Maintaining your 2022 Infiniti QX60 with the correct lubricants is essential for preserving the performance of its 3.5-liter VQ35DD engine and ensuring the longevity of its complex powertrain. This vehicle was designed to deliver smooth, comfortable rides for families, often used for daily commuting and occasional hauling. However, the demanding nature of stop-and-go traffic and the precision engineering of the engine require fluids that can provide superior protection against wear, heat, and sludge formation. Standard conventional oils often break down under the high thermal stresses of modern engines, leading to reduced fuel economy and increased friction. By utilizing high-quality synthetic lubricants, you can extend the intervals between changes while providing better protection for critical components like the turbocharger, timing chain, and transmission gears.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
- AMSOIL Signature Series 0W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – The top choice for maximum engine protection, offering up to 25,000 miles of service and superior resistance to horsepower loss.
- AMSOIL Extended-Life 0W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – An excellent option that provides up to 20,000 miles of protection while delivering 37% more cleaning power to keep the engine running smoother.
- AMSOIL OE 0W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – A cost-effective synthetic alternative that fights sludge and deposits, protecting turbochargers 72% better than the GM dexos1 Gen 2 specification requires.
- AMSOIL 0W-20 100% Synthetic High-Mileage Motor Oil – Specifically formulated for vehicles with over 75,000 miles, this oil features boosted detergents to reduce sludge and protect against wear.
- AMSOIL Oil Filter – Provides 99 percent filtering efficiency at 20 microns, offering greater capacity for contaminants and lower restriction to keep engine parts fully lubricated.
- WIX Oil Filter – A premium aftermarket option with media that offers improvements over original equipment manufacturer branded filters for reliable particle capture.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Designed to withstand heavy towing and elevated temperatures while remaining fluid in sub-zero conditions for smooth shifting.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Provides advanced protection against wear and rust for the transfer case and rear differential, with friction modifiers for limited-slip applications.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-110 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – A heavy-duty synthetic gear lube ideal for severe service, controlling thermal runaway and protecting against corrosion in all temperatures.
- AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid – Delivers excellent responsiveness for ABS and traction control systems with a stable viscosity across a wide temperature range.
- AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant – An extended-life ethylene glycol coolant protected against corrosion, suitable for a wide variety of vehicles and compatible with all coolant colors.
- AMSOIL P.i.® Performance Improver Gasoline Additive – Restores up to 14% horsepower and cleans GDI fuel injectors to 100% flow rate, helping to prevent carbon buildup and pre-ignition knock.
The engine oil capacity for the 2022 Infiniti QX60 is 5.1 quarts when including the filter replacement. When adding oil, it is crucial to refill to the specified level and then check the oil level again to ensure proper lubrication of the 3.5-liter VQ35DD engine. The drain plug torque specification ranges from 22 to 29 ft/lbs, and a new washer should always be installed on the drain bolt to prevent leaks. Selecting the right viscosity is critical; AMSOIL recommends 0W-20 for optimal performance in all temperatures, ensuring quick oil flow during cold starts and stable protection during high-temperature operation.
Beyond the engine, the transmission requires specific attention to prevent costly failures. The automatic transmission fluid capacity is 7.6 quarts without a transfer case and 7.9 quarts with the transfer case, based on the total fill requirements. Using a synthetic automatic transmission fluid ensures that the fluid remains stable and fluid, even under the rigors of heavy towing or challenging terrain. The transmission fluid must withstand elevated temperatures and provide reserve protection during heavy use, maintaining smooth shifts and extending the life of the transmission components.
For the transfer case and rear differential, the QX60 requires a GL-5 lubricant. The transfer case has a capacity of 0.6 pints, while the rear differential holds 1.1 pints. These components benefit greatly from the extreme pressure additives found in AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR products, which protect against wear and help reduce operating temperatures. The rear differential specifically calls for a 75W-90 grade, which AMSOIL’s synthetic gear lube meet or exceed. These lubricants contain friction modifiers that are beneficial for limited-slip differentials, reducing noise and improving overall drivetrain efficiency. It is important to install new gaskets on the drain and fill plugs during service to maintain a proper seal.
About the Vehicle
The 2022 Infiniti QX60 stands as a testament to the brand’s commitment to luxury and practicality within the midsize crossover segment. Built on the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance platform, specifically the D-platform, the QX60 is designed to offer a spacious interior that comfortably accommodates three rows of seating, making it a favorite for families. Under the hood, the 3.5-liter VQ-series V6 engine is a legendary powerplant for Infiniti, known for its smooth power delivery and reliability. The VQ35DD variant features direct injection technology, which enhances fuel efficiency and power output while reducing emissions compared to its predecessors. This engine produces a robust amount of horsepower and torque, allowing the QX60 to handle towing and hauling duties with ease, although owners should remain mindful of the vehicle’s weight when pushing it to its limits.
The QX60 is widely appreciated for its comfortable ride quality, which is a hallmark of the Infiniti brand. It utilizes a sophisticated suspension system that absorbs road imperfections well, providing a serene cabin environment even on rougher roads. The interior is crafted with high-quality materials, offering a blend of comfort and luxury that rivals competitors from Germany and Japan. Technological integration has also been a priority, with the QX60 featuring modern infotainment systems, available premium audio setups, and advanced driver-assistance features that aid in safety and convenience. The vehicle’s market position is firmly rooted in the value-luxury category, appealing to buyers who want premium features without the premium price tag of a luxury flagship model.
Despite its robust design, the Infiniti QX60 can benefit from high-performance lubricants to address specific mechanical behaviors common to its engine family. One known issue that owners may encounter is carbon buildup on intake valves due to the direct injection system, a characteristic shared by many modern GDI engines. AMSOIL P.i.® Performance Improver is specifically designed to clean these injectors and intake valves, restoring flow and preventing the lean conditions that can cause rough idling or pre-ignition.
Another area where the QX60 can experience degradation over time is in the transmission fluid. The vehicle’s automatic transmission can suffer from fluid breakdown under high thermal stress, leading to harsh shifting or reduced efficiency. Regular fluid changes with a synthetic transmission fluid formulated for high durability can mitigate these issues, ensuring the transmission continues to shift smoothly. Additionally, the VQ35DD engine’s timing chain tensioners can sometimes experience wear or sludge-related issues if the motor oil changes are not performed frequently or if the motor oil degrades prematurely. Using a synthetic motor oil with superior detergents and dispersants helps keep the engine internals clean, reducing the risk of sludge formation that can clog oil passages and affect the timing chain tensioners.
Finally, owners in colder climates may notice that the vehicle’s transfer case and differentials require fluid that can maintain its viscosity in extreme low temperatures. Standard gear lube can thicken, causing drivetrain binding or noise during cold starts. Switching to a full-synthetic gear lube like AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR ensures that the lubricant remains fluid enough to protect gears during cold starts while still providing the necessary film strength to prevent wear during operation. By addressing these specific needs with the right lubricants, owners can extend the service life of their 2022 Infiniti QX60 and maintain the luxury driving experience they expect.