2014 INFINITI QX50 Towing Guide

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If you have never towed a trailer before, be aware that it does take getting used to. To begin with,
towing noticeably affects your vehicle’s performance:
Š It will not accelerate as quickly — an important point to keep in mind when merging onto a
highway.
Š It will not stop as quickly. Leave more room than usual between you and the traffic ahead, and
brake sooner when coming to a stop.
Š Abrupt maneuvering can unbalance the load and reduce the handling and stability of your tow
vehicle. Plan ahead and make lane changes and turns smoothly.

If possible, before you actually hit the open road, practice towing in a large uncrowded area such as
a safe, open place with minimal traffic. Become especially familiar with backing up a trailer — the
maneuver many people find most difficult.

BRAKE SOONER
The combination of your tow vehicle and trailer obviously requires a greater distance to stop. A
good rule of thumb to remember is that for each 10 mph of speed, allow yourself one tow vehicle
and trailer length of distance between the front of your vehicle and the vehicle ahead.

When braking, use firm but gradual pressure on the pedal rather than panic braking. Applying the
brakes abruptly or with too much force can cause the trailer to skid or jackknife at its point of
attachment with the vehicle. This, in turn, can throw the tow vehicle out of control. If equipped with
an electric trailer brake controller, follow the recommended operational instructions.

CORNER MORE SLOWLY
Know your vehicle and trailer capabilities.
WARNING- Entering a sharp corner too quickly or abruptly can “crack the whip,” whereby the trailer
can actually pull the tow vehicle off the road resulting in a serious accident. Therefore, when
approaching a relatively sharp corner, begin braking sooner than you would when not towing. Do
your braking in a straight line prior to the corner, and turn smoothly into it. In addition, remember to
make a wider turn than normal to ensure that the trailer safely clears the inside of the turn to help
avoid the trailer cutting corners and an unsafe turn possibly causing an accident .

BACK UP WITH CAUTION
Backing up with a trailer is a difficult maneuver. Steer with one hand at the bottom of the steering
wheel. To turn the trailer to the left, first move the steering wheel to the left. To turn the trailer to the
right, move the wheel to the right. All movements of the wheel should be done in small increments.
TOWING TIPS/CAUTIONS & WARNINGS

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Of course, backing up should be done only at very slow speeds. For large trailers that obstruct your
rearward vision, have someone outside the vehicle act as a “spotter” to guide you along.
WARNING- Do not use the Back-up Collision Intervention system (BCI) when towing a trailer. The
BCI system cannot function properly when objects are obstructing the radar sensor beams.

PARK SMART
A tow vehicle and trailer can be an unwieldy combination in a small area, so always try to park
where you will have a relatively easy time maneuvering. Once parked, always block the wheels on
both the tow vehicle and the trailer.

CAUTION- Parking on a slope is not recommended. If, however, you must park on a slope and your
vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission, there are some precautions you should take:
Š Turn the wheels of the tow vehicle towards the side of the road away from the center of the road,
and apply the parking brake and only then move the gear lever into PARK.
Š Next, have someone block the wheels once the tow vehicle and trailer are in position and are
being held by the vehicle’s brake.
CAUTION-If you move the lever into PARK before blocking the wheels and applying the parking
brake, it may be difficult to later shift out of PARK. Transmission damage may also occur.

PASS CAREFULLY
As mentioned in the introduction to this section, because of the added weight of the trailer,
acceleration capability is reduced and you will require a longer distance to pass another vehicle. Be
certain you have sufficient time and space to pass safely.
WARNING- Never attempt to pass on hills or when going around curves. Because the trailer does
not follow the exact path as the tow vehicle on turns, safely passing and cornering while towing
takes considerably more distance and turning space than normal. More weight means more time to
speed up and your tow vehicle may not have enough power on a mountain grade for safe passing.

HILLS – UPGRADES
If your vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission, it is designed to select automatically
the correct gear for the best towing comfort and performance as the incline increases. To maintain
speed or avoid up and down shifts, manually shift to a lower gear as needed.

The added weight of a trailer places an increased load on the engine and cooling system, so
monitor your coolant temperature gauge and automatic transmission fluid temperature gauge (if
equipped) carefully. At the first sign of overheating, pull to the side of the road. See IF YOUR ENGINE
OVERHEATS later in this section for more information.

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HILLS – DOWNGRADES
WARNING- While going downhill, the weight of the trailer pushing on the tow vehicle may decrease
overall stability. Therefore, to maintain adequate control, reduce your speed and shift to a lower
gear and apply the braking in short bursts. If your vehicle is equipped with Tow Mode, see your
vehicle owner’s manual for information about the use of this function.

WARNING- Avoid long or repeated use of the brakes when descending a hill, as this reduces their
effectiveness and could cause overheating which could result in damage to your brake components
or unable to slow to a safe speed. Shifting to a lower gear instead provides “engine braking” and
reduces the need to brake as frequently.

HIGH-ALTITUDE PERFORMANCE
An engine will lose about 4% of its performance for every 1,000 feet above sea level that you travel.
If you will be towing in high altitudes, it is a good idea to allow more time than usual due to the
engine’s reduced performance.

INTELLIGENT CRUISE CONTROL
WARNING- Do not use cruise control while towing a trailer. The system may not detect a vehicle
ahead.

BLIND SPOT INTERVENTION
WARNING- Do not use the Blind Spot Intervention system (BSI) when towing a trailer. The BSI
system cannot function properly when objects are obstructing the radar sensors.

TOW MODE (IF EQUIPPED)
Tow Mode is recommended when towing a heavy trailer or hauling a heavy load, in stop-and-go
traffic, rolling terrain, or a busy parking lot. Driving the vehicle in Tow Mode may affect fuel
economy and transmission/engine driving characteristics. See your vehicle owner’s manual for
additional information about Tow Mode.

IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
A moderate increase in engine operating temperature is normal when towing a trailer. If, however,
the coolant temperature gauge reading is abnormally high, or if you are experiencing a significant
loss of power, or if you hear unusual engine noises,* the engine may be overheating and you
should immediately take the following steps:

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1. Pull your vehicle safely over to the side of the road, out of traffic. Apply the parking brake
and move the gearshift lever to NEUTRAL (manual) or PARK (automatic). DO NOT STOP THE
ENGINE.

2. Turn off the air conditioning and, after opening all the windows, turn the heater on to
maximum hot and the fan to its highest speed, and exit the vehicle. The heater core in your
vehicle is just like a miniature engine radiator and will provide an extra cooling surface to
help reduce engine temperature.

*
See your vehicle owner’s manual for additional indications that your vehicle may be overheating.

3. If the temperature does not drop or continues to increase, stop the engine immediately.

4. Being cautious of traffic, step out of the vehicle and, from a safe distance, look for steam
underneath the engine. If you see steam or leaking coolant, stand clear to avoid being
burned and shut off your engine immediately and allow it to cool. If there is no steam, open
the hood. WARNING -Never remove the radiator cap when the radiator is hot. If the cap is
removed under these conditions, pressurized hot water/coolant may spurt out, possibly
causing serious injury.

5. As soon as the engine has cooled to its normal operating temperature, visually inspect the
drive belts for damage or looseness. A loose belt reduces water pump efficiency. Be careful
to keep your hands, hair, jewelry, and clothing clear of the running drive belt and other
moving parts when inspecting the engine and radiator. Also check to see if the cooling fan is
running, and inspect the water pump, radiator, and radiator hoses for leaks. Keep in mind,
too, that if your vehicle is equipped with an electric fan motor, it may start without warning
any time the coolant temperature is high. If you find leaking coolant, a loose or missing drive
belt, or an inoperable fan, turn off the engine immediately.

6. If no leaks are apparent and all other components appear to be operating properly with the
engine cooled to its normal operating temperature; check the coolant level in the reservoir
tank with the engine running. Add coolant to the reservoir tank if needed. At this point, if
repairs are required, go to the nearest Infiniti retailer. See the IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
section of your vehicle owner’s manual for additional information on overheating.

NOTE – All Infiniti vehicles have an engine protection mode which helps reduce the chance of
engine damage if the engine coolant reaches a specified temperature.

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NOTES












Passenger Vehicles – Infiniti does not recommend trailer towing with Q50, Q60 (Coupe,
Convertible), Q70, or Q70 (HEV) vehicles.

Cross-Over Vehicles – Infiniti
does not recommend trailer towing with QX50, or the QX70 2WD vehicles.

Other Recommendations and Information – Towing performance and speed are affected by vehicle
payload, tow weight, road grades, and weather conditions, including high temperatures. See your
vehicle owner’s manual for details.
















1 Maximum Trailer Weight values are calculated assuming a base vehicle with
driver and any options required, to achieve the rating. Additional
passengers, cargo and/or optional equipment will add weight to the vehicle
and reduce your vehicle’s maximum towing capacity and trailer tongue
load.

2 In general, a weight-distributing hitch system should be used when towing
over 5,000 lbs.

3 Most states require a separate braking system on trailers with a loaded
weight above a specific amount. Check local ordinances. 7-pin connector
trailer wire harnesses are required for use with trailer brakes (available
separately).

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BALL MOUNT A bar that holds the hitch ball and is inserted into the hitch receiver. Also
commonly called a drawbar.
BREAKAWAY SWITCH A safety device using a trailer battery that automatically applies the trailer’s
brakes if it should accidentally become separated from the tow vehicle. A
breakaway switch may be used with both electric or surge trailer brake systems.
BUMPER HITCH A reinforced bumper designed to accommodate a hitch ball.
ELECTRIC TRAILER BRAKES When the brakes on a tow vehicle are applied, an electric current is sent to an
actuator which applies the trailer’s brakes.
ELECTRIC TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER A device that controls the electric trailer brakes.
GROSS AXLE WEIGHT RATING (GAWR) The maximum amount of weight each vehicle axle (front and rear) is designed to
safely carry.
GROSS COMBINED WEIGHT RATING (GCWR) The maximum allowable combined weight of the vehicle and trailer, including
passengers and all cargo.
GROSS VEHICLE
WEIGHT RATING (GVWR) The maximum allowable weight of the vehicle, including passengers, cargo, fuel,
hitch, trailer tongue load, and any optional equipment.
HITCH BALL
A ball that connects the trailer to the tow vehicle hitch that provides the means
by which the trailer pivots during cornering. Available in a number of sizes and
weight capacities, it must correspond to the trailer coupler size, and have a
sufficient capacity rating for the trailer being pulled.
RECEIVER HITCH A frame- or structure-mounted hitch with a receiver that allows removal of the ball
mount.
SAFETY CHAINS/CABLES Provides an emergency connection between the tow vehicle and the trailer,
should the trailer become disengaged for any reason.
SURGE BRAKES
Hydraulic-type braking system activated by inertia. As the tow vehicle begins to
brake, the trailer pushes against the hitch ball, consequently activating the trailer
brakes.
TRAILER TONGUE/COUPLER The part of the trailer that extends forward to meet the tow vehicle, and carries
the coupler assembly.
TRAILER TONGUE
LOAD The amount of trailer weight pressing down on the hitch.
WEIGHT-DISTRIBUTING
HITCH SYSTEM Type of hitch system that helps shift the trailer tongue weight to all trailer tires
and the tow vehicle front tires. Strongly recommended when towing trailers with a
Maximum Trailer Weight greater than 5,000 lbs.
WIRING HARNESS
Provides an electrical connection linking the tow vehicle’s electrical system to the
trailer’s system.

TOWING GLOSSARY

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At Infiniti, we back everything we build. So we are proud that every Infiniti is protected by some of
the best New Vehicle Limited Warranties, including 4-year/60,000-mile (whichever comes first)
Basic coverage.
All 2014 models also feature 72 month/70,000-mile (whichever comes first)Powertrain coverage.*

For additional peace of mind, the Elite Infiniti Extended Protection Plan provides you with quality
long-term mechanical protection for 7 years/100,000 miles (measured from in service date and zero
miles, whichever comes first)”— long past your vehicle’s Basic and Powertrain Limited Warranty.
With the extra coverage, if a covered component fails during the term of the plan, Infiniti pays… not
you.** Plus, the Elite Infiniti Extended Protection Plan includes extensive Roadside Assistance
benefits and car rental coverage.

All of this makes the Elite Infiniti Extended Protection Plan a truly comprehensive package, offering
Infiniti owners exceptional value and peace of mind.
Coverage is available throughout the United
States. Repair work will be done at authorized Infiniti retailers by Infiniti-trained technicians
utilizing Genuine Infiniti Parts.

For more information about the Elite Infiniti Extended Protection Plan, contact your participating
Infiniti retailer or call 1-800-662-6200.

The quality of Genuine Infiniti Parts and Accessories is backed by the integrity of a Genuine Infiniti
Replacement Parts and Accessories Limited Warranty. If purchased within the Basic coverage
period of 4 years/60,000 miles (whichever comes first), Genuine Infiniti Parts and Accessories are
covered by the remaining period of the warranty. If the remaining period is less than 12
months/12,000 miles (or if the vehicle warranty has expired), then Genuine Infiniti Parts and
Accessories are covered by their own 12-month/12,000-mile (whichever comes first)Limited
Warranty. See your Infiniti Warranty Information Booklet or ask your Infiniti retailer for specific
details.

CONCERN FOR YOUR SAFETY
Infiniti urges you to always use your seat belt whenever you drive. And please make sure all
passengers are buckled up. Keep in mind that air bags are a supplemental restraint system and
must always be used in conjunction with a seat belt.

In addition, a rear-facing child restraint must never be used in the front passenger seat if the
vehicle is equipped with a front passenger air bag. Children 12 and under should ride in the rear
seat properly secured in child restraints, booster seats, or seat belts, according to their size. Please
see your vehicle owner's manual for more details.

*
For complete warranty details, refer to the Infiniti Warranty Information Booklet or see your nearest Infiniti
retailer.
**A nominal deductible may apply. For details please refer to the Elite Infiniti Extended Protection Plan Service

Agreement or contact your Infiniti retailer.
PROTECTION

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By far the most important benefit of Infiniti luxury is the Total Ownership Experience.® Years before
we ever built our first luxury car, we built this belief: Luxury is much more than a collection of
features on an automobile. It is a way of doing business based upon building a lasting relationship.
From the very moment you arrive at an Infiniti retailer, we strive to exceed your expectations at
every turn with our line of products and our people. You will notice our commitment to your
satisfaction in everything we do, from the way we build our vehicles to the way we support them for
years to come. As an Infiniti driver you will enjoy a host of useful services like 24-hour Roadside
Assistance,* a Complimentary Infiniti Service Loan Car** and Trip Interruption Benefits.* Your
ownership experience will be a complete one, extending from our showroom to our Web site and
beyond.

ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
4-year/unlimited-mileage* includes: Trip Interruption Benefits, 24-hour toll-free customer
assistance number, battery boost, lock-outs, flat tires, out-of-gas, accident towing.

SERVICE LOAN CAR PROGRAM
When you make an appointment and drop off your Infiniti vehicle for warranty repair maintenance
at participating retailers, a complimentary Infiniti Service Loan Car** will be waiting. And before
your Infiniti is returned to you, it will be hand-washed and running smoothly.

COMMITMENT
To a superior product representing excellent value, presented in a unique environment. To honor
our guests and treat them with respect during the buying process. To give our customers
outstanding service throughout their ownership, so that they may enjoy an ongoing relationship
with knowledgeable people. To be completely committed to ensuring total satisfaction for our
customers.

OWNERSHIP ONLINE
Our goal is to provide owners with a premium quality vehicle and an outstanding ownership
experience that does not end when you drive away from the showroom. To that end, we have
created the “Ownership” section of the www.InfinitiUSA.com Web site, which further reflects our
commitment to serving Infiniti owners’ needs. There you can find easily accessible maintenance
schedules, warranty information, and articles exclusively available to Infiniti owners.

*Roadside Assistance/Trip Interruption available during the first four years after initial new vehicle delivery.
**Subject to availability. Available only during the 4-year/60,000-mile Basic coverage. The customer must be

21 years of age or older with a valid U.S. driver’s license. The customer must provide proof of primary

insurance. Restrictions may apply.
THE TOTAL OWNERSHIP EXPERIENCE® InfinitiUSA.com