DIY Changing Front & Rear Differential Fluids

The AWD Q50 has 4 additional mechanical fluids other than the engine oil that need attention. The rear differential (same as only RWD Q50) as well as Front differential oil, transfer case and transmission fluid. 

Historically, I have found that the differential fluids have usually got a specific mileage at which they must be changes, however for the Q50, the only recommended maintenance is to Inspect the fluid every 10,000 miles or 12 months, unless towing a trailer, or driving in rough conditions in which case it is recommended to change every 24 months of 20,000 miles.

DIY Installing a Rear Factory Original Decklid Spoiler

I wanted to use my Infiniti dollars to purchase an accessory, unlike my first option of illuminated side sills that are seen for perhaps the 30 seconds that door are open at low light, the deck lid is visible always to everyone, so I decided to change the look of the rear to stand out from the more and more Q50s hitting the road.

At the end of the day this spoiler is purely aesthetic and had no performance gains; but I think Infiniti did a good job designing the spoiler and I liked the crisp and clean look that adds a little subtle flare to the rear without being overly obnoxious. It also does not require changing the gas shocks of the trunk.

I bought the spoiler, pre-painted and color-matched from my local Infiniti parts department. It came in 2 days and I decided to do the install myself. It came in a considerably big and protective box, and a single sheet of paper that refers to the online site of TechInfo where the factory instructions are available.

Rear Spoiler Installed

No more finger lines on the trunk lid! Added a leather pull handle to the Q50.

One of my pet peeves are the 3-finger marks left while closing a trunk. Not usually an issue but with the wintery spray of salt and dirt, these marks tend to affect the chrome finish or the paint finish. This issue is very pronounced on the GT-R because of the shape of the trunk, but still affects the Q50. It also leaves the fingers/gloves dirty; so here is cheap and simple fix I did.

Ugh!

I decided to order

Q50 AWD Test Driving in the Snow.

Had our first considerable snow fall last night and first thing this morning after dropping my daughter at school, took the wife's Q50 out in the snow before the plows came through and shot a little video.

This is an AWD with Tech model and stock all season run-flats. I tried to do donuts in an empty parking lot with snow, accelerated and braked as a hard as possible to see the reaction of the Q50. My objective was simple to do things beyond what a normal person would do in snowy conditions. I did all this in Sport Mode. I was deciding if I should get separate set of wheels+snow tires.

The absolute first interesting thing I immediately noticed was that when the ABS kicked in,  if the car was sliding upon hard braking, the seats belts pre- tightened quickly considerable (with the Tech Package). They wouldn't let loose for a few seconds afterwards. Definitely keeps you in snug. Hence my groaning in the video below.

DIY Engine Oil Change of the Infiniti Q50

Warning: If you are not mechanically inclined or do not have the appropriate tools and/or appropriate safety equipment, please do not attempt this. I will not be held responsible if your Q50 damages you.

Why do I prefer doing my own oil changes? Well with longer maintenance cycles and less stuff breaking down, gives me something to do on the car, and an excuse to spend time in the garage. Plus, I know it is done right - seen too many cars driving on the road with panels hanging down and heard too many stories of stripped drain plugs, too much oil, wrong type of oil, too little oil etc. While, I trust my Nissan and Infiniti dealerships, I don't trust quick change places. Lastly, I know what is oil is going in and I can usually do it a a fraction of the cost of any other place's cost of using fully synthetic oil. It is really a $30 cost of prevention.

Draining the Oil

Step 1: Buy Necessary Items:
You will need:

• 5 and 1/8qt of 5W30 engine oil are needed for an oil change with filter change. I prefer Mobil 1 Full Synthetic 5W30 Engine Oil. I pick it up at Walmart for $24.40 for a 5qt jug. It is enough for an oil change without needing the 1/8qt as not all the oil 
• 1x Nissan Engine Oil Filter Part # 15208-65F0E, that ranges anywhere from $6 to $8 from your dealership. I prefer using the OEM Nissan one to ensure warranty, and also because it contains the relief valve inside. There are better aftermarket filters, I have used Nissan ones for 15 years without an issue. Do not use 15208-65F0C, that is an old part number that has been discounted and has a cardboard end-cap and it's made in China.
• 1x drain plug crush washer part # 11026-01M02

Step 2: Gather Tools
You will need: