I have a 2004 G35x (AWD) with the OEM Goodyear Eagle RS-A tires. They are asymmetric tread but do not appear to be unidirectional. It came with the Premium package, so it has a full size spare on a rim to match the other four. (I have to look to see if the low pressure sender is mounted.) I checked out the advice at TireRack and they recommend that the spare be incorporated into the rotation pattern Like this: Spare->RR, RR->RF, RF->LR, LR->LF, LF->Spare. The Owner's Manual only shows a four tire rotation, fronts to backs, staying on the same side of the car.

Anybody ever try this 5 tire rotation? TireRack claims that this should provide about 20% longer tread life. Downside is that if they all wear out together, you're buying 5 tires. Of course if you don't use the spare and you have to put an unused spare on after the others have worn down you may cause problems with the AWD due to the different tire diameters. Audi, Porche and Subaru have limits on the amount of difference in tire diameter they permit but I haven't found anything about Infiniti's limits, if any. Anybody know about Infiniti's limits?

 

I am planning on doing the 5 tire rotation on my 05 X. Mine came with Bridgestone EL42 tires.
Wayne

 

When I bought my G35x they tossed in a free oil change and tire rotation. When I was introduced to my Service manager (they had 3 and each new owner is assigned to one of them). He told me they would incorp the 5th full spare into the rotation. Don't remember if he said the full size spare had the TP senser?!

He mentioned it being a benefit of the premium package that would extend the life of all my tires another 6-8 thousand miles depending on my driving style.

 

Sounds good. Since this car was a dealer demo model, they did at least one tire rotation before I got it. It's coming up on its second and I'll need to talk to them to see if they started the 5 tire rotation pattern. If not, I hope its not too late to start because the wear on the 4 installed may be too much to introduce an unworn tire into the mix. The AWD may not like that.

 

That's a great idea, I never thought of that. My brother has an 04 TL and he's angry that he had to replace all 4 tires at 18k. I wonder what kind of tire life we will see with our RS-A's? I realize most of our cars are still pretty new.

Also good to know since I want to purchase rims for my x eventually but that won't work if I only get 4.

 

Not sure where you are located but I am in the North East. I'm also looking to buy wheels for my X and figured since I'll be swapping out the nice rims for the OEM setup during the winter months that it wouldn't be worth it getting the 5th aftermarket rim/tires.

 

Good point. I am currently living in New York but will be leaving here shortly for Texas. So, no more winter tires for me! I may just go for the 5 spoke Infiniti chrome rims (about 2k for a set of 5). Not sure exactly how I feel about chrome rims, though. I really don't like the stock 04 rim design. They're hard to clean as well.