6.Avoid Idling
•Shutting off your engine when safe for
stops exceeding 30 seconds saves fuel
and reduces emissions.
7. Buy an Automated Pass for Toll Roads
•Automated passes permit drivers to use
special lanes to maintain cruising speed
through the toll and avoid stopping and
starting.
8. Winter Warm Up
•Limit idling time to minimize impact to
fuel economy.
•Vehicles typically need no more than 30
seconds of idling at start-up to effectively
circulate the engine oil before driving.
•Your vehicle will reach its ideal operating
temperature more quickly while driving
versus idling.
9. Keeping your Vehicle Cool
•Park your vehicle in a covered parking
area or in the shade whenever possible.
•When entering a hot vehicle, opening the
windows will help to reduce the inside
temperature faster, resulting in reduced
demand on your A/C system.
•Keep your engine tuned up.
•Follow the recommended scheduled mainte-
nance.
•Keep the tires inflated to the correct pres-
sure. Low tire pressure increases tire wear
and lowers fuel economy.
•Keep all the wheels in correct alignment.
Improper alignment increases tire wear and
lowers fuel economy.
•Use the recommended viscosity engine oil.
For additional information, see Recom-
mended fluids/lubricants and capacities in
the 10. Technical information section
WARNING
•Do not drive beyond the performance capa-
bility of the tires, even with 4WD engaged.
Accelerating quickly, sharp steering ma-
neuvers or sudden braking may cause loss
of control.
•Always use tires of the same type, size,
brand, construction (bias, bias-belted or ra-
dial), and tread pattern on all four wheels.
•This vehicle is not designed for off-road
(rough road) use. Do not drive on sandy or
muddy roads that tires may get stuck in.
•For 4WD equipped vehicles, do not attempt
to raise two wheels off the ground and shift
the transmission to any drive or reverse po-
sition with the engine running. Doing so
may result in drivetrain damage or unex-
pected vehicle movement which could re-
sult in serious vehicle damage or personal
injury.
•Do not attempt to test a 4WD equipped ve-
hicle on a 2-wheel dynamometer (such as
the dynamometers used by some states for
emissions testing) or similar equipment
even if the other two wheels are raised off
the ground. Make sure that you inform the
test facility personnel that your vehicle is
INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE (4WD) (IF EQUIPPED)
Starting and driving5-83
equipped with 4WD before it is placed on a
dynamometer. Using the wrong test equip-
ment may result in drivetrain damage or un-
expected vehicle movement which could re-
sult in serious vehicle damage or personal
injury.
•When a wheel is off the ground due to an
uneven surface, do not spin the wheel
excessively.
CAUTION
Never tow the vehicle with one axle raised. This
may damage the differential. Damage of this
sort is not covered by the warranty. All wheels
must be fully raised (seeFour-Wheel Drive
(4WD) models in the6. In case of emergency
section)
4WD, together with VDC, improves the traction
of your vehicle whenever a drive wheel spins
due to insufficient grip.
If you fail to adapt your driving style, 4WD can
neither reduce the risk of an accident nor
override the laws of physics. 4WD cannot take
account of road, weather, and traffic conditions.
4WD is only an aid. You are responsible for the
distance to the vehicle in front, for vehicle speed, for braking in good time, and for staying
in lane.
If a drive wheel spins due to insufficient grip
•When pulling away, only depress the accel-
erator pedal as far as is necessary.
•Accelerate less when driving.
NOTE
In wintry driving conditions, the maximum effec-
tiveness of 4WD can only be achieved if you use
winter tires (M+S tires), with snow chains if nec-
essary.
WARNING
•Do not stop or park the vehicle over flam-
mable materials such as dry grass, waste
paper or rags. They may ignite and cause a
fire.
•Safe parking procedures require that both
the parking brake be applied and the P
(Park) position engaged. Failure to do so
could cause the vehicle to move unexpect-
edly or roll away and result in an accident.
•When parking the vehicle, make sure the P
(Park) position is engaged. The shift lever
cannot be moved out of the P (Park) position
without depressing the brake pedal.
•Never leave the engine running while the
vehicle is unattended.
•To help avoid risk of injury or death through
unintended operation of the vehicle and/or
its systems, do not leave children, people
who require the assistance of others, or
pets unattended in your vehicle. Addition-
ally, the temperature inside a closed vehicle
on a warm day can quickly become high
enough to cause a significant risk of injury
or death to people and pets.
PARKING
5-84Starting and driving
slight pulsation. This is normal and indicates
that the Brake Assist System is operating (if
equipped).
Using brakes
Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal while
driving. This will overheat the brakes, wear out
the brake linings/pads faster, and increase fuel
consumption.
To help reduce brake wear and to prevent the
brakes from overheating, reduce speed and
downshift to a lower gear before going down a
slope or long grade. Overheated brakes may
reduce braking performance and could result in
loss of vehicle control.
While driving on a slippery surface, be careful
when braking, accelerating or downshifting.
Abrupt braking or acceleration could cause the
wheels to skid and result in an accident.
Wet brakes
When the vehicle is washed or driven through
water, the brakes may get wet. As a result, your
braking distance will be longer and the vehicle
may pull to one side during braking.
To dry the brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe
speed while lightly depressing the brake pedal
to heat up the brakes. Do this until the brakesreturn to normal. Avoid driving the vehicle at
high speeds until the brakes function correctly.
Driving uphill
When starting on a steep gradient, it is some-
times difficult to operate the brake. Use the
parking brake to hold the vehicle. When ready
to start, make sure that the shift lever is in an
appropriate forward or reverse driving position,
release the parking brake while depressing the
accelerator pedal. If your vehicle has an electric
parking brake, this will automatically release
when you depress the accelerator pedal (DCT
models).
Driving downhill
The engine braking action is effective for con-
trolling the vehicle while descending hills.
A low gear position in the manual shift mode,
low enough to obtain sufficient engine braking,
should be selected.
Parking brake break-in
Break in the parking brake shoes whenever the
stopping effect of the parking brake is weak-
ened or whenever the parking brake shoes
and/or drums/rotors are replaced, in order to
assure the best braking performance.
This procedure is described in the vehicle ser-
vice manual and can be performed by an
INFINITI retailer.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS)
WARNING
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is a so-
phisticated device, but it cannot prevent acci-
dents resulting from careless or dangerous
driving techniques. It can help maintain ve-
hicle control during braking on slippery sur-
faces. Remember that stopping distances on
slippery surfaces 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 ve-
hicle 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.
– When installing a replacement tire, make sure
that it is the proper size and type as specified
on the tire and loading information label. (See
5-88Starting and driving
coolantin the8. Do-it-yourself section of this
manual.
TIRE EQUIPMENT
1. SUMMER tires have a tread designed to provide superior performance on dry pave-
ment. However, the performance of these
tires will be substantially reduced in snowy
and icy conditions. If you operate your ve-
hicle on snowy or icy roads, INFINITI recom-
mends the use of MUD & SNOW or ALL
SEASON TIRES on all four wheels. It is rec-
ommended that you visit an INFINITI retailer
for the tire type, size, speed rating and
availability information.
2. 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 capabilities of studded snow
tires, on wet or dry surfaces, may be poorer than
that of non-studded snow tires.
3. Tire chains may be used if desired. Make sure they are the proper size for the tires on
your vehicle and are installed according to
the chain manufacturer’s instructions. Use
chain tensioners when recommended by the
tire chain manufacturer to ensure a tight fit. Loose end links of the tire chains must be
secured or removed to prevent the possibil-
ity of whipping action damage to the fenders
or underbody. In addition, drive at a reduced
speed, otherwise, your vehicle may be dam-
aged and/or vehicle handling and perfor-
mance may be adversely affected.
SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT
It is recommended that the following items be
carried in the vehicle during the winter:
•A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to remove
ice and snow from the windows.
•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 washer fluid to refill the windshield
washer fluid reservoir.
DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE
WARNING
•Wet ice (32°F, 0°C 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 ac-
celerating or downshifting 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 pavement.
•Allow greater following distances on slip-
pery 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 cruise control on slippery roads.
•Snow can trap dangerous exhaust gas un-
der your vehicle. Keep snow clear of the
exhaust pipe and from around your vehicle.
5-94Starting and driving
The hazard warning flasher switch1operates
regardless of the ignition switch position except
when the battery is discharged.
The hazard warning flasher is used to warn
other drivers when you have to stop or park
under emergency conditions.
When the hazard warning flasher switch is
pushed, all turn signal lights will flash. To turn
off the hazard warning flasher, push the hazard
warning switch again.
WARNING
•If stopping for an emergency, be sure to
move the vehicle well off the road.
•Do not use the hazard warning flashers
while moving on the highway unless un-
usual circumstances force you to drive so
slowly that your vehicle might become a
hazard to other traffic.
•Turn signals do not work when the hazard
warning flasher lights are on.
Some jurisdictions may prohibit the use of the
hazard warning flasher switch while driving. If you have a flat tire, follow the instructions in
this section.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM
(TPMS)
WARNING
•If the low tire pressure warning light illumi-
nates or a tire pressure-related warning is
displayed by the vehicle information dis-
play while driving, avoid sudden steering
maneuvers or abrupt braking, reduce ve-
hicle speed, pull off the road to a safe loca-
tion and stop the vehicle as soon as pos-
sible. Driving with under-inflated tires may
permanently damage the tires and increase
the likelihood of tire failure. Serious vehicle
damage could occur and may lead to an ac-
cident and could result in serious personal
injury. Check the tire pressure for all four
tires. Adjust the tire pressure to the recom-
mended COLD tire pressure shown on the
tire and loading information label to turn
the low tire pressure warning light OFF. If
you have a flat tire, replace it with a replace-
ment tire as soon as possible.
•When a replacement tire is mounted or a
wheel is replaced, the TPMS will not func-
tion and the low tire pressure warning light
NIC2621
HAZARD WARNING FLASHER SWITCH
FLAT TIRE
6-2In case of emergency
Two-Wheel Drive (FWD) models
CAUTION
NEVER tow automatic transmission (DCT) mod-
els with the front wheels on the ground or with
all four wheels on the ground (forwards or
backwards), as this may cause serious and ex-
pensive damage to the transmission. If it is
necessary to tow the vehicle with the rear
wheels raised, always use towing dollies un-
der the front wheels.
Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) models
INFINITI recommends that towing dollies be
used under the front or rear wheels when
towing your vehicle or the vehicle be placed on
a flatbed tow truck as illustrated.
CAUTION
Never tow 4WD models with any of the wheels
on the ground. Doing so will cause serious and
expensive damage to the drivetrain.
Vehicle recovery (freeing a stuck
vehicle)
WARNING
To avoid vehicle damage, serious personal in-
jury or death when recovering a stuck vehicle:
•Contact a professional towing service to re-
cover the vehicle if you have any questions
regarding the recovery procedure.
•Tow chains or cables must be attached only
to the vehicle recovery hooks or main struc-
tural members of the vehicle.
•Do not use the vehicle tie downs to tow or
free a stuck vehicle.
•Only use devices specifically designed for
vehicle recovery and follow the manufactur-
er’s instructions.
•Always pull the recovery device straight out
from the front of the vehicle. Never pull at an
angle.
•Route recovery devices so they do not touch
any part of the vehicle except the attach-
ment point.
If your vehicle is stuck in sand, snow, or mud,
and the vehicle is unable to free itself without
NCE4504WD models
In case of emergency6-15
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.
5 Two-digit number (16): This number is the 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.
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 identification mark
3 Two-digit code: Tire size
4 Three-digit code: Tire type code (Optional)
5 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 pressure
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.
SDI1606ZExampleNDI1623Example
Do-it-yourself8-29
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 capa-
bilities of studded snow tires on wet or dry
surfaces may be poorer than that of non-
studded snow tires.
Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) models
If excessive tire wear is found, it is recom-
mended 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 nec-
essary. It is recommended that you visit an
INFINITI retailer.
TIRE CHAINS
CAUTION
Tire chains/cables should not be installed on
235/45 R19 or 235/50 R18 size tires. Installa-
tion of the tire chains/cables on 235/45 R19 or
235/50 R18 size tires will cause damage to the
vehicle. If you plan to use tire chains/cables,
you should install 215/60 R17 size tires on your
vehicle.Use of tire chains may be prohibited according
to location. Check the local laws before install-
ing tire chains. When installing tire chains,
make sure that they are of proper size for the
tires on your vehicle and are installed according
to the chain manufacturer’s instructions.
Use chain tensioners when recommended by
the tire chain manufacturer to ensure a tight fit.
Loose end links of the tire chains must be
secured or removed to prevent the possibility of
whipping action damage to the fenders or un-
derbody. If possible, avoid fully loading your
vehicle when using tire chains. In addition,
drive at a reduced speed. Otherwise, your ve-
hicle 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 T-type spare tire
(TEMPORARY USE ONLY).
Do not drive with tire chains on paved roads
which are clear of snow. Driving with chains in
such conditions can cause damage to the vari-
ous mechanisms of the vehicle due to some
overstress.
1: Wear indicator
2: Location mark
TIRE WEAR AND DAMAGE
WARNING
•Tires should be periodically inspected for
wear, cracking, bulging or objects caught in
the tread. If excessive wear, cracks, bulging
or deep cuts are found, the tire should be
replaced immediately.
•The original tires have a built-in tread wear
indicator. When the wear indicator is vis-
ible, the tire should be replaced.
•Tires degrade with age and use. Have tires,
including the spare, over 6 years old
checked by a qualified technician because
SDI1663Z
Do-it-yourself8-31