GTR-12GT-R Overview
FUEL
NISSAN recommends using fuels that contain
no alcohol. However, fuels containing up to 10%
alcohol may be used, if necessary. Do not use E-
15 or E-85 in your vehicle. (
“Fuel recom-
mendation” page 9-4)
NOTICE
To avoid serious engine damage due to
increased cylinder temperatures, do not
use fuels that contain more alcohol
than indicated in
“Gasoline con-
taining oxygenates” page 9-4. Also, do
not use fuel additives, fuel stabilizers or
fuel deicers that contain alcohol.
BODY REPAIR
The body of the GT-R has been manufactured
on special fixtures utilizing a hybrid structure
with aluminum die cast parts for the frame work.
Special skills, information and equipment are
required to correctly repair the body. Contact a
GT-R certified NISSAN dealer if the vehicle is
damaged, such as in a collision, and they will
recommend an appropriate body shop.
Only certified body shops using CELETTE
®
advanced collision repair equipment are ap- proved by NISSAN for repairing structural body
damage. Contact a GT-R certified NISSAN
dealer or NISSAN Consumer Affairs for a
referral or list of certified body shops.
DRIVING AFTER REPLACING TIRES
Avoid the driving conditions listed under “Addi-
tional maintenance items” in this section for 48
hours after tires are installed on the wheels
(
“Additional maintenance items” page
GTR-12) . The tire may slip on the wheel if the
vehicle is driven in these conditions before 48
hours have passed. If the tire slips on the wheel,
the wheel/tire assembly will be out of balance
and will require rebalancing.
The information and specifications in this
section apply only when engaging in
performance driving.
The following information applies only if you
engage in performance driving such as driving
your GT-R for extended periods under the
following conditions.
. Higher-RPM (approaching redline) opera-
tion
. Frequent high pedal force braking from
moderate and higher speeds
. Frequent throttle activation
. Fast revving throughout the RPM range
In such cases, the following additional main-
tenance guidelines apply.
However, you should also carefully read
your 2013 NISSAN GT-R Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet for important information
concerning warranty coverage, limitations
and exclusions.
We recommend that all GT-R maintenance be
performed at a GT-R certified NISSAN dealer.
NISSAN will only pay for GT-R Performance
Optimization Services performed at a GT-R
certified NISSAN dealer.
ADDITIONAL MAINTENANCE ITEMS
GTR-16GT-R Overview
.Inspect the dust boot of the drive shaft
universal joint for cracks or damage.
Suspension and wheel alignment
The information and specifications in this
section apply only when engaging in
performance driving.
.Check the steering and suspension system
and other links for loose and/or damaged
parts.
. Measure and adjust the wheel alignment.
(
“Wheel alignment” page GTR-10)
Contact a GT-R certified NISSAN dealer to
adjust the wheel alignment to the recom-
mended setting for high performance driv-
ing. Preventing toe-out:
Toe-out can cause uneven tire wear or
damage to areas inside the tires due to
high heat. Be sure to have the wheel
alignment toe-in setting checked and ad-
justed by your GT-R certified NISSAN
dealer before any performance driving on
closed circuit tracks. Obey all traffic laws
when on public roads.
Toe-in specification
Front 0.059 in (1.5 mm)
Rear
0.079 in (2.0 mm)
Wheels and tires
The information and specifications in this
section apply only when engaging in
performance driving.
. Check tire wear and cracking.
. Inspect the tire side wall for damage.
. Check the tire pressure and adjust the
pressure as necessary when the tires are
cold. (
“Wheels and tires” page 8-31)
GTR-18GT-R Overview
WARNING
Keep your tires inflated to the correct
tire pressure. Driving with low tire
pressure can damage some powertrain
systems and affect the operation of the
ABS and VDC systems. Low Tire pres-
sure may also cause tire failure and
result in serious personal injury or
death.
. Make sure the tire valve stem cap is installed
and that the valve stem is tight. When
installing the cap, make sure to tighten the
cap by hand. If a tool is used to tighten the
cap, the cap may be damaged.
. Make sure the wheel nuts are tight.
(
“Wheels and tires” page 8-31)
. Make sure the drive shaft nuts are tight.
. Make sure to replace the grommet seal, the
valve core and the valve cap of the Tire
Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensor
attached to the wheel every 3 years for
performance driving use. Replace them
every 5 years even when not engaging in
performance driving. A dirty grommet seal
will cause the air leak from the tire. .
Make sure that the nuts and valves that are
attached to the TPMS sensor are tight and
there is no nitrogen leak.
. Use only a NISSAN genuine valve cap or
equivalent.
. Check wheel hub run out and that the wheel
rotates smoothly without any friction. Check
these with the tires removed whenever an
inspection is performed with the vehicle
jacked up.
. Secure road wheel balance weights with
aluminum tape.
. Check that the wheel nuts are not stripped.
.Make sure the tire has not slipped on the
wheel causing the assembly to be out of
balance. The reference marks on the tire and
wheel should be aligned. If the reference
marks are not aligned, the tire has slipped on
the wheel. Have the wheels/tires reba-
lanced. Make sure the old reference marks
are erased and new reference marks are
applied to the wheel and tire. When instal-
ling new tires on the wheels, make sure new
reference marks are applied to the wheels
and tires.
. Avoid the driving conditions listed under
“Additional maintenance items” in this sec-
tion for 48 hours after tires are installed on
the wheels. The tire may slip on the wheel if
the vehicle is driven in these conditions
before 48 hours have passed. If the tire slips
on the wheel, the wheel/tire assembly will be
out of balance and will require rebalancing.
Brakes
The information and specifications in this
section apply only when engaging in
performance driving.
.Check for the heat deterioration of the
brakes and parts around the brakes.
. It is recommended that you remove air from
the brake system after any of the following:
— When engaging in high performance
driving for the first time after purchasing
a new vehicle.
— After replacing the brake fluid.
— When engaging in high performance driving for a sustained period of time. It
is recommended that bleeding the brake
be performed when the brake calipers
are hot (about 2128F (1008C)) .
Brake pad:
NISSAN recommends adding an additional
cross spring to the front calipers before enga-
ging in performance driving. The additional
spring reduces brake pad movement resulting from cornering forces and will reduce the stroke
of the brake pedal. Contact a GT-R certified
NISSAN dealer to purchase the spring and
arrange installation. If a cross spring is added, a
clattering or squeaking sound may be heard on
rare occasions.
Brake pad break-in procedure:
NISSAN recommends that a special brake pad
break-in procedure be performed before enga-
ging in performance driving. Contact a GT-R
certified NISSAN dealer for details.
INSPECTION AND ADJUSTMENTS
AFTER DRIVING
The information and specifications in this
section apply only when engaging in
performance driving.
NOTICE
At the completion of performance driv-
ing, all fluid and other adjustments
should be returned to the normal fluid
specifications as shown in the “Main-
tenance and do-it-yourself” section of
this manual.
Fluids
The information and specifications in this
section apply only when engaging in
performance driving.
.
Check the engine, transmission, differential
and under the vehicle for oil and coolant
leaks.
. Check the fluid levels and adjust as neces-
sary using the specified fluid as described
under the conditions listed in this section.
(
“Recommended fluids and mainte-
nance interval” page GTR-20) If you do not
drive under the conditions listed, refer to the
2013 NISSAN Service and Maintenance
Guide.
. When changing fluids, be sure to use the
specified fluids as described in this Owner’s
manual. (
“Capacities and recom-
mended fuel/lubricants” page 9-2)
GT-R OverviewGTR-19
Suspension and wheel alignment
.Check the steering and suspension system
and other links for loose and/or damaged
parts.
. Measure and adjust the wheel alignment.
Contact a GT-R certified NISSAN dealer to
adjust the wheel alignment to the recom-
mended setting for normal driving.
Wheels and tires
.Check tire wear and cracking.
. Inspect the tire side wall for damage.
. Check the tire pressure and adjust the
pressure as necessary when the tires are
cold. (
“Wheels and tires” page GTR-
16) If you do not drive under the conditions
listed in this section, see (
“Wheels and
tires” page 8-31)
. Check that the wheel nuts are not stripped.
Check if there is no deformation on the
contact surface of the wheel nuts.
. Make sure the wheel nuts are tight.
(
“Wheels and tires” page 8-31)
. Make sure the drive shaft nuts are tight.
. Check wheel hub run out and that the wheel
rotates smoothly without any friction. Check
these with the tires removed whenever an inspection is performed with the vehicle
jacked up.
. Make sure the tire has not slipped on the
wheel causing the assembly to be out of
balance. The reference marks on the tire and
wheel should be aligned. If the reference
marks are not aligned, the tire has slipped on
the wheel. Have the wheels/tires reba-
lanced. Make sure the old reference marks
are erased and new reference marks are
applied to the wheel and tire. When instal-
ling new tires on the wheels, make sure new
reference marks are applied to the wheels
and tires. (
“Wheels and tires” page
GTR-16)
. Make sure that the TPMS sensor installation
nuts and the sensor valve are tight and there
is no nitrogen leak.
Brakes
.Check for the heat deterioration of the
brakes and parts around the brakes.
. Check the condition of the brake pads and
disc rotors and replace them as necessary.
Engine and powertrain
.Check the engine, transmission, differential
and under the vehicle for oil and coolant leaks.
. Inspect the area surrounding the catalytic
converter for heat deterioration.
. Inspect and confirm the clearance between
the exhaust finisher and rear bumper is more
than 0.24 in (6 mm) (up/down) and more
than 0.20 in (5 mm) (left/right) .
. The clutch clearance and shift fork position
may need to be adjusted.
. Inspect the dust boot of the drive shaft
universal joint for cracks or damage.
. Check that there is no abnormal noise,
vibrations or warning lights illuminated when
making tight turns at slow speed (for tight
corner braking phenomenon) .
GT-R OverviewGTR-23
1588F (708C) , drive the vehicle until it reaches
normal operating temperature. If the temperature
is higher than 2308F (1108C), perform cool-
down driving procedure. (
“Cool down”
page GTR-13) When the temperature of the
engine coolant is between 1588F (708C) and
2308F (1108C) , the engine output returns to
normal.
DISTORTION OF REAR SPOILER
When the vehicle is parked in direct sunlight on
a hot day, the center of the rear spoiler may
become distorted. This is normal. When the
surface temperature of the rear spoiler is
reduced, the shape of the spoiler should return
to normal.
UNEVEN WEAR OF TIRES
The GT-R is equipped with high performance,
low profile, run-flat tires that are optimized for
performance and handling. The life of these tires
will be less than those of tires installed on a
typical vehicle, and you are likely to experience
uneven tire wear and tire noise regardless of the
type of tire used.
NOISES ARE HEARD WHILE DRIV-
ING
. The GT-R brake pads use material that
provides a high amount of braking power
even in high temperatures. This material can
cause an intermittent screeching noise just
before the vehicle comes to a stop when the
brakes are gently applied. The noise de-
creases as the brake pads wear. However,
the additional brake pad break-in or repla-
cing the cross spring may decrease the
noise. Contact a GT-R certified NISSAN
dealer.
. A screeching noise may be heard when the
brake pedal is depressed:
— When driving the vehicle for the first time
in the morning,
— After leaving the vehicle parked for extended periods of time, or
— When the vehicle is damp following rain showers or washing the vehicle.
These sounds are normal. The noise is
caused when the brake pads absorb moist-
ure, and the noise stops after the brake is
applied several times.
. A screeching noise may also be heard when
the brake pedal is depressed: — When repeatedly applying gentle brak-
ing, especially on a curve at a low speed,
or
— When the brake rotors have circular scores with the brake temperature high.
WARNING
Follow the instructions below when
parking the vehicle to help prevent the
brake rotor and brake pads from rust-
ing together. Failure to follow the
instructions could cause the rotor and
pads to rust together. If the rotor and
pads rust together, there may be a
popping noise and some vibration
when the vehicle is driven, a wheel
may not roll correctly, or the brake pads
could be damaged. If the pads are
damaged, this may reduce the effec-
tiveness of the brake system which
could cause a collision, serious perso-
nal injury or death.
. The GT-R uses brake pad materials that
have high metallic content. The brake pad
material helps maintain braking performance
in a wide range of weather and driving
conditions.
GT-R OverviewGTR-25
GTR-26GT-R Overview
For the first 3,000-6,000 miles (5,000-
10,000 km) of the vehicle’s service life,
and for the first 3,000-6,000 miles (5,000-
10,000 km) after a brake replacement, the
brake pad to brake rotor clearance is very
small. When parking, apply the parking
brake and move the shift lever to the
&Pposition. Idle the engine for more than 20
seconds without depressing the brake
pedal. This allows the brake pads to move
away from the rotor so the pad does not
contact the rotor.
Additionally, the brakes must be dry before
parking the vehicle after driving on wet roads
or after washing the vehicle. If the roads are
wet, lightly apply the brakes for a short
distance before parking the vehicle to dry
the brakes. After washing the vehicle, dry the
brakes by driving on a dry road for a few
miles and apply the brakes normally based
on traffic and road conditions.
The metallic brake pads and brake disc rotor
may rust together when the brakes are not
applied:
— If the vehicle is not idled for 20 secondswithout the brakes applied, or if the
brakes are applied when the vehicle is
shut off, the rotor and pads can rust
together, even when the brake pads are dry.
— If the brakes are wet when the vehicle is parked and the parking brake is applied
for a long time.
— The hill start assist system can apply the brakes even if the brake pedal is not
depressed. The brake pads and rotors
can rust together if the parking proce-
dure previously described is not fol-
lowed.
Contact a GT-R certified NISSAN dealer if
the brake pads and brake rotor have rusted
together.
NOTICE
To help reduce the possibility of the
rotors and brake pads rusting:
Have the brake pads and/or rotors
quenched when the brake pads are
replaced. For detailed information
about quenching, contact a GT-R certi-
fied NISSAN dealer.
After quenching the brake pads and/or
rotors, apply a brake of 0.5G to stop the
vehicle 6-7 times at least once a week
in a safe location. G-force can be
checked on the multi function display. Refer to the separate Multi Function
Display Owner’s Manual.
. To maintain steady braking performance in
both extremely high and low temperatures,
the gap between the brake pad and caliper
is larger than normal and large-size brake
pads are used. When driving over a bump, a
light rattling sound may be heard from the
brake pad. This does not indicate that there
is a malfunction.
. When the brake disc rotor undergoes
thermal expansion, a ticking noise may be
heard from the engaging portion of the
wheel and the brake disc rotor. This does
not indicate that there is a malfunction. The
noise will reduce when the temperature
decreases.
. In addition to noise resulting from uneven
tire wear discussed in the previous section,
the GT-R tires are more rigid than a typical
passenger car tire and are made from a
specially formulated rubber to maximize the
vehicle’s performance capabilities. These
characteristics cause the GT-R tires to have
more road noise than a typical passenger
car tire. This road noise is normal.
. Due to the performance capabilities and
requirements of the GT-R, the sequential 6-
speed dual clutch transmission is unlike a
typical automatic transmission. You will likely
hear mechanical sounds from the transmis-
sion, particularly at slow speeds and at idle.
This condition is normal.
BRAKE SYSTEM INFORMATION
Cracks on brake pad
The friction material of the GT-R disc brake pad
is bonded to the pad backing plate more
strongly than conventional brake pads to with-
stand the high brake temperatures. The friction
material and backing plate expand due to heat at
different rates. Some cracks may be on the
surface of the friction material due to the
differences in expansion rates and the strong
bond between the friction material and backing
plate. The cracks do not indicate the brake pads
need to be replaced. However, depending on
the condition of the cracks, the pads may need
to be replaced. Contact a GT-R certified
NISSAN dealer.
Cracks on the disc rotors
When the brake is repeatedly applied at high
loads during the cold season, small cracks of
approximately 0.12 in (3 mm) long may appear
around the cross drilled holes
*A. This is due to
the temperature differential that occurs because
the surfaces of the disc rotors become hot while
the inside of the rotor is still cold. However, this
poses no problem in terms of brake perfor-
mance, and does not indicate a malfunction. The
brakes do not need to be replaced.
However, if the cracks extend to 0.16 in (4 mm)
or longer after repeated application of the
brakes at high loads during high performance driving, or through the continued use of the
brakes, the disc rotors must be replaced.
Brake dust
This vehicle is equipped with high performance
brakes, and the characteristics of the brake pad
material may cause more brake dust than other
vehicles. NISSAN recommends a wheel coating
that helps prevent the brake dust from sticking
to the wheels. Contact a GT-R certified NISSAN
dealer for more details.
DRY CARBON FIBER REAR SPOI-
LER (if so equipped)
The surfaces of the dry carbon fiber rear spoiler
are lightly coated like a race car so that you can
feel the proper texture of real carbon, which may
feel rough. This is normal.
GT-R OverviewGTR-27