Ensuring your 2018 Infiniti Q60 receives the correct lubricants is essential for maintaining the performance and longevity of its VR30DDTT turbocharged V6 engine. Because this vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated forced-induction powerplant, it requires synthetic motor oil capable of withstanding high thermal loads while protecting turbocharger bearings and preventing low-speed pre-ignition. Proper fluid selection goes beyond just the engine, extending to the 7-speed automatic transmission, limited-slip differentials, and cooling system components.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
Below are the top-tier AMSOIL synthetic lubricants specifically matched to the requirements of the 2018 Infiniti Q60 3.0L.
- AMSOIL Signature Series 0W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Offers maximum engine protection against horsepower loss and wear, ideal for high-mileage or severe driving conditions with up to 25,000 miles of service.
- AMSOIL Extended-Life 0W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Provides a blend of 20,000 miles of protection with enhanced cleaning power to keep the engine running smoother and longer.
- AMSOIL OE 0W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Designed to outperform conventional oils and OEM requirements, protecting turbochargers and reducing sludge with a 10,000 to 15,000-mile service interval.
- AMSOIL 0W-20 100% Synthetic High-Mileage Motor Oil – Formulated for vehicles with over 75,000 miles to boost detergency and reduce sludge, helping extended engines perform better.
- AMSOIL Oil Filter – Delivers 99% filtration efficiency at 20 microns, providing greater capacity for contaminants and extended service life compared to standard filters.
- WIX Oil Filter – A premium aftermarket option featuring media that offers improvements over original equipment manufacturer-branded filters for reliable protection.
- WIX Air Filter – Premium media offers improvements over original equipment manufacturer (OEM)-branded filters for the air intake system.
- AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant – A pre-mixed ethylene glycol formulation providing protection up to 150,000 miles or 5 years against corrosion in all cooling system metals.
- AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant – A concentrated, phosphate-free formula requiring mixing, suitable for passenger cars and light trucks with superior corrosion protection.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Withstands heavy towing, elevated temperatures, and challenging terrain while remaining fluid in sub-zero conditions.
- AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Offers excellent wear protection and resistance to harmful sludge for the RE7R01A transmission system.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – A versatile synthetic fluid that resists thermal breakdown and provides reserve protection during heavy use.
- AMSOIL OE Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Promotes smooth, shudder-free shifts and guards against leaks in various automatic transmission applications.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 80W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Specifically recommended for the front differential, this lube contains friction modifiers for limited-slip applications and controls thermal runaway.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – The primary choice for the rear differential, providing advanced protection against wear and rust with long oil and seal life.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-110 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Another heavy-duty option for limited-slip differentials requiring higher viscosity protection.
- AMSOIL 75W-90 Long Life 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Engineered for extended service intervals and high-load gear protection, ensuring better cold-weather shifting.
- 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.
The 3.0-liter VR30DDTT engine is a dual-injection powerplant that pairs direct and port injection to maximize performance and efficiency. This engine operates at significantly higher pressures and temperatures than naturally aspirated counterparts, making the use of a high-quality synthetic motor oil a non-negotiable aspect of ownership. AMSOIL Signature Series 0W-20 is formulated to meet and exceed the specific requirements of this turbocharged engine, ensuring that the turbo bearings remain cool and lubricated while the internal components are shielded from the high-stress environment of the combustion chamber.
Proper fluid capacity management is also critical. The engine oil system requires 5.7 quarts of lubricant when performing a change with a filter replacement. It is vital to note that capacity can vary slightly depending on the dipstick configuration. For vehicles equipped with the original 25-inch dipstick, the 5.7-quart capacity applies. However, if the vehicle has a 24.5-inch replacement dipstick, an additional 0.5 quarts must be added to the standard fill to ensure proper lubrication. After refilling, always check the oil level carefully to ensure the engine is not under-filled or over-filled, which could lead to excessive oil consumption or seal damage.
Transmission and Drivetrain Maintenance
The transmission system in the 2018 Q60 utilizes a 7-speed RE7R01A automatic gearbox. Maintaining this transmission with the correct fluid is crucial for smooth shifting and longevity. The total fill capacity for the transmission is 10.6 quarts. AMSOIL offers specialized synthetic transmission fluids designed to withstand the rigors of this specific transmission. The Signature Series Fuel-Efficient ATF is an excellent choice for drivers seeking to minimize thermal stress and maintain fluidity in extreme temperatures. Alternatively, the OE Fuel-Efficient ATF provides a cost-effective solution that still meets the high standards required for premium transmissions, protecting against wear and sludge while ensuring shudder-free shifts.
The differential system requires attention as well, as the Q60 employs limited-slip differentials that need specific lubricant properties. The front differential requires 1.4 pints of 80W-90 synthetic SEVERE GEAR 80W-90, while the rear differential requires 2.2 pints of 75W-90 synthetic SEVERE GEAR 75W-90. It is important to use synthetic gear lubricants that contain friction modifiers to prevent chatter and ensure smooth operation of the limited-slip clutch packs. AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR 80W-90 and SEVERE GEAR 75W-90 are specifically designed for these applications, offering protection against rust, corrosion, and thermal runaway while extending the life of seals and gears.
Cooling and Brake Systems
The cooling system for this vehicle holds 9.3 quarts of fluid. Maintaining the cooling system with a high-performance antifreeze and coolant is essential to prevent overheating, which can be detrimental to the turbocharged engine. AMSOIL’s Antifreeze & Coolant formulations are phosphate-, nitrate-, and silicate-free, ensuring compatibility with the various metals and rubber hoses in the cooling system. The Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant offers a concentrated option that requires mixing with distilled water, providing extended protection up to 150,000 miles or five years.
AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid maintenance is another often overlooked but critical aspect of vehicle safety. The 2018 Infiniti Q60 requires a DOT 3 hydraulic brake fluid. This synthetic fluid improves brake pedal feel and responsiveness while resisting moisture absorption, which can lead to lower boiling points and potential brake fade. Regular replacement of this fluid ensures consistent braking performance in all conditions.
About the Vehicle
The 2018 Infiniti Q60 is a striking entry into the compact luxury coupe market, serving as the replacement for the aging G37/G37 Coupe. Under the sleek, aerodynamic body lies a sophisticated powertrain designed to offer sports car performance with the refined comfort expected of the Infiniti brand. The 3.0L twin-turbo V6 is the heart of the vehicle, delivering impressive power that rivals many larger displacement engines. This engine is renowned for its smooth power delivery and the ability to perform reliably under heavy load, provided it receives the proper lubrication.
Owners of the 2018 Q60 often appreciate its distinct driving character, which blends agility with a sense of luxury. The vehicle’s platform is tuned for a sporty feel, responding quickly to steering inputs while maintaining composure through corners. However, the high-stress nature of this twin-turbo engine can be prone to certain issues over time, particularly related to oil consumption and carbon buildup on the intake valves and fuel injectors. This is common in modern direct injection engines where fuel no longer washes the intake valves, leading to carbon accumulation that can affect performance.
One of the specific problems that AMSOIL Signature Series synthetic oils can help mitigate is low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI), which can occur in turbocharged gasoline direct injection engines. While modern formulations address this, the robust detergency of AMSOIL oils helps keep engine internals cleaner for longer. Additionally, the high thermal stress on the turbocharger bearings is a known area of concern for performance driving. Using a high-quality synthetic oil helps prevent oil coking on the turbo shafts, which can otherwise lead to bearing failure. Another common issue with this generation of Infiniti engines is oil consumption, where the engine burns oil faster than expected. The enhanced seal conditioning properties of AMSOIL High-Mileage Motor Oil can help minimize this consumption by maintaining the health of valve stem seals and piston rings.
Furthermore, the Q60’s dual-injection system can sometimes suffer from clogged injectors due to the direct injection side, which does not use solvent action to clean the injectors as effectively as port injection alone. This can lead to a loss of horsepower and rough idling. Using AMSOIL P.i. Performance Improver gasoline additive can help restore fuel injectors to 100% flow rate, effectively reversing the power loss caused by carbon deposits. For owners who enjoy spirited driving or occasional track days, the ability of AMSOIL products to maintain stable viscosity under extreme heat provides an additional layer of security that conventional oils cannot match.
Ultimately, the 2018 Infiniti Q60 3.0L is a vehicle that rewards diligent maintenance with outstanding performance. By selecting the correct AMSOIL lubricants and adhering to extended service intervals, owners can ensure that their Q60 delivers its full potential for years to come. The combination of high-grade synthetic oils, premium filters, and specialized transmission and gear fluids creates a comprehensive protection system that addresses the unique demands of this modern luxury coupe.