Nissan Altima Hybrid (2010 year). Instruction

If you have a flat tire, see “Flat tire” in the
“In case of emergency” section of this
manual.

TIRE PRESSURE

Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS)

This vehicle is equipped with the Tire
Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). It
monitors tire pressure of all tires except
the spare. When the low tire pressure
warning light is lit, one or more of your
tires is significantly under-inflated.

The TPMS will activate only when the
vehicle is driven at speeds above 16 MPH
(25 km/h). Also, this system may not de-
tect a sudden drop in tire pressure (for
example a flat tire while driving).

For more details, refer to “Low tire pres-
sure warning light” in the “Instruments and
controls” section, “Tire Pressure Monitor-
ing System (TPMS)” in the “Starting and
driving” section, and “Flat tire” in the “In
case of emergency” section.

High-mounted stoplight (rear window)

WDI0320

Trunk light

WDI0343

WHEELS AND TIRES

Maintenance and do-it-yourself

8-29

Tire inflation pressure

Check the tire pressures (including the
spare) often and always prior to long dis-
tance trips. The recommended tire pres-
sure specifications are shown on the
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label
or the Tire and Loading Information label
under the “Cold Tire 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 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)

located

the

F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S.

certifica-

tion label. The vehicle weight ca-
pacity is indicated on the Tire and
Loading Information label (if so
equipped). Do not load your ve-
hicle beyond this capacity. Over-
loading your vehicle may result in
reduced tire life, unsafe operat-
ing conditions due to premature
tire failure, or unfavorable han-
dling characteristics and could
also lead to a serious accident.
Loading beyond the specified ca-
pacity 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”

(Canada) in the Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet.

8-30

Maintenance and do-it-yourself

Tire and loading information label

䊊

Seating capacity: The maximum num-
ber of occupants that can be seated
in the vehicle.

䊊

Vehicle load limit: See “Vehicle load-
ing information” in the “Technical and
consumer information” section.

䊊

Original tire size: The size of the tires
originally installed on the vehicle at
the factory.

䊊

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 recom-
mended cold tire inflation is set by the
manufacturer to provide the best bal-
ance of tire wear, vehicle handling,
driveability, tire noise, etc., up to the
vehicle’s GVWR.

䊊

Tire size – refer to “Tire labeling” later
in this section.

䊊

Spare tire size.

LDI0549

Maintenance and do-it-yourself

8-31

Checking tire pressure

1. 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 side-
ways, 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 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.
Recheck 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.

LDI0393

8-32

Maintenance and do-it-yourself

Size

Cold Tire Inflation Pres-
sure

Front and Rear Original
Tire

P215/60/R16

240 kPa, 35 PSI

Spare Tire

T135/90R16

420 kPa, 60 PSI

TIRE LABELING

Federal law requires tire manufacturers to
place standardized information on the
sidewall of all tires. This information iden-
tifies and describes the fundamental
characteristics of the tire and also pro-
vides the tire identification number (TIN)
for safety standard certification. The TIN
can be used to identify the tire in case of a
recall.

Example

WDI0394

Maintenance and do-it-yourself

8-33

䊊

Tire size (example: P215/65R15 95H)

1. P: The “P” indicates the tire is de-

signed for passenger vehicles (not all
tires have this information).

2. Three-digit number (215): This num-

ber gives the width in millimeters of
the tire from sidewall edge to side-
wall edge.

3. Two-digit number (65): 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 (15): This number

is the wheel or rim diameter in inches.

6. Two- or three-digit number (95): 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 be-
cause it is not required by law.

7. H: Tire speed rating. You should not

drive the vehicle faster than the tire
speed rating.

Example

WDI0395

8-34

Maintenance and do-it-yourself

䊊

TIN (Tire Identification Number) for a

new tire (example: DOT XX XX XXX
XXXX)

1. DOT: Abbreviation for the “Depart-

ment 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

identification mark.

3. Two-digit code: Tire size.

4. Three-digit code: Tire type code

(Optional).

5. Three-digit code: Date of Manufac-

ture.

6. Four numbers represent the week

and year the tire was built. For ex-
ample, the numbers 3103 means the
31st week of 2003. If these numbers
are missing, then look on the other
sidewall of the tire.

䊊

Tire ply composition and material

The number of layers or plies of rubber-
coated fabric in the tire. Tire manufactur-
ers also must indicate the materials in the
tire, which include steel, nylon, polyester,
and others.

䊊

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 in-
flation pressure.

䊊

Maximum load rating

This number indicates the maximum load
in kilograms and pounds that can be car-
ried by the tire. When replacing the tires
on the vehicle, always use a tire that has
the same load rating as the factory in-
stalled tire.

䊊

Term of “tubeless” or “tube type”

Indicates whether the tire requires an in-
ner tube (“tube type”) or not (“tubeless”).

Example

WDI0396

Maintenance and do-it-yourself

8-35

䊊

The word “radial”

The word “radial” is shown if the tire has
radial structure.

䊊

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 out-
ward 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
(i.e., 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.

● For additional information regarding

tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety In-
formation” (US) or “Tire Safety Informa-
tion” (Canada) in the Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet.

All season tires

NISSAN specifies All Season tires on some mod-
els to provide good performance all year, includ-
ing snowy and icy road conditions. 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 tires

NISSAN specifies summer tires on some models
to provide superior performance on dry roads.
Summer tire performance is substantially re-
duced 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 handling of your
vehicle.

Generally, snow tires have lower speed ratings
than factory equipped tires and may not match
the potential maximum vehicle speed. Never ex-
ceed 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

8-36

Maintenance and do-it-yourself

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

CAUTION

Only certain SAE class “S” tire chains can
be used on this vehicle. Using the wrong
Class “S” chains on this vehicle will cause
damage to the vehicle. If you plan to use
tire chains/cables, you should use a tire
chain that meets the minimum clearances
for your vehicle.

Use 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 the proper size for the tires on your
vehicle and are installed according to the chain
manufacturer’s suggestions. Use a tire chain that
is designed to provide the specified space

䊊

between the installed tire chain

䊊

and where the

tire meets the rim

䊊

as shown on the chart.

Wheel size

Minimum space required

16 in

.7 in (17 mm)

A tire chain that provides the specified amount of
space will provide the necessary clearance be-
tween the tire and the closest vehicle suspension
or body component. The minimum clearances are
determined using the factory-equipped tires.
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 dam-
age 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 ad-
versely 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.

LDI0574

Maintenance and do-it-yourself

8-37

CHANGING WHEELS AND TIRES

Tire rotation

NISSAN recommends rotating the tires
every 7,500 miles (12,000 km).

See “Flat tire” in the “In case of emer-
gency” section of this manual for tire re-
placing procedures.

As soon as possible, tighten the
wheel nuts to the specified torque
with a torque wrench.

Wheel nut tightening torque:

83 ft-lb (112 N·m)

The wheel nuts must be kept tight-
ened to specifications at all times. It
is recommended that wheel nuts be
tightened to 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 in

the tire rotation.

● For additional information re-

garding tires, refer to “Important
Tire Safety Information” (US) or
“Tire

Safety

Information”

(Canada) in the Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet.

Wear indicator

Location mark

Tire wear and damage

WARNING

● Tires should be periodically in-

spected for wear, cracking, bulg-
ing or objects caught in the tread.
If excessive wear, cracks, bulging
or deep cuts are found, the tire(s)
should be replaced.

WDI0258

WDI0259

8-38

Maintenance and do-it-yourself

● The original tires have built-in

tread wear indicators. When the
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 ob-
vious. Replace the tires as neces-
sary to prevent tire failure and
possible personal injury.

● Improper service of the spare tire

may result in serious personal in-
jury. 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”

(Canada) in the Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet.

Replacing wheels and tires

When replacing a tire, use the same size, tread
design, speed rating and load carrying capacity
as originally equipped. Recommended types and
sizes are shown in “Wheels and tires” in the
“Technical and consumer information” section of
this manual.

WARNING

● The use of tires other than those recom-

mended 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, VDC system (if so equipped),
ground clearance, body-to-tire clear-
ance, tire chain clearance, speedom-
eter calibration, headlight aim and
bumper height. Some of these effects
may lead to accidents and could result
in serious personal injury.

● If your vehicle was originally equipped

with 4 tires that were the same size and
you are only replacing 2 of the 4 tires ,
install the new tires on the rear axle.
Placing new tires on the front axle may
cause loss of vehicle control in some
driving conditions and cause an acci-
dent and personal injury.

● If the wheels are changed for any rea-

son, always replace with wheels which
have

the

same

off-set

dimension.

Wheels of a different off-set could
cause premature tire wear, degrade ve-
hicle handling characteristics, affect
the VDC system (if so equipped) and/or
interference

with

the

brake

discs/drums. Such interference can
lead to decreased braking efficiency
and/or early brake pad/shoe wear. Re-
fer to “Wheels and tires” in the “Techni-
cal and consumer information” section
of

this

manual

for

wheel

off-set

dimensions.

● When a spare tire is mounted or a wheel

is replaced, the TPMS (if so equipped)
will not function and the low tire pres-
sure 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 re-
placement and/or system resetting.

● Replacing tires with those not originally

specified by NISSAN could affect the
proper operation of the TPMS (if so
equipped).

Maintenance and do-it-yourself

8-39

● Do not install a damaged or deformed

wheel or tire even if it has been re-
paired. Such wheels or tires could have
structural damage and could fail with-
out warning.

● The use of retread tires is not

recommended.

● For additional information regarding

tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety In-
formation” (US) or “Tire Safety Informa-
tion” (Canada) in the Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet.

Wheel balance

Unbalanced wheels may affect vehicle handling
and tire life. Even with regular use, wheels can get
out of balance. Therefore, they should be bal-
anced 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 Infor-
mation” (Canada) in the Warranty In-
formation Booklet.

Care of wheels

● Wash 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 waxing the road

wheels to protect against road salt in areas
where it is used during winter.

Spare tire (TEMPORARY USE ONLY
spare tire)

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 spare tire should be used for emer-

gency use only. It should be replaced
with the standard tire at the first oppor-
tunity to avoid possible tire or differen-
tial damage.

● Drive carefully while the TEMPORARY

USE ONLY spare tire is installed. Avoid
sharp turns and abrupt braking while
driving.

● Periodically check spare tire inflation

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 the vehicle at
speeds faster than 50 MPH (80 km/h).

8-40

Maintenance and do-it-yourself

● When driving on roads covered with

snow or ice, the TEMPORARY USE
ONLY spare tire should be used on the
rear wheels and the 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.

● Do not tow a trailer when the TEMPO-

RARY USE ONLY spare tire is installed.

CAUTION

● Do not use tire chains on a TEMPO-

RARY USE ONLY spare tire. Tire chains
will not fit properly and may cause dam-
age 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

8-41

The following are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be slightly different. When refilling, follow the procedure
described in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section to determine the proper refill capacity.

Capacity (Approximate)

Recommended Fluids and Lubricants

US measure

Imp measure

Liter

Fuel

20 gal

16-5/8 gal

75.6

Unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at least 87 AKI (RON 91)*1

Engine oil *7

Drain and Refill

With oil filter change

4-7/8 qt

4 qt

4.6

• Engine oil with API Certification Mark *2
• Viscosity SAE 0W-20 *2, *3

Without oil filter
change

4-1/2 qt

3-3/4 qt

4.3

Cooling system

With reservoir

2 gal

1-3/4 gal

7.7

50% Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent
50% Demineralized or distilled water

Inverter unit cooling system

7/8 gal

3/4 gal

3.2

50% Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent
50% Demineralized or distilled water

Electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmis-
sion (eCVT) fluid

—

Genuine NISSAN Matic W ATF *4

Brake fluid

—

Genuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid *5 or equivalent DOT 3

Multi-purpose grease

—

NLGI No. 2 (Lithium Soap base)

Air conditioning system refrigerant

—

HFC-134a (R-134a) *6

Air conditioning system oil

—

Compressor oil ND OIL-11 *6

Windshield washer fluid

—

Genuine NISSAN Windshield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Antifreeze
or equivalent

*1: For further details, see “Fuel recommendation.”
*2: For further details, see “Engine oil and oil filter recommendations.”
*3: SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 engine oil may also be used. However, SAE 0W-20 is the best choice for optimum fuel economy and optimum starting in cold weather.
*4: Use only Genuine NISSAN Matic W ATF. Using transmission fluid other than Genuine NISSAN Matic W ATF will damage the eCVT.
*5: Available in mainland USA through your NISSAN dealer.
*6: For further details, see “Air conditioner system refrigerant and oil recommendations.”
*7: For further details, see “Engine Oil” in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section of this manual.

CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS

9-2

Technical and consumer information

Nissan Altima Hybrid (2010 year). Instruction - part 24