load capacity NISSAN MAXIMA 2003 A33 / 5.G Owners Manual

If you have a flat tire, see ªFlat tireº in the
ª6. In case of emergencyº section.TIRE PRESSURE
Maximum inflation pressureDo not exceed the maximum inflation pres-
sures shown on the side wall of the tire.Tire inflation pressureCheck the tire pressure (including spare) at
least once a month and always prior to long
distance trips. Incorrect tire pressure may ad-
versely affect tire life and vehicle handling. Tire
pressure should be checked when tires are
COLD. Tires are considered COLD after thevehicle has been parked for 3 or more hours,
or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km) at moderate
speeds. COLD tire pressures are shown on
the tire placard affixed to the console box lid.
WARNING
IImproperly inflated tires can fail sud-
denly and cause an accident.
IThe vehicle capacity weight is indi-
cated on the tire placard. Do not load
your vehicle beyond this capacity.
Overloading your vehicle may result
in reduced tire life, unsafe operating
conditions due to premature tire fail-
ure, or unfavorable handling charac-
teristics and could also lead to a
serious accident. Loading beyond the
specified capacity may also result in
failure of other vehicle components.
IBefore taking a long trip, or whenever
you have loaded your vehicle heavily,
use a tire pressure gauge to ensure
that the tire pressure is at the speci-
fied level.
IDo not drive your vehicle over 85MPH (140 km/h) unless it is equipped
with high speed capability tires. Driv-
ing faster than 85 MPH (140 km/h)
may result in tire failure, loss of con-
trol and possible injury.
IFor additional information regarding
tires, refer to ªImportant Tire Safety
Informationº in the Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet (US) or ªTire Safety In-
formationº in the Warranty Informa-
tion booklet (Canada).
TYPES OF TIRES
CAUTION
IWhen changing or replacing tires, be
sure all four tires are of the same type
(i.e., summer, all season or snow) and
construction. Your NISSAN dealer
may be able to help you with informa-
tion about tire type, size, speed rating
and availability. Replacement tires
may have a lower speed rating than
the factory equipped tires, and may
DI1033M
WHEELS AND TIRES
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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tor is visible, the tire should be re-
placed.
IImproper service for a spare tire may
result in serious personal injury. If it
is necessary to repair the spare tire,
contact your NISSAN dealer.
IFor additional information regarding
tires, refer to ªImportant Tire Safety
Informationº in the Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet (US) or ªTire Safety In-
formationº in the Warranty Informa-
tion booklet (Canada).
Replacing wheels and tiresWhen replacing a tire, use the same size,
speed rating and load carrying capacity as
originally equipped. See ªSpecificationsº in the
ª9. Technical and consumer informationº sec-
tion for recommended types and sizes of tires
and wheels.
WARNING
IThe use of tires other than thoserecommended 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.
IIf 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.
IDo 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.
IThe use of retread tire is not recom-
mended.
IFor additional information regarding
tires, refer to ªImportant Tire Safety
Informationº in the Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet (US) or ªTire Safety In-
formationº in the Warranty Informa-
tion booklet (Canada).
Wheel balanceUnbalanced wheels may affect vehicle han-
dling 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 ªImportant Tire Safety Informationº in the
Warranty Information Booklet (US) or ªTire
Safety Informationº in the Warranty Informa-
tion booklet (Canada).
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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 ............................................................ 9-7
Engine .................................................................. 9-7
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 ..................... 9-11Tire placard ........................................................ 9-12
Air conditioner specification label ....................... 9-12
Installing front license plate..................................... 9-13
Vehicle loading information ..................................... 9-14
Terms ................................................................. 9-14
Determining vehicle load capacity...................... 9-14
Loading tips ........................................................ 9-15
Towing a trailer ....................................................... 9-15
Maximum load limits ........................................... 9-16
Towing safety ..................................................... 9-17
Uniform tire quality grading ..................................... 9-19
Emission control system warranty .......................... 9-20
Reporting safety defects (US only) ......................... 9-20
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) test
(US only) ................................................................. 9-21
Owner's Manual/Service Manual order
information............................................................... 9-22
In the event of a collision ........................................ 9-22
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before placing the license plate bracket on
the fascia.
7. Install the license plate bracket with screws.
8. Install the license plate with bolts that are
no longer than 0.55 in (14 mm).
WARNING
IIt is extremely dangerous to ride in a
cargo area inside of a vehicle. In a
collision, people riding in these areas
are more likely to be seriously injured
or killed
IDo not allow people to ride in any
area of your vehicle that is not
equipped with seats and seat belts.
IBe sure everyone in your vehicle is in
a seat and using a seat belt properly.TERMSIt is important to familiarize yourself with the
following terms before loading your vehicle:
ICurb Weight (actual weight of your vehicle)
- vehicle weight including: standard and
optional equipment, fluids, emergency
tools, and spare tire assembly. This weight
does notinclude passengers and cargo.
IGVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) - curb weight
plus the combined weight of passengers
and cargo.IGVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) -
maximum total weight (load) limit specified
for the vehicle.
IGAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) - maxi-
mum weight (load) limit specified for the
front or rear axle.
DETERMINING VEHICLE LOAD
CAPACITYThe load capacity of this vehicle is determined
by weight, not by available cargo space. For
example, a luggage rack, bike carrier, cartop
carrier or similar equipment does not increase
load carrying capacity of your vehicle.
To determine vehicle load capacity:
Vehicle weight can be determined by using a
commercial-grade scale, found at places such
as a truck stop, gravel quarry, grain elevator,
or a scrap metal recycling facility.
1. Determine the curb weight of your vehicle.
2. Compare the curb weight amount to the
GVWR specified for your vehicle to deter-
mine how much more weight your vehicle
can carry.
3. After loading (cargo and passengers), re-
weigh your vehicle to determine if either
GVWR or GAWR for your vehicle is ex-
VEHICLE LOADING
INFORMATION
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Technical and consumer information
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