2008 NISSAN 350Z Owners Manual

TIRE PRESSURE
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS)This vehicle is equipped with the Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS). It monitors tire pres-
sure of all tires except the spare. When the low
tire pressure warning light is lit, one or more of
your tires is significantly under-inflated.
The TPMS will activate only when the vehicle is
driven at speeds above 16 MPH (25 km/h). Also,
this system may not detect a sudden drop in tire
pressure (for example a flat tire while driving).
For more details, refer to “Low tire pressure
warning light” in the “2. Instruments and con-
trols” section, “Tire pressure monitoring system
(TPMS)” in the “5. Starting and driving” section,
and “Flat tire” in the “6. In case of emergency”
section.
Tire inflation pressureCheck 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 under
the “COLD TIRE 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 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 mod-
erate speeds.
SDI1401A
WHEELS AND TIRES
8-30
Maintenance and do-it-yourself


07.7.25/Z33-D/V5.0


Incorrect tire pressure, including un-
der inflation, may adversely affect
tire life and vehicle handling.
WARNING

Improperly inflated tires can fail
suddenly and cause an acci-
dent.

The Gross Vehicle Weight Rat-
ing (GVWR) is located on the
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certifica-
tion label. The vehicle weight
capacity is indicated on the Tire
and Loading Information label.
Do not load your vehicle be-
yond this capacity. Overloading
your vehicle may result in re-
duced tire life, unsafe operating
conditions due to premature
tire failure, or unfavorable han-
dling characteristics and could
also lead to a serious accident.
Loading beyond the specifiedcapacity may also result in fail-
ure of other vehicle compo-
nents.

Before 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.

Do 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.

For additional information re-
garding tires, refer to “Impor-
tant Tire Safety Information”
(US) or “Tire Safety Informa-
tion” (Canada) in the Warranty
Information Booklet.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-31


07.7.25/Z33-D/V5.0


Tire and Loading Information label1
Seating capacity: The maximum
number of occupants that can be
seated in the vehicle.
2
Vehicle load limit: See loading infor-
mation in the “Technical and con-
sumer information” section.
3
Original size: The size of the tiresoriginally installed on the vehicle at
the factory.
4
Cold tire 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 vehicle’s GVWR.
5
Tire size — refer to “Tire labeling”
later in this section.
6
Spare tire size or compact spare tire
size (if so equipped).
SDI1948
8-32
Maintenance and do-it-yourself


07.7.25/Z33-D/V5.0


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, reposi-
tion the gauge to eliminate this leak-
age.3. Remove the gauge.
4. Read the tire pressure on the gauge
stem and compare it to the specifica-
tion shown on the Tire and Loading
Information label.
5. Add air to the tire as needed. If too
much air is added, press the core of
the valve stem briefly with the tip of the
gauge stem to release pressure. Re-
check the pressure and add or release
air as needed.
6. Install the valve stem cap.
7. Check the pressure of all other tires,
including the spare.
Coupe
modelSizeCold Tire
Inflation
Pressure
Front
Original
Tire225/45R18
245/40R18240 kPa
(35 psi)
Rear
Original
Tire245/45R18
265/35R19240 kPa
(35 psi)
Spare
TireT145/80D17420 kPa
(60 psi)Roadster
modelSizeCold Tire
Inflation
Pressure
Front
Original
Tire225/45R18240 kPa
(35 psi)
Rear
Original
Tire245/45R18240 kPa
(35 psi)
Spare
TireT145/80D17420 kPa
(60 psi)
SDI1949
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-33


07.7.25/Z33-D/V5.0


TIRE LABELINGFederal law requires tire manufacturers
to place standardized information on the
sidewall of all tires. This information iden-
tifies and describes the fundamental
characteristics of the tire and also pro-
vides the tire identification number (TIN)
for safety standard certification. The TIN
can be used to identify the tire in case of
a recall.
1
Tire size (example: P215/65R15
95H)
1. P: The “P” indicates the tire is de-
signed for passenger vehicles. (Not all
tires have this information.)
2. Three-digit number (215): This num-
ber gives the width in millimeters of the
tire from sidewall edge to sidewall
edge.
3. Two-digit number (65): This number,
known as the aspect ratio, gives thetire’s ratio of height to width.
4. R: The “R” stands for radial.
5. Two-digit number (15): This number is
the wheel or rim diameter in inches.
6. Two- or three-digit number (95): 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 be-
cause it is not required by law.
7. Tire Speed Rating. You should not
drive the vehicle faster than the tire
speed rating.
SDI1575
Example
SDI1951
Example
8-34
Maintenance and do-it-yourself


07.7.25/Z33-D/V5.0


2
TIN (Tire Identification Number) for a
new tire (example: DOT XX XX XXX
XXXX)
1. DOT: Abbreviation for the “Depart-
ment 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 identi-
fication mark
3. Two-digit code: Tire size4. Three-digit code: Tire type code (Op-
tional)
5. Three-digit code: Date of Manufacture
6. 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 pres-
sure
This number is the greatest amount
of air pressure that should be put in
the tire. Do not exceed the maximum
permissible inflation pressure.
5
Maximum load rating
This number indicates the maximumload 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.
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 word “radial” is 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 whitewall, bears white letter-
ing or bears manufacturer, brand, and/or
model name molding that is higher or
deeper than the same molding on the
SDI1607
Example
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-35


07.7.25/Z33-D/V5.0


other sidewall of the tire, or (2) the
outward facing sidewall of an asymmetri-
cal 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 vehicle
speed. Never exceed the maximum
speed rating of the tire.

Replacing tires with those not origi-
nally specified by NISSAN could af-
fect the proper operation of the tirepressure monitoring system (TPMS).

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.
8-36
Maintenance and do-it-yourself


07.7.25/Z33-D/V5.0


TIRE CHAINS
CAUTION
Tire chains/cables should not be in-
stalled on 265/35R19 size tires. Installa-
tion of the tire chains/cables on
265/35R19 size tires will cause damage
to the vehicle. If you plan to use tire
chains/cables, you should install
245/45R18 size tires on your vehicle.
Use 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
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 the tire chains on a T-type
spare tire.

Do not use the tire 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 installing the spare
tire in the front wheel, the hole in the
spare tire wheel must be aligned with the
pin on the brake rotor.
WARNING

Retighten the wheel nuts when the
vehicle has been driven for 600 miles
(1,000 km) (also in cases of a flat tire,
etc.).

For additional information regarding
tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-37


07.7.25/Z33-D/V5.0