Although we are talking about luxury cars and SUVs, Infiniti models are generally known for high reliability ratings, higher compared to many premium brands. Still, the key to great reliability is maintenance. If you stick to the maintenance schedule, which is generally the same for all models, although there are some differences, depending on the engine, transmission type and other parts. In any case, here are some of the key tips that will ensure the longevity of your Infiniti model.
5.000-Mile Service
Once you’ve bought a new Infinity model, the first visit should be after you make 5.000 miles or in six months, whichever comes first. This is the most common type of service on any car. Oil changes, as well as changes of oil filters, are critical for you engine, as a quality oil is critical for good lubrication of cylinders, which in practice means higher longevity.
Unlike older-generation engines that used mainly mineral oils, modern cars with more sophisticated engines usually require synthetic oil. These oils keep the quality longer, which in practice also means longer intervals between oil changes, which sometimes can go way over 5.000 miles. Still, if you want to prevent any potential issue, I would suggest you to change your engine every 5.000 miles or six months.
Besides oil and oil filter change, I would also suggest tire rotation after every 5.000 miles. Other than that, it’s always good to ask your mechanic to take a look at things like brakes, suspension, exhaust system, fluids, steering system etc.
10.000-Mile Service
A 10.000-mile service isn’t much different. Of course, things that are part of a 5.000-mile are included, but there are a couple of more things to do. It is always good to inspect fluids, but this time you should also check transmission fluids, especially if your car has a CVT gearbox. If you’re driving a 4WD vehicle, such as Infiniti QX80, you should also check transfer case oil.
20.000-Mile Service
A 20.000-mile service seems a little bit more extended. This is the mileage that most drivers make in about two years, so there are a couple of more things to do, while the overall vehicle inspection should be more detailed. When it comes to must-do things, besides oil change and tire rotation, you should change brake fluid as well. Transmission is one of the most important and most complex parts of the vehicle, especially if we are talking about an automatic or CVT gearbox and fluid changes are critical if you want to prevent any potential issues. Transmission repairs are extremely expensive. On the other side, things are that complicated with a manual transmission, but you should check it as well.
Also, this mileage requires a detailed inspection of all fluids in the vehicle, complete brake system, fuel lines and fuel tank. Also, you mechanic should take a closer look at suspension parts, as well as on steering gear and linkage, as well as on steering linkage ball joints.
This would be a good time to replace the engine air filter as well, especially if you’re driving in dusty conditions.
40.000-Mile Service
The more mileage you make, the more things need to be replaced and inspected. Although it is probably still early for a drive belt change, you should take a look and see its condition. Other than that, count on the same things as for the 20.000-mile service, though the inspection should be a little bit more detailed this time. Check CVT fluids, exhaust system, suspension, steering parts and other common things.
If you drive a 4WD or AWD car, there are a couple more things to check. For example, your mechanic should take a close look at things like differential oil, propeller shaft, drive shaft boots, propeller case oil etc.
60.000-Mile Service
Most drivers usually need five or more years to make this mileage. If you consider that there are several winters behind you, the battery in your car probably isn’t in good condition. Therefore, it’s recommended to replace it at this mileage, even though your starts may look okay. Things will drastically change after cold weather arrives and you definitely want to get stuck in the middle of winter with the dead battery.
Another thing that is typical for a 60.000-mile service is the replacement of radiator fluid. After a couple of years, radiator fluid starts to lose its quality, so it’s not quite resistant to cold weather. Such fluid can cause critical damage to your engine, so replacement at this mileage is a must-do thing.
Other than these two things, count on typical maintenance actions.
90.000 Mile Service
When you hit 90.000 miles, that probably means that you drive your Infiniti car for almost a decade, if you are an average driver. This mileage means one thing, it is a time of timing belt. Of course, this refers to those cars that have this part, which is typical for smaller-displacement engines. However, we are talking about premium cars here, so most Infiniti models feature engines with larger displacement and large displacement usually mean timing chain instead of a timing belt. A typical chain has a much longer lifespan compared to a belt, so in that case, it probably isn’t time to touch the timing chain yet.
Other than a timing belt, count on all actions that have been made before.
Conclusion
Those would be some of the most general things about the maintenance of Infiniti models. As you can see, things are pretty typical as in any other car from other brands. Also, another thing you should keep in mind is that you should practice inspections by yourself as well. Of course, daily visual checks seem natural but you should be more in-details when you go on longer trips. For example, check things like motor oil level, as well as other fluids, brake lights, turn signals and similar things.
Infiniti models are generally very reliable, but that are also some issues that are typical for this brand or for certain models. For example, there are several models that have smaller issues with electronics, so you may experience smaller bugs with things like airbag lights or inaccurate fuel gauge. These issues are typical for QX80 models, for example.
On the other side, certain models have problems with the premature wear of some parts. For example, there are many reports about premature wear of brakes on Q50 models, or premature tire wear on several models, including this one.
Still, keep in mind that in most cases you won’t experience such issues and that you shouldn’t worry about some additional, unwanted and unexpected maintenance expenses. In most cases, regular maintenance costs are everything you can expect from Infiniti models and be sure that these cars will serve you well for many years with just basic maintenance that is typical for any other car around.
For more details about the maintenance of Infiniti cars click here.
