4. Lower the vehicle slowly until the tiretouches the ground. Then, with the wheel
nut wrench, tighten the wheel nuts securely
in the sequence as illustrated. Lower the
vehicle completely.
5. Securely store the flat tire, jack and tools in the vehicle.
WARNING
.Incorrect wheel nuts or improperly
tightened wheel nuts can cause the
wheel to become loose or come off.
This could cause an accident.
. Do not use oil or grease on the
wheel studs or nuts. This could
cause the nuts to become loose.
. Retighten the wheel nuts when the
vehicle has been driven for 600
miles (1,000 km) (also in cases of a
flat tire, etc.) .
.As soon as possible, tighten the
wheel nuts to the specified torque
with a torque wrench.
Wheel nut tightening torque: 80 ft-lb (108 N·m)
The wheel nuts must be kept tigh- tened to specification at all times. It
is recommended that wheel nuts be
tightened to specifications at each
lubrication interval.
.Adjust tire pressure to the COLD
pressure.
COLD pressure:
After the vehicle has been parked
for three hours or more or driven
less than 1 mile (1.6 km) .
COLD tire pressures are shown on
the Tire and Loading Information
label affixed to the driver side center
pillar.
Stowing the spare tire and the tools
Securely store the spare tire, jack and tools in
their original location.
WARNING
. Always make sure that the spare tire
and jacking equipment are properly
secured after use. Such items can
become dangerous projectiles in an
accident or sudden stop.
. The T-type spare tire and small size
spare tire are designed for emer- gency use. See specific instructions
under the heading “Wheels and
tires” (P.8-30) .
In case of emergency6-9
“Tire Safety Information” (Cana-
da) in the Warranty Information
Booklet.
SDI2197
Tire and Loading Information label
*1Seating capacity: The maximum num-
ber of occupants that can be seated in
the vehicle.
*2Vehicle load limit: See “Vehicle load-
ing information” (P.9-12).
*3Original size: The size of the tires
originally installed on the vehicle at the
factory.
*4Cold tire pressure: Inflate the tires to
this pressure when the tires are cold.
Tires are considered COLD after the
vehicle has been parked for 3 or more
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-31
8-32Maintenance and do-it-yourself
hours, or driven less than 1 mile (1.6
km) at moderate speeds. The recom-
mended cold tire inflation is set by the
manufacturer to provide the best
balance of tire wear, vehicle handling,
driveability, tire noise, etc., up to the
vehicle’s GVWR.
*5Tire size — see “Tire labeling” (P.8-
33).
*6Spare tire size or compact spare tire
size (if so equipped)
SDI1949
Checking the tire pressure
1. Remove the valve stem cap from thetire.
2.Press the pressure gauge squarely onto
the valve stem. Do not press too hard or
force the valve stem sideways, or air will
escape. If the hissing sound of air
escaping from the tire is heard while
checking the pressure, reposition the
gauge to eliminate this leakage.
3.Remove the gauge.
4.Read the tire pressure on the gauge
stem and compare it to the specifica- tion shown on the Tire and Loading
Information label.
5.Add air to the tire as needed. If too
much air is added, press the core of the
valve stem briefly with the tip of the
gauge stem to release pressure. Re-
check the pressure and add or release
air as needed.
6.Install the valve stem cap.
7.Check the pressure of all other tires,
including the spare.
SIZECOLD
TIRE IN-
FLATION
PRES-SURE
FRONT ORIGI-
NAL TIRE P225/65R16
99T
240 kPa,
35 PSI
P235/55R18
99T 240 kPa,
35 PSI
REAR
ORIGI-
NAL TIRE P225/65R16
99T
240 kPa,
35 PSI
P235/55R18
99T 240 kPa,
35 PSI
SPARE TIRE T135/80D16
101M
420 kPa,
60 PSI
T135/90D16
102M 420 kPa,
60 PSI
SDI1575Example
TIRE LABELING
Federal law requires tire manufacturers to
place standardized information on the side-
wall of all tires. This information identifies
and describes the fundamental character-
istics of the tire and also provides the tire
identification number (TIN) for safety stan-
dard certification. The TIN can be used to
identify the tire in case of a recall.
SDI1606Example
*1Tire size (example: P215/60R16 94H)
1. P: The “P” indicates the tire is designed for passenger vehicles. (Not all tires
have this information.)
2. Three-digit number (215): This number gives the width in millimeters of the tire
from sidewall edge to sidewall edge.
3. Two-digit number (60): This number, known as the aspect ratio, gives the
tire’s ratio of height to width.
4. R: The “R” stands for radial.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-33
8-34Maintenance and do-it-yourself
5. Two-digit number (16): This number isthe wheel or rim diameter in inches.
6. Two- or three-digit number (94): This number 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.
7. H: Tire speed rating. You should not drive the vehicle faster than the tire
speed rating.
SDI1607Example
*2TIN (Tire Identification Number) for a
new tire (example: DOT XX XX XXX XXXX)
1. DOT: Abbreviation for the “Department
of Transportation”. The symbol can be
placed above, below or to the left or
right of the Tire Identification Number.
2. Two-digit code: Manufacturer’s identifi- cation mark
3. Two-digit code: Tire size
4. Three-digit code: Tire type code (Op- tional) 5. Three-digit code: Date of Manufacture
6. 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.
*3Tire 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.
*4Maximum permissible inflation pres-
sure
This number is the greatest amount of air
pressure that should be put in the tire. Do
not exceed the maximum permissible infla-
tion pressure.
*5Maximum 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.
*6Term of “tubeless” or “tube type”
Indicates whether the tire requires an inner
tube (“tube type”) or not (“tubeless”).
*7The word “radial”
The word “radial” is shown, if the tire has
radial structure.
*8Manufacturer 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 (Example: Summer, All Season
or Snow) and construction. A
NISSAN dealer may be able to help
you with information about tire type,
size, speed rating and availability.
. Replacement tires may have a lower
speed rating than the factory
equipped tires, and may not match
the potential maximum vehicle
speed. Never exceed the maximum
speed rating of the tire.
. 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 all year,
including snowy and icy road conditions. All
Season tires are identified by ALL SEASON
and/or M&S (Mud and Snow) on the tire
sidewall. Snow tires have better snow traction
than All Season tires and may be more appro-
priate in some areas.
Summer tires
NISSAN specifies summer tires on some
models to provide superior performance on dry
roads. Summer tire performance is substantially
reduced in snow and ice. Summer tires do not
have the tire traction rating M&S on the tire
sidewall.
If you plan to operate your vehicle in snowy or
icy conditions, NISSAN recommends the use of
SNOW tires or ALL SEASON tires on all four
wheels.
Snow tires
If snow tires are needed, it is necessary to select
tires equivalent in size and load rating to the
original equipment tires. If you do not, it can
adversely affect the safety and handling of your
vehicle.
Generally, snow tires will have lower speed
ratings than factory equipped tires and may not
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-35
8-36Maintenance and do-it-yourself
match the potential maximum vehicle speed.
Never exceed the maximum speed rating of the
tire.
If you install snow tires, they must be the same
size, brand, construction and tread pattern on all
four wheels.
For additional traction on icy roads, studded
tires may be used. However, some U.S. states
and Canadian provinces prohibit their use.
Check local, state and provincial laws before
installing studded tires. Skid and traction cap-
abilities of studded snow tires, on wet or dry
surfaces, may be poorer than that of non-
studded snow tires.
TIRE CHAINS
CAUTION
.NISSAN recommends using the fol-
lowing tire cables made by Peerless
Chain Company on P235/55R18 size
tire due to limited tire clearance.
Call 800-533-8056 to order tire
chains for your vehicle.
— P235/55R18 - Peerless Chain
part number SC1040
Failure to use the correct traction
device will cause damage to the brakes, suspension or other vehicle
parts. Or, you should install
P225/65R16 size tire on your vehi-
cle.
. Only certain SAE class “S” tire
chains can be used on this vehicle.
Using the wrong Class “S” chains
on this vehicle will cause damage to
the vehicle. If you plan to use tire
chains/cables, you should use a tire
chain that meets the minimum
clearances for your vehicle.
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 the proper size for the tires on your
vehicle and are installed according to the chain
manufacturer’s suggestions.
For 18-inch size tire, the tire chain part number
and Peerless Chain Company phone number
are correct at the time of printing that is shown
on the back cover of this Owner’s Manual.
Always confirm the correct part numbers with
Peerless Chain Company before ordering. Only
use other types of traction devices if the traction
device manufacturer recommends it for use on
your specific vehicle and the tire and wheel
installed on your vehicle.
JVM0340X16-inch size tire
For 16-inch size tire, use a tire chain that is
designed to provide the specified space
*Abetween the installed tire chain*1and where
the tire meets the rim
*2as shown on the chart.
Wheel size Minimum space required
16 in 1.8 in (44 mm)
A tire chain that provides the specified amount
of space will provide the necessary clearance
between the tire and the closest vehicle
suspension or body component. The minimum
clearances are determined using the factory-
equipped tires. Other types may damage your
vehicle. Use chain tensioners when recom-
mended 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
underbody. If possible, avoid fully loading your
vehicle when using tire chains. In addition, drive
at a reduced speed. Otherwise, your vehicle may
be damaged and/or vehicle handling and
performance may be adversely affected.
Tire chains must be installed only on the
front wheels and not on the rear wheels.
Never install tire chains on a TEMPORARY USE
ONLY spare tire.
Do not use tire chains on dry roads. Driving with
tire chains in such conditions can cause damage
to the various mechanisms of the vehicle due to
some overstress.
SDI1662
CHANGING WHEELS AND TIRES
Tire rotation
NISSAN recommends rotating the tires
every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) . (See “Flat
tire” (P.6-3) for tire replacing procedures.)
As soon as possible, tighten the wheel
nuts to the specified torque with a
torque wrench.Wheel nut tightening torque:80 ft-lb (108 N·m)
The wheel nuts must be kept tigh-
tened to the specification at all times. It is recommended that wheel nuts be
tightened to the specification at each
tire rotation interval.
WARNING
.After rotating the tires, check
and adjust the tire pressure.
.Retighten the wheel nuts when
the vehicle has been driven for
600 miles (1,000 km) (also in
cases of a flat tire, etc.) .
.Do not include the spare tire or
any other small size spare tire in
the tire rotation.
.For additional information re-
garding tires, refer to “Important
Tire Safety Information” (US) or
“Tire Safety Information” (Cana-
da) in the Warranty Information
Booklet.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-37