The cruise control is automatically canceled and
the SET light in the instrument panel goes out if:
cyou depress the brake or clutch pedal while
pushing the ACCEL/RES or SET/COAST
switch. The preset speed is deleted from
memory.
cthe vehicle slows down more than 8 MPH
(13 km/h) below the set speed.
cyou depress the clutch pedal (manual trans-
mission) , or move the shift selector lever to N
(Neutral) (CVT) .
To reset at a faster cruising speed,use one
of the following three methods.
cDepress the accelerator pedal. When the
vehicle attains the desired speed, push and
release the COAST/SET switch.
cPush and hold the ACCEL/RES switch.
When the vehicle attains the speed you de-
sire, release the switch.
cPush and release the ACCEL/RES switch.
Each time you do this, the set speed in-
creases by about 1 MPH (1.6 km/h) .To reset at a slower cruising speed,use one
of the following three methods.
cLightly tap the brake pedal. When the ve-
hicle attains the desired speed, push the
COAST/SET switch and release it.
cPush and hold the COAST/SET switch. Re-
lease the switch when the vehicle slows to
the desired speed.
cPush and release the COAST/SET switch.
Each time you do this, the set speed de-
creases by about 1 MPH (1.6 km/h) .
To resume the preset speed,push and re-
lease the ACCEL/RES switch. The vehicle re-
turns to the last set cruising speed when the
vehicle speed is over 25 MPH (40 km/h) .CAUTION
During the first 1,200 miles (2,000 km) ,
follow these recommendations to obtain
maximum engine performance and en-
sure the future reliability and economy of
your new vehicle. Failure to follow these
recommendations may result in short-
ened engine life and reduced engine
performance.
cAvoid driving for long periods at constant
speed, either fast or slow, and do not run the
engine over 4,000 rpm.
cDo not accelerate at full throttle in any gear.
cAvoid quick starts.
cAvoid hard braking as much as possible.
cDo not tow a trailer for the first 500 miles
(800 km) . Your engine, axle or other parts
could be damaged.
BREAK-IN SCHEDULE
5-18Starting and driving
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Altima(alt)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
03/13/07Ðdebbie
X
DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER
If the vehicle is to be left outside without anti-
freeze, drain the cooling system, including the
engine block. Refill before operating the vehicle.
For details, see “Changing engine coolant” in the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section of this
manual.
TIRE EQUIPMENT
1. SUMMER tires have a tread designed to
provide superior performance on dry pave-
ment. However, the performance of these
tires will be substantially reduced in snowy
and icy conditions. If you operate your ve-
hicle on snowy or icy roads, NISSAN recom-
mends the use of MUD & SNOW or ALL
SEASON TIRES on all four wheels. Please
consult a NISSAN dealer for the tire type,
size, speed rating and availability informa-
tion.
2. For additional traction on icy roads, studded
tires may be used. However, some U.S.
states and Canadian provinces 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. Tire chains may be used. For details see
“Tire chains” in the “Maintenance and do-it-
yourself” section of this manual.
SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT
It is recommended that the following items be
carried in the vehicle during winter:
cA scraper and stiff-bristled brush to remove
ice and snow from the windows and wiper
blades.
cA sturdy, flat board to be placed under the
jack to give it firm support.
cA shovel to dig the vehicle out of snowdrifts.
cExtra window washer fluid to refill the reser-
voir tank.
DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE
WARNING
cWet ice (32°F, 0°C and freezing rain) ,
very cold snow or ice can be slick and
very hard to drive on. The vehicle will
have much 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. Accelerate and slow down with
care. If accelerating or downshifting too
fast, the drive wheels will 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
slippery 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 reach-
ing it. Try not to brake while on the ice,
and avoid any sudden steering
maneuvers.
cDo not use the cruise control on slip-
pery roads.
cSnow can trap dangerous exhaust
gases under your vehicle. Keep snow
clear of the exhaust pipe and from
around your vehicle.
5-26Starting and driving
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Altima(alt)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
03/13/07Ðdebbie
X
cFor the first 500 miles (805 km) that you do
tow, do not drive over 50 MPH (80 km/h) .
cHave your vehicle serviced more often than
at intervals specified in the recommended
Maintenance Schedule in the “NISSAN Ser-
vice and Maintenance Guide”.
cWhen making a turn, your trailer wheels will
be closer to the inside of the turn than your
vehicle wheels. To compensate for this,
make a larger than normal turning radius
during the turn.
cCrosswinds and rough roads will adversely
affect vehicle/trailer handling, possibly caus-
ing vehicle sway. When being passed by
larger vehicles, be prepared for possible
changes in crosswinds that could affect ve-
hicle handling.
Do the following if the trailer begins to sway:
1. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal to
allow the vehicle to coast and steer as
straight ahead as the road conditions allow.
This combination will help stabilize the ve-
hicle
– Do not correct trailer sway by steering or
applying the brakes.2. When the trailer sway stops, gently apply the
brakes and pull to the side of the road in a
safe area.
3. Try to rearrange the trailer load so it is bal-
anced as described earlier in this section.
cBe careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires con-
siderably more distance than normal pass-
ing. Remember, the length of the trailer must
also pass the other vehicle before you can
safely change lanes.
cDownshift the transmission to a lower gear
for engine braking when driving down steep
or long hills. This will help slow the vehicle
without applying the brakes.
cTo maintain engine braking efficiency and
electrical charging performance, do not use
overdrive.
cAvoid holding the brake pedal down too long
or too frequently. This could cause the
brakes to overheat, resulting in reduced
braking efficiency.
cIncrease your following distance to allow for
greater stopping distances while towing a
trailer. Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
cDo not use cruise control while towing a
trailer.cSome states or provinces have specific
regulations and speed limits for vehicles that
are towing trailers. Obey the local speed
limits.
cCheck your hitch, trailer wiring harness con-
nections, and trailer wheel lug nuts after 50
miles (80 km) of travel and at every break.
cWhen stopped in traffic for long periods of
time in hot weather, put the vehicle in the P
(Park) position.
cWhen launching a boat, don’t allow the wa-
ter level to go over the exhaust tail pipe or
rear bumper.
cMake sure you disconnect the trailer lights
before backing the trailer into the water or
the trailer lights may burn out.
When towing a trailer, final drive gear oil
should be replaced and transmission
oil/fluid should be changed more fre-
quently. For additional information, see the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section
earlier in this manual.
9-22Technical and consumer information
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Altima(alt)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
03/13/07Ðdebbie
X
C.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-10
Cold weather driving..............5-25
Compact disc (CD) player...........4-29
Compass display.................2-6
Console box...................2-39
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) . .5-10
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
fluid.....................8-12
Driving with Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT).............5-10
Control panel buttons
Brightness/contrast button.........4-7
Setup button.................4-3
Startup screen................4-3
With navigation system...........4-2
Controls
Heater and air conditioner
controls................4-10, 4-18
Coolant
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant..........8-9
Checking engine coolant level........8-8
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-5
Corrosion protection...............7-6
Cruise control..................5-17
Cup holders...................2-38
D
Daytime running light system
(Canada only)..................2-30
Defroster switch
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch....................2-27Dimensions and weights.............9-8
Dimmer switch for instrument panel......2-31
Display controls (see control panel buttons) . .4-2
Door locks....................3-3
Drive belt....................8-16
Driving
Cold weather driving............5-25
Driving with Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT).............5-10
Driving with manual transmission.....5-14
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
E
Economy - fuel.................5-19
Emission control information label.......9-11
Emission control system warranty.......9-24
Engine
Before starting the engine..........5-8
Block heater.................5-27
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant..........8-9
Changing engine oil............8-10
Changing engine oil filter..........8-11
Checking engine coolant level........8-8
Checking engine oil level..........8-9
Engine compartment check locations. . . .8-6
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-5
Engine cooling system............8-8
Engine oil...................8-9
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . .9-5
Engine oil pressure warning light.....2-11
Engine oil viscosity..............9-5
Engine serial number............9-10Engine specifications.............9-7
Starting the engine..............5-9
English/metric setting..............4-6
Event data recorders..............9-26
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide)........5-2
Eyeglass case..................2-37
F
Flashers
(See hazard warning flasher switch)......2-32
Flat tire......................6-2
Floor mat positioning aid.............7-5
Fluid
Brake fluid..................8-13
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Clutch fluid.................8-14
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
fluid.....................8-12
Engine coolant................8-8
Engine oil...................8-9
Power steering fluid.............8-13
Window washer fluid............8-14
F.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-10
Fog light switch.................2-32
Front air bag system
(See supplemental restraint system).....1-46
Front seats....................1-2
Fuel
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Fuel economy................5-19
Fuel gauge..................2-6
Fuel octane rating..............9-4
10-2
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Altima(alt)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
04/04/07Ðdebbie
X