Page 193 of 292

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 ªTechnical and
consumer informationº section of
this manual.
cFor additional information, refer to
``Wheels and tires'' in the ``Do-it-
yourself'' section of this manual.FREEING A FROZEN DOOR
LOCK
To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
de-icer or glycerin through the key hole. If
the lock becomes frozen, heat the key be-
fore inserting it in 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'' section of this manual.
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''
section of this manual.
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 theradiator and on the engine block. Refill
before operating the vehicle. See ``Chang-
ing engine coolant'' in the ``Do-it-yourself''
section of this manual.
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
Canadian provinces and U.S. states pro-
hibit their use. Check local, state and pro-
vincial 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. Make sure they
are of proper size for the tires on your
vehicle and are installed according to the
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
5-16Starting and driving
ZX
Page 194 of 292

chain manufacturer's suggestions. In ad-
dition, drive at a reduced speed, other-
wise, your vehicle may be damaged
and/or vehicle handling and performance
may be adversely affected.
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 the maximum speed suggested by
the tire chain manufacturer. Otherwise, your
vehicle may be damaged and/or vehicle
handling and performance may be ad-
versely affected.Never install tire chains on TEMPORARY
USE ONLY 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 much 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 pave-
ment.
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 on
the ice, and avoid any sudden steer-
ing 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.
Starting and driving
5-17
ZX
Page 195 of 292
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (if so
equipped)
An engine block heater to assist extreme
cold temperature starting is available
through an authorized NISSAN dealer.
WARNING
Do not use your heater with an un-
grounded electrical system or two-
pronged (cheater) adapters. You can be
injured by an electrical shock if you use
an ungrounded connection.
5-18Starting and driving
ZX
Page 196 of 292
6 In case of emergency
Flat tire ...................................................................6-2
Changing a flat tire .................................................6-2
Jump starting ..........................................................6-8
Push starting ........................................................6-10
If your vehicle overheats ......................................6-10After an accident ..................................................6-11
Towing your vehicle .............................................6-12
Towing recommended by NISSAN ......................6-13
Vehicle recovery (Freeing a stuck vehicle) ..........6-14
ZX
Page 197 of 292

CHANGING A FLAT TIRE
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 ve-
hicle 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 (Park).
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.
Blocking wheels
Place suitable blocks at both the front and
back of the wheel diagonally opposite the
flat tire. This prevents the vehicle from roll-
ing when it is jacked up.
WARNING
Be sure to block the wheel as the ve-
hicle may move and result in personal
injury.
CE1003M
FLAT TIRE
6-2In case of emergency
ZX
Page 198 of 292
Getting the spare tire and tools
Remove the jack jack storage bag located
under the third row seat.1. Locate the cut in the carpet for the hex
nut in the 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.
ACE1025
ACE1026ACE0006
In case of emergency6-3
ZX
Page 199 of 292
4. Stand the tire up to remove the retainer.Removing wheel cover
Remove the jack rod from the jack storage
bag. For wheel cover removal, place the
screwdriver tip of the jack rod between the
wheel cover and the edge of the rim. Push
and twist gently.
CAUTION
Do not use your hands to pry off wheel
caps or wheel covers. Doing so could
result in personal injury.
Removing wheel cap
For cap removal, place the screwdriver tip
of the jack rod into the indentation between
the cap and the wheel. Push and twist
gently.
ACE0014ACE1023ACE1022
6-4In case of emergency
ZX
Page 200 of 292

Jacking up the vehicle and remov-
ing the damaged tire
WARNING
cNever get under the vehicle while it
is supported only by the jack.
cUse only the jack provided with your
vehicle to lift the vehicle. Do not use
the jack provided with your vehicle
on other vehicles. The jack is de-
signed for lifting only your vehicle
during a tire change.cUse the correct jack-up points.
Never use any other part of the ve-
hicle for jack support.
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. 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.
Carefully read the caution label attached
to the jack body and the following in-
structions.
1. Loosen each wheel nut one or two turns
by turning counterclockwise with the lug
wrench.Do not remove the wheel nuts
until the tire is off the ground.
ACE1021ACE1030
In case of emergency6-5
ZX