5-34Starting and driving
ing lightmay illuminate.
. The VDC system is not a substitute
for winter tires or tire chains on a
snow covered road.FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCK
To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
deicer through the key hole. If the lock becomes
frozen, heat the key before inserting it into the
key hole or use the remote keyless entry key fob.
ANTI-FREEZE
In the winter when it is anticipated that the
outside temperature will drop below 328F(0 8C) ,
check the anti-freeze to assure proper winter
protection. For additional information, see “En-
gine cooling system” (P.8-4) .
BATTERY
If the battery is not fully charged during
extremely cold weather conditions, the battery
fluid may freeze and damage the battery. To
maintain maximum efficiency, the battery should
be checked regularly. For additional information,
see “Battery” (P.8-10) .
DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER
If the vehicle is to be left outside without anti-
freeze, drain the cooling system, including the
engine block. Refill before operating the vehicle.
For details, see “Engine cooling system” (P.8-4) .
TIRE EQUIPMENT
SUMMER tires have a tread designed to provide
superior performance on dry pavement. How-
ever, the performance of these tires will be
substantially reduced in snowy and icy condi-
tions. If you operate your vehicle on snowy or icy
roads, NISSAN recommends the use of MUD &
SNOW or ALL SEASON tires on all four wheels.
It is recommended you consult a NISSAN dealer
for the tire type, size, speed rating and
availability information.
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.
Tire chains may be used. For details, see “Tire
chains” (P.8-33) .
SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT
It is recommended that the following items be
carried in the vehicle during winter:
. A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to remove
ice and snow from the windows and wiper
blades.
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
4. Lower the vehicle slowly until the tiretouches the ground. Then, with the wheel
nut wrench, tighten the wheel nuts securely
in the sequence 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.8-27) .
In case of emergency6-9
SDI2197
Tire and Loading Information label
*1Seating capacity: The maximum
number of occupants that can be
seated in the vehicle.
*2Vehicle load limit: See “Vehicle
loading information” (P.10-12) .
*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 COLDafter the vehicle has been parked for
3 or more hours, or driven less than
1 mile (1.6 km) at moderate speeds.
The recommended 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-
31) .
*6Spare tire size or compact spare tire
size (if so equipped)
Do-it-yourself8-29
8-30Do-it-yourself
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 side-
ways, 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.
Recheck 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.
SIZE COLD
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
SDI1575
Example
TIRE LABELING
Federal law requires tire manufacturers
to place standardized information on the
sidewall of all tires. This information
identifies and describes the fundamental
characteristics of the tire and also
provides the tire identification number
(TIN) for safety standard certification.
The TIN can be used to identify the tire
in case of a recall.
SDI1606
Example
*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 num- ber 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.
Do-it-yourself8-31
8-32Do-it-yourself
JVM0694X
Example
*2TIN (Tire Identification Number) for a
new tire (example: DOT XX XX XXX
XXXX)
1. DOT: Abbreviation for the “Depart- ment 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 iden- tification 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 pres-
sure
This number is the greatest amount of air
pressure that should be put in the tire.
Do not exceed the maximum permissible
inflation 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 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 asymme-
trical 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
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
Do-it-yourself8-33
8-34Do-it-yourself
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 Chainpart 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.
JVM0340X
16-inch size tire
For 16-inch size tire, use a tire chain that is
designed to provide the specified space
*A
between 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