winter tires NISSAN GT-R 2013 R35 Owners Manual

component(s) by overheating or ex-
cessive force.
. Damage to the powertrain or any
drivetrain component(s) that occurs
when there is a record in the Vehicle
Status Data Recorder (VSDR) that
the vehicle was driven with VDC off
during the period when the damage
was incurred is excluded from war-
ranty coverage.
See your 2013 Warranty Information Booklet for
important related information and warranty
coverage exclusions. See also section 2 (page
2-29) and section 5 (page 5-49) of this Owner’s
Manual, “Transmission Clutch Temperature
High” and “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
System” for important additional related informa-
tion.
SUMMER TIRES
The GT-R summer tires are made from a
specially formulated rubber to maximize the
vehicle’s performance capabilities. Performance
of summer tires is substantially reduced when
temperatures are less than 328F(0 8C) so you
must drive carefully. NISSAN recommends the
use of winter or all-season tires on all four
wheels if you plan to operate your vehicle in snowy or icy conditions when temperatures are
less than 328F(0
8C) .
WARNING
Never use summer tires when the
temperature is below −48F(−208C) to
prevent permanent tread deformation
which may cause tire damage or tire
failure. This may cause a loss of vehicle
control which can result in serious
personal injury or death.
ALL-SEASON TIRES
Do not exceed the speed rating of the tire that is
installed on the vehicle.AVOIDING BODY DAMAGE
The GT-R bumper, fascia, side sills and under-
carriage are close to the ground. Drive slowly on
rough or uneven roads to avoid damaging these
parts. Pay careful attention to wheel blocks and
curbs. If the front bumper contacts a wheel
block, curb, etc., the bumper and underlying
parts may be damaged or cracked. Be careful
not to damage the aerodynamic diffuser that is
installed below the engine room.
GT-R OverviewGTR-11

AWD WARNING LIGHT
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 systemwhile 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 AWD clutch 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 goes 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 and
winter tires are not installed on the front or rear
wheels only.
If the warning light is blinking after the above
operation, have your vehicle checked by a GT-R
certified NISSAN dealer as soon as possible.
If non-genuine GT-R tires are used, the warning
light may illuminate. (
“GT-R special speci-
fication parts” page GTR-3)
WARNING
. Do not attempt to raise two wheels
off the ground and shift the trans-
mission to any drive or reverse
position with the engine running.
Doing so may result in drivetrain
damage or unexpected vehicle
movement which could result in
serious vehicle damage or personal
injury.
. Do not attempt to test an AWD
equipped vehicle on a 2-wheel dy-
namometer (such as the dynam-
ometers used by some states for
emissions testing) or similar equip-
ment 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 equipment may re-
sult in drivetrain damage or unex-
pected vehicle movement which
could result in serious vehicle da-
mage or personal injury.
Starting and driving5-41
ALL-WHEEL DRIVE (AWD)

5-50Starting and driving
shock absorbers, struts, springs,
stabilizer bars, bushings and
wheels are not NISSAN approved
or are extremely deteriorated, the
VDC system may not operate prop-
erly. This could adversely affect
vehicle handling performance, and
the VDC warning light
may
illuminate.
. If brake related parts such as brake
pads, rotors and calipers are not
standard equipment or are extre-
mely deteriorated, the VDC system
may not operate properly and the
VDC warning light
may illumi-
nate.
. If engine control related parts are
not standard equipment or are ex-
tremely deteriorated, the VDC warn-
ing light
may illuminate.
. When driving on extremely inclined
surfaces such as higher banked
corners, the VDC system may not
operate properly and the VDC warn-
ing light
may illuminate. Do not
drive on these types of roads.
. When driving on an unstable sur-
face such as a turntable, ferry, elevator or ramp, the VDC warning
light
may illuminate. This is not
a malfunction. Restart the engine
after driving onto a stable surface.
. If wheels or tires other than the
those recommended are used, the
VDC system may not operate prop-
erly and the VDC warning light
may illuminate.
. The VDC system is not a substitute
for winter tires or tire chains on a
snow covered road.
NOTE:
. Always make sure the VDC is ON
before driving the vehicle by checking
that the VDC OFF indicator lights on
the meter and the VDC set-up switch
are not illuminated.
The GT-R is a high performance vehicle
and the VDC must be on/activated to
provide proper powertrain operation
and intended drivability.
WARNING
.The VDC OFF mode should ONLY be
used briefly to help free the vehicle
if stuck in snow or mud by tempora-
rily stopping operation of the VDC
to maintain wheel torque.
. Driving the GT-R with the VDC off
may lead to handling issues related
to steering maneuvers, acceleration,
or deceleration. Moreover, driving
with the VDC off can result in an
inoperative vehicle by causing ser-
ious damage to the powertrain,
including damage to the Transaxle
Assembly including Transfer, Clutch,
Gears, Transaxle case and all of its
components and other drivetrain
component(s) by overheating or ex-
cessive force.
. Damage to the powertrain or any
drivetrain component(s) that occurs
when there is a record in the Vehicle
Status Data Recorder (VSDR) that
the vehicle was driven with VDC off
during the period when the damage
was incurred is excluded from war-
ranty coverage.

5-52Starting and driving
TIRE EQUIPMENT
The GT-R summer tires are made from a
specially formulated rubber to maximize the
vehicle’s performance capabilities. Performance
of summer tires is substantially reduced when
temperatures are less than 328F(08C) so you
must drive carefully. NISSAN recommends the
use of winter or all-season tires on all four
wheels if you plan to operate your vehicle in
snowy or icy conditions when temperatures are
less than 328F(0 8C) .
WARNING
Never use summer tires when the
temperature is below −48F(−208C) to
prevent permanent tread deformation
which may cause tire damage or tire
failure. This may cause a loss of vehicle
control which can result in serious
personal injury or death.
Tire chains may be used. (
“Tire chains”
page 8-39)
If you install tires, they must also be the specified
size, brand, construction and tread pattern on all
four wheels.
SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT
It is recommended that the following items be
carried in the vehicle during winter:
. A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to remove
ice and snow from the windows and wiper
blades.
. A sturdy, flat board to be placed under the
jack to give it firm support.
. A shovel to dig the vehicle out of snowdrifts.
. Extra window washer fluid to refill the
reservoir tank.
DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE
WARNING
.Wet ice (328F, 0 8C 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 “grip” under these conditions. Try
to avoid driving on wet ice until the
road is salted or sanded.
. Whatever the condition, drive with
caution. Accelerate and slow down
with care. If accelerating or down-
shifting too fast, the drive wheels
will lose even more traction. .
Allow more stopping distance under
these conditions. Braking should be
started sooner than on dry pave-
ment.
. Allow greater following distances
on slippery roads.
. Watch for slippery spots (glare ice) .
These may appear on an otherwise
clear road in shaded areas. If a
patch of ice is seen ahead, brake
before reaching it. Try not to brake
while on the ice, and avoid any
sudden steering maneuvers.
. Do not use the cruise control on
slippery roads.
. Snow can trap dangerous exhaust
gases under your vehicle. Keep
snow clear of the exhaust pipe and
from around your vehicle.
NOTE:
When driving on snow, select the SAVE
mode with the setup switch. By selecting
the SAVE mode, the engine output is
controlled appropriately for snow or slip-
pery road surfaces. This enables the vehi-
cle to start or accelerate smoothly.

7-4Appearance and care
be waxed to protect against road salt in
areas where it is used during winter.
CAUTION
Do not use abrasive cleaners when
washing the wheels.
Aluminum alloy wheels
Wash regularly with a sponge dampened in a
mild soap solution, especially during winter
months in areas where road salt is used. Salt
could discolor the wheels if not removed.
The dark chrome coat wheel is specially coated
to a distinctive color. It may discolor to black
depending on storage conditions. If only one
wheel is changed, it may be different color with
other wheels. If the wheel is changed, consult
with a GT-R certified NISSAN dealer.
NOTICE
Follow the directions below to avoid
staining or discoloring the wheels:
.Do not use a cleaner that uses
strong acid or alkali contents to
clean the wheels. .
Do not apply wheel cleaners to the
wheels when they are hot. The
wheel temperature should be the
same as ambient temperature.
. Rinse the wheel to completely re-
move the cleaner within 15 minutes
after the cleaner is applied.
CHROME PARTS
Clean chrome parts regularly with a non-
abrasive chrome polish to maintain the finish.
OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLES
After driving on a road where salt is used in
winter, immediately wash and clean the outside
door handles that are provided with a special
coating. This will keep the beautiful finish longer.
TIRE DRESSING
NISSAN does not recommend the use of tire
dressings. Tire manufacturers apply a coating to
the tires to help reduce discoloration of the
rubber. If a tire dressing is applied to the tires, it
may react with the coating and form a com-
pound. This compound may come off the tire
while driving and stain the vehicle paint.
If you choose to use a tire dressing, take the
following precautions: .
Use a water-based tire dressing. The coat-
ing on the tire dissolves more easily with an
oil-based tire dressing.
. Apply a light coat of tire dressing to help
prevent it from entering the tire tread/
grooves (where it would be difficult to
remove) .
. Wipe off excess tire dressing using a dry
towel. Make sure the tire dressing is
completely removed from the tire tread/
grooves.
. Allow the tire dressing to dry as recom-
mended by tire dressing manufacturer.
DRY CARBON FIBER REAR SPOI-
LER (if so equipped)
The dry carbon fiber rear spoiler is made using
the same composite method used for race cars.
The dry carbon fiber rear spoiler has a special
coating to enhance the feel of the material.
NOTICE
.Do not use chemical agents (for
example: wax, coating agent, com-
pound agent, etc.) on the dry carbon
fiber rear spoiler because they can
damage the material. When the rear

6.Term of “tubeless” or “tube type”
Indicates whether the tire requires an
inner tube (“tube type”) or not (“tube-
less”) .
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 (Examples: Summer or All
Season) and construction. A GT-R
certified NISSAN dealer may be able
to help you with information about
tire type, size, speed rating and
availability.
. 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.
All-season tires
NISSAN specifies all-season tires on some
models to provide good performance for use
all year around, including snowy and icy road
conditions. All-season tires are identified by ALL
SEASON on the tire sidewall.
Summer tires
The GT-R summer tires are made from a
specially formulated rubber to maximize the
vehicle’s performance capabilities. Performance
of summer tires is substantially reduced when
temperatures are less than 328F(0 8C) so you
must drive carefully. NISSAN recommends the
use of winter or all-season tires on all four
wheels if you plan to operate your vehicle in
snowy or icy conditions when temperatures are
less than 328F(0 8C) .
WARNING
Never use summer tires when the
temperature is below −48F(−208C) to
prevent permanent tread deformation
which may cause tire damage or tire
failure. This may cause a loss of vehicle
control which can result in serious
personal injury or death.
Run-flat tires
Your vehicle is equipped with run-flat tires. You
can continue driving to a safe location even if
they are punctured. Always use run-flat tires of
the specified size on all four wheels. Mixing tire
sizes or construction may reduce vehicle hand-
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-37

Tires for All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
If excessive tire wear is found, it is recom-
mended that all four tires be replaced with tires
of the specified size, brand, construction and
tread pattern. The tire pressure and wheel
alignment should also be checked and cor-
rected as necessary. Contact a GT-R certified
NISSAN dealer.
TIRE CHAINS
Use 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 of proper size for the tires on your
vehicle and are installed according to the chain
manufacturer instructions.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 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 undercarriage.
If possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle when
using tire chains. In addition, drive at a reduced
speed. Otherwise, your vehicle may be da-
maged and/or vehicle handling and performance
may be adversely affected.
NOTE:
Tire chains must be installed only on the
rear wheels and not on the front wheels.
CAUTION
Do not use tire chains on dry roads.
NOTICE
Never install tire chains on a punctured
run-flat tire, as this could damage your
vehicle.
Do not drive with tire chains on paved roads that
are clear of snow. Driving with chains in such
conditions can cause damage to the various
mechanisms of the vehicle due to some
overstress.
CHANGING WHEELS AND TIRES
Tire rotation
Tires cannot be rotated because your
vehicle is equipped with different sized
tires in the front and rear.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-39

10-6
Run-flat tires................................................................... 6-3
S
SafetyAll-Wheel Drive driving safety precautions ...... 5-9
Child safety............................................................ 1-12
Reporting safety defects ................................... 9-19
Safety — Seats, seat belts and supplemental
restraint system.............................................................. 1-1
Scheduled maintenance.............................................. 8-3
Seat Booster seats........................................................ 1-28
Forward-facing child restraint installation
using the seat belts............................................. 1-24
Front seat-mounted side-impact
supplemental air bag and roof-mounted
curtain side-impact supplemental air
bag systems .......................................................... 1-41
Front seats................................................................ 1-3
Heated seats......................................................... 2-53
NISSAN Advanced Air Bag System ............... 1-37
Precautions on seat belt usage........................... 1-6
Rear-facing child restraint installation using
the seat belts ........................................................ 1-20
Seat belt extenders.............................................. 1-12
Seat belt maintenance........................................ 1-12
Seat belts......................................................... 1-6, 7-7
Seat belts with pretensioners........................... 1-42
Seats .......................................................................... 1-2
Three-point type seat belt with retractor .......... 1-8 Seat belt
Forward-facing child restraint installation
using the seat belts............................................. 1-24
Precautions on seat belt usage........................... 1-6
Rear-facing child restraint installation using
the seat belts ........................................................ 1-20
Seat belt extenders.............................................. 1-12
Seat belt maintenance........................................ 1-12
Seat belts......................................................... 1-6, 7-7
Seat belts with pretensioners........................... 1-42
Three-point type seat belt with retractor .......... 1-8
Security systems ......................................................... 2-44
Self-adjusting brakes ................................................. 8-22
Setting (drive computer) ........................................... 2-18
Setting hazard indicator and horn mode .............. 3-13
Shift lever position warning...................................... 2-34
Shift “P” warning......................................................... 2-42
Small children............................................................... 1-13
Spark plugs .................................................................. 8-19
Special winter equipment ......................................... 5-52
Specifications................................................................. 9-8
Speedometer.................................................................. 2-6
Starting Before starting the engine................................. 5-13
Jump starting................................................ 6-4, 8-18
Precautions when starting and driving .............. 5-3
Push starting ............................................................ 6-7
Starting the engine .............................................. 5-13
Steering Power steering...................................................... 5-46
Power steering fluid............................................. 8-14 Steering lock release malfunction indicator.... 2-42
Steering wheel...................................................... 3-26
Steering-wheel-mounted controls ................... 5-35
Tilt/telescopic steering column......................... 3-26
Storage .......................................................................... 2-55
Summer tires.......................................................... GTR-11
Sun visors ..................................................................... 3-27
Sunglasses holder ...................................................... 2-56
Supplemental air bag warning labels..................... 1-43
Supplemental air bag warning light........................ 1-44
Supplemental restraint system................................. 1-31
Suspension............................................................... GTR-5
Suspension and wheel alignment.... GTR-16, GTR-23
Switch Hazard warning flasher switch.......................... 2-52
Headlight and turn signal switch ..................... 2-49
Headlight switch................................................... 2-49
How to switch the modes ................................. 5-25
Ignition switch operation .................................... 5-10
Ignition switch positions..................................... 5-10
Interior light control switch ................................ 2-62
Locking with power door lock switch................ 3-5
Push-button ignition switch.................................. 5-9
Rear window defroster switch.......................... 2-48
Trunk lid release switch...................................... 3-20
Trunk open request switch ................................ 3-20
Trunk release power cancel switch................. 3-21
VDC, transmission and suspension
setup switches...................................................... 5-24
Windshield wiper and washer switch............. 2-46