INFINITI M 2010 Owners Manual

Tire and Loading Information label
s1Seating capacity: The maximum num-ber of occupants that can be seated
in the vehicle.
s2Vehicle load limit: See ªVEHICLE
LOADING INFORMATIONº in the ª9.
Technical and consumer informa-
tionº section.
s3Original size: The size of the tires
originally installed on the vehicle at
the factory.
s4Cold 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.
s5Tire size Ð see ªTIRE LABELINGº later
in this section.
s6Spare tire size or compact spare tire
size (if so equipped)
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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 side-
ways, 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 specifica-
tion 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 re-
lease air as needed.
6.Install the valve stem cap.
7.Check the pressure of all other tires,
including the spare.
SIZE COLD TIREINFLATION
PRESSURE
FRONT
ORIGINAL TIRE P245/
45R18 96V
230 kPa,
33 PSI
245/
40R19
94W 230 kPa,
33 PSI
REAR
ORIGINAL TIRE P245/
45R18 96V
230 kPa,
33 PSI
245/
40R19
94W 230 kPa,
33 PSI
SPARE TIRE T145/
80D17 420 kPa,
60 PSI
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TIRE LABELING
Federal law requires tire manufacturers
to place standardized information on the
sidewall of all tires. This information
identifies and describes the fundamen-
tal 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.
s1Tire size (example: P215/60R16 94H)
1.P: The ªPº indicates the tire is de-
signed for passenger vehicles. (Not all
tires have this information.)
2.Three-digit number (215): This num-
ber gives the width in millimeters of
the tire from sidewall edge to side-
wall 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 ªRº 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 be-
cause it is not required by law.
7.H: Tire speed rating. You should not
drive the vehicle faster than the tire
speed rating.
Example
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Example
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s2TIN (Tire Identification Number) for a
new tire (example: DOT XX XX XXX
XXXX)
1.DOT: Abbreviation for the ªDepart-
ment of Transportationº. The symbol
can be placed above, below or to the
left or right of the Tire Identification
Number.
2.Two-digit code: Manufacturer's iden-
tification mark
3.Two-digit code: Tire size
4.Three-digit code: Tire type code (Op-
tional)
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 side-
wall of the tire.
s3Tire ply composition and material
The number of layers or plies of
rubber-coated fabric in the tire.
Tire manufacturers also must indi-
cate the materials in the tire, which
include steel, nylon, polyester, and
others.
s4Maximum permissible inflation pres-
sure
This number is the greatest amount
of air pressure that should be put in
the tire. Do not exceed the maximum
permissible inflation pressure.
s5Maximum 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.
s6Term of ªtubelessº or ªtube typeº
Indicates whether the tire requires an
inner tube (ªtube typeº) or not
(ªtubelessº).
s7The word ªradialº
The word ªradialº is shown, if the tire
has radial structure.
s8Manufacturer 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, In-
tended Outboard Sidewall is (1) the side-
wall that contains a whitewall, bears
Example
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white lettering or bears manufacturer,
brand and/or model name molding that
is higher or deeper than the same mold-
ing 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
WARNING
cWhen changing or replacing tires, be sure all
four tires are of the same type (Example:
Summer, All Season or Snow) and construc-
tion. An INFINITI retailer may be able to help
you with information about tire type, size,
speed rating and availability.
c Replacement tires may have a lower speed
rating than the factory equipped tires, and
may not match the potential maximum ve-
hicle speed. Never exceed the maximum
speed rating of the tire.
c Replacing tires with those not originally
specified by INFINITI could affect the proper
operation of the TPMS. c
For additional information regarding tires,
refer to ªImportant Tire Safety Informationº
(US) or ªTire Safety Informationº (Canada) in
the Warranty Information Booklet.
All season tires
INFINITI 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 side-
wall. Snow tires have better snow traction than
All Season tires and may be more appropriate in
some areas.
Summer tires
INFINITI 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.
If you plan to operate your vehicle in snowy or
icy conditions, INFINITI 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 capa-
bilities of studded snow tires, on wet or dry
surfaces, may be poorer than that of non-
studded snow tires.
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TIRE CHAINS
Use of tire chains may be prohibited according
to location. Check the local laws before install-
ing 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 suggestions.Use only
SAE Class S chains. Class ªSº chains are used
on vehicles with restricted tire to vehicle clear-
ance. Vehicles that can use Class ªSº chains are
designed to meet the SAE standard minimum
clearances between the tire and the closest
vehicle suspension or body component re-
quired to accommodate the use of a winter
traction device (tire chains or cables). The mini-
mum clearances are determined using the fac-
tory equipped tire size. Other types may dam-
age 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.
Never install tire chains on a TEMPORARY USE
ONLY spare tire.
Do not use tire chains on dry roads. Driving with
tire chains in such conditions can cause dam-
age to the various mechanisms of the vehicle
due to some overstress.
CHANGING WHEELS AND TIRES
Tire rotation
INFINITI recommends rotating the tires
every 7,500 miles (12,000 km). (See
ªFLAT TIREº in the ª6. In case of emer-
gencyº section for tire replacing proce-
dures.)
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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 recom-
mended that wheel nuts be tightened to
the specification at each tire rotation in-
terval.
WARNING
cAfter rotating the tires, check and ad-
just the tire pressure.
cRetighten the wheel nuts when the
vehicle has been driven for 600 miles
(1,000 km) (also in cases of a flat tire,
etc.).
cDo not include the spare tire or any
other small size spare tire in the tire
rotation.
cFor additional information regarding
tires, refer to ªImportant Tire Safety
Informationº (US) or ªTire Safety In-
formationº (Canada) in the Warranty
Information Booklet.
1. Wear indicator
2. Wear indicator location mark
Tire wear and damage
WARNING
cTires should be periodically in-
spected for wear, cracking, bulging or
objects caught in the tread. If exces-
sive wear, cracks, bulging or deep
cuts are found, the tire(s) should be
replaced.
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cThe original tires have built-in tread
wear indicators. When wear indica-
tors are visible, the tire(s) should be
replaced.
cTires degrade with age and use. Have
tires, including the spare, over 6
years old checked by a qualified tech-
nician, because some tire damage
may not be obvious. Replace the tires
as necessary to prevent tire failure
and possible personal injury.
cImproper service of the spare tire may
result in serious personal injury. If it
is necessary to repair the spare tire,
contact an INFINITI retailer.
cFor additional information regarding
tires, refer to ªImportant Tire Safety
Informationº (US) or ªTire Safety In-
formationº (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 ªSPECIFICATIONSº
in the ª9. Technical and consumer informationº
section for recommended types and sizes of
tires and wheels.)
WARNING
c The use of tires other than those recom-
mended or the mixed use of tires of different
brands, construction (bias, bias-belted or ra-
dial), or tread patterns can adversely affect
the ride, braking, handling, ground clear-
ance, body-to-tire clearance, tire chain
clearance, speedometer calibration, head-
light aim and bumper height. Some of these
effects may lead to accidents and could re-
sult in serious personal injury. c
If the wheels are changed for any reason,
always replace with wheels which have the
same off-set dimension. Wheels of a differ-
ent 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 ªWHEELS AND
TIRESº in the ª9. Technical and consumer
informationº section of this manual for
wheel off-set dimensions.
c When a spare tire is mounted or a wheel is
replaced, tire pressure will not be indicated,
the TPMS will not function and the low tire
pressure warning light will flash for approxi-
mately 1 minute. The light will remain on
after 1 minute. Contact your INFINITI retailer
as soon as possible for tire replacement
and/or system resetting.
c Replacing tires with those not originally
specified by INFINITI could affect the proper
operation of the TPMS.
c 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.
c The use of retread tire is not recommended.
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cFor additional information regarding tires,
refer to ªImportant Tire Safety Informationº
(US) or ªTire Safety Informationº (Canada) in
the Warranty Information Booklet.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) models
CAUTION
cAlways use tires of the same type, size,
brand, construction (bias, bias-belted or ra-
dial), 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.
c ONLY use spare tires specified for the AWD
model.
If excessive tire wear is found, it is recom-
mended 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 nec-
essary. Contact an INFINITI retailer.
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 ªImportant Tire Safety Informationº (US) or
ªTire Safety Informationº (Canada) in the
INFINITI Warranty Information Booklet.
Care of wheels
c Wash the wheels when washing the vehicle
to maintain their appearance.
c Clean the inner side of the wheels when the
wheel is changed or the underside of the
vehicle is washed.
c Do not use abrasive cleaners when washing
the wheels.
c Inspect wheel rims regularly for dents or
corrosion. Such damage may cause loss of
pressure or poor seal at the tire bead. c
INFINITI recommends that the road wheels
be waxed to protect against road salt in
areas where it is used during winter.
Spare tire (TEMPORARY USE ONLY
spare tire)
Observe the following precautions if the TEM-
PORARY USE ONLY spare tire must be used,
otherwise your vehicle could be damaged or
involved in an accident.
WARNING
cThe TEMPORARY USE ONLY spare tire should
be used for emergency use. It should be re-
placed with the standard tire at the first op-
portunity to avoid possible tire or differen-
tial damage.
c Drive carefully while the TEMPORARY USE
ONLY spare tire is installed. Avoid sharp
turns and abrupt braking while driving.
c Periodically check spare tire inflation pres-
sure. Always keep the pressure of the TEM-
PORARY 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.
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cWith the TEMPORARY USE ONLY spare tire
installed do not drive your vehicle at speeds
faster than 50 MPH (80 km/h).
c When driving on roads covered with snow or
ice, the TEMPORARY USE ONLY spare tire
should be used on the front wheels and origi-
nal tire used on the rear wheels (drive
wheels). Use tire chains only on the two rear
original tires.
c 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.
c Do not use the spare tire on other vehicles.
c Do not use more than one spare tire at the
same time.CAUTION
cDo not use tire chains on a TEMPORARY USE
ONLY spare tire. Tire chains will not fit prop-
erly and may cause damage to the vehicle.
c 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.
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