2011 INFINITI M Owners Manual

TIRE LABELING
Federal law requires tire manufacturers
to place standardized information on the
sidewall of all tires. This information
identifies and describes the fundamen-
tal 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 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 side-
wall 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.
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 be-
cause it is not required by law.
7.H: Tire speed rating. You should not
drive the vehicle faster than the tire
speed rating.
Example
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Example
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2TIN (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 iden-
tification mark
3.Two-digit code: Tire size
4.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 side-
wall of the tire.
3Tire ply composition and material
The number of layers or plies of
rubber-coated fabric in the tire.
Tire manufacturers also must indi-
cate the materials in the tire, which
include steel, nylon, polyester, and
others.
4Maximum 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.
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 whether the tire requires an
inner tube (“tube type”) or not
(“tubeless”).
7The word “radial”
The word “radial” is shown, if the tire
has radial structure.
8Manufacturer 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, In-
tended Outboard Sidewall is (1) the side-
wall that contains a whitewall, bears
Example
SDI1607
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white lettering or bears manufacturer,
brand and/or model name molding that
is higher or deeper than the same mold-
ing on the other sidewall of the tire, or
(2) the outward facing 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 (Example:
Summer, All Season or Snow) and construc-
tion. An INFINITI retailer 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 ve-
hicle speed. Never exceed the maximum
speed rating of the tire.
● Replacing tires with those not originally
specified by INFINITI could affect the proper
operation of the TPMS. ●
For additional information regarding tires,
refer to “Important Tire Safety Information”
(US) or “Tire Safety Information” (Canada) in
the Warranty Information Booklet.
All season tires
INFINITI specifies all season tires on some
models to provide good performance all year,
including snowy and icy road conditions. All
Season tires are identified by ALL SEASON
and/or M&S (Mud and Snow) on the tire side-
wall. Snow tires have better snow traction than
All Season tires and may be more appropriate in
some areas.
Summer tires
INFINITI specifies summer tires on some models
to provide superior performance on dry roads.
Summer tire performance is substantially re-
duced in snow and ice. Summer tires do not
have the tire traction rating M&S on the tire
sidewall.
If you plan to operate your vehicle in snowy or
icy conditions, INFINITI recommends the use of
SNOW tires or ALL SEASON tires on all four
wheels.
Snow tires
If 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 install snow tires, they must be the same
size, brand, construction and tread pattern on
all four wheels.
For additional traction on icy roads, studded
tires may be used. However, some U.S. states
and Canadian provinces prohibit their use.
Check local, state and provincial laws before
installing studded tires. Skid and traction capa-
bilities of studded snow tires, on wet or dry
surfaces, may be poorer than that of non-
studded snow tires.
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TIRE CHAINS
Use of tire chains may be prohibited according
to location. Check the local laws before install-
ing tire chains. When installing tire chains,
make sure they are the 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 clear-
ance. 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 re-
quired to accommodate the use of a winter
traction device (tire chains or cables). The mini-
mum clearances are determined using the fac-
tory equipped tire size. Other types may dam-
age 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 addition, drive at a reduced speed.
Otherwise, your vehicle may be damaged
and/or vehicle handling and performance may
be adversely affected.
Tire chains must be installed only on the rear
wheels and not on the front wheels. Never install tire chains on a TEMPORARY USE
ONLY spare tire.
Do not use tire chains on dry roads. Driving with
tire chains in such conditions can cause dam-
age to the various mechanisms of the vehicle
due to some overstress.
CHANGING WHEELS AND TIRES
Tire rotation (Models equipped with
same size tires on all wheels)
INFINITI recommends rotating the tires
every 7,500 miles (12,000 km). (See
“FLAT TIRE” in the “6. In case of emer-
gency” section for tire replacing proce-
dures.)
As soon as possible, tighten the wheel
nuts to the specified torque with a torque
wrench.
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Wheel nut tightening torque:80 ft-lb (108 N·m)
The wheel nuts must be kept tightened to
the specification at all times. It is recom-
mended that wheel nuts be tightened to
the specification at each tire rotation in-
terval.
WARNING
●After rotating the tires, check and ad-
just the tire pressure.
●Retighten the wheel nuts when the
vehicle has been driven for 600 miles
(1,000 km) (also in cases of a flat tire,
etc.).
●Do not include the T-type spare tire or
any other small size spare tire in the
tire rotation.
●For additional information regarding
tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety
Information” (US) or “Tire Safety In-
formation” (Canada) in the Warranty
Information Booklet. 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.
●The original tires have built-in tread
wear indicators. When wear indica-
tors are visible, the tire(s) should be
replaced.
●Tires degrade with age and use. Have
tires, including the spare, over 6
years old checked by a qualified tech-
nician, because some tire damage
may not be obvious. Replace the tires
as necessary to prevent tire failure
and possible personal injury.
●Improper service of the spare tire may
result in serious personal injury. If it
is necessary to repair the spare tire,
contact an INFINITI retailer.
●For additional information regarding
tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety
Information” (US) or “Tire Safety In-
formation” (Canada) in the Warranty
Information Booklet.
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Replacing wheels and tires
When replacing a tire, use the same size, tread
design, speed rating and load carrying capacity
as originally equipped. (See “SPECIFICATIONS”
in the “9. Technical and consumer information”
section for recommended types and sizes of
tires and wheels.)
WARNING
●The use of tires other than those recom-
mended or the mixed use of tires of different
brands, construction (bias, bias-belted or ra-
dial), or tread patterns can adversely affect
the ride, braking, handling, ground clear-
ance, body-to-tire clearance, tire chain
clearance, speedometer calibration, head-
light aim and bumper height. Some of these
effects may lead to accidents and could re-
sult in serious personal injury. ●
If the wheels are changed for any reason,
always replace with wheels which have the
same off-set dimension. Wheels of a differ-
ent off-set could cause premature tire wear,
degrade vehicle handling characteristics
and/or interference with the brake
discs/drums. Such interference can lead to
decreased braking efficiency and/or early
brake pad/shoe wear. See “WHEELS AND
TIRES” in the “9. Technical and consumer
information” section of this manual for
wheel off-set dimensions.
● When a spare tire is mounted or a wheel is
replaced, the TPMS will not function and the
low tire pressure warning light will flash for
approximately 1 minute. The light will re-
main on after 1 minute. Contact your INFINITI
retailer as soon as possible for tire replace-
ment and/or system resetting.
● Replacing tires with those not originally
specified by INFINITI could affect the proper
operation of the TPMS.
● Do not install a damaged or deformed wheel
or tire even if it has been repaired. Such
wheels or tires could have structural damage
and could fail without warning.
● The use of retread tire is not recommended. ●
For additional information regarding tires,
refer to “Important Tire Safety Information”
(US) or “Tire Safety Information” (Canada) in
the Warranty Information Booklet.
Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
models
CAUTION
● Always use tires of the same type, size,
brand, construction (bias, bias-belted or ra-
dial), and tread pattern on all four wheels.
Failure to do so may result in a circumference
difference between tires on the front and
rear axles which will cause excessive tire
wear and may damage the transmission,
transfer case and differential gears.
● ONLY use spare tires specified for the Intel-
ligent AWD model.
If excessive tire wear is found, it is recom-
mended that all four tires be replaced with tires
of the same size, brand, construction and tread
pattern. The tire pressure and wheel alignment
should also be checked and corrected as nec-
essary. Contact an INFINITI retailer.
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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
balanced as required.
Wheel balance service should be performed with
the wheels off the vehicle. Spin balancing the
wheels on the vehicle could lead to mechanical
damage.
For additional information regarding tires, refer
to “Important Tire Safety Information” (US) or
“Tire Safety Information” (Canada) in the
INFINITI Warranty Information Booklet.
Care of wheels
See “CLEANING EXTERIOR” in the “7. Appear-
ance and care” section for details about care of
the wheels.
Spare tire (TEMPORARY USE ONLY
(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.
WARNING
●The T-type spare tire should be used for
emergency use. It should be replaced with
the standard tire at the first opportunity to
avoid possible tire or differential damage.
● Drive carefully while the TEMPORARY USE
ONLY spare tire is installed. Avoid sharp
turns and abrupt braking while driving.
● Periodically check spare tire inflation pres-
sure. Always keep the pressure of the TEM-
PORARY USE ONLY spare tire at 60 psi (420
kPa, 4.2 bar). Always keep the pressure of
the full size spare tire (if so equipped) at the
recommended pressure for standard tires,
as indicated on the Tire and Loading Infor-
mation label. For Tire and Loading Informa-
tion label location, see “Tire and Loading
Information label” in the index of this
manual.
● With the TEMPORARY USE ONLY spare tire
installed do not drive your vehicle at speeds
faster than 50 MPH (80 km/h).
● When driving on roads covered with snow or
ice, the TEMPORARY USE ONLY spare tire
should be used on the front wheels and origi-
nal tire used on the rear wheels (drive
wheels). Use tire chains only on the two rear
original tires. ●
Tire tread of the TEMPORARY USE ONLY
spare tire will wear at a faster rate than the
standard tire. Replace the spare tire as soon
as the tread wear indicators appear.
● Do not use the spare tire on other vehicles.
● Do not use more than one spare tire at the
same time.
● Do not tow a trailer when the TEMPORARY
USE ONLY spare tire is installed.
CAUTION
● Do not use tire chains on a TEMPORARY USE
ONLY spare tire. Tire chains will not fit prop-
erly and may cause damage to the vehicle.
● Because the TEMPORARY USE ONLY spare
tire is smaller than the original tire, ground
clearance is reduced. To avoid damage to the
vehicle, do not drive over obstacles. Also do
not drive the vehicle through an automatic
car wash since it may get caught.
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9 Technical and consumer information
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants........ 9-2
Fuel recommendation ........................... 9-4
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation ......... 9-6
Air conditioning system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations ..................... 9-7
Specifications ..................................... 9-8
Engine ........................................ 9-8
Wheels and tires ............................... 9-9
Dimensions ................................... 9-10
When traveling or registering your vehicle in
another country .................................. 9-10
Vehicle identification .............................. 9-11
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) plate .........9-11
Vehicle identification number (chassis
number) ....................................... 9-11
Engine serial number .......................... 9-12
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label .........9-12
Emission control information label ..............9-12
Tire and loading information label ..............9-13
Air conditioner specification label ...............9-13Installing front license plate
.......................9-14
Vehicle loading information ........................9-15
Terms ......................................... 9-15
Vehicle load capacity .......................... 9-17
Loading tips .................................. 9-18
Measurement of weights ....................... 9-18
Towing a trailer .................................. 9-19
Flat towing ................................... 9-19
Uniform tire quality grading .......................9-20
Treadwear .................................... 9-20
Traction AA, A, B and C ........................ 9-20
Temperature A, B and C ....................... 9-20
Emission control system warranty .................9-21
Reporting safety defects (US only) .................9-21
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test
(US only) ........................................ 9-22
Event Data Recorders (EDR) .......................9-23
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual order
information ...................................... 9-23
In the event of a collision ......................9-24
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