8. Buy an automated pass for toll roads..Automated passes permit drivers touse special lanes to maintain cruising
speed through the toll and avoid
stopping and starting.
9. Winter warm up.
.Limit idling time to minimize impact to fuel economy.
.Vehicles typically need no more than30 seconds of idling at start-up to
effectively circulate the engine oil
before driving.
.Your vehicle will reach its ideal oper-ating temperature more quickly while
driving versus idling.
10. Keeping your vehicle cool.
.Park your vehicle in a covered parking area or in the shade whenever possi-
ble.
.When entering a hot vehicle, openingthe windows will help to reduce the
inside temperature faster, resulting in
reduced demand on your A/C system. .
Keep your engine tuned up.
. Follow the recommended scheduled
maintenance.
. Keep the tires inflated to the correct
pressure. Low tire pressure increases tire
wear and lowers fuel economy.
. Keep the wheels in correct alignment.
Improper alignment increases tire wear
and lowers fuel economy.
. Use the recommended viscosity engine
oil. (See “Engine oil and oil filter recom-
mendation” (P.10-6).) If any malfunction occurs in the Intelligent
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system while the
engine is running, warning messages appear
in the vehicle information display.
JVS0228M
If the “AWD Error” warningappears, there
may be a malfunction in the Intelligent AWD
system. Reduce vehicle speed and have the
Starting and driving5-123
INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY INTELLIGENT ALL-WHEEL
DRIVE (AWD) (if so equipped)
5-132Starting and driving
techniques. Reduce vehicle speed and
be especially careful when driving and
cornering on slippery surfaces and
always drive carefully.
. The brake force distribution system
may not be effective depending on
the driving condition. Always drive
carefully and attentively.
. Do not modify the vehicle’s suspen-
sion. If suspension parts such as
shock absorbers, struts, springs, sta-
bilizer bars, bushings and wheels are
not INFINITI recommended for your
vehicle or are extremely deteriorated,
the VDC system may not operate
properly. This could adversely affect
vehicle handling performance, and
the VDC warning light
may
illuminate.
. If brake related parts such as brake
pads, rotors and calipers are not
INFINITI recommended or are extre-
mely deteriorated, the VDC system
may not operate properly and the
VDC warning light
may illumi-
nate.
. If engine control related parts are not
INFINITI recommended or are extre-
mely deteriorated, the VDC warning
light
may illuminate. .
When driving on extremely inclined
surfaces such as higher banked cor-
ners, the VDC system may not oper-
ate properly and the VDC warning
light
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 VDC warning light
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 oper-
ate properly and the VDC warning
light
may illuminate.
. The VDC system is not a substitute
for winter tires or tire chains on a
snow covered road. This system senses driving based on the
driver’s steering and acceleration/braking
patterns, and controls brake pressure at
individual wheels to help smooth vehicle
response.
When the SPORT mode is selected by the
INFINITI Drive Mode Selector, the amount
of brake control provided by the active trace
control is reduced.
When the PERSONAL mode is selected, the
active trace control can be set to ON
(enabled) or OFF (disabled). See “INFINITI
Drive Mode Selector” (P.5-21).
When the VDC OFF switch is used to turn
off the VDC system, the active trace control
is also turned off.
ACTIVE TRACE CONTROL
to not damage them.
. The sonar sensors may be blocked by
temporary ambient conditions such as
splashing water, mist or fog. The blocked
condition may also be caused by objects
such as ice, frost or dirt obstructing the
sonar sensors. Check for and remove
objects obstructing the area around the
sonar sensors.
. Do not subject the area around the sonar
sensors to strong impact. Also, do not
remove or disassemble the sonar sen-
sors. If the sonar sensors and peripheral
areas are deformed in an accident, etc.,
have the sonar sensors checked. It is
recommended you visit an INFINITI
retailer for this service.
. Do not attach stickers (including trans-
parent material), install accessories or
apply additional paint on the sonar
sensors and their surrounding areas. This
may cause a malfunction or improper
operation.
. When washing the vehicle using a high-
pressure washer, do not apply direct
washer pressure on the sonar sensors.
This may cause a malfunction of the
sonar sensors.FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCK
To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
deicer through the key hole. If the lock
becomes frozen, heat the key before insert-
ing it into the key hole or use the Intelligent
Key system.
ANTIFREEZE
In the winter when it is anticipated that the
outside temperature will drop below 32°F
(0°C), check antifreeze to assure proper
winter protection. For additional informa-
tion, see “Engine cooling system” (P.8-3) or
“Intercooler cooling system” (P.8-5).
BATTERY
If the battery is not fully charged during
extremely cold weather conditions, the bat-
tery fluid may freeze and damage the
battery. To maintain maximum efficiency,
the battery should be checked regularly. For
additional information, see “Battery” (P.8-
11).
DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER
If the vehicle is to be left outside without
antifreeze, drain the cooling system, includ-
ing the engine block. Refill before operating
the vehicle. For details, see “Engine cooling
system” (P.8-3).
TIRE EQUIPMENT
SUMMER tires have a tread designed to
provide superior performance on dry pave-
ment. 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, INFINITI
recommends the use of MUD & SNOW or
ALL SEASON tires on all four wheels. It is
recommended you consult an INFINITI re-
tailer 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.8-34) of this manual.
Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
models
If you install snow tires, they must also be
the same size, brand, construction and tread
pattern on all four wheels.
Starting and driving5-139
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
8-34Do-it-yourself
.Increase your following distance to allow
for increased stopping distances.
. Avoid sudden maneuvers, hard cornering
and hard braking.
WARNING
. Although you can continue driving
with a punctured run-flat tire, re-
member that vehicle handling stabi-
lity is reduced, which could lead to an
accident and personal injury. Also,
driving a long distance at high speeds
may damage the tire.
. Do not drive at speeds above 50
MPH (80 km/h) and do not drive
more than approximately 93 miles
(150 km) with a punctured run-flat
tire. The actual distance the vehicle
can be driven on a flat tire depends on
outside temperature, vehicle load,
road conditions and other factors.
. Drive safely at reduced speeds. Avoid
hard cornering or braking, which may
cause you to lose control of the
vehicle.
. If you detect any unusual sounds or
vibrations while driving with a punc-
tured run-flat tire, pull off the road
to a safe location and stop the vehicle as soon as possible. The tire may be
seriously damaged and need to be
replaced.
CAUTION
.
Never install tire chains on a punctu-
red run-flat tire, as this could damage
your vehicle.
. Avoid driving over any projection or
pothole, as the clearance between
the vehicle and the ground is smaller
than normal.
. Do not enter an automated car wash
with a punctured run-flat tire.
. It is recommended you have the
punctured tire inspected by an
INFINITI retailer or other authorized
repair shop. Replace the tire as soon
as possible if the tire is seriously
damaged.
TIRE CHAINS
CAUTION
Tire chains/cables should not be in-
stalled on 265/35RF19 tires. Doing so
will cause damage to the vehicle. If you
plan to use tire chains/cables, you
should install 245/40RF19 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
chains, make sure they are the proper size
for the tires on your vehicle and are installed
according to the chain manufacturer’s sug-
gestions. 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 component 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
recommended by the tire chain manufac-
turer to ensure a tight fit. Loose end links of