Tire wear and damage
WARNING
cTires should be periodically in-
spected for wear, cracking, bulging,
or objects caught in the tread. If
excessive wear, cracks, bulging, or
deep cuts are found, the tire should
be replaced.
cThe original tires have a built-in
tread wear indicator. When the wear
indicator is visible, the tire should be
replaced.cImproper service for a T-type spare
tire may result in serious personal
injury. If it is necessary to repair the
T-type spare tire, contact your NIS-
SAN dealer.
Changing tires and wheels
When replacing a tire, use the same size,
speed rating and load carrying capacity as
originally equipped. Recommended types
and sizes are shown in ``Wheels and tires''
in the ``Technical and consumer informa-
tion'' section. The use of tires other than
those recommended or the mixed use of
tires of different brands, construction (bias,
bias-belted or radial), or tread patterns can
adversely affect the ride, braking, handling,
ground clearance, body-to-tire clearance,
snow chain clearance, speedometer cali-
bration, headlight aim and bumper height.
Some of these effects may lead to acci-
dents and could result in serious per-
sonal injury.
If the wheels are changed for any reason,
always replace with wheels which have the
same offset dimension. Wheels of a differ-
ent offset could cause early tire wear, pos-
sibly degraded vehicle handling character-istics and/or interference with the brake
discs/drums. Such interference can lead to
decreased braking efficiency and/or early
brake pad/shoe wear.
WARNING
Do not install a deformed wheel or tire
even if it has been repaired. Such
wheels or tires could have structural
damage and could fail without warning.
Wheel balance
Unbalanced wheels may affect vehicle han-
dling and tire life. Even with regular use,
wheels can get out of balance. Therefore,
they should be balanced as required.
Wheel balance service should be performed
with the wheels off the vehicle. Spin balanc-
ing the front wheels on the vehicle could
lead to transmission damage.
Care of wheels
cWash the wheels when washing the ve-
hicle to maintain their appearance.
cClean the inner side of the wheels when
the wheel is changed or the underside of
the vehicle is washed.
DI1035M
7-28
ZB13-DX
cDo not use abrasive cleaners when
washing the wheels.
cInspect wheel rims regularly for dents or
corrosion. Such damage may cause loss
of pressure or poor seal at the tire bead.
c
NISSAN recommends waxing the road
wheels to protect against road salt in areas
where it is used during winter.
Spare tire (T-type spare tire)
Observe the following precautions if the
T-type spare tire must be used, otherwise
your vehicle could be damaged or involved
in an accident.
CAUTION
cThe T-type spare tire should be used
only for emergency. It should be re-
placed by the standard tire at the
first opportunity.
c
Drive carefully while the T-type spare
tire is installed. Avoid sharp turns
and abrupt braking while driving.
cPeriodically check tire inflation pres-
sure, and always keep it at 60 psi
(420 kP, 4.2 bar).cDo not drive your vehicle at speeds
faster than 50 MPH (80 km/h).
cDo not use tire chains on a T-type
spare tire. Tire chains will not fit
properly on the T-type spare tire and
may cause damage to the vehicle.
c
When driving on roads covered with
snow or ice, the T-type spare tire
should be used on the rear wheel and
the original tire used on the front
wheels (drive wheels). Use tire chains
only on the front two original tires.
cTire tread of the T-type spare tire will
wear at a faster rate than the original
tire. Replace the T-type spare tire as
soon as the tread wear indicators
appear.
cBecause the T-type spare tire is
smaller than the original tire, ground
clearance is reduced. To avoid dam-
age to the vehicle do not drive over
obstacles. Also do not drive the ve-
hicle through an automatic car wash
since it may get caught.
cDo not use the T-type spare tire on
other vehicles.cDo not use more than one T-type
spare tire at the same time.
cDo not tow a trailer while the T-type
spare tire is installed.
7-29
ZB13-DX
Your new NISSAN has been designed to
have minimum maintenance requirements
with longer service intervals to save you
both time and money. However, some day-
to-day and regular maintenance is essential
to maintain your NISSAN's good mechani-
cal condition, as well as its emission and
engine performance.
It is the owner's responsibility to make sure
the specified maintenance, as well as gen-
eral maintenance, is performed.
As the vehicle owner, you are the only one
who can ensure that your vehicle receives
the proper maintenance care. You are a
vital link in the maintenance chain.
General maintenance
General maintenance includes those items
which should be checked during normal
day-to-day operation of the vehicle. They
are essential if your vehicle is to continue to
operate properly. It is your responsibility to
perform these procedures regularly as pre-
scribed.
These checks or inspections can be done
by yourself, a qualified technician or, if you
prefer, your NISSAN dealer.
Periodic maintenance
The maintenance items listed in this section
must be serviced at regular intervals.
However, under severe driving conditions,
additional or more frequent maintenance is
required.
Where to go for service
If maintenance service is required or your
vehicle appears to malfunction, have the
systems checked and tuned by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.
NISSAN technicians are well-trained spe-
cialists and are kept up to date with the
latest service information through technical
bulletins, service tips, and in-dealership
training programs. They are completely
qualified to work on NISSAN's vehiclesbe-
forethey work on your vehicle, rather than
after they have worked on it.
You can be confident that your NISSAN
dealer's service department performs the
best job to meet the maintenance require-
ments on your vehicle Ð in a reliable and
economic way.During the normal day-to-day operation of
the vehicle, general maintenance should be
performed regularly as prescribed in this
section. If you detect any unusual sounds,
vibrations or smells, be sure to check for the
cause or have your NISSAN dealer do it
promptly. In addition, you should notify your
NISSAN dealer if you think repairs are re-
quired.
When performing any checks or mainte-
nance work, closely observe the precau-
tions in the ``Do-it-yourself operations'' sec-
tion.
Additional information on the following
items with ``*'' can be found in the ``Do-it-
yourself operations'' section.
OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE
The maintenance items listed here should
be performed from time to time, unless
otherwise specified.
Tires*Ð Check the pressure with a gauge
periodically when at a service station, in-
cluding the spare, and adjust to the speci-
fied pressure if necessary. Check carefully
for damage, cuts or excessive wear.
Wheel nuts*Ð When checking the tires,
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
8-2
ZX
make sure no nuts are missing, and check
for any loose nuts. Tighten if necessary.
Tire rotation*Ð Tires should be rotated
every 7,500 miles (12,000 km).
Wheel alignment and balanceÐIfthe
vehicle should pull to either side while driv-
ing on a straight and level road, or if you
detect uneven or abnormal tire wear, there
may be a need for wheel alignment.
If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at
normal highway speeds, wheel balancing
may be needed.
Windshield wiper blades*Ð Check for
cracks or wear if they do not wipe properly.
Doors and engine hoodÐ Check that all
doors and the engine hood operate prop-
erly. Also ensure that all latches lock se-
curely. Lubricate hinges, latches, rollers and
links if necessary. Make sure the secondary
latch keeps the hood from opening when
the primary latch is released.
When driving in areas using road salt or
other corrosive materials, check lubrication
frequently.INSIDE THE VEHICLE
The maintenance items listed here should
be checked on a regular basis, such as
when performing periodic maintenance,
cleaning the vehicle, etc.
Lights*Ð Make sure the headlights, stop
lights, tail lights, turn signal lights, and other
lights are all operating properly and installed
securely. Also check headlight aim.
Warning lights and buzzers/chimesÐ
Make sure all warning lights and
buzzers/chimes are operating properly.
Windshield wiper and washer*Ð Check
that the wipers and washer operate properly
and that the wipers do not streak.
Windshield defrosterÐ Check that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly
and in sufficient quantity when operating the
heater or air conditioner.
Steering wheelÐ Check for changes in
the steering conditions, such as excessive
freeplay, hard steering or strange noises.
SeatsÐ Check seat position controls such
as seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. to
ensure they operate smoothly and all
latches lock securely in every position.Check that the head restraints move up and
down smoothly and the locks hold securely
in all latched positions. Check that the seat
leg latches lock securely in every anchor
position for the folding down rear seat and
detachable rear seat (if so equipped).
Seat beltsÐ Check that all parts of the seat
belt system (e.g. buckles, anchors, adjust-
ers and retractors) operate properly and
smoothly, and are installed securely. Check
the belt webbing for cuts, fraying, wear or
damage.
Accelerator pedalÐ Check the pedal for
smooth operation and make sure the pedal
does not catch or require uneven effort.
Keep the floor mats away from the pedal.
BrakesÐ Check that the brakes do not pull
the vehicle to one side when applied.
Brake pedal*Ð Check the pedal for
smooth operation and make sure it has the
proper distance under it when depressed
fully. Check the brake booster function. Be
certain to keep floor mats away from the
pedal.
Parking brake*Ð Check that the pedal is
adjusted to specification and confirm that
your vehicle is held securely on a fairly
8-3
ZX
9 Technical and consumer information
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants ....................................................... 9-2
Engine .................................................................. 9-7
Wheel/tire size ...................................................... 9-8
Dimensions and weights ...................................... 9-8
Registering your vehicle
in another country ................................................ 9-9
Vehicle identification............................................. 9-9Installing the license plate .................................. 9-11
Vehicle loading information ................................ 9-12
Trailer towing ...................................................... 9-13
Uniform tire quality grading ................................ 9-18
Emission control system warranty ..................... 9-19
Reporting safety defects (USA) ......................... 9-19
NISSAN service/owner's manual order form ..... 9-20
ZX
Road wheel Steel 5-1/2 - JJ ý 15
Aluminum 6-1/2 - JJ ý 15
Offset in (mm) 1.77 (45)
Tire size Conventional P205/75R15 97 S
Cast aluminum* P205/75R15 97 S
P215/70R15 97 T
Spare T125/90D16
P205/75R15 97 S*
P215/70R15 97 T*
*: OptionOverall length in (mm) 189.9 (4,824)
Overall width in (mm) 73.7 (1,871)
Overall height in (mm) 67.6 (1,716)
Front tread in (mm) 63.4 (1,610)
Rear tread in (mm) 63.4 (1,610)
Wheelbase in (mm) 112.2 (2,850)
Gross vehicle weight
rating lb (kg)
See the ``F.M.V.S.S. certification label''
on the left center pillar. Gross axle weight rating
Front lb (kg)
Rear lb (kg)
WHEEL/TIRE SIZE DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHTS
9-8
ZX
Trailer brakes
If your trailer is equipped with a braking
system, make sure it conforms to Federal
and/or local regulations and it is properly
installed.
CAUTION
Never connect a trailer brake system
directly to the vehicle brake system.
Pre-towing tips
cBe certain your vehicle maintains a level
position when a loaded and/or unloaded
trailer is hitched. Do not drive the vehicle
if it has an abnormal nose-up or nose-
down condition; check for improper
tongue load, overload, worn suspension
or other possible causes of either condi-
tion.
cAlways secure items in the trailer to
prevent load shifts while driving.
cBe certain your rear view mirrors conform
to all federal, state or local regulations. If
not, install any mirrors required for towing
before driving the vehicle.
Trailer towing tips
In order to gain skill and an understanding
of the vehicle's behavior, you should prac-
tice turning, stopping and backing up in an
area which is free from traffic. Steering,
stability, and braking performance are
somewhat different than under normal driv-
ing conditions.
cAlways secure items in the trailer to
prevent load shift while driving.
c
Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
cAvoid sharp turns or lane changes.
cAlways drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed.
cAlways block the wheels on both vehicle
and trailer when parking. Parking on a
slope is not recommended; however, if
you must do so, first block the wheels
and apply the parking brake, and then
move the transmission gearshift lever
into the P (Park) position. If you move the
shift lever to the P (Park) position before
blocking the wheels and applying the
parking brake, transmission damage
could occur.
cWhen going down a hill, shift into a lowergear and use the engine braking effect.
When ascending a long grade, downshift
the transmission to a lower gear and
reduce speed to reduce chances of en-
gine overloading and/or overheating.
cIf the engine coolant rises to an ex-
tremely high temperature when the air
conditioning system is on, turn the air
conditioner off. Coolant heat can be ad-
ditionally vented by opening the win-
dows, switching the fan control dial to
high and setting the temperature control
dial to the WARM position.
cTrailer towing requires more fuel than
normal circumstances.
cAvoid towing a trailer for the first 500
miles (800 km) of the vehicle's life.
cHave your vehicle serviced more often
than at intervals specified in the recom-
mended Maintenance Schedule.
cWhen making a turn, your trailer wheels
will be closer to the inside of the turn than
your vehicle wheels. To compensate for
this, make a larger than normal turning
radius during the turn.
cCrosswinds and rough roads adversely
9-17
ZX
affect vehicle/trailer handling, possibly
causing vehicle sway. When being
passed by larger vehicles, be prepared
for possible changes in crosswinds that
could affect vehicle handling. If swaying
does occur, firmly grip the steering
wheel, steer straight ahead, and immedi-
ately (but gradually) reduce vehicle
speed. This combination helps to stabi-
lize the vehicle. Never increase speed.
cBe careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires
considerably more distance than normal
passing. Remember the length of the
trailer must also pass the other vehicle
before you can safely change lanes.
cTo maintain engine braking efficiency
and electrical charging performance, do
not use overdrive.
cAvoid holding the brake pedal down too
long or too frequently. This could cause
the brakes to overheat, resulting in re-
duced braking efficiency.
When towing a trailer, change fluid in the
transmission more frequently.
See the Maintenance schedule.Department of Transportation (DOT) Qual-
ity Grades: All passenger car tires must
conform to Federal Safety Requirements in
addition to these grades.
Treadwear
Treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on tire wear rate when tested under
controlled conditions on specified govern-
ment test courses. For example, a tire
graded 150 would wear one and a half
(1-1/2) times as well on the government
course as a tire graded 100. However,
relative tire performance depends on actual
driving conditions, and may vary signifi-
cantly from the norm, due to variations in
driving habits, service practices and differ-
ences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction A, B and C
Traction grades are A (the highest), B and
C. They represent a tire's ability to stop on
wet pavement as measured under con-
trolled conditions, on specified government
test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked with a C may have poor traction
performance.
WARNING
The traction grade assigned to your
vehicle tires is based on straight line
braking traction tests and does not
include cornering (turning) traction.
Temperature A, B and C
Temperature grades are A (the highest), B,
and C. They represent a tire's resistance to
heat build-up, and its ability to dissipate
heat when tested under controlled condi-
tions on a specified indoor laboratory test
wheel. Sustained high temperature can
cause tire material to degenerate, reducing
tire life. Excessive temperatures can lead to
sudden tire failure. Grade C corresponds to
a performance level which all passenger car
tires must meet under the Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades A
and B represent higher levels of perfor-
mance on laboratory test wheels than the
minimum required by law.
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY
GRADING
9-18
ZX