HARD BRAKING
You must inspect your tires after any hard braking cir-
cumstances or after tires have slid on the pavement.
This can cause a flat spot in a section of the tire tread.
TIRE SPINNING
Never spin your tires above a speedometer reading of
35 mph (55 km/h) if your vehicle becomes stuck. The
centrifugal force generated by the free spinning
tire/wheel assembly may cau se a sudden tire explo-
sion, resulting in vehicle damage and/or serious per-
sonal injury or death. Never allow anyone to stand near
or behind a tire spinning at high speed while attempting
to push a vehicle that is stuck. When in mud, sand,
snow, ice or other slippery conditions, do not indulge in
excessive wheel spin. In such conditions, with auto-
matic tran smission vehicles , by accelerating the engine
excessively, it is possible to spin one of the drive tires
beyond its speed capability. This is also true when bal-
ancing a drive tire/wheel assembly using the engine of
the vehicle to spin the wheel.
TIRE TREAD
Tires must be replaced when the depth of the tread
reaches 2/32 inch (1.6 mm). Tires are manufactured
with tread wear indicators molded into the tire grooves
which indicate tread wearout. As tires approximate
2/32 inch (1.6 mm) wearout, the tread gauge becomes
thinner and more vulnerable to the effects of road haz-
ards. Also, worn tires are more subject to hydroplaning,
which can cause loss of control. Therefore, visual tire
inspection becomes more crucial as the tires wear out.
WORN TIRES
Never drive on worn tires. Tires should be replaced by
trained personnel when 2/32nds of an inch tread depth
remains, as indicated by the tread wear indicators molded
into the tread grooves. In most states, it is illegal to drive
with less than 2/32nds of an inch of tread remaining.
TIRE MIXING
For best performance select tires similar in size and load
rating to the original equipment tires. It is recom-
mended that the same size and type of tire be used on
all four wheel positions. In certain tires, casing ply ma-
terial and ply construction may vary as indicated on the
sidewall of the tire. When changing or replacing tires, it
is preferred that all four tires are the same construction
type (i.e., High Performance, All Season, Mud & Snow)
and construction (Radial or Bias Ply). Before mixing tires
of different types on a vehicle in any configuration, be
sure to check the vehicle owner’s manual for its recom-
mendations.
Tires which meet the Rubber Manufacturer’s Associa-
tion (RMA) definition of mud and snow tires are marked
M/S, M+S, M&S. On such tires, this designation is
molded into the sidewall. Tires without this notation are
not recommended for mud and/or snow driving.
If snow tires are needed, it is necessary to select tires
equivalent in size and load rating to the original equip-
ment tires. Always fit performance snow tires in sets of
four (4) for optimum mud & snow traction and mainte-
nance of vehicle handling characteristics. If you do not,
it may adversely affect the safety and handling of your
vehicle. It is also important to check the vehicle owner’s
manual before mixing or matching tires on 4-wheel drive
vehicles as this may require special precautions. Please refer to your Owner’s Manual for more informa-
tion on tire replacement precautions.
TIRE ROTATION
Tires on your Nissan vehicle should be rotated every
7,500 miles or as irregular wear develops. If irregular
wear becomes apparent or if the wear rate on the tires is
perceptibly uneven, the tires should be rotated in such a
way to alleviate the problem. Check your vehicle for any
mechanical problems and correct if necessary. Any rota-
tion pattern or procedure may be followed including
those indicated in the Owner’s Manual. Some tires have
arrows on the sidewall showing the direction in which
the tire should turn. When rotating this type of tire, care
must be taken to maintain the proper turning direction
as indicated by the arrows.
Some vehicles have different
tire sizes specified for front and rear axles. Tires on these
vehicles should not be rotated side to side (unless they
are non-directional) . Where a temporary type spare tire
is available, it should not be included in the tire rotation
schedule. Such tires are intended for temporary use
only.
REPLACING TWO TIRES
If your vehicle was originally equipped with four tires
that were the same size and you are only replacing two
of the four tires, install the new tires on the rear axle.
Placing new tires on the front axle may cause loss of
vehicle control in some driving conditions and cause an
accident and personal injury.
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48 IMPORTANT TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION1
