1996 Nissan Quest Owner's Manual - Page 153

POWER STEERING SYSTEM The power assisted steering is designed to use a hydraulic pump, driven by the engine, to aid steering. If the engine stops or the drive belt breaks, you still have control of the vehicle. However, much greater steering effort is needed, especially in sharp turns or at low speeds. BRAKE SYSTEM The brake system has two separate hydraulic circuits. If one circuit develops a problem you will still have braking at two wheels. Vacuum assisted brake 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 is required to stop the vehicle, and the stopping distance is longer. Wet brakes When the vehicle is washed or driven through water, the brakes may get wet. As a result, your braking distance is longer and the vehicle may pull to one side during braking. To dry brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe speed while lightly pressing 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 overheats the brakes, wears out the brake linings and pads faster 4-14 and reduces gas mileage. To help save the brakes 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, accelerating or downshifting. Abrupt braking actions or sudden acceleration could cause the wheels to skid and result in an accident.