SizeCold Tire Inflation
Pressure
Rear Original
Tire:
265/70R18 270 kPa, 39 psi
P265/70R18 250 kPa, 36 psi
P275/60R20 250 kPa, 36 psi
P275/70R18 240 kPa, 35 psi
LT245/75R17 500 kPa, 73 psi
LT275/65R18 450 kPa, 65 psi
LT265/60R20 480 kPa, 70 psiSpare Tire
Sizes: Cold Tire Inflation
Pressure
265/70R18 270 kPa, 39 psi
P265/70R18 250 kPa, 36 psi
P275/70R18 240 kPa, 35 psi
P275/60R20 250 kPa, 36 psi
LT245/75R17 500 kPa, 73 psi
LT275/65R18 450 kPa, 65 psi
LT265/60R20 480 kPa, 70 psi
TIRE LABELING
Federal law requires tire manufac-
turers to place standardized infor-
mation on the sidewall of all tires.
This information identifies and de-
scribes the fundamental character-
istics of the tire and also provides the
Tire Identification Number (TIN) for
safety standard certification. The TIN
can be used to identif y the tire in
case of a recall.
WDI0394
Example
Do-it-yourself8-37
O1Tire 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 milli-
meters 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. 6. Two- or three-digit number (95):
This number is the tire's load
index. It is a measurement of how
much weight each tire can
support.
7. H: Tire speed rating. You should not drive the vehicle faster than
the tire speed rating.
WDI0395
Example
8-38Do-it-yourself
O2TIN (Tire Identification Number)
for a new tire (example: DOT XXX
XXXXXX XXXX)
1. DOT: Abbreviation for the “Depart- ment Of Transportation”. The
symbol can be placed above, be-
low or to the lef t or right of the Tire
Identification Number.
2. Three-digit code: Manufacturer's identification mark. 3. Six-digit code: Descriptive code
used to identif y significant char-
acteristics of the tire.
4. Four numbers represent the week and year the tire was built.
For example, the numbers 3103
means the 31st week of 2003.
O3Tire ply composition and material
The number of layers or plies of
rubber-coated fabric in the tire. Tire
manufacturers also must indicate
the materials in the tire, which in-
clude steel, nylon, polyester and
others.
O4Maximum permissible inflation
pressure
This number is the greatest amount
of air pressure that should be put in
the tire. Do not exceed the maximum
permissible inflation pressure.
O5Maximum load rating
This number indicates the maxi-
mum load in kilograms and pounds
that can be carried by the tire. When
replacing the tires on the vehicle, al-
ways use a tire that has the same
load rating as the factory installed
tire.
LDI3639
Example (Type B) (if so equipped)
8-40Do-it-yourself
O6Term of “tubeless” or “tube type”
Indicates whether the tire requires
an inner tube (“tube type”) or not
(“tubeless”).
O7The word “radial”
The word “radial” is shown if the tire
has radial structure.
O8Manufacturer 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,
Intended Outboard Sidewall is (1) the
sidewall that contains a whitewall,
bears white lettering or bears
manufacturer, brand, and/or model
name molding that is higher or
deeper than the same molding on
the other sidewall of the tire, or (2)
the outward facing sidewall of an
asymmetrical tire that has a particu- lar side that must always face out-
ward 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 construction. A NISSAN dealer
may be able to help you with infor-
mation 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 origi-
nally specified by NISSAN could af-
fect the proper operation of the low
tire pressure warning system. •
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) sys-
tem and 4WD system to malfunction
resulting in personal injury or death,
excessive tire wear and may damage
the transmission and differential
gears.
• For additional information regarding
tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety
Information” (US) or “Tire Safety In-
formation” (Canada) 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 condi-
tions. 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 appropri-
ate in some areas.
Do-it-yourself8-41
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 traction
rating “M&S” on the tire sidewall.
If you plan to operate your vehicle in snowy
or icy conditions, NISSAN 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 rat-
ing to the original equipment tires. If you do
not, it can adversely affect the safety and
handling 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
pattern on all four wheels.For additional traction on icy roads, stud-
ded 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
Use of tire chains may be prohibited ac-
cording 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 manufac-
turer's suggestions.
Use only SAE class “S”
chains. Class “S” chains are used on ve-
hicles with restricted tire to vehicle clear-
ance. Vehicles that can use Class “S” chains
are designed to meet the minimum clear-
ances between the tire and the closest ve-
hicle suspension or body component re-
quired to accommodate the use of a
winter traction device (tire chains or
cables). The minimum clearances are de-
termined using the factory equipped tire
size. Other types may damage your vehicle.
Use chain tensioners 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 whipping action damage
to the fenders or underbody. If possible,
avoid fully loading your vehicle 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.
Tire chains must be installed only on the
rear wheels and not on the front wheels.
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.
Use only the 2WD range when driving on
clear paved roads.
8-42Do-it-yourself
CHANGING WHEELS AND TIRES
Tire rotation
NISSAN recommends rotating tires
every 7,500 miles (12,000 km).
For additional information on tire
replacing procedures, see “Flat tire”
(P. 6-3).
As soon as possible, tighten the
wheel nuts to the specified torque
with a torque wrench.Wheel nut tightening torque:
Non-XD models:
98 f t-lb (133 N·m)
XD models: 131 f t-lb (177 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
• 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 “Impor-
tant Tire Safety Information”
(US) or “Tire Safety Informa-
tion” (Canada) in the Warranty
Information Booklet.
• Af ter rotating the tires, do not
use the Easy-Fill Tire Alert to
adjust the tire pressure. In-
stead use a gauge to adjust the
tires to the correct pressure in
accordance with Tire and Load-
ing Information label.
CAUTION
To ensure proper operation of the
Easy-Fill Tire Alert system af ter a
tire rotation, re-set and register
the sensor to their new installed
locations. It is recommended that
you visit a NISSAN dealer for this
service.
WDI0258
Do-it-yourself8-43
Tire wear and damage
1. Wear indicator
2. Location mark
WARNING
• Tires should be periodically in-
spected 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
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 be-
cause some tire damage may
not be obvious. Replace the
tires as necessary to prevent
tire failure and possible per-
sonal injury. •
Improper service of the spare
tire may result in serious per-
sonal injury. If it is necessary to
repair the spare tire, it is rec-
ommended that you visit a
NISSAN dealer for this service.
• For additional information re-
garding tires, refer to “Impor-
tant Tire Safety Information”
(US) or “Tire Safety Informa-
tion” (Canada) in the Warranty
Information Booklet.
Replacing wheels and tires
When replacing a tire, use the same size,
tread design, speed rating and load carry-
ing capacity as originally equipped. Rec-
ommended types and sizes are shown in
“Wheels and tires” (P. 10-10).
WDI0259
8-44Do-it-yourself
WARNING
• The use of tires other than those rec-
ommended or the mixed use of tires
of different brands, construction
(bias, bias-belted or radial), or tread
patterns can adversely affect the
ride, braking, handling, Vehicle Dy-
namic Control (VDC) system, 4WD,
ground clearance, body-to-tire clear-
ance, tire chain clearance, speedom-
eter calibration, headlight aim and
bumper height. Some of these ef-
fects may lead to accidents and
could result in serious personal
injury.
• 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. •
If the wheels are changed for any
reason, always replace with wheels
which have the same off-set dimen-
sion. Wheels of a different off-set
could cause premature tire wear, de-
grade vehicle handling characteris-
tics, affect the VDC system and/or in-
terference with the brake discs. Such
interference can lead to decreased
braking efficiency and/or early brake
pad/shoe wear. For additional infor-
mation on wheel-off set dimensions,
see “Wheels and tires” (P. 10-10).
• When using a wheel without the
TPMS such as the spare tire, the TPMS
will not function and the low tire
pressure warning light will flash for
approximately 1 minute. The light will
remain on af ter 1 minute. Have your
tires replaced and/or TPMS system
reset as soon as possible. It is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN
dealer for this service.
• Replacing tires with those not origi-
nally specified by NISSAN could af-
fect the proper operation of the
TPMS.
• The TPMS sensor may be damaged if
it is not handled correctly. Be careful
when handling the TPMS sensor. •
When replacing the TPMS sensor, the
ID registration may be required. Con-
tact a NISSAN dealer for ID
registration.
• 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 de-
formed 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 tires is not
recommended.
• For additional information regarding
tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety
Information” (US) or “Tire Safety In-
formation” (Canada) in the Warranty
Information Booklet.
Do-it-yourself8-45