2018 INFINITI QX80 Doors

7-8Appearance and care
since these materials may severely
weaken the seat belt webbing.MOST COMMON FACTORS
CONTRIBUTING TO VEHICLE
CORROSION
.The accumulation of moisture-retaining
dirt and debris in body panel sections,
cavities, and other areas.
. Damage to paint and other protective
coatings caused by gravel and stone
chips or minor traffic accidents.
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS IN-
FLUENCE THE RATE OF COR-
ROSION
Moisture
Accumulation of sand, dirt and water on the
vehicle body underside can accelerate corro-
sion. Wet floor coverings will not dry
completely inside the vehicle, and should be
removed for drying to avoid floor panel
corrosion.
Relative humidity
Corrosion will be accelerated in areas of high
relative humidity, especially those areas
where the temperatures stay above freezing
where atmospheric pollution exists, or where
road salt is used.
Temperature
A temperature increase will accelerate the
rate of corrosion to those parts which are
not well ventilated.
Air pollution
Industrial pollution, the presence of salt in
the air in coastal areas, or heavy road salt
use will accelerate the corrosion process.
Road salt will also accelerate the disintegra-
tion of paint surfaces.
TO PROTECT YOUR VEHICLE
FROM CORROSION
. Wash and wax your vehicle often to keep
the vehicle clean.
. Always check for minor damage to the
paint and repair it as soon as possible.
. Keep drain holes at the bottom of the
doors open to avoid water accumulation.
. Check the underbody for accumulation of
sand, dirt or salt. If present, wash with
water as soon as possible.
CAUTION
. NEVER remove dirt, sand or other
debris from the passenger compart-
ment by washing it out with a hose.
Remove dirt with a vacuum cleaner.
CORROSION PROTECTION

9-2Maintenance and schedules
Some day-to-day and regular maintenance
is essential to maintain your vehicle’s good
mechanical condition, as well as its emission
and engine performance.
It is the owner’s responsibility to make sure
that the scheduled maintenance, as well as
general maintenance, is performed.
As the vehicle owner, you are the only one
who can ensure that your vehicle receives
the proper maintenance. You are a vital link
in the maintenance chain.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
General maintenance includes those items
which should be checked during normal day-
to-day operation. They are essential for
proper vehicle operation. It is your respon-
sibility to perform these procedures regularly
as prescribed.
Performing general maintenance checks re-
quires minimal mechanical skill and only a
few general automotive tools.
These checks or inspections can be done by
yourself, a qualified technician or, if you
prefer, an INFINITI retailer.
SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE
The maintenance items listed in this section
are required to be serviced at regular inter-
vals. However, under severe driving condi-
tions, additional or more frequent
maintenance will be required.
WHERE TO GO FOR SERVICE
If maintenance service is required or your
vehicle appears to malfunction, have the
systems checked and serviced. It is recom-
mended you visit an INFINITI retailer for this
service.
INFINITI technicians are well-trained spe-
cialists and are kept up to date with the
latest service information through technical
bulletins, service tips, and training programs.
They are completely qualified to work on
INFINITI vehiclesbeforework begins.
You can be confident that an INFINITI
retailer’s service department performs the
best job to meet the maintenance require-
ments on your vehicle. During the normal day-to-day operation of
the vehicle, general maintenance should be
performed regularly as prescribed in this
section. If you detect any unusual sounds,
vibrations or smells, be sure to check for the
cause and have it checked promptly. It is
recommended to have an INFINITI retailer
do it promptly. In addition, it is recom-
mended you visit an INFINITI retailer if you
think that repairs are required.
When performing any checks or mainte-
nance work, closely observe “Maintenance
precautions” (P.8-2).
EXPLANATION OF MAINTE-
NANCE ITEMS
Additional information on the following
items with “*” is found in the “8. Do-it
yourself” section of this manual.
Outside the vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
performed from time to time, unless other-
wise specified.
Doors and engine hood:
Check that all doors
and the engine hood, operate properly. Also
ensure that all latches lock securely. Lubri-
cate hinges, latches, latch pins, rollers and
links if necessary. Make sure that the
secondary latch keeps the hood from open-
ing when the primary latch is released.
MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENT GENERAL MAINTENANCE

10-24Technical and consumer information
cause serious personal injury or property
damage.
Hitch ball
Choose a hitch ball of the proper size and
weight rating for your trailer:
.The required hitch ball size is stamped on
most trailer couplers. Most hitch balls
also have the size printed on top of the
ball.
. Choose the proper class hitch ball based
on the trailer weight.
. The diameter of the threaded shank of
the hitch ball must be matched to the ball
mount hole diameter. The hitch ball
shank should be no more than 1/16”
smaller than the hole in the ball mount.
. The threaded shank of the hitch ball must
be long enough to be properly secured to
the ball mount. There should be at least 2
threads showing beyond the lock washer
and nut.
Ball mount
The hitch ball is attached to the ball mount
and the ball mount is inserted into the hitch
receiver. Choose a proper class ball mount
based on the trailer weight. Additionally, the
ball mount should be chosen to keep the
trailer tongue level with the ground.
Weight carrying hitches
A weight carrying or “dead weight” ball
mount is one that is designed to carry the
whole amount of tongue weight and gross
weight directly on the ball mount and on the
receiver.
Weight distribution hitch
This type of hitch is also called a “load-
leveling” or “equalizing” hitch. A set of bars
attach to the ball mount and to the trailer to
distribute the tongue weight (hitch weight)
of your trailer. Many vehicles cannot carry
the full tongue weight of a given trailer, and
need some of the tongue weight transferred
through the frame and pushing down on the
front wheels. This gives stability to the tow
vehicle.
A weight-distributing hitch system (Class IV)
is recommended if you plan to tow trailers
with a maximum weight over 5,000 lbs
(2,267 kg). Check with the trailer and towing
equipment manufacturers to determine if
they recommend the use of a weight-
distributing hitch system.
NOTE:
A weight-distributing hitch system may
affect the operation of trailer surge brakes.
If you are considering use of a weight-
distributing hitch system with a surge brake-equipped trailer, check with the
surge brake, hitch or trailer manufacturer
to determine if and how this can be done.
Follow the instructions provided by the
manufacturer for installing and using the
weight-distributing hitch system.
General set-up instructions are as follows:
1. Park unloaded vehicle on a level surface.
With the ignition switch in the ON
position and the doors closed, allow the
vehicle to stand for several minutes so
that it can level.
2. Measure the height of a reference point on the front and rear bumpers at the
center of the vehicle.
3. Attach the trailer to the vehicle and adjust the hitch equalizers so that the
front bumper height is within 0 - .5
inches (0 - 13 mm) of the reference
height measured in step 2. The rear
bumper should be no higher than the
reference height measured in step 2.
WARNING
Properly adjust the weight distributing
hitch so the rear of the bumper is no
higher than the measured reference
height when the trailer is attached. If
the rear bumper is higher than the