vehicle at high speeds until the brakes func-
tion 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 posi-
tion, release the parking brake while depress-
ing the accelerator pedal. If your vehicle has
an electric parking brake, this will automati-
cally release when you depress the accelera-
tor pedal (DCT models).
Driving downhill
The engine braking action is effective for
controlling the vehicle while descending hills.
A low gear position in the manual shift mode,
low enough to obtain sufficient engine brak-
ing, should be selected.
Parking brake break-in
Break in the parking brake shoes whenever
the stopping effect of the parking brake is
weakened or whenever the parking brake
shoes and/or drums/rotors are replaced, in
order to assure the best braking perfor-
mance.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
sophisticated device, but it cannot prevent
accidents resulting from careless or dan-
gerous driving techniques. It can help
maintain vehicle control during braking on
slippery surfaces. Remember that stopping
distances on slippery surfaces will be lon-
ger than on normal surfaces even with
ABS. Stopping distances may also be lon-
ger on rough, gravel or snow covered
roads, or if you are using tire chains. Al-
ways 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 informa- tion label. (See "Wheels and Tires" in the
"9. Maintenance and Schedules" section.)
– For detailed information, see "Wheels and
tires" in the "8. Do-it-yourself" section.
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) controls
the brakes so the wheels do not lock during
hard braking or when braking on slippery sur-
faces. The system detects the rotation speed
at each wheel and varies the brake fluid pres-
sure to prevent each wheel from locking and
sliding. By preventing each wheel from lock-
ing, the system helps the driver maintain
steering control and helps to minimize swerv-
ing and spinning on slippery surfaces.
Using system
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down.
Depress the brake pedal with firm steady
pressure, but do not pump the brakes. The
ABS will operate to prevent the wheels from
locking up. Steer the vehicle to avoid ob-
stacles.
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so may
result in increased stopping distances.
5-92Starting and driving
roll away There is a risk of an accident
and injury. Therefore, quickly move your
foot from the brake pedal to the accel-
erator pedal. Never leave the vehicle
when it is held by hill start assist.
Hill start assist helps you when pulling away
forwards or in reverse on an uphill gradient. It
holds the vehicle for a short time after you
have removed your foot from the brake
pedal. This gives you enough time to move
your foot from the brake pedal to the accel-
erator pedal and depress it before the vehicle
begins to roll.
Hill start assist is not active if
•You are pulling away on a level road or a
downhill gradient.
•On vehicles with automatic transmission,
the transmission is in position N.
•The electric parking brake is applied.
•VDC is malfunctioning.
FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCK
To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
deicer through the key hole. If the lock be-
comes frozen, heat the key before inserting it
into the key hole, or use the INFINITI Intelli-
gent Key.
ANTIFREEZE
In the winter when it is anticipated that the
temperature will drop below 32°F (0°C),
check the antifreeze to assure proper winter
protection. For additional information, see
"Engine cooling system" in the "8. Do-it-
yourself" section.
BATTERY
If the battery is not fully charged during ex-
tremely cold weather conditions, the battery
fluid may freeze and damage the battery. To
maintain maximum efficiency, the battery
should be checked regularly. For details, see
"Battery" in the "8. Do-it-yourself" section of
this manual.
DRAINING OF ENGINE COOLANT
If the vehicle is to be left outside without
antifreeze, drain the cooling system, including
the engine block. Refill before operating the
vehicle. For details, see "Changing engine
coolant" in the "8. Do-it-yourself" section of
this manual.
TIRE EQUIPMENT
1. SUMMER tires have a tread designed to provide superior performance on dry
pavement. However, the performance of
these tires will be substantially reduced in
snowy and icy conditions. If you operate
your vehicle on snowy or icy roads,
INFINITI recommends the use of MUD &
SNOW or ALL SEASON TIRES on all four
wheels. It is recommended that you visit
an INFINITI retailer for the tire type, size,
speed rating and availability information.
2. For additional traction on icy roads, stud- ded tires may be used. However, some
U.S. states and Canadian provinces pro-
hibit their use. Check local, state and pro-
vincial 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 possibility of whipping action damage
to the fenders or underbody. In addition,
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
Starting and driving5-97
In addition to the vehicle load, the driving
distance possible depends upon:
•Vehicle speed.
•Road condition.
•Outside temperature.
The driving distance possible in run-flat mode
may be reduced by extreme driving
conditions/maneuvers, or it can be increased
through a moderate style of driving.
The driving distance possible in run-flat mode
is counted from the moment the tire pressure
loss warning appears in the vehicle informa-
tion display.
You must not exceed a maximum speed of 50
MPH (80 km/h).
When replacing one or all tires, observe the
following specifications for your vehicle's
tires:
•Size
•Type
•Run-flat mark
If a tire has gone flat and cannot be replaced
with a run flat tire, a standard tire may be
used as a temporary measure. Make sure that
you use the proper size and type (summer or
winter tire).
WARNING
Do not exceed the stated maximum speed.
Avoid abrupt steering and driving maneu-
vers, and driving over obstacles (curbs, pot
holes, off road). This applies in particular to
a laden vehicle.
Stop driving in emergency mode if:
•You hear banging noises.
•The vehicle starts to shake.
•You see smoke and smell rubber.
•VDC is intervening constantly.
•There are tears in the sidewalls of the
tire.
After driving in emergency mode, have the
wheel rims checked with regard to their
further use. It is recommended you visit an
INFINITI retailer for this service. The faulty
tire must be replaced.
REMOVING AND FITTING
WHEELS
NOTE
A spare wheel is not provided with your ve-
hicle.
Blocking the wheels
WARNING
Make sure to block the appropriate wheel
to prevent the vehicle from moving, which
may cause personal injury.
Place suitable blocks
1in front of and be-
hind the wheel diagonally opposite the flat
tire
Ato prevent the vehicle from moving
when it is on the jack.
MCE0001DZ
In case of emergency6-5
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 mea-
surement of how much weight each tire
can support. You may not find this infor-
mation on all tires because it is not re-
quired by law.
7 H: Tire speed rating. You should not drive the vehicle faster than the tire speed rat-
ing.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 identifi- cation 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.
SDI1606Z
Example
NDI1623
Example
8-30Do-it-yourself
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 car-
ried by the tire. When replacing the tires
on the vehicle, always use a tire that has
the same load rating as the factory in-
stalled tire.
6Term of “tubeless” or “tube type”
Indicates whether the tire requires an in-
ner 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.
Other tire-related terminology:
In addition to the many terms that are de-
fined throughout this section, Intended Out-
board Sidewall is (1) the sidewall that con-
tains 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
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 they may not match the po-
tential maximum vehicle speed. Never
exceed the maximum speed rating of the
tire.
•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
resulting 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 Infor-
mation“ (Canada) in the Warranty In-
formation 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 necessary. It is recommended
that you visit an INFINITI retailer for this
service.
Do-it-yourself8-31
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 sub-
stantially 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, 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 han-
dling of your vehicle.Generally, snow tires have lower speed rat-
ings 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 ca-
pabilities 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 necessary. 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.
Installation 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 accord-
ing to location. Check the local laws before
installing 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 in-
structions.
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
underbody. If possible, avoid fully loading
your vehicle when using tire chains. In addi-
tion, drive at a reduced speed. Otherwise,
your vehicle 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.
8-32Do-it-yourself
TIRE ROTATION
INFINITI recommends rotating the tires ev-
ery 5,000 miles (8,000 km).
For additional information on tire replacing
procedures, refer to "Flat tire" in the "6. In
case of emergency" section.As soon as pos-
sible, 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
specifications 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 ad-
just the tire pressure.
•Do not include the spare tire in the tire
rotation.
•For additional information regarding
tires, refer to "Important Tire Safety In-
formation" (US) or "Tire Safety Infor-
mation" in the Warranty 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. (See "Wheels and Tires" in
the "9. Maintenance and Schedules" section
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 de-
creased braking efficiency and/or early brake
pad/shoe wear.
Confirm the following for the TPMS:
WARNING
•The use of tires other than those recom-
mended or the mixed use of tires of dif-
ferent brands, construction (bias, bias-
belted or radial), or tread patterns can
adversely affect the ride, braking, han-
dling, VDC system, ground clearance,
body-to-tire clearance, tire chain clear-
ance, speedometer calibration, head-
light aim and bumper height. Some of
these effects may lead to accidents and
could result in serious personal injury.
•For 2WD models, if your vehicle was
originally equipped with 4 tires that
were the same size and you are only re-
placing 2 of the 4 tires, install the new
tires on the rear axle. Placing new tires
on the front axle may cause loss of ve-
hicle control in some driving conditions
and cause an accident and personal in-
jury.
•If the wheels are changed for any rea-
son, always replace with wheels which
have the same offset dimension. Wheels
of a different offset could cause prema-
ture tire wear, degrade vehicle handling
characteristics, affect the VDC system
and/or interference with the brake
discs. Such interference can lead to de-
creased braking efficiency and/or early
8-34Do-it-yourself
GT and Sport models:
Item Offset in (mm) Size
Road wheel 1.50 (38) 6.5J x 171.81 (46) 7.0J x 18
1.71 (43.5) 8.0J x 19
Tire size 215/60 R17 96V 235/50 R18 97V*
235/50 R18 97H* **
235/45 R19 95V*
* : Use of snow chains NOT permitted.
**: US only. All Road models:Item Offset in (mm) Size
Road wheel 1.61 (41) 6.5J x 17
(steel)
1.61 (41) 7.0J x 18 (alloy)
Tire size 215/60 R17 96V 235/50 R18 97V*
235/50 R18 97H* **
* : Use of snow chains NOT permitted.
**: US only.
WHEELS AND TIRES
10-8Technical information