2001 NISSAN SENTRA recommended

radiator and on the engine block. Refill
before operating the vehicle. See ``Chang-
ing engine coolant'' in the ``Do-it-yourself''
section of this manual.
TIRE EQUIPMENT
1.SUMMER tires are of a tread design to
provide superior performance on dry
pavement. However, the performance of
these tires will be substantially reduced in
snowy and icy conditions. If you operate
your vehicle on snowy or icy roads, NIS-
SAN recommends the use of MUD &
SNOW or ALL SEASON TIRES on all four
wheels. Please consult an authorized
NISSAN dealer for the tire type, size,
speed rating and availability information.
2. For additional traction on icy roads, stud-
ded tires may be used. However, most
U.S. states and Canadian provinces pro-
hibit 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. Tire chains may be used. Make sure theyare of proper size for the tires on your
vehicle and are installed according to the
chain manufacturer's suggestions.
Use of tire chains may be prohibited
according 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 suggestions.Use only
SAE Class ªSº chains.Other types may
damage your vehicle. Use chain tension-
ers when recommended by the tire chain
manufacturer to ensure a tight fit. Loose
end links of the tire chain must be se-
cured or removed to prevent the possi-
bility of whipping action damage to the
fenders or underbody. If possible, avoid
fully loading your vehicle when using tire
chains. In addition, drive at a reduced
speed. Otherwise, your vehicle may be
damaged and/or vehicle handling and
performance may be adversely affected.
Never install tire chains on TEMPO-
RARY USE ONLY spare tires. Do not
use tire 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
WARNING
cWet ice (32ÉF, 0ÉC and freezing rain),
very cold snow or ice can be slick
and very hard to drive on. The ve-
hicle will have much less traction or
``grip'' under these conditions. Try to
avoid driving on wet ice until the
road is salted or sanded.
Starting and driving
5-21
ZX

6 In case of emergency
Flat tire ...................................................................6-2
Changing a flat tire ............................................6-2
Jump starting ..........................................................6-8
Push starting ........................................................6-10
If your vehicle overheats ......................................6-10Towing your vehicle .............................................6-11
Towing recommended by Nissan ....................6-12
Vehicle recovery (freeing a stuck
vehicle) ............................................................6-13
ZX

cAlways attach safety chains before
towing.
TOWING RECOMMENDED BY
NISSAN
NISSAN recommends that your vehicle be
towed with the driving (front) wheels off theground or place the vehicle on a flat bed
truck as illustrated.
CAUTION
cNever tow automatic transmission
models with the front wheels on the
ground or four wheels on the ground
(forward or backward), as this may
cause serious and expensive dam-
age to the transmission. If it is nec-
essary to tow the vehicle with the
rear wheels raised, always use tow-
ing dollies under the front wheels.
cWhen towing automatic transmis-
sion models with the front wheels on
towing dollies, or when towing
manual transmission models with
the front wheels on the ground:
cTurn the ignition key to the OFF
position, and secure the steer-
ing wheel in a straight ahead
position with a rope or similar
device. Never secure the steer-
ing wheel by turning the igni-
tion key to the LOCK position.
This may damage the steering
lock mechanism.
cMove the shift lever to the N
(Neutral) position.
ACE0511
6-12In case of emergency
ZX

When towing automatic or manual
transmission models with the rear
wheels on the ground (if you do not
use towing dollies): Always release
the parking brake.VEHICLE RECOVERY (freeing a
stuck vehicle)
cTow chains or cables must be attached
only to the main structural members of
the vehicle.
cPulling devices should be routed so they
do not touch any part of the suspension,
steering, brake or cooling systems.
cAlways pull the cable straight out from
the front or rear of the vehicle. Never pull
the vehicle at an angle.
cPulling devices such as ropes or canvas
straps are not recommended for use in
vehicle towing or recovery.
cStand clear of a stuck vehicle.
WARNING
Do not spin your tires at high speed. This
could cause them to explode and result
in serious injury. Parts of your vehicle
could also overheat and be damaged.
CE1052
In case of emergency6-13
ZX

In order to maintain the appearance of your
vehicle, it is important to take proper care of
it.
In the following cases, please wash your
vehicle as soon as possible to protect the
paint surface:
cafter a rainfall to prevent possible dam-
age from acid rain.
cafter driving on coastal roads.
cwhen contaminants such as soot, bird
droppings, tree sap, metal particles or
bugs get on the paint surface.cwhen dust or mud builds up on the paint
surface.
Whenever possible, store or park your ve-
hicle inside a garage or in a covered area.
When it is necessary to park outside, park in
a shady area or protect the vehicle with a
body cover.
Be careful not to scratch the paint sur-
face when putting on or removing the
body cover.
WASHING
Wash dirt off with a wet sponge and plenty
of water. Clean the vehicle thoroughly using
a mild soap, a special vehicle soap or
general purpose dishwashing liquid mixed
with clean, lukewarm (never hot) water.
CAUTION
cDo not wash the vehicle with strong
household soap, strong chemical
detergents, gasoline or solvents.
cDo not wash the vehicle in direct
sunlight or while the vehicle body is
hot, as the surface may become
water-spotted.cAvoid using tight-napped or rough
cloths such as washing mitts. Care
must be taken when removing
caked-on dirt or other foreign sub-
stances so that the paint surface is
not scratched or damaged.
Rinse the vehicle thoroughly with plenty of
clean water.
Inside flanges, seams and folds on the
doors, hatches and hood are particularly
vulnerable to the effects of road salt. There-
fore, these areas must be cleaned regularly.
Take care that the drain holes in the lower
edge of the door are open. Spray water
under the body and in the wheel wells to
loosen the dirt and wash away road salt.
A damp chamois can be used to dry the
vehicle to avoid water spots.
WAXING
Regular waxing protects the paint surface
and helps retain new vehicle appearance.
After waxing, polishing is recommended to
remove built-up residue and to avoid a
``weathered'' appearance.
An authorized NISSAN dealer can assist
MAI0001
CLEANING EXTERIOR
7-2Appearance and care
ZX

Occasionally remove loose dust from the
interior trim, plastic parts and seats using a
vacuum cleaner or soft brush. Wipe the
vinyl and leather surfaces with a clean, soft
cloth dampened in mild soap solution, then
wipe clean with a dry soft cloth. Before
using any fabric protector, read the manu-
facturer's recommendations. Some fabric
protectors contain chemicals that may stain
or bleach the seat material. Use a cloth
dampened only with water, to clean the
meter and gauge lens.
CAUTION
cNever use benzine, thinner, or any
similar material.
cNever use fabric protectors unless
recommended by the manufacturer.
cDo not use glass or plastic cleaner
on meter or gauge lens covers. It
may damage the lens cover.
Floor mats
The use of genuine NISSAN floor mats can
extend the life of your vehicle carpet and
make it easier to clean the interior.No
matter what mats are used, be sure theyare fitted for your vehicle and are prop-
erly positioned in the footwell to prevent
interference with pedal operation.Mats
should be maintained with regular cleaning
and replaced if they become excessively
worn.
Floor mat positioning aid
All models include front floor mat brackets
to act as a floor mat positioning aid. NIS-
SAN floor mats have been specially de-
signed for your vehicle model. The floor mat
has a grommet hole incorporated in it. Po-
sition the mat by placing the floor mat
bracket hook through the floor mat grommet
hole while centering the mat in the footwell.
Periodically check to make certain the mats
are properly positioned.
WAI0002
CLEANING INTERIOR
7-4Appearance and care
ZX

3. Turn off the engine.Wait a few minutes
for the oil to drain back into the oil
pan.
4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean.
Reinsert it all the way.
5. Remove the dipstick again and check the
oil level. It should be between the H
(High) and L (Low) marks. If the oil level
is below the L (Low) mark, remove the oil
filler cap and pour recommended oil
through the opening.Do not overfill.6. Recheck oil level with the dipstick.
It is normal to add some oil between oil
maintenance intervals or during the
break-in period, depending on the sever-
ity of operating conditions.
CAUTION
Oil level should be checked regularly.
Operating the engine with an insuffi-
cient amount of oil can damage the
engine, and such damage is not cov-
ered by warranty.
CHANGING ENGINE OIL
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
apply the parking brake.
2. Run the engine until it reaches operating
temperature, and then turn it off.
3. Remove the oil filler cap.
4. Place a large drain pan under the drain
plug.
5. Remove the drain plug with a wrench and
completely drain the oil.
WDI0015DI1252MLDI0016
8-10Do-it-yourself
ZX

If the oil filter is to be changed, remove
and replace it at this time. See ``Chang-
ing engine oil filter'' later in this section.
CAUTION
Be careful not to burn yourself. The
engine oil may be hot.
cWaste oil must be disposed of prop-
erly.
cCheck your local regulations.6. Clean and reinstall the drain plug and a
new washer. Securely tighten the drain
plug with a wrench.
Drain plug tightening torque:
22 to 29 ft-lb (29 to 39 Nzm)
Do not overtighten.
7. Refill engine with recommended oil
through the oil filler opening then install
the oil filler cap securely.
See the ``Technical and consumer infor-
mation'' section for drain and refill capac-
ity.
The drain and refill capacity depends on
the oil temperature and drain time. Use
these specifications for reference only.
Always use the dipstick to determine
when the proper amount of oil is in the
engine.
8. Start the engine. Check for leakage
around the drain plug and oil filter. Cor-
rect as required.
9. Turn the engine off and wait several
minutes. Check the oil level with the
dipstick. Add engine oil if necessary.
WARNING
cProlonged and repeated contact with
used engine oil may cause skin can-
cer.
cTry to avoid direct skin contact with
used oil. If skin contact is made,
wash thoroughly with soap or hand
cleaner as soon as possible.
cKeep used engine oil out of reach of
children.
DI1151
Do-it-yourself8-11
ZX