flat tire NISSAN SENTRA 1999 B14 / 4.G User Guide

Summer tires
NISSAN specifies summer tires on some
models to provide superior performance on
dry roads. Summer tire performance is sub-
stantially 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 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 han-
dling of your vehicle.
Generally, snow tires 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 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.
For additional traction on icy roads, studdedtires 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 capabilities of studded snow
tires on wet or dry surfaces may be poorer
than that of non-studded snow tires.
Tire chains
Use of tire chains may be prohibited accord-
ing 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 chain manufacturer's sug-
gestions.Use only SAE class ªSº chains.
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 possibil-
ity of whipping action damage to the fenders
or underbody. If possible, avoid fully loading
your vehicle when using tire chains. In ad-
dition, drive at a reduced speed. Otherwise,
your vehicle may be damaged and/or ve-
hicle handling and performance may be
adversely affected.
Never install tire chains on a T-type spare
tire. Do not use tire chains on dry roads.
Tire rotation
NISSAN recommends rotating the tires
every 7,500 miles (12,000 km).
See ``Flat tire'' in the ``In case of emergency''
section for tire replacing procedures.
As soon as possible, tighten the wheel
nuts to the specified torque with a nut
tightening torque:
72 to 87 ft-lb (98 to 118 Nzm)
The wheel nuts must be kept tightened to
specifications at all times. It is recom-
mended that wheel nuts be tightened to
specification at each tire rotation interval.
ADI1115
8-34Do-it-yourself
ZX

WARNING
cAfter rotating the tires, adjust the tire
pressure.
cRetighten the wheel nuts when the
vehicle has been driven for 600 miles
(1,000 km) (also in cases of a flat tire,
etc.).
cDo not include the T-type spare tire
in the tire rotation.
Tire wear and damage
WARNING
c
Tires should be periodically inspected
for wear, cracking, bulging, or objects
caught in the tread. If excessive wear,
cracks, bulging, or deep cuts are
found, the tire should be replaced.
cThe original tires have a built-in
tread wear indicator. When the wear
indicator is visible, the tire should be
replaced.
c
Improper service for a T-type spare tiremay result in serious personal injury. If
it is necessary to repair the T-type
spare tire, contact your NISSAN dealer.
Changing tires and wheels
When replacing a tire, use the same size,
tread design, speed rating and load carrying
capacity as originally equipped. Recom-
mended types and sizes are shown in
``Wheel/Tire Size'' of the ``Technical and
consumer information'' section of this
manual.
WARNING
c
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, snow chain
clearance, speedometer calibration,
headlight aim and bumper height.
Some of these effects may lead to
accidents and could result in serious
personal injury.
DI1035M
Do-it-yourself8-35
ZX

cIf 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, poor ve-
hicle handling characteristics and/or
interference with the brake
discs/drums. Such interference can
lead to decreased braking efficiency
and/or early brake pad/shoe wear.
cDo 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.
cThe use of retread tires is not recom-
mended.
Wheel balance
Unbalanced 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 per-
formed with the wheels off the vehicle. Spin
balancing the front wheels on the vehicle
could lead to transmission damage.
Care of wheels
cWash the wheels when washing the
vehicle to maintain their appearance.
cClean the inner side of the wheels when
the wheel is changed or the underside of
the vehicle is washed.
cDo not use abrasive cleaners when
washing the wheels.
cInspect wheel rims regularly for dents or
corrosion. Such damage may cause
loss of pressure or poor seal at the tire
bead.
cNISSAN recommends waxing the road
wheels 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
cThe T-type spare tire should be used
only for emergency. It should be re-
placed by the standard tire at the
first opportunity.cDrive carefully while the T-type
spare tire is installed. Avoid sharp
turns and abrupt braking while driv-
ing.
cPeriodically check tire inflation pres-
sure, and always keep it at 60 psi
(420 kPa, 4.2 bar).
cDo not drive your vehicle at speeds
faster than 50 MPH (80 km/h).
cDo 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.
cWhen driving on roads covered with
snow or ice, the T-type spare tire
should be used on the rear wheel
and the original tire used on the front
wheels (drive wheels). Use tire
chains only on the front two original
tires.
cTire 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
appear.
8-36Do-it-yourself
ZX

Maximum gross vehicle weight/maximum
gross axle weight
The gross vehicle weight of the towing
vehicle must not exceed the gross vehicle
weight rating (GVWR) shown on the
F.M.V.S.S. certification label. The gross ve-
hicle weight equals the combined weight of
the unloaded vehicle, passengers, luggage,
hitch, trailer tongue load and any other
optional equipment. In addition, front or rear
gross axle weight must not exceed the
gross axle weight rating (GAWR) shown on
the F.M.V.S.S. certification label.
TOWING LOAD / SPECIFICATION CHART
UNIT: lb (kg)
MAXIMUM
TOWING LOAD1,000 (454)
MAXIMUM
TONGUE LOAD110 (49)
Trailer hitch
Choose a proper hitch for your vehicle and
trailer. A genuine NISSAN trailer hitch is
available from your NISSAN dealer (Canada
only). Make sure the trailer hitch is securely
attached to the vehicle to help avoid personal
injury or property damage due to sway
caused by crosswinds, rough road surfaces
or passing trucks.
CAUTION
cDo not use axle-mounted hitches.
cThe hitch should not be attached to
or affect the operation of the impact-
absorbing bumper.
cDo not modify the vehicle exhaust
system, brake system, etc. when the
hitch is installed.
cTo reduce the possibility of addi-
tional damage if your vehicle isstruck from the rear, where practical
remove the hitch when not in use.
Remove receiver when not in use.
cAfter the hitch is removed, seal the
bolt holes to prevent exhaust fumes,
water or dust from entering the pas-
senger compartment.
cRegularly check that all hitch mount-
ing bolts are securely mounted.
Tire pressures
cWhen towing a trailer, inflate the vehicle
tires to the recommended cold tire pres-
sure indicated on the tire placard (lo-
cated on the driver side center pillar).
cTrailer tire condition, size, load rating
and proper inflation pressure should be
in accordance with the trailer and tire
manufacturers' specifications.
Safety chains
Always use suitable safety chains between
your vehicle and the trailer. Safety chains
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
chains to permit turning corners.
TI1012M
10-16Technical and consumer information
ZX

WARNING
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly
inflated and not overloaded. Excessive
speed, under inflation, or excessive
loading, either separately or in combi-
nation, can cause heat build-up and
possible tire failure.Your NISSAN is covered by the following
emission warranties.
For USA
1) Emission Defects Warranty
2) Emission Performance Warranty
For Canada
Emission Control System Warranty
Details of these warranties may be found
with other vehicle warranties in your War-
ranty Information and Maintenance Log
Booklet that comes with your NISSAN. If
you did not receive a Warranty Information
and Maintenance Log Booklet, or it has
become lost, you may obtain a replacement
by writing to:
cNissan North America, Inc.
Consumer Affairs Department
P.O. Box 191
Gardena, CA. 90248-0191
cNissan Canada Inc.
5290 Orbitor Drive
Mississauga, Ontario, L4W 4Z5If you believe that your vehicle has a defect
which could cause a crash or could cause
injury or death, you should immediately
inform the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (
NHTSA)in addition to no-
tifying NISSAN.
If
NHTSAreceives similar complaints, it
may open an investigation, and if it finds
that a safety defect exists in a group of
vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy
campaign. However,
NHTSAcannot be-
come involved in individual problems be-
tween you, your dealer, or NISSAN.
To contact
NHTSA, you may either call the
Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-800-424-
9393 (or 366-0123 in the Washington, D.C.
area) or write to:
NHTSA, U.S. Depart-
ment of Transportation, Washington, D.C.
20590. You can also obtain other informa-
tion about motor vehicle safety from the
Hotline.
You may notify NISSAN by contacting our
Consumer Affairs Department, toll-free, at
1-800-NISSAN-1.
In Hawaii call (808) 836-0888.
EMISSION CONTROL
SYSTEM WARRANTYREPORTING SAFETY
DEFECTS (USA)
Technical and consumer information10-19
ZX

Corrosion protection .................................... 7-5
Cruise control............................................. 5-13
Cup holder ................................................. 2-15
D
Daytime running light system
(Canada only) ............................................ 2-12
Defogger switch
Rear window defogger switch .............. 2-11
Dimensions and weights............................ 10-9
Door ajar warning light ................................ 2-6
Door locks .................................................... 3-2
Drive belts .................................................. 8-17
Driving
Cold weather driving............................. 5-19
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 5-6
Driving with manual transmission ........... 5-9
Precautions when starting and driving ... 5-2
E
Economy - fuel........................................... 5-15
Emission control information label........... 10-12
Emission control system warranty ........... 10-19
Engine
Before starting the engine ...................... 5-5
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2
Changing engine coolant........................ 8-6
Changing engine oil................................ 8-9Changing engine oil filter...................... 8-10
Checking engine coolant level ............... 8-5
Checking engine oil level ....................... 8-8
Engine compartment check locations ... 8-3,
8-4
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 2-3
Engine cooling system ........................... 8-5
Engine oil ................................................ 8-8
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation ................................... 10-5
Engine oil pressure warning light ........... 2-5
Engine oil viscosity ............................... 10-5
Engine serial number ......................... 10-11
Engine specifications ............................ 10-8
Starting the engine ............................... 5-11
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ................. 5-2
F
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher
switch) ........................................................ 2-14
Flat tire ......................................................... 6-2
Floor mat positioning aid ............................. 7-4
Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ...... 8-11
Brake fluid............................................. 8-14
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2
Engine coolant ........................................ 8-5
Engine oil ................................................ 8-8
Power steering fluid .............................. 8-13
Window washer fluid ............................ 8-14F.M.V.S.S. certification label ................... 10-11
Front fog light switch ................................. 2-13
Front seats ................................................... 1-2
Fuel
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2
Fuel economy ....................................... 5-15
Fuel filler cap ........................................ 3-12
Fuel filler lid lock opener lever ............. 3-12
Fuel gauge.............................................. 2-4
Fuel octane rating................................. 10-3
Fuel recommendation ........................... 10-3
Fuses ......................................................... 8-24
Fusible links ............................................... 8-24
G
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 2-3
Fuel gauge.............................................. 2-4
Speedometer .......................................... 2-3
Tachometer............................................. 2-3
Trip odometer ......................................... 2-3
General maintenance .................................. 9-2
Glove box................................................... 3-10
H
Hazard warning flasher switch .................. 2-14
Head restraints ............................................ 1-4
Headlight aiming adjustment ..................... 8-27
11-2
ZX

Headlight and turn signal switch .......... 2-12
Ignition switch ......................................... 5-4
Overdrive switch.............................. 5-8, 5-9
Rear window defogger switch .............. 2-11
Windshield wiper and washer switch ... 2-11
T
Tachometer .................................................. 2-3
Theft warning ............................................... 2-9
Three way catalyst....................................... 5-2
Tilting steering wheel ................................. 3-14
Tire
Flat tire.................................................... 6-2
Spare tire....................................... 6-2, 8-36
Tire chains ............................................ 8-34
Tire placard......................................... 10-12
Tire pressure ........................................ 8-33
Tire rotation .......................................... 8-34
Types of tires ........................................ 8-33
Uniform tire quality grading ................ 10-18
Wheels and tires................................... 8-33
Wheel/tire size ...................................... 10-9
Towing
Tow truck towing .................................. 6-11
Towing load/specification chart .......... 10-16
Trailer towing ...................................... 10-15
Transmission
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ...... 8-11
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 5-6
Driving with manual transmission ........... 5-9
Selector lever lock release ..................... 5-5Travel (See registering your vehicle in
another country)....................................... 10-10
Trip odometer .............................................. 2-3
Trunk access through the rear seat ............ 1-5
Trunk lid lock opener lever ........................ 3-10
Trunk light .................................................. 2-19
Tuning ........................................................ 4-11
U
Uniform tire quality grading ..................... 10-18
V
Vanity mirror .............................................. 3-15
Vehicle dimensions and weights ............... 10-9
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
(chassis number) ..................................... 10-10
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
plate ......................................................... 10-10
Vehicle recovery ........................................ 6-12
Ventilators .................................................... 4-2
W
Warning
Air bag warning light ..................... 1-11, 2-6
Hazard warning flasher switch ............. 2-14
Theft warning .......................................... 2-9
Warning labels (for SRS) ..................... 1-11
Warning/indicator lights and chimes ...... 2-5Weights (See dimensions and weights) .... 10-9
Wheels and tires ........................................ 8-33
Wheel/tire size ........................................... 10-9
When traveling or registering your vehicle
in another country .................................... 10-10
Window washer fluid.................................. 8-14
Windows
Locking passengers' windows .............. 2-16
Manual windows ................................... 2-16
Power windows..................................... 2-16
Rear power windows ............................ 2-17
Windshield wiper and washer switch ........ 2-11
Wiper
Windshield wiper and washer switch ... 2-11
Wiper blades......................................... 8-21
11-5
ZX