How to Change Your Infiniti QX60's Oil: A Step-by-Step Guide

What You'll Need Before Starting

Before you begin, gather these items to make the process go smoothly:

• New oil (check your owner's manual for the correct type and amount)
• New oil filter
• Oil drain pan
• Wrench or socket set
• Oil filter wrench
• Jack and jack stands (if needed to raise the vehicle)
• Rags or paper towels
• Safety glasses
• Funnel for pouring oil
• Newspaper or cardboard to protect your workspace

Having everything ready before you start makes the process safer and less frustrating. You won't have to stop halfway through to hunt for a tool or supplies. Preparing your workspace also protects your driveway or garage floor from spills. Lay down newspaper or cardboard under your work area to catch any drips. This preparation step takes just a few minutes but saves time and mess later.

Prepare Your Vehicle

Park your QX60 on a level, flat surface. This ensures the oil drains evenly and your vehicle stays stable while you work. Avoid parking on a slope or uneven ground. Let the engine run for a few minutes, then turn it off. This warms the oil slightly, making it drain better and more completely from the pan. Warm oil flows faster than cold oil, so you'll finish the job quicker.

Wait a few minutes for the engine to cool down enough to touch safely. The oil will still be warm but not hot enough to burn you. If you need more room to work underneath your QX60, use a jack and jack stands to raise the vehicle carefully. Always place jack stands under the frame or designated lift points—never rely only on a jack for safety. Double-check that the vehicle is stable before you slide underneath it.

Locate and Remove the Drain Plug

Look underneath your QX60 toward the front of the engine. You'll see the oil drain plug on the bottom of the oil pan. It's a bolt that sticks out from the lowest point of the pan. Position your drain pan directly underneath it to catch the old oil as it flows out. Make sure the pan is large enough to hold all the oil—most QX60 models hold between 4 and 5 quarts.

Using your wrench, turn the drain plug counterclockwise to loosen it. Once it's loose enough, carefully unscrew it by hand. Oil may still be warm, so move slowly and be careful not to splash it on yourself. Let all the old oil drain completely into the pan. This may take several minutes, so be patient. You can use this time to prepare the new filter area. Once the oil stops dripping, wipe the drain plug clean with a rag and inspect it for damage.

Replace the Oil Filter

Find the oil filter, which is usually mounted on the side of the engine. On the QX60, it's typically located near the front of the engine block. Position your drain pan underneath the filter to catch any remaining oil that may spill out when you remove it. Even though you've already drained the main oil, some oil stays in the filter itself.

Use an oil filter wrench to turn the filter counterclockwise until it comes loose. This wrench grips the filter and gives you leverage to turn it. Once it's loose, finish removing it by hand. Be careful—there may still be warm oil inside. Wipe the filter mounting surface clean with a rag to remove any dirt or old gasket material. A clean surface helps the new filter seal properly and prevents leaks.

Take your new filter and apply a thin layer of new oil to its rubber gasket, which is the ring on top of the filter. This helps create a better seal and makes it easier to remove next time. Screw the new filter on by hand until the gasket touches the mounting surface, then turn it an additional three-quarter turn. Don't use the wrench to tighten it—hand-tight is correct. Over-tightening can damage the filter and make it hard to remove later.

Install a New Drain Plug

Check your old drain plug to see if it has a crush washer, which is a small metal ring. If it does, replace it with a new one from your parts kit. The crush washer creates a seal and should not be reused. If your drain plug doesn't have a crush washer, you can reuse the same plug if it's in good condition.

Screw the drain plug back in by hand first to make sure it goes in straight. Then use your wrench to tighten it. Turn it until it's snug—you want it tight enough not to leak, but not so tight that you'll have trouble removing it next time. A good rule is to tighten it firmly, then stop. Over-tightening can strip the threads in the oil pan, which is an expensive repair.

Add New Oil

Locate the oil filler cap on top of the engine and twist it counterclockwise to remove it. This cap usually has an oil can symbol on it. Place a funnel in the opening to prevent spills. Pour in the recommended amount of new oil slowly. Check your owner's manual for the exact quantity your QX60 needs. Most models require between 4 and 5 quarts, but the manual will tell you the precise amount.

Replace the oil filler cap and twist it clockwise until it's snug. Don't over-tighten it—just make sure it's secure so it doesn't fall off while the engine runs. Wipe up any spilled oil with a rag to keep your engine bay clean and to prevent fire hazards.

Check Your Work

Start the engine and let it run for about one minute. This circulates the new oil through the engine and helps the new filter fill with oil. Watch the dashboard for any warning lights. Look underneath the vehicle for any leaks around the drain plug and filter. If you see oil dripping, turn off the engine and tighten the plug or filter slightly.

Turn off the engine and wait a few minutes for the oil to settle back into the pan. Pull out the dipstick, which is usually a long rod with markings on it. Wipe it completely clean with a rag. Reinsert it fully into its tube, then pull it out again to check the oil level. The oil should be between the minimum and maximum marks on the stick. If it's below the maximum mark, add a small amount more oil and check again. Getting this right ensures your engine runs properly.

Dispose of Old Oil Properly

Never pour old oil down a drain, into the ground, or into the trash. Used motor oil is harmful to the environment and illegal to dispose of improperly in most places. Instead, take your used oil to a recycling center, auto parts store, or service station that accepts used oil. Many locations take it for free or for a small fee.

Pour the old oil from your drain pan into a container with a tight lid, such as an empty oil jug or milk jug. Label it clearly as "used oil" so there's no confusion. Store it in a safe place away from children and pets until you can drop it off. Most auto parts stores will take used oil even if you didn't buy anything from them, so finding a place to recycle it should be easy.

Key Takeaways

Changing your QX60's oil involves these main steps:

• Gather all tools and supplies before you start
• Warm the engine slightly, then let it cool enough to work safely
• Drain the old oil completely and replace the drain plug
• Remove the old filter and install a new one with a thin coat of new oil on the gasket
• Pour in the correct amount of new oil according to your owner's manual
• Check the oil level with the dipstick after running the engine briefly
• Recycle the old oil at a proper facility

This task usually takes between 30 minutes and an hour, depending on your experience level. Regular oil changes help keep your QX60 running smoothly and can extend the life of your engine.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I change my QX60's oil?

Check your owner's manual for the recommended oil change interval for your specific model year. Many newer Infiniti vehicles can go between 5,000 and 7,500 miles between oil changes, though some models may have longer intervals. Factors like your driving habits and climate can affect how often you need to change your oil. If you drive in stop-and-go traffic or tow frequently, you may need to change it more often than the manual suggests.

What type of oil does my QX60 need?

Your owner's manual lists the correct oil type and viscosity for your QX60. Different model years may require different oil grades, such as 0W-20 or 5W-30. Using the wrong oil type can affect engine performance and fuel economy. Always check your manual before buying oil. The manual also tells you how much oil your engine holds, which is important information for the refilling step.

Can I reuse my old oil drain plug?

If your drain plug has a crush washer, you should replace it with a new one each time you change your oil. The crush washer creates a seal and loses its effectiveness after one use. If your drain plug doesn't have a crush washer and appears to be in good condition with no damage or stripped threads, you can reuse it. However, many people prefer to replace it anyway for peace of mind and to avoid potential leaks.

What should I do if I see an oil leak after changing the oil?

Turn off the engine immediately and check the drain plug and filter. The drain plug may need to be tightened slightly, or the filter gasket may not be seated properly. Let the engine cool, then carefully tighten the drain plug a bit more or remove and reinstall the filter. If the leak continues after these steps, there may be a more serious problem, and you should have a professional mechanic inspect it.