maintenance NISSAN CUBE 2009 Workshop Manual

Black plate (277,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 1/ 28
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 curb while 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 un-
der 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 la-
bel. The vehicle weight capacity
is indicated on the Tire and
Loading Information label. Donot load your vehicle beyond
this capacity. Overloading your
vehicle may result in reduced
tire life, unsafe operating condi-
tions due to premature tire fail-
ure, or unfavorable handling
characteristics and could also
lead to a serious accident. Load-
ing beyond the specified capa-
city 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 re-
garding tires, refer to “Important
Tire Safety Information” (US) or
“Tire Safety Information” (Cana-
da) in the Warranty Information
Booklet.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-29
ProCarManuals.com

Black plate (278,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 1/ 28
SDI2340
Tire and Loading Information label*1
Seating capacity: The maximum num-
ber of occupants that can be seated
in the vehicle.
*2
Vehicle load limit: See “
VEHICLELOADING INFORMATION” in the “9.
Technical and consumer information”
section.
*3
Original size: The size of the tires
originally installed on the vehicle at
the factory.
*4
Cold 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.
*5
Tire size — see “
TIRE LABELING”
later in this section.
*6
Spare tire size or compact spare tire
size (if so equipped)
8-30
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
ProCarManuals.com

Black plate (279,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 1/ 28
SDI1949
Checking the tire pressure1.
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, 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. Re-
check 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
TIREP195/60R15
87H230 kPa,
33 PSI
P195/55R16
86V230 kPa,
33 PSI
REAR
ORIGINAL
TIREP195/60R15
87H230 kPa,
33 PSI
P195/55R16
86V230 kPa,
33 PSI
SPARE
TIRET125/70D15420 kPa,
60 PSI
SDI1575
Example
TIRE LABELINGFederal law requires tire manufacturers to
place standardized information on the side-
wall of all tires. This information identifies
and describes the fundamental character-
istics of the tire and also provides the tire
identification number (TIN) for safety stan-
dard certification. The TIN can be used to
identify the tire in case of a recall.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-31
ProCarManuals.com

Black plate (280,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 1/ 28
SDI1606
Example
*1
Tire size (example: P215/60R16
94H)
1.
P: The “P” indicates the tire is designed
for passenger vehicles. (Not all tires
have this information.)
2.
Three-digit number (215): This number
gives the width in millimeters of the tire
from sidewall edge to sidewall 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 “R” 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 because it is not
required by law.
7.
H: Tire speed rating. You should not
drive the vehicle faster than the tire
speed rating.
SDI1607
Example
*2
TIN (Tire Identification Number) for a
new tire (example: DOT XX XX XXX
XXXX)
1.
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.
2.
Two-digit code: Manufacturer’s identifi-
cation mark
3.
Two-digit code: Tire size
4.
Three-digit code: Tire type code (Op-
tional)
8-32
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
ProCarManuals.com

Black plate (281,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 1/ 28
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 sidewall of the
tire.
*3
Tire 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.
*4
Maximum 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.
*5
Maximum 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 installedtire.
*6
Term of “tubeless” or “tube type”
Indicates whether the tire requires an
inner tube (“tube type”) or not
(“tubeless”) .
*7
The word “radial”
The word “radial” is shown, if the tire
has radial structure.
*8
Manufacturer 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 manufacturer, 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 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. A
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.
.Replacing tires with those not ori-
ginally specified by NISSAN could
affect the proper operation of the
TPMS.
.For additional information regard-
ing tires, refer to “Important Tire
Safety Information” (US) or “Tire
Safety Information” (Canada) in the
Warranty Information Booklet.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-33
ProCarManuals.com

Black plate (282,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 1/ 28
All season tiresNISSAN 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
sidewall. Snow tires have better snow traction
than All Season tires and may be more appro-
priate in some areas.Summer tiresNISSAN 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, NISSAN recommends the use of
SNOW tires or ALL SEASON tires on all four
wheels.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 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 cap-
abilities 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 instal-
ling 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 “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 damageyour vehicle. Use chain tensioners when re-
commended 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
front wheels and not on the rear 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 damage
to the various mechanisms of the vehicle due to
some overstress.
8-34
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
ProCarManuals.com

Black plate (283,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 1/ 28
SDI1662
CHANGING WHEELS AND TIRES
Tire rotationNISSAN recommends rotating the tires
every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) . (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:
80 ft-lb (108 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 specification 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 spare tire or
any other small size spare tire in
the tire rotation.
.
For additional information re-
garding tires, refer to “Important
Tire Safety Information” (US) or
“Tire Safety Information” (Cana-
da) in the Warranty Information
Booklet.
SDI1663
1. Wear indicator
2. Wear indicator location markTire 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.
.
The original tires have built-in
tread wear indicators. WhenMaintenance and do-it-yourself
8-35
ProCarManuals.com

Black plate (284,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 1/ 28
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 perso-
nal injury. If it is necessary to
repair the spare tire, contact a
NISSAN dealer.
.
For additional information re-
garding tires, refer to “Important
Tire Safety Information” (US) or
“Tire Safety Information” (Cana-
da) in the Warranty Information
Booklet.
Replacing wheels and tiresWhen replacing a tire, use the same size, tread
design, speed rating and load carrying capacity
as originally equipped. (See “SPECIFICA-
TIONS” in the “9. Technical and consumer
information” section for recommended 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, construc-
tion (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 bum-
per 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 off-set dimen-
sion. Wheels of a different off-set
could cause premature tire wear,
degrade vehicle handling character-
istics and/or interference with the
brake discs/drums. Such interfer-
ence can lead to decreased braking
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 dimen-
sions..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 approxi-
mately 1 minute. The light will
remain on after 1 minute. Contact
your NISSAN dealer as soon as
possible for tire replacement and/
or system resetting.
.Replacing tires with those not ori-
ginally specified by NISSAN could
affect the proper operation of the
TPMS.
.Do not install a damaged or de-
formed wheel or tire even if it has
been repaired. Such wheels or tires
could have structural damage and
could fail without warning.
.The use of retread tire is not re-
commended.
.For additional information regard-
ing tires, refer to “Important Tire
Safety Information” (US) or “Tire
Safety Information” (Canada) in the
Warranty Information Booklet.
8-36
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
ProCarManuals.com

Black plate (285,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 1/ 28
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 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 War-
ranty Information Booklet.Care of wheelsSee “CLEANING EXTERIOR” in the “7. Ap-
pearance and care” section for details about
care of the wheels.Spare tireWhen a spare tire is mounted (TEMPORARY
USE ONLY) , the TPMS will not function.
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
.The 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 TEMPOR-
ARY USE ONLY spare tire is in-
stalled. Avoid sharp turns and
abrupt braking while driving.
.Periodically check spare tire infla-
tion pressure. Always keep the
pressure of the TEMPORARY USE
ONLY spare tire at 60 psi (420 kPa,
4.2 bar) .
.With the TEMPORARY USE ONLY
spare tire installed do not drive your
vehicle at speeds faster than 50
MPH (80 km/h) .
.When driving on roads covered with
snow or ice, the TEMPORARY USE
ONLY spare tire should be used on
the rear wheels and original tire
used on the front wheels (drive
wheels) . Use tire chains only on
the front (original) tires..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.
.Do not use the spare tire on other
vehicles.
.Do not use more than one spare tire
at the same time.
CAUTION
.Do not use tire chains on a TEM-
PORARY USE ONLY spare tire. Tire
chains will not fit properly and may
cause damage to the vehicle.
.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.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-37
ProCarManuals.com

Black plate (286,1)
Model "Z12-D" EDITED: 2009/ 1/ 28
MEMO8-38
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
ProCarManuals.com