What is Oil Maintenance?
Oil maintenance is preventative care for your engine oil. Whether youre getting regular oil changes or shopping around for the right kind, keeping this fluid top of mind is one of the best maintenance services you can offer your vehicle.
Engine oil plays a crucial role in your INFINITIs performance. It lubricates the engine to keep it from wearing out too quickly, helps prevent overheating, and works to keep the engine clean by deterring sludge and dirt buildup.
Poor oil maintenance practices like neglecting oil changes or driving with an old filter can lead to a host of issues. You may experience reduced fuel economy, premature engine wear, and in the worst-case scenario, your engine may fail completely. Use the tips below to keep your engine oil, and thus your vehicle, in excellent working condition.
1. Inspect Your Oil Often
Prioritizing regular oil checks can help you detect potential issues early on, thus potentially saving you cash down the road. We recommend giving your oil a quick inspection at every other gas fill-up to better spot problems like contaminated oil, low oil levels, oil leaks, and more.
Since oil checks vary by vehicle type, you should consult your owners manual for best practices. Once youve read over the specifics for your INFINITI, grab paper towels and gloves for the inspection.
Inspect your engine oil using the following steps:
- Park your vehicle on level ground to ensure an accurate reading
- Allow the engine to cool before starting
- Open the hood and engage your prop rod
- Locate the dipstick and slowly pull it out
- Using the paper towel, wipe away any oil from the dipstick
- Reinsert the dipstick, making sure to push it all the way in
- Remove the dipstick and inspect the oil level
- Ensure that the oil is the appropriate color (it should appear brown or black, any other variations indicate a potential issue)
- Inspect the oil for debris or metal shavings as these can indicate a possible issue
If your oil level, oil color, and oil cleanliness are adequate, reinsert the dipstick and carefully close the hood. If you notice any engine oil issues, visit your nearest service center for diagnosis.
2. Regular Oil Changes Are Crucial
Regular oil changes are crucial to the overall performance of your vehicle. Not only do frequent changes help to get rid of metal particles and abrasive dirt within the engine, but they also help to maintain temperature and lubrication within the system. You care for your INFINITI, and keeping up with oil changes is a great way to maintain its longevity and performance.
How often should you change your oil?
For all INFINITI vehicles, we recommend changing your engine oil per the maintenance guide in your owner’s manual. The mileage number can vary depending on several factors: how often and how far you typically drive, the conditions you drive in, vehicle type, and driving style. For best practices, regularly inspect your oil between changes.
What happens if you dont change the oil in your car?
When oil changes are neglected for long periods of time, your engine may experience issues. Here are just a few of the potential problems you may encounter:
- Repairs Not Covered by Warranty*
- Sludge Build-Up: Old oil will likely start to accrue contaminants and debris over time. This sludge can limit your oils ability to flow and lubricate properly.
- Low Engine Performance: Oil with sludge build-up can cause your engine to work harder to do the same job — keep your vehicle running. In effect, your engines performance may become affected and your fuel economy reduced.
- Engine Replacement:: If you go long enough without changing your oil, your engine may become damaged. This can lead to complete engine replacement and a costly repair bill.
Can you change your oil at home?
Changing your own motor oil is one of the best ways to help extend engine life and save money. With a little know-how and the right tools (i.e., gloves, oil and an oil filter, wrenches, an oil drain pan, a funnel), its possible to complete the task at home.
However, doing an oil change yourself requires extra caution and attention to detail since youll likely be working underneath the car. Consult your owners manual for best practices specific to your vehicle type.
Change your oil using the following steps:
- Park your INFINITI on a flat, dry surface
- Use the jack and jack stand to elevate your vehicle
- Remove the plastic undertray
- Locate the oil filter and drain plug
- Place your oil drain pan beneath the plug
- Remove the drain plug using the proper wrench, and drain the oil
- Retighten the drain plug
- Place the oil drain pan beneath the oil filter
- Remove the oil filter, allowing any excess oil to drain completely
- Replace the old oil filter with a new one (Ensure that the old O-ring has been removed)
- Reinstall the plastic undertray and lower your vehicle
- Locate and remove the oil cap under the hood
- Use the funnel to pour in the new oil
- Check your oil level
3. Prioritize Oil Filter Changes, Too
Your INFINITIs oil filter is just as important as the oil itself. This component helps to keep your engine oil operating at its best by filtering out contaminants, metal particles from engine operation, and other debris that can hinder your engines ability to function properly.
When should an oil filter be changed?
We recommend changing your INFINITIs oil filter at every oil change. However, the oil filter change frequency can depend on a variety of factors, including driving style and conditions, the quality of the oil filter itself, and the type of vehicle you drive. For more details on the recommended maintenance schedule for your vehicle, check your owner’s manual.
What happens if you dont change your oil filter?
If you continue to drive with an old filter, youll be risking your INFINITIs overall performance. Since the filter wont be able to remove contaminants and debris from the oil, the symptoms of an old filter will look very similar to the symptoms of old oil (i.e., sludge build-up, reduced gas mileage, poor engine performance, engine failure, etc.).
4. Choosing the Right Oil Can Extend Your Vehicles Life
Perhaps the most important oil maintenance tip is choosing the correct oil for your vehicle. There are many options available on the market, and determining which type is right for your car or truck can feel quite daunting. Let us help make your decision easier.
INFINITI vehicles often come equipped with synthetic oil right out of the factory. Why? Because synthetic oil trumps traditional oil in many ways. Here are just a few perks of choosing synthetic oil over conventional options.
- Longevity: Simply put, synthetic oils often last longer: Their chemical makeup makes them more resistant to motor oil breakdown.
- Better Fuel Economy: Synthetic oil can have a lower viscosity than most conventional oils. This allows it to flow through the engine easier, causing less work for the engine and ultimately improving gas mileage.
- Reduced Impurities: Synthetic oil is often more refined than conventional oil. In effect, it’s possible to experience less sludge build-up over time.
- Better Efficiency: Synthetic oils lower viscosity can help your engine run more efficiently, which may help support longer engine life.
- Better Protection in Extreme Temperatures: Synthetic oils can withstand higher heat indexes and tend to flow better than traditional oils in colder temperatures.
Staying on top of oil maintenance can help you keep your INFINITIs engine in excellent condition. Shop genuine OEM oil
parts online and bring your INFINITI to your
nearest authorized service center if youre experiencing any oil issues.
*For complete information concerning warranty coverage, conditions, limitations, and exclusions, see your INFINITI retailer and read the warranty information booklet.