cWhen installing a spare tire, make
sure it is the proper size and type as
specified on the tire placard. For tire
placard location information, refer to
``Tire placard'' in the Owner's
Manual index.
cRefer to ``Wheels and tires'' in the
``Do-it-yourself operations'' section
of this manual.Freeing a frozen door lock
To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
de-icer or glycerin to it through the key hole.
If the lock becomes frozen, heat the key
before inserting it into the key hole.
Anti-freeze
In the winter, when it is anticipated that the
temperature will drop below 32ÉF (0ÉC),
check the anti-freeze (ethylene glycol base)
to assure proper winter protection. For de-
tails, see ``Engine cooling system'' in the
``Do-it-yourself operations'' section.
Battery
If the battery is not fully charged during
extremely cold weather conditions, the bat-
tery fluid may freeze and damage the bat-
tery. To maintain maximum efficiency, the
battery should be checked regularly. For
details, see ``Battery'' in the ``Do-it-yourself
operations'' section.
Draining of coolant water
If the vehicle is to be left outside without
anti-freeze, drain the cooling system by
opening the drain valves located under the
radiator and on the engine block. Refillbefore operating the vehicle. See ``Chang-
ing engine coolant'' in the ``Do-it-yourself
operations'' section.
Tire equipment
1. SUMMER tires are of a tread design to
provide superior performance on dry
pavement. However, the performance of
these tires is substantially reduced in
snowy and icy conditions. If you operate
your vehicle on snowy or icy roads, NIS-
SAN recommends using MUD & SNOW
or ALL SEASON tires on all four wheels.
Please consult your NISSAN dealer for
the tire type, size, speed rating and avail-
ability information.
2. For additional traction on icy roads, stud-
ded tires may be used. However, some
provinces and states prohibit their use.
Check local, state and provincial laws
before installing studded tires.
Skid and traction capabilities of studded
snow tires, on wet or dry surfaces, may
be poorer than that of non-studded snow
tires.
3. Tire chains may be used if desired. Make
sure they are of proper size for the tires
on your vehicle and are installed accord-
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
4-16
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ing to the chain manufacturer's sugges-
tions. In addition, drive at a reduced
speed, otherwise, your vehicle may be
damaged and/or vehicle handling and
performance may be adversely affected.
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 ``S'' 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 undercarriage. If possible, avoid fully
loading your vehicle when using tire chains.
In addition, drive at a reduced speed. Do not
exceed maximum speed suggested by
chain manufacturer. Otherwise, your ve-
hicle may be damaged and/or vehicle han-
dling and performance may be adversely
affected.Never install tire chains on T-type and small
size spare tires. Do not use tire chains on
dry roads.
Special winter equipment
It is recommended that the following items
be carried in the vehicle during winter:
1. A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to re-
move ice and snow from the windows
and wiper blades.
2. A sturdy, flat board to be placed under
the jack to give it firm support.
3. A shovel to dig the vehicle out of snow-
drifts.
4. Extra window washer fluid to refill the
reservoir tank.
Driving on snow or ice
WARNING
cWet ice (32ÉF, 0ÉC and freezing rain),
very cold snow or ice can be slick
and very hard to drive on. The ve-
hicle will have a lot less traction or
``grip'' under these conditions. Try to
avoid driving on wet ice until the
road is salted or sanded.cWhatever the condition, drive with
caution. Accelerate and slow down
with care. If accelerating or down-
shifting too fast, the drive wheels
will lose even more traction.
cAllow more stopping distance under
these conditions. Braking should be
started sooner than on dry
pavement.
cAllow greater following distances on
slippery roads.
cWatch for slippery spots (glare ice).
These may appear on an otherwise
clear road in shaded areas. If a patch
of ice is seen ahead, brake before
reaching it. Try not to brake while
actually on the ice, and avoid any
sudden steering maneuvers.
cDo not use the cruise control on
slippery roads.
cSnow can trap dangerous exhaust
gases under your vehicle. Keep
snow clear of the exhaust pipe and
from around your vehicle.
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If you have a flat tire, follow the instructions
below:
Stopping the vehicle
1. Safely move the vehicle off the road and
away from traffic.
2. Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
3. Park on a level surface and apply the
parking brake. Move the gearshift lever
to the P (Park) position.
4. Turn off the engine.
5. Raise the hood to warn other traffic, and
to signal professional road assistance
personnel that you need assistance.
6.
Have all passengers get out of the vehicle
and stand in a safe place, away from traffic
and clear of the vehicle.
WARNING
cMake sure the parking brake is se-
curely applied and the automatic
transmission is shifted into P.
cNever change tires when the vehicle
is on a slope, ice or slippery areas.
This is hazardous.
cNever change tires if oncoming traf-
fic is close to your vehicle. Wait for
professional road assistance.
Getting the tools and spare tire
Remove the jack and the tool kit from the
jack storage compartment in the luggage
area. Remove the lug wrench from the tool
kit.
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FLAT TIRE
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1. Remove the plastic hex nut cover in the
carpeting of the cargo area. The hex nut
is used to lower and raise the spare tire
located underneath the vehicle.
2. Place the lug wrench over the hex nut
and turn counterclockwise until the cable
extends completely. The spare tire hex
nut rachets when the cable is fully ex-
tended.3. Carefully slide the tire from under the
rear of the vehicle.4. Stand the tire up to easily remove the
retainer.
ACE0001ACE0006ACE0014
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cNever jack up the vehicle more than
necessary.
cNever use blocks on or under the
jack.
cDo not start or run engine while
vehicle is on the jack as it may cause
the vehicle to move.
cDo not allow passengers to stay in
the vehicle while it is on the jack.
cNever run the engine with the wheels
off of the ground. It may cause the
vehicle to move.
Installing wheel
The T-type spare tire is designed for
emergency use. See specific instruc-
tions under the heading ``Wheels and
tires'' in the ``Do-it-yourself operations''
section.
1. Clean any mud or dirt from the surface
between the wheel and hub.
2. Carefully put the wheel on and tighten
the lug nuts finger tight.
3. With the lug wrench, tighten the lug nuts
alternately and evenly until they are tight.4. Lower the vehicle slowly until the tire
touches the ground. Then, with the lug
wrench, tighten the lug nuts securely in
the sequence as illustrated.
WARNING
cIncorrect wheel nuts or improperly
tightened wheel nuts can cause the
wheel to become loose or come off.
This could cause an accident.
cDo nut use oil or grease on the wheel
studs or nuts. This could cause the
nuts to become loose.
As soon as possible, tighten the lug nuts
to the specified torque with a torque
wrench.
Lug nut tightening torque:
72 to 87 ft-lb (98 to 118 Nzm)
Adjust tire pressure to the COLD pres-
sure.
COLD pressure:
After the vehicle has been parked for
three hours or more or driven less than 1
mile (1.6 km).
COLD tire pressures are shown on the
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tire placard affixed to the driver side
center pillar.
cRetighten the lug nuts when the ve-
hicle has been run for 600 miles (1,000
km) after installing the aluminum
wheel.
5. Securely store the jacking equipment in
the vehicle. The tool kit is stored behind
the jack.
Stowing the spare tire or flat tire
1. To raise the tire to the stowed position,
install the retainer through the wheel
center and turn the wheel lug wrench
clockwise until the tire is raised to its
original position underneath the vehicle.
The spare tire hex nut ratchets when
the tire is raised. It won't allow you to
over-tighten.
2. Check for proper seating against under-body supports. If necessary, loosen tire,
reposition and retighten.
WARNING
cAlways make sure that the spare tire
and jacking equipment are properly
secured after use. Such items can
become dangerous projectiles in an
accident or sudden stop.
cThe T-type spare tire is designed for
emergency use. See specific instruc-
tions under the heading ``Wheels
and tires'' in the ``Do-it-yourself op-
erations'' section.
ACE0016
5-7
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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-
sure shown on the side wall of the tire.
Tire inflation pressure
Periodically check the tire pressure (includ-
ing spare). Incorrect tire pressure may ad-
versely affect tire life and vehicle handling.
Tire pressure should be checked when tires
are COLD. Tires are considered COLD after
the vehicle has been parked for three or
ADI0578
DI1033M
WHEELS AND TIRES
7-25
ZX
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 undercarriage. If possible, avoid fully
loading your vehicle when using tire chains.
In addition, drive at a reduced speed. Do not
exceed maximum speed suggested by the
chain manufacturer. Otherwise, your ve-
hicle may be damaged and/or vehicle han-
dling and performance may be adversely
affected.
Never install tire chains on T-type and small
size spare tires. Do not use tire chains on
dry roads.
Tire rotation
NISSAN recommends rotating the tires
every 7,500 miles (12,000 km).
Tighten wheel nuts to 72 to 87 ft-lb (98 to
118 Nzm).
See ``Flat tire'' in the ``In case of emergency''
section for tire replacing procedures.
WARNING
cAfter rotating the tires, adjust the tire
pressure.
cRetighten the lug 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.
ADI0656
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