Overview
While Infiniti might sound like a math concept you’ve been avoiding since high school, it’s actually Nissan’s luxury division that needs five essential maintenance services to avoid turning your fancy ride into an expensive paperweight. The article explains that regular oil changes, brake system care, transmission service, cooling system maintenance, and timing belt/chain service are critical to maintaining an Infiniti’s performance and preventing costly repairs that could exceed thousands of dollars.
Table of Contents
- Who Makes Infiniti: The Brand’s Origins
- The History and Legacy of Infiniti
- Essential Maintenance #1: Regular Oil Changes
- Essential Maintenance #2: Brake System Care
- Essential Maintenance #3: Transmission Service
- Essential Maintenance #4: Cooling System Maintenance
- Essential Maintenance #5: Timing Belt/Chain Service
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
Who Makes Infiniti: The Brand’s Origins
If you’ve ever admired an Infiniti vehicle gliding down the highway, you might wonder who’s responsible for these luxury automobiles. The answer is straightforward: Infiniti is the luxury division of Nissan Motor Company, a Japanese automotive manufacturer. Established in 1989, Infiniti was created specifically to compete in the premium vehicle market, particularly in North America.
Nissan launched Infiniti around the same time Toyota introduced Lexus and Honda debuted Acura. This strategic move allowed Nissan to enter the lucrative luxury segment without diluting its main brand’s identity. The name “Infiniti” itself suggests limitless possibilities and horizons, perfectly embodying the brand’s philosophy of pushing boundaries in automotive design and technology.
Today, Infiniti vehicles are manufactured in various facilities worldwide, including Japan, the United States, and Mexico. While Nissan provides the engineering foundation, Infiniti models feature distinct styling, enhanced performance capabilities, and luxury appointments that set them apart from their Nissan counterparts.
The History and Legacy of Infiniti
Infiniti’s journey began with the Q45 sedan, a flagship model that showcased the brand’s commitment to performance and innovation. Initially, Infiniti’s marketing focused on Japanese concepts of hospitality and took an unconventional approach by not even showing their vehicles in early advertisements. Instead, they highlighted peaceful natural settings to establish a brand ethos.
Over the decades, Infiniti has evolved its lineup to include various sedans, coupes, SUVs, and crossovers. Models like the G35 (later renamed Q50) earned critical acclaim for balancing luxury with sports car dynamics. The QX80 full-size SUV has become known for its imposing presence and ability to transport families in supreme comfort.
What separates Infiniti from its parent company Nissan is the attention to detail, premium materials, and advanced technologies. While a Nissan might use durable, practical components, an Infiniti elevates the experience with hand-stitched leather, real wood or metal trim, and more powerful engine options. Both brands share underlying platforms and some technology, but Infiniti vehicles receive substantial upgrades in virtually every area.
Essential Maintenance #1: Regular Oil Changes
When it comes to maintaining your Infiniti, regular oil changes are absolutely fundamental. As a mechanic who’s worked on these vehicles for years, I can tell you that the 3.0L twin-turbo V6 in the Q50 or the naturally aspirated 5.6L V8 in the QX80 both demand clean, high-quality oil to perform their best.
Most modern Infiniti models require synthetic oil changes every 5,000-7,500 miles under normal driving conditions. If you frequently drive in extreme temperatures, stop-and-go traffic, or take many short trips, consider shortening this interval to 5,000 miles. Your owner’s manual will specify the exact grade needed, but most Infinitis require 5W-30 synthetic oil.
Here’s what happens when you skip oil changes:
- Engine sludge builds up, restricting oil flow to critical components
- Premature wear occurs on expensive parts like camshafts and bearings
- Engine efficiency decreases, reducing performance and fuel economy
- Engine temperatures run higher, accelerating component deterioration
I recently serviced an Infiniti Q60 with over 200,000 miles that still ran beautifully because the owner never missed an oil change. Compare that to a Q50 I diagnosed with catastrophic engine damage at just 85,000 miles due to extended oil change intervals. The difference in maintenance cost versus repair was nearly $7,000.
When changing your Infiniti’s oil, always use a genuine Infiniti oil filter or high-quality equivalent. The filter traps contaminants and prevents them from circulating through your engine. A cheap filter might save you $5 today but cost thousands tomorrow.
Essential Maintenance #2: Brake System Care
Infiniti vehicles come equipped with sophisticated braking systems that deserve proper attention. Most models feature performance-oriented disc brakes all around, often with multi-piston calipers in front. These components provide the stopping power you need, but they require regular inspection and maintenance.
For typical driving, have your brake system inspected every 10,000 miles or at least once yearly. Pay attention to warning signs like squealing, grinding, pulsation through the brake pedal, or increased stopping distance. These symptoms indicate wear that shouldn’t be ignored.
Brake pad replacement intervals vary based on driving habits, but many Infiniti owners need new pads every 30,000-50,000 miles. Performance models like the Q60 Red Sport might require more frequent replacement, especially if driven enthusiastically. When replacing brake components, consider these recommendations:
- Use OEM-quality or better replacement parts to maintain proper braking performance
- Replace rotors when they reach minimum thickness or show signs of warping
- Flush brake fluid every 2-3 years regardless of mileage (fluid absorbs moisture over time)
- Check brake hoses for cracking or deterioration during inspections
A complete brake fluid flush costs around $100-150 at most shops but prevents costly caliper replacements that can exceed $500 per corner. I’ve seen how neglected brake fluid turns dark and corrosive, damaging internal components of the brake system and creating unsafe driving conditions.
When servicing Infiniti brakes, be aware that some models utilize electronic parking brake systems that require special procedures for pad replacement. Professional brake service ensures these systems are properly reset and calibrated.
Essential Maintenance #3: Transmission Service
Transmission issues can be among the most expensive repairs for any vehicle, Infinitis included. Most modern Infiniti models feature sophisticated automatic transmissions—ranging from 7-speed automatics to newer 9-speed units and even continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) in some models.
Despite claims of “lifetime” transmission fluid from some manufacturers, experienced mechanics recommend fluid services every 30,000-60,000 miles. Fresh fluid provides better lubrication, cooling, and hydraulic pressure—all critical for transmission longevity.
Different Infiniti transmissions require specific service approaches:
- Traditional automatics (like in the QX80): Benefit from both fluid and filter changes
- CVTs (like in some QX50 models): Need specialized fluid and careful service procedures
- Dual-clutch transmissions: Require specific fluid and sometimes separate clutch fluid service
Warning signs of transmission issues include delayed engagement, harsh shifting, slipping, unusual noises, or warning lights. Addressing these symptoms early can prevent catastrophic transmission failure. I recently saved a customer over $3,500 by addressing a minor solenoid issue before it caused internal transmission damage.
Always use the factory-specified transmission fluid for your specific Infiniti model. Using incorrect fluid can cause shifting problems, overheat the transmission, and accelerate wear. This is especially important for CVT-equipped models, which are particularly sensitive to fluid specifications.
Essential Maintenance #4: Cooling System Maintenance
Your Infiniti’s cooling system works constantly to maintain optimal engine temperature, preventing both overheating and allowing the engine to reach efficient operating temperature quickly. Most Infiniti models should have their cooling system flushed every 30,000-50,000 miles or 5 years, whichever comes first.
The cooling system consists of several components that require periodic inspection:
- Radiator: Check for external damage, leaks, or clogging from debris
- Water pump: Listen for unusual noises that might indicate bearing failure
- Hoses: Inspect for cracking, swelling, or hardening that precedes failure
- Thermostat: Ensure proper operation to maintain correct engine temperature
- Cooling fans: Verify they activate at the appropriate temperature thresholds
Infiniti vehicles require specific coolant formulations—typically a phosphate-free, long-life coolant. Using incorrect coolant can cause premature component degradation and reduce cooling efficiency. Always use the factory-specified coolant or a direct equivalent.
I’ve seen dramatic evidence of cooling system neglect in my shop. Last month, we repaired an Infiniti Q70 with a blown head gasket—a $2,300 repair that could have been prevented with a $150 cooling system flush. The original coolant had deteriorated, allowing corrosion within the system that eventually led to overheating and gasket failure.
For modern Infiniti models with turbochargers, cooling system health becomes even more critical. Turbocharged engines generate additional heat and rely on both the main cooling system and often supplementary oil coolers to maintain proper temperatures. Effective cooling system maintenance ensures these complex systems continue functioning properly.
Essential Maintenance #5: Timing Belt/Chain Service
Infiniti engines utilize either timing belts or timing chains to synchronize the crankshaft and camshaft rotation. This synchronization ensures valves open and close at precisely the right moment relative to piston position. Most modern Infiniti models use timing chains, which generally last longer than belts.
If your Infiniti has a timing belt (generally found in older models), replacement is typically recommended every 60,000-105,000 miles, depending on the specific engine. Newer models with timing chains don’t have a specific replacement interval, but should be inspected around 120,000 miles for wear, especially the tensioners and guides.
The consequences of timing component failure can be severe:
- In interference engines (which many Infinitis have), valve-to-piston contact can occur
- Bent valves, damaged pistons, and even cracked cylinder heads are possible
- Repair costs for timing failure often exceed $2,500-4,000
- Preventative maintenance costs significantly less than catastrophic repair
When servicing the timing system, experienced mechanics typically recommend replacing related components simultaneously. For belt systems, this includes the water pump, tensioner, and idler pulleys. For chain systems, the tensioners, guides, and sometimes the oil pump (if driven by the timing chain) should be evaluated.
I recently worked on a 2013 Infiniti JX35 (now called QX60) with 130,000 miles that developed a timing chain rattle. We found worn guides and tensioners that were allowing the chain to slap against the timing cover. Replacing these components cost about $1,200—not insignificant, but far less than the $3,500+ it would have cost had the chain jumped timing and damaged valves.
Conclusion
Understanding who makes Infiniti cars—Nissan Motor Company—helps provide context for these luxury vehicles’ engineering philosophy and maintenance needs. While Infinitis are designed to deliver premium performance and comfort, they still require proper care to maintain their distinctive driving experience over the long term.
The five essential maintenance treatments we’ve covered form the foundation of responsible Infiniti ownership. Regular oil changes, brake system care, transmission service, cooling system maintenance, and timing belt/chain service will help preserve your vehicle’s value and prevent costly repairs.
Beyond these core maintenance items, don’t overlook other important services like regular tire rotations, alignment checks, cabin air filter replacement, and fuel system cleaning. These additional services complement the major maintenance points we’ve discussed and contribute to your Infiniti’s overall health and performance.
Remember that preventative maintenance is always more cost-effective than reactive repairs. By following the recommended service schedule for your specific Infiniti model, you’ll enjoy thousands of miles of reliable, luxurious driving—exactly what the engineers at Nissan’s luxury division intended when they created these sophisticated vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Infiniti owned by Nissan?
Yes, Infiniti is the luxury vehicle division of Nissan Motor Company. It was established in 1989 to compete in the premium automotive market.
Where are Infiniti cars manufactured?
Infiniti vehicles are manufactured in various locations worldwide, including Japan, the United States, Mexico, and China. Production facilities vary depending on the specific model.
Are Infiniti cars reliable?
Infiniti vehicles generally offer above-average reliability when properly maintained. They typically rank well in reliability studies, though individual experiences may vary based on model year and maintenance history.
What’s the difference between Infiniti and Nissan?
Infiniti vehicles offer more luxury features, premium materials, enhanced performance, and additional technology compared to Nissan models. They share some underlying engineering but are distinctly different in terms of refinement and appointments.
How often should I service my Infiniti?
Most Infiniti models require basic maintenance every 5,000-7,500 miles, with more comprehensive service at 15,000-mile intervals. Always refer to your owner’s manual for model-specific maintenance schedules.