tires INFINITI M 2010 User Guide

cReplacing tires with those not originally
specified by INFINITI could affect the proper
operation of the TPMS.
c Do not inject any tire liquid or aerosol tire
sealant into the tires, as this may cause a
malfunction of the tire pressure sensors.
CAUTION
cThe TPMS may not function properly when
the wheels are equipped with tire chains or
the wheels are buried in snow.
c Do not place metalized film or any metal
parts (antenna, etc.) on the windows. This
may cause poor reception of the signals from
the tire pressure sensors, and the TPMS will
not function properly.
Some devices and transmitters may temporarily
interfere with the operation of the TPMS and
cause the low tire pressure warning light to
illuminate. Some examples are:
± Facilities or electric devices using similar radio frequencies are near the vehicle.
± If a transmitter set to similar frequencies is being used in or near the vehicle. ± If a computer (or similar equipment) or a
DC/AC converter is being used in or near the
vehicle.
FCC Notice:
Changes or modifications not expressly ap-
proved by the party responsible for compliance
could void the user's authority to operate the
equipment.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC
Rules and RSS-210 of Industry Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two condi-
tions: (1) This device may not cause harmful in-
terference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation of the de-
vice.
AVOIDING COLLISION AND ROLLOVER
WARNING
Failure to operate this vehicle in a safe and
prudent manner may result in loss of control or
an accident.
Be alert and drive defensively at all times. Obey
all traffic regulations. Avoid excessive speed,
high speed cornering, or sudden steering ma-
neuvers, because these driving practices could cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
As
with any vehicle, a loss of control could result in
a collision with other vehicles or objects, or
cause the vehicle to rollover, particularly if the
loss of control causes the vehicle to slide side-
ways. Be attentive at all times, and avoid
driving when tired. Never drive when under the
influence of alcohol or drugs (including pre-
scription or over-the-counter drugs which may
cause drowsiness). Always wear your seat belt
as outlined in the ªSEAT BELTSº in the ª1. Safety
Ð Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint
systemº section of this manual, and also in-
struct your passengers to do so.
Seat belts help reduce the risk of injury in
collisions and rollovers. In a rollover crash, an
unbelted or improperly belted person is signifi-
cantly more likely to be injured or killed than a
person properly wearing a seat belt.
OFF-ROAD RECOVERY
While driving, the right side or left side wheels
may unintentionally leave the road surface. If
this occurs, maintain control of the vehicle by
following the procedure below. Please note that
this procedure is only a general guide. The
vehicle must be driven as appropriate based on
the conditions of the vehicle, road and traffic.
1. Remain calm and do not overreact.
2. Do not apply the brakes.
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3. Maintain a firm grip on the steering wheelwith both hands and try to hold a straight
course.
4. When appropriate, slowly release the ac- celerator pedal to gradually slow the ve-
hicle.
5. If there is nothing in the way, steer the vehicle to follow the road while the ve-
hicle speed is reduced. Do not attempt to
drive the vehicle back onto the road sur-
face until vehicle speed is reduced.
6. When it is safe to do so, gradually turn the steering wheel until both tires return
to the road surface. When all tires are on
the road surface, steer the vehicle to stay
in the appropriate driving lane.
cIf you decide that it is not safe to return the
vehicle to the road surface based on vehicle,
road or traffic conditions, gradually slow the
vehicle to a stop in a safe place off the road.
RAPID AIR PRESSURE LOSS
Rapid air pressure loss or a ªblow-outº can
occur if the tire is punctured or is damaged due
to hitting a curb or pothole. Rapid air pressure
loss can also be caused by driving on under-
inflated tires.
Rapid air pressure loss can affect the handling
and stability of the vehicle, especially at high-
way speeds.
Help prevent rapid air pressure loss by main-
taining the correct air pressure and visually
inspect the tires for wear and damage. See
ªWHEELS AND TIRESº in the ª8. Maintenance
and do-it-yourselfº section of this manual.
If a tire rapidly loses air pressure or ªblows-outº
while driving maintain control of the vehicle by
following the procedure below. Please note that
this procedure is only a general guide. The
vehicle must be driven as appropriate based on
the conditions of the vehicle, road and traffic.
WARNING
The following actions can increase the chance
of losing control of the vehicle if there is a
sudden loss of tire air pressure. Losing control
of the vehicle may cause a collision and result
in personal injury. c
The vehicle generally moves or pulls in the
direction of the flat tire.
c Do not rapidly apply the brakes.
c Do not rapidly release the accelerator pedal.
c Do not rapidly turn the steering wheel.
1. Remain calm and do not overreact.
2. Maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel
with both hands and try to hold a straight
course.
3. When appropriate, slowly release the ac- celerator pedal to gradually slow the ve-
hicle.
4. Gradually steer the vehicle to a safe loca- tion off the road and away from traffic if
possible.
5. Lightly apply the brake pedal to gradually stop the vehicle.
6. Turn on the hazard warning flashers and either contact a roadside emergency ser-
vice to change the tire or see ªCHANGING
A FLAT TIREº in the ª6. In case of emer-
gencyº section of this Owner's Manual.
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DRINKING ALCOHOL/DRUGS AND
DRIVING
WARNING
Never drive under the influence of alcohol or
drugs. Alcohol in the bloodstream reduces co-
ordination, delays reaction time and impairs
judgement. Driving after drinking alcohol in-
creases the likelihood of being involved in an
accident injuring yourself and others. Addition-
ally, if you are injured in an accident, alcohol
can increase the severity of the injury.
INFINITI is committed to safe driving. However,
you must choose not to drive under the influ-
ence of alcohol. Every year thousands of people
are injured or killed in alcohol-related acci-
dents. Although the local laws vary on what is
considered to be legally intoxicated, the fact is
that alcohol affects all people differently and
most people underestimate the effects of alco-
hol.
Remember, drinking and driving don't mix! And
that is true for drugs, too (over-the-counter,
prescription, and illegal drugs). Don't drive if
your ability to operate your vehicle is impaired
by alcohol, drugs, or some other physical con-
dition.
ALL-WHEEL DRIVE (AWD) DRIVING
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS (for AWD
models)
Observe the following precautions when you
drive an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicle.
WARNING
c This vehicle is not designed for off-road
(rough road) use. Do not drive on sandy or
muddy roads that tires may get stuck in.
c Do not drive beyond the performance capa-
bility of the tires, even with AWD engaged.
c For AWD equipped vehicles, do not attempt
to raise two wheels off the ground and shift
the transmission to any drive or reverse po-
sition with the engine running. Doing so may
result in drivetrain damage or unexpected
vehicle movement which could result in seri-
ous vehicle damage or personal injury. c
Do not attempt to test an AWD equipped ve-
hicle on a 2-wheel dynamometer, (such as
the dynamometers used by some states for
emissions testing), or similar equipment
even if the other two wheels are raised off
the ground. Make sure you inform test facil-
ity personnel that your vehicle is equipped
with AWD before it is placed on a dynamom-
eter. Using the wrong test equipment may
result in drivetrain damage or unexpected
vehicle movement which could result in seri-
ous vehicle damage or personal injury.
c When a wheel is off the ground due to an
unlevel surface, do not spin the wheel
excessively.
c Accelerating quickly, sharp steering maneu-
vers or sudden braking may cause loss of
control.
c Always use tires of the same type, size,
brand, construction (bias, bias-belted or ra-
dial), and tread pattern on all four wheels.
Install tire chains on the rear wheels when
driving on slippery roads and drive carefully.
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To remove the Intelligent Key from the port,
push the ignition switch to the LOCK position
and push in the Intelligent Key
s2. Then the
Intelligent Key will be ejected from the port. Pull
the Intelligent Key out.
NOTE:
The Intelligent Key port does not charge the In-
telligent Key battery. If you see the low battery
indicator in the dot matrix liquid crystal display,
replace the battery as soon as possible. (See
ªBATTERY REPLACEMENTº in the ª8. Mainte-
nance and do-it-yourselfº section.)
CAUTION
c Never place anything except the Intelligent
Key in the Intelligent Key port. Doing so may
cause damage to the equipment.
c Make sure the Intelligent Key is in the cor-
rect direction when inserting it to the Intelli-
gent Key port. The engine may not start if it is
in the incorrect direction.
c Remove the Intelligent Key from the Intelli-
gent Key port after the ignition switch is
pushed to the LOCK position.
c Do not pull out the Intelligent Key from the
Intelligent Key port until the Intelligent Key
is ejected to the removal position. c
Make sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
c Check fluid levels such as engine oil, cool-
ant, brake fluid and window washer fluid as
frequently as possible, or at least whenever
you refuel.
c Check that all windows and lights are clean.
c Visually inspect tires for their appearance
and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
c Lock all doors.
c Position seat and adjust head restraints.
c Adjust inside and outside mirrors.
c Fasten seat belts and ask all passengers to
do likewise.
c Check the operation of warning lights when
the ignition switch is pushed to the ON
position. (See ªWARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS
AND AUDIBLE REMINDERSº in the ª2. Instru-
ments and controlsº section.)
SSD0513
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
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CAUTION
During the first 1,200 miles (2,000 km), follow
these recommendations to obtain maximum
engine performance and ensure the future reli-
ability and economy of your new vehicle. Fail-
ure to follow these recommendations may re-
sult in shortened engine life and reduced
engine performance.
c Avoid driving for long periods at constant
speed, either fast or slow. Do not run the
engine over 4,000 rpm.
c Do not accelerate at full throttle in any gear.
c Avoid quick starts.
c Avoid hard braking as much as possible. c
Accelerate slowly and smoothly. Maintain
cruising speeds with a constant accelerator
position.
c Drive at moderate speeds on the highway.
Driving at high speed lowers fuel economy.
c Avoid unnecessary stopping and braking.
Keep a safe distance behind other vehicles.
c Select a gear range suitable to road condi-
tions.
c Avoid unnecessary engine idling.
c Keep your engine tuned up.
c Follow the recommended periodic mainte-
nance schedule.
c Keep the tires inflated to the correct pres-
sure. Low tire pressure increases tire wear
and lowers fuel economy.
c Keep the wheels in correct alignment. Im-
proper alignment increases tire wear and
lowers fuel economy.
c Climate control operation lowers fuel
economy. Use the air conditioner only when
necessary.
c When cruising at highway speeds, it is more
economical to use the air conditioner and
leave the windows closed to reduce drag. c
Use the recommended viscosity engine oil.
(See ªENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER RECOM-
MENDATIONº in the ª9. Technical and con-
sumer informationº section.)
BREAK-IN SCHEDULE INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY
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WARNING
cFor AWD equipped vehicles, do not attempt
to raise two wheels off the ground and shift
the transmission to any drive or reverse po-
sition with the engine running. Doing so may
result in drivetrain damage or unexpected
vehicle movement which could result in seri-
ous vehicle damage or personal injury.
c Do not attempt to test an AWD equipped ve-
hicle on a 2-wheel dynamometer (such as
the dynamometers used by some states for
emissions testing) or similar equipment
even if the other two wheels are raised off
the ground. Make sure that you inform the
test facility personnel that your vehicle is
equipped with AWD before it is placed on a
dynamometer. Using the wrong test equip-
ment may result in drivetrain damage or un-
expected vehicle movement which could re-
sult in serious vehicle damage or personal
injury.
Your vehicle is equipped with full-time All-
Wheel Drive (AWD).
Switching the driving mode is not necessary. The AWD warning light is located in the meter.
The AWD warning light comes on when the
ignition switch is pushed to the ON position. It
turns off soon after the engine is started.If any malfunction occurs in the AWD system
while the engine is running, the warning light
will come on.
The warning light may blink rapidly (about twice
per second) while trying to free a stuck vehicle
due to high powertrain oil temperature. The
driving mode may change to two-wheel drive. If
the warning light blinks rapidly during opera-
tion, stop the vehicle with the engine idling in a
safe place immediately. Then if the light turns
off after a while, you can continue driving.
A large difference between the diameters of
front and rear wheels will make the warning
light blink slowly (about once per two seconds).
Pull off the road in a safe area, and idle the
engine. Check that all tire sizes are the same,
tire pressure is correct and tires are not worn.
CAUTION
c
If the warning light remains on after the
above operation, have your vehicle checked
by an INFINITI retailer as soon as possible.
c If the warning light comes on while driving
there may be a malfunction in the AWD sys-
tem. Reduce the vehicle speed and have your
vehicle checked by an INFINITI retailer as
soon as possible.
SSD0336B
ALL-WHEEL DRIVE (AWD) (if so equipped)
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ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS)
WARNING
cThe Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is a so-
phisticated device, but it cannot prevent ac-
cidents resulting from careless or dangerous
driving techniques. It can help maintain ve-
hicle control during braking on slippery sur-
faces. Remember that stopping distances on
slippery surfaces will be longer than on nor-
mal surfaces even with ABS. Stopping dis-
tances may also be longer on rough, gravel
or snow covered roads, or if you are using
tire chains. Always maintain a safe distance
from the vehicle in front of you. Ultimately,
the driver is responsible for safety.
c Tire type and condition may also affect brak-
ing effectiveness.
± When replacing tires, install the specified size of tires on all four wheels.
± When installing a spare tire, make sure that it is the proper size and type as speci-
fied on the Tire and Loading Information
label. See ªTIRE AND LOADING INFORMA-
TION LABELº in the ª9. Technical and con-
sumer informationº section of this
manual. ± For detailed information, see ªWHEELS
AND TIRESº in the ª8. Maintenance and
do-it-yourselfº section of this manual.
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) controls the
brakes so the wheels do not lock during hard
braking or when braking on slippery surfaces.
The system detects the rotation speed at each
wheel and varies the brake fluid pressure to
prevent each wheel from locking and sliding. By
preventing each wheel from locking, the system
helps the driver maintain steering control and
helps to minimize swerving and spinning on
slippery surfaces.
Using the system
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down.
Depress the brake pedal with firm steady pres-
sure, but do not pump the brakes. The ABS will
operate to prevent the wheels from locking up.
Steer the vehicle to avoid obstacles.
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so may
result in increased stopping distances.
Self-test feature
The ABS includes electronic sensors, electric
pumps, hydraulic solenoids and a computer.
The computer has a built-in diagnostic feature
that tests the system each time you start the
engine and move the vehicle at a low speed in
forward or reverse. When the self-test occurs,
you may hear a ªclunkº noise and/or feel a
pulsation in the brake pedal. This is normal and
does not indicate a malfunction. If the computer
senses a malfunction, it switches the ABS off
and illuminates the ABS warning light on the
instrument panel. The brake system then oper-
ates normally, but without anti-lock assistance.
If the ABS warning light illuminates during the
self-test or while driving, have the vehicle
checked by an INFINITI retailer.
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Normal operation
The ABS operates at speeds above 3 to 6 MPH
(5 to 10 km/h). The speed varies according to
road conditions.
When the ABS senses that one or more wheels
are close to locking up, the actuator rapidly
applies and releases hydraulic pressure. This
action is similar to pumping the brakes very
quickly. You may feel a pulsation in the brake
pedal and hear a noise from under the hood or
feel a vibration from the actuator when it is
operating. This is normal and indicates that the
ABS is operating properly. However, the pulsa-
tion may indicate that road conditions are haz-
ardous and extra care is required while driving.When accelerating or driving on slippery sur-
faces, the tires may spin or slide. With the
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system, sensors
detect these movements and control the brak-
ing and engine output to help improve vehicle
stability.
c
When the VDC system is operating, the
ªSLIPº indicator in the instrument panel
blinks.
c If the ªSLIPº indicator blinks, the road con-
ditions are slippery. Be sure to adjust your
speed and driving to these conditions. Be
sure to drive carefully. (See ªSlip indicator
lightº in the ª2. Instruments and controlsº
section, and ªVehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
off indicator lightº in the ª2. Instruments
and controlsº section.)
c Indicator light
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
ªSLIPº and ªVDC OFFº indicator lights illumi-
nate in the instrument panel. As long as
these indicators are illuminated, the VDC
system function is canceled.
The VDC system uses an Active Brake Limited
Slip (ABLS) function to improve vehicle traction.
The ABLS system works when one of the driving
wheels is spinning on a slippery surface. The
ABLS system brakes the spinning wheel, which
distributes the driving power to the other drive wheel. If the vehicle is operated with the VDC
OFF switch pushed and the VDC system turned
off, all VDC systems will be turned off. The ABLS
system and ABS will still operate with the VDC
system off. If the ABLS system is activated, the
ªSLIPº indicator will blink and you may hear a
clunk noise and/or feel a pulsation in the brake
pedal. This is normal and is not an indication of
a malfunction.
While the VDC system is operating, you may feel
a pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a noise
or feel a vibration from under the hood. This is
normal and indicates that the VDC system is
working properly.
The VDC system computer has a built-in diag-
nostic feature that tests the system each time
you start the engine and move the vehicle at a
low speed forward or backward. When the
self-test occurs, you may hear a ªclunkº noise
and/or feel a pulsation in the brake pedal. This
is normal and is not an indication of a
malfunction.
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM
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WARNING
cThe VDC system is designed to help improve
driving stability but does not prevent acci-
dents due to abrupt steering operation at
high speeds or due to careless or dangerous
driving techniques. Reduce vehicle speed
and be especially careful when driving and
cornering on slippery surfaces and always
drive carefully.
c Do not modify the vehicle's suspension. If
suspension parts such as shock absorbers,
struts, springs, stabilizer bars and bushings
and wheels are not INFINITI approved or are
extremely deteriorated the VDC system may
not operate properly. This could adversely
affect vehicle handling performance, and the
ªVDC OFFº indicator or ªSLIPº indicator or
both indicator lights may illuminate.
c If brake related parts such as brake pads,
rotors and calipers are not standard equip-
ment or are extremely deteriorated, the
ªVDC OFFº indicator or ªSLIPº indicator or
both indicator lights may illuminate.
c If engine related parts such as muffler are
not standard equipment or are extremely de-
teriorated, the ªVDC OFFº indicator or ªSLIPº
indicator or both indicator lights may
illuminate. c
When driving on extremely inclined surfaces
such as higher banked corners, the VDC sys-
tem may not operate properly and the ªVDC
OFFº indicator or ªSLIPº indicator or both
indicator lights may illuminate. Do not drive
on these types of roads.
c When driving on unstable surfaces such as a
turntable, ferry, elevator or ramp, the ªVDC
OFFº indicator or ªSLIPº indicator or both
indicator lights may illuminate. This is not a
malfunction. Restart the engine after driving
onto a stable surface.
c If wheels or tires other than those recom-
mended are used, the VDC system may not
operate properly and ªVDC OFFº indicator or
ªSLIPº indicator or both indicator lights may
illuminate.
c The VDC system is not a substitute for winter
tires or tire chains on a snow covered road. The Rear Active Steer system is an electronically
controlled four-wheel steering system.
The angle of the rear wheels are adjusted by the
Rear Active Steer system, depending on the
vehicle speed and steering angle. The rear
wheels are designed to turn momentarily in the
opposite direction and then change to the same
direction as the front wheels.
At low speeds, the rear wheels will not turn and
the system functions as a two-wheel steering
system.
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the Rear
Active Steer function will stop but the ordinary
two-wheel steering system will operate nor-
mally. The ªRASº warning light will illuminate. If
the light illuminates while driving, contact an
INFINITI retailer for repair.
WARNING
The Rear Active Steer system, although a so-
phisticated device, cannot prevent accidents
resulting from careless or dangerous driving
techniques. Ultimately the responsibility for
safety of self and others rests in the hands of
the driver. Therefore only through attentive
and careful driving methods can the Rear Active
Steer system be fully appreciated and safety
assured.
REAR ACTIVE STEER SYSTEM (if so
equipped)
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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 inserting it into the
key hole or use the Intelligent Key system.
ANTI-FREEZE
In the winter when it is anticipated that the
outside temperature will drop below 32ÉF (0ÉC),
check antifreeze to assure proper winter protec-
tion. For additional information, see ªENGINE
COOLING SYSTEMº in the ª8. Maintenance and
do-it-yourselfº section.
BATTERY
If the battery is not fully charged during ex-
tremely cold weather conditions, the battery
fluid may freeze and damage the battery. To
maintain maximum efficiency, the battery
should be checked regularly. For additional
information, see ªBATTERYº in the ª8. Mainte-
nance and do-it-yourselfº section.
DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER
If the vehicle is to be left outside without
antifreeze, drain the cooling system, including
the engine block. Refill before operating the
vehicle. For details, see ªENGINE COOLING SYS-
TEMº in the ª8. Maintenance and do-it-yourselfº
section.
TIRE EQUIPMENT
SUMMER tires have a tread designed to provide
superior performance on dry pavement. How-
ever, the performance of these tires will be
substantially reduced in snowy and icy condi-
tions. 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.
Consult an INFINITI retailer 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 ªTIRE
CHAINSº in the ª8. Maintenance and do-it-
yourselfº section of this manual.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) model
If you install snow tires, they must also be the
same size, brand, construction and tread pat-
tern on all four wheels.
SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT
It is recommended that the following items be
carried in the vehicle during winter:
cA scraper and stiff-bristled brush to remove
ice and snow from the windows and wiper
blades.
c A sturdy, flat board to be placed under the
jack to give it firm support.
c A shovel to dig the vehicle out of snowdrifts.
c Extra window washer fluid to refill the reser-
voir tank.
DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE
WARNING
cWet ice (32ÉF, 0ÉC 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 ªgripº under these conditions.
Try to avoid driving on wet ice until the road
is salted or sanded.
c Whatever the condition, drive with caution.
Accelerate and slow down with care. If accel-
erating or downshifting too fast, the drive
wheels will lose even more traction.
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
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