The 2018 Infiniti Q70L equipped with the 5.6-liter V8 engine demands precision in maintenance to ensure longevity and optimal performance. This powertrain, identified by the engine code VK56VD 1, operates under significant thermal and mechanical stress, particularly during acceleration or highway cruising. Using the correct synthetic lubricants is not merely a suggestion but a necessity for preserving engine integrity, maintaining power output, and ensuring reliable operation across diverse driving conditions. Selecting the right fluids can mitigate wear, reduce operating temperatures, and extend service intervals compared to conventional alternatives.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
To maintain the 2018 Infiniti Q70L in peak condition, the following AMSOIL products are recommended. These selections are based on the specific requirements of the VK56VD 1 engine and its associated systems.
- AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Offers unsurpassed engine protection with up to 25,000 miles of guaranteed service. It provides 75% more protection against horsepower loss and wear, making it ideal for drivers seeking maximum durability and performance.
- AMSOIL Extended-Life 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – A versatile option delivering 20,000 miles of guaranteed protection. This oil features enhanced cleaning power to help keep the engine running smoother and protects against Low Speed Pre-Ignition (LSPI).
- AMSOIL OE 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Engineered to outperform conventional oils and meet OEM requirements while providing 10,000 miles of protection. It effectively fights sludge and deposits, offering a cost-effective synthetic solution that aligns with factory schedules.
- AMSOIL 5W-30 100% Synthetic High-Mileage Motor Oil – Formulated specifically for vehicles with over 75,000 miles. It contains boosted detergents and dispersants to clean the engine, reduce sludge by 67%, and seal conditioning additives to help prevent leaks and reduce oil consumption.
- AMSOIL Oil Filter – Provides 99 percent filtering efficiency at 20 microns and offers greater capacity for small contaminants than competing filters. This extended service life filter works seamlessly with AMSOIL synthetic oils to protect your engine.
- WIX Oil Filter – A premium alternative featuring advanced media that offers improvements over original equipment manufacturer-branded filters. It is a reliable choice for drivers preferring a WIX filtration system.
- WIX Air Filter – Premium media offers improvements over original equipment manufacturer (OEM)-branded filters, ensuring clean air reaches the engine.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Designed for the 7-speed RE7R01A transmission found in this vehicle. It withstands heavy towing, elevated temperatures, and challenging terrain while remaining fluid in sub-zero conditions.
- AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Protects the transmission against wear and sludge while promoting smooth, shudder-free shifts for up to 100,000 miles of service.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Recommended for the rear differential which requires synthetic oil. It offers advanced protection against wear, controls thermal runaway, and contains friction modifiers ideal for limited-slip applications.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 80W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Suitable for the front differential. This premium gear lube protects against rust and corrosion and helps reduce operating temperatures to extend seal and equipment life.
- AMSOIL 75W-90 Long Life 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Specifically engineered for extended service life and high-load protection in demanding applications.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-110 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Provides maximum protection against wear and thermal runaway for extreme load conditions.
- AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid – Delivers excellent ABS and traction-control responsiveness with a stable viscosity over a wide temperature range, ensuring consistent braking performance.
- AMSOIL 100% Synthetic Multi-Vehicle Power Steering Fluid – Reduces friction and keeps seals soft to prevent leaks. It is formulated for quiet operation and offers strong anti-wear protection for long fluid life.
- AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant – A unique poly-organic acid formulation that exceeds OEM requirements. It protects all cooling system metals and hoses for up to 150,000 miles or 5 years.
- AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant – A concentrated formula offering protection up to 150,000 miles in passenger cars and up to 1,000,000 miles in heavy-duty applications.
- AMSOIL Synthetic Multi-Purpose Grease – Resists thermal and oxidation degradation for long-term performance with outstanding low-temperature pumpability.
- AMSOIL Heavy-Duty Metal Protector – Contains special rust and corrosion inhibitor additives to protect against salt, moisture, and chemical corrosion.
- AMSOIL MP Metal Protector – Cuts through rust and frees frozen components while displacing water.
- AMSOIL Silicone Spray – Protects with a dry lubricating film ideal for surfaces that may be damaged by conventional lubricants such as grease or oil.
- AMSOIL Heavy-Duty Degreaser – Dissolves oil, tar and grime quickly without damaging sensitive components.
- AMSOIL Power Foam® Carburetor and Induction-System Cleaner – Cleans deposits from ethanol and degraded fuel, removing gum and varnish to maximize horsepower.
- AMSOIL Miracle Wash Waterless Wash and Wax Spray – Requires just two easy steps-spray and wipe, leaving vehicles with a fantastic shine and tough protective finish.
- AMSOIL Brake and Parts Cleaner – Quickly removes oil, grease, brake fluid and other contaminants from brake parts and other automotive components.
- AMSOIL Mudslinger® Mud and Dirt Repellent – Provides a protective, non-stick layer of armor against the accumulation of mud, dirt and snow on ATVs, UTVs and dirt bikes.
- AMSOIL Engine Degreaser – Professional-strength formula packed with powerful degreasing solvents that quickly and easily remove the toughest grease, dirt and grime from engine surfaces.
- AMSOIL Glass Cleaner – Professional-strength formula effectively cuts through grease and grime faster than other leading glass cleaners with foaming action.
- AMSOIL High-Foam Car Shampoo – High-foam formula is hard on dirt, gentle on coatings and finishes, and capable of bucket-wash, foam-gun and foam-cannon use.
- AMSOIL Exterior Ceramic Spray – Easy application with no cure time required, rapidly shedding water and protecting against UV rays.
- AMSOIL Interior Detailer – Light Lemon – Multi-surface use with 90-day UV protection to trap & eliminate odors.
- AMSOIL Interior Detailer – Scent Free – Multi-surface use with 90-day UV protection to trap & eliminate odors without added fragrance.
The 2018 Infiniti Q70L’s 5.6-liter V8 engine requires a total of 6.4 quarts of oil when changing the filter, with a drain plug torque specification of 25 ft/lbs. It is critical to use a new washer on the drain bolt during service. The cooling system holds 11.5 quarts of coolant. For the automatic transmission, the total fill capacity is 10.6 quarts. Differential capacities are specific, with the front requiring 1.4 pints and the rear requiring 2.3 pints. Ensuring these capacities are met with high-quality synthetic fluids prevents overheating and mechanical failure.
Detailed Lubrication Requirements
Proper lubrication extends the life of every component within the Q70L. The engine oil should be changed at intervals that maximize protection, with the AMSOIL Signature Series offering the longest guaranteed intervals of up to 25,000 miles. This is particularly beneficial for the VK56VD engine, which can run hot under load. The oil filter choice also plays a vital role; the AMSOIL EA15K13-EA is designed to maximize flow while trapping microscopic particles that cause wear.
Transmission health is paramount for this vehicle. The 7-speed automatic transmission benefits from the fluid’s ability to withstand shear stress and maintain viscosity. AMSOIL’s transmission fluids ensure that shifting remains crisp and prevents the shuddering issues sometimes associated with high-mileage vehicles. For the differentials, synthetic gear lubes like the SEVERE GEAR line provide superior extreme pressure protection. This is essential for the rear axle, which sees significant torque loads. The use of synthetic gear lube ensures that metal-to-metal contact is minimized, even under heavy acceleration or towing scenarios.
Brake fluid is often overlooked until it is too late. AMSOIL’s synthetic brake fluid has a higher boiling point than conventional DOT 3 fluids, preventing brake fade during spirited driving. Similarly, the power steering fluid formulation keeps the steering rack and seals in top condition, reducing noise and preventing internal leaks that can be costly to repair. Finally, maintaining the cooling system with AMSOIL antifreeze ensures that the engine operates within its ideal temperature range, protecting the engine block, radiator, and hoses from corrosion and freezing.
Seasonal and Additional Care
For owners planning to store the vehicle or drive it less frequently, AMSOIL offers specialized storage products. The Gasoline Stabilizer can keep fuel fresh for up to 12 months, preventing varnish and gum buildup that can clog injectors. During long periods of inactivity, the Engine Fogging Oil provides a protective barrier against rust on internal components, ensuring that the engine starts smoothly when needed again. For those who wish to maximize fuel economy and clean their GDI injectors, the P.i.® Performance Improver is a powerful additive that restores up to 14% of horsepower and improves flow rates in fuel systems.
Maintenance goes beyond just the fluids. The AMSOIL High-Foam Car Shampoo and Exterior Ceramic Spray offer excellent cleaning and protection for the vehicle’s exterior, preserving the paint and finish. Interior care is also supported with detailers that trap odors and provide UV protection. For general maintenance, the Synthetic Multi-Purpose Grease is ideal for chassis fittings, offering excellent pumpability in cold weather and resistance to washout. The Heavy-Duty Degreaser is perfect for cleaning engine bays without damaging sensitive components.
About the Vehicle
The 2018 Infiniti Q70L represents the pinnacle of luxury performance sedans from Nissan’s premium brand. Known for its spacious rear seating, which the “L” in the name signifies, this vehicle was engineered for drivers who prioritize comfort and presence. The platform is rear-wheel drive by default, though an all-wheel-drive system was available, providing a balanced driving character that rivals established German competitors. The long wheelbase of the Q70L contributes significantly to its smooth, isolation-focused ride quality, effectively absorbing road imperfections.
At the heart of the Q70L is the VK56VE/VK56VD 5.6-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine. This powerhouse delivers a robust amount of torque and power, providing effortless acceleration and a deep, resonant exhaust note that many enthusiasts admire. The engine is paired with a smooth-shifting seven-speed automatic transmission, a combination that makes highway merging and overtaking maneuvers confident and seamless. The vehicle’s interior is a sanctuary of leather, wood, and chrome, reflecting the high standards Infiniti set for its flagship sedan prior to the introduction of the Q80 concept. The Q70L was designed to compete in the full-size luxury segment, offering a blend of sporty dynamics and limousine-like rear passenger accommodation.
Despite its sophisticated engineering, the Q70L is not without its maintenance needs. Owners of this vehicle often face issues related to oil consumption, a trait common to high-mileage V8s of this era. Ensuring the engine is constantly lubricated with high-quality synthetic oil can mitigate the breakdown of oil and help reduce consumption rates. Another common concern involves the sensitivity of the fuel system, particularly with Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engines. Carbon buildup on intake valves and injectors can lead to rough idling and a loss of power over time. Using fuel system cleaners regularly and maintaining clean injectors is crucial for preserving engine smoothness.
The all-wheel-drive system, if equipped, introduces another component that requires specialized attention: the transfer case. This unit is a known point of failure if the fluid is allowed to degrade, often leading to shuddering or failure of the system to engage. Regular changes of the transfer case fluid are highly recommended to prevent costly drivetrain repairs. Finally, the brake system and suspension components can benefit from the enhanced performance of AMSOIL products, particularly as the vehicle accumulates high mileage. The synthetic brake fluid prevents the moisture absorption that leads to rust in brake lines, while the specialized lubricants help the suspension components move freely, maintaining the ride quality that defines the Q70L experience.