TIRE DRESSINGS
INFINITI does not recommend the use of tire
dressings. Tire manufacturers apply a coating
to the tires to help reduce discoloration of the
rubber. If a tire dressing is applied to the tires,
it may react with the coating and form a com-
pound. This compound may come off the tire
while driving and stain the vehicle paint.
If you choose to use a tire dressing, take the
following precautions:
•Use a water-based tire dressing. The coating
on the tire dissolves more easily than with an
oil-based tire dressing.
•Apply a light coat of tire dressing to help
prevent it from entering the tire tread/
grooves (where it would be difficult to re-
move).
•Wipe off excess tire dressing using a dry
towel. Make sure the tire dressing is com-
pletely removed from the tire tread/grooves.
•Allow the tire dressing to dry as recom-
mended by tire dressing manufacturer.Occasionally remove loose dust from the inte-
rior trim, plastic parts and seats using a vacuum
cleaner or soft bristled brush. Wipe the vinyl
and leather surfaces with a clean, soft cloth
dampened in mild soap solution, then wipe
clean with a dry, soft cloth.
Regular care and cleaning is required in order to
maintain the appearance of the leather.
Before using any fabric protector, read the
manufacturer’s recommendations. Some fabric
protectors contain chemicals that may stain or
bleach the seat material.
Use a soft cloth dampened only with water to
clean the meter and gauge lens covers.
WARNING
Do not use water or acidic cleaners (hot steam
cleaners) on the seat. This can damage the
seat or occupant classification sensor. This
can also affect the operation of the air bag
system and result in serious personal injury.
CAUTION
•Never use benzine, thinner or any similar
material on the interior surfaces or surface
damage may occur. Such damage is not cov-
ered under the INFINITI warranty.
•Small dirt particles can be abrasive and
damaging to leather surfaces and should be
removed promptly. Do not use saddle soap,
car waxes, polishes, oils, cleaning fluids,
solvents, detergents or ammonia-based
cleaners as they damage the leather’s natu-
ral finish.
•Never use fabric protectors unless recom-
mended by the manufacturer.
•Do not use glass or plastic cleaner on meter
or gauge lens covers. It may damage the
lens covers.
AIR FRESHENERS
Most air fresheners use a solvent that could
affect the vehicle interior. If you use an air
freshener, take the following precautions:
•Hanging-type air fresheners can cause per-
manent discoloration when they contact ve-
hicle interior surfaces. Place the air fresh-
ener in a location that allows it to hang free
and not contact an interior surface.
•Liquid-type air fresheners typically clip on
the ventilators. These products can cause
immediate damage and discoloration when
spilled on interior surfaces.
CLEANING INTERIOR
7-4Appearance and care
8 Do-it-yourself
Maintenance precautions..................8-2
Engine compartment check locations...........8-3
2.0L Gasoline engine...................8-3
Engine cooling system....................8-3
Checking engine coolant level.............8-4
Changing engine coolant................8-5
Engine oil............................8-5
Checking engine oil level................8-5
Changing engine oil...................8-5
Changing engine oil filter................8-6
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)............8-7
Brake fluid...........................8-7
Window washer fluid.....................8-8
Battery.............................8-9
Accessing Vehicle battery...............8-10
Maintenance free battery................8-10
Models with Idle Stop/Start System.........8-11
Battery replacement...................8-11
Reinitialisation procedure after battery
reconnection.......................8-12
Jump-starting.......................8-12
Drive belt...........................8-12
Spark plugs..........................8-13
Air cleaner filter.......................8-13
Wiper blades.........................8-13Cleaning..........................8-13
Replacing front window wiper blades........8-14
Replacing rear window wiper blade..........8-15
Brakes.............................8-17
Self-adjusting brakes..................8-17
Fuses..............................8-17
Before replacing a fuse.................8-17
Engine compartment...................8-17
Passenger compartment................8-18
Intelligent key battery replacement..........
.8-20
Checking the battery..................8-20
Replacing the battery..................8-20
Lights.............................8-22
Exterior and interior lights...............8-22
Replacement procedures................8-24
Wheels and tires.......................8-27
Tire Pressure.......................8-27
Tire inflation pressure.................8-29
Tire labeling.......................8-30
Types of tires.......................8-31
Tire chains........................8-33
Tire wear and damage.................8-33
Tire rotation.......................8-34
Replacing wheels and tires..............8-34
Wheel balance......................8-36
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 identifica-
tion 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 num-
bers 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 manufactur-
ers 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 in-
flation 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 (“tube-
less”).
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 manu-
facturer, 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 (i.e, sum-
mer, 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
they may not match the potential maximum
vehicle speed. Never exceed the maximum
speed rating of the tire.
NDI1623Example
Do-it-yourself8-31
•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 between tires on
the front and rear axles which can cause the
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system to
malfunction resulting in personal injury or
death, excessive tire wear and may damage
the transmission, transfer case and differ-
ential gears.
•For additional information regarding tires,
refer to “Important Tire Safety Information”
(US) or “Tire Safety Information“ (Canada)
in the Warranty Information Booklet.
CAUTION
ONLY use spare tires specified for the model.
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 for this service.
All season tires
INFINITI 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 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.
If you plan to operate your vehicle in snowy or
icy conditions, INFINITI recommends the use of
snow 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 have lower speed ratings
than factory equipped tires and may not 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 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.
8-32Do-it-yourself
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.
SDI1663Z
Do-it-yourself8-33
•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 obvious. Re-
place the tires as necessary to prevent tire
failure and possible personal injury.
•Improper service of the spare tire may re-
sult in serious personal injury. If it is neces-
sary to repair the spare tire, it is recom-
mended that you visit an INFINITI retailer for
this service.
•For additional information regarding tires,
refer to “Important Tire Safety Information”
(US) or “Tire Safety Information” (Canada)
in the Warranty Information Booklet.
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 visible,
the tire should be replaced.
Improper servicing of a tire may result in seri-
ous personal injury. If it is necessary to repair a
tire, it is recommended you contact an INFINITI
retailer.
TIRE ROTATION
INFINITI recommends rotating the tires every
5,000 miles (8,000 km).
For additional information on tire replacing
procedures, refer toFlat tirein the6. In case
of emergencysection.As soon as possible,
tighten the wheel nuts to the specified torque
with a torque wrench.
Wheel nut tightening torque: 96 ft-lb (130 N·m)
The wheel nuts must be kept tightened to speci-
fications at all times. It is recommended that
wheel nuts be tightened to specification at each
tire rotation interval.
WARNING
•After rotating the tires, check and adjust
the tire pressure.
•Do not include the spare tire in the tire
rotation.
•For additional information regarding tires,
refer toImportant Tire Safety Information
(US) orTire Safety Informationin the War-
ranty Information Booklet.
REPLACING WHEELS AND TIRES
WARNING
Do not install a deformed wheel or tire even if it
has been repaired. Such wheels or tires could
have structural damage and could fail without
warning.
When replacing a tire, use the same size, speed
rating and load carrying capacity as originally
equipped. (SeeWheels and Tiresin the9.
Maintenance and SchedulesMaintenance and
Schedulessection for recommended types and
sizes of tires and wheels.)
If the wheels are changed for any reason,
always replace with wheels which have the
same offset dimension. Wheels of a different
offset could cause early tire wear, possibly
degraded vehicle handling characteristics
and/or interference with the brake discs/
drums. Such interference can lead to decreased
braking efficiency and/or early brake pad/shoe
wear.
8-34Do-it-yourself