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 a NISSAN dealer as
soon as possible for tire replacement
and/or system resetting.
CAUTION
The low tire pressure warning system
is not a substitute for the regular tire
pressure check. Be sure to check the
tire pressure regularly.
If the vehicle is being driven at
speeds of less than 20 MPH (32
km/h), the low tire pressure warning
system may not operate correctly.
Be sure to install the specified size of
tires to the front and rear.
Low washer fluid warning light
This light comes on when the washer fluid is at a
low level. Add washer fluid as necessary. See“Window washer fluid” in the “8. Maintenance
and do-it-yourself” section.
Seat belt warning light
The seat belt warning light and chime remind you
to fasten seat belts. The light illuminates when-
ever the ignition key is turned to ON, and will
remain illuminated until the driver’s seat belt is
fastened.
See “Seat belts” in the “1. Safety — Seats, seat
belts and supplemental restraint system” section
for precautions on seat belt usage.
Supplemental air bag warning
light
After turning the ignition key to the ON position,
the supplemental air bag warning light will illu-
minate. The supplemental air bag warning light
will turn off after about 7 seconds if the system is
operational.
If any of the following conditions occur, the
supplemental front air bag, supplemental side air
bag (if so equipped) and curtain side-impact air
bag (if so equipped), and pre-tensioner seat belt
systems need servicing and your vehicle must be
taken to a NISSAN dealer.
The supplemental air bag warning light re-
mains on after approximately 7 seconds.The supplemental air bag warning light
flashes intermittently.
The supplemental air bag warning light does
not come on at all.
Unless checked and repaired, the supplemental
restraint system (air bag system) and/or the
pre-tensioner seat belt may not function prop-
erly. For additional information, see “Supplemen-
tal restraint system” in the “1. Safety — Seats,
seat belts and supplemental restraint system”
section.
WARNING
If the supplemental air bag warning
light is on, it could mean that the
supplemental front air bag, supplemen-
tal side air bag, curtain side-impact air
bag systems and/or pre-tensioner seat
belt systems will not operate in an acci-
dent. To help avoid injury to yourself or
others, have your vehicle checked by a
NISSAN dealer as soon as possible.
Instruments and controls
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pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a noise or
vibration from the actuator under the hood. This
is normal and indicates that the anti-lock system
is working properly. However, the pulsation may
indicate that road conditions are hazardous and
extra care is required while driving.Self-test featureThe anti-lock brake system consists of electronic
sensors, electric pumps, and hydraulic solenoids
controlled by a computer. The computer has a
built-in diagnostic feature that tests the system
each time you start the engine and move the
vehicle at a low speed in forward or reverse.
When the self-test occurs, you may hear a clunk
noise and/or feel a pulsation in the brake pedal.
This is normal and is not an indication of any
malfunction. If the computer senses any mal-
function, it switches the anti-lock brake system
OFF and turns on the ABS warning light in the
dashboard. The brake system will then behave
normally, but without anti-lock assistance.
If the light comes on during the self check, or
while you are driving, you should take your
vehicle to a NISSAN dealer for repair at your
earliest convenience.
WARNING
The anti-lock brake system is a sophis-
ticated device, but it cannot prevent ac-
cidents resulting from careless or dan-
gerous driving techniques. It can help
maintain vehicle control during braking
on slippery surfaces but remember that
the stopping distance on slippery sur-
faces will be longer than on normal
surfaces even with the anti-lock brake
system. Stopping distances may also be
longer on rough, gravel or snow covered
roads, or if you are using tire chains.
Always maintain a safe distance from
the vehicle in front of you. Ultimately,
the responsibility for safety of self and
others rests in the hands of the driver.
Tire type and condition of tires may also
affect braking effectiveness.
When replacing tires, install the
specified size of tires to the front and
rear.
When installing a spare tire, make
sure it is the proper size and type asspecified on the Tire and Loading
Information label. See “Vehicle iden-
tification” in the “9. Technical and
consumer information” section for
the Tire and Loading Information la-
bel location.
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tem may not operate properly and the
“VDC OFF” indicator or “SLIP” indi-
cator or both indicator lights may
illuminate.
The VDC system is not a substitute
for winter tires or tire chains on a
snow-covered road.
FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCKTo prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
de-icer or glycerin to it through the key hole. If
the lock becomes frozen, heat the key before
inserting it into the key hole.ANTI-FREEZEIn the winter when it is anticipated that the
temperature will drop below 32°F (0°C), check
anti-freeze to assure proper winter protection.
For additional information, see “Engine Cooling
System” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-
yourself” section.BATTERYIf the battery is not fully charged during extremely
cold weather conditions, the battery fluid may
freeze and damage the battery. To maintain
maximum efficiency, the battery should be
checked regularly. For additional information,
see “Battery” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-
yourself” section.DRAINING OF COOLANT WATERIf the vehicle is to be left outside without anti-
freeze, drain the cooling system by opening the
drain plug located under the radiator. Refill
before operating the vehicle. See “Engine cool-
ing system” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-
yourself” section for changing engine coolant.
TIRE EQUIPMENT1. SUMMER tires are of a tread design to
provide superior performance on dry pave-
ment. However, the performance of these
tires will be substantially reduced in snowy
and icy conditions. If you operate your vehicle
on snowy or icy roads, NISSAN recommends
the use of MUD & SNOW or ALL SEASON
tires on all four wheels. Consult a NISSAN
dealer for the tire type, size, speed rating and
availability information.
2. 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.
3. Tire chains may be used if desired. Make sure
they are of proper size for the tires on your
vehicle and are installed according to the
chain manufacturer’s suggestions. Use of tire
chains may be prohibited according to loca-
tion. 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
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
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the chain manufacturer’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 de-
termined using the factory equipped tire size.
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 possibility
of whipping action damage to the fenders or
underbody. If possible, avoid fully loading
your vehicle when using tire chains. In addi-
tion, drive at a reduced speed. Otherwise,
your vehicle 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 tire chains on dry roads.
SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENTIt is recommended that the following items be
carried in the vehicle during winter:
a scraper and stiff-bristled brush to removeice and snow from the windows and wiper
blades.
a sturdy, flat board to be placed under the
jack to give it firm support.
a shovel to dig the vehicle out of snow-drifts.
extra window washer fluid to refill the reser-
voir tank.
DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE
WARNING
Wet ice (32°F, 0°C and freezing rain),
very cold snow or ice can be slick and
very hard to drive on. The vehicle will
have much less traction or “grip” un-
der these conditions. Try to avoid
driving on wet ice until the road is
salted or sanded.
Whatever 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.
Allow more stopping distance underthese conditions. Braking should be
started sooner than on dry pavement.
Allow greater following distances on
slippery roads.
Watch 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.
Do not use cruise control on slippery
roads.
Snow can trap dangerous exhaust
gases under your vehicle. Keep snow
clear of the exhaust pipe and from
around your vehicle.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (if so
equipped)An engine block heater to assist extreme cold
temperature starting is available through a
NISSAN dealer.
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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 characteristics, driveability, tire
noise, etc., based on the vehicle’s 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
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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.Coupe model SizeCold Tire Inflation
Pressure
Front Original Tire225/50R17
225/45R18240 kPa (35 psi)
Rear Original Tire235/50R17
245/45R18240 kPa (35 psi)
Spare TireT145/90D16
T155/80R17420 kPa (60 psi)Roadster model SizeCold Tire Inflation
Pressure
Front Original Tire225/50R17 220 kPa (32 psi)
225/45R18 240 kPa (35 psi)
Rear Original Tire235/50R17 220 kPa (32 psi)
245/45R18 240 kPa (35 psi)
Spare TireT145/90D16
T155/80R17420 kPa (60 psi)
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)
1. P: The “P” indicates the tire is designed for
passenger vehicles. (Not all tires have this
information.)
2. Three-digit number (215): This number gives
the width in millimeters of the tire from side-
wall edge to sidewall edge.
3. Two-digit number (60): This number, known
as the aspect ratio, gives the tire’s ratio of
height to width.
4. R: The “R” stands for radial.
5. Two-digit number (16): This number is the
wheel or rim diameter in inches.
SDI1575
EXAMPLE
SDI1606
EXAMPLE
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6. Two- or three-digit number (94): This number
is the tire’s load index. It is a measurement of
how much weight each tire can support. (You
may not find this information on all tires
because it is not required by law.)
7. 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)
1. 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.
2. Two-digit code: Manufacturer’s identification
mark
3. Two-digit code: Tire size
4. Three-digit code: Tire type code (Optional)
5. Three-digit code: Date of Manufacture
6. Four numbers represent the week and yearthe tire was built. For example, the numbers
3103 means the 31st week of 2003.
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.
SDI1607
EXAMPLE
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Other tire-related terminologyIn addition to the many terms that are defined
throughout 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 (i.e., Summer, All Season or
Snow) and construction. A 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 vehiclespeed. 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.
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 chain
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