5-48Starting and driving
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM
(ABS)
WARNING
.The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
is a sophisticated device, but it
cannot prevent accidents resulting
from careless or dangerous driving
techniques. It can help maintain
vehicle control during braking on
slippery surfaces. Remember that
stopping distances on slippery sur-
faces will be longer than on normal
surfaces even with ABS. Stopping
distances may also be longer on
rough, gravel or snow covered
roads, or if you are using tire chains.
Always maintain a safe distance
from the vehicle in front of you.
Ultimately, the driver is responsible
for safety.
. Tire type and condition may also
affect braking effectiveness. When
replacing tires, install the specified
size of tires on all four wheels.
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) controls the brakes so the wheels do not lock during hard
braking or when braking on slippery surfaces.
The system detects the rotation speed at each
wheel and varies the brake fluid pressure to
prevent each wheel from locking and sliding. By
preventing each wheel from locking, the system
helps the driver maintain steering control and
helps to minimize swerving and spinning on
slippery surfaces.
Using the system
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down.
Depress the brake pedal with firm steady
pressure, but do not pump the brakes. The
ABS will operate to prevent the wheels from
locking up. Steer the vehicle to avoid obstacles.
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
may result in increased stopping dis-
tances.
Self-test feature
The ABS includes electronic sensors, electric
pumps, hydraulic solenoids and a computer. The
computer has a built-in diagnostic feature that
tests the system each time you start the engine
and move the vehicle at a low speed in forwardor reverse. When the self-test occurs, you may
hear a “clunk” noise and/or feel a pulsation in the
brake pedal. This does not indicate that there is
a malfunction. If the computer senses a mal-
function, it switches the ABS off and illuminates
the ABS warning light on the instrument panel.
The brake system then operates normally, but
without anti-lock assistance.
If the ABS warning light illuminates during the
self-test or while driving, have the vehicle
checked by a GT-R certified NISSAN dealer.
Normal operation
The ABS operates at speeds above 3 to 6 MPH
(5 to 10 km/h). The speed varies according to
road conditions.
When the ABS senses that one or more wheels
are close to locking up, the actuator rapidly
applies and releases hydraulic pressure. This
action is similar to pumping the brakes very
quickly. You may feel a pulsation in the brake
pedal and hear a noise from under the hood or
feel a vibration from the actuator when it is
operating. This is normal and indicates that the
ABS is operating properly. However, the pulsa-
tion may indicate that road conditions are
hazardous and extra care is required while
driving.
BRAKE ASSIST
5-52Starting and driving
TIRE EQUIPMENT
The GT-R summer tires are made from a
specially formulated rubber to maximize the
vehicle’s performance capabilities. Performance
of summer tires is substantially reduced when
temperatures are less than 328F(08C) so you
must drive carefully. NISSAN recommends the
use of winter or all-season tires on all four
wheels if you plan to operate your vehicle in
snowy or icy conditions when temperatures are
less than 328F(0 8C) .
WARNING
Never use summer tires when the
temperature is below −48F(−208C) to
prevent permanent tread deformation
which may cause tire damage or tire
failure. This may cause a loss of vehicle
control which can result in serious
personal injury or death.
Tire chains may be used. (
“Tire chains”
page 8-40)
If you install tires, they must also be the specified
size, brand, construction and tread pattern on all
four wheels.
SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT
It is recommended that the following items be
carried in the vehicle during winter:
. A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to remove
ice and snow from the windows and wiper
blades.
. A sturdy, flat board to be placed under the
jack to give it firm support.
. A shovel to dig the vehicle out of snowdrifts.
. Extra window washer fluid to refill the
reservoir tank.
DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE
WARNING
.Wet ice (328F, 0 8C and freezing rain) ,
very cold snow or ice can be slick
and very hard to drive on. The
vehicle will have much less traction
or “grip” under these conditions. Try
to avoid driving on wet ice until the
road is salted or sanded.
. Whatever the condition, drive with
caution. Accelerate and slow down
with care. If accelerating or down-
shifting too fast, the drive wheels
will lose even more traction. .
Allow more stopping distance under
these conditions. Braking should be
started sooner than on dry pave-
ment.
. Allow greater following distances
on slippery roads.
. Watch for slippery spots (glare ice) .
These may appear on an otherwise
clear road in shaded areas. If a
patch of ice is seen ahead, brake
before reaching it. Try not to brake
while on the ice, and avoid any
sudden steering maneuvers.
. Do not use the cruise control on
slippery roads.
. Snow can trap dangerous exhaust
gases under your vehicle. Keep
snow clear of the exhaust pipe and
from around your vehicle.
NOTE:
When driving on snow, select the SAVE
mode with the setup switch. By selecting
the SAVE mode, the engine output is
controlled appropriately for snow or slip-
pery road surfaces. This enables the vehi-
cle to start or accelerate smoothly.
To shut off the engine in an emergency situation
while driving, perform the following procedure:
.Rapidly push the push-button ignition switch
3 consecutive times in less than 1.5
seconds, or
. Push and hold the push-button ignition
switch for more than 2 seconds.TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING
SYSTEM (TPMS)
This vehicle is equipped with the Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS) . It monitors tire
pressure of all tires. When the low tire pressure
warning light is lit, one or more of your tires is
significantly under-inflated. If the vehicle is being
driven with low tire pressure, the TPMS will
activate and warn you of it by the low tire
pressure warning light (in the instrument panel)
or the LOW PRESSURE information screen (on
the display) . This system will activate only when
the vehicle is driven at speeds above 16 MPH
(25 km/h). (
“Low tire pressure warning
light” page 2-27) (“Tire Pressure Monitor-
ing System (TPMS)” page 5-4)
WARNING
. If the low tire pressure warning light
illuminates or LOW PRESSURE in-
formation is displayed on the moni-
tor screen while driving, avoid
sudden steering maneuvers or
abrupt braking, reduce vehicle
speed, pull off the road to a safe
location and stop the vehicle as
soon as possible. Driving with un-
der-inflated tires may permanently damage the tires and increase the
likelihood of tire failure. Serious
vehicle damage could occur and
may lead to an accident and could
result in serious personal injury.
Check the tire pressure for all four
tires. Adjust the tire pressure to the
recommended COLD tire pressure
shown on the Tire and Loading
Information label to turn the low
tire pressure warning light off. If the
light still illuminates while driving
after adjusting the tire pressure, a
tire may be flat.
. When a wheel is replaced, the TPMS
will not function and the low tire
pressure warning light will flash for
approximately 1 minute. The light
will remain on after 1 minute. Con-
tact a GT-R certified NISSAN dealer
as soon as possible for tire replace-
ment and/or system resetting.
. Replacing tires with those not ori-
ginally specified by NISSAN could
affect the proper operation of the
TPMS.
. Do not inject any tire liquid or
aerosol tire sealant into the tires,
In case of emergency6-3
EMERGENCY ENGINE SHUT OFF FLAT TIRE
8-32Maintenance and do-it-yourself
If you have a flat tire, see the following
section. (“Flat tire” page 6-3)
CAUTION
A GT-R certified NISSAN dealer should
perform a tire change. It will be neces-
sary to reset the tire pressure sensors.
To change the tires, contact a GT-R
certified NISSAN dealer.
Be sure to use the tires and wheels together as
a set that are designated for use with this
vehicle.
When tire replacement is required, replacing the
tires as a set of four with new tires is
recommended. However, if a tire is punctured
or damaged, it may be possible to replace only
the damaged tire. Determining whether one tire
or a complete set of tires should be replaced is
based on a number of factors including tire wear
and condition. Contact your GT-R certified
NISSAN dealer. They can recommend if an
individual tire or a complete set should be
replaced.
NOTICE
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.
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. When the low tire pressure
warning light is lit, one or more of your tires is
significantly under-inflated. The system also
displays pressure of all tires on the multi function
display by sending a signal from a sensor that is
installed in each wheel.
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. (
“Low tire pressure warn-
ing light” page 2-27) (“Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS)” page 5-4)
(
“Flat tire” page 6-3)
Tire inflation pressure
Check the tire pressure often and always
prior to long distance trips. The recom-
mended tire pressure specifications are
shown on the F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. label
or the Tire and Loading Information label (if
so equipped) under the “Cold Tire Pres-
sure” heading. The Tire and Loading
Information label is affixed to the driver
side door end. Tire pressures should be
checked regularly because:
.Most tires naturally lose air over time.
.Tires can lose air suddenly when driven
over potholes or other objects or if the
vehicle strikes a curb while parking.
NOTE:
. You can check the pressure of all four
tires on the multi function display. See
the separate Multi Function Display
Owner’s Manual.
. The tires of this vehicle are filled with
nitrogen gas. When the tire pressure is
low, fill the tires with nitrogen. Contact
a GT-R certified NISSAN dealer for
information on filling the tires with
nitrogen.
WHEELS AND TIRES
is the wheel or rim diameter in
inches.
f.Two- or three-digit number (95): Thisnumber is the tire’s load index. It is a
measurement of how much weight
each tire can support. You may not
find this information on all tires
because it is not required by law.
g.H: Tire speed rating. You should notdrive the vehicle faster than the tire
speed rating.
Example
2.TIN (Tire Identification Number) for a
new tire (example: DOT XX XX XXX
XXXX)
a.DOT: Abbreviation for the “Depart- ment of Transportation”. The symbol
can be placed above, below or to the
left or right of the Tire Identification
Number.
b.Two-digit code: Manufacturer’s iden-tification mark
c.Two-digit code: Tire size
d.Three-digit code: Tire type code(Optional)
e.Three-digit code: Date of Manufac-
ture
f.Four numbers represent the week and year the tire was built. For
example, the numbers 3103 means
the 31st week of 2003. If these
numbers are missing, then look on
the other sidewall of the tire.
3.Tire ply composition and material
The number of layers or plies of rubber-
coated fabric in the tire.
Tire manufacturers also must indicate
the materials in the tire, which include
steel, nylon, polyester, and others.
4.Maximum permissible inflation pressure
This number is the greatest amount of
air pressure that should be put in the
tire. Do not exceed the maximum
permissible inflation pressure.
5.Maximum load rating
This number indicates the maximum
load in kilograms and pounds that can
be carried by the tire. When replacing
the tires on the vehicle, always use a
tire that has the same load rating as the
factory installed tire.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-37
8-38Maintenance and do-it-yourself
6.Term of “tubeless” or “tube type”
Indicates whether the tire requires an
inner tube (“tube type”) or not (“tube-
less”) .
7.The word “radial”
The word “radial” is shown, if the tire
has radial structure.
8.Manufacturer or brand name
Manufacturer or brand name is shown.
Other tire-related terminology:
In addition to the many terms that are
defined throughout this section, Intended
Outboard Sidewall is (1) the sidewall that
contains a whitewall, bears white lettering
or bears manufacturer, brand and/or model
name molding that is higher or deeper than
the same molding on the other sidewall of
the tire, or (2) the outward facing sidewall
of an asymmetrical tire that has a particular
side that must always face outward when
mounted on a vehicle.
TYPES OF TIRES
WARNING
. When changing or replacing tires,
be sure all four tires are of the same
type (Examples: Summer or All
Season) and construction. A GT-R
certified NISSAN dealer may be able
to help you with information about
tire type, size, speed rating and
availability.
. Replacing tires with those not ori-
ginally specified by NISSAN could
affect the proper operation of the
TPMS.
. For additional information regard-
ing tires, refer to “Important Tire
Safety Information” (US) or “Tire
Safety Information” (Canada) in the
Warranty Information Booklet.
All-season tires
NISSAN specifies all-season tires on some
models to provide good performance for use
all year around, including snowy and icy road
conditions. All-season tires are identified by ALL
SEASON on the tire sidewall.
Summer tires
The GT-R summer tires are made from a
specially formulated rubber to maximize the
vehicle’s performance capabilities. Performance
of summer tires is substantially reduced when
temperatures are less than 328F(0 8C) so you
must drive carefully. NISSAN recommends the
use of winter or all-season tires on all four
wheels if you plan to operate your vehicle in
snowy or icy conditions when temperatures are
less than 328F(0 8C) .
WARNING
Never use summer tires when the
temperature is below −48F(−208C) to
prevent permanent tread deformation
which may cause tire damage or tire
failure. This may cause a loss of vehicle
control which can result in serious
personal injury or death.
Run-flat tires
Your vehicle is equipped with run-flat tires. You
can continue driving to a safe location even if
they are punctured. Always use run-flat tires of
the specified size on all four wheels. Mixing tire
sizes or construction may reduce vehicle hand-
8-40Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Tires for All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
If excessive tire wear is found, it is recom-
mended that all four tires be replaced with tires
of the specified size, brand, construction and
tread pattern. The tire pressure and wheel
alignment should also be checked and cor-
rected as necessary. Contact a GT-R certified
NISSAN dealer.
TIRE CHAINS
Use of tire chains may be prohibited according
to location. Check the local laws before instal-
ling tire chains. When installing tire chains, make
sure they are of proper size for the tires on your
vehicle and are installed according to the chain
manufacturer instructions.Use only SAE class
S chains. Class “S” chains are used on vehicles
with restricted tire to vehicle clearance. Vehicles
that can use Class “S” chains are designed to
meet the SAE standard minimum clearances
between the tire and the closest vehicle
suspension or body component required to
accommodate the use of a winter traction device
(tire chains or cables) . The minimum clearances
are determined using the factory equipped tire
size. Other types may damage your vehicle. Use
chain tensioners when recommended by the tire
chain manufacturer to ensure a tight fit. Loose
end links of the tire chain must be secured or removed to prevent the possibility of whipping
action damage to the fenders or undercarriage.
If possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle when
using tire chains. In addition, drive at a reduced
speed. Otherwise, your vehicle may be da-
maged and/or vehicle handling and performance
may be adversely affected.
NOTE:
Tire chains must be installed only on the
rear wheels and not on the front wheels.
CAUTION
Do not use tire chains on dry roads.
NOTICE
Never install tire chains on a punctured
run-flat tire, as this could damage your
vehicle.
Do not drive with tire chains on paved roads that
are clear of snow. Driving with chains in such
conditions can cause damage to the various
mechanisms of the vehicle due to some
overstress.
CHANGING WHEELS AND TIRES
Tire rotation
Tires cannot be rotated because your
vehicle is equipped with different sized
tires in the front and rear.