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.
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
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-35
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
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.Wheel nut tightening torque:
98 ft-lb (133 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.).
●For additional information regarding
tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety
Information” (US) or “Tire Safety In-
formation” (Canada) in the Warranty
Information Booklet.
SDI1662
8-36Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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.
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.
SDI1663
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-37
●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.
Four-wheel Drive (4WD) 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 4WD
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.
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
When a spare tire is mounted (TEMPORARY USE
ONLY or conventional), the TPMS will not func-
tion.
8-38Maintenance and do-it-yourself
AIR CONDITIONER SPECIFICATION
LABEL
The air conditioner specification label is at-
tached as shown.To install the front license plate bracket to your
vehicle, contact an INFINITI retailer.
WARNING
●It is extremely dangerous to ride in a
cargo area inside the vehicle. In a col-
lision, people riding in these areas
are more likely to be seriously injured
or killed.
●Do not allow people to ride in any area
of vehicle that is not equipped with
seats and seat belts.
●Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in
a seat and using a seat belt properly.
TERMS
It is important to familiarize yourself
with the following terms before loading
your vehicle:
●Curb Weight (actual weight of your
vehicle) - vehicle weight including:
standard and optional equipment, flu-
ids, emergency tools, and spare tire
assembly. This weight does not
include
passengers and cargo.
STI0739
INSTALLING FRONT LICENSE PLATE VEHICLE LOADING INFORMATION
9-12Technical and consumer information
3.Subtract the combined weight of the
driver and passengers from XXX kg or
XXX lbs.
4.The resulting figure equals the avail-
able 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 x 150) = 650
lbs) or (640 340 (5 x 70) = 300 kg.)
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 trans-
ferred to your vehicle. Consult this
manual to determine how this re-
duces the available cargo and lug-
gage load capacity of your vehicle. Before driving a loaded vehicle, confirm
that 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 pres-
sures. See the Tire and Loading Informa-
tion label.
SECURING THE LOAD
There are tie down hooks located in the cargo
area as shown. The tie down hooks can be used
to secure cargo with ropes or other types of
straps.
Do not apply a total load of more than 22 lb (10
kg) to a single hook
Aor 7 lb (3 kg) to a single
hook
Bwhen securing cargo.
WARNING
● Properly secure all cargo with ropes or
straps to help prevent it from sliding or shift-
ing. Do not place cargo higher than the seat-
backs. In a sudden stop or collision, unse-
cured cargo could cause personal injury.
SIC4446
Technical and consumer information9-15
●The child restraint top tether strap may be
damaged by contact with items in the cargo
area. Secure any items in the cargo area. Your
child could be seriously injured or killed in a
collision if the top tether strap is damaged.
● 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 result in loss of control and cause per-
sonal injury.
LOADING TIPS
●The GVW must not exceed GVWR or
GAWR as specified on the F.M.V.S.S./
C.M.V.S.S. certification label.
●Do not load the front and rear axle to
the GAWR. Doing so will exceed the
GVWR.
WARNING
●Properly secure all cargo to help pre-
vent it from sliding or shifting. Do not
place cargo higher than the seatbacks.
In a sudden stop or collision, unsecured
cargo could cause personal 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 oc-
cur, or it can change the way your ve-
hicle handles. This could result in loss
of control and cause personal injury.
●Overloading not only can shorten the
life of your vehicle and the tire, but can
cause unsafe vehicle handling and
long braking distance. This may cause
a premature tire failure, which could
result in a serious accident and per-
sonal injury. Failures caused by over-
loading are not covered by the vehi-
cle’s warranty.
MEASUREMENT OF WEIGHTS
Secure loose items to prevent weight
shifts that could affect the balance of
your vehicle. When the vehicle is loaded,
drive to a scale and weigh the front and
the rear wheels separately to determine
axle loads. Individual axle loads should
not exceed either of the gross axle
weight ratings (GAWR). The total of the
axle loads should not exceed the gross
vehicle weight rating (GVWR). These rat-
ings are given on the vehicle certifica-
tion label. If weight ratings are ex-
ceeded, move or remove items to bring
all weights below the ratings.
9-16
Technical and consumer information
WARNING
Overloading or improper loading of a trailer and
its cargo can adversely affect vehicle handling,
braking and performance 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.
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, drivetrain, steer-
ing, braking and other systems.
An INFINITI Towing Guide (U.S. only) is available
on the website at www.InfinitiUSA.com. This
guide includes information on trailer towing
capability and the special equipment required
for proper towing.
MAXIMUM LOAD LIMITS
Maximum trailer loads
Never allow the total trailer load to exceed the
value specified in the “TOWING LOAD/ SPECIFI-
CATION” later in this section. The total trailer
load equals trailer weight plus its cargo weight.
● When towing a trailer load of 3,500 lbs (1,587
kg) or more, trailers with a brake system
MUST be used.
The maximum Gross Combined Weight Rating
(GCWR) should not exceed the value specified in
the following “Towing Load/Specification”
chart. The GCWR equals the combined weight of the
towing vehicle (including passengers and
cargo) plus the total trailer load. Towing loads
greater than these or using improper towing
equipment could adversely affect vehicle han-
dling, braking and performance.
The ability of your vehicle to tow a trailer is not
only related to the maximum trailer loads, but
also the places you plan to tow. Tow weights
appropriate for level highway driving may have
to be reduced on very steep grades or for low
traction situations (for example, on slippery
boat ramps).
STI0541
TOWING A TRAILER
Technical and consumer information9-17