wheel NISSAN 350Z 2004 Owner´s Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: NISSAN, Model Year: 2004, Model line: 350Z, Model: NISSAN 350Z 2004Pages: 262, PDF Size: 2.88 MB
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TIRE PRESSURE
Tire inflation pressureCheck the pressure of the tires (including the
spare) often and always prior to long distance
trips. The recommended tire pressure specifica-
tions are shown on the Tire and Loading Infor-
mation label under the “Recommended Cold
Tire Inflation 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 curbwhile 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 in-
flation, may adversely affect tire life and
vehicle handling.
WARNING
Improperly inflated tires can fail sud-
denly and cause an accident.
The vehicle capacity weight is indi-
cated on the Tire and Loading Infor-
mation label. Do not load your ve-
hicle beyond this capacity.
Overloading your vehicle may result
in reduced tire life, unsafe operating
conditions due to premature tire mal-
function, or unfavorable handling
characteristics and could also lead to
a serious accident. Loading beyond
the specified capacity may also result
in a malfunction of other vehicle
components.
Before taking a long trip, or when-
ever you heavily load your vehicle,
use a tire pressure gauge to ensure
that the tire pressures are at the
specified level.
Do not drive your vehicle over 85
MPH (137 km/h) unless it is equipped
with high-speed rated tires. Drivingfaster than 85 MPH (137 km/h) may
result in tire failure, loss of control
and possible injury.
For additional information regarding
tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety
Information” (US) or “Tire Safety In-
formation” (Canada) in the Warranty
Information Booklet.
Low tire pressure warning system (if
so equipped)The low tire pressure warning system displays
the tire pressure of all tires (except the spare tire)
on the trip computer by sending a signal from a
sensor that is installed in each wheel. For more
details, refer to “Trip computer” and “Low tire
pressure warning light” in the “2. Instruments
and controls” section, “Low tire pressure warn-
ing system” in the “5. Starting and driving”
section, and “Flat tire” in the “6. In case of
emergency” section. If the tire pressure dis-
played on the trip computer is lower than the
COLD tire pressure shown on the Tire and
Loading Information label, check the pressure of
all four tires and adjust them to the COLD tire
pressure. The low tire pressure warning system
will activate only when the vehicle is driven at
speeds above 20 MPH (32 km/h).
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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, includ-
ing the spare.
TIRE LABELINGFederal 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.
1Tire size (example: P215/60R16 94H)
P: The “P” indicates the tire is designed for
passenger vehicles. (Not all tires have this
information.)
Three-digit number (215): This number gives
the width in millimeters of the tire from side-
wall edge to sidewall edge.
1st two-digit number (60): This number,
known as the aspect ratio, gives the tire’s
ratio of height to width.
R: The “R” stands for radial.
2nd two-digit number (16): This number is
the wheel or rim diameter in inches.3rd two- or three-digit number (94): This
number is the tire’s load index. It is a mea-
surement of how much weight each tire can
support. (You may not find this information on
all tires because it is not required by law.)
H: Tire Speed Rating. The speed rating de-
notes the speed at which a tire is designed to
be driven for extended periods of time. The
ratings range from 98 MPH (miles per hour)
to 186 MPH. (You may not find this informa-
tion on all tires because it is not required by
law.)
2TIN (Tire Identification Number) for new tire
(example: DOT XX XX XXX XXXX)
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.
1st two-digit code: Manufacturer’s identifica-
tion mark
2nd two-digit code: Tire size
3rd three-digit code: Tire type code (Op-
tional)
4th three-digit code: Date of Manufacture
Four numbers represent the week and year
the tire was built. For example, the numbers
3103 means the 31st week of 2003.
SDI1575
EXAMPLE
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3Tire ply composition and material
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 permissible inflation
pressure.
5Maximum 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.
6Term of “tubeless” or “tube type”
Indicates that the tire requires an inner tube
(“tube type”) or not (“tubeless”).
7The word “radial”
The word “radial” is shown, if the tire has a
radial structure.
8Manufacturer or Brand name
Manufacturer or Brand name is shown.
Other tire-related terminologyIn addition to the many terms that are definedthroughout 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 sidewall of the tire, or (2) the outward
racing 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 (for example, summer, all sea-
son or snow) and construction. Your
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.For additional information regarding
tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety
Information” (US) or “Tire Safety In-
formation” (Canada) in the Warranty
Information Booklet.
All season tiresNISSAN specifies all season tires on some
models to provide good performance for use all
year round, including snowy and icy road condi-
tions. 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.Summer tiresNISSAN specifies summer tires on some models
to provide superior performance on dry roads.
Summer tire performance in snow and ice will be
substantially reduced. Summer tires do not have
the tire traction rating M&S on the tire sidewall.
If you operate your vehicle in snowy or icy
conditions, NISSAN recommends the use of
snow or all season tires on all four wheels.
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Snow tiresIf 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 operate your vehicle in snowy or icy
conditions, NISSAN recommends the use of
snow or all season tires on all four wheels.
For additional traction on icy roads, studded tires
may be used. However, some provinces and
states 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 CHAINSUse of tire chains may be prohibited according
to location. Check the local laws before installing
tire chains. When installing tire chains, make
sure they are of proper size for the tires on your
vehicle and are installed according to the chainmanufacturer’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 accommodate 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
undercarriage. If possible, avoid fully loading
your vehicle when using tire chains. In addition,
drive at a reduced speed. Otherwise, your ve-
hicle may be damaged and/or vehicle handling
and performance may be adversely affected.
Never install tire chains on a T-type
spare tire.
Do not use the chains on dry roads.
Tire chains must be installed only on the
rear wheels and not on the front wheels.
CHANGING WHEELS AND TIRES
Tire rotationTires cannot be rotated in this vehicle, as front
tires are different size from rear tires and the
direction of wheel rotation is fixed in each tire.
A pin is on the front brake rotor to prevent the
rear wheels from being installed in place of the
front wheels. The spare tire can be installed in
place of the front and rear wheels. When install-
ing the spare tire in the front wheel, the hole in
the spare tire wheel must be aligned with the pin
on the brake rotor.
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Tire wear and damage
WARNING
Tires should be periodically in-
spected for wear, cracking, bulging,
or objects caught in the tread. If ex-
cessive wear, cracks, bulging, or
deep cuts are found, the tire should
be replaced.
The original tires have a built-in tread
wear indicator. When the wearindicator is visible, the tire should be
replaced.
Improper service for a spare tire may
result in serious personal injury. If it
is necessary to repair the spare tire,
contact your NISSAN dealer.
For additional information regarding
tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety
Information” (US) or “Tire Safety In-
formation” (Canada) in the Warranty
Information Booklet.
Replacing wheels and tiresWhen replacing a tire, use the same size, speed
rating and load carrying capacity as originally
equipped. See “Specifications” in the “9. Tech-
nical and consumer information” section for rec-
ommended 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, 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 offset dimen-
sion. Wheels of a different offset
could cause early tire wear, possibly
degraded vehicle handling character-
istics and/or interference with the
brake discs. Such interference can
lead to decreased braking efficiency
and/or early brake pad wear.
When a spare tire is mounted or a
wheel is replaced, tire pressure will
not be indicated and the low tire
pressure warning system will not
function. Contact your NISSAN
dealer as soon as possible for tire
MDI0004
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replacement and/or system reset-
ting. (For models with the low tire
pressure warning system)
Do not install a deformed wheel or
tire even if it has been repaired. Such
wheels or tires could have structural
damage and could fail without warn-
ing.
The use of retread tire is not recom-
mended.
For additional information regarding
tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety
Information” (US) or “Tire Safety In-
formation” (Canada) in the Warranty
Information Booklet.
Wheel balanceUnbalanced 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 front wheels on the vehicle could lead to
transmission 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 wheelsWash the wheels when washing the vehicle
to maintain their appearance.
Clean the inner side of the wheels when the
wheel is changed or the underside of the
vehicle is washed.
Do not use abrasive cleaners when washing
the wheels.
Inspect wheel rims regularly for dents or
corrosion. Such damage may cause loss of
pressure or poor seal at the tire bead.
NISSAN recommends that the road wheels
be waxed to protect against road salt in areas
where it is used during winter.Spare tire (T-type spare tire)Observe the following precautions if the T-type
spare tire must be used, otherwise your vehicle
could be damaged or involved in an accident.
CAUTION
The T-type spare tire should be used
only for emergency. It should be re-
placed by the standard tire at the first
opportunity.
Drive carefully while the T-type spare
tire is installed.
Avoid sharp turns and abrupt braking
while driving.
Periodically check the T-type spare
tire inflation pressure, and always
keep it at 60 psi (420 kPa, 4.2 bar).
Do not drive your vehicle at speeds
faster than 50 MPH (80 km/h).
Do not use tire chains on a T-type
spare tire. Tire chains will not fit
properly on the T-type spare tire and
may cause damage to the vehicle.
Tire tread of the T-type spare tire will
wear at a faster rate than the original
tire. Replace the T-type spare tire as
soon as the tread wear indicators
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9 Technical and consumer informationCapacities and recommended fuel/lubricants .............. 9-2
Fuel recommendation .................................................... 9-3
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation .................. 9-5
Recommended SAE viscosity number ...................... 9-6
Air conditioning system refrigerant and lubricant
recommendations ........................................................... 9-6
Specifications ........................................................................ 9-8
Engine ................................................................................ 9-8
Wheels and tires ............................................................. 9-9
Dimensions and weights ............................................... 9-9
When traveling or registering your vehicle in another
country .................................................................................. 9-10
Vehicle identification ......................................................... 9-10
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate ............... 9-10
Vehicle identification number (chassis number) .... 9-10
Engine serial number ................................................... 9-11
F.M.V.S.S. certification label ...................................... 9-11
Emission control information label ........................... 9-11
Tire and Loading Information label .......................... 9-12
Air conditioner specification label ............................ 9-12Installing front license plate ............................................. 9-13
Vehicle loading information ............................................. 9-14
Terms ............................................................................... 9-14
Vehicle load capacity.................................................... 9-15
Loading tips ................................................................... 9-15
Towing a trailer ................................................................... 9-16
Maximum load limits ...................................................... 9-16
Towing safety.................................................................. 9-17
Flat towing .......................................................................... 9-20
Automatic transmission ............................................. 9-20
Manual transmission .................................................... 9-20
Uniform tire quality grading ............................................. 9-21
Emission control system warranty ................................. 9-22
Reporting safety defects (US only) ............................... 9-22
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) test
(US only) .............................................................................. 9-22
Event data recorders ......................................................... 9-23
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual order
information ........................................................................... 9-24
In the event of a collision ........................................... 9-24
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WHEELS AND TIRES
Road wheelModel Type Position SizeOffset
in (mm)
Coupe AluminumFront17 x 7-1/2JJ 1.18 (30)
18 x 8JJ* 1.18 (30)
Rear17 x 8JJ 1.30 (33)
18 x 8JJ* 1.18 (30)
18 x 8-1/2JJ* 1.30 (33)
Roadster AluminumFront17 x 7-1/2JJ 1.18 (30)
18 x 8JJ* 1.18 (30)
Rear17 x 8JJ 1.30 (33)
18 x 8JJ* 1.18 (30)TireModel Type Position Size Pressure (Cold)
CoupeConventionalFront 225/50R17 94W 240 kPa (35 psi)
Rear 235/50R17 96W 240 kPa (35 psi)
Front 225/45R18 91W* 240 kPa (35 psi)
Rear 245/45R18 96W* 240 kPa (35 psi)
Spare —T145/90D16 420 kPa (60 psi)
T155/80R17* 420 kPa (60 psi)
Road-
sterConventionalFront 225/50R17 94W 220 kPa (32 psi)
Rear 235/50R17 96W 220 kPa (32 psi)
Front 225/45R18 91W* 240 kPa (35 psi)
Rear 245/45R18 96W* 240 kPa (35 psi)
Spare — T145/90D16 420 kPa (60 psi)
*: For option
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHTS
Coupe Roadster
Overall length in (mm) 169.6 (4,309) 169.6 (4,309)
Overall width in (mm) 71.5 (1,815) 71.5 (1,815)
Overall height in (mm) 51.9 (1,319) 52.3 (1,328)
Front tread in (mm) 60.4 (1,535) 60.4 (1,535)
Rear tread in (mm)60.6 (1,539)*1
60.8 (1,545)*260.6 (1,539)*1
60.8 (1,545)*2
Wheelbase in (mm) 104.3 (2,649) 104.3 (2,649)
Gross vehicle weight rating lb(kg)
See the F.M.V.S.S. certification label
on the driver’s side lock pillar. Gross axle weight rating
Front lb(kg)
Rear lb(kg)
*1: The wheel offset is 1.30 in (33 mm).
*2: The wheel offset is 1.18 in (30 mm).
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trailer hitch.
To reduce the possibility of addi-
tional damage if your vehicle is
struck from the rear, where practical,
remove the hitch and/or receiver
when not in use.
After the hitch is removed, seal the
bolt holes to prevent exhaust fumes,
water or dust from entering the pas-
senger compartment.
Regularly check that all hitch mount-
ing bolts are securely mounted.
Tire pressuresWhen towing a trailer, inflate the vehicle tires
to the recommended cold tire pressure indi-
cated on the Tire and Loading Information
label.
Trailer tire condition, size, load rating and
proper inflation pressure should be in accor-
dance with the trailer and tire manufacturers’
specifications.Safety chainAlways use a suitable chain between your ve-hicle and the trailer. The safety chain should be
crossed and should be attached to the hitch, not
to the vehicle bumper or axle. Be sure to leave
enough slack in the chain to permit turning
corners.
Trailer lightsTrailer lights should comply with federal and/or
local regulations. When wiring the vehicle for
towing, connect the stop and tail light pickup
into the vehicle electrical circuit at a point be-
tween the sensor and stop light or light switch.Trailer brakesIf your trailer is equipped with a braking system,
make sure it conforms to federal and/or local
regulations and that it is properly installed.
WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system
directly to the vehicle brake system.Pre-towing tipsBe certain your vehicle maintains a level
position when a loaded and/or unloaded
trailer is hitched. Do not drive the vehicle if it
has an unusual nose-up or nose-down con-dition; check for improper tongue load, over-
load, worn suspension or other possible
causes of these conditions.
Always secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shifts while driving.
Be certain your rear view mirrors conform to
all federal, state and/or local regulations. If
not, install any mirrors required for towing
before driving the vehicle.
Trailer towing tipsIn order to gain skill and an understanding of the
vehicle’s behavior, you should practice turning,
stopping and backing up in an area which is free
from traffic. Steering stability, and braking per-
formance will be somewhat different than under
normal driving conditions.
Always secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
Avoid sharp turns or lane changes.
Always drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed.
Always block the wheels on both vehicle and
trailer when parking. Parking on a slope is not
recommended; however, if you must do so,
and if your vehicle is equipped with automatic
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transmission, first apply the parking brake
and block the wheels, and then move the
transmission selector lever into the P (Park)
position. If you move the selector lever to the
P (Park) position before blocking the wheels
and applying the parking brake, the transmis-
sion may get damaged.
When going down a hill, shift into a lower
gear and use the engine braking effect.
When ascending on a long grade, downshift
the transmission to a lower gear and reduce
speed to reduce chances of engine overload-
ing and/or overheating.
If the engine coolant rises to an extremely
high temperature when the air conditioning
system is on, turn off the air conditioner.
Coolant heat can be additionally vented by
opening the windows, switching the fan con-
trol to high and setting the temperature con-
trol to the HOT position.
Trailer towing consumes more fuel than nor-
mal circumstances.
Avoid towing a trailer for the first 500 miles
(800 km).
Have your vehicle serviced more often than at
intervals specified in the recommended main-
tenance schedule.
When making a turn, your trailer wheels willbe closer to the inside of the turn than your
vehicle wheels. To compensate for this, make
a larger than normal turning radius during the
turn.
Crosswinds and rough roads will adversely
affect vehicle/trailer handling, possibly caus-
ing vehicle sway. When being passed by
larger vehicles, be prepared for possible
changes in crosswinds that could affect ve-
hicle handling. If swaying does occur, firmly
grip the steering wheel, steer straight ahead,
and immediately (but gradually) reduce ve-
hicle speed. This combination will help stabi-
lize the vehicle. Never increase speed.
Be careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires con-
siderably more distance than normal passing.
Remember the length of the trailer must also
pass the other vehicle before you can safely
change lanes.
To maintain engine braking efficiency and
electrical charging performance, do not use
6th gear (manual transmission) or 5th posi-
tion (automatic transmission).
Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long
or too frequently. This could cause the brakes
to overheat, resulting in reduced braking ef-
ficiency.When towing a trailer, change transmis-
sion oil more frequently. For additional
information, see the “8. Maintenance and
do-it-yourself” section.
Technical and consumer information
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