2013 Infiniti Towing Guide  
 9 
  
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.