsive steering even in cold weather. For braking systems, AMSOIL’s DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid offers excellent resistance to moisture absorption, which prevents the boil-over of brake fluid under heavy use and ensures consistent pedal feel.
Vehicle Background
The 2022 Buick Enclave represents the culmination of General Motors’ midsize crossover SUV strategy, built on the GMT495 platform that shares DNA with the Chevrolet Traverse and Cadillac XT6. This vehicle is designed to offer a premium, comfortable driving experience that rivals many luxury competitors while maintaining the practicality required for family life. Powered by the familiar 3.6L V6 engine, the Enclave delivers a smooth, linear power delivery that makes overtaking on highways and merging onto busy roads effortless. The interior is known for its quiet cabin, generous third-row seating, and a suite of high-tech features, including the available Super Cruise hands-free driving system, which places Buick at the forefront of automotive technology.
Owners typically value the Enclave for its spacious interior, which can comfortably accommodate up to seven passengers with ease. The cargo capacity is versatile, and the ride quality is often described as “soft and compliant,” absorbing road imperfections better than many of its rivals. This focus on comfort makes it a popular choice for long road trips and daily commuting. The vehicle’s market position is firmly in the premium family SUV segment, competing against the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, and Ford Explorer. Buick’s reputation for build quality and refinement has helped the Enclave establish a loyal following, with many owners keeping their vehicles for over a decade.
Despite its many strengths, the Enclave can experience common issues related to its complex powertrain and aging components. One frequent concern is carbon buildup on the intake valves, a common problem in modern Direct Injection (GDI) engines that can lead to rough idling and reduced fuel economy. Regular use of a quality fuel additive like AMSOIL P.i.® Performance Improver Gasoline Additive can help mitigate this buildup. Another potential issue is transmission shudder or hesitation, often caused by fluid degradation or valve body wear. Switching to a high-quality signature series fuel-efficient automatic transmission fluid can resolve these shifting issues and extend the transmission’s lifespan. Additionally, some owners report oil consumption or sludge buildup in the 3.6L engine if conventional oil is used or intervals are too long; using a 5W-30 100% Synthetic High-Mileage Motor Oil with high thermal stability can prevent these problems. Finally, cooling system leaks or overheating can occur due to plastic component fatigue over time; using a Propylene Glycol Antifreeze with superior corrosion inhibitors can protect the cooling system and prevent costly repairs.