IAccelerate slowly and smoothly. Maintain
cruising speeds with a constant accelerator
position.
IDrive at moderate speeds on the highway.
Driving at high speed will lower fuel
economy.
IAvoid unnecessary stopping and braking.
Maintain a safe distance behind other ve-
hicles.
IUse a proper gear range which suits road
conditions. On level roads, shift into high
gear as soon as possible.
IAvoid unnecessary engine idling.IKeep your engine tuned up.
IFollow the recommended periodic mainte-
nance schedule.
IKeep the tires inflated at the correct pres-
sure. Low pressure will increase tire wear
and waste fuel.
IKeep the front wheels in correct alignment.
Improper alignment will cause not only tire
wear but also lower fuel economy.
IAir conditioner operation lowers fuel
economy. Use the air conditioner only when
necessary.
IWhen cruising at highway speeds, it is
more economical to use the air conditioner
and leave the windows closed to reduce
drag.
SD1001M
INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY5-16
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During the normal day-to-day operation of the
vehicle, general maintenance should be per-
formed regularly as prescribed in this section.
If you detect any unusual sounds, vibrations or
smell, be sure to check for the cause or have
your NISSAN dealer do it promptly. In addition,
you should notify your NISSAN dealer if you
think that repairs are required.
When performing any checks or maintenance
work, see ªMaintenance precautionsº in the ª8.
Do-it-yourselfº section.EXPLANATION OF MAINTENANCE
ITEMSAdditional information on the following
items with ª*º is found in the ª8. Do-it-
yourselfº section.Outside the vehicleThe maintenance items listed here should be
performed from time to time, unless otherwise
specified.
Tires*:Check the pressure with a gauge pe-
riodically when at a service station, including
the spare, and adjust to the specified pressure
if necessary. Check carefully for damage, cuts
or excessive wear.
Wheel nuts*:When checking the tires, make
sure no nuts are missing, and check for anyloose nuts. Tighten if necessary.
Tire rotation*:Tires should be rotated every
7,500 miles (12,000 km).
Wheel alignment and balance:If the vehicle
pulls to either side while driving on a straight
and level road, or if you detect uneven or
abnormal tire wear, there may be a need for
wheel alignment.
If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at normal
highway speeds, wheel balancing may be
needed.
Windshield wiper blades*:Check for cracks
or wear if they do not wipe properly.
Doors and engine hood:Check that all doors
and the engine hood operate smoothly as well
as the trunk lid or back hatch. Also make sure
that all latches lock securely. Lubricate if nec-
essary. Make sure that the secondary latch
keeps the hood from opening when the pri-
mary latch is released.
When driving in areas using road salt or other
corrosive materials, check lubrication fre-
quently.
Inside the vehicleThe maintenance items listed here should be
checked on a regular basis, such as whenperforming periodic maintenance, cleaning the
vehicle, etc.
Lights*:Make sure that the headlights, stop
lights, tail lights, turn signal lights, and other
lights are all operating properly and installed
securely. Also check headlight aim.
Warning lights and chimes:Make sure that
all warning lights and chimes are operating
properly.
Windshield wiper and washer*:Check that
the wipers and washer operate properly and
that the wipers do not streak.
Windshield defroster:Check that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly and
in good quantity when operating the heater or
air conditioner.
Steering wheel:Check for changes in the
steering conditions, such as excessive free
play, hard steering or strange noises.
Seats:Check seat position controls such as
seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. to en-
sure they operate smoothly and that all latches
lock securely in every position. Check that the
head restraints move up and down smoothly
and that the locks (if equipped) hold securely
in all latched positions.
Seat belts:Check that all parts of the seat belt
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Maintenance
9-3
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