∙ Do not modify the vehicle’s suspension. Ifsuspension parts such as shock absorb-
ers, struts, springs, stabilizer bars, bush-
ings and wheels are not INFINITI recom-
mended for your vehicle or are extremely
deteriorated, the VDC system may not
operate properly. This could adversely
affect vehicle handling performance, and
the
indicator light may flash or
both the
andindicator lights
may illuminate.
∙ If brake related parts such as brake pads, rotors and calipers are not INFINITI rec-
ommended or are extremely deterio-
rated, the VDC system may not operate
properly and both the
and
the
indicator lights may illuminate.
∙ If engine control related parts are not INFINITI recommended or are extremely
deteriorated, both the
andindicator lights may illuminate. ∙ When driving on extremely inclined sur-
faces such as higher banked corners, the
VDC system may not operate properly
and the
indicator light may flash or
both the
andindicator lights
may illuminate. Do not drive on these
types of roads.
∙ When driving on an unstable surface such as a turntable, ferry, elevator or ramp,
the
indicator light may flash or
both the
andindicator lights
may illuminate. This is not a malfunction.
Restart the engine after driving onto a
stable surface.
∙ If wheels or tires other than the INFINITI recommended ones are used, the VDC
system may not operate properly and
the
indicator light may flash or
both the
andindicator lights
may illuminate.
∙ The VDC system is not a substitute for winter tires or tire chains on a snow cov-
ered road.
ACTIVE TRACE CONTROL
(if so equipped)
This system senses driving based on the driv-
er’s steering and acceleration/braking pat-
terns, and controls brake pressure at indi-
vidual wheels to help smooth vehicle
response.
When the VDC OFF switch is used to turn off
the VDC system, the Active Trace Control
system is also turned off.
If the Active Trace Control is not functioning
properly, the FEB with Pedestrian Detection
system warning indicator light illuminates in
the instrument panel.
BRAKE FORCE DISTRIBUTION
During braking while driving through turns,
the system optimizes the distribution of force
to each of the four wheels depending on the
radius of the turn.
5-138Starting and driving
DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER
If the vehicle is to be left outside without
antifreeze, drain the cooling system, including
the engine block. Refill before operating the
vehicle. For additional information, refer to
“Changing engine coolant” in the “Do-it-
yourself” section of this manual.
TIRE EQUIPMENT
1. SUMMER tires have a tread designed toprovide superior performance on dry
pavement. However, the performance of
these tires will be substantially reduced
in snowy and icy conditions. If you oper-
ate 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 infor-
mation.
2. For additional traction on icy roads, studded tires may be used. However,
some U.S. states and Canadian prov-
inces prohibit their use. Check local,
state and provincial laws before install-
ing 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. For additional information, refer to “Tire chains” in the
“Do-it-yourself” section of this manual.
SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT
It is recommended that the following items
be carried in the vehicle during winter:
∙ A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to re- move ice and snow from the windows
and wiper blades.
∙ A sturdy, flat board to be placed under the jack to give it firm support.
∙ A shovel to dig the vehicle out of snow- drifts.
∙ Extra washer fluid to refill the windshield-washer fluid reservoir.
DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE
WARNING
∙ Wet ice (32°F, 0°C and freezing rain),very cold snow or ice can be slick and very
hard to drive on. The vehicle will have
much less traction or “grip” under these
conditions. Try to avoid driving on wet
ice until the road is salted or sanded.
∙ Whatever the condition, drive with cau- tion. Accelerate and slow down with
care. If accelerating or downshifting too
fast, the drive wheels will lose even more
traction.
∙ Allow more stopping distance under these conditions. Braking should be
started sooner than on dry pavement.
∙ Allow greater following distances on slippery roads.
∙ Watch for slippery spots (glare ice). These may appear on an otherwise clear
road in shaded areas. If a patch of ice is
seen ahead, brake before reaching it. Try
not to brake while on the ice, and avoid
any sudden steering maneuvers.
∙ Do not use the cruise control on slippery roads.
Starting and driving5-145
Front-Wheel Drive models with
Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT)
INFINITI recommends that your vehicle be
towed with the driving (front) wheels off the
ground or place the vehicle on a flatbed truck
as illustrated.
CAUTION
∙ Never tow CVT models with the frontwheels on the ground or four wheels on
the ground (forward or backward), as
this may cause serious and expensive
damage to the transmission. If it is neces-
sary to tow the vehicle with the rear
wheels raised always use towing dollies
under the front wheels.
∙ When towing CVT models with the rear wheels on the ground or on towing
dollies:
– Place the ignition switch in the OFF position, and secure the steering
wheel in a straight-ahead position
with a rope or similar device. Never
secure the steering wheel by placing
the ignition switch in the LOCK posi-
tion. This may damage the steering
lock mechanism (for models with a
steering lock mechanism).
LCE2371
6-16In case of emergency
∙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 between
tires on the front and rear axles which can
cause the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
system to malfunction resulting in per-
sonal injury or death, excessive tire wear
and may damage the transmission, trans-
fer case and differential gears.
∙ For additional information regardingtires, 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 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 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.
Use of tire chains may be prohibited accord-
ing to location. Check the local laws before
installing tire chains. When installing tire
8-34Do-it-yourself
∙ Increase your following distance to allowfor greater stopping distances while
towing a trailer. Anticipate stops and
brake gradually.
∙ INFINITI recommends that the cruise control not be used while towing a trailer.
∙ Some states or provinces have specific regulations and speed limits for vehicles
that are towing trailers. Obey the local
speed limits.
∙ Check your hitch, trailer wiring harness connections, and trailer wheel lug nuts
after 50 miles (80 km) of travel and at
every break.
∙ When launching a boat, don’t allow the water level to go over the exhaust tail
pipe or rear bumper.
∙ Make sure you disconnect the trailer lights before backing the trailer into the
water or the trailer lights may burn out.
When towing a trailer, final drive gear oil
should be replaced and transmission
oil/fluid should be changed more frequently.
For additional information, refer to the “Do-
it-yourself” section of this manual.FLAT TOWING FOR ALL–WHEEL
DRIVE VEHICLE (if so equipped)
Towing your vehicle with all four wheels on
the ground is sometimes called flat towing.
This method is sometimes used when towing
a vehicle behind a recreational vehicle, such
as a motor home.
CAUTION
∙ Failure to follow these guidelines can re- sult in severe transmission damage.
∙ Never flat tow your All-wheel drive (AWD) vehicle.
∙ DO NOT tow your All-wheel drive (AWD) vehicle with any wheels on the ground.
Doing so may cause serious and expen-
sive damage to the powertrain.
∙ For emergency towing procedures refer to “Towing recommended by INFINITI” in
the “In case of emergency” section of this
manual.
FLAT TOWING FOR FRONT
WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLE
(if so equipped)
Towing your vehicle with all four wheels on
the ground is sometimes called flat towing.
This method is sometimes used when towing
a vehicle behind a recreational vehicle, such
as a motor home.
CAUTION
∙ Failure to follow these guidelines can re-sult in severe transmission damage.
∙ Whenever flat towing your vehicle, al- ways tow forward, never backward.
∙ Never tow your front wheel drive vehicle with the front tires on the ground. Doing
so may cause serious and expensive dam-
age to the powertrain.
∙ DO NOT tow your front wheel drive con- tinuously variable transmission vehicle
with all four wheels on the ground (flat
towing). Doing so WILL DAMAGE inter-
nal transmission parts due to lack of
transmission lubrication.
∙ For emergency towing procedures refer to “Towing recommended by INFINITI” in
the “In case of emergency” section of this
manual.
10-28Technical and consumer information