1998 Nissan Frontier Owner's Manual - Page 126

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 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 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 the brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe speed while lightly pressing the brake pedal to heat 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 overheat the brakes, wear out the brake linings 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. 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. ● 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. ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) Normal Operation The anti-lock brake system does not operate at speeds below 3 to 6 MPH (5 to 10 km/h). (The speeds vary according to road conditions.) When driving, the anti-lock brake system controls the wheels so they will not lock when braking abruptly or when braking on a slippery road. Thus, difficult steering and swerving of the vehicle due to locked wheels is minimized. The system detects the wheel rotation rate and electronically controls the pressure applied to each brake. Slight vibration on the brake pedal accompanied by noise usually occurs while the ABS system is operating. Such vibration and noise encountered during abrupt braking is not a problem, but indicates that the system is functioning. Even with the rear anti-lock brake system, your front wheels can still lock. If this happens, release the brake pedal slightly and then reapply pressure. Self-test feature The anti-lock brake system consists of electronic sensors and hydraulic solenoids controlled by a computer. The computer has a Starting and driving 5-25