General maintenance

As specified in this section, general maintenance of your vehicle must be performed regularly when you use it under normal conditions.

If you notice unusual odors, vibrations or noises, locate the source of the problem or have your vehicle checked by a NISSAN dealer as soon as possible. In addition, if you believe your vehicle needs repair, be sure to inform NISSAN dealer personnel.

When performing checks or services on your vehicle, follow very carefully the instructions in the "Maintenance Precautions" section later in this section.

Explanation of general maintenance service points

Further details on the inspection points marked with an asterisk are provided later in this chapter.

Outside the vehicle

The inspection points listed here should be checked from time to time, unless otherwise specified.

Doors and hood. Make sure they operate properly. Also make sure all locks latch securely.

Lubricate hinges, latches, lock striker plates, rollers and check links as necessary. Make sure the secondary latch keeps the hood closed when the primary latch is released.

Check the lubrication of these parts frequently if you drive on roads where salt and other corrosive materials have been applied.

Headlights* Clean the headlights regularly.

Make sure the headlights, brake lights, tail lights, turn signals and other lights operate properly and are securely mounted. Also check headlight aiming.

Wheel nuts* Make sure all nuts are in place and properly tightened when checking the tires. Tighten them as necessary.

Tire rotation* Tires should be rotated every 8,000 km (5,000 miles).

Tires* Check your vehicle's tire pressure often with a pressure gauge, and always check it before any long trip. If necessary, adjust the tire pressure, including the spare tire, to the specified level.

Check the tires carefully for any signs of damage, cuts or excessive wear.

Tire pressure monitoring system transmitter components. Replace the sealing ring, valve core and cap of the transmitters when you replace the tires due to tire wear or age.

Wheel alignment and wheel balance. If you feel that your vehicle pulls to one side when driving on a straight, level road, or if you notice uneven or excessive tire wear, a wheel alignment may be necessary. If you feel vibration in the steering wheel or seat when driving at normal highway speeds, wheel balancing may be necessary.

• For more information about tires, refer to the "Important Tire Safety Information (U.S.)" or "Tire Safety Information (Canada)" section of the Warranty Information Booklet.

Windshield. The windshield should be cleaned regularly.

Check at least every six months for cracks or other damage. If the windshield is damaged, have it repaired at a qualified repair shop.

Wiper blades* If you notice that the wiper blades are not working properly, check them for cracks or wear.

Inside the vehicle

The inspection points listed below should be checked regularly, for example, during periodic maintenance, when cleaning the vehicle, etc.

Further details on the inspection points marked with an asterisk are provided later in this chapter.

Accelerator pedal. Make sure the accelerator pedal moves down smoothly, freely and without effort. Keep floor mats away from the pedal.

Brake pedal. Make sure the brake pedal depresses smoothly. If the brake pedal suddenly goes down farther than normal, feels spongy, or braking distance seems longer, consult a NISSAN dealer immediately. Keep floor mats away from the pedal.

Brakes. Make sure the vehicle does not drift when the brakes are applied.

Continuously variable transmission P (Park) position mechanism. On a fairly steep slope, make sure the vehicle stays stationary without the brakes applied when the selector lever is in the P (Park) position.

Parking brake. Check the parking brake operation regularly. The vehicle should remain stationary on a fairly steep slope when only the parking brake is applied. Consult a NISSAN dealer if the parking brake needs adjustment.

Seats. Check the seat position controls, such as the seat adjusters and seatback recliner, etc., to make sure they operate properly and lock securely in all positions.

Make sure the head restraints move up and down freely and lock properly in all locking positions.

All seat belt components (e.g., buckles, anchors, adjusters and retractors) operate properly and freely and are securely installed. Check the seat belt webbing for cuts, fraying, wear or damage.

Steering wheel. Note any change in steering operation, such as excessive play in the steering wheel, stiff steering or unusual noises.

Indicators and audible warnings. Make sure all indicator lights and chimes operate properly.

Wiper and washer* Make sure the wipers and washer operate properly and that the wipers do not leave streaks on the windshield.

Windshield defroster. Make sure air flows freely through the defroster vents and that the airflow is adequate when the heater or air conditioner is on.

Under the hood and under the vehicle

The inspection points listed below should be checked regularly (for example, each time you check the engine oil or refuel).

Battery* Check the electrolyte level in each battery cell. It should be between the MAX and MIN marks. Check the battery electrolyte level frequently if you drive your vehicle in very hot weather or under severe conditions.

NOTE:

Avoid as much as possible situations that may cause the battery to discharge and conditions that prevent starting, such as: 1. Installing or prolonged use of electronic accessories that draw power from the battery when the engine is off (phone chargers, GPS, DVD players, etc.). 2. The vehicle is not used regularly or is only used for short trips. In these cases, the battery may need to be charged to preserve its service life.

Brake fluid level* Make sure the brake fluid level is between the MIN and MAX marks on the reservoir.

Coolant level* Wait until the engine is cold before checking the coolant level.

Engine drive belts* Make sure the engine drive belts are not frayed, worn, cracked, or oily.

Engine oil level* Check the engine oil level when your vehicle is parked on level ground and the engine is off. Wait more than 10 minutes for the oil to drain back into the oil pan.

Exhaust system Make sure the exhaust system hangers are not loose and the system is not cracked or punctured. If the exhaust system makes an unusual sound or you smell exhaust gas, have it checked immediately by a NISSAN dealer. See "Exhaust Gas (Carbon Monoxide)" in the "Starting and Driving" chapter of this manual.

Fluid leaks Park your vehicle and, after a while, check for leaks of fuel, oil, water, or other fluids. It is normal for water to drip from the air conditioner after use. If you detect leaks or smell fuel vapor, locate the source of the problem and have your vehicle repaired immediately.

Power steering fluid level* and lines Turn off the ignition and wait for the power steering fluid to cool before checking the level. Make sure the lines are securely connected and free of leaks, cracks, etc.

Radiator and hoses Check the front of the radiator and remove any dirt, insects, leaves, etc. that have accumulated on it. Make sure the radiator hoses are not cracked, deformed, rotted, or loose.

Underbody Your vehicle's underbody is often exposed to corrosive substances, such as those spread on icy roads or used for dust control. It is very important to remove these substances from the underbody. Otherwise, the floor, frame, fuel lines, and exhaust system may rust. At the end of winter, rinse the underbody thoroughly with water to loosen accumulated mud and dirt.

See the "Appearance and Care" chapter of this manual.

Windshield washer fluid* Make sure there is enough windshield washer fluid in the reservoir.