Keeping your 2018 Infiniti QX60 running smoothly requires more than just changing fluids on schedule; it demands the use of fluids specifically designed to meet the stringent demands of its 3.5-liter VQ35DD engine and CVT transmission. This sophisticated crossover relies on precise lubrication to manage heat, reduce friction, and protect critical components from wear, especially given the variable nature of modern driving conditions. Selecting the correct viscosity and formulation is essential for maintaining fuel economy, power output, and the longevity of the vehicle’s internal parts.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
- AMSOIL Signature Series 0W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – The ultimate protection option, offering up to 25,000 miles of service and 75% more engine protection against horsepower loss and wear compared to standard oils.
- AMSOIL Extended-Life 0W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – A high-performance choice delivering up to 20,000 miles of protection with 37% more cleaning power to keep the engine running smoothly.
- AMSOIL OE 0W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – A budget-friendly 100% synthetic option that outperforms conventional oils and fights sludge and deposits effectively.
- AMSOIL 0W-20 100% Synthetic High-Mileage Motor Oil – Specifically formulated for vehicles with over 75,000 miles, this oil reduces sludge by 67% and helps extend engine life.
- AMSOIL Oil Filter (EA15K12) – Engineered with media that provides 99% filtering efficiency at 20 microns, offering greater capacity for contaminants and reduced restriction compared to competitors.
- WIX Oil Filter (51358) – A premium alternative featuring improved media over OEM-branded filters, compatible with AMSOIL OE and High-Mileage oils.
- AMSOIL 100% Synthetic CVT Fluid – Essential for the QX60’s X-Tronic transmission, providing exceptional metal-to-metal frictional properties and superior wear protection for this sensitive transmission type.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Recommended for the rear differential, this fluid offers advanced protection against wear, rust, and corrosion while controlling operating temperatures.
- AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant – An extended-life coolant that protects cooling system metals, gaskets, and hoses for up to 150,000 miles or 5 years.
- AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid – Delivers excellent ABS and traction-control responsiveness with stable viscosity over a wide temperature range for superior stopping power.
Why Proper Lubrication Matters for Your Infiniti QX60
The 2018 Infiniti QX60 is equipped with a sophisticated 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve VQ35DD naturally aspirated engine. This engine is a modern iteration of Infiniti’s renowned VQ series, featuring Dual Continuous Variable Valve Timing and a direct injection system. While these technologies improve efficiency and power, they also place higher thermal and mechanical stresses on the engine oil compared to older naturally aspirated engines. The direct injection system can lead to increased carbon buildup on intake valves, and the variable timing mechanisms rely heavily on clean oil to function correctly. Using a standard conventional oil or a lower-quality synthetic may not provide the thermal stability required to handle the heat generated by these advanced components, potentially leading to premature wear or reduced performance.
Furthermore, the transmission in the QX60, typically an X-Tronic CVT, requires a fluid that can handle continuous pressure changes and metal-to-metal contact without slipping or overheating. CVT failures are often linked to fluid breakdown or contamination. Using the correct synthetic CVT fluid helps maintain the frictional properties required for smooth power transfer, ensuring the vehicle maintains its smooth, responsive driving character even as mileage accumulates. Just as the engine requires specific protection, the drivetrain needs a fluid that resists thermal breakdown and shear stability to prevent the transmission from becoming sluggish or noisy.
Fluids also play a critical role in the vehicle’s overall safety and comfort systems. The brake fluid in the QX60 absorbs moisture over time, which can lower its boiling point and lead to brake fade under heavy use. Synthetic brake fluids resist this moisture absorption better than conventional DOT 3 fluids, ensuring consistent pedal feel and stopping power. Similarly, the cooling system must withstand the extreme temperatures of stop-and-go traffic or hot climates; an antifreeze formulation that lacks proper corrosion inhibitors or boiling point elevation can lead to internal corrosion, leaks, and overheating, which are costly repairs for any vehicle owner.
Engine Oil and Filter Specifications
For the 3.5L VQ35DD engine, the recommended viscosity is 0W-20. The total oil capacity, including the filter replacement, is 5.1 quarts. When performing an oil change, it is crucial to use the correct filter to ensure maximum flow and filtration efficiency. The AMSOIL Oil Filter (EA15K12) is designed to match the OEM requirements while providing superior filtration capabilities. It features a proprietary filter media that captures finer particles than standard paper filters, trapping contaminants that contribute to engine wear. The filter is rated to allow lower restriction, which keeps engine parts better lubricated, especially during cold starts or under high load.
If you prefer to stick closer to the original equipment brand, a WIX Oil Filter (51358) is also a compatible option. This filter offers premium media that improves upon the filtration characteristics of original equipment manufacturer-branded filters. Both filters are compatible with the 5.1-quart capacity of the QX60’s oil pan. When installing the new filter, ensure the drain plug torque is set to 25 ft/lbs and that a new washer is installed on the drain bolt to prevent leaks. After refilling the engine with the correct amount of oil, always check the oil level to ensure it is within the safe operating range.
Transmission and Drivetrain Care
The Infiniti QX60 utilizes a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), specifically the RE0F10E or RE0F10J models, depending on the specific configuration. These transmissions require a specific type of fluid known as JATCO CVT fluid or VTF12. Standard automatic transmission fluids can damage a CVT, leading to slipping and failure. The AMSOIL 100% Synthetic CVT Fluid is engineered to meet these specific requirements, providing exceptional metal-to-metal frictional properties that are vital for the operation of the variator and pulleys within the transmission.
The total fill capacity for the CVT is 9.3 quarts, making a complete flush a significant task, but a partial fill or top-off is also beneficial if maintenance is performed. Using a high-quality synthetic fluid helps reduce the frictional heat generated during operation, which is a common cause of CVT degradation. For the transfer case in all-wheel-drive models, the capacity is minimal, at just 0.6 pints, and requires a GL-5 lubricant. The rear differential also holds 1.1 pints and benefits from a high-quality synthetic gear lube. AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® products are ideal here, as they contain friction modifiers for limited-slip applications and protect against rust and corrosion, helping to maintain the longevity of the rear axle components.
When performing fluid changes on the transmission and differentials, remember to torque the drain and fill plugs to 26 ft/lbs. Installing a new washer on both bolts is a simple step that prevents costly leaks. The synthetic gear lubes like AMSOIL 75W-90 or 80W-90 provide a robust film strength that helps control thermal runaway, a condition where the fluid overheats and breaks down, leading to gear damage.
Cooling and Brake Systems
The cooling system in the 2018 QX60 has a total capacity of 10.1 quarts. Maintaining the integrity of this system is vital, as the VQ engine runs at relatively high operating temperatures. The AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant is a pre-mix formulation that offers protection for up to 150,000 miles or 5 years. It is phosphate-, nitrate-, nitrite-, silicate-, borate-, and amine-free, ensuring compatibility with all cooling system metals and seals. This formulation prevents corrosion and erosion, which can lead to leaks in the radiator or heater core. For those who prefer a concentrated formula, AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze is also available, offering extended protection up to 150,000 miles or 5 years.
Brake safety is paramount for a vehicle of this size and weight. The QX60 uses hydraulic disc brakes that rely on DOT 3 fluid. Over time, this fluid absorbs water from the atmosphere, which lowers the boiling point and can cause vapor lock under heavy braking. AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid resists this moisture absorption, maintaining a stable viscosity across a wide temperature range. This ensures that the brake pedal remains firm and that the ABS and traction control systems respond instantly, providing maximum safety for you and your passengers.
Additives and Additional Protection
To further protect your vehicle, AMSOIL offers gasoline additives like the P.i.® Performance Improver. This additive helps restore up to 14% horsepower and can clean GDI fuel injectors back to 100% flow rate, which is particularly useful for direct injection engines prone to carbon buildup. Additionally, for vehicles that are stored seasonally, the AMSOIL Gasoline Stabilizer keeps fuel fresh for up to 12 months, fighting ethanol corrosion and preventing gum and varnish buildup. If your QX60 is a high-mileage vehicle, the 0W-20 High-Mileage Motor Oil is an excellent choice to reduce oil consumption and sludge, ensuring the engine continues to perform like new.
About the Vehicle
The 2018 Infiniti QX60 represents a significant milestone in the brand’s evolution as a luxury midsize crossover SUV. Built on the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance platform, the QX60 shares its mechanical underpinnings with the Nissan Pathfinder and Nissan Maxima, but it distinguishes itself with Infiniti’s signature refinement, superior interior materials, and a focus on a quiet, comfortable ride. The QX60 is often praised for its spacious three-row seating, which makes it a practical choice for families, without sacrificing the handling dynamics expected of a premium brand.
The heart of the 2018 QX60 is the 3.5-liter VQ35DD engine, a naturally aspirated V6 that produces around 295 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. This engine is renowned for its smoothness and reliability, a legacy of the VQ family that has powered Infiniti vehicles for decades. The VQ35DD features direct injection and dual continuously variable valve timing, technologies that optimize power delivery across the rev range. While it does not produce the raw, explosive power of a turbocharged V6, it offers linear acceleration and excellent fuel economy for its class, particularly when paired with the smooth-shifting CVT.
The QX60 is designed as a luxury hauler rather than a rugged off-roader. Its suspension tuning prioritizes ride comfort over sporty handling, effectively absorbing road imperfections and providing a serene cabin environment. The interior is often highlighted for its high-quality leather, soft-touch surfaces, and quietness, which are hallmarks of the Infiniti brand. For owners, the QX60 is a vehicle that balances practicality with luxury, making it a top contender in the three-row luxury SUV segment.
Despite its reliability, the QX60 does have a few known issues that owners should be aware of. One common problem involves the engine’s intake valves developing carbon deposits, a typical issue with direct injection engines that can lead to rough idling or reduced power. Using high-quality synthetic oil and periodic use of fuel additives can help mitigate this. Another potential concern is the transmission, where some CVTs may exhibit shuddering or slipping if the fluid is not changed regularly or is of inferior quality. Ensuring the use of a dedicated synthetic CVT fluid can significantly extend the life of the transmission. Additionally, the infotainment system in the 2018 model has been reported to be occasionally laggy or unresponsive, though this is a software or electronic issue rather than a mechanical one. Finally, some owners have noted minor electrical gremlins related to the power liftgate or sensors, which are common in complex modern vehicles but generally do not affect drivability. Proper maintenance with AMSOIL synthetic lubricants can address the mechanical vulnerabilities, ensuring the vehicle remains a reliable and luxurious family companion for years to come.