If you have a flat tire, see “Flat tire” in the “6. In case of emergency” section.

Tire pressure

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

This vehicle is equipped with the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). It monitors tire pressure of all tires except the spare. When the low tire pressure warning light is lit and the CHECK TIRE PRESSURE warning (if so equipped) appears on the vehicle information display, one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated.

The TPMS will activate only when the vehicle is driven at speeds above 16 MPH (25 km/h).

Also, this system may not detect a sudden drop in tire pressure (for example a flat tire while driving).

For more details, see “Low tire pressure warning light” in the “2. Instruments and controls” section, “Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)” in the “5. Starting and driving” section and “Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)” in the “6. In case of emergency” section.

Tire inflation pressure

Check the pressure of the tires (including the spare) often and always prior to long distance trips. The recommended tire pressure specifications are shown on the Tire and Loading Information label under the “Cold Tire Pressure” heading. The Tire and Loading Information label is affixed to the driver side center pillar. Tire pressures should be checked regularly because:
- Most tires naturally lose air over time.

- Tires can lose air suddenly when driven over potholes or other objects or if the vehicle strikes a curb while parking.

The tire pressures should be checked when the tires are cold. The tires are considered COLD after the vehicle has been parked for 3 or more hours, or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km) at moderate speeds.

Incorrect tire pressure, including under inflation, may adversely affect tire life and vehicle handling.

- Improperly inflated tires can fail suddenly and cause an accident.

- The Gross Vehicle Weight rating (GVWR) is located on the F.M.V.

S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label.

The vehicle weight capacity is indicated on the Tire and Loading Information label. Do not load your vehicle beyond this capacity. Overloading your vehicle may result in reduced tire life, unsafe operating conditions due to premature tire failure, or unfavorable handling characteristics and could also lead to a serious accident. Loading beyond the specified capacity may also result in failure of other vehicle components.

- Before taking a long trip, or whenever you heavily load your vehicle, use a tire pressure gauge to ensure that the tire pressures are at the specified level.

- For additional information regarding tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety Information” (US) or “Tire Safety Information” (Canada) in the Warranty Information Booklet.

Tire and Loading Information label

1 Seating capacity: The maximum number of occupants that can be seated in the vehicle.

2 Vehicle load limit: See “Vehicle loading information” in the “9. Technical and consumer information” section.

3 Original size: The size of the tires originally installed on the vehicle at the factory.

4 Cold tire pressure: Inflate the tires to this pressure when the tires are cold.

Tires are considered COLD after the vehicle has been parked for 3 or more hours, or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km) at moderate speeds. The recommended cold tire inflation is set by the manufacturer to provide the best balance of tire wear, vehicle handling, driveability, tire noise, etc., up to the vehicle’s GVWR.

5 Tire size — see “Tire labeling” later in this section.

6 Spare tire size or compact spare tire size (if so equipped)

Checking the tire pressure

1. Remove the valve stem cap from the tire.

2. Press the pressure gauge squarely onto the valve stem. Do not press too hard or force the valve stem sideways, or air will escape. If the hissing sound of air escaping from the tire is heard while checking the pressure, reposition the gauge to eliminate this leakage.

3. Remove the gauge.

4. Read the tire pressure on the gauge stem and compare it to the specification shown on the Tire and Loading Information label.

5. Add air to the tire as needed. If too much air is added, press the core of the valve stem briefly with the tip of the gauge stem to release pressure. Recheck the pressure and add or release air as needed.

6. Install the valve stem cap.

7. Check the pressure of all other tires, including the spare.

1: 2WD models
2: AWD models
3: AWD models with 18 inch tires

Tire labeling

Example

Federal law requires tire manufacturers to place standardized information on the sidewall of all tires. This information identifies and describes the fundamental characteristics of the tire and also provides the tire identification number (TIN) for safety standard certification. The TIN can be used to identify the tire in case of a recall.

Example

1 Tire size (example: P215/60R16 94H)

1. P: The “P” indicates the tire is designed for passenger vehicles. (Not all tires have this information.)
2. Three-digit number (215): This number gives the width in millimeters 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.

Example

2 TIN (Tire Identification Number) for a new tire (example: DOT XX XX XXX XXXX)
1. DOT: Abbreviation for the “Department 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
3. Two-digit code: Tire size
4. Three-digit code: Tire type code (Optional)
5. Three-digit code: Date of Manufacture
6. Four numbers represent the week and year the tire was built. For example, the numbers 3103 means the 31st week of 2003. If these numbers are missing, then look on the other sidewall of the tire.

3 Tire ply composition and material The number of layers or plies of rubbercoated fabric in the tire.

Tire manufacturers also must indicate the materials in the tire, which include steel, nylon, polyester, and others.

4 Maximum 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.

5 Maximum load rating This number indicates the maximum load in kilograms and pounds that can be carried by the tire. When replacing the tires on the vehicle, always use a tire that has the same load rating as the factory installed tire.

6 Term of “tubeless” or “tube type” Indicates whether the tire requires an inner tube (“tube type”) or not (“tubeless”).

7 The word “radial”
The word “radial” is shown, if the tire has radial structure.

8 Manufacturer 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 particular side that must always face outward when mounted on a vehicle.

Types of tires

- When changing or replacing tires, be sure all four tires are of the same type (Example: Summer, All Season or Snow) and construction. A NISSAN dealer may be able to help you with information 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 originally specified by NISSAN could affect the proper operation of the TPMS.

- For additional information regarding tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety Information” (US) or “Tire Safety Information” (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 conditions. 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 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 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 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, 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 nonstudded snow tires.

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) models

- Always use tires of the same type, size, brand, construction (bias, biasbelted or radial), 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 will cause excessive tire wear and may damage the transmission, transfer case and differential gears.

- ONLY use spare tires specified for the AWD model.

If excessive tire wear is found, it is recommended 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. Contact a NISSAN dealer.

Tire chains

NISSAN recommends using the following tire cables made by Peerless Chain Company for this vehicle due to limited tire clearance. Call 800-533-8056 to order tire chains for your vehicle.

- 215/70R16 - Sno-trac1000 part number 0103855 with chain tightener part number 2007020
- 225/60R17, 225/55R18 - Snotrac1000 part number 0103855 with chain tightener part number 2007190
Failure to use the correct traction device will cause damage to the brakes, suspension or other vehicle parts.

The tire chain part numbers and Peerless Chain Company phone number are correct at the time of printing that is shown on the back cover of this Owner’s Manual. Always confirm the correct part numbers with Peerless Chain Company before ordering.

Only use other types of traction devices if the traction device manufacturer recommends it for use on your specific vehicle and the tire and wheel installed on your vehicle.

Use of traction devices may be prohibited according to location. Check the local laws before installing traction devices. When installing traction devices, make sure they are the proper size for the tires on your vehicle and are installed according to the traction device manufacturer’s suggestions. When using traction devices, avoid fully loading your vehicle and drive at reduced speeds. Failure to do so may cause damage to the brakes and suspension and adversely affect handling and performance.

Traction devices must be installed only on the front wheels and not on the rear wheels.

Do not drive with traction devices on paved roads that are clear of snow. Driving with traction devices in such conditions can cause damage to the various mechanisms of the vehicle due to some overstress.

- Do not use traction devices on dry roads.

- Never install traction devices on a Ttype spare tire as doing so could damage the brakes, suspension or other vehicle parts.

Changing wheels and tires

Tire rotation

NISSAN recommends rotating the tires every 7,500 miles (12,000 km). (See “Flat tire” in the “6. In case of emergency” section for tire replacing procedures.)

As soon as possible, tighten the wheel nuts to the specified torque with a torque wrench.

Wheel nut tightening torque:
80 ft-lb (108 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.

- 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 spare tire or any other small size spare tire in the tire rotation.

- For additional information regarding tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety Information” (US) or “Tire Safety Information” (Canada) in the Warranty Information Booklet.

1. Wear indicator
2. Wear indicator location mark

Tire wear and damage

- 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 technician, because some tire damage may not be obvious. Replace the tires as necessary to prevent tire failure and possible personal injury.

- Improper service of the spare tire may result in serious personal injury. If it is necessary to repair the spare tire, contact a NISSAN dealer.

- For additional information regarding tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety Information” (US) or “Tire Safety Information” (Canada) in the Warranty Information Booklet.

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” in the “9. Technical and consumer information” section for recommended types and sizes of tires and wheels.)

- The use of tires other than those recommended 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, ground clearance, body-to-tire clearance, tire chain clearance, speedometer calibration, headlight aim and bumper height. Some of these effects may lead to accidents and could result in serious personal injury.

- If the wheels are changed for any reason, always replace with wheels which have the same off-set dimension.

Wheels of a different off-set could cause premature 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” in the “9. Technical and consumer information” section of this manual for wheel off-set dimensions.

- 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 approximately 1 minute. The light will remain on after 1 minute. Contact your NISSAN dealer as soon as possible for tire replacement and/ or system resetting.

- Replacing tires with those not originally specified by NISSAN could affect the proper operation of the TPMS.

- 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 regarding tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety Information” (US) or “Tire Safety Information” (Canada) in the Warranty Information Booklet.

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 circumference 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 (AWD models).

Wheel balance

Unbalanced wheels may affect vehicle handling and tire life. Even with regular use, wheels can get out of balance. Therefore, they should be balanced as required.

Wheel balance service should be performed with the wheels off the vehicle.

Spin balancing the wheels on the vehicle could lead to mechanical damage.

For additional information regarding tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety Information” (US) or “Tire Safety Information” (Canada) in the Warranty Information Booklet.

Care of wheels

See “Cleaning exterior” in the “7. Appearance and care” section for details about care of the wheels.

Spare tire

When a spare tire is mounted (TEMPORARY USE ONLY or conventional), the TPMS will not function.

Observe the following precautions if the TEMPORARY USE ONLY spare tire must be used, otherwise your vehicle could be damaged or involved in an accident.

- The TEMPORARY USE ONLY spare tire should be used for emergency use. It should be replaced with the standard tire at the first opportunity to avoid possible tire or differential damage.

- Drive carefully while the TEMPORARY USE ONLY spare tire is in- stalled. Avoid sharp turns and abrupt braking while driving.

- Periodically check spare tire inflation pressure. Always keep the pressure of the TEMPORARY USE ONLY spare tire at 60 psi (420 kPa, 4.2 bar). Always keep the pressure of the full size spare tire (if so equipped) at the recommended pressure for standard tires, as indicated on the Tire and Loading Information label.

- With the TEMPORARY USE ONLY spare tire installed do not drive your vehicle at speeds faster than 50 MPH (80 km/h).

- When driving on roads covered with snow or ice, the TEMPORARY USE ONLY spare tire should be used on the rear wheels and original tire used on the front wheels (drive wheels). Use tire chains only on the front (original) tires.

- Tire tread of the TEMPORARY USE ONLY spare tire will wear at a faster rate than the standard tire. Replace the spare tire as soon as the tread wear indicators appear.

- Do not use the spare tire on other vehicles.

- Do not use more than one spare tire at the same time.

- Do not tow a trailer while the TEMPORARY USE ONLY spare tire is installed.

- Do not use tire chains on a TEMPORARY USE ONLY spare tire. Tire chains will not fit properly and may cause damage to the vehicle.

- Because the TEMPORARY USE ONLY spare tire is smaller than the original tire, ground clearance is reduced. To avoid damage to the vehicle, do not drive over obstacles.

Also do not drive the vehicle through an automatic car wash since it may get caught.