TIRE LABELING
Federal law requires tire manufactur-
ers to place standardized information
on the sidewall of all tires. This infor-
mation identifies and describes the
fundamental characteristics of the tire
and also provides the tire identifica-
tion number (TIN) for safety standard
certification. The TIN can be used to
identify the tire in case of a recall.
1Tire size (example: P215/65R15
95H)
1. P: The “P” indicates the tire is de- signed for passenger vehicles (not
all tires have this information).
2. Three-digit number (215): This number gives the width in millime-
ters of the tire from sidewall edge
to sidewall edge. 3. Two-digit number (65): This num-
ber, 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 (15): This num- ber is the wheel or rim diameter in
inches.
ExampleWDI0394
Example
WDI0395
8-32Do-it-yourself
6. Two- or three-digit number (95):This number is the tire’s load in-
dex. It is a measurement of how
much weight each tire can sup-
port. You may not find this infor-
mation 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 “De- partment Of Transportation”. The
symbol can be placed above, be-
low 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
Example
LDI2786
Do-it-yourself8-33
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 per-
missible 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, In-
tended 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 side-
wall 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 con-
struction. 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 may not match the potential
maximum vehicle speed. Never exceed
the maximum speed rating of the tire.
∙ Replacing tires with those not originally specified by INFINITI could affect the
proper operation of the low tire pressure
warning system.
8-34Do-it-yourself
∙ Always use tires of the same type, size,brand, construction and tread pattern on
all four wheels. Failure to do so may re-
sult in a circumference difference be-
tween tires on the front and rear axles
which can cause the Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) system to malfunction re-
sulting in personal injury or death, exces-
sive tire wear and may damage the trans-
mission, transfer case and differential
gears.
∙ For additional information regarding tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety In-
formation” (US) or “Tire Safety Informa-
tion” (Canada) in the Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) models
CAUTION
∙ ONLY use spare tires specified for the AWD 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.
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 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 ratingto 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 pat-
tern 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.
TIRE CHAINS
CAUTION
Tire chains/cables should not be installed
on 235/55R20 size tires. Installation of the
tire chains/cables on 235/55R20 size tires
will cause damage to the vehicle. If you plan
to use tire chains/cables, you should install
235/65R18 size tires on your vehicle.
Do-it-yourself8-35
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 they are the proper size for
the tires on your vehicle and are installed
according to the chain manufacturer’s sug-
gestions.Use only SAE class “S” chains. Class
“S” chains are used on vehicles with restricted
tire to vehicle clearance. Vehicles that can use
Class “S” chains are designed to meet the
minimum clearances between the tire and the
closest vehicle suspension or body compo-
nent required to accommodate the use of a
winter traction device (tire chains or cables).
The minimum clearances are determined us-
ing the factory equipped tire size. Other types
may damage your vehicle. Use chain tension-
ers when recommended by the tire chain
manufacturer to ensure a tight fit. Loose end
links of the tire chain must be secured or
removed to prevent the possibility of whip-
ping action damage to the fenders or under-
body. If possible, avoid fully loading your ve-
hicle when using tire chains. In addition, drive
at a reduced speed. Otherwise, your vehicle
may be damaged and/or vehicle handling
and performance may be adversely affected.
Do not use tire chains on dry roads. Driving
with chains in such conditions can cause
damage to the various mechanisms of the
vehicle due to some overstress.
CHANGING WHEELS AND TIRES
Tire rotation
INFINITI recommends rotating the
tires every 5,000 miles (8,000 km).
For additional information on tire re-
placing procedures, refer to “Flat tire”
in the “In case of emergency” section
of this manual.
As soon as possible, tighten the wheel
nuts to the specified torque with a
torque wrench. Wheel nut tightening torque:
83 ft-lb (113 N·m)
The wheel nuts must be kept tight-
ened 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 adjust the tire pressure.
∙ Retighten the wheel nuts when the vehicle has been driven for
600 miles (1,000 km) (also in
cases of a flat tire, etc.).
∙ Do not include the spare tire in the tire rotation.
∙ For additional information re- garding tires, refer to “Important
Tire Safety Information” (US) or
“Tire Safety Information”
(Canada) in the Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet.
WDI0258
8-36Do-it-yourself
Tire wear and damage
1. Wear indicator
2. Location mark
WARNING
∙ Tires should be periodically in- spected for wear, cracking, bulg-
ing or objects caught in the tread.
If excessive wear, cracks, bulging
or deep cuts are found, the tire(s)
should be replaced. ∙ The original tires have built-in
tread wear indicators. When the
wear indicators are visible, the
tire(s) should be replaced.
∙ 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.
Replace the tires as necessary to
prevent tire failure and possible
personal injury.
∙ Improper service of the spare tire may result in serious personal in-
jury. If it is necessary to repair the
spare tire, it is recommended that
you visit an INFINITI retailer for
this service.
∙ For additional information re- garding tires, refer to “Important
Tire Safety Information” (US) or
“Tire Safety Information”
(Canada) in the Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet.
Replacing wheels and tires
When replacing a tire, use the same size,
tread design, speed rating and load carrying
capacity as originally equipped. For addi-
tional information, refer to “Wheels and tires”
in the “Technical and consumer information”
section of this manual.
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, headlight
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 four tires that
were the same size and you are only re-
placing two of the four tires, install the
new tires on the rear axle. Placing new
tires on the front axle may cause loss of
vehicle control in some driving conditions
and cause an accident and personal
injury.
WDI0259
Do-it-yourself8-37
WHEELS AND TIRES
Wheel typeOffset in (mm) Size
Aluminum 1.97 (50)18 x 7.5J
1.97 (50) 20 x 7.5J
Spare Wheel - Steel 18 x4T
Tire size 235/65R18
235/55R20
Spare tire T165/90D18
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHTS
Overall lengthin (mm)200.1 (5,083)
Overall width in (mm)77.2 (1,960)
Overall height without roof rack in (mm)68.6 (1,743)
with roof rails in (mm)68.7 (1,746)
with roof rack/cross bars in (mm)71.4 (1,813)
Front and rear track in (mm)65.7 (1,670)
Wheelbase in (mm)114.2 (2,900)
Gross vehicle weight rating lbs. (kg) Refer to the “F.M.V.S.S./C.
M.V.S.S. certification label”on the center pillar be-tween the driver’s side front and rear doors.
Gross axle weight rating
Front lbs. (kg)
Rear lbs. (kg)
Technical and consumer information10-9
∙ Trailer tire condition, size, load rat-ing and proper inflation pressure
should be in accordance with the
trailer and tire manufacturer’s
specifications.
Safety chains
Always use suitable safety chains between
your vehicle and the trailer. The safety chains
should be crossed and should be attached to
the hitch, not to the vehicle bumper or axle.
The safety chains can be attached to the
bumper if the hitch ball is mounted to the
bumper. Be sure to leave enough slack in the
chains to permit turning corners.
Trailer lights
CAUTION
When splicing into the vehicle electrical
system, a commercially available power-
type module/converter must be used to
provide power for all trailer lighting. This
unit uses the vehicle battery as a direct
power source for all trailer lights while us-
ing the vehicle tail light, stoplight and turn
signal circuits as a signal source. The
module/converter must draw no more than
15 milliamps from the stop and tail lamp
circuits. Using a module/converter that ex-
ceeds these power requirements may dam-
age the vehicle’s electrical system. See a
reputable trailer retailer to obtain the
proper equipment and to have it installed.
Trailer lights should comply with federal
and/or local regulations. For assistance in
hooking up trailer lights, contact an INFINITI
retailer or reputable trailer retailer. Vehicles
equipped with the optional trailer tow pack-
age are equipped with a 7-pin trailer harness
connector. If your trailer is equipped with a
flat 4-pin connector, an adapter will be
needed to connect the trailer lights to the
vehicle. Adapters are available at auto parts
stores and hitch retailers.
Trailer brakes
When towing a trailer load of 3,500 lbs.
(1,587 kg) or more, trailers with a brake sys-
tem MUST be used. However, most states
require a separate braking system on trailers
with a loaded weight above a specific
amount. Make sure the trailer meets the local
regulations and the regulations where you
plan to tow.
Several types of braking systems are avail-
able.
Surge Brakes - The surge brake actuator is
mounted on the trailer tongue with a hydrau-
lic line running to each trailer wheel. Surge
brakes are activated by the trailer pushing
against the hitch ball when the tow vehicle is
braking. Hydraulic surge brakes are common
on rental trailers and some boat trailers. In
this type of system, there is no hydraulic or
electric connection for brake operation be-
tween the tow vehicle and the trailer.
Electric Trailer Brakes - Electric braking sys-
tems are activated by an electronic signal
sent from a trailer brake controller (special
brake-sensing module). For additional infor-
mation, refer to “Electric trailer brake control-
ler” in this section.
10-24Technical and consumer information