2013 INFINITI EX tire pressure

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PREPARING YOUR VEHICLE

BREAK-IN AND MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Infiniti recommends that you allow a sufficient “break-in” (500 miles) of both the engine and
drivetrain before towing with your new Infiniti vehicle. In addition, for the first 500 miles that you
tow a trailer, do not drive over 50 mph and do not make starts at full throttle.

Keep in mind, too, that towing places higher demands and added loads on vehicle components, so
more frequent maintenance is called for. Your Infiniti Service & Maintenance Guide provides the
accelerated maintenance schedule for towing purposes. Engine oil, filter, transmission oil, and
possibly other fluids should be changed more frequently when towing.

TIRE PRESSURE
When towing a trailer, increase the tow vehicle tire pressures to the recommended cold
specifications. You will find these figures in the vehicle owner’s manual and on the tire pressure
chart located within the vehicle. Trailer tire condition, size, load rating, and inflation pressure must
be in accordance with the trailer and tire manufacturer’s specifications.

MEASURING VEHICLE WEIGHT
The key to safe, efficient towing has to do with weight. Your vehicle — SUV, crossover, or passenger
car — is capable of carrying and towing only a certain amount of weight. You must compare your
vehicle’s tow weight ratings with the combined weight of the vehicle, trailer, and their contents.
This will help ensure that the total weight does not exceed any of your vehicle’s tow weight ratings.
There are four weights to consider when towing:
Š Gross Vehicle Weight
Š Gross Axle Weight (Front and Rear)
Š Gross Combined Weight
Š Trailer Tongue Load

These ratings are based upon normal highway driving and may be reduced if operating in reduced-
traction situations, for example, slippery boat ramps.

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Towing can significantly alter the handling and performance characteristics of your vehicle. Plus, it
puts increased strain on the engine and drivetrain. Therefore, it is always a good idea to approach
towing from the standpoint of safety — whether you are purchasing equipment or actually pulling
the trailer.

Always make sure your vehicle’s towing capacity is adequate for the trailer you intend to tow. Buy or
lease only quality equipment. In addition, be certain that you have all of the equipment needed for
safe towing, such as safety chains/cables, electric trailer brakes, electric trailer brake controller,
breakaway switch, and extended rear view mirrors.

You should follow a more frequent maintenance schedule and check fluid levels, pressures, tire
condition, etc., more often when on the road. See your vehicle owner’s manual for details.

LOADING YOUR TRAILER
Taking the time to load and balance your trailer properly will improve overall handling and minimize
the strain on your tow vehicle. Incorrectly loaded trailers tend to sway or swing from side to side,
upsetting vehicle handling. Careful loading and balancing can help eliminate these problems.

As mentioned earlier, conventional trailer tongue load must fall between 10-15% of the total trailer
weight, or within the limits of the maximum trailer tongue load specified by the trailer manufacturer.
Excessive trailer tongue load can actually push down the vehicle in back, lifting the front wheels to
a point where traction, steering response, and braking are severely reduced. Insufficient trailer
tongue load or negative load can lift the trailer tongue upwards on the trailer ball causing instability,
which may lead to “tail wagging” or jackknifing.

With this in mind, proper loading is extremely
important. When loading a trailer, 60% of the total
cargo weight should be positioned in the front
portion of the trailer and 40% in the back. Then the
load should be adjusted until the proper tongue load
ratio is achieved.

60%40%

TOWING SAFETY

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The trailer load should be balanced equally from
side-to-side. Unequal side-to-side loading can
negatively affect handling and braking. Once in
place, all cargo should be firmly secured to
prevent shifting. If the load should shift abruptly
during braking or cornering, it could quickly affect
the handling of your vehicle and cause a very
unsafe situation.


Finally, do not carry flammable materials, such as
gasoline, in your trailer. In the event of an accident, an explosion or fire could occur.

ENSURING VEHICLE/TRAILER STABILITY
Improper loading, excessive or insufficient trailer tongue load, overloading, excessive trailer weight,
poorly designed trailer suspensions, crosswinds, and poor maintenance are all things that can
affect the stability of your vehicle and trailer combination.

If swaying does occur, check the cargo load for proper balance and distribution to ensure proper
trailer tongue load. In addition, check the condition of the suspension and shocks, as well as the
tires, tire pressures, and wheel bearings on both the tow vehicle and trailer.

If the swaying continues and your trailer is suitably balanced and within the towing capacity limits
of your vehicle, discontinue towing and consult your Infiniti retailer or trailer manufacturer to
determine the problem.

VEHICLE SPEED
Please note that some states have specific regulations and speed limits for vehicles that are towing
trailers. Remember to reduce your speed in unsafe or less-than-ideal road conditions or weather.
When towing a trailer, braking distances increase while handling agility decreases. Always leave
yourself an extra margin of distance to respond to emergency situations.

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PASSENGERS
Never allow passengers to ride inside a trailer while it is being towed. Not only is this unlawful in
most areas, passengers could be seriously injured during sudden trailer movement or in an
accident. In addition, trailers may allow fumes from the tow vehicle to leak inside. This could result
in carbon monoxide poisoning from the engine exhaust.

VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS
Vehicle modifications — beyond those required for proper hitch installation, wiring hook-up, or
adding extended mirrors — are not recommended for any Infiniti vehicle being used for towing
purposes. Changes to the drivetrain, suspension, exhaust systems, frame structure/unibody, or
other vehicle components are not necessary for towing within the limits described in this guide.
These changes may diminish the reliability and longevity of your vehicle and damage caused by
such modifications may not be covered under your vehicle’s warranty.

TOOL KIT
When towing, bring tools including flares, a flashlight, emergency reflectors, jumper cables, extra
fuses, extra radiator coolant, oil, and easily replaced spare parts such as taillight bulbs. You should
also carry spare tires for your tow vehicle and trailer, as well as a jack suitable for use on the trailer.
Be aware that not all automotive jacks can be used safely on a trailer.

BEFORE STARTING OUT
Before starting out on a trip, make one last inspection of the tow vehicle and the trailer. Are the tire
pressures correct? Are the safety chains/cables securely in place? Is the cargo tied down securely?
Do all the lights work? Is the coupler properly attached over the hitch ball and secured using a
locking pin? Is the breakaway switch hooked up and functioning properly? Are vehicle and electric
trailer brakes working properly?

Make a checklist of key items to be inspected. When towing, vehicle engine oil, transmission oil,
and coolant should always be checked before starting out. Finding a potential problem while in
your driveway is better than discovering it miles from home.