Wheel balance service should be performed
with the wheels off the vehicle. Spin
balancing the wheels on the vehicle could
lead to mechanical damage.
For additional information regarding tires,
refer to “Important Tire Safety Information”
(US) or “Tire Safety Information” (Canada) in
the INFINITI Warranty Information Booklet.
Care of wheels
See “Cleaning exterior” (P.7-2) for details
about care of the wheels.
Spare tire
Since the spare tire is not equipped with the
TPMS, when a spare tire is mounted (TEM-
PORARY USE ONLY or conventional), the
TPMS will not function.
Spare tire (FULL-SIZE TEMPORARY USE
ONLY spare tire) (Applies ONLY to vehicles
equipped with P275/50R22 tires):
Observe the following precautions if the full-
size temporary use only spare tire must be
used, otherwise your vehicle could be da-
maged or involved in an accident.
WARNING
.The full-size temporary use only
spare tire should be used for emer- gency use. It should be replaced with
the standard tire at the first oppor-
tunity to avoid possible tire or differ-
ential damage
. Drive carefully while the spare tire is
installed. Avoid sharp turns and
abrupt braking while driving. The
vehicle driving performance may be
affected when driving on wet or
snow covered roads.
. When the spare tire is installed, the
following systems may not work
correctly.
— Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
— Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) System
. Periodically check spare tire inflation
pressure. Always keep the spare tire
inflated to the pressure specification
shown on the Tire and Loading
Information label. For Tire and Load-
ing Information label location, see
“Tire and Loading Information label”
in the index of this manual.
. With the spare tire installed do not
drive your vehicle at speeds faster
than 50 MPH (80 km/h).
. When driving on roads covered with
snow or ice, the spare tire should be used on the front wheels and original
tire used on the rear wheels (drive
wheels). Use tire chains only on the
two rear original tires.
. Do not use the spare tire on other
vehicles.
. Do not use more than one spare tire
at the same time.
CAUTION
Do not use tire chains on the spare tire.
Tire chains will not fit properly and may
cause damage to the vehicle.
Do-it-yourself8-37
9-4Maintenance and schedules
Warning lights and chimes:Make sure that
all warning lights and chimes are operating
properly.
Windshield defroster: Check that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly
and in sufficient quantity when operating
the heater or air conditioner.
Windshield wiper and washer*: Check that
the wipers and washer operate properly and
that the wipers do not streak.
Under the hood and vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically (for example, each time
you check the engine oil or refuel).
Battery*: Check the fluid level in each cell. It
should be between the MAX and MIN lines.
Vehicles operated in high temperatures or
under severe condition require frequent
checks of the battery fluid level.
NOTE:
Care should be taken to avoid situations
that can lead to potential battery discharge
and potential no-start conditions such as:
1. Installation or extended use of electro-
nic accessories that consume battery
power when the engine is not running
(Phone chargers, GPS, DVD players,
etc.) 2.
Vehicle is not driven regularly and/or
only driven short distances.
In these cases, the battery may need to be
charged to maintain battery health.
Brake fluid level*: Make sure that the brake
fluid level is between the MAX and MIN lines
on the reservoir.
Engine coolant level*: Check the coolant
level when the engine is cold.
Engine drive belt*: Make sure that no belt is
frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level*: Check the level after
parking the vehicle on a level spot and
turning off the engine. Wait more than 15
minutes for the oil to drain back into the oil
pan.
Exhaust system: Make sure there are no
loose supports, cracks or holes. If the sound
of the exhaust seems unusual or there is a
smell of exhaust fumes, immediately have
the exhaust system inspected. It is recom-
mended you visit an INFINITI retailer for this
service. (See “Precautions when starting and
driving” (P.5-4) for exhaust gas (carbon
monoxide).)
Fluid leaks: Check under the vehicle for fuel,
oil, water or other fluid leaks after the
vehicle has been parked for a while. Water
dripping from the air conditioner after use is
normal. If you should notice any leaks or if gasoline fumes are evident, check for the
cause and have it corrected immediately.
Power steering fluid level* and lines:
Check
the level when the fluid is cold, with the
engine off. Check the lines for proper
attachment, leaks, cracks, etc.
Radiator and hoses: Check the front of the
radiator and clean off any dirt, insects,
leaves, etc., that may have accumulated.
Make sure the hoses have no cracks, defor-
mation, rot or loose connections.
Underbody: The underbody is frequently
exposed to corrosive substances such as
those used on icy roads or to control dust. It
is very important to remove these sub-
stances, otherwise rust will form on the
floor pan, frame, fuel lines and around the
exhaust system. At the end of winter, the
underbody should be thoroughly flushed
with plain water, being careful to clean
those areas where mud and dirt may accu-
mulate. For additional information, see
“Cleaning exterior” (P.7-2).
Windshield washer fluid*: Check that there
is adequate fluid in the reservoir.
10-14Technical and consumer information
WARNING
.It is extremely dangerous to
ride in a cargo area inside the
vehicle. In a collision, people
riding in these areas are more
likely to be seriously injured or
killed.
.Do not allow people to ride in
any area of vehicle that is not
equipped with seats and seat
belts.
.Be sure everyone in your vehicle
is in a seat and using a seat belt
properly.
TERMS
It is important to familiarize yourself
with the following terms before load-
ing your vehicle:
.Curb Weight (actual weight of
your vehicle) - vehicle weight in-
cluding: standard and optional
equipment, fluids, emergency
tools, and spare tire assembly. This
weight does not include passen- gers and cargo.
. GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) -
curb weight plus the combined
weight of passengers and cargo.
. GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rat-
ing) - maximum total combined
weight of the unloaded vehicle,
passengers, luggage, hitch, trailer
tongue load and any other op-
tional equipment. This information
is located on the F.M.V.S.S./C.M.
V.S.S. label.
. GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
- maximum weight (load) limit
specified for the front or rear axle.
This information is located on the
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. label.
. GCWR (Gross Combined Weight
Rating) - The maximum total
weight rating of the vehicle, pas-
sengers, cargo, and trailer.
. Vehicle Capacity Weight, Load
limit, Total load capacity - max-
imum total weight limit specified
of the load (passengers and cargo)
for the vehicle. This is the max-
imum combined weight of occu- pants and cargo that can be
loaded into the vehicle. If the
vehicle is used to tow a trailer,
the trailer tongue weight must be
included as part of the cargo load.
This information is located on the
Tire and Loading Information la-
bel.
. Cargo capacity - permissible
weight of cargo, the weight of
total occupants weight subtracted
from the load limit.
VEHICLE LOADING INFORMATION
10-16Technical and consumer information
the driver and passengers from
XXX kg or XXX lbs.
4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and
luggage load capacity. For exam-
ple, if the XXX amount equals
1400 lbs. and there will be five
150 lb. passengers in your vehicle,
the amount of available cargo and
luggage load capacity is 650 lbs.
(1400 − 750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs) or
(640 − 340 (5 x 70) = 300 kg.)
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on
the vehicle. That weight may not
safely exceed the available cargo
and luggage load capacity calcu-
lated in Step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will
be transferred to your vehicle.
Consult this manual to determine
how this reduces the available
cargo and luggage load capacity
of your vehicle.
Before driving a loaded vehicle, con-
firm that you do not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or the
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
for your vehicle. (See “Measurement
of weights” (P.10-17).)
Also check tires for proper inflation
pressures. See the Tire and Loading
Information label.
SIC4446
SECURING THE LOAD
There are tie down hooks located in the
cargo area as shown. The tie down hooks
can be used to secure cargo with ropes or
other types of straps.
Do not apply a total load of more than 22 lb
(10 kg) to a single hook
or 7 lb (3 kg) to a
single hookwhen securing cargo.
WARNING
. Properly secure all cargo with ropes
or straps to help prevent it from
sliding or shifting. Do not place cargo
higher than the seatbacks. In a sud-
den stop or collision, unsecured cargo
could cause personal injury.
. The child restraint top tether strap
may be damaged by contact with
items in the cargo area. Secure any
items in the cargo area. Your child
could be seriously injured or killed in a
collision if the top tether strap is
damaged.
. Do not load your vehicle any heavier
than the GVWR or the maximum
front and rear GAWRs. If you do,
parts of your vehicle can break, tire
damage could occur, or it can change
the way your vehicle handles. This
could result in loss of control and
cause personal injury.
LOADING TIPS
.The GVW must not exceed GVWR
or GAWR as specified on the F.M.
V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification la-
bel.
.Do not load the front and rear axleto the GAWR. Doing so will exceed
the GVWR.
WARNING
. Properly secure all cargo to help
prevent it from sliding or shift-
ing. Do not place cargo higher
than the seatbacks. In a sudden
stop or collision, unsecured car-
go could cause personal injury.
. Do not load your vehicle any
heavier than the GVWR or the
maximum front and rear
GAWRs. If you do, parts of
your vehicle can break, tire
damage could occur, or it can
change the way your vehicle
handles. This could result in loss
of control and cause personal
injury.
. Overloading not only can short-
en the life of your vehicle and
the tire, but can cause unsafe
vehicle handling and long brak-
ing distance. This may cause a
premature tire failure, which
could result in a serious acci-
dent and personal injury. Fail- ures caused by overloading are
not covered by the vehicle’s
warranty.
MEASUREMENT OF WEIGHTS
Secure loose items to prevent weight
shifts that could affect the balance of
your vehicle. When the vehicle is
loaded, drive to a scale and weigh
the front and the rear wheels sepa-
rately to determine axle loads. Indivi-
dual axle loads should not exceed
either of the gross axle weight ratings
(GAWR). The total of the axle loads
should not exceed the gross vehicle
weight rating (GVWR). These ratings
are given on the vehicle certification
label. If weight ratings are exceeded,
move or remove items to bring all
weights below the ratings.
Technical and consumer information10-17
10-18Technical and consumer information
WARNING
Overloading or improper loading of a
trailer and its cargo can adversely affect
vehicle handling, braking and perfor-
mance and may lead to accidents.
CAUTION
.Do not tow a trailer or haul a heavy
load for the first 500 miles (800 km).
Your engine, axle or other parts could
be damaged.
. For the first 500 miles (800 km) that
you tow a trailer, do not drive over
50 MPH (80 km/h) and do not make
starts at full throttle. This helps the
engine and other parts of your vehicle
wear in at the heavier loads.
Your new vehicle was designed to be used
primarily to carry passengers and cargo.
Remember that towing a trailer places
additional loads on your vehicle’s engine,
drivetrain, steering, braking and other sys-
tems.
An INFINITI Towing Guide (U.S. only) is
available on the website at www.InfinitiUSA.com. This guide includes
information on trailer towing capability and
the special equipment required for proper
towing.
MAXIMUM LOAD LIMITS
Maximum trailer loads
Never allow the total trailer load to exceed
the value specified in the “Towing load/
specification” (P.10-21). The total trailer
load equals trailer weight plus its cargo
weight.
.
When towing a trailer load of 3,500 lbs
(1,587 kg) or more, trailers with a brake
system MUST be used.
The maximum Gross Combined Weight
Rating (GCWR) should not exceed the value
specified in the following “Towing Load/
Specification” chart.
STI0541
The GCWR equals the combined weight of
the towing vehicle (including passengers and
cargo) plus the total trailer load. Towing
loads greater than these or using improper
towing equipment could adversely affect
vehicle handling, braking and performance.
The ability of your vehicle to tow a trailer is
not only related to the maximum trailer
loads, but also the places you plan to tow.
Tow weights appropriate for level highway
driving may have to be reduced on very steep
grades or for low traction situations (for
example, on slippery boat ramps).
Temperature conditions can also affect
towing. For example, towing a heavy trailer
in high outside temperatures on graded
TOWING A TRAILER
roads can affect engine performance and
cause overheating. The transmission high
fluid temperature and engine protection
mode, which helps reduce the chance of
transmission and engine damage, could
activate and automatically decrease engine
power. Vehicle speed may decrease under
high load. Plan your trip carefully to account
for trailer and vehicle load, weather and road
conditions.
WARNING
Overheating can result in reduced engine
power and vehicle speed. The reduced
speed may be lower than other traffic,
which could increase the chance of a
collision. Be especially careful when
driving. If the vehicle cannot maintain a
safe driving speed, pull to the side of the
road in a safe area. Allow the engine to
cool and return to normal operation. See
“If your vehicle overheats” (P.6-14).
CAUTION
Vehicle damage resulting from improper
towing procedures is not covered by
INFINITI warranties.
STI0542
Tongue load
When using a weight carrying or a weight
distributing hitch, keep the tongue load
between 10 to 15% of the total trailer load
or use the trailer tongue load specified by the
trailer manufacturer. The tongue load must
be within the maximum tongue load limits
shown in the following “Towing Load/
Specification” chart. If the tongue load
becomes excessive, rearrange cargo to allow
for proper tongue load.
TI1012M
MAXIMUM GROSS VEHICLE
WEIGHT (GVW)/MAXIMUM
GROSS AXLE WEIGHT (GAW)
The GVW of the towing vehicle must not
exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR) shown on the F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.
S. certification label. The GVW equals the
combined weight of the unloaded vehicle,
passengers, luggage, hitch, trailer tongue
load and any other optional equipment. In
addition, front or rear GAW must not exceed
the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
shown on the F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certifi-
cation label.
Towing capacities are calculated assuming a
Technical and consumer information10-19
weight specification shown in the “Towing
load/specification” chart even if the calcu-
lated available tongue weight is greater than
15%. If the calculated tongue weight is less
than 10%, reduce the total trailer weight to
match the available tongue weight.
Always verify that available capacities are
within the required ratings.TOWING LOAD/SPECIFICATION
WARNING
The towing capacities provided in this
manual are for general reference only.
The safe towing capacity of your vehicle
is affected by retailer and factory in-
stalled options and passenger and cargo
loads. You must weigh the vehicle and
trailer as described in this manual to
determine the actual vehicle towing
capacity. Do not exceed the published
maximum towing capacity, or the GCWR
or the GVWR shown on the F.M.V.S.S./
C.M.V.S.S. certification label. Doing so
can result in an accident causing serious
personal injury or property damage.
Technical and consumer information10-21