2003 NISSAN MAXIMA maintenance

Replacement proceduresAll other lights are either type A, B, C or D.
When replacing a bulb, first remove the lens
and/or cover.
MDI0006
SDI1334
SDI0969
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-29
Z
02.7.12/A33-D/V5.0
X

SDI0970
8-30
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Z
02.7.12/A33-D/V5.0
X

SDI1335
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-31
Z
02.7.12/A33-D/V5.0
X

SDI1340
SDI0756
SDI0333A
8-32
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Z
02.7.12/A33-D/V5.0
X

If you have a flat tire, see ªFlat tireº in the
ª6. In case of emergencyº section.TIRE PRESSURE
Maximum inflation pressureDo not exceed the maximum inflation pres-
sures shown on the side wall of the tire.Tire inflation pressureCheck the tire pressure (including spare) at
least once a month and always prior to long
distance trips. 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 thevehicle has been parked for 3 or more hours,
or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km) at moderate
speeds. COLD tire pressures are shown on
the tire placard affixed to the console box lid.
WARNING
IImproperly inflated tires can fail sud-
denly and cause an accident.
IThe vehicle capacity weight 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
conditions due to premature tire fail-
ure, or unfavorable handling charac-
teristics and could also lead to a
serious accident. Loading beyond the
specified capacity may also result in
failure of other vehicle components.
IBefore 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 speci-
fied level.
IDo not drive your vehicle over 85MPH (140 km/h) unless it is equipped
with high speed capability tires. Driv-
ing faster than 85 MPH (140 km/h)
may result in tire failure, loss of con-
trol and possible injury.
IFor additional information regarding
tires, refer to ªImportant Tire Safety
Informationº in the Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet (US) or ªTire Safety In-
formationº in the Warranty Informa-
tion booklet (Canada).
TYPES OF TIRES
CAUTION
IWhen 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 informa-
tion about tire type, size, speed rating
and availability. Replacement tires
may have a lower speed rating than
the factory equipped tires, and may
DI1033M
WHEELS AND TIRES
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-33
Z
02.7.12/A33-D/V5.0
X

not match the potential maximum ve-
hicle speed. Never exceed the maxi-
mum speed rating of the tire.
IFor additional information regarding
tires, refer to ªImportant Tire Safety
Informationº in the Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet (US) or ªTire Safety In-
formationº in the Warranty Informa-
tion booklet (Canada).
All season tiresNISSAN specifies all season tires on some
models to provide good performance for use
all year around, 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 traction than all
season tires and may be more appropriate in
some areas.Summer tiresNISSAN specifies summer tires on some mod-
els to provide superior performance on dry
roads. Summer tire performance in snow and
ice will be substantially reduced. Summer tires
do not have the tire traction rating M&S on the
tire sidewall.If you operate your vehicle in snowy or icy
conditions, NISSAN recommends the use of
snow or all season tires on all four wheels.
Snow tiresIf 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 handling of
your vehicle.
Generally, snow tires will 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.
If you operate your vehicle in snowy or icy
conditions, NISSAN recommends the use of
snow or all season tires on all four wheels.
For additional traction on icy roads, studded
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.TIRE CHAINSUse of tire chains may be prohibited according
to location. Check the local laws before install-ing 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 suggestions.Use
only SAE class S chains.Other types may
damage your vehicle. Use chain tensioners
when recommended by the tire chain manu-
facturer to ensure a tight fit. Loose end links of
the tire chain must be secured or removed to
prevent the possibility of whipping action dam-
age to the fenders or undercarriage. If pos-
sible, avoid fully loading your vehicle when
using tire chains. In addition, drive at a re-
duced speed. Otherwise, your vehicle may be
damaged and/or vehicle handling and perfor-
mance may be adversely affected.
Never install tire chains on a T-type spare tire.
Do not use the chains on dry roads.
8-34
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Z
02.7.12/A33-D/V5.0
X

CHANGING WHEELS AND TIRES
Tire rotationNISSAN recommends that tires be rotated
every 7,500 miles (12,000 km).
Wheel nut tightening torque:
80 ft-lb (108 N×m)
See ªFlat tireº in the ª6. In case of emergencyº
section for tire replacing procedures.
WARNING
IAfter rotating the tires, adjust the tire
pressure.
IRetighten the wheel nuts when the
vehicle has been driven for 600 miles
(1,000 km) (also in cases of a flat tire,
etc.).
IDo not include the T-type spare tire or
any other small size spare tire in the
tire rotation.
IFor additional information regarding
tires, refer to ªImportant Tire Safety
Informationº in the Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet (US) or ªTire Safety In-
formationº in the Warranty Informa-
tion booklet (Canada).
Tire wear and damage
WARNING
ITires should be periodically in-
spected for wear, cracking, bulging,
or objects caught in the tread. If ex-
cessive wear, cracks, bulging, or
deep cuts are found, the tire should
be replaced.
IThe original tires have a built-in tread
wear indicator. When the wear indica-
DI0048-B
MDI0004
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-35
Z
02.7.12/A33-D/V5.0
X

tor is visible, the tire should be re-
placed.
IImproper service for a spare tire may
result in serious personal injury. If it
is necessary to repair the spare tire,
contact your NISSAN dealer.
IFor additional information regarding
tires, refer to ªImportant Tire Safety
Informationº in the Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet (US) or ªTire Safety In-
formationº in the Warranty Informa-
tion booklet (Canada).
Replacing wheels and tiresWhen replacing a tire, use the same size,
speed rating and load carrying capacity as
originally equipped. See ªSpecificationsº in the
ª9. Technical and consumer informationº sec-
tion for recommended types and sizes of tires
and wheels.
WARNING
IThe use of tires other than thoserecommended 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, tire chain
clearance, speedometer calibration,
headlight aim and bumper height.
Some of these effects may lead to
accidents and could result in serious
personal injury.
IIf the wheels are changed for any
reason, always replace with wheels
which have the same offset dimen-
sion. Wheels of a different offset
could cause early tire wear, possibly
degraded vehicle handling character-
istics and/or interference with the
brake discs. Such interference can
lead to decreased braking efficiency
and/or early brake pad wear.
IDo 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.
IThe use of retread tire is not recom-
mended.
IFor additional information regarding
tires, refer to ªImportant Tire Safety
Informationº in the Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet (US) or ªTire Safety In-
formationº in the Warranty Informa-
tion booklet (Canada).
Wheel balanceUnbalanced 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 balancing
the front wheels on the vehicle could lead to
transmission damage.
For additional information regarding tires, refer
to ªImportant Tire Safety Informationº in the
Warranty Information Booklet (US) or ªTire
Safety Informationº in the Warranty Informa-
tion booklet (Canada).
8-36
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Z
02.7.12/A33-D/V5.0
X