Maintaining the performance and longevity of your 2016 Infiniti Q50 3.5L begins with selecting the correct fluids for its specific engineering requirements. This luxury sedan is powered by the robust VQ35HR engine, a naturally aspirated 6-cylinder unit known for smooth power delivery and durability. However, to ensure it continues to perform optimally through high-mileage driving, extreme weather, or spirited highway commutes, the lubricants used must meet or exceed the manufacturer’s rigorous specifications. Using inferior fluids can lead to premature wear, reduced fuel economy, and costly repairs down the road.
AMSOIL provides a comprehensive range of synthetic lubricants tailored specifically for this vehicle. From high-performance motor oils that protect against the high RPMs of the VQ35 engine to specialized transmission fluids that ensure crisp shifting, these products are designed to handle the demands of the Q50. Proper maintenance intervals, supported by high-quality filters and fluid protection, help keep the engine clean, the transmission responsive, and the cooling system efficient.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
- AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Offers the highest level of protection for the 2016 Infiniti Q50, providing superior wear resistance and cleanliness for up to 25,000 miles or one year.
- AMSOIL Extended-Life 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – A cost-effective option that delivers extended protection for up to 20,000 miles with enhanced cleaning power to keep the engine running smoothly.
- AMSOIL OE 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – An OEM-mileage formula that fights sludge and deposits while meeting the requirements for modern engines, ensuring reliable performance.
- AMSOIL 5W-30 100% Synthetic High-Mileage Motor Oil – Formulated specifically for vehicles with over 75,000 miles, featuring a unique chemistry to reduce oil consumption and boost cleaning power.
- AMSOIL Oil Filter – Engineered with advanced filtering media to trap 99% of contaminants at 20 microns, protecting engine internals from wear and extending oil life.
- WIX Oil Filter – A premium aftermarket option offering improved filtration over standard OEM filters for reliable engine protection.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Designed for the 7-speed transmission (RE7R01H), providing excellent thermal stability and protection against harsh driving conditions.
- AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – A high-quality alternative that protects against wear while meeting fuel efficiency standards for the Q50.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 80W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Ideal for the front differential, offering advanced protection against wear and thermal runaway in limited-slip applications.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Perfect for the rear differential, ensuring smooth operation and long service life in high-load environments.
- AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant – An ethylene glycol-based coolant that protects the cooling system for up to 150,000 miles or 5 years.
- AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid – Ensures responsive ABS and traction control performance with a stable viscosity across extreme temperatures.
When it comes to engine oil, the 2016 Infiniti Q50 3.5L requires a viscosity grade of 5W-30. The total capacity, including the oil filter, is 5.2 quarts. The VQ35HR engine benefits significantly from the superior thermal stability of synthetic oils, which maintain their protective film even under the high heat generated during highway driving or spirited acceleration. The drain plug torque specification is 25 ft/lbs, and it is recommended to install a new washer on the drain bolt during every service. Owners seeking the longest interval between changes can rely on AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil, which provides up to 25,000 miles of protection. For those looking to maintain OEM-like service intervals, the AMSOIL OE 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil offers a cost-effective solution that still delivers the cleaning power required to prevent sludge and deposit buildup. If your Q50 has accumulated significant mileage, the AMSOIL 5W-30 100% Synthetic High-Mileage Motor Oil is an excellent choice, featuring additives designed to reduce oil consumption and clean out deposits in engines over 75,000 miles.
The engine oil filter plays a critical role in maintaining this protection. Whether you choose the high-capacity AMSOIL Oil Filter or the premium WIX Oil Filter, both are designed to trap wear-causing contaminants more effectively than standard filters. The AMSOIL Oil Filter, in particular, allows for lower restriction, ensuring that oil flows freely to critical engine components throughout the extended service interval. Alongside the oil filter, replacing the air filter is a simple but effective maintenance task. The WIX Air Filter for this model utilizes premium media that improves upon original equipment performance, ensuring the VQ35 engine receives clean air for optimal combustion and efficiency.
Moving to the transmission, the 2016 Infiniti Q50 3.5L is equipped with a 7-speed automatic transmission (RE7R01H). This sophisticated transmission requires a fluid that can handle the precision of its design while providing robust protection against wear. The total fill capacity for a complete flush is 7.4 quarts. AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid is engineered to withstand the rigors of heavy towing, elevated temperatures, and challenging terrain while maintaining fluidity in sub-zero conditions. For owners who prefer a standard OEM-level formula, the AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid offers excellent wear protection and resistance to harmful sludge, ensuring smooth, shudder-free shifts.
For the differential and transfer case, the lubrication requirements vary based on the drivetrain configuration. The front differential requires GL-5 lubricant, with a capacity of 1.4 pints. AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 80W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube is a suitable choice here, providing the necessary extreme pressure protection for hypoid gears and containing friction modifiers for limited-slip applications. The rear differential is a critical component, especially on AWD models, requiring 2.2 pints of 75W-90 synthetic gear lube. AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube offers advanced protection against wear, controls thermal runaway, and helps reduce operating temperatures, extending the life of the gears and bearings. If your vehicle has a transfer case, the capacity is 2.1 pints, and AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid or AMSOIL OE Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid can be used effectively for this component, providing the necessary viscosity and protection for smooth power transfer.
Cooling system maintenance is equally vital for the longevity of the VQ35 engine. The cooling system capacity varies by drivetrain: RWD models require 10.4 quarts, AWD with the pressurized tank needs 10.9 quarts, and the inverter system holds 2.5 quarts. AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant is a pre-mixed 50/50 ethylene glycol solution that provides protection for up to 150,000 miles or 5 years. It is free of phosphates, nitrates, and silicates, making it compatible with all cooling system metals and hoses. For those who prefer a concentrate, the AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant offers similar extended protection and is safe for use in all temperature ranges.
Brake fluid is often overlooked until performance issues arise. The 2016 Infiniti Q50 requires a DOT 3 hydraulic brake fluid. AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid delivers excellent responsiveness for the vehicle’s ABS and traction control systems. Its stable viscosity over a wide temperature range ensures consistent braking performance whether you are driving in freezing winters or hot summer traffic. Additionally, seasonal storage preparations should include AMSOIL Gasoline Stabilizer to keep fuel fresh and protect against ethanol corrosion, and AMSOIL Engine Fogging Oil to prevent internal rust during periods of inactivity.
Vehicle Background and Performance
The 2016 Infiniti Q50 represents a significant generation in Infiniti’s lineup, serving as a direct competitor to other premium German and Japanese luxury sedans. Built on a rear-wheel-drive platform (with available all-wheel-drive), the Q50 is designed to offer a dynamic driving experience without sacrificing comfort. The 3.5L VQ35HR engine, which powers the model discussed here, is a legendary powerplant that has been refined over decades. Known for its linear power delivery and reliability, this naturally aspirated 6-cylinder provides a smooth, refined sound and sufficient power for everyday driving and spirited back-road adventures.
Owners of the 2016 Q50 often praise its balanced chassis and responsive steering, which contribute to a confident feel on the highway and winding roads. The interior typically features high-quality materials and advanced technology for its time, including a focus on driver assistance systems and a refined cabin atmosphere. The availability of both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive options allows owners to choose a configuration that suits their climate and driving style. While the V6 is the heart of the 3.5L model, the vehicle is also part of a diverse lineup that includes a turbocharged variant and a hybrid model, showcasing Infiniti’s engineering versatility. Despite the introduction of newer technologies, the 3.5L V6 remains a robust choice for those who prefer the linear, naturally aspirated character of a V6 engine, delivering consistent power across the rev range.
Maintaining this vehicle with the correct synthetic fluids ensures that its reputation for reliability and performance endures. By following a strict maintenance schedule with high-quality AMSOIL products, owners can maximize the service life of the engine, transmission, and differentials. Whether you are commuting daily, taking long road trips, or enjoying weekend drives, the right lubricants provide the peace of mind that comes with knowing your vehicle is protected against the harsh realities of driving.