2005 NISSAN 350Z tires

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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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 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.
1. Wear indicator
2. Wear indicator location mark
Tire wear and damage
WARNING

Tires should be periodically in-
spected for wear, cracking, bulging or
objects caught in the tread. If exces-
sive wear, cracks, bulging or deep
cuts are found, the tire(s) should be
replaced.
SDI1663
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The original tires have built-in tread
wear indicators. When the wear indi-
cators are visible, the tire(s) should
be replaced.

Improper service of the spare tire
may result in serious personal injury.
If it is necessary to repair the spare
tire, contact a 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 oftires 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 off-set dimen-
sion. Wheels of a different off-set
could cause premature tire wear,
possibly degraded vehicle handling
characteristics and/or interference
with the brake discs/drums. Such in-
terference can lead to decreased
braking efficiency and/or early brake
pad/shoe 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 notfunction. Contact a NISSAN dealer as
soon as possible for tire replacement
and/or system resetting. (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
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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
for emergency use only. It should be
replaced 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 stan-
dard tire. Replace the T-type spare
tire as soon as the tread wearindicators appear.

Because the T-type spare tire is
smaller than the original tire, ground
clearance is reduced. To avoid dam-
age to the vehicle, do not drive over
obstacles. Also, do not drive the ve-
hicle through an automatic car wash
since it may get caught.

Do not use the T-type spare tire on
other vehicles.

Do not use more than one T-type
spare tire at the same time.

Do not tow a trailer while the T-type
spare tire is installed.
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9 Technical and consumer informationCapacities 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 lubricant
recommendations ........................................................... 9-6
Specifications ........................................................................ 9-8
Engine ................................................................................ 9-8
Wheels and tires .............................................................. 9-9
Dimensions and weights ............................................... 9-9
When traveling or registering your vehicle in another
country .................................................................................. 9-10
Vehicle identification ......................................................... 9-10
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate ............... 9-10
Vehicle identification number (chassis number) .... 9-10
Engine serial number ................................................... 9-11
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label ................ 9-11
Emission control information label ........................... 9-11
Tire and loading information label ............................ 9-12
Air conditioner specification label ............................ 9-12Installing front license plate ............................................. 9-13
Vehicle loading information ............................................. 9-14
Terms ............................................................................... 9-14
Vehicle load capacity.................................................... 9-15
Loading tips .................................................................... 9-15
Towing a trailer ................................................................... 9-16
Maximum load limits .................................................... 9-16
Towing safety ................................................................ 9-17
Flat towing............................................................................. 9-20
Automatic transmission ................................................ 9-21
Manual transmission ..................................................... 9-21
Uniform tire quality grading ............................................. 9-21
Emission control system warranty ................................. 9-22
Reporting safety defects (US only) ................................ 9-22
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) test
(US only) .............................................................................. 9-23
Event data recorders ......................................................... 9-24
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual order
information ............................................................................. 9-25
In the event of a collision ........................................... 9-25


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WHEELS AND TIRES
Road wheelModel Type Position SizeOffset
in (mm)
Coupe AluminumFront17 x 7-1/2JJ 1.18 (30)
18 x 8JJ* 1.18 (30)
Rear17 x 8JJ 1.30 (33)
18 x 8JJ* 1.18 (30)
18 x 8-1/2JJ* 1.30 (33)
Roadster AluminumFront17 x 7-1/2JJ 1.18 (30)
18 x 8JJ* 1.18 (30)
Rear17 x 8JJ 1.30 (33)
18 x 8JJ* 1.18 (30)TireModel Type Position Size Pressure (Cold)
CoupeConventionalFront 225/50R17 94W 240 kPa (35 psi)
Rear 235/50R17 96W 240 kPa (35 psi)
Front 225/45R18 91W* 240 kPa (35 psi)
Rear 245/45R18 96W* 240 kPa (35 psi)
Spare —T145/90D16 420 kPa (60 psi)
T155/80R17* 420 kPa (60 psi)
Road-
sterConventionalFront 225/50R17 94W 220 kPa (32 psi)
Rear 235/50R17 96W 220 kPa (32 psi)
Front 225/45R18 91W* 240 kPa (35 psi)
Rear 245/45R18 96W* 240 kPa (35 psi)
Spare —T145/90D16 420 kPa (60 psi)
T155/80R17* 420 kPa (60 psi)
*: For option
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHTS
Coupe Roadster
Overall length in (mm) 169.4 (4,304) 169.4 (4,304)
Overall width in (mm) 71.5 (1,815) 71.5 (1,815)
Overall height in (mm) 51.9 (1,319) 52.3 (1,328)
Front tread in (mm) 60.4 (1,535) 60.4 (1,535)
Rear tread in (mm)60.6 (1,539)*1
60.8 (1,545)*260.6 (1,539)*1
60.8 (1,545)*2
Wheelbase in (mm) 104.3 (2,650) 104.3 (2,650)
Gross vehicle weight rating
(GVWR)lb(kg)
See the F.M.V.S.S. or C.M.V.S.S. cer-
tification label on the driver’s side
lock pillar. Gross axle weight rating
(GAWR)
Front lb(kg)
Rear lb(kg)
*1: The wheel offset is 1.30 in (33 mm).
*2: The wheel offset is 1.18 in (30 mm).
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WARNING

Properly secure all cargo to help pre-
vent it from sliding or shifting. Do not
place cargo higher than the seat-
backs. In a sudden stop or collision,
unsecured cargo could cause per-
sonal injury.

Do not load your vehicle any heavier
than the GVWR or the maximum front
and rear GAWRs. If you do, parts of
your vehicle can break, tire damage
could occur, or it can change the way
your vehicle handles. This could re-
sult in loss of control and cause per-
sonal injury.

Overloading not only could shorten
the life of your vehicle and the tires,
but also could lead to unsafe vehicle
handling and long braking distance.
This could cause a premature tire
malfunction, which could result in a
serious accident and personal injury.
Failures caused by overloading are
not covered by the vehicle’s warranty.Roadster model:
Do not tow a trailer with your vehicle.
Coupe model:
Your new vehicle was designed to be used
primarily to carry passengers and cargo. Re-
member that towing a trailer places additional
loads on your vehicle’s engine, drive train, steer-
ing, braking and other systems.
ANISSAN Trailer Towing Guide(US only) is
available from a NISSAN dealer. This guide
includes information on trailer towing ability and
the special equipment required for proper tow-
ing.
WARNING
Overloading or improper loading of a
trailer and its cargo can adversely affect
vehicle handling, braking and perfor-
mance and may lead to accidents.
CAUTION

Do not tow a trailer or haul a heavy
load for the first 500 miles (800 km).
Your engine, axle or other parts
could be damaged.

For the first 500 miles (800 km) that
you tow a trailer, do not drive over 50
mph (80 km/h) and do not make
starts at full throttle. This helps the
engine and other parts of your ve-
hicle wear in at the heavier loads.MAXIMUM LOAD LIMITS
Maximum trailer loadsNever allow the total trailer load to exceed 1,000
lb(454 kg). The total trailer load equals trailer
TI1011M
TOWING A TRAILER
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no more than 1/16″smaller than the hole in
the ball mount.

The threaded shank of the hitch ball must be
long enough to be properly secured to the
ball mount. There should be at least 2 threads
showing beyond the lock washer and nut.
Class I hitchClass I trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball
mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow trailers
of a maximum weight of 2,000 lb(909 kg).
You may add Class I trailer hitch equipment to
the vehicle that has a 2,000 lb(909 kg) maxi-
mum weight rating, but your vehicle is only
capable of towing the maximum trailer weights
shown in the Towing Load/Specification Chart
earlier in this section.
CAUTION

Do not use axle-mounted hitches.

The hitch should not be attached to
or affect the operation of the impact-
absorbing bumper.

Do not modify the vehicle exhaust
system, brake system, etc. to install atrailer hitch.

To reduce the possibility of addi-
tional damage if a vehicle is struck
from the rear, where practical, re-
move the hitch and/or receiver when
not in use.

After the hitch is removed, seal the
bolt holes to prevent exhaust fumes,
water or dust from entering the pas-
senger compartment.

Regularly check that all trailer hitch
mounting bolts are securely mounted.Tire pressures
When towing a trailer, inflate the vehicle tires
to the recommended cold tire pressure indi-
cated on the Tire and Loading Information
label.

Trailer tire condition, size, load rating and
proper inflation pressure should be in accor-
dance with the trailer and tire manufacturers’
specifications.
Safety chainAlways use a suitable chain between a vehicle
and the trailer. The safety chain should be
crossed and should be attached to the hitch, not
to the vehicle bumper or axle. Be sure to leave
enough slack in the chain to permit turning
corners.Trailer lights
CAUTION
When splicing into the vehicle electrical
system, a commercially available
power-type module/converter must be
used to provide power for all trailer
lighting. This unit uses the vehicle bat-
tery as a direct power source for all
trailer lights while using the vehicle tail
light, stoplight and turn signal circuits
as a signal source. The module/
converter must draw no more than 15
milliamps from the stop and tail lamp
circuits. Using a module/converter that
exceeds these power requirements may
damage the vehicle’s electrical system.
See a reputable trailer dealer to obtain
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