1. Why Nissan and Infiniti Owners Benefit from Permanent Ceramic Protection

Nissan and Infiniti share engineering, platforms, and engines under the Nissan Motor Company umbrella. The combined lineup spans everything from the 2026 Sentra at the entry level to the legendary GT-R at the performance end, with a remarkable cross-section in between - the Altima, Rogue, Pathfinder, Frontier, Titan, Murano, Maxima, and the entire Infiniti luxury lineup including the Q50, Q60, QX50, QX55, QX60, and the new VR35DDTT-powered QX80.

The Nissan/Infiniti owner community spans multiple distinct demographics:

• The Z car community - 350Z, 370Z, and the new 2023+ Nissan Z represent one of the strongest sports car enthusiast bases in the US. Z owners tend to keep their cars long-term, modify them carefully, and treat engine longevity as a primary concern.
• The Q50/Q60 performance sedan community - the VR30DDTT-powered Q50 Red Sport 400 and Q60 Red Sport 400 attracted a tuner audience similar to the Audi S3/RS3 or BMW M340i demographic. Active aftermarket support from AMS Performance, Concept Z Performance, STILLEN, and others.
• Mainstream Nissan owners - the Altima, Rogue, Sentra, Pathfinder, and Murano serve millions of US drivers in the daily-commute and family-vehicle segments. These owners benefit substantially from permanent friction protection given the long-term ownership horizons typical for the segment.
• Truck and full-size SUV owners - the Titan and older Armada with the VK56 5.6L V8 represent a smaller but loyal segment, often used for towing and long-distance driving where engine longevity matters most.
• Infiniti luxury owners - the QX50, QX55, QX60, QX80, and Q-series sedans represent a higher-AOV demographic that researches preventive maintenance carefully, especially given recent KR20DDET recall concerns.

Nissan and Infiniti vehicles also have specific engineering characteristics that make Cerma especially relevant:

• The VR30DDTT and VR35DDTT use twin turbochargers in a hot-V configuration. The turbos are mounted in the engine valley between the cylinder banks, creating a high-heat environment where bearing protection is constantly tested. Cerma's bonded ceramic protects bearings continuously regardless of operating temperature.
• Direct fuel injection on all current performance and many mainstream applications. The VR30DDTT uses pure direct injection, the VQ35DD uses direct injection (replacing port-injected VQ35DE in newer Pathfinder applications), and the KR20DDET combines direct and port injection. Direct injection has specific cylinder wall wear patterns that Cerma's ceramic addresses.
• The VC-Turbo (KR20DDET) variable compression mechanism is unique. The L-link system that varies compression between 8:1 and 14:1 is mechanically complex - and the documented bearing failure recall (covered in Section 4) makes preventive friction reduction particularly relevant for healthy or post-recall engines.
• VQ V6 timing chain considerations. The legacy VQ engines (1995-present) have a documented history of timing chain stretch on heavily-driven examples. Cerma cannot reverse existing stretch, but applied early it reduces chain wear over the engine's life.
• CVT transmission considerations on mainstream applications. The Altima, Rogue, Pathfinder (older), Murano, and Sentra use CVT transmissions that have their own reliability discussions in the community. Cerma's transmission treatment (cross-sell) provides ceramic protection for the CVT belt-and-pulley contact surfaces.

Cerma STM-3 is fundamentally different from any oil or additive. The active ingredient is Nano Silicon Carbide (SiC) - actual ceramic particles that bond mechanically to engine metal surfaces over the first 3,000 to 5,000 miles of driving. Once bonded, the ceramic creates a sacrificial wear layer between metal-on-metal contact points. Friction drops by up to 90 percent. Wear slows dramatically. And because the bond is mechanical, the ceramic survives every oil change.

For more on the underlying chemistry, see our complete guide to Nano Silicon Carbide. To understand the EPA ETV certification that backs Cerma's performance claims, see our guide to EPA Environmental Technology Verification.

2. Which Cerma Product for Your Nissan/Infiniti Engine

Whether you're treating a 2026 Nissan Z with the VR30DDTT or a 2003 350Z with the original VQ35DE, the Cerma application is the same: 2oz gas treatment ($105.60), one bottle, one-time application.

Current 2026 Nissan/Infiniti gas engines:

Historical Nissan/Infiniti engines (still on the road):

3. Special Note: VR30DDTT - The Modern Nissan/Infiniti Performance V6

The VR30DDTT (Variable Resistance, 3.0 displacement, Direct Injection, Twin Turbo) is one of the most engineering-impressive engines Nissan has produced in the modern era. Announced by Infiniti on December 15, 2015, the engine debuted in the 2016 Infiniti Q50 sedan, followed by the 2017 Q60 coupe. It earned a spot on Ward's 10 Best Engines list for 2017 and 2018. In 2023, the VR30DDTT became the powertrain for the new Nissan Z, marking the engine's first deployment in a Nissan-badged sports car.

VR30DDTT engineering details

The VR30DDTT is built at the Iwaki, Fukushima powertrain plant in Japan and incorporates design DNA from two iconic Nissan engines: the VR38DETT used in the R35 GT-R, and the legendary VG30DETT used in the Z32 300ZX Twin Turbo. Engineering features include:

• Twin water-to-air charge coolers with one water pump on the 300 hp variant or two water pumps on the 400 hp variant - more efficient than air-to-air intercoolers in compact packaging
• Hot-V configuration with both turbos mounted in the engine valley between cylinder banks for compact packaging and shorter exhaust gas paths to the turbines
• Electronically controlled variable displacement oil pump - varies oil flow based on engine demand, reducing parasitic loss while ensuring adequate flow at high RPM
• Continuous variable valve timing (VTC) on intake camshafts
• Direct fuel injection with high-pressure injection for precise fuel metering
• Sodium-filled exhaust valves for thermal management - a feature usually reserved for race engines
• Mirror-bore cylinder coating for friction reduction at the cylinder walls

Power outputs and applications

The VR30DDTT comes in two factory tunes:

• 300 hp / 295 lb-ft (standard tune) - Q50 3.0t, Q60 3.0t, QX50 select applications
• 400 hp / 350 lb-ft (Red Sport / Z tune) - Q50 Red Sport 400, Q60 Red Sport 400, Nissan Z (2023+), Z Performance, Z NISMO

Industry dynamometer testing has consistently shown both versions produce more than rated horsepower at the wheels - the engine is conservatively rated from the factory.

The VR30DDTT tuner community

The VR30DDTT has built a strong tuner community since its 2016 introduction. Active aftermarket support comes from companies like:

• AMS Performance - built short blocks (Stage 2 and Stage 3 long blocks), big turbo programs, complete builds for 700-900+ wheel HP applications
• Concept Z Performance - tuning, supporting hardware, parts distribution
• STILLEN - tuning, intercoolers, exhausts, supporting hardware
• Ecutek and JB4 - tune solutions for stock and modified VR30DDTT engines
• Various tuners for Stage 1 (intake + tune, ~360 hp), Stage 2 (intake + downpipes + tune, ~400 hp), and big turbo builds (500-900+ wheel hp)

Why Cerma is particularly valuable on the VR30DDTT

• Two turbo bearing sets in hot-V configuration. Both turbos run at high temperatures continuously - the engine valley sees significant heat soak. Cerma's bonded ceramic protects bearings continuously regardless of operating temperature.
• Mirror-bore cylinder coating + Cerma. Nissan engineered the cylinder walls for friction reduction with mirror-bore coating; Cerma's ceramic bonds add another permanent friction reduction layer at the same wear surfaces.
• Variable displacement oil pump benefits from friction reduction. The electronically controlled variable displacement oil pump has internal wear surfaces that benefit from Cerma's ceramic protection.
• High-output cycling on Red Sport / Z applications. 400 hp tunes see frequent transitions between cruising and full throttle - exactly the kind of cyclic loading that drives bearing and cylinder wall wear. Cerma's permanent friction reduction directly addresses this.
• Tuned VR30DDTT applications running 500-900+ wheel hp stress every wear surface in the engine. Cerma's protection scales with the loads it's protecting against.

For Q50 Red Sport 400, Q60 Red Sport 400, and 2023+ Nissan Z owners, Cerma is sound investment maintenance. The VR30DDTT cost alone makes the math compelling: AMS Performance Stage 2 long blocks are listed at $8,000-$15,000+, and complete OEM short block replacements run $5,000-$8,000 from genuine Nissan parts.

4. Honest Disclosure: KR20DDET / KR15DDT VC-Turbo Recall (450,000 Vehicles)

This is one of the most important sections in this guide because the Nissan VC-Turbo (Variable Compression Turbo) recall is one of the most-discussed reliability concerns currently affecting Nissan and Infiniti owners. If you own or are considering a 2017-2026 Nissan or Infiniti with the KR20DDET or KR15DDT VC-Turbo engine, this section is essential reading.

What is the VC-Turbo

The KR20DDET 2.0L VC-Turbo was announced at the 2016 Paris Motor Show as the world's first production-ready variable compression ratio engine. The technology uses a multi-link mechanism (referred to as "L-links") to vary the piston stroke, which in turn varies the compression ratio between 8:1 (low compression for performance/high boost) and 14:1 (high compression for efficiency/light load). The engine also features combined direct injection and multi-port injection.

The KR20DDET was introduced to Nissan production in 2019 in the Infiniti QX50 and the Nissan Altima 2.0T, replacing the previous VQ V6 options. The smaller KR15DDT 1.5L variant was introduced in 2022 in the Nissan Rogue. The technology was widely praised at launch as a significant engineering achievement.

The bearing failure recall

Unfortunately, the VC-Turbo engines have had documented reliability issues:

• December 13, 2023: NHTSA opened an investigation into customer complaints of engine failure in the KR15DDT and KR20DDET engines.
• Reported failures: Engine failure, loss of motive power, engine knock or noise, and metal chunks/shavings being found in the oil pan of affected vehicles.
• Failure mechanism: Seizures and damages to the main bearings and the L-links (the variable compression mechanism components).
• June 2025 recall: Major recall covering approximately 450,000 Nissan and Infiniti vehicles.
• Affected vehicles: Certain Altima 2.0T, Infiniti QX50, QX55, QX60, and Nissan Rogue (with KR15DDT) applications.
• Dealer protocol: Dealers inspect the oil pan for metal debris to determine if engine replacement is needed.

Cerma cannot fix VC-Turbo recall damage

Let's be direct about what Cerma can and cannot do for VC-Turbo owners:

• Cerma cannot reverse damaged main bearings. The recall mechanism involves bearing seizure and L-link mechanism failure - mechanical damage that requires component replacement.
• Cerma cannot remove metal debris from oil passages. Cerma is added to oil and bonds to engine metal surfaces - it doesn't dissolve or remove existing contamination.
• Cerma cannot prevent failure on engines with already-damaged internals. If the bearings are already worn or the L-links have begun to fail, the path to failure is mechanical and progressive.
• If your VC-Turbo Nissan or Infiniti is currently making knocking sounds, has loss of power, has engine knock or noise, or shows metal debris in the oil pan - get it evaluated by a Nissan or Infiniti dealer immediately. Many affected engines qualify for replacement under the recall program.

Where Cerma DOES help VC-Turbo owners

For two specific groups of VC-Turbo owners, Cerma is excellent investment maintenance:

• VC-Turbo owners with healthy engines that haven't shown recall symptoms. Some VC-Turbo engines run normally without bearing issues. According to MotorReviewer's analysis, later production models seem to be more reliable. For these owners, Cerma applied early provides preventive friction reduction at all wear surfaces - bearings, cylinder walls, cam lobes, valvetrain, turbo bearings, and the L-link mechanism contact surfaces.
• VC-Turbo owners with replacement engines installed under the recall program. The replacement engines should be free of the original failure-mode issues. For owners with a fresh replacement engine, Cerma applied during the first oil change is one of the best-leverage maintenance investments available - permanent friction protection on a brand-new engine for the next 200,000+ miles.

If we exclude the bearing issue, the VC-Turbo engine is capable of lasting 200,000+ miles with strict maintenance. Cerma applied to a healthy or post-recall VC-Turbo provides the kind of long-term friction reduction that supports that durability potential.

5. Special Note: VQ35/VQ37 V6 - The 350Z/370Z Legacy

The Nissan VQ V6 family is one of the most-produced V6 engines in modern automotive history. Originally introduced in 1995 (with the VQ20DE/VQ30DE/VQ30DET applications), the VQ family appeared on Ward's 10 Best Engines list nearly continuously from 1995 to 2008 - 14 consecutive years, an industry record. The VQ V6 has powered everything from the Maxima and Pathfinder to the iconic 350Z and 370Z.

The VQ family lineage

• VQ35DE 3.5L V6 (1995-2017) - The original VQ workhorse. Used in the legendary 350Z (2003-2009), older Maxima, older Pathfinder, Murano, Quest, older Altima V6, older G35. Power range 240-306 hp depending on application. The Z33 350Z VQ35DE produced 287 hp at 6,200 RPM with revrev tone that defined the 2000s sports car era.
• VQ35HR 3.5L V6 (2007-2014) - The "high revolution" revision with stronger block, taller deck height, and refined design for higher output. Used in later 350Z (2007-2008), older Maxima 7th-gen.
• VQ37VHR 3.7L V6 (2007-2020) - The most advanced VQ engine, with Variable Valve Event and Lift (VVEL) technology. Used in the 370Z, Infiniti G37, older Q50 base, older Q60 base. Power range 306-332 hp depending on application.
• VQ40DE 4.0L V6 (2005-2021) - Larger displacement workhorse used in older Frontier, older Pathfinder, Xterra, Suzuki Equator (rebadged Frontier). Truck-tuned for low-end torque.
• VQ35DD 3.5L V6 (2016-2026) - The direct-injection successor to the VQ35DE. Used in the current Pathfinder (2017+), 2026 redesigned Murano, older QX60. The "DD" designation indicates the move to direct injection.

The 350Z/370Z enthusiast culture

The 350Z (2003-2009) and 370Z (2009-2020) hold a unique place in automotive history. They represented Nissan's revival of the Z brand after a hiatus, and they built one of the most engaged sports car communities in the US automotive market. Cars like NICOclub, MyG37, 350Z.com, and the various Z car forums maintain active discussions decades after production began.

Z owners are notable for several characteristics:

• Long-term ownership - many 350Z and 370Z owners keep their cars for 100,000-300,000+ miles, often as second cars or weekend drivers
• Active aftermarket community - the VQ35DE and VQ37VHR have substantial aftermarket support including Stillen, Z1 Motorsports, AAM Competition, and others
• K&N, AEM, Magnaflow, Tomei, HKS, and other major aftermarket companies all produce parts specifically for the Z platform
• Track day and autocross participation is high among Z owners

Why Cerma works particularly well on VQ engines

• VQ engines respond well to permanent friction reduction. The VQ family was engineered for high-RPM operation - the VQ37VHR redlines at 7,500 RPM with VVEL technology. Cerma's bonded ceramic at every wear surface (bearings, cam lobes, valvetrain, cylinder walls) provides sustained protection across the engine's full operating range.
• The Z car driving style benefits. Z owners tend to drive their cars enthusiastically. Spirited canyon driving, autocross weekends, and track days all stress the engine in ways that benefit from permanent friction reduction.
• High-mileage Z applications. The 350Z and 370Z are increasingly long-term ownership vehicles. A one-time $105.60 application protects an engine that's becoming progressively more difficult to find replacement parts for.
• VVEL on the VQ37VHR. The Variable Valve Event and Lift system on the VQ37VHR uses sophisticated mechanical actuation - exactly the kind of constantly-operating mechanical system that benefits from Cerma's friction reduction.

6. Special Note: VR38DETT GT-R - The Hand-Built Supercar Engine

The VR38DETT is the engine that powers the Nissan GT-R, one of the most celebrated supercars of the modern era. From its 2008 launch through current production (with the GT-R nearing the end of its production run), the VR38DETT has earned a place among the all-time great twin-turbo V6 engines.

VR38DETT engineering and production

Each VR38DETT is hand-assembled by master engine builders called "takumi" at Nissan's Yokohama, Japan engine plant. Like AMG's "One Man, One Engine" philosophy at Mercedes, each GT-R engine carries a plaque with the takumi's signature. Production volumes are low compared to mainstream engines - the VR38DETT has always been a low-volume, premium-quality engine.

Engineering features include:

• 3.8L V6 with twin parallel turbochargers (one per cylinder bank)
• Plasma-spray cylinder coating for friction reduction and durability
• Forged crankshaft, forged connecting rods, forged pistons
• Closed-deck cylinder block (vs open-deck on the VR30DDTT) for additional rigidity
• Premium oiling system with separate oil cooler for high-RPM operation

Power output has progressed throughout the GT-R's production:

• 485 hp / 433 lb-ft (2009 R35 GT-R launch)
• 545 hp / 463 lb-ft (2012 R35 update)
• 565 hp / 467 lb-ft (2013 R35)
• 600+ hp / 467+ lb-ft (current GT-R Premium / T-Spec)
• 720 hp (NISMO GT-R, current production)

Cerma application for the GT-R

Use the 2oz Cerma gas treatment ($105.60). The GT-R takes the same 2oz treatment as any other Nissan/Infiniti gas engine. The VR38DETT typically uses Mobil 1 ESP 0W-40 (the GT-R factory recommendation) or similar high-performance synthetic oils.

Why Cerma is sound preventive maintenance for GT-R owners

• The GT-R community has a strong long-term ownership culture. Many GT-R owners keep their cars for years, treating them as appreciating assets given the low production volume and the GT-R's growing collector status.
• Tuned GT-R applications are common. Stage 4 and Stage 5 tunes producing 700-1,000+ wheel hp exist by the thousands. Built-engine GT-Rs running 1,200-2,000+ wheel hp are not unusual at high-end tuning shops. Cerma's protection scales with the loads it's protecting against.
• Engine cost on the GT-R is significant. A factory VR38DETT replacement runs $25,000+. Built engines from Switzer, AMS Performance, Boost Logic, JR Auto, and other top tuners run $35,000-$75,000+. The one-time $105.60 Cerma application is essentially negligible against that math.
• Cold-start protection on a high-output engine matters. The VR38DETT is not driven daily by most owners - many GT-Rs sit for days or weeks between drives. Cold-start wear is concentrated. Cerma's mechanical bond provides protection from the very first revolution after restart.

7. Special Note: VK56 V8 - The Titan and Older Armada Engine

The VK56 5.6L V8 (specifically the VK56VD variant, "DD" designating direct injection in 2017+ models) was Nissan's full-size truck and SUV engine for over 15 years. It powered the Nissan Titan, Titan XD, older Armada, and the older Infiniti QX56/QX80 from approximately 2010 through 2024.

VK56VD specifications

The VK56VD produces 390-400 hp depending on application. It's an aluminum-block, aluminum-head V8 with VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift) technology - the same VVEL system found in the VQ37VHR. The engine has built a strong reputation for durability in heavy-duty applications, with many Titan and Armada owners reporting 200,000-300,000+ miles on original engines with proper maintenance.

The VR35DDTT transition (2025+)

For 2025, Nissan transitioned the QX80 (Infiniti) and Armada (Nissan) from the VK56 V8 to the new VR35DDTT 3.5L twin-turbo V6 (~450 hp). The Titan, however, was discontinued for 2025+ production - so the VK56 V8 is no longer in current Nissan production. For VK56 owners (Titan, older Armada, older QX56/QX80), the engines remain on the road in significant numbers and benefit from permanent ceramic protection.

Why Cerma works particularly well on the VK56

• Towing applications stress the engine continuously. Titan owners often tow trailers, boats, or heavy loads at maximum capacity (9,310 lb max for Titan XD). High-load operation accelerates wear at every contact surface.
• Long-distance highway driving. Armada and QX56/QX80 owners often use these vehicles for road trips and long-distance family travel. Cerma's bonded ceramic provides protection across hundreds of thousands of miles.
• VVEL valvetrain benefits from friction reduction. The Variable Valve Event and Lift mechanism uses sophisticated mechanical actuation that benefits from Cerma's bonded ceramic at the contact surfaces.
• The VK56 has a long history of reliability. Cerma applied to a healthy VK56 engine extends that durability potential with permanent friction reduction.

8. Honest Disclosure: VQ V6 Timing Chain Stretch

Every honest Nissan owner's guide should address VQ V6 timing chain stretch. While not as widely-discussed as some other engine reliability issues, timing chain wear on heavily-driven VQ engines is documented enough to deserve specific mention.

What VQ timing chain stretch involves

The VQ V6 family uses a timing chain (not belt) to drive the camshafts. On heavily-driven VQ engines - typically those that have been driven hard or that have skipped scheduled oil changes - the timing chain can stretch over time. The wear pattern typically appears at:

• The chain itself - the chain pins and bushings wear against the chain plates, allowing the chain to elongate slightly
• The chain guides - plastic chain guides wear, eventually losing the precise chain tension control they provide
• The chain tensioner - hydraulic tensioner wear allows reduced tension on the chain

Symptoms of significant timing chain stretch include:

• Camshaft position correlation codes (P0011, P0021, etc.) on OBD-II
• Rough idle, particularly when cold
• Loss of low-end torque
• Audible chain rattle, especially at startup

Most VQ engines never develop significant timing chain stretch even at 200,000+ miles. But heavily-tracked VQ engines (350Z and 370Z applications particularly), neglected high-mileage examples, and some early VQ35DE and VQ35HR variants have shown the wear pattern.

VQ timing chain repair costs

Timing chain replacement on VQ engines is significant labor:

• Comprehensive timing chain service (chain, guides, tensioner, water pump): $1,500-$3,000+ at independent specialists
• At dealerships: $2,500-$4,500+
• If timing chain failure occurs (chain breaks or jumps teeth): the VQ is an interference engine - valve damage is likely, adding $3,000-$5,000+ to the repair

Cerma's role with VQ timing chains

Let's be direct:

• Cerma cannot reverse existing timing chain stretch. Once the chain has elongated, the wear is mechanical and the chain must be replaced.
• Cerma can reduce future wear at the chain contact surfaces. Applied early to a healthy VQ engine, Cerma's bonded ceramic at the chain pins, sprocket teeth, and chain guide contact surfaces reduces the friction that drives chain wear over time.
• If you're buying a used 350Z, 370Z, Maxima, Pathfinder, or other VQ-powered vehicle - have a pre-purchase inspection that includes timing chain evaluation. If significant stretch is present, factor the repair into your offer.
• For owners of healthy VQ engines - Cerma is sound preventive maintenance. Apply at any oil change to reduce future timing chain wear.

9. Nissan/Infiniti Oil Specifications

Nissan and Infiniti use straightforward SAE viscosity grades meeting current API specifications for most applications. They don't use proprietary specifications like BMW's LL-01 or Mercedes's MB 229 system. This makes oil compatibility straightforward for most Nissan/Infiniti owners.

Common Nissan/Infiniti oil weights:

• 0W-20 - the workhorse weight for most current production Nissan/Infiniti applications including Altima, Rogue, Sentra, Pathfinder, Murano, current QX60. Verify your owner's manual.
• 5W-30 - some VR30DDTT applications (300 hp standard tune), older VQ35DE applications, Titan, older Armada VK56
• 5W-40 - high-output VR30DDTT (400 hp Red Sport / Z trim), Nissan GT-R VR38DETT (Mobil 1 ESP 0W-40 is the factory recommendation)

Recommended Nissan/Infiniti-compatible oils that work with Cerma:

• Genuine Nissan Motor Oil (GNMO) - Nissan's branded oil, available at Nissan and Infiniti dealers
• Mobil 1 Extended Performance 0W-20 - widely available, popular Nissan choice
• Mobil 1 ESP 0W-40 - the GT-R factory-recommended oil, also good for VR30DDTT 400 hp applications
• Mobil 1 ESP 5W-40 - for high-output VR30DDTT applications
• Castrol Edge 0W-20 - widely available
• Pennzoil Platinum 0W-20 - widely available
• Liqui Moly Special Tec AA 0W-20 - for owners who want a premium European oil
• Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic 0W-20 - widely available
• Amsoil Signature Series 0W-20 - for owners who want extended drain intervals

Cerma's compatibility statement

Cerma STM-3 is fully compatible with all of these oils and all Nissan/Infiniti specifications. Cerma does not alter oil viscosity, base oil chemistry, additive package composition, or any specification compliance. The Nano Silicon Carbide ceramic particles bond to engine metal surfaces - they do not interact with the oil's chemical properties.

If your Nissan or Infiniti dealer or independent specialist asks about your oil during service, the answer is: standard manufacturer-spec oil (or whatever you actually used). Cerma does not need to be disclosed - it's not part of the oil chemistry, it's bonded to your engine metal.

10. How to Install Cerma in Your Nissan or Infiniti

Installation is straightforward whether you DIY at home or have your Nissan or Infiniti serviced at the dealer or an independent specialist. Cerma can be added during any oil change.

1. Complete a normal oil change. Drain old oil, replace filter (Nissan/Infiniti OEM, Mahle, Mann, Wix, K&N, or any quality filter meeting Nissan/Infiniti specs), and add fresh oil to your specified weight - typically 0W-20 for current production, 5W-30 for older VQ35DE and Titan VK56 applications, and 5W-40 for the VR30DDTT 400 hp applications and the VR38DETT GT-R (verify your owner's manual). For DIY: most Nissan/Infiniti V6 engines hold 5-5.5 quarts, the VK56 V8 holds 7 quarts, the VR38DETT GT-R holds approximately 10 quarts.
2. Pour the Cerma 2oz bottle into your oil fill port. One full bottle for any Nissan/Infiniti gas engine - inline-four, V6, twin-turbo V6, or V8.
3. Replace the oil cap and start the engine. No warm-up procedure required. Drive normally including spirited driving, Z car canyon runs, or GT-R track days. The ceramic begins bonding from the first drive.
4. Drive 3,000 to 5,000 miles on the treated oil. The ceramic particles bond to engine metal during this break-in window. VR30DDTT owners typically notice smoother turbo response within the first 1,000 miles. VQ35DE/VQ37VHR owners often report quieter cold-start operation. GT-R owners frequently report smoother gear engagement and slightly more linear power delivery.
5. Continue normal oil changes at Nissan/Infiniti's recommended intervals (typically 5,000 miles for severe service, 7,500 miles for normal service). The bonded ceramic stays - it doesn't drain out with the oil.

For complete step-by-step installation details with photos and FAQs, see our full installation guide.

11. What to Expect: First 3,000 to 5,000 Miles

First 500 miles:

Engine sound and idle quality often smooth out within the first few hundred miles. VR30DDTT owners (Q50, Q60, Nissan Z) typically notice particularly smooth turbo response. VQ V6 owners (350Z, 370Z, Maxima, older Pathfinder) often report quieter idle and slightly smoother high-RPM operation. Titan and older Armada owners often notice quieter VK56 V8 cold-start operation. GT-R owners frequently report smoother gear engagement when paired with the cross-sell transmission treatment.

500 to 2,000 miles:

Throttle response feels more linear, particularly during transitions in and out of boost on twin-turbo applications. Cold-start operation feels smoother on all gas engines. 350Z and 370Z owners often report slightly more refined VVEL operation on the VQ37VHR. Q50/Q60 Red Sport 400 owners often notice slightly more consistent torque delivery during sustained boost. Nissan Z owners may notice slightly tighter throttle response. KR20DDET VC-Turbo owners often notice smoother transitions between low and high compression ratio modes.

2,000 to 5,000 miles:

The ceramic bond is largely complete. Friction reduction is at full effect. Many Nissan/Infiniti owners report measurable fuel economy improvements during this window - Cerma's customer-reported range is 4-21%* depending on use patterns. For a daily-driver Altima averaging 32 mpg, even a 5% improvement adds up to meaningful annual fuel savings. For a Titan or older Armada averaging 16-18 mpg, the percentage improvement compounds with V8 fuel costs.

5,000+ miles (permanent):

The ceramic matrix is fully bonded. From here on, your Nissan or Infiniti has the friction reduction benefit for the life of the engine. Through every future oil change. Every cold start. Every spirited drive. Every track day. Every long road trip. No reapplication, no maintenance, no recurring cost. This is the maintenance approach that supports the 200,000-300,000+ mile ownership horizons typical of dedicated Z car enthusiasts, Titan owners, and long-term Nissan/Infiniti drivers.

12. Complete Nissan/Infiniti Drivetrain Protection

The engine treatment handles the engine. For full Nissan/Infiniti protection, three additional Cerma products extend the same ceramic technology to your transmission, differentials, and motor oil.

13. Nissan/Infiniti Warranty Considerations

Nissan North America and Infiniti USA offer a 3-year/36,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty plus a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Optional extended coverage is available through Nissan Security+Plus and Infiniti's Elite Extended Protection programs. Many owners worry that aftermarket products will void these warranties.

The federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act protects you. Nissan North America and Infiniti USA cannot void your warranty simply because you used an aftermarket engine treatment. They cannot deny a specific warranty claim unless they can prove the aftermarket product directly caused the failure they're refusing to cover.

Why Cerma is in a particularly strong warranty position:

• EPA ETV certified - independent third-party verification of performance under controlled conditions. Almost no other engine treatment carries this credential.
• Inert ceramic chemistry - Cerma doesn't change oil viscosity, additive package, or filtration. Your Nissan or Infiniti continues running on standard manufacturer-spec lubrication.
• Compatible with all dealer service routines - every oil change at Nissan/Infiniti's recommended intervals, every dealer service visit, no changes to your routine.
• Does not interact with engine diagnostic systems - the Nissan/Infiniti onboard diagnostic systems read sensor data and fault codes, not chemical composition.

VC-Turbo recall warranty notes:

If you own an affected KR20DDET or KR15DDT VC-Turbo Nissan or Infiniti, the recall warranty (engine replacement under the June 2025 recall) is unaffected by Cerma application. Cerma does not interact with the bearing or L-link mechanisms - the recall mechanism is unrelated to oil chemistry. If your engine qualifies for replacement under the recall, that warranty work proceeds normally regardless of whether you've used Cerma.

For a complete breakdown of your aftermarket rights under federal law, see our complete guide to engine treatments and the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. Keep your purchase receipt, oil change records, and Cerma's EPA ETV documentation on file as smart practice.

Why Nissan and Infiniti Owners Choose Cerma

Frequently Asked Questions