5-28Starting and driving
Follow these easy-to-use Fuel Efficient Driving
Tips to help you achieve the most fuel economy
from your vehicle.
1. Use smooth accelerator and brake pedalapplication.
.Avoid rapid starts and stops..Use smooth, gentle accelerator andbrake application whenever possible.
.Maintain constant speed while commut-
ing and coast whenever possible.
2. Maintain constant speed.
.Look ahead to try and anticipate and minimize stops.
.Synchronizing your speed with traffic
lights allows you to reduce your number
of stops.
.Maintaining a steady speed can minimize red light stops and improve fuel effi-
ciency.
3. Use air conditioning (A/C) at higher vehicle speeds.
.Below 40 MPH (64 km/h) , it is moreefficient to open windows to cool the
vehicle due to reduced engine load.
.Above 40 MPH (64 km/h) , it is moreefficient to use A/C to cool the vehicle
due to increased aerodynamic drag.
.Recirculating the cool air in the cabinwhen the A/C is on reduces cooling load.
4. Drive at economical speeds and distances.
.Observing the speed limit and not ex- ceeding 60 MPH (97 km/h) (where
legally allowed) can improve fuel effi-
ciency due to reduced aerodynamic
drag.
.Maintaining a safe following distancebehind other vehicles reduces unneces-
sary braking.
.Safely monitoring traffic to anticipatechanges in speed permits reduced brak-
ing and smooth acceleration changes.
.Select a gear range suitable to road conditions.
5. Use cruise control.
.Using cruise control during highway driving helps maintain a steady speed.
.Cruise control is particularly effective in providing fuel savings when driving on
flat terrains.
6. Plan for the shortest route.
.Utilize a map or navigation system to determine the best route to save time.
7. Avoid idling.
.Shutting off your engine when safe for stops exceeding 30-60 seconds saves fuel and reduces emissions.
8. Buy an automated pass for toll roads.
.Automated passes permit drivers to use special lanes to maintain cruising speed
through the toll and avoid stopping and
starting.
9. Winter warm up.
.Limit idling time to minimize impact to fuel economy.
.Vehicles typically need no more than 30seconds of idling at start-up to effectively
circulate the engine oil before driving.
.Your vehicle will reach its ideal operatingtemperature more quickly while driving
versus idling.
10. Keeping your vehicle cool.
.Park your vehicle in a covered parking area or in the shade whenever possible.
.When entering a hot vehicle, opening thewindows will help to reduce the inside
temperature faster, resulting in reduced
demand on your A/C system.
FUEL EFFICIENT DRIVING TIPS
.Keep your engine tuned up.
. Follow the recommended scheduled main-
tenance.
. Keep the tires inflated to the correct
pressure. Low tire pressure increases tire
wear and lowers fuel economy.
. Keep the wheels in correct alignment.
Improper alignment increases tire wear and
lowers fuel economy.
. Use the recommended viscosity engine oil.
(See “Engine oil and oil filter recommenda-
tion” (P.10-7) .)
WARNING
.For AWD equipped vehicles, do not
attempt to raise two wheels off the
ground and shift the transmission to
any drive or reverse position with
the engine running. Doing so may
result in drivetrain damage or un-
expected vehicle movement which
could result in serious vehicle da-
mage or personal injury.
. Do not attempt to test an AWD
equipped vehicle on a 2-wheel dy-
namometer (such as the dynam-
ometers used by some states for
emissions testing) or similar equip-
ment even if the other two wheels
are raised off the ground. Make sure
that you inform the test facility
personnel that your vehicle is
equipped with AWD before it is
placed on a dynamometer. Using
the wrong test equipment may re-
sult in drivetrain damage or unex-
pected vehicle movement which
could result in serious vehicle da-
mage or personal injury.
SSD1129
AWD mode switch
ALL-WHEEL DRIVE (AWD) MODE
SWITCH OPERATIONS
The All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system is used to
select the 2WD (Two-Wheel Drive) , AWD-V or
AWD mode depending on the driving condi-
tions.
The AWD mode indicator lights (
(green) ,) are located in the instrument panel.
The AWD mode indicator lights
(green)
illuminate when the ignition switch is placed in
the ON position. The indicator lights turn off
within 1 second.
The AWD mode indicator lights will display the
mode selected by the AWD mode switch while
Starting and driving5-29
INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY ALL-WHEEL DRIVE (AWD) (if so
equipped)
AWD shift tips
.The oil temperature of power train parts will
increase if the vehicle is continuously
operated under conditions where the differ-
ence in rotation between the front and rear
wheels is large (wheel slip) , such as when
driving the vehicle on rough roads through
sand or mud or when freeing a stuck vehicle.
In these cases, the AWD warning light blinks
rapidly and the AWD mode changes to the
2WD mode to protect the power train parts.
If you stop driving with the engine idling and
wait until the warning light stops blinking,
the AWD returns to the AWD-V or AWD
mode.
. Brake distance in the AWD mode is the
same as 2WD.
CAUTION
.Do not start the engine with the
AWD mode switch in any mode in
the following cases:
— when the vehicle is placed on a
free-roller or jacking up the
vehicle with the front tires
raised and the rear tires on the
ground. — when towing the vehicle with the
rear tires raised from the
ground.
. Operate the AWD mode switch only
when driving straight. Do not oper-
ate the AWD mode switch when
making a turn or backing up. If the
AWD mode switch is operated while
making a turn, accelerating or de-
celerating, or if the ignition switch is
turned off while in the AWD-V or
AWD mode, you may feel a jolt. This
is not a malfunction.
. Do not operate the AWD mode
switch with the front wheel spin-
ning.
. Engine idling speed is high while
warming up the engine. Be espe-
cially careful when starting or driv-
ing on slippery surfaces with the
AWD mode switch set in the AWD-V
or AWD mode.SSD0336-D
AWD WARNING LIGHT
The AWD warning light located in the instrument
panel illuminates when the ignition switch is
placed in the ON position. It turns off soon after
the engine is started.
If any malfunction occurs in the AWD system
while the engine is running, or while driving, the
Starting and driving5-31
5-32Starting and driving
warning light will either remain illuminated or
blink.
High-temperature power train oil due to con-
tinuous operation of the vehicle to free a stuck
vehicle makes the warning light blink rapidly
(about twice per second) . The driving mode may
change to the 2WD mode. If the warning light
blinks rapidly during operation, stop the vehicle
with the engine idling in a safe place immedi-
ately. Then if the light goes off after a while, you
can continue driving.
A large difference between the diameters of
front and rear wheels will make the warning light
blink slowly (about once per 2 seconds) . Pull off
the road in a safe area, and idle the engine.
Check that all tire sizes are the same, tire
pressure is correct and tires are not worn.
Change the AWD mode switch to the 2WD
mode and do not drive fast.
CAUTION
.If the warning light illuminates while
driving, AWD mode will be changed
to 2WD mode. Reduce the vehicle
speed and have your vehicle
checked as soon as possible. It is
recommended you visit a NISSAN
dealer for this service. Be especially careful when driving.
. The power train may be damaged if
you continue driving with the AWD
warning light blinking rapidly.
6-8In case of emergency
4. Lower the vehicle slowly until the tiretouches the ground. Then, with the wheel
nut wrench, tighten the wheel nuts securely
in the sequence illustrated. Lower the
vehicle completely.
WARNING
.Incorrect wheel nuts or improperly
tightened wheel nuts can cause the
wheel to become loose or come off.
This could cause an accident.
. Do not use oil or grease on the
wheel studs or nuts. This could
cause the nuts to become loose.
. Retighten the wheel nuts when the
vehicle has been driven for 600
miles (1,000 km) (also in cases of a
flat tire, etc.) .
.As soon as possible, tighten the
wheel nuts to the specified torque
with a torque wrench.
Wheel nut tightening torque: 80 ft-lb (108 N·m)
The wheel nuts must be kept tightened
to specifications at all times. It is
recommended that the wheel nuts be tightened to specifications at each
lubrication interval.
.Adjust tire pressure to the COLD
pressure.
COLD pressure:
After the vehicle has been parked for 3
hours or more or driven less than 1 mile
(1.6 km) .
COLD tire pressures are shown on the
Tire and Loading Information label
affixed to the driver side center pillar.
Stowing the damaged tire and the tools
1. Securely store the jack, tools and the damaged tire in the storage area.
2. Replace the cargo floor box and board.
3. Close the liftgate.
WARNING
. Always make sure that the spare tire
and jacking equipment are properly
secured after use. Such items can
become dangerous projectiles in an
accident or sudden stop.
. The spare tire and small size spare
tire are designed for emergency use.
See specific instructions under the heading
“Wheels and tires” (P.8-28) .
JVA0014X
Model with rear spoiler
CAUTION
Do not use an automatic car wash for
model with rear spoiler. The rear spoiler
may be damaged.
WAXING
Regular waxing protects the paint surface and
helps retain new vehicle appearance. Polishing
is recommended to remove built-up wax residue
and to avoid a weathered appearance before
reapplying wax.
A NISSAN dealer can assist you in choosing the
proper product.
.Wax your vehicle only after a thorough
washing. Follow the instructions supplied
with the wax.
. Do not use a wax containing any abrasives,
cutting compounds or cleaners that may
damage the vehicle finish.
Machine compound or aggressive polishing on a
base coat/clear coat paint finish may dull the
finish or leave swirl marks.
REMOVING SPOTS
Remove tar and oil spots, industrial dust,
insects, and tree sap as quickly as possible
from the paint surface to avoid lasting damage
or staining. Special cleaning products are
available at a NISSAN dealer or any automotive
accessory stores.
UNDERBODY
In areas where road salt is used in winter, the
underbody must be cleaned regularly. This will
prevent dirt and salt from building up and
causing the acceleration of corrosion on the
underbody and suspension. Before the winter
period and again in the spring, the underseal
must be checked and, if necessary, re-treated.
GLASS
Use glass cleaner to remove smoke and dust
film from the glass surfaces. It is normal for glass
to become coated with a film after the vehicle is
parked in the hot sun. Glass cleaner and a soft
cloth will easily remove this film.
CAUTION
When cleaning the inside of the win-
dows, do not use sharp-edged tools,
abrasive cleaners or chlorine-based
disinfectant cleaners. They could da-
mage the electrical conductors, radio
antenna elements or rear window
defroster elements.
Appearance and care7-3
7-4Appearance and care
WHEELS
Wash the wheels when washing the vehicle to
maintain their appearance.
.Clean the inner side of the wheels when the
wheel is changed or the underside of the
vehicle is washed.
. Inspect wheel rims regularly for dents or
corrosion. Such damage may cause loss of
pressure or poor seal at the tire bead.
. NISSAN recommends that the road wheels
be waxed to protect against road salt in
areas where it is used during winter.
CAUTION
Do not use abrasive cleaners when
washing the wheels.
ALUMINUM ALLOY WHEELS
Wash regularly with a sponge dampened in a
mild soap solution, especially during winter
months in areas where road salt is used. Salt
could discolor the wheels if not removed.
CAUTION
Follow the directions below to avoid
staining or discoloring the wheels:
.Do not use a cleaner that uses
strong acid or alkali contents to
clean the wheels.
. Do not apply wheel cleaners to the
wheels when they are hot. The
wheel temperature should be the
same as ambient temperature.
. Rinse the wheel to completely re-
move the cleaner within 15 minutes
after the cleaner is applied.
CHROME PARTS
Clean chrome parts regularly with a non-
abrasive chrome polish to maintain the finish.
TIRE DRESSING
NISSAN does not recommend the use of tire
dressings. Tire manufacturers apply a coating to
the tires to help reduce discoloration of the
rubber. If a tire dressing is applied to the tires, it
may react with the coating and form a com-
pound. This compound may come off the tire
while driving and stain the vehicle paint. If you choose to use a tire dressing, take the
following precautions:
.
Use a water-based tire dressing. The coat-
ing on the tire dissolves more easily with an
oil-based tire dressing.
. Apply a light coat of tire dressing to help
prevent it from entering the tire tread/
grooves (where it would be difficult to
remove) .
. Wipe off excess tire dressing using a dry
towel. Make sure the tire dressing is
completely removed from the tire tread/
grooves.
. Allow the tire dressing to dry as recom-
mended by tire dressing manufacturer.
Occasionally remove loose dust from the interior
trim, plastic parts and seats using a vacuum
cleaner or soft bristled brush. Wipe the vinyl and
leather surfaces with a clean, soft cloth dam-
pened in mild soap solution, then wipe clean
with a dry soft cloth.
Regular care and cleaning is required in order to
maintain the appearance of the leather.
Before using any fabric protector, read the
manufacturer’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.
WARNING
Do not use water or acidic cleaners (hot
steam cleaners) on the seat. This can
damage the seat or occupant classifica-
tion sensors. This can also affect the
operation of the air bag system and
result in serious personal injury.
CAUTION
.Never use benzine, thinner, or any
similar material.
. For cleaning, use a soft cloth, dam-
pened with water. Never use a rough
cloth, alcohol, benzine, thinner or
any kind of solvent or paper towel
with a chemical cleaning agent.
They will scratch or cause discolora-
tion to the lens.
. Do not spray any liquid such as
water on the meter lens. Spraying
liquid may cause the system to
malfunction.
. Small dirt particles can be abrasive
and damaging to the leather sur-
faces and should be removed
promptly. Do not use saddle soap,
car waxes, polishes, oils, cleaning
fluids, solvents, detergents or am-
monia-based cleaners as they may
damage the leather’s natural finish.
. Never use fabric protectors unless
recommended by the manufacturer.
. Do not use glass or plastic cleaner
on meter or gauge lens covers. It may damage the lens cover.AIR FRESHENERS
Most air fresheners use a solvent that could
affect the vehicle interior. If you use an air
freshener, take the following precautions:
.
Hanging-type air fresheners can cause
permanent discoloration when they contact
vehicle interior surfaces. Place the air
freshener in a location that allows it to hang
free and not contact an interior surface.
. Liquid-type air fresheners typically clip on
the vents. These products can cause
immediate damage and discoloration when
spilled on interior surfaces.
Carefully read and follow the manufacturer’s
instructions before using air fresheners.
FLOOR MATS
WARNING
To avoid potential pedal interference
that may result in a collision, injury or
death:
. NEVER place a floor mat on top of
another floor mat in the driver front
position or install them upside
down or backwards.
Appearance and care7-5
CLEANING INTERIOR