2013 INFINITI M wheel

7-2Appearance and care
In order to maintain the appearance of
your vehicle, it is important to take proper
care of it.
To protect the paint surface, wash your
vehicle as soon as you can:
.after a rainfall to prevent possible
damage from acid rain
. after driving on coastal roads
. when contaminants such as soot, bird
droppings, tree sap, metal particles or
bugs get on the paint surface
. when dust or mud builds up on the
surface
Whenever possible, store or park your
vehicle inside a garage or in a covered
area.
When it is necessary to park outside, park
in a shady area or protect the vehicle with
a body cover.
Be careful not to scratch the paint surface
when putting on or removing the body
cover.WASHING
Wash dirt off the vehicle with a wet sponge
and plenty of water. Clean the vehicle
thoroughly using a mild soap, a special
vehicle soap or general purpose dishwash-
ing liquid mixed with clean, lukewarm
(never hot) water.
CAUTION
. Do not use car washes that use acid in
the detergent. Some car washes, espe-
cially brushless ones, use some acid for
cleaning. The acid may react with some
plastic vehicle components, causing
them to crack. This could affect their
appearance, and also could cause them
not to function properly. Always check
with your car wash to confirm that acid
is not used.
. Do not wash the vehicle with strong
household soap, strong chemical deter-
gents, gasoline or solvents.
. Do not wash the vehicle in direct sun-
light or while the vehicle body is hot, as
the surface may become water-spotted.
. Avoid using tight-napped or rough
cloths, such as washing mitts. Care must be taken when removing caked-on
dirt or other foreign substances so the
paint surface is not scratched or da-
maged.
Rinse the vehicle again with plenty of clean
water.
Inside flanges, seams and folds on the
doors, hatches and hood are particularly
vulnerable to the effects of road salt.
Therefore, these areas must be regularly
cleaned. Make sure that the drain holes in
the lower edge of the door are open. Spray
water under the body and in the wheel
wells to loosen the dirt and wash away
road salt.
Avoid leaving water spots on the paint
surface by using a damp chamois to dry
the vehicle.
WAXING
Regular waxing protects the paint surface
and helps retain new vehicle appearance.
Polishing is recommended to remove built-
up wax residue and to avoid a weathered
appearance before reapplying wax.
An INFINITI retailer can assist you in
choosing the proper product.
CLEANING EXTERIOR

.Wax your vehicle only after a thorough
washing. Follow the instructions sup-
plied with the wax.
. Do not use a wax containing any
abrasives, cutting compounds or clea-
ners that may damage the vehicle
finish.
Machine compound or aggressive polish-
ing on a base coat/clear coat paint finish
may dull the finish or leave swirl marks.
REMOVING SPOTS
Remove tar and oil spots, industrial dust,
insects, and tree sap as quickly as possible
from the paint surface to avoid lasting
damage or staining. Special cleaning
products are available at an INFINITI
retailer or any automotive accessory
stores.
UNDERBODY
In areas where road salt is used in winter,
the underbody must be cleaned regularly.
This will prevent dirt and salt from building
up and causing the acceleration of corro-
sion on the underbody and suspension.
Before the winter period and again in the
spring, the underseal must be checked
and, if necessary, re-treated.
GLASS
Use glass cleaner to remove smoke and
dust film from the glass surfaces. It is
normal for glass to become coated with a
film after the vehicle is parked in the hot
sun. Glass cleaner and a soft cloth will
easily remove this film.
CAUTION
When cleaning the inside of the windows,
do not use sharp-edged tools, abrasive
cleaners or chlorine-based disinfectant clea-
ners. They could damage the electrical
conductors, radio antenna elements or rear
window defroster elements.
WHEELS
Wash the wheels when washing the vehicle
to maintain their appearance.
. Clean the inner side of the wheels when
the wheel is changed or the underside
of the vehicle is washed.
. Inspect wheel rims regularly for dents
or corrosion. Such damage may cause
loss of pressure or poor seal at the tire
bead. .
INFINITI recommends that the road
wheels be waxed to protect against
road salt in areas where it is used
during winter.
CAUTION
Do not use abrasive cleaners when washing
the wheels.
Aluminum alloy wheels
Wash regularly with a sponge dampened in
a mild soap solution, especially during
winter months in areas where road salt is
used. Salt could discolor the wheels if not
removed.
CAUTION
Follow the directions below to avoid stain-
ing or discoloring the wheels:
. Do not use a cleaner that uses strong
acid or alkali contents to clean the
wheels.
. Do not apply wheel cleaners to the
wheels when they are hot. The wheel
temperature should be the same as
Appearance and care7-3

7-4Appearance and care
ambient temperature.
. Rinse the wheel to completely remove
the cleaner within 15 minutes after the
cleaner is applied.
CHROME PARTS
Clean chrome parts regularly with a non-
abrasive chrome polish to maintain the
finish.
TIRE DRESSING
INFINITI does not recommend the use of
tire dressings. Tire manufacturers apply a
coating to the tires to help reduce dis-
coloration of the rubber. If a tire dressing is
applied to the tires, it may react with the
coating and form a compound. This com-
pound may come off the tire while driving
and stain the vehicle paint.
If you choose to use a tire dressing, take
the following precautions:
.Use a water-based tire dressing. The
coating on the tire dissolves more
easily with an oil-based tire dressing.
. Apply a light coat of tire dressing to
help prevent it from entering the tire
tread/grooves (where it would be diffi-
cult to remove). .
Wipe off excess tire dressing using a
dry towel. Make sure the tire dressing
is completely removed from the tire
tread/grooves.
. Allow the tire dressing to dry as
recommended by tire dressing manu-
facturer. Occasionally remove loose dust from the
interior trim, plastic parts and seats using
a vacuum cleaner or soft bristled brush.
Wipe the vinyl and leather surfaces with a
clean, soft cloth dampened in mild soap
solution, then wipe clean with a dry soft
cloth.
Regular care and cleaning is required in
order to maintain the appearance of the
leather.
Before using any fabric protector, read the
manufacturer’
s recommendations. Some
fabric protectors contain chemicals that
may stain or bleach the seat material.
Use a cloth dampened only with water, to
clean the meter and gauge lens.
WARNING
Do not use water or acidic cleaners (hot
steam cleaners) on the seat. This can
damage the seat or occupant classification
sensors. This can also affect the operation
of the air bag system and result in serious
personal injury.
CLEANING INTERIOR

8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Maintenance requirement.................................... 8-2
Scheduled maintenance .................................. 8-2
General maintenance....................................... 8-2
Where to go for service ................................... 8-2
General maintenance ........................................... 8-3 Explanation of maintenance items ................... 8-3
Maintenance precautions ..................................... 8-5
Engine compartment check locations ................... 8-7 VK56VD engine ............................................... 8-7
VQ37VHR engine ............................................. 8-9
Engine cooling system ....................................... 8-11 Checking engine coolant level ....................... 8-12
Changing engine coolant ............................... 8-12
Engine oil .......................................................... 8-13 Checking engine oil level............................... 8-13
Changing engine oil and filter ....................... 8-13
Automatic transmission fluid ............................. 8-16
Power steering fluid........................................... 8-16
Brake fluid......................................................... 8-17 Brake fluid .................................................... 8-17
Window washer fluid ......................................... 8-18
Battery .............................................................. 8-19 Jump starting ................................................ 8-20
Variable voltage control system ......................... 8-20 Drive belts ........................................................ 8-21
Spark plugs ...................................................... 8-21 Replacing spark plugs ................................. 8-22
Air cleaner ........................................................ 8-22
Windshield wiper blades ................................... 8-24 Cleaning ...................................................... 8-24
Replacing..................................................... 8-24
Brakes .............................................................. 8-25 Self-adjusting brakes ................................... 8-25
Brake pad wear warning .............................. 8-25
Fuses ................................................................ 8-26 Engine compartment .................................... 8-26
Passenger compartment............................... 8-28
Intelligent Key battery replacement ................... 8-29
Lights................................................................ 8-31 Headlights ................................................... 8-31
Exterior and interior lights ........................... 8-32
Wheels and tires ............................................... 8-34 Tire pressure ............................................... 8-34
Tire labeling ................................................ 8-38
Types of tires............................................... 8-40
Tire chains ................................................... 8-41
Changing wheels and tires........................... 8-41

During the normal day-to-day operation of
the vehicle, general maintenance should
be performed regularly as prescribed in
this section. If you detect any unusual
sounds, vibrations or smell, be sure to
check for the cause or have an INFINITI
retailer do it promptly. In addition, you
should notify an INFINITI retailer if you
think that repairs are required.
When performing any checks or mainte-
nance work, see“Maintenance precau-
tions” later in this section.
EXPLANATION OF MAINTENANCE
ITEMS
Additional information on the following
items with “*” is found later in this
section.
Outside the vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should
be performed from time to time, unless
otherwise specified.
Doors and engine hood: Check that all
doors and the engine hood, operate
properly. Also ensure that all latches lock
securely. Lubricate hinges, latches, latch
pins, rollers and links if necessary. Make
sure that the secondary latch keeps the
hood from opening when the primary latch is released.
When driving in areas using road salt or
other corrosive materials, check lubrication
frequently.
Lights*:
Clean the headlights on a regular
basis. Make sure that the headlights, stop
lights, tail lights, turn signal lights, and
other lights are all operating properly and
installed securely. Also check headlight
aim.
Road wheel nuts (lug nuts)*: When check-
ing the tires, make sure no wheel nuts are
missing, and check for any loose wheel
nuts. Tighten if necessary.
Tire rotation*: Tires should be rotated
every 7,500 miles (12,000 km). If your
vehicle is equipped with different sized
tires in the front and rear, tires cannot be
rotated.
Tires*: Check the pressure with a gauge
often and always prior to long distance
trips. If necessary, adjust the pressure in
all tires, including the spare, to the
pressure specified. Check carefully for
damage, cuts or excessive wear.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
transmitter components: Replace the TPMS
transmitter grommet seal, valve core and cap when the tires are replaced due to
wear or age.
Tire, wheel alignment and balance:
If the
vehicle should pull to either side while
driving on a straight and level road, or if
you detect uneven or abnormal tire wear,
there may be a need for wheel alignment.
If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at
normal highway speeds, wheel balancing
may be needed.
For additional information regarding tires,
refer to “Important Tire Safety Information”
(US) or “Tire Safety Information” (Canada)
in the INFINITI Warranty Information Book-
let.
Windshield: Clean the windshield on a
regular basis. Check the windshield at
least every six months for cracks or other
damage. Have a damaged windshield
repaired by a qualified repair facility.
Windshield wiper blades*: Check for
cracks or wear if they do not wipe properly.
Inside the vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should
be checked on a regular basis, such as
when performing periodic maintenance,
cleaning the vehicle, etc.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-3
GENERAL MAINTENANCE

8-4Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Accelerator pedal:Check the pedal for
smooth operation and make sure the pedal
does not catch or require uneven effort.
Keep the floor mat away from the pedal.
Automatic transmission P (Park) mechan-
ism: On a fairly steep hill, check that your
vehicle is held securely with the selector
lever in the P (Park) position without
applying any brakes.
Brake pedal: Check the pedal for smooth
operation. If the brake pedal suddenly
goes down further than normal, the pedal
feels spongy or the vehicle seems to take
longer to stop, see an INFINITI retailer
immediately. Keep the floor mat away from
the pedal.
Brakes: Check that the brakes do not pull
the vehicle to one side when applied.
Parking brake: Check the parking brake
operation regularly. The vehicle should be
securely held on a fairly steep hill with only
the parking brake applied. If the parking
brake needs adjusted, see an INFINITI
retailer.
Seat belts: Check that all parts of the seat
belt system (for example, buckles, an-
chors, adjuster and retractors) operate
properly and smoothly, and are installed securely. Check the belt webbing for cuts,
fraying, wear or damage.
Seats:
Check seat position controls such as
seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. to
ensure they operate smoothly and that all
latches lock securely in every position.
Check that the head restraints move up
and down smoothly and that the locks (if
so equipped) hold securely in all latched
positions.
Steering wheel: Check for changes in the
steering conditions, such as excessive free
play, hard steering or strange noises.
Warning lights and chimes: Make sure that
all warning lights and chimes are operating
properly.
Windshield defroster: Check that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly
and in sufficient quantity when operating
the heater or air conditioner.
Windshield wiper and washer*: Check that
the wipers and washer operate properly
and that the wipers do not streak.
Under the hood and vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should
be checked periodically (for example, each
time you check the engine oil or refuel). Battery*:
Check the fluid level in each cell.
It should be between the MAX and MIN
lines. Vehicles operated in high tempera-
tures or under severe condition require
frequent checks of the battery fluid level.
NOTE:
Care should be taken to avoid situations
that can lead to potential battery dis-
charge and potential no-start conditions
such as:
1. Installation or extended use of electro-
nic accessories that consume battery
power when the engine is not running
(Phone chargers, GPS, DVD players,
etc.)
2. Vehicle is not driven regularly and/or
only driven short distances.
In these cases, the battery may need to be
charged to maintain battery health.
Brake fluid level*: Make sure that the
brake fluid level is between the MAX and
MIN lines on the reservoir.
Engine coolant level*: Check the coolant
level when the engine is cold.
Engine drive belts*: Make sure that no belt
is frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level*: Check the level after

parking the vehicle on a level spot and
turning off the engine. Wait more than 15
minutes for the oil to drain back into the oil
pan.
Exhaust system:Make sure there are no
loose supports, cracks or holes. If the
sound of the exhaust seems unusual or
there is a smell of exhaust fumes, im-
mediately have the exhaust system in-
spected by an INFINITI retailer. (See
“Precautions when starting and driving”
in the “5. Starting and driving” section for
exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide).)
Fluid leaks: Check under the vehicle for
fuel, oil, water or other fluid leaks after the
vehicle has been parked for a while. Water
dripping from the air conditioner after use
is normal. If you should notice any leaks or
if gasoline fumes are evident, check for the
cause and have it corrected immediately.
Power steering fluid level* and lines:
Check the level when the fluid is cold,
with the engine off. Check the lines for
proper attachment, leaks, cracks, etc.
Radiator and hoses: Check the front of the
radiator and clean off any dirt, insects,
leaves, etc., that may have accumulated.
Make sure the hoses have no cracks,
deformation, rot or loose connections. Underbody:
The underbody is frequently
exposed to corrosive substances such as
those used on icy roads or to control dust.
It is very important to remove these
substances, otherwise rust will form on
the floor pan, frame, fuel lines and around
the exhaust system. At the end of winter,
the underbody should be thoroughly
flushed with plain water, being careful to
clean those areas where mud and dirt may
accumulate. For additional information,
see “Cleaning exterior” in the“7. Appear-
ance and care ”section.
Windshield washer fluid*: Check that there
is adequate fluid in the reservoir. When performing any inspection or main-
tenance work on your vehicle, always take
care to prevent serious accidental injury to
yourself or damage to the vehicle. The
following are general precautions which
should be closely observed.
WARNING
.
Park the vehicle on a level surface, apply
the parking brake securely and block the
wheels to prevent the vehicle from
moving. Move the selector lever to P
(Park).
. Be sure the ignition switch is in the OFF
or LOCK position when performing any
parts replacement or repairs.
. Never connect or disconnect the battery
or any transistorized component while
the ignition switch is in the ON position.
. Never leave the engine or automatic
transmission related component har-
nesses disconnected while the ignition
switch is in the ON position.
. If you must work with the engine
running, keep your hands, clothing, hair
and tools away from moving fans, belts
and any other moving parts.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-5
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS

8-34Maintenance and do-it-yourself
SDI1839
Vanity mirror lightIf you have a flat tire, see
“Flat tire”in the
“6. In case of emergency” section.
TIRE PRESSURE
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS)
This vehicle is equipped with the Tire
Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). It
monitors tire pressure of all tires except
the spare. When the low tire pressure
warning light is lit and the CHECK TIRE
PRESSURE warning appears in the dot
matrix liquid crystal display, one or more
of your tires is significantly under-inflated.
The TPMS will activate only when the
vehicle is driven at speeds above 16 MPH
(25 km/h). Also, this system may not
detect a sudden drop in tire pressure (for
example a flat tire while driving).
For more details, see“Low tire pressure
warning light” in the“2. Instruments and
controls” section,“Tire Pressure Monitor-
ing System (TPMS)” in the“5. Starting and
driving” section and “Tire Pressure Mon-
itoring System (TPMS)” in the“6. In case of
emergency” section.
Tire inflation pressure
Check the pressure of the tires
(including the spare) often and al-
ways prior to long distance trips. The
recommended tire pressure specifi-
cations are shown on the Tire and
Loading Information label under the
“Cold Tire Pressure” heading. The
Tire and Loading Information label is
affixed to the driver side center pillar.
Tire pressures should be checked
regularly because:
.Most tires naturally lose air over time.
.Tires can lose air suddenly whendriven over potholes or other
objects or if the vehicle strikes a
curb while parking.
The tire pressures should be checked
when the tires are cold. The tires are
considered COLD after the vehicle
has been parked for 3 or more hours,
or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km) at
moderate speeds.
WHEELS AND TIRES