2004 NISSAN 350Z tires

corrosive materials, check lubrication frequently.
Lights*:Clean the headlights on a regular basis.
Make sure that the headlights, stop lights, tail
lights, turn signal lights, and other lights are all
operating properly and installed securely. Also
check headlight aim.
Road wheel nuts (lug nuts)*:When checking
the tires, make sure no nuts are missing, and
check for any loose nuts. Tighten if necessary.
Tire rotation*:Tires cannot be rotated in this
vehicle.
Tire, wheel alignment and balance:If the
vehicle pulls to either side while driving on a
straight and level road, or if you detect uneven or
abnormal tire wear, there may be a need for
wheel alignment.
If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at normal
highway speeds, wheel balancing may be
needed.
For additional information regarding tires, refer to
“Important Tire Safety Information” (US) or “Tire
Safety Information” (Canada) in the Warranty
Information Booklet.
Tires*:Check the pressure with a gauge often
and always prior to long distance trips. Adjust
the pressure in all tires, including the spare, to
the pressure specified. Check carefully for dam-age, cuts or excessive wear.
Windshield:Clean the windshield on a regular
basis. Check the windshield at least every six
months for cracks or other damage. Have a
damaged windshield repaired by a qualified re-
pair facility.
Windshield wiper blades*:Check for cracks
or wear if they do not wipe properly.
Inside the vehicleThe maintenance items listed here should be
checked on a regular basis, such as when
performing periodic maintenance, cleaning the
vehicle, etc.
Automatic transmission P (Park) position
mechanism:On a fairly steep hill check that the
vehicle is held securely with the selector lever in
the P (Park) position without applying any
brakes.
Accelerator pedal:Check the pedal for
smooth operation and make sure the pedal does
not catch or require uneven effort. Keep the floor
mat away from the pedal.
Brakes:Check that the brakes do not pull the
vehicle to one side when applied.
Brake pedal and booster*:Check the pedal
for smooth operation and make sure it has the
proper distance under it when depressed fully.Check the brake booster function. Be sure to
keep floor mat away from the pedal.
Clutch pedal*:Make sure the pedal operates
smoothly and check that it has the proper free
play.
Parking brake*:Check that the lever has the
proper travel and make sure that the vehicle is
held securely on a fairly steep hill when only the
parking brake is applied.
Seats:Check seat position controls such as
seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. to ensure
they operate smoothly and that all latches lock
securely in every position. Check that the head
restraints move up and down smoothly and that
the locks (if equipped) hold securely in all
latched positions.
Seat belts:Check that all parts of the seat belt
system (for example, buckles, anchors, adjusters
and retractors) operate properly and smoothly,
and are installed securely. Check the belt web-
bing for cuts, fraying, wear or damage.
Steering wheel:Check for changes in the
steering conditions, such as excessive free play,
hard steering or strange noises.
Warning lights and chimes:Make sure that all
warning lights and chimes are operating prop-
erly.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-3


04.1.22/Z33-D/V5.0


TIRE PRESSURE
Tire inflation pressureCheck the pressure of the tires (including the
spare) often and always prior to long distance
trips. The recommended tire pressure specifica-
tions are shown on the Tire and Loading Infor-
mation label under the “Recommended Cold
Tire Inflation Pressure” heading. The Tire and
Loading Information label is affixed to the driver
side center pillar. Tire pressures should be
checked regularly because:

Most tires naturally lose air over time.

Tires can lose air suddenly when driven over
potholes or other objects or if the vehicle
strikes a curbwhile parking.
The tire pressures should be checked when the
tires are cold. The tires are considered COLD
after the vehicle has been parked for 3 or more
hours, or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km) at
moderate speeds.
Incorrect tire pressure, including under in-
flation, may adversely affect tire life and
vehicle handling.
WARNING

Improperly inflated tires can fail sud-
denly and cause an accident.

The vehicle capacity weight is indi-
cated on the Tire and Loading Infor-
mation label. Do not load your ve-
hicle beyond this capacity.
Overloading your vehicle may result
in reduced tire life, unsafe operating
conditions due to premature tire mal-
function, or unfavorable handling
characteristics and could also lead to
a serious accident. Loading beyond
the specified capacity may also result
in a malfunction of other vehicle
components.

Before taking a long trip, or when-
ever you heavily load your vehicle,
use a tire pressure gauge to ensure
that the tire pressures are at the
specified level.

Do not drive your vehicle over 85
MPH (137 km/h) unless it is equipped
with high-speed rated tires. Drivingfaster than 85 MPH (137 km/h) may
result in tire failure, loss of control
and possible injury.

For additional information regarding
tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety
Information” (US) or “Tire Safety In-
formation” (Canada) in the Warranty
Information Booklet.
Low tire pressure warning system (if
so equipped)The low tire pressure warning system displays
the tire pressure of all tires (except the spare tire)
on the trip computer by sending a signal from a
sensor that is installed in each wheel. For more
details, refer to “Trip computer” and “Low tire
pressure warning light” in the “2. Instruments
and controls” section, “Low tire pressure warn-
ing system” in the “5. Starting and driving”
section, and “Flat tire” in the “6. In case of
emergency” section. If the tire pressure dis-
played on the trip computer is lower than the
COLD tire pressure shown on the Tire and
Loading Information label, check the pressure of
all four tires and adjust them to the COLD tire
pressure. The low tire pressure warning system
will activate only when the vehicle is driven at
speeds above 20 MPH (32 km/h).
WHEELS AND TIRES8-30
Maintenance and do-it-yourself


04.1.22/Z33-D/V5.0


Tire and loading information label
1Seating capacity: The maximum number of
occupants that can be seated in the vehicle.
2Vehicle load limit: See loading information in
the “9. Technical and consumer information”
section.
3Original tire size: The size of the tires origi-
nally installed on the vehicle at the factory.
4Recommended cold tire inflation pressure:
Inflate the tires to this pressure when the tires
are cold. Tires are considered COLD after
the vehicle has been parked for 3 or more
hours, or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km) at
moderate speeds. The recommended cold
tire inflation is set by the manufacturer to
provide the best balance of tire wear, vehicle
handling, driveability, tire noise, etc., up to the
vehicles GVWR.
5Tire size — refer to “Tire labeling” later in this
section.
6and
7
Spare tire size or compact spare tire
size (if so equipped)
Checking the tire pressure1. Remove the valve stem cap from the tire.
2. Press the pressure gauge squarely onto the
valve stem. Do not press too hard or force the
valve stem sideways, or air will escape. If the
hissing sound of air escaping from the tire is
heard while checking the pressure, reposition
the gauge to eliminate this leakage.
3. Remove the gauge.
4. Read the tire pressure on the gauge stem
and compare it to the specification shown on
the Tire and Loading Information label.
5. Add air to the tire as needed. If too much air
SDI1574
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-31


04.1.22/Z33-D/V5.0


is added, press the core of the valve stem
briefly with the tip of the gauge stem to
release pressure. Recheck the pressure and
add or release air as needed.
6. Install the valve stem cap.
7. Check the pressure of all other tires, includ-
ing the spare.
TIRE LABELINGFederal law requires tire manufacturers to place
standardized information on the sidewall of all
tires. This information identifies and describes
the fundamental characteristics of the tire and
also provides the tire identification number (TIN)
for safety standard certification. The TIN can be
used to identify the tire in case of a recall.
1Tire size (example: P215/60R16 94H)
P: The “P” indicates the tire is designed for
passenger vehicles. (Not all tires have this
information.)
Three-digit number (215): This number gives
the width in millimeters of the tire from side-
wall edge to sidewall edge.
1st two-digit number (60): This number,
known as the aspect ratio, gives the tire’s
ratio of height to width.
R: The “R” stands for radial.
2nd two-digit number (16): This number is
the wheel or rim diameter in inches.3rd two- or three-digit number (94): This
number is the tire’s load index. It is a mea-
surement of how much weight each tire can
support. (You may not find this information on
all tires because it is not required by law.)
H: Tire Speed Rating. The speed rating de-
notes the speed at which a tire is designed to
be driven for extended periods of time. The
ratings range from 98 MPH (miles per hour)
to 186 MPH. (You may not find this informa-
tion on all tires because it is not required by
law.)
2TIN (Tire Identification Number) for new tire
(example: DOT XX XX XXX XXXX)
DOT: Abbreviation for the “Department of
Transportation”. The symbol can be
placed above, below or to the left or
right of the Tire Identification Number.
1st two-digit code: Manufacturer’s identifica-
tion mark
2nd two-digit code: Tire size
3rd three-digit code: Tire type code (Op-
tional)
4th three-digit code: Date of Manufacture
Four numbers represent the week and year
the tire was built. For example, the numbers
3103 means the 31st week of 2003.
SDI1575
EXAMPLE
8-32
Maintenance and do-it-yourself


04.1.22/Z33-D/V5.0


3Tire ply composition and material
The number of layers or plies of rubber-
coated fabric in the tire.
Tire manufacturers also must indicate the
materials in the tire, which include steel,
nylon, polyester, and others.
4Maximum permissible inflation pressure
This number is the greatest amount of air
pressure that should be put in the tire. Do not
exceed the maximum permissible inflation
pressure.
5Maximum load rating
This number indicates the maximum load in
kilograms and pounds that can be carried by
the tire. When replacing the tires on the
vehicle, always use a tire that has the same
load rating as the factory installed tire.
6Term of “tubeless” or “tube type”
Indicates that the tire requires an inner tube
(“tube type”) or not (“tubeless”).
7The word “radial”
The word “radial” is shown, if the tire has a
radial structure.
8Manufacturer or Brand name
Manufacturer or Brand name is shown.
Other tire-related terminologyIn addition to the many terms that are definedthroughout this section, Intended Outboard
Sidewall is (1) the sidewall that contains a
whitewall, bears white lettering or bears manu-
facturer, brand, and/or model name molding that
is higher or deeper than the same molding on the
other sidewall of the tire, or (2) the outward
racing sidewall of an asymmetrical tire that has a
particular side that must always face outward
when mounted on a vehicle.
TYPES OF TIRES
WARNING

When changing or replacing tires, be
sure all four tires are of the same
type (for example, summer, all sea-
son 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.
For additional information regarding
tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety
Information” (US) or “Tire Safety In-
formation” (Canada) in the Warranty
Information Booklet.
All season tiresNISSAN specifies all season tires on some
models to provide good performance for use all
year round, including snowy and icy road condi-
tions. 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 models
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.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-33


04.1.22/Z33-D/V5.0


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 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 chainmanufacturer’s suggestions.Use only SAE
class “S” chains.Class “S” chains are used on
vehicles with restricted tire to vehicle clearance.
Vehicles that can use Class “S” chains are
designed to meet the SAE standard minimum
clearances between the tire and the closest
vehicle suspension or body component required
to accommodate the use of a winter traction
device (tire chains or cables). The minimum
clearances are determined using the factory
equipped tire size. Other types may damage
your vehicle. Use chain tensioners when recom-
mended 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 possibility
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. Otherwise, your ve-
hicle may be damaged and/or vehicle handling
and performance may be adversely affected.

Never install tire chains on a T-type
spare tire.

Do not use the chains on dry roads.

Tire chains must be installed only on the
rear wheels and not on the front wheels.
CHANGING WHEELS AND TIRES
Tire rotationTires cannot be rotated in this vehicle, as front
tires are different size from rear tires and the
direction of wheel rotation is fixed in each tire.
A pin is on the front brake rotor to prevent the
rear wheels from being installed in place of the
front wheels. The spare tire can be installed in
place of the front and rear wheels. When install-
ing the spare tire in the front wheel, the hole in
the spare tire wheel must be aligned with the pin
on the brake rotor.
8-34
Maintenance and do-it-yourself


04.1.22/Z33-D/V5.0


Tire wear and damage
WARNING

Tires 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.

The original tires have a built-in tread
wear indicator. When the wearindicator is visible, the tire should be
replaced.

Improper service for a spare tire may
result in serious personal injury. If it
is necessary to repair the spare tire,
contact your NISSAN dealer.

For additional information regarding
tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety
Information” (US) or “Tire Safety In-
formation” (Canada) in the Warranty
Information Booklet.
Replacing wheels and tiresWhen replacing a tire, use the same size, speed
rating and load carrying capacity as originally
equipped. See “Specifications” in the “9. Tech-
nical and consumer information” section for rec-
ommended types and sizes of tires and wheels.
WARNING

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, 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.

If 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.

When a spare tire is mounted or a
wheel is replaced, tire pressure will
not be indicated and the low tire
pressure warning system will not
function. Contact your NISSAN
dealer as soon as possible for tire
MDI0004
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-35


04.1.22/Z33-D/V5.0


replacement and/or system reset-
ting. (For models with the low tire
pressure warning system)

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 warn-
ing.

The use of retread tire is not recom-
mended.

For additional information regarding
tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety
Information” (US) or “Tire Safety In-
formation” (Canada) in the Warranty
Information Booklet.
Wheel balanceUnbalanced wheels may affect vehicle handling
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
“Important Tire Safety Information” (US) or “Tire
Safety Information” (Canada) in the Warranty
Information booklet.
Care of wheels
Wash the wheels when washing the vehicle
to maintain their appearance.

Clean the inner side of the wheels when the
wheel is changed or the underside of the
vehicle is washed.

Do not use abrasive cleaners when washing
the wheels.

Inspect wheel rims regularly for dents or
corrosion. Such damage may cause loss of
pressure or poor seal at the tire bead.

NISSAN recommends that the road wheels
be waxed 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

The T-type spare tire should be used
only for emergency. It should be re-
placed by the standard tire at the first
opportunity.

Drive carefully while the T-type spare
tire is installed.
Avoid sharp turns and abrupt braking
while driving.

Periodically check the T-type spare
tire inflation pressure, and always
keep it at 60 psi (420 kPa, 4.2 bar).

Do not drive your vehicle at speeds
faster than 50 MPH (80 km/h).

Do 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.

Tire 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
8-36
Maintenance and do-it-yourself


04.1.22/Z33-D/V5.0