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
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
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
Installing the spare tire
The spare tire is designed for emergency
use. See specific instructions under the
heading ``Wheels and tires'' in the ``Do-
it-yourself'' section of this manual.
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 tiretouches the ground. Then, with the lug
wrench, tighten the lug nuts securely in
the sequence as illustrated. Lower the
vehicle completely.
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.
cRetighten the wheel nuts when the
vehicle has been driven for 600 miles
(1,000 km) (also in cases of a flat tire,
etc.)
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
tire placard affixed to the inside of the
glove box.
CE1003
In case of emergency6-7
ZX
Stowing the damaged tire and tools
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.3. Securely store the jacking equipment in
the vehicle.
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 spare tire is designed for emer-
gency use. See specific instructions
under the heading ``Wheels and
tires'' in the ``Do-it-yourself'' section
of this manual.To start your engine with a booster battery,
the instructions and precautions below must
be followed.
WARNING
cIf done incorrectly, jump starting can
lead to a battery explosion, resulting
in severe injury or death. It could
also damage your vehicle.
cExplosive hydrogen gas is always
present in the vicinity of the battery.
Keep all sparks and flames away
from the battery.
cDo not allow battery fluid to come
into contact with eyes, skin, clothing
or painted surfaces. Battery fluid is a
corrosive sulfuric acid solution
which can cause severe burns. If the
fluid should come into contact with
anything, immediately flush the con-
tacted area with water.
cKeep the battery out of the reach of
children.
cThe booster battery must be rated at
12 volts. Use of an improper rated
battery can damage your vehicle.
WCE0005
JUMP STARTING
6-8In case of emergency
ZX
TIRE PRESSURE
If you have a flat tire, see the ``In case of
emergency'' section of this manual.
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 the spare). Incorrect tire pressure may
adversely affect tire life and vehicle han-
dling. Tire pressure should be checked
when tires are COLD. Tires are considered
ADI1095
DI1033M
WHEELS AND TIRES
8-28Do-it-yourself
ZX
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 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 TEMPORARY
USE ONLY spare tires. Do not use tire
chains on dry roads.
Tire chains must be installed only on the
front wheels and not on the rear wheels.
CHANGING TIRES AND WHEELS
Tire rotation
Tires should be rotated 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, check and
adjust the tire pressure.
cRetighten the wheel nuts when the
vehicle has been driven for 600 miles
(1,000 km) (also in cases of a flat tire,
etc.).
cDo not include the spare tire in the
tire rotation.
ADI0656
8-30Do-it-yourself
ZX
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(s)
should be replaced.
cThe original tires have a built-in
tread wear indicator. When the wear
indicator is visible, the tire(s) should
be replaced.cImproper service of the spare tire
may result in serious personal in-
jury. If it is necessary to repair the
spare tire, contact an authorized
NISSAN dealer.
Replacing wheels and tires
When replacing a tire, use the same size,
tread design, speed rating and load carrying
capacity as originally equipped. Recom-
mended types and sizes are shown in
``Wheels and tires'' in the ``Technical and
consumer information'' section of this manual.
WARNING
c
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.cIf the wheels are changed for any
reason, always replace with wheels
which have the same off-set dimen-
sion. Wheels of a different offset
could cause pre-mature tire wear, de-
grading vehicle handling characteris-
tics and/or interference with the
brake discs/drums. Such interference
can lead to decreased braking effi-
ciency and/or early brake pad/
shoe wear. Refer to ªWheel/tire sizeº
in the ªTechnical and consumer infor-
mationº section of this manual for
wheel off-set dimensions.
cDo 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 warn-
ing.
cThe use of retread tires is not recom-
mended.
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.
DI1035M
Do-it-yourself8-31
ZX