TIRES AND WHEELS
If you have a flat tire, see “Flat tire” (P.6-2).
TYPES OF TIRES
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 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 states and
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 PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM
(TPMS) (if equipped)
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
monitors tire pressure of all tires except the
spare. When the low tire pressure warning light
is lit, one or more of your tires is significantly
under-inflated.
CAUTION:
When changing or replacing tires, be sure all
four tires are of the same type (that is,
summer, all season or snow) and construc-
tion. A NISSAN dealer may be able to help you
with information about tire type, size, speed
rating and availability.
The TPMS will activate only when the vehicle is
driven at speeds above 25 km/h (16 MPH). Also,
this system may not detect a sudden drop in
Replacement tires may have a lower speed
rating than the factory equipped tires, and they
may not match the potential maximum vehicle
speed. Never exceed the maximum speed
rating of the tire.
tire pressure (for example
a flat tire while
driving).
For more details about the TPMS, see “Tire
Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)” (P.5-9).
All season tires
For additional information, see “Low tire pres-
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 on the tire sidewall. Snow tires have
better snow traction than all season tires and
may be more appropriate in some areas.
sure warning light” (P.2-15).
TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE
Periodically check the pressure of the tires,
including the spare. An incorrect tire pressure
may adversely affect tire life and vehicle hand-
ling. The tire pressure should be checked when
tires are COLD. Tires are considered COLD after
the vehicle has been parked for 3 or more
hours, or driven less than 1.6 km (1 mile). COLD
tire pressures are shown on the tire placard.
TIRE CHAINS
Use of tire chains may be prohibited according
to location. Check the local laws before instal-
ling tire chains. When installing tire chains,
make sure that they are of proper size for the
tires on your vehicle and are installed accord-
ing to the chain manufacturer’s instructions.
Summer tires
NISSAN specifies summer tires on some models
to provide superior performance on dry roads.
Summer tire performance is substantially re-
duced in snow and ice. Summer tires do not
have the tire traction rating M&S on the tire
sidewall.
Use chain tensioners when recommended by
the tire chain manufacturer to ensure a tight fit.
Loose end links of the tire chains 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.
Insufficient pressure can lead to an overheat-
ing of the tire and subsequent internal damage.
At high speeds, this could result in tread
separation and even bursting of the tire.
If you plan to operate your vehicle in snowy or
icy conditions, NISSAN recommends the use of
snow or all season tires on all four wheels.
Tire chains must be installed only on the
front wheels and not on the rear wheels. Do
8-44 Maintenance and do-it-yourself