INFINITI QX80 2014 Owners Manual

8-32Maintenance and do-it-yourself
TPMS with Tire Inflation Indicator
provides visual and audible signals
outside the vehicle for inflating the
tires to the recommended COLD tire
pressure. (See“TPMS with Tire Infla-
tion Indicator” in the“5. Starting and
driving” section about the TPMS with
Tire Inflation Indicator.)
Incorrect tire pressure, including
under inflation, may adversely affect
tire life and vehicle handling.
WARNING
. 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 re-
sult in reduced tire life, unsafe operating conditions due to pre-
mature tire failure, or unfavorable
handling characteristics and could
also lead to a serious accident.
Loading beyond the specified ca-
pacity 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 regard-
ing tires, refer to “Important Tire
Safety Information ”(US) or “Tire
Safety Information ”(Canada) in
the Warranty Information Booklet.

SDI2496
Tire and Loading Information label
*1Seating capacity: The maximum
number of occupants that can be
seated in the vehicle.
*2Vehicle load limit: See“Vehicle
loading information”in the “9.Technical and consumer informa-
tion”
section.
*3Original size: The size of the tires
originally installed on the vehicle
at the factory.
*4Cold tire pressure: Inflate the
tires to this pressure when the
tires are cold. Tires are consid-
ered 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, driveabil-
ity, tire noise, etc., up to the
vehicle’s GVWR.
*5Tire size —see “Tire labeling”
later in this section.
*6Spare tire size or compact spare
tire size (if so equipped)
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-33

8-34Maintenance and do-it-yourself
SDI1949
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, re-
position 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 la-
bel.
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.
SIZECOLD TIRE
INFLATION
PRESSURE
FRONT
ORIGINAL TIRE P275/50R22
111H
240 kPa,
35 PSI
P275/60R20
114H 240 kPa,
35 PSI
REAR ORI-
GINAL TIRE P275/50R22
111H
240 kPa,
35 PSI
P275/60R20
114H 240 kPa,
35 PSI
SPARE TIRE 275/60R20
115M
240 kPa,
35 PSI
P275/60R20
114H 240 kPa,
35 PSI

SDI1575
Example
TIRE LABELING
Federal law requires tire manufac-
turers to place standardized informa-
tion 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.
SDI1606
Example*1Tire size (example: P215/60R16
94H)
1.P: The“P”indicates the tire is
designed for passenger vehicles.
(Not all tires have this informa-
tion.)
2.Three-digit number (215): This
number gives the width in milli-
meters of the tire from sidewall
edge to sidewall edge.
3.Two-digit number (60): This num-
ber, 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 num-
ber 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.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-35

8-36Maintenance and do-it-yourself
SDI1607
Example*2TIN (Tire Identification Number)
for a new tire (example: DOT XX
XX XXX XXXX)
1.DOT: Abbreviation for the“Depart-
ment of Transportation”. The sym-
bol 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 Manu-
facture
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.
*3Tire ply composition and materi-
al
The number of layers or plies of
rubber-coated fabric in the tire.
Tire manufacturers also must
indicate the materials in the tire,
which include steel, nylon,
polyester, and others.
*4Maximum permissible inflation
pressure
This number is the greatest
amount of air pressure that
should be put in the tire. Do
not exceed the maximum per- missible inflation pressure.
*5Maximum load rating
This number indicates the max-
imum 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.
*6Term of
“tubeless” or“tube
type”
Indicates whether the tire re-
quires an inner tube (“ tube
type”) or not (“tubeless”).
*7The word “radial”
The word “radial”is shown, if
the tire has radial structure.
*8Manufacturer 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 manu-
facturer, brand and/or model name
molding that is higher or deeper than
the same molding on the other side-
wall 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
.When changing or replacing tires, be
sure all four tires are of the same type
(Example: Summer, All Season or Snow)
and construction. An INFINITI retailer
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 INFINITI could affect the
proper operation of the TPMS.
. For additional information regarding
tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety
Information” (US) or“Tire Safety Infor-
mation” (Canada) in the Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet.
All season tires
INFINITI specifies all season tires on some
models to provide good performance all
year, including snowy and icy road condi-
tions. 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
INFINITI 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, 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 prohi-
bit 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.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-37

8-38Maintenance and do-it-yourself
TIRE CHAINS
Use of tire chains may be prohibited
according to location. Check the local laws
before installing tire chains. When instal-
ling tire chains, make sure they are the
proper size for the tires on your vehicle and
are installed according to the chain man-
ufacturer’s suggestions. Use only SAE
Class S chains. Class“S”chains are used
on vehicles with restricted 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 accommo-
date 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 recom-
mended 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 af-
fected.
Tire chains must be installed only on the
rear wheels and not on the front wheels.
Never install tire chains on the full-size
temporary use only spare tire (if so
equipped).
Do not use tire chains on dry roads. Driving
with tire chains in such conditions can
cause damage to the various mechanisms
of the vehicle due to some overstress.
SDI1662
CHANGING WHEELS AND TIRES
Tire rotation
INFINITI recommends rotating the
tires in accordance with the main-
tenance log shown in the
“INFINITI
Service and Maintenance Guide” .
(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:98 ft-lb (133 N·m)
The wheel nuts must be kept tigh-
tened to the specification at all
times. It is recommended that wheel
nuts be tightened to the specifica-
tion at each tire rotation interval.
WARNING
. 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 full-size tem-
porary use only spare tire (if so
equipped) in the tire rotation.
. For additional information regard-
ing tires, refer to “Important Tire
Safety Information ”(US) or “Tire
Safety Information ”(Canada) in the Warranty Information Booklet.SDI1663
1.Wear indicator
2.Wear indicator location mark
Tire wear and damage
WARNING
.
Tires should be periodically in-
spected for wear, cracking, bul-
ging or objects caught in the
tread. If excessive wear, cracks,
bulging or deep cuts are found,
the tire(s) should be replaced.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-39

8-40Maintenance and do-it-yourself
.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 an INFINITI
retailer.
. For additional information regard-
ing 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 carry-
ing capacity as originally equipped. (See
“Specifications” in the“9. Technical and
consumer information” section for recom-
mended types and sizes of tires and
wheels.)
WARNING
. 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, speed-
ometer calibration, headlight aim and
bumper height. Some of these effects
may lead to accidents and could result in
serious personal injury.
. For Two-Wheel Drive (2WD) models, if
your vehicle was originally equipped
with 4 tires that were the same size
and you are only replacing 2 of the 4
tires, install the new tires on the rear
axle. Placing new tires on the front axle may cause loss of vehicle control in
some driving conditions and cause an
accident and 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 interfer-
ence with the brake discs/drums. Such
interference can lead to decreased brak-
ing 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 INFINITI retailer as soon as
possible for tire replacement and/or
system resetting.
. Replacing tires with those not originally
specified by INFINITI 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 struc-
tural damage and could fail without
warning.
. The use of retread tire is not recom-
mended.
. For additional information regarding
tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety
Information” (US) or“Tire Safety Infor-
mation” (Canada) in the Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet.
Four-wheel Drive (4WD) models
CAUTION
. 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.
. ONLY use spare tires specified for the
4WD model.
If excessive tire wear is found, it is
recommended that all four tires be re-
placed 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 an INFINITI retailer.
Wheel balance
Unbalanced wheels may affect vehicle
handling and tire life. Even with regular
use, wheels can get out of balance. There-
fore, they should be balanced as required.
Wheel balance service should be per-
formed 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 INFINITI Warranty Information Book-
let.
Care of wheels
See “Cleaning exterior” in the“7. Appear-
ance 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.
Spare tire (FULL-SIZE TEMPORARY USE
ONLY spare tire) (Applies ONLY to vehicles
equipped with P275/50R22 tires):
Observe the following precautions if the
full-size temporary use only spare tire must
be used, otherwise your vehicle could be
damaged or involved in an accident.
WARNING
. The full-size 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 spare tire is
installed. Avoid sharp turns and abrupt
braking while driving. The vehicle driv-
ing performance may be affected when
driving on wet or snow covered roads.
. When the spare tire is installed, the
following systems may not work cor-
rectly.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-41