TIRE EQUIPMENT
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,
NISSAN recommends the use of MUD &
SNOW or ALL SEASON tires on all four
wheels. It is recommended you consult a
NISSAN dealer for the tire type, size, speed
rating and availability information.
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 capabilities of
studded snow tires, on wet or dry
surfaces, may be poorer than that of
non-studded snow tires.
Tire chains may be used. For details, see
“Tire chains” (P.8-35).
For four-wheel drive
If you install snow tires, they must also be
the same size, brand, construction and
tread pattern on all four wheels.
SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT
It is recommended that the following
items be carried in the vehicle during
winter:
.A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to
remove ice and snow from the win-
dows 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
snowdrifts.
. Extra window washer fluid to refill the
reservoir tank.
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 caution. Accelerate and slow
down with care. If accelerating or
downshifting too fast, the drive
wheels will lose even more trac-
tion.
. 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.
. Snow can trap dangerous ex-
haust gases under your vehicle.
Keep snow clear of the exhaust
pipe and from around your vehi-
cle.
Starting and driving5-147
6-10In case of emergency
ignition switch ON/OFF one time.
SCE0910
Installing the spare tire
The full-size temporary use only spare
tire (if so equipped) is designed for
emergency use. (See specific instruc-
tions under the heading “Wheels and
tires” (P.8-28).)
1. Clean any mud or dirt from the sur-face between the wheel and hub.
2. Carefully put the spare tire on and tighten the wheel nuts finger tight.
3. With the wheel nut wrench, tighten wheel nuts alternately and evenly in
the sequence illustrated (
,,,,,) until they are tight. 4. Lower the vehicle slowly until the tire
touches the ground. Then, with the
wheel nut wrench, tighten the wheel
nuts securely in the sequence as
illustrated. Lower the vehicle comple-
tely.
WARNING
.Incorrect wheel nuts or impro-
perly tightened wheel nuts can
cause the wheel to become loose
or come off. This could cause an
accident.
. Do not use oil or grease on the
wheel studs or nuts. This could
cause the nuts to become loose.
. Retighten the wheel nuts when
the vehicle has been driven for
600 miles (1,000 km) (also in
cases of a flat tire, etc.).
.As soon as possible, tighten the
wheel nuts to the specified torque
with a torque wrench.
Wheel nut tightening torque: 98 ft-lb (133 N·m)
The wheel nuts must be kept
tightened to specification at all
times. It is recommended that
wheel nuts be tightened to speci-
fications at each lubrication inter-
val.
.Adjust tire pressure to the COLDpressure.
COLD pressure:
After the vehicle has been parked
for three hours or more or driven
less than 1 mile (1.6 km).
COLD tire pressures are shown on
the Tire and Loading Information
label affixed to the driver side
center pillar.
After adjusting tire pressure to the COLD
tire pressure, the display of the tire
pressure information may show higher
pressure than the COLD tire pressure
after the vehicle has been driven more
than 1 mile (1.6 km). This is because the
tire pressurizes as the tire temperature
rises. This does not indicate a system
malfunction.
Stowing the damaged tire and
tools
1. Securely store the damaged tire, jack and tools in the storage area.
2. Close the cargo floor cover.
3. Replace the cargo floor board.
4. Close the liftgate.
WARNING
. Always make sure that the spare
tire and jacking equipment are
properly secured after use. Such
items can become dangerous
projectiles in an accident or sud-
den stop.
. The full-size temporary use only
spare tire (if so equipped) is de-
signed for emergency use. (See
specific instructions under the
heading “Wheels and tires” (P.8-
28).)
In case of emergency6-11
SDI1606
Example
Tire size (example:
P215/60R16 94H)
1. P: The “P” indicates the tire isdesigned for passenger vehicles.
(Not all tires have this informa-
tion.)
2. Three-digit number (215): This number gives the width in milli-
meters 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 measurement of
how much weight each tire can
support. You may not find this
information 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.
JVM0694X
Example
TIN (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, below or to the left or
right of the Tire Identification
Number.
2. Two-digit code: Manufacturer’s identification mark
Do-it-yourself8-33
.Replacement tires may have a
lower speed rating than the fac-
tory 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 NISSAN
could affect the proper operation
of the TPMS.
. For additional information re-
garding tires, refer to “Important
Tire Safety Information” (US) or
“Tire Safety Information” (Cana-
da) in the Warranty Information
Booklet.
All season tires
NISSAN specifies all season tires on some
models to provide good performance all
year, including snowy and icy road con-
ditions. All Season tires are identified by
ALL SEASON and/or M&S (Mud and Snow)
on the tire sidewall. Snow tires have
better snow traction than All Season tires
and may be more appropriate in some
areas.
Summer tires
NISSAN specifies summer tires on some
models to provide superior performance
on dry roads. Summer tire performance is
substantially reduced in snow and ice.
Summer tires do not have the tire trac-
tion rating M&S on the tire sidewall.
If you plan to operate your vehicle in
snowy or icy conditions, NISSAN recom-
mends 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 handling of your vehicle.
Generally, snow tires will have lower
speed ratings than factory equipped tires
and may not match the potential max-
imum 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 capabilities of
studded snow tires, on wet or dry sur-
faces, may be poorer than that of non-
studded snow tires.
TIRE CHAINS
Use of tire chains may be prohibited
according 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 suggestions.
Use only SAE Class S chains.
Class “S”
chains are used on vehicles with re-
stricted tire to vehicle clearance. Vehicles
that can use Class “S” chains are designed
to meet the SAE standard minimum
clearances between the tire and the
closest vehicle suspension or body com-
ponent required to accommodate the
use of a winter traction device (tire chains
or cables). The minimum clearances are
determined using the factory equipped
tire size. Other types may damage your
vehicle. Use chain tensioners when re-
commended by the tire chain manufac-
turer to ensure a tight fit. Loose end links
of the tire chain must be secured or
removed to prevent the possibility of
whipping action damage to the fenders
or underbody. If possible, avoid fully load-
ing your vehicle when using tire chains. In
Do-it-yourself8-35
8-36Do-it-yourself
addition, drive at a reduced speed. Other-
wise, your vehicle may be damaged and/
or vehicle handling and performance may
be adversely affected.
Tire chains must be installed only on
the rear wheels and not on the front
wheels.
Never install tire chains on the full-size
temporary use only spare tire (if so
equipped).
Do not use tire chains on dry roads.
Driving with tire chains in such conditions
can cause damage to the various me-
chanisms of the vehicle due to some
overstress.
SDI1662
CHANGING WHEELS AND TIRES
Tire rotation
NISSAN recommends rotating the
tires every 7,500 miles (12,000 km).
(See “Flat tire” (P.6-3) for tire repla-
cing procedures.)
As soon as possible, tighten the
wheel nuts to the specified torque
with a torque wrench.Wheel nut tightening torque:98 ft-lb (133 N·m)
The wheel nuts must be kept
tightened to the specification at all times. It is recommended that
wheel nuts be tightened to the
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 full-size
temporary use only spare
tire (if so equipped) in the
tire rotation.
. For additional information
regarding tires, refer to “Im-
portant Tire Safety Informa-
tion” (US) or “Tire Safety
Information” (Canada) in the
Warranty Information Book-
let.
SDI1663
1. Wear indicator
2. Wear indicator locationmark
Tire wear and damage
WARNING
.Tires should be periodically
inspected for wear, cracking,
bulging 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 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 tech-
nician, because some tire
damage may not be ob-
vious. Replace the tires as
necessary to prevent tire
failure and possible perso-
nal injury.
. Improper service of the
spare tire may result in ser-
ious personal injury. If it is
necessary to repair the
spare tire, it is recom-
mended you visit a NISSAN
dealer for this service.
. For additional information
regarding tires, refer to “Im-
portant Tire Safety Informa-
tion” (US) or “Tire Safety Information” (Canada) in the
Warranty Information Book-
let.
Replacing wheels and tires
When replacing a tire, use the same size,
tread design, speed rating and load
carrying capacity as originally equipped.
(See “Specifications” (P.10-8) for recom-
mended types and sizes of tires and
wheels.)
WARNING
. The use of tires other than those
recommended or the mixed use
of tires of different brands, con-
struction (bias, bias-belted or ra-
dial), or tread patterns can
adversely affect the ride, braking,
handling, ground clearance,
body-to-tire clearance, tire chain
clearance, speedometer calibra-
tion, headlight aim and bumper
height. Some of these effects
may lead to accidents and could
result in serious personal injury.
. For Two-Wheel Drive (2WD) mod-
els, if your vehicle was originally
equipped with 4 tires that were
Do-it-yourself8-37
8-38Do-it-yourself
the same size and you are only
replacing 2 of the 4 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 condi-
tions and cause an accident and
personal injury.
. If the wheels are changed for any
reason, always replace with
wheels which have the same off-
set dimension. Wheels of a differ-
ent off-set could cause prema-
ture tire wear, degrade vehicle
handling characteristics and/or
interference with the brake
discs/drums. Such interference
can lead to decreased braking
efficiency and/or early brake
pad/shoe wear. See “Wheels and
tires” (P.10-9) for wheel off-set
dimensions.
. Since the spare tire is not
equipped with the TPMS, when a
spare tire is mounted or a wheel
is replaced, the TPMS will not
function and the low tire pressure
warning light will flash for ap-
proximately 1 minute. The light
will remain on after 1 minute.
Have your tires replaced and/or
TPMS system reset as soon as possible. It is recommended you
visit a NISSAN dealer for these
services.
. Replacing tires with those not
originally specified by NISSAN
could affect the proper operation
of the TPMS.
. The TPMS sensor may be da-
maged if it is not handled cor-
rectly. Be careful when handling
the TPMS sensor.
. When replacing the TPMS sensor,
the ID registration may be re-
quired. It is recommended you
visit a NISSAN dealer for ID regis-
tration.
. Do not use a valve stem cap that
is not specified by NISSAN. The
valve stem cap may become
stuck.
. Be sure that the valve stem caps
are correctly fitted. Otherwise the
valve may be clogged up with dirt
and cause a malfunction or loss
of pressure.
. Do not install a damaged or
deformed wheel or tire even if it
has been repaired. Such wheels
or tires could have structural
damage and could fail without
warning. .
The use of retread tire is not
recommended.
. For additional information re-
garding tires, refer to “Important
Tire Safety Information” (US) or
“Tire Safety Information” (Cana-
da) in the Warranty Information
Booklet.
Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) models
CAUTION
.Always use tires of the same type,
size, brand, construction (bias,
bias-belted or radial), and tread
pattern on all four wheels. Failure
to do so may result in a circum-
ference difference between tires
on the front and rear axles which
will cause excessive tire wear and
may damage the transmission,
transfer case and differential
gears.
. ONLY use spare tires specified for
the 4WD model.
If excessive tire wear is found, it is
recommended that all four tires be re-
placed with tires of the same size, brand,