Tires - Tire Pressure Information
Classification: WT08-003AReference: NTB08-033A
Date: October 16, 2009
TIRE PRESSURE INFORMATION
This bulletin has been amended. Information has been updated. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
APPLIED VEHICLES: All Nissan
SERVICE INFORMATION
On newer vehicles equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS), the Low Tire Pressure Warning Lamp will illuminate (steady, not flashing) if the tire pressure is low. This is not an indication of a malfunction. Rather, it is a signal to the customer that the tire pressure in the vehicle must be adjusted. Regular tire pressure maintenance such as described below is not covered under the warranty.
It is important to maintain tire pressure according to the Owner's Manual instructions.
The air pressure inside a tire can change due to several factors, such as:
^ Ambient temperature change
^ Tire temperature change due to driving conditions
^ Natural pressure loss over time
Each vehicle is equipped from the factory with a TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION label.
This label lists the COLD tire pressure setting for the original tires on the specific vehicle.
NOTE:
Tires are considered COLD after the vehicle has been parked for 3 or more hours, or driven less than 1 mile at moderate speeds.
When setting / adjusting tire pressure, make sure to use an accurate tire pressure gauge. Use the following information for reference:
Temperature:
^ Tire pressure changes approximately 0.6 - 1.0 psi for every 10°F of temperature change. As temperature decreases, pressure decreases.
^ Tire pressure may change 3 - 5 psi between a Cold reading and a reading taken just after the vehicle has been driven for several miles.
^ Seasonal temperature change can result in tire pressure that is low enough to cause the TPMS to turn ON the Low Tire Pressure Warning Light (if equipped).
Natural Tire Pressure Loss Over Time:
^ Vehicle tire pressure can naturally decrease by approximately 1.0 - 1.5 psi per month. This will vary due to seasonal temperature change.
^ After 6 to 8 months tire pressure may be low enough to cause the TPMS to turn ON the Low Tire Pressure Warning Light (if equipped).
High Altitude:
^ At high altitude locations, a standard tire pressure gauge may show the tire pressure higher than the TPMS system. If not accounted for, this could result in turning ON the Low Tire Pressure Warning Light (if equipped).
^ Standard tire pressure gauge readings increase about 1.0 psi for every 2,200 ft of altitude increase above sea level (up to 10,000 ft).
^ For example, a tire is set to placard (33 psi) at an elevation of 5,280 ft using the vehicle display or Consult III data monitor. A gauge may read 35.5 psi even though the tire is actually set to placard pressure. See Graph 3 shown above.
NOTE:
For vehicles equipped with a Low Tire Pressure Warning Light, if the light comes ON (solid with no flashing):
^ Tire pressure must be adjusted/corrected before the light will go OFF.
^ After correcting the tire pressure, the vehicle may need to be driven at speeds above 16 mph to activate the TPMS and turn off the low tire pressure warning light.