Nissan Altima Quiz
Starting and driving

Brake Precautions

In this manual: Starting and driving
Foreword — 1Nissan Customer Assistance Program — 1Illustrated Table of Contents — 8Safety - Seats, Seat Belts and Supplemental Restraint System — 28Controls and instruments — 50Pre-Start Checks and Adjustments — 43Monitor, Climate, Audio, Phone and Voice Recognition Systems — 90Starting and driving — 37In an Emergency — 12Appearance and care — 17Maintenance and owner do-it-yourself — 37Technical data and consumer information — 24Using the multi-function display — 1Start-up Display — 1Settings — 1Multi-function display warnings and indicators — 1Changing the Display — 1How to Park Using the Predicted Course Lines — 1Screen Settings — 1Driving tips — 1Moving Object Detection System (if equipped) — 1Blind Spot Warning System Operation — 1Blind Spot Warning system driving situations — 1Lane Departure Warning system operation — 1Camera Maintenance — 1Headlights — 1Fog Lights (if equipped) — 1Parking Lights and Turn Signal Lights — 1
~2min read

Vacuum-Assisted Brakes

Engine vacuum is used by the brake booster to assist braking. You can still stop the vehicle using the brake pedal if the engine stops. However, the braking distance will be longer and you will need to press the brake pedal harder.

Using the Brakes

Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal while driving. This could cause the brakes to overheat, the brake pads to wear prematurely, and fuel consumption to increase.

Reduce your speed and downshift before going down a steep or long grade to prevent premature wear and overheating of the brakes. Brake performance may be reduced if the brakes overheat, and you could lose control of your vehicle.

WARNING

  • Be careful when braking, accelerating, or downshifting on slippery roads. Sudden braking or acceleration may cause the wheels to skid and result in an accident.
  • If the engine is not running or stalls while driving, the brake booster will not work. Braking will therefore be harder.

Wet Brakes

The brakes may get wet when the vehicle is washed or when driving through water. The braking distance will be longer, and the vehicle may pull to one side of the road when the brakes are applied.

Drive at a safe speed while lightly depressing the brake pedal to dry the brakes. Continue until the brakes operate normally.

Avoid driving at high speeds if the brakes do not operate satisfactorily.

Parking Brake Break-In

To ensure optimum braking performance, the parking brake shoes must be bedded in when braking efficiency decreases, or when the shoes or the drum or discs are replaced.

This procedure is described in the vehicle's repair manual and can be performed at a NISSAN dealer.

Test yourself

A quick Nissan Altima quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.