1996 NISSAN SENTRA Owners Manual

Replacement procedures
All other lights are either type A, B, C or D.
When replacing a bulb, first remove the lens
and/or cover.
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FRONT FOG LIGHT BULB
REPLACEMENT (If so equipped)
1. Use a Phillip's head screwdriver to re-
move the trim plate and the anchoring
screws on the fog lamp assembly.
2. Move the fog lamp assembly towards the
center of the vehicle and pull out to
expose the rear of the assembly.
3. Remove the retaining ring from the fog
lamp assembly.
4. Remove the bulb cover.
5. Lift the spring retainer.
6. Remove the fog lamp bulb.
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If you have a flat tire, see the ``In case of
emergency'' section.
Maximum inflation pressure
Do not exceed the maximum inflation pres-
sures shown on the side wall of the tire.
Tire inflation pressure
Periodically check the tire pressure (including
spare). Incorrect tire pressure may adversely
affect tire life and vehicle handling. Tire pres-
sure should be checked when tires are
COLD. Tires are considered COLD after the
vehicle has been parked for three or morehours, or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km).
COLD tire pressures are shown on the tire
placard affixed to the driver side center pillar.
CAUTION
The vehicle weight capacity is indi-
cated on the tire placard. Do not load
your vehicle beyond this capacity.
Overloading your vehicle may result in
reduced tire life, unsafe operating con-
ditions due to premature tire failure, or
unfavorable handling characteristics
and could also lead to a serious acci-
dent. Loading beyond the specified ca-
pacity may also result in failure of other
vehicle components.
Before taking a long trip, or whenever
you have loaded your vehicle heavily,
use a tire pressure gauge to ensure
that the tire pressure is at the specified
level.
Do not drive your vehicle over 85 MPH
(140 km/h) unless it is equipped with
high speed capability tires. Driving
faster than 85 MPH (140 km/h) may
result in tire failure, loss of control and
possible injury.
Types of tires
CAUTION
When changing or replacing tires, be
sure all four tires are of the same type
(i.e., Summer, All Season or Snow) and
construction. Your NISSAN dealer may
be able to help you with information
about tire type, size, speed rating and
availability. Replacement tires may
have a lower speed rating than the
factory equipped tires, and may not
match the potential maximum vehicle
speed. Never exceed the maximum
speed rating of the tire.
All season tires
NISSAN specifies All Season tires on some
models to provide good performance all
year round, including snowy and icy road
conditions. All Season Tires are identified
by ``ALL SEASON'' and/or ``M&S'' on the tire
sidewall. Snow tires have better snow trac-
tion than All Season tires and may be more
appropriate in some areas.
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WHEELS AND TIRES
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Summer tires
NISSAN specifies summer tires on some
models to provide superior performance on
dry roads. Summer tire performance in
snow and ice is substantially reduced. Sum-
mer tires do not have the tire traction rating
``M&S'' on the tire sidewall.
If you plan to operate your vehicle in snowy
or icy conditions, NISSAN recommends the
use of ``SNOW'' or ``ALL SEASON'' tires on
all four wheels.
Snow tires
If snow tires are needed, it is necessary to
select tires equivalent in size and load rating
to the original equipment tires. If you do not,
it can adversely affect the safety and han-
dling of your vehicle.
Generally, snow tires have lower speed
ratings than factory equipped tires and may
not match the potential maximum vehicle
speed. Never exceed the maximum speed
rating of the tire.
For additional traction on icy roads, studded
tires may be used. However, some prov-
inces and states prohibit their use. Check
local, state and provincial laws before in-stalling studded tires. Skid and traction ca-
pabilities of studded snow tires on wet or dry
surfaces may be poorer than that of non-
studded snow tires.
Tire chains
Use of tire chains may be prohibited accord-
ing to location. Check the local laws before
installing tire chains. When installing tire
chains, make sure they are of proper size
for the tires on your vehicle and are installed
according to the chain manufacturer's sug-
gestions. Use only SAE class ªSº chains.
Other types may damage your vehicle. Use
chain tensioners when recommended by
the tire chain manufacturer to ensure a tight
fit. Loose end links of the tire chain must be
secured or removed to prevent the possibil-
ity of whipping action damage to the fenders
or underbody. If possible, avoid fully loading
your vehicle when using tire chains. In ad-
dition, drive at a reduced speed. Otherwise,
your vehicle may be damaged and/or ve-
hicle handling and performance may be
adversely affected.
Never install tire chains on a T-type spare
tire. Do not use chains on dry roads.
Tire rotation
NISSAN recommends rotating the tires
every 7,500 miles (12,000 km).
See ``Flat tire'' in the ``In case of emergency''
section for tire replacing procedures.
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CAUTION
cAfter rotating the tires, adjust the tire
pressure.
cRetighten the wheel nuts after the
wheels have been run for the first 600
miles (1,000 km) (also in cases of a
flat tire, etc.).
cDo not include the T-type spare tire or
any other small size spare tire in the
tire rotation.
Tire wear and damage
CAUTION
Tires should be periodically inspected
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.
The original tires have a built-in tread
wear indicator. When the wear indicator
is visible, the tire should be replaced.
Improper service for a T-type spare tire
may result in serious personal injury. Ifit is necessary to repair the T-type
spare tire, contact your NISSAN 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 information'' 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 calibration, headlight aim and
bumper height.Some of these effects may
lead to accidents and could result in
serious personal injury.
If the wheels are changed for any reason,
always replace with wheels which have the
same offset dimension. Wheels of a different
offset could cause early tire wear, poor
vehicle handling characteristics and/or inter-
ference with the brake discs/drums. Such
interference can lead to decreased braking
efficiency and/or early brake pad/shoe wear.
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CAUTION
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.
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.cNISSAN 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.
cDrive 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
kPa, 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.cWhen 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 the smaller tire may get caught
in the track.
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.
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