BRAKE SYSTEM
The brake system has two separate hydraulic
circuits. If one circuit malfunctions, you will still
have braking ability at two wheels.
illuminates with the engine running, the power
assist for the steering will cease operation. You
will still have control of the vehicle. However,
greater steering effort is needed, especially in
sharp turns and at low speeds.
Wet brakes
When the vehicle is washed or driven through
water, the brakes may get wet. As a result, your
braking distance will be longer and the vehicle
may pull to one side during braking.
BRAKE PRECAUTIONS
Vacuum assisted brakes
To dry the brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe
speed while lightly depressing the brake pedal
to heat up the brakes. Do this until the brakes
return to normal. Avoid driving the vehicle at
high speeds until the brakes function correctly.
The brake booster aids braking by using engine
vacuum. If the engine stops, you can stop the
vehicle by depressing the foot brake pedal.
However, greater foot pressure on the foot
brake pedal will be required to stop the vehicle.
The stopping distance will be longer.
Parking brake break-in
Break in the parking brake shoes whenever the
stopping effect of the parking brake is wea-
kened or whenever the parking brake shoes
and/or drums/rotors are replaced, in order to
assure the best braking performance.
This procedure is described in the vehicle
service manual and can be performed by a
NISSAN dealer.
If the engine is not running or is turned off
while driving, the power assisted brakes will not
function. Braking will be harder.
WARNING:
Do not coast with the engine stopped.
Using brakes
Driving uphill
Avoid resting your foot on the foot brake pedal
while driving. This will overheat the brakes,
wear out the brake linings/pads faster, and
increase fuel consumption.
When starting on a steep grade, it is sometimes
difficult to operate both the brake and clutch
(for MT model). Apply the parking brake to hold
the vehicle. Do not slip the clutch. When ready
to start, slowly release the parking brake while
depressing the accelerator pedal and releasing
the clutch pedal.
To help reduce brake wear and to prevent the
brakes from overheating, reduce speed and
downshift to a lower gear before going down a
slope or long grade. Overheated brakes may
reduce braking performance and could result
in loss of vehicle control.
While driving on a slippery surface, be careful
when braking, accelerating or downshifting.
Abrupt braking or acceleration could cause
the wheels to skid and result in an accident.
Driving downhill
The engine braking action is effective for
controlling the vehicle while descending hills.
For Manual Transmission (MT) model, the shift
lever should be placed in the lower speed
position prior to descending. For Continuously
Variable Transmission (CVT)/Dual Clutch Trans-
mission (DCT) model, the manual shift mode or
the “L” position should be selected.
5-156 Starting and driving
