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 out-
ward 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
(i.e., Summer, All Season or Snow) and
construction. An INFINITI retailer 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 originally
specified by INFINITI could affect the
proper operation of the low tire pres-
sure warning system.
●Always use tires of the same type, size,
brand, construction and tread pattern
on all four wheels. Failure to do so may
result in a circumference difference be-
tween tires on the front and rear axles
which can cause the Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) system to malfunction re-
sulting in personal injury or death, ex-
cessive tire wear and may damage the
transmission, transfer case and differ-
ential gears.
●For additional information regarding
tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety In-
formation” (US) or “Tire Safety Informa-
tion” (Canada) in the Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet.All-Wheel Drive (AWD) models
CAUTION
●ONLY use spare tires specified for the
AWD model.
If excessive tire wear is found, it is recommended
that all four tires be replaced with tires of the
same size, brand, construction and tread pattern.
The tire pressure and wheel alignment should
also be checked and corrected as necessary. It is
recommended that you visit an INFINITI retailer
for this service.
All season tires
INFINITI specifies All Season tires on some mod-
els to provide good performance all year, includ-
ing snowy and icy road conditions. All Season
tires are identified by ALL SEASON and/or M&S
on the tire sidewall. Snow tires have better snow
traction than All Season tires and may be more
appropriate in some areas.
Summer tires
INFINITI specifies summer tires on some models
to provide superior performance on dry roads.
Summer tire performance is substantially re-
duced in snow and ice. Summer tires do not have
the tire traction rating “M&S” on the tire sidewall.
8-34Maintenance and do-it-yourself
●The original tires have built-in
tread wear indicators. When the
wear indicators are visible, the
tire(s) should be replaced.
●Tires degrade with age and use.
Have tires, including the spare,
over 6 years old checked by a
qualified technician because
some tire damage may not be ob-
vious. Replace the tires as neces-
sary to prevent tire failure and
possible personal injury.
●Improper service of the spare tire
may result in serious personal in-
jury. If it is necessary to repair the
spare tire, it is recommended that
you visit an INFINITI retailer for
this service.
●For additional information re-
garding tires, refer to “Important
Tire Safety Information” (US) or
“Tire Safety Information”
(Canada) in the Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet.Replacing wheels and tires
When replacing a tire, use the same size, tread
design, speed rating and load carrying capacity
as originally equipped. For additional information,
refer to “Wheels and tires” in the “Technical and
consumer information” section of this manual.
WARNING
●The use of tires other than those recom-
mended or the mixed use of tires of
different brands, construction (bias,
bias-belted or radial) , or tread patterns
can adversely affect the ride, braking,
handling, VDC system, ground clear-
ance, body-to-tire clearance, tire chain
clearance, speedometer calibration,
headlight aim and bumper height.
Some of these effects may lead to acci-
dents and could result in serious per-
sonal injury.
●For 2WD models, if your vehicle was
originally equipped with 4 tires that
were the same size and you are only
replacing 2 of the 4 tires, install the new
tires on the rear axle. Placing new tires
on the front axle may cause loss of
vehicle control in some driving condi-
tions and cause an accident and per-
sonal injury.●If the wheels are changed for any rea-
son, always replace with wheels which
have the same off-set dimension.
Wheels of a different off-set could
cause premature tire wear, degrade ve-
hicle handling characteristics, affect the
VDC system and/or interference with
the brake discs. Such interference can
lead to decreased braking efficiency
and/or early brake pad wear. For addi-
tional information on wheel off-set di-
mensions, refer to “Wheels and tires” in
the “Technical and consumer informa-
tion” section of this manual.
●Since the spare tire is not equipped with
the TPMS, when a spare tire is mounted
or a wheel is replaced, tire pressure will
not be indicated, the TPMS will not
function and the low tire pressure warn-
ing light will flash for approximately
1 minute. The light will remain on after
1 minute. Have your tires replaced
and/or TPMS system reset as soon as
possible. It is recommended that you
visit an INFINITI retailer for this service.
●Replacing tires with those not originally
specified by INFINITI could affect the
proper operation of the TPMS.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-37
