Maintaining the 2018 Infiniti Q70 with a 3.7L V6 engine requires precise lubrication choices to ensure longevity and optimal performance. This luxury sedan, powered by the robust VQ37VHR engine, demands high-quality synthetic fluids to handle the stresses of daily driving, highway commuting, and spirited acceleration. Using the correct motor oil viscosity and high-efficiency filters is critical for preventing wear, managing heat, and keeping internal components clean over the vehicle’s lifespan.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
- AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Provides top-tier protection with up to 25,000 miles of coverage, offering superior engine wear protection and horsepower retention for the VQ37VHR engine.
- AMSOIL Oil Filter – Designed to match the Signature Series oil, this filter offers 99% filtration efficiency at 20 microns, reducing engine wear and extending service intervals.
- AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant – A unique poly-OAT formulation that provides protection for up to 150,000 miles or 5 years, safeguarding the cooling system metals and preventing corrosion.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Formulated for the RE7R01A transmission, this fluid resists heat and thermal breakdown, ensuring smooth shifts and maximum fuel efficiency.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Essential for the rear differential, this lube offers advanced protection against rust, corrosion, and thermal runaway in high-stress limited-slip applications.
- AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid – Ensures excellent responsiveness for ABS and traction control systems while providing stable viscosity across extreme temperature ranges.
Engine Oil and Filtration Essentials
The heart of your 2018 Infiniti Q70 is the 3.7-liter V6 engine, designated as code VQ37VHR. This naturally aspirated powerhouse requires a fluid that maintains its viscosity index under high temperatures while providing rapid lubrication during cold starts. The engine oil capacity for this specific configuration, when performed with a filter change, is 5.2 quarts. It is vital to adhere to this capacity to prevent foaming or excessive pressure within the crankcase.
For the ultimate in engine care, AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil is the premier choice. It offers up to 25,000 miles of protection between oil changes when driven under normal conditions. This fluid significantly reduces horsepower loss and wear, ensuring the engine runs smoother for longer periods. If your driving habits are more severe or you prefer a slightly shorter interval, the AMSOIL Extended-Life 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil offers 20,000 miles of protection with enhanced cleaning power to keep the engine free of deposits.
The AMSOIL OE 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil serves as a cost-effective alternative that still provides 100% synthetic protection, fighting sludge and deposits effectively. For vehicles with over 75,000 miles, the AMSOIL 5W-30 100% Synthetic High-Mileage Motor Oil includes boosted detergents and enhanced anti-wear additives to reduce sludge and minimize oil consumption.
Pairing your motor oil with a high-quality filter is non-negotiable. The AMSOIL Oil Filter is engineered for this application, providing greater capacity for small, wear-causing contaminants than competing filters. It allows for lower restriction, keeping engine parts lubricated and operating efficiently. Alternatively, the WIX Oil Filter offers premium media with improvements over original equipment manufacturer-branded filters, ensuring reliable filtration for your oil change kit.
Transmission and Differential Protection
The 2018 Infiniti Q70 utilizes a 7-speed automatic transmission (RE7R01A) that requires specific fluid characteristics to operate smoothly. The total fill capacity for this transmission is 9.7 quarts. Over time, standard fluids can break down due to the intense heat generated by the torque converter and clutches, leading to shuddering or harsh shifting. AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid withstands the rigors of heavy towing and elevated temperatures, remaining fluid even in sub-zero conditions.
For a balance of performance and value, AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid is a robust option that protects against wear and resists harmful sludge. If your vehicle is a front-wheel-drive variant or requires a universal fluid, AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid and AMSOIL OE Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid offer excellent protection and promote shudder-free shifts.
The rear differential is another critical area requiring attention. It requires a synthetic oil, specifically a GL-5 rated gear lube. For front differential applications, AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 80W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube provides advanced protection against wear and controls thermal runaway. For the rear differential, AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube is ideal, containing friction modifiers for limited-slip applications to ensure smooth operation. AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-110 100% Synthetic Gear Lube offers a heavier viscosity option for extreme conditions, while the AMSOIL 75W-90 Long Life 100% Synthetic Gear Lube is designed for extended service life in high-load applications.
Fluids for Brakes, Cooling, and Steering
Absence of fluid degradation is key to safety. The braking system on the Q70 benefits from AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid. This fluid provides excellent responsiveness for ABS and traction control systems and maintains stable viscosity over a wide temperature range, preventing brake fade during hard stops. It is also compatible with DOT 3 systems, ensuring versatility for various maintenance schedules.
The cooling system requires a fluid that protects all metals, gaskets, and hoses. The capacity for the cooling system varies slightly by radiator setup, generally ranging between 8.9 and 9.8 quarts. AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant is a 50/50 pre-mix formulation that is phosphate, nitrate, nitrite, silicate, borate, and amine-free, offering protection for up to 150,000 miles. For those who prefer to mix their own, AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant is concentrated and requires mixing with distilled water, offering even longer protection potential for heavy-duty use.
Steering reliability is maintained with AMSOIL 100% Synthetic Multi-Vehicle Power Steering Fluid. This fluid helps seals remain soft to prevent leaks and resists heat for long fluid life. It is formulated for quiet operation and offers strong anti-wear protection, ensuring the steering remains responsive even in extreme weather.
Essential Additives for Fuel and Storage
To keep the engine running at peak efficiency, the use of a fuel additive is highly recommended. AMSOIL P.i.® Performance Improver Gasoline Additive helps restore up to 14% horsepower and cleans GDI fuel injectors. It also improves fuel economy and helps prevent carbon buildup, which is common in modern direct injection engines.
For seasonal storage, AMSOIL Gasoline Stabilizer keeps fuel fresh for up to 12 months, preventing varnish and gum buildup. During long periods of inactivity, AMSOIL Engine Fogging Oil protects internal engine components from rust by coating them with a protective film, ideal for any equipment that sits for extended periods.
Vehicle Background and Performance Characteristics
The 2018 Infiniti Q70 represents the pinnacle of the Infiniti sedan lineup during its production cycle, offering a blend of luxury, sportiness, and performance that appeals to drivers seeking a sophisticated driving experience. Built on a rear-wheel-drive platform (with all-wheel-drive options available for certain trims), the Q70 is designed to compete with European rivals like the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The model is well-regarded for its smooth ride quality, high-quality interior materials, and a spacious cabin that comfortably accommodates rear passengers, making it a favorite for executives and chauffeur-driven vehicles alike.
The specific engine in question, the 3.7-liter V6 (VQ37VHR), is a continuation of Infiniti’s legendary VQ engine family. This naturally aspirated engine produces approximately 330 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, delivering a linear and responsive power curve that lacks the lag associated with turbocharged engines. It is paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission that is generally quick to downshift, allowing for spirited overtaking on highways. The driving dynamics are characterized by a balanced chassis with precise steering feel, though the vehicle’s substantial weight means it is more of a grand tourer than a razor-sharp track machine. Owners often praise the engine’s reliability when properly maintained, noting that the VQ series is capable of reaching high mileages with minimal internal wear.
Despite its robust design, the 2018 Q70 with the 3.7L engine can face specific issues that proper lubrication can mitigate. One common concern is oil consumption, particularly in higher-mileage vehicles where piston ring wear can lead to burning oil. Switching to a high-mileage synthetic oil with enhanced seal conditioners can help reduce this consumption. Another issue is the potential for carbon buildup on intake valves, especially in the direct injection variants of the VQ family, which can lead to rough idling and reduced power; regular use of a quality intake and fuel system cleaner like P.i. can help alleviate this. A third common problem is transmission shudder or harsh shifting, often caused by the breakdown of the original factory fluid over time; a complete fluid change with a high-quality synthetic transmission fluid can restore smooth operation. Finally, rust and corrosion can become a problem in the brake system or cooling system if the fluids are not changed regularly; using synthetic brake fluid and a premium coolant can significantly extend the life of these components by preventing moisture absorption and chemical degradation. Addressing these specific vulnerabilities with AMSOIL synthetic lubricants allows owners to enjoy the luxury sedan’s intended performance and comfort for a longer period.
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