2004 NISSAN SENTRA flat tire

If you have a flat tire, see the “In case of
emergency” section of this manual.
TIRE PRESSURE
Tire inflation pressure
Check the tire pressures (including the spare)
often and always prior to long distance trips. The
recommended tire pressure specifications are
shown on the Tire and Loading Information label
(this label is also known as the tire placard) under
the9Recommended Cold Tire Inflation Pressure9
heading. The Tire and Loading Information label
is affixed to the driver side center pillar. Tire
pressures should be checked regularly because:
cMost tires naturally lose air over time.
cTires can lose air suddenly when driven over
potholes or other objects or if the vehicle
strikes a curb while 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
cImproperly inflated tires can fail sud-
denly and cause an accident.
cThe vehicle weight capacity is indicated
on the Tire and Loading Information
label. Do not load your vehicle beyond
this capacity. Overloading your vehicle
may result in reduced tire life, unsafe
operating conditions due to premature
tire failure, or unfavorable handling
characteristics and could also lead to a
serious accident. Loading beyond the
specified capacity may also result in
failure of other vehicle components.
cBefore taking a long trip, or whenever
you heavily load your vehicle, use a tire
pressure gauge to ensure that the tire
pressures are at the specified level.
cDo not drive your vehicle over 85 MPH
(137 km/h) unless it is equipped with
high speed rated tires. Driving faster
than 85 MPH (137 km/h) may result in
tire failure, loss of control and possible
injury.cFor additional information regarding
tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety In-
formation” (US) or “Tire Safety Informa-
tion” (Canada) in the Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet.
WHEELS AND TIRES
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-39
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Tire and loading information label (for
US)
s1Seating capacity: The maximum number of
occupants that should be seated in the ve-
hicle.
s2Vehicle load limit: See loading information in
the Technical and consumer information
section.
s3Original tire size: The size of the tires origi-
nally installed on the vehicle at the factory.
s4Recommended 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 tire wear and vehicle
handling characteristics based on the ve-
hicles GVWR.
s5Tire size – refer to “Tire labeling” later in this
section.
s6ands7Spare tire size or compact spare tire
size (if so equipped) .
type a
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Tire and loading information label (for
US)
s1Seating capacity: The maximum number of
occupants that should be seated in the ve-
hicle.
s2Vehicle load limit: See loading information in
the Technical and consumer information
section.
s3Original tire size: The size of the tires origi-
nally installed on the vehicle at the factory.
s4Recommended 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 tire wear and vehicle
handling characteristics based on the ve-
hicles GVWR.
s5Tire size – refer to “Tire labeling” later in this
section.
s6ands7Spare tire size or compact spare tire
size (if so equipped) .
type b
LDI0427
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(2) TIN (Tire Identification Number) for a new tire
(example: DOT XX XX XXX XXXX)
1. DOT: Abbreviation for the9Department Of
Transportation.9The symbol can be placed
above, below or to the left or right of Tire
Identification Number.
2. Two-digit code: Manufacturer’s identifica-
tion mark
3. Two-digit code: Tire size
4. Three-digit code: Tire type code (Optional)
5. Three-digit code: Date of Manufacture6. Four numbers represent the week and year
the tire was built. For example, the numbers
3103 means the 31st week of 2003. If these
numbers are missing, then look on the other
sidewall of the tire.
(3) Tire 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.
(4) Maximum permissible inflation pressureThis number is the greatest amount of air pres-
sure that should be put in the tire. Do not exceed
the maximum permissible inflation pressure.
(5) Maximum load rating
This number indicates the maximum load in kilo-
grams 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.
(6) Term of ”tubeless” or ”tube type”
Indicates whether the tire requires an inner tube
(“tube type”) or not (“tubeless”) .
(7) The word ”radial”
The word9radial9is shown if the tire has radial
structure.
(8) Manufacturer or brand name
Manufacturer or brand name is shown.
Other Tire-related Terminology
In addition to the many terms that are defined
throughout this section, Intended Outboard
Sidewall is (1) the sidewall that contains a white-
wall, bears white lettering or bears manufacturer,
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 facing
sidewall of an asymmetrical tire that has a par-
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use of a winter traction device (tire chains or
cables) . The minimum clearances are determined
using the factory equipped tires. 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 pos-
sibility of whipping action damage to the fenders
or underbody. If possible, avoid fully loading your
vehicle when using tire chains. In addition, drive
at a reduced speed. Otherwise, your vehicle may
be damaged and/or vehicle handling and perfor-
mance may be adversely affected.
Tire chains must be installed only on the
front wheels and not on the rear wheels.
Never install tire chains on a TEMPORARY USE
ONLY spare tire.
Do not use tire chains on dry roads. Driving with
chains in such conditions can cause damage to
the various mechanisms of the vehicle due to
some overstress.
CHANGING WHEELS AND TIRES
Tire rotation
NISSAN recommends rotating the tires every
7,500 miles (12,000 km) .
See “Flat tire” in the “In case of emergency”
section of this manual for tire replacing proce-
dures.
As soon as possible, tighten the wheel nuts
to the specified torque with a torque
wrench.
Wheel nut tightening torque:
80 ft-lb (108 N·m)The wheel nuts must be kept tightened to
specifications at all times. It is recom-
mended that wheel nuts be tightened to
specification at each tire rotation interval.
WARNING
cAfter rotating the tires, check and ad-
just the tire pressure.
cRetighten the wheel nuts when the ve-
hicle 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.
cFor additional information regarding
tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety In-
formation” (US) or “Tire Safety Informa-
tion” (Canada) in the Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet.
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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 warning.
cThe use of retread tires is not
recommended.
cFor additional information regarding
tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety In-
formation” (US) or “Tire Safety Informa-
tion” (Canada) in the Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet.
Wheel balance
Unbalanced wheels may affect vehicle handling
and tire life. Even with regular use, wheels can get
out of balance. Therefore, they should be bal-
anced as required.
Wheel balance service should be per-
formed with the wheels off the vehicle.
Spin balancing the wheels on the vehicle
could lead to mechanical damage.
cFor additional information regarding
tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety
Information” (US) or “Tire Safety Infor-
mation” (Canada) in the Warranty In-
formation Booklet .
Care of wheels
cWash the wheels when washing the vehicle
to maintain their appearance.
cClean the inner side of the wheels when the
wheel is changed or the underside of the
vehicle is washed.
cDo not use abrasive cleaners when washing
the wheels.
cInspect wheel rims regularly for dents or
corrosion. Such damage may cause loss of
pressure or poor seal at the tire bead.
cNISSAN recommends waxing the road
wheels to protect against road salt in areas
where it is used during winter.
Spare tire (TEMPORARY USE ONLY
spare tire)
Observe the following precautions if the TEM-
PORARY USE ONLY spare tire must be used.
Otherwise, your vehicle could be damaged or
involved in an accident:
WARNING
cThe spare tire should be used for emer-
gency use only. It should be replaced
with the standard tire at the first oppor-
tunity to avoid possible tire or differen-
tial damage.
cDrive carefully while the TEMPORARY
USE ONLY spare tire is installed. Avoid
sharp turns and abrupt braking while
driving.
cPeriodically check spare tire inflation
pressure. Always keep the pressure of
the TEMPORARY USE ONLY spare tire
at 60 psi (420 kPa, 4.2 bar) .
cWith the TEMPORARY USE ONLY spare
tire installed do not drive the vehicle at
speeds faster than 50 MPH (80 km/h) .
cWhen driving on roads covered with
snow or ice, the TEMPORARY USE
ONLY spare tire should be used on the
rear wheels and the original tire used
on the front wheels (drive wheels) . Use
tire chains only on the front (original)
tires.
8-48Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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9 Technical and consumer information
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants.........9-2
Fuel recommendation...........................9-3
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation...........9-5
Recommended SAE viscosity number............9-6
Air conditioner system refrigerant and lubri-
cant recommendations..........................9-6
Specifications.....................................9-7
Engine........................................9-7
Wheels and tires...............................9-8
Dimensions and weights........................9-8
When traveling or registering your vehicle in an-
other country......................................9-9
Vehicle identification...............................9-9
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate..........9-9
Vehicle identification number (chassis num-
ber)...........................................9-9
Engine serial number...........................9-10
F.M.V.S.S. certification label....................9-10
Emission control information label...............9-11Tire placard...................................9-11
Air conditioner specification label................9-11
Installing front license plate........................9-12
Vehicle loading information........................9-12
Terms........................................9-12
Vehicle load capacity..........................9-13
Loading tips..................................9-14
Towing a trailer...................................9-15
Maximum load limits...........................9-15
Towing load/specification chart.................9-16
Towing safety.................................9-16
Flat towing....................................9-19
Uniform tire quality grading........................9-19
Emission control system warranty..................9-20
Reporting safety defects (US only).................9-21
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) test.....9-21
Event data recorders..............................9-22
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual order information . . . 9-23
In the event of a collision.......................9-24
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Steps for determining correct load
limit
1. Locate the statement “The combined weight
of occupants and cargo should never ex-
ceed XXX pounds” on your vehicle’s tire
placard.
2. Determine the combined weight of the driver
and passengers that will be riding in your
vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver
and passengers from XXX kilograms or XXX
pounds.4. The resulting figure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the XXX amount equals 1400
lbs. and there will be five 150 lb. passengers
in your vehicle, the amount of available cargo
and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs.
(1400-750 (5 * 150) = 650 lbs.)
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage
and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That
weight may not safely exceed the available
cargo and luggage load capacity calculated
in Step 4.6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load
from your trailer will be transferred to your
vehicle. Consult this manual to determine
how this reduces the available cargo and
luggage load capacity of your vehicle.
Before driving a loaded vehicle, confirm the you
do not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR) or the Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR) for your vehicle. See “Measurement of
Weights” later in this section.
Also check tires for proper inflation pressures.
See the Tire and Loading label.
LOADING TIPS
cThe GVW must not exceed GVWR or
GAWR as specified on the F.M.V.S.S. certi-
fication label.
cDo not load the front and rear axle to the
GAWR. Doing so will exceed the GVWR.
WARNING
cProperly secure all cargo with ropes or
straps to help prevent it from sliding or
shifting. Do not place cargo higher than
the seatbacks. In a sudden stop or col-
lision, unsecured cargo could cause
personal injury.
WTI0091
9-14Technical and consumer information
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