1996 NISSAN QUEST snow chains

tuator is working, you may feel a pulsation in
the brake pedal and hear a noise or vibra-
tion from the actuator under the hood. This
is normal and indicates the anti-lock system
is working properly. However, the pulsation
may indicate road conditions are hazardous
and extra care is required while driving.
Self-test feature
The anti-lock brake system consists of elec-
tronic sensors, electric pumps, and hydrau-
lic solenoids controlled by a computer. The
computer has a built-in diagnostic feature
that tests the system each time you start the
engine and move the vehicle at a low speed
in forward or reverse. When the ``self-test''
occurs, you may hear a ``clunk'' noise
and/or feel a ``pulsation'' in the brake pedal.
This is normal and is not an indication of any
malfunction. If the computer senses any
malfunction, it switches the anti-lock brake
system OFF and turns on the ANTI-LOCK
brake warning light in the dashboard. The
brake system then operates normally, but
without anti-lock assistance.
If the light comes on during the self check,
or while driving, take your vehicle to your
NISSAN dealer for repair at your earliest
convenience.
WARNING
The anti-lock brake system is a sophis-
ticated device, but it cannot prevent
accidents resulting from careless or
dangerous driving techniques. It can
help maintain vehicle control during
braking on slippery surfaces, but re-
member that the stopping distance on
slippery surfaces will be longer than on
normal surfaces, even with the anti-
lock system. Stopping distances may
also be longer on rough, gravel or
snow covered roads, or if you are using
tire chains. Always maintain a safe dis-
tance from the vehicle in front of you.
Ultimately, the responsibility for safety
of self and others rests in the hands of
the driver.
Tire type and condition of tires may
also affect braking effectiveness.
cWhen replacing tires, install the
specified size of tires on all 4 wheels.cWhen installing a spare tire, make
sure it is the proper size and type as
specified on the tire placard. For tire
placard location information, refer to
``Tire placard'' in the Owner's
Manual index.
cRefer to ``Wheels and tires'' in the
``Do-it-yourself operations'' section
of this manual.
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Freeing a frozen door lock
To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
de-icer or glycerin to it through the key hole.
If the lock becomes frozen, heat the key
before inserting it into the key hole.
Anti-freeze
In the winter when it is anticipated that the
temperature will drop below 32ÉF (0ÉC),
check anti-freeze (ethylene glycol base) to
assure proper winter protection. For details,
see ``Engine cooling system'' in the ``Do-it-
yourself operations'' section.
Battery
If the battery is not fully charged during
extremely cold weather conditions, the bat-
tery fluid may freeze and damage the bat-
tery. To maintain maximum efficiency, the
battery should be checked regularly. For
details, see ``Battery'' in the ``Do-it-yourself
operations'' section.
Draining of coolant water
If the vehicle is to be left outside without
anti-freeze, drain the cooling system by
opening the drain valves located under the
radiator and on the engine block. Refillbefore operating the vehicle. See ``Chang-
ing engine coolant'' in the ``Do-it-yourself
operations'' section.
Tire equipment
1. The SUMMER tires are of a tread design
to provide superior performance on dry
pavement. However, the performance of
these tires is substantially reduced in
snowy and icy conditions. If you operate
your vehicle on snowy or icy roads, NIS-
SAN recommends using MUD & SNOW
or ALL SEASON tires on all four wheels.
Please consult your NISSAN dealer for
the tire type, size, speed rating and avail-
ability information.
2. For additional traction on icy roads, stud-
ded tires may be used. However, some
provinces and states prohibit their use.
Check local, state and provincial laws
before installing studded tires.
Skid and traction capabilities of studded
snow tires, on wet or dry surfaces, may
be poorer than that of non-studded snow
tires.
3. Snow chains may be used if desired.
Make sure they are of proper size for the
tires on your vehicle and are installedaccording to the chain manufacturer's
suggestions. In addition, drive at a re-
duced speed, otherwise, your vehicle
may be damaged and/or vehicle handling
and performance may be adversely af-
fected.
Tire chains
Use of tire chains may be prohibited accord-
ing to location. Check the local laws before
installing tire chains. When installing tire
chains, make sure they are of proper size
for the tires on your vehicle and are installed
according to the chain manufacturer's sug-
gestions.Use only SAE Class ``S'' chains.
Other types may damage your vehicle. Use
chain tensioners when recommended by
the tire chain manufacturer to ensure a tight
fit. Loose end links of the tire chain must be
secured or removed to prevent the possibil-
ity of whipping action damage to the fenders
or undercarriage. If possible, avoid fully
loading your vehicle when using tire chains.
In addition, drive at a reduced speed. Do not
exceed maximum speed suggested by
chain manufacturer. Otherwise, your ve-
hicle may be damaged and/or vehicle han-
dling and performance may be adversely
affected.
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
CAUTIONS
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Never install tire chains on T-type and small
size spare tires. Do not use the chains on
dry roads.
Special winter equipment
It is recommended that the following items
be carried in the vehicle during winter:
1. A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to re-
move ice and snow from the windows
and wiper blades.
2. A sturdy, flat board to be placed under
the jack to give it firm support.
3. A shovel to dig the vehicle out of snow-
drifts.
4. Extra window washer fluid to refill the
reservoir tank.
Driving on snow or ice
cWet ice (32ÉF, 0ÉC and freezing rain),
very cold snow or ice can be slick and
very hard to drive on. The vehicle will
have a lot less traction or ``grip'' under
these conditions. Try to avoid driving on
wet ice until the road is salted or sanded.
cWhatever the condition, drive with cau-
tion and accelerate gently. If acceleratedtoo fast, the drive wheels spin and lose
even more traction.
cAllow more stopping distance under
these conditions. Braking should be
started sooner than on dry pavement.
cAllow greater following distances on slip-
pery roads.
cWatch for slippery spots (glare ice).
These may appear on an otherwise clear
road in shaded areas. If a patch of ice is
seen ahead, brake before reaching it. Try
not to brake while actually on the ice, and
avoid any sudden steering maneuvers.
Engine block heater
WARNING
Do not use your heater (if so equipped)
with an ungrounded electrical system
or two-pronged (cheater) adapters. You
can be injured by an electrical shock if
you use an ungrounded connection.
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more hours, or driven less than 1 mile (1.6
km). COLD tire pressures are shown on the
tire placard affixed to the glove box door.
CAUTION
The vehicle weight capacity is indicated
on the tire placard. Do not load your
vehicle beyond this capacity. Overload-
ing your vehicle may result in reduced tire
life, unsafe operating conditions due to
premature tire failure, or unfavorable han-
dling characteristics and could also lead
to a serious accident. Loading beyond the
specified capacity may also result in fail-
ure of other vehicle components.
Before taking a long trip, or whenever
you have loaded your vehicle heavily,
use a tire pressure gauge to ensure that
the tire pressure is at the specified level.
CAUTION
Do not drive your vehicle over 85 MPH
(140 km/h) unless it is equipped with
high speed capability tires. Driving
faster than 85 MPH (140 km/h) may
result in tire failure, loss of control and
possible injury.
Types of tires
CAUTION
When changing or replacing tires, be sure
all four tires are of the same type (i.e.,
Summer, All Season or Snow) and con-
struction. Your NISSAN dealer may be
able to help you with information about
tire type, size, speed rating and availabil-
ity. Replacement tires may have a lower
speed rating than the factory equipped
tires, and may not match the potential
maximum vehicle speed. Never exceed
the maximum speed rating of the tire.
All season tires
NISSAN specifies All Season tires to pro-
vide good performance all year, including
snowy and icy road conditions. All Season
Tires are identified by ``ALL SEASON''
and/or ``M&S'' on the tire sidewall. Snow
tires have better snow traction than All
Season tires and may be more appropriate
in some areas.
Snow tires
If snow tires are needed, it is necessary to
select tires equivalent in size and load ratingto the original equipment tires. If you do not,
it can adversely affect the safety and han-
dling of your vehicle.
Generally, snow tires have lower speed
ratings than factory equipped tires and may
not match the potential maximum vehicle
speed. Never exceed the maximum speed
rating of the tire.
For additional traction on icy roads, studded
tires may be used. However, some states
and provinces prohibit their use. Check lo-
cal, state and provincial laws before install-
ing studded tires. Skid and traction capabili-
ties of studded snow tires on wet or dry
surfaces may be poorer than that of non-
studded snow tires.
Tire chains
Use of tire chains may be prohibited accord-
ing to location. Check the local laws before
installing tire chains. When installing tire
chains, make sure they are of proper size
for the tires on your vehicle and are installed
according to the chain manufacturer's sug-
gestions.Use only SAE Class ``S'' chains.
Other types may damage your vehicle. Use
chain tensioners when recommended by
the tire chain manufacturer to ensure a tight
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cDo not use abrasive cleaners when
washing the wheels.
cInspect wheel rims regularly for dents or
corrosion. Such damage may cause loss
of pressure or poor seal at the tire bead.
c
NISSAN recommends waxing the road
wheels to protect against road salt in areas
where it is used during winter.
Spare tire (T-type spare tire)
Observe the following precautions if the
T-type spare tire must be used, otherwise
your vehicle could be damaged or involved
in an accident.
CAUTION
cThe T-type spare tire should be used
only for emergency. It should be re-
placed by the standard tire at the
first opportunity.
c
Drive carefully while the T-type spare
tire is installed. Avoid sharp turns
and abrupt braking while driving.
cPeriodically check tire inflation pres-
sure, and always keep it at 60 psi
(420 kP, 4.2 bar).cDo not drive your vehicle at speeds
faster than 50 MPH (80 km/h).
cDo not use tire chains on a T-type
spare tire. Tire chains will not fit
properly on the T-type spare tire and
may cause damage to the vehicle.
c
When driving on roads covered with
snow or ice, the T-type spare tire
should be used on the rear wheel and
the original tire used on the front
wheels (drive wheels). Use tire chains
only on the front two original tires.
cTire tread of the T-type spare tire will
wear at a faster rate than the original
tire. Replace the T-type spare tire as
soon as the tread wear indicators
appear.
cBecause the T-type spare tire is
smaller than the original tire, ground
clearance is reduced. To avoid dam-
age to the vehicle do not drive over
obstacles. Also do not drive the ve-
hicle through an automatic car wash
since it may get caught.
cDo not use the T-type spare tire on
other vehicles.cDo not use more than one T-type
spare tire at the same time.
cDo not tow a trailer while the T-type
spare tire is installed.
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