CAUTION
In certain driving and driving safety systems,
the sensors adjust automatically while a cer-
tain distance is being driven after the vehicle
has been delivered or after repairs. Full system
effectiveness is not reached until the end of
this teach-in process.
Brake pads/linings and rotors that are either
new or have been replaced only achieve opti-
mum braking effect after several hundred
miles of driving. Compensate for the reduced
braking effect by applying greater force to the
brake pedalFollow these easy-to-use Fuel Efficient Driving
Tips to help you achieve the most fuel economy
from your vehicle.
1.Use Smooth Accelerator and Brake Pedal
Application
•Avoid rapid starts and stops.
•Use smooth, gentle accelerator and brake
application whenever possible.
•Maintain constant speed while commut-
ing and coast whenever possible.
2.Maintain Constant Speed
•Look ahead to try and anticipate and
minimize stops.
•Synchronizing your speed with traffic lights
allows you to reduce your number of stops.
•Maintaining a steady speed can minimize
red light stops and improve fuel efficiency.
3.Use Air Conditioning (A/C) at Higher Vehicle
Speeds
•Below 40 MPH (64 km/h), it is more
efficient to open windows to cool the
vehicle due to reduced engine load.
•Above 40 MPH (64 km/h), it is more
efficient to use A/C to cool the vehicle due
to increased aerodynamic drag.
•Recirculating the cool air in the cabin
when the A/C is on reduces cooling load.
4.Drive at Economical Speeds and Distances
•Observing the speed limit and not ex-
ceeding 60 MPH (97 km/h) (where legally
allowed) can improve fuel efficiency due
to reduced aerodynamic drag.
•Maintaining a safe following distance
behind other vehicles reduces unneces-
sary braking.
•Safely monitoring traffic to anticipate
changes in speed permits reduced brak-
ing and smooth acceleration changes.
•Select a gear range suitable to road
conditions.
5.Use Cruise Control
•Using cruise control during highway driv-
ing helps maintain a steady speed.
•Cruise control is particularly effective in
providing fuel savings when driving on
flat terrains.
Utilize a map or navigation system to determine
the best route to save time.
FUEL EFFICIENT DRIVING TIPS
5-82Starting and driving
When the brake pedal is depressed slowly and
firmly, you may hear a clicking noise and feel a
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 brakes
return 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.
5-88Starting and driving
The Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system uses
various sensors to monitor driver inputs and
vehicle motion. Under certain driving condi-
tions, the VDC system helps to perform the
following functions.
•Controls brake pressure to reduce wheel slip
on one slipping drive wheel so power is
transferred to a non slipping drive wheel on
the same axle.
•Controls brake pressure and engine output
to reduce drive wheel slip based on vehicle
speed (traction control function).
•Controls brake pressure at individual wheels
and engine output to help the driver maintain
control of the vehicle in the following condi-
tions:
– understeer (vehicle tends to not follow
the steered path despite increased steer-
ing input)
– oversteer (vehicle tends to spin due to
certain road or driving conditions).
The VDC system can help the driver to maintain
control of the vehicle, but it cannot prevent loss
of vehicle control in all driving situations.When the VDC system operates, the VDC warn-
ing light in the instrument panel flashes so note
the following:
•The road may be slippery or the system may
determine some action is required to help
keep the vehicle on the steered path.
•You may feel a pulsation in the brake pedal
and hear a noise or vibration from under the
hood. This is normal and indicates that the
VDC system is working properly.
•Adjust your speed and driving to the road
conditions.
SeeVehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) warning
lightin the2. Instruments and controlssec-
tion.
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the VDC
warning light
illuminates in the instrument
panel. The VDC system automatically turns off.
WARNING
•The VDC system is designed to help the
driver maintain stability but does not pre-
vent accidents due to abrupt steering opera-
tion at high speeds or by careless or danger-
ous driving techniques. Reduce vehicle
speed and be especially careful when driv-
ing and cornering on slippery surfaces and
always drive carefully.
•Do not modify the vehicle’s suspension. If
suspension parts such as shock absorbers,
struts, springs, stabilizer bars, bushings
and wheels are not INFINITI recommended
for your vehicle or are extremely deterio-
rated, the VDC system may not operate
properly. This could adversely affect vehicle
handling performance, and the VDC warning
light
may illuminate.
•If brake related parts such as brake pads,
rotors and calipers are not INFINITI recom-
mended or are extremely deteriorated, the
VDC system may not operate properly and
the VDC warning light
may illuminate.
•If engine control related parts are not
INFINITI recommended or are extremely de-
teriorated, the VDC warning light
may
illuminate.
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM
5-90Starting and driving
For recommended fuel, lubricants, fluids,
grease, and refrigerant, refer toRecommended
fluids/lubricants and capacitiesin the10.
Technical informationTechnical information
section.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
MAINTENANCE
Drive belts*:
Check engine drive belts for wear, fraying or
cracking and for proper tension. Replace any
damaged drive belts
Engine air filter*:
Replace at specified intervals. When driving for
prolonged periods in dusty conditions, check/
replace the filter more frequently.
Engine coolant*:
Replace coolant at the specified interval. When
adding or replacing coolant, be sure to use only
Genuine INFINITI Engine Coolant or equivalent
in its quality (BASF Glysantin® G40®). (For
additional information, refer toEngine cooling
systemin the9. Maintenance and Schedules
section.)NOTE
Mixing any other type of coolant or the use of
non-distilled water may reduce the recom-
mended service interval of the coolant.
Engine oil and oil filter:
Replace engine oil and oil filter at the specified
intervals. For recommended oil grade and vis-
cosity refer toRecommended fluids/lubricants
and capacitiesin the10. Technical informa-
tionsection.
Fuel filter:
Replace the fuel filter and drain the water at the
specified intervals.
Fuel lines*:
Check the fuel hoses, piping and connections
for leaks, looseness, or deterioration. Tighten
connections or replace parts as necessary.
Spark plugs:
Replace at specified intervals. Install new plugs
of the type as originally equipped.
CHASSIS AND BODY MAINTENANCE
Brake lines and cables:
Visually inspect for proper installation. Check
for chafing, cracks, deterioration, and signs of
leaking. Replace any deteriorated or damaged
parts immediately.
Brake pads, rotors, drums, & linings:
Check for wear, deterioration and fluid leaks.
Replace any deteriorated or damaged parts
immediately.
Exhaust system:
Visually inspect the exhaust pipes, muffler and
hangers for leaks, cracks, deterioration, and
damage. Tighten connections or replace parts
as necessary.
In-cabin microfilter:
Replace at specified intervals. When driving for
prolonged periods in dusty conditions, replace
the filter more frequently.
Propeller shaft(s):
Check for damage, looseness, and grease leak-
age. (4WD/AWD).
9-6Maintenance and Schedules
CHASSIS & BODY MAINTENANCE
Abbreviations: I = Inspect and correct or replace as necessary, R = Replace
MAINTENANCE OPERATIONmiles x 1,000MAINTENANCE INTERVAL
Perform at number of miles,
kilometers or months, whichever
comes first.51015202530354045505560
(km x 1,000) (8) (16) (24) (32) (40) (48) (56) (64) (72) (80) (88) (96)
months 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72
Brake lines and cables I I I I I I
Brake pads and rotors* I I I I I I
Brake fluid * R R R
Automatic transmission fluid I I I
Automatic transmission fluid and
filterReplace every 60,000 miles or 60 months
Differential gear oil I I I I I I
Steering gear and linkage, axle and
suspension parts*III
Tire rotation See NOTE (1)
Propeller shaft & drive shaft boots
(4WD models)*IIIIII
Exhaust system* I I I
In-cabin microfilter R R R
I-key battery R R R R
NOTE:
(1) Refer toTire rotation*earlier in this section.
9-12Maintenance and Schedules
Abbreviations: I = Inspect and correct or replace as necessary, R = Replace
MAINTENANCE OPERATIONmiles x
1,000MAINTENANCE INTERVAL
Perform at number of miles, kilome-
ters or months, whichever comes first.65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100 105 110 115 120
(km x 1,000) (104) (112) (120) (128) (136) (144) (152) (160) (168) (176) (184) (192)
months 78 84 90 96 102 108 114 120 126 132 138 144
Brake lines and cables I I I I I I
Brake pads and rotors* I I I I I I
Brake fluid* R R R
Automatic transmission fluid I I I
Automatic transmission fluid and
filterReplace every 60,000 miles or 60 months
Differential gear oil I I I I I I
Steering gear and linkage, axle and
suspension parts*II I
Tire rotation See NOTE (1)
Propeller shaft & drive shaft boots
(4WD models)*IIII I I
Exhaust system* I I I
In-cabin microfilter R R R
I-key battery R R R R
NOTE:
(1) Refer toTire rotation*earlier in this section.
* Maintenance items with “*” should be performed more frequently according toMaintenance under severe driving conditionslater in this section
Maintenance and Schedules9-13