2002 Nissan Maxima Owner's Manual - Page 177

MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS Your new NISSAN has been designed to have minimum maintenance requirements with longer service intervals to save you both time and money. However, some day-to-day and regular maintenance is essential to maintain your NISSAN's good mechanical condition, as well as its emission and engine performance. It is the owner's responsibility to make sure that 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 optional scheduled maintenance items are described and listed in your "Service and Maintenance Guide". You must refer to that guide to ensure that necessary maintenance is performed on your NISSAN at regular intervals. General maintenance: General maintenance includes those items which should be checked during normal dayto-day operation of the vehicle. They are essential if your vehicle is to continue to operate properly. It is your responsibility to perform these procedures regularly as prescribed. Performing general maintenance checks require 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, your NISSAN dealer. Where to go for service: If maintenance service is required or your vehicle appears to malfunction, have the systems checked and tuned by an authorized 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-dealership training programs. They are completely qualified to work on NISSAN vehicles before they work on your vehicle, rather than after they have worked on it. You can be confident that your NISSAN dealer's service department performs the best job to meet the maintenance requirements of your vehicle - in a reliable and economic way. GENERAL MAINTENANCE During the normal day-to-day operation of the vehicle, general maintenance should be performed regularly as prescribed in this section. If you detect any unusual sounds, vibrations or smell, be sure to check for the cause or have your NISSAN dealer check it promptly. In addition, you should notify your NISSAN dealer if you think that repairs are required. When performing any checks or maintenance work, closely observe the "Maintenance precautions" later in this section. EXPLANATION OF GENERAL MAINTENANCE ITEMS Additional information on the following items with "*" is found later in this section. Outside the vehicle The maintenance items listed here should be performed from time to time, unless otherwise specified. Tires*: Check the pressure with a gauge at least once a month and always prior to long distance trips, including the spare, and adjust to the specified pressure if necessary. Check carefully for damage, cuts or excessive wear. Wheel nuts*: When checking the tires, make sure no nuts are missing, and check for any loose nuts. Tighten if necessary. 8-2 Maintenance and do-it-yourself