2013 NISSAN GT-R brakes

5-46Starting and driving
.HEADED UPHILL OR DOWNHILL, NO
CURB:
*3Turn the wheels toward the side of the
road so the vehicle will move away from
the center of the road if it moves.
4. Push the ignition switch to the LOCK position.
The GT-R uses brake pad materials that have
high metallic content. The brake pad material
helps maintain braking performance in a wide
range of weather and driving conditions.
For the first 3,000 - 6,000 miles (5,000 -
10,000 km) of the vehicle’s service life, and for
the first 3,000 - 6,000 miles (5,000 - 10,000
km) after a brake replacement, the brake pad to
brake rotor clearance is very small. When
parking, apply the parking brake and move the
shift lever to the
&Pposition. Idle the engine for
more than 20 seconds without depressing the
brake pedal. This allows the brake pads to move
away from the rotor so the pad does not contact
the rotor.
Additionally, the brakes must be dry before
parking the vehicle after driving on wet roads or
after washing the vehicle. If the roads are wet,
lightly apply the brakes for a short distance
before parking the vehicle to dry the brakes.
After washing the vehicle, dry the brakes by
driving on a dry road for a few miles and apply the brakes normally based on traffic and road
conditions.
The metallic brake pads and brake disc rotor
may rust together when the brakes are not
applied:
.
If the vehicle is not idled for 20 seconds
without the brakes applied, or if the brakes
are applied when the vehicle is shut off, the
rotor and pads can rust together, even when
the brake pads are dry.
. If the brakes are wet when the vehicle is
parked and the parking brake is applied for a
long time.
Contact a GT-R certified NISSAN dealer if the
brake pads and brake rotor have rusted
together.
WARNING
If the engine is not running or is turned
off while driving, the power assist for
the steering will not work. Steering will
be harder to operate.
The power assisted steering uses a hydraulic
pump, driven by the engine, to assist steering.
If the engine stops or the drive belt breaks, you
will still have control of the vehicle. However,
much greater steering effort is needed, espe-
cially in sharp turns and at low speeds.
POWER STEERING

BRAKING PRECAUTIONS
The brake system has two separate hydraulic
circuits. If one circuit malfunctions, you will still
have braking at two wheels.
You may feel a small click and hear a sound
when the brake pedal is fully depressed slowly.
This is not a malfunction and indicates that the
brake assist mechanism is operating properly.
Vacuum assisted brakes
The brake booster aids braking by using engine
vacuum. If the engine stops, you can stop the
vehicle by depressing the brake pedal. However,
greater foot pressure on the brake pedal will be
required to stop the vehicle and the stopping
distance will be longer.
Wet brakes
When the vehicle is washed or driven through
water, the brakes may get wet. As a result, your
braking distance will be longer and the vehicle
may pull to one side during braking.
To dry brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe speed
while lightly tapping the brake pedal to heat-up
the brakes. Do this until the brakes return to
normal. Avoid driving the vehicle at high speeds
until the brakes function correctly.
Using the brakes
Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal while
driving. This will cause overheating of the
brakes, wearing out the brake and pads faster
and reduce gas mileage.
To help reduce brake wear and to prevent the
brakes from overheating, reduce speed and
downshift to a lower gear before going down a
slope or long grade. Overheated brakes may
reduce braking performance and could result in
loss of vehicle control.
WARNING
.While driving on a slippery surface,
be careful when braking, accelerat-
ing or downshifting. Abrupt braking
or accelerating could cause the
wheels to skid and result in an
accident.
. If the engine is not running or is
turned off while driving, the power
assist for the brakes will not work.
Braking will be harder.
PARKING BRAKE BREAK-IN
Break in the parking brake shoes whenever the
stopping effect of the parking brake is weakened
or whenever the parking brake shoes and/or
drums/rotors are replaced, in order to assure the
best braking performance.
This procedure is described in the vehicle
service manual and can be performed by a
GT-R certified NISSAN dealer.
Starting and driving5-47
BRAKE SYSTEM

5-48Starting and driving
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM
(ABS)
WARNING
.The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
is a sophisticated device, but it
cannot prevent accidents resulting
from careless or dangerous driving
techniques. It can help maintain
vehicle control during braking on
slippery surfaces. Remember that
stopping distances on slippery sur-
faces will be longer than on normal
surfaces even with ABS. Stopping
distances may also be longer on
rough, gravel or snow covered
roads, or if you are using tire chains.
Always maintain a safe distance
from the vehicle in front of you.
Ultimately, the driver is responsible
for safety.
. Tire type and condition may also
affect braking effectiveness. When
replacing tires, install the specified
size of tires on all four wheels.
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) controls the brakes so the wheels do not lock during hard
braking or when braking on slippery surfaces.
The system detects the rotation speed at each
wheel and varies the brake fluid pressure to
prevent each wheel from locking and sliding. By
preventing each wheel from locking, the system
helps the driver maintain steering control and
helps to minimize swerving and spinning on
slippery surfaces.
Using the system
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down.
Depress the brake pedal with firm steady
pressure, but do not pump the brakes. The
ABS will operate to prevent the wheels from
locking up. Steer the vehicle to avoid obstacles.
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
may result in increased stopping dis-
tances.
Self-test feature
The ABS includes electronic sensors, electric
pumps, hydraulic solenoids and 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 forwardor reverse. When the self-test occurs, you may
hear a “clunk” noise and/or feel a pulsation in the
brake pedal. This does not indicate that there is
a malfunction. If the computer senses a mal-
function, it switches the ABS off and illuminates
the ABS warning light on the instrument panel.
The brake system then operates normally, but
without anti-lock assistance.
If the ABS warning light illuminates during the
self-test or while driving, have the vehicle
checked by a GT-R certified NISSAN dealer.
Normal operation
The ABS operates at speeds above 3 to 6 MPH
(5 to 10 km/h). The speed varies according to
road conditions.
When the ABS senses that one or more wheels
are close to locking up, the actuator rapidly
applies and releases hydraulic pressure. This
action is similar to pumping the brakes very
quickly. You may feel a pulsation in the brake
pedal and hear a noise from under the hood or
feel a vibration from the actuator when it is
operating. This is normal and indicates that the
ABS is operating properly. However, the pulsa-
tion may indicate that road conditions are
hazardous and extra care is required while
driving.
BRAKE ASSIST

8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Maintenance requirement ....................................................... 8-3Scheduled maintenance ................................................... 8-3
General maintenance ........................................................ 8-3
Where to go for service ................................................... 8-3
General maintenance .............................................................. 8-4 Explanation of maintenance items ................................. 8-4
Maintenance precautions ....................................................... 8-6
Engine compartment check locations ................................. 8-8 Removing the cowl top cover ......................................... 8-9
Engine cooling system ......................................................... 8-10
Checking engine coolant level ..................................... 8-11
Changing engine coolant .............................................. 8-12
Engine oil ........................................................................\
........ 8-12
Checking engine oil level .............................................. 8-12
Changing engine oil and filter ...................................... 8-13
Transmission oil ..................................................................... 8-14
Power steering fluid .............................................................. 8-14
Brake fluid ........................................................................\
....... 8-15
Window washer fluid ........................................................... 8-16
Battery ........................................................................\
.............. 8-17
Precautions ....................................................................... 8-17
Fluid level check .............................................................. 8-17
Jump starting .................................................................... 8-18 Drive belts ........................................................................\
...... 8-19
Spark plugs ........................................................................\
.... 8-19
Replacing spark plugs ................................................. 8-20
Air cleaner ........................................................................\
...... 8-20
Windshield wiper blades .................................................... 8-21 Cleaning ........................................................................\
.. 8-21
Replacing the wiper blades ....................................... 8-21
Brakes ........................................................................\
............. 8-22 Self-adjusting brakes ................................................... 8-22
Brake pad wear warning ............................................. 8-22
High performance brake system ............................... 8-22
Replacing the brake pads ........................................... 8-23
Fuses ........................................................................\
............... 8-23
Engine compartment .................................................... 8-23
Passenger compartment ............................................. 8-24
Intelligent Key battery replacement .................................. 8-26
Lights ........................................................................\
............... 8-28 Headlights ....................................................................... 8-29Exterior and interior lights ........................................... 8-29
Wheels and tires .................................................................. 8-31
Tire pressure .................................................................. 8-31
Tire and loading information label ............................ 8-33
Checking the tire pressure ......................................... 8-34

Your new NISSAN has been designed to have
minimum maintenance requirements with long
service intervals to save you both time and
money. However, some day-to-day and regular
maintenance is essential to maintain your
NISSAN’s fine mechanical condition, as well
as its emission and engine performance.
It is the owner’s responsibility to make sure that
the scheduled maintenance, as well as general
maintenance, is performed.
As the vehicle owner, you are the only one who
can ensure that your vehicle receives the proper
maintenance care. You are a vital link in the
maintenance chain.
SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE
For your convenience, both required and op-
tional scheduled maintenance items are de-
scribed and listed in your NISSAN Service and
Maintenance Guide. You must refer to that guide
to ensure that necessary maintenance is per-
formed on your NISSAN at regular intervals.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
General maintenance includes those items
which should be checked during normal day-
to-day operation. They are essential for proper
vehicle operation. It is your responsibility to
perform these procedures regularly as pre-scribed.
Performing general maintenance checks re-
quires minimal mechanical skill and only a few
general automotive tools.
These checks or inspections can be done by
yourself, a qualified technician or, if you prefer, a
GT-R certified NISSAN dealer.
WHERE TO GO FOR SERVICE
GT-R certified NISSAN dealers are required to
have additional training and equipment and are
the only NISSAN dealers authorized to perform
warranty work on key vehicle performance
systems such as engine, transmission, suspen-
sion and brakes.
If maintenance service is required or your vehicle
appears to malfunction, have the systems
checked and serviced by a GT-R certified
NISSAN dealer.
NISSAN technicians are well-trained specialists
and are kept up to date with the latest service
information through technical bulletins, service
tips, and in-dealer information systems. They are
completely qualified to work on NISSAN vehi-
cles
before work begins.
You can be confident that a GT-R certified
NISSAN dealer’s service department performs
the best job to meet the maintenance require- ments on your vehicle — in a reliable and
economical way.
To find a GT-R certified NISSAN dealer near
you, call 1-866-668-1GTR in the US or 1-800-
387-0122 in Canada, or go to www. gtrnissan.
com/.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-3
MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENT

Inside the vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
checked on a regular basis, such as when
performing scheduled maintenance, cleaning
the vehicle, etc.
Accelerator pedal:Check the pedal for
smooth operation and make sure the pedal
does not catch or require uneven effort. Keep
the floor mat away from the pedal.
Transmission
&Pmechanism: On a fairly
steep hill, check that your vehicle is held
securely with the shift lever in the
&Pposition
without applying any brakes.
Brake pedal: Check the pedal for smooth
operation. If the brake pedal suddenly goes
down further than normal, the pedal feels
spongy or the vehicle seems to take longer to
stop, see a GT-R certified NISSAN dealer
immediately. Keep the floor mat away from the
pedal.
Brakes: Check that the brakes do not pull the
vehicle to one side when applied.
Parking brake: Check the parking brake
operation regularly. The vehicle should be
securely held on a fairly steep hill with only the
parking brake applied. If the parking brake needs
to be adjusted, see a GT-R certified NISSAN
dealer. Seat belts:
Check that all parts of the seat belt
system (for example, buckles, anchors, adjuster
and retractors) operate properly and smoothly,
and are installed securely. Check the belt
webbing for cuts, fraying, wear or damage.
Seats: Check seat position controls such as
seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. to ensure
they operate smoothly and that all latches lock
securely in every position.
Steering wheel: Check for changes in the
steering conditions, such as excessive free play,
hard steering or strange noises.
Warning lights and chimes: Make sure that
all warning lights and chimes are operating
properly.
Windshield defroster: Check that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly and
in sufficient quantity when operating the heater
or air conditioner.
Windshield wiper and washer*: Check that
the wipers and washer operate properly and that
the wipers do not streak.
Under the hood and vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically (for example, each time you
check the engine oil or refuel) .
Battery*: Check the fluid level in each cell. It should be between the MAX and MIN lines.
Vehicles operated in high temperatures or under
severe condition require frequent checks of the
battery fluid level.
Brake fluid level*:
Make sure that the brake
fluid level is between the MAX and MIN lines on
the reservoir.
Engine coolant level*: Check the coolant level
when the engine is cold.
Engine drive belts*: Make sure that no belt is
frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level*: Check the level after parking
the vehicle on a level spot and turning off the
engine. Wait at least 5 minutes for the oil to
drain back into the oil pan before checking the
oil.
Exhaust system: Make sure there are no loose
supports, cracks or holes. If the sound of the
exhaust seems unusual or there is a smell of
exhaust fumes in the engine compartment,
immediately have the exhaust system inspected
by a GT-R certified NISSAN dealer.
(
“Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide)” page
5-3)
Fluid leaks: Check under the vehicle for fuel,
oil, water or other fluid leaks after the vehicle has
been parked for a while. Water dripping from the
air conditioner after use is normal. If you should
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-5

8-22Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Be careful not to clog the washer nozzle*A.
This may cause improper windshield washer
operation. If the nozzle is clogged, remove any
objects with a needle or small pin
*B.Be
careful not to damage the nozzle.
If the brakes do not operate properly, have the
brakes checked by a GT-R certified NISSAN
dealer.
SELF-ADJUSTING BRAKES
Your vehicle is equipped with self-adjusting
brakes.
The disc-type brakes self-adjust every time the
brake pedal is applied.
WARNING
See a GT-R certified NISSAN dealer for
a brake system check if the brake pedal
height does not return to normal.
BRAKE PAD WEAR WARNING
The disc brake pads have audible wear warn-
ings. When a brake pad requires replacement, it
will make a high pitched scraping sound when
the vehicle is in motion. This scraping sound will
first occur only when the brake pedal is
depressed. After more wear of the brake pad,
the sound will always be heard even if the brake
pedal is not depressed. Have the brakes
checked as soon as possible if the wear warning
sound is heard.
Under some driving or climate conditions, occasional brake squeak, squeal or other noise
may be heard. Occasional brake noise during
light to moderate stops is normal and does not
affect the function or performance of the brake
system.
Proper brake inspection intervals should
be followed.
For additional information, see the
maintenance log section of your NISSAN
Service and Maintenance Guide for mainte-
nance intervals.
HIGH PERFORMANCE BRAKE SYS-
TEM
This vehicle is equipped with high performance
brake pads that provide appropriate braking
force in a broad range of driving environments.
Due to the material used for the brake pads, the
road wheels may become more easily covered
by brake dust, however this does not indicate
that there is a malfunction.
The GT-R brake pads use material that contains
a lot of iron to maintain steady braking perfor-
mance even in high and low temperatures.
However, if the brake system is wet and the
parking brake is applied for a long time, the iron
in this material may get rusty and the brake pad
and disc rotor may be fixed together. This may
cause noise and vibration while driving. Before
parking the vehicle, dry the brake by driving on a
BRAKES

dry road, especially after washing the vehicle or
driving in rain. Contact a GT-R certified NISSAN
dealer if the noise and vibration continue.
Frequent hard braking may cause scorching of
the brake pads. This will require the brake pads
to be replaced, even if the wear limit has not
been reached. Have the brake pads and disc
rotors inspected at the regular vehicle inspec-
tions.
For more details, contact a GT-R certified
NISSAN dealer.
REPLACING THE BRAKE PADS
NISSAN generally recommends to replace all
four sets of brake pads and disc rotors at the
same time to maintain maximum brake perfor-
mance.
However, replacing only the brake pads may be
allowed in some cases (four wheels or only front
wheels depending on the conditions). A GT-R
certified technician must inspect the vehicle and
determine that only the brake pads need to be
replaced. In this case, replacing all brake pads
and disc rotors as a set is not necessary.
Note that the replacement of brake pads and the
disc rotors as a set on all four wheels should be
performed when a GT-R certified technician
determines that this is the correct repair.If the inside of the disc rotors are cold during the
winter and the surface becomes hot due to a
heavy force being applied repeatedly to the
brakes, cracks may occur near the coolant hole
on the surface of the disc rotor. Cracks may also
occur due to a heavy force being repeatedly
applied to the brakes during high performance
driving. In these cases it may be necessary to
replace the disc rotors or brake pads depending
on the condition of the crack. Contact a GT-R
certified NISSAN dealer for replacement.
ENGINE COMPARTMENT
CAUTION
Never use a fuse of a higher or lower
amperage rating than that specified on
the fuse box cover. This could damage
the electrical system or cause a fire.
If any electrical equipment does not operate,
check for an open fuse.
1. Be sure the ignition switch is pushed to the OFF or LOCK position and the headlight
switch is turned to OFF.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-23
FUSES