Ultimate DIY Guide to Changing Engine Oil in Your Infiniti QX30

Changing engine oil for a Infiniti QX30 car can be an overwhelming task for an unprepared person, and stretch out for a whole day. Although the work can be done in just 30 minutes. I’m here to share my experience and secrets with you! Let’s start with a few words about the car.

The Infiniti QX30 is a luxury subcompact crossover that was first introduced by Infiniti, Nissan’s luxury vehicle division, back in 2016. The car has one generation and was sold in the US from 2017 to 2019. The QX30 runs on a 2.0L turbocharged inline-four engine, providing an excellent blend of power and efficiency.

Interestingly, the Infiniti QX30 is essentially a rebadged version of the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class. This is the result of a partnership between Renault-Nissan and Daimler AG. It’s noteworthy that the car is built on the Mercedes-Benz MFA platform, which it shares with the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, B-Class, and the CLA-Class.

In terms of the naming, the Infiniti QX30 retained its name in the majority of the markets worldwide, including the US. However, in the Australian and New Zealand markets, this model was simply known as the Infiniti Q30.

Simple Plan to Change Engine Oil

Changing the oil is critical because it keeps the engine running smoothly. It removes dirt and debris that can damage the engine and helps improve fuel economy. Regular oil changes prolong the life of your engine, saving you money on repairs in the long run.

So, let’s define the basic steps for performing a car engine oil change.

Warm up the engine to operating temperature

Drain the used engine oil and remove the old oil filter

Install a new filter and fill with fresh oil

Check the oil level with a dipstick

By following these simple steps, you can service your car. Now let’s take a closer look at each of the steps, select the recommended oil and filter. At the end of this page I will answer possible questions.

What You Need to Know Before Changing Engine Oil in Your Infiniti QX30

Before you get started, you should know the type and quantity of oil your Infiniti QX30 requires. Your owner’s manual will provide this information. Additionally, you’ll need some basic tools like an oil filter wrench, a drain pan, a funnel, and perhaps some gloves. Remember, safety first. Always make sure the car has cooled down before you start changing the oil to avoid burns.

How Often Should You Change Engine Oil in Infiniti QX30?

As a general rule, Infiniti recommends changing the oil in the QX30 every 5,000 miles or every six months, whichever comes first. However, if you frequently drive in severe conditions like heavy traffic, high heat, or on rough roads, you might want to consider changing the oil more frequently.

Step-by-Step Guide: Checking Engine Oil Level in Your Infiniti QX30

1. Park your QX30 on level ground and turn off the engine. Wait a few minutes for the oil to settle down into the oil pan.
2. Pop the hood and find the dipstick. In your QX30, it’s typically a bright yellow loop handle near the front of the engine.
3. Pull the dipstick out and wipe it clean with a rag or towel.
4. Insert the dipstick back into the tube and push it all the way in, then pull it out again. Now, you can read the oil level.
5. Check where the oil level is. The dipstick has two marks or holes, indicating ‘Min’ and ‘Max’. If the oil level is between these two marks, it’s in a safe range. If it’s below the ‘Min’ mark, you need to add more oil. If it’s above the ‘Max’ mark, you’ve got too much oil and need to drain some.

Visual Inspection of Engine Oil: What to Look for in Infiniti QX30

To check the quality of the oil, put a drop of engine oil on a clean, white piece of paper. Good oil is typically clear or slightly amber in color. If it’s dark or dirty-looking, it’s time for a change. Also, if the oil spreads quickly and thinly on the paper, it’s still in good condition. If it’s thick and doesn’t spread easily, it may be old or contaminated.

Additional Maintenance Tasks When Changing Engine Oil in Infiniti QX30

While changing your oil, it’s also a good time to:

1. Replace the oil filter.
2. Check the drain plug and replace if it’s worn out.
3. Replace the drain plug gasket.
4. Check other fluid levels, like coolant and brake fluid.
5. Inspect your belts and hoses for any signs of wear.

Comparing Engine Oils for Infiniti QX30: Pros and Cons of Different Types

There are three main types of engine oil: conventional, synthetic blend, and full synthetic.

1. Conventional oil is the least expensive and works fine in many situations. However, it doesn’t offer the best protection in extreme temperatures.
2. Synthetic blend oil is a mixture of conventional and synthetic oil. It offers better protection and performance than conventional oil but is less expensive than full synthetic.
3. Full synthetic oil offers the best protection, especially in extreme temperatures, and improves fuel economy. However, it is the most expensive.

For the Infiniti QX30, it’s recommended to use a synthetic oil, as it gives the best protection for your turbocharged engine. Check your owner’s manual for the exact grade and specification.

Essential Pre-Work Checkpoints for Safe Motor Oil Change in Infiniti QX30

Before starting the oil change, ensure your car is on level ground. This helps the oil drain fully. Let your car cool down for a while if it was running to avoid hot oil burns. Finally, gather all necessary tools and equipment you’ll need for the task. This includes safety gear like gloves and safety glasses.

How to Choose the Right Engine Oil for Your Infiniti QX30

Generation	Engine	Suitable Oil Viscosity	Popular American Brands	Required Amount of Oil
First Generation (2017-2019)	2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4	0W-30	Mobil 1 ($27/5 quart), Castrol ($51/6 quart), Pennzoil Platinum	5.5 Quarts

Picking the Best Oil Filter for Your Infiniti QX30

Generation	Engine	Popular American Brands
First Generation (2017-2019)	2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4	Filter 1, Filter 2

Must-Have Tools for DIY Motor Oil Change in Infiniti QX30

1. Wrench or socket set
2. Oil filter wrench
3. Drain pan
4. Funnel
5. Jack stands or ramps
6. Gloves and safety glasses

Ensure your car is in park or neutral with the parking brake on before you begin. It’s also a good idea to block the wheels for added safety.

Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Motor Oil in Infiniti QX30: A Detailed Breakdown

Preparing Your Infiniti QX30: How to Warm Up the Engine Before an Oil Change

To warm up the engine, simply start the car and let it idle for about 5 minutes. This will warm up the oil so it drains out of the engine more easily. However, be careful not to let it get too hot to avoid burns.

DIY Guide: Changing Engine Oil in Your Infiniti QX30 at Home

1. Warm up your engine and then turn it off.
2. Jack up your car and secure it on jack stands or ramps.
3. Position your drain pan under the oil drain plug.
4. Using a wrench, remove the drain plug and let the oil drain out into the pan.
5. Once all the oil has drained out, replace the drain plug and tighten it securely.
6. Move the drain pan under the oil filter. Use an oil filter wrench to unscrew the old filter.
7. Before installing the new filter, apply a little fresh oil to the new filter’s rubber seal. Then screw on the new filter.
8. Lower the car from the jack stands or ramps.
9. Now, remove the oil fill cap on the top of the engine. Use a funnel to pour in the new oil. Refer to your owner’s manual for the correct quantity.
10. Once you’ve added the oil, replace the cap and start the engine. Let it run for a minute, then turn it off and check the oil level with the dipstick. Add more oil if necessary.

For a beginner, changing the engine oil might take about an hour. Take your time and make sure you’re doing everything correctly to avoid any mistakes.

Common Queries After DIY Engine Oil Change in Infiniti QX30: Your FAQs Answered

Potential Problems After Incorrect DIY Oil Change in Infiniti QX30

If you do an incorrect DIY oil change, you could face problems like engine oil leaks, decreased engine performance, and even engine damage. The most common issue arises from using the wrong oil, not tightening the oil filter or drain plug properly, or not filling in the right amount of oil.

Detecting Engine Oil Leaks: A Checklist After DIY Oil Change in Infiniti QX30

After changing the oil, you should check for leaks. Here’s how:

1. After running the engine for a few minutes, turn it off and check underneath the car for any fresh oil drops.
2. You can also place a piece of cardboard under the car overnight to see if any oil drops appear.
3. Check around the oil drain plug and oil filter for any seepage.

Resetting the Oil Change Counter in Your Infiniti QX30: A Step-by-Step Guide

To reset the oil change counter on your Infiniti QX30:

1. Press the start button twice to turn on the ignition but don’t start the engine.
2. Navigate to the ‘Settings’ menu on the infotainment screen.
3. Select ‘Maintenance’ and then ‘Oil and Filter’.
4. Hit ‘Reset’, then ‘Yes’.
5. Turn off the ignition.

Responsible Disposal: What to Do with Used Engine Oil After Changing it in Infiniti QX30

After an oil change, it’s important to dispose of the used oil responsibly. Do not pour it down the drain or on the ground. Instead, transfer it to a sealable container. Many auto parts stores and waste disposal facilities accept used motor oil for recycling. Check with your local authorities or recycling centers for more information on how to dispose of used engine oil in your area.