2004 Nissan Xterra Owner's Manual - Page 160

● Unsecured cargo can be thrown around when driving over rough terrain. Properly secure all cargo so it will not be thrown forward and cause injury to you or your passengers. ● To avoid raising the center of gravity excessively, do not exceed the rated capactiy of the roof rack/gear bin (if so equipped) and evenly distribute the load. Secure heavy loads in the cargo area as far forward and as low as possible. Do not equip the vehicle with tires larger than specified in this manual. This could cause your vehicle to roll over. ● Do not grip the inside or spokes of the steering wheel when driving off-road. The steering wheel could move suddenly and injure your hands. Instead drive with your fingers and thumbs on the outside of the rim. ● Before operating the vehicle, ensure that the driver and all passengers have their seat belts fastened. ● Always drive with the floor mats in place as the floor may become hot. ● Lower your speed when encountering strong crosswinds. With a higher center of gravity, your NISSAN is more affected by strong side winds. Slower speeds ensure better vehicle control. ● Do not drive beyond the performance capablity of the tires, even with 4WD engaged. ● Accelerating quickly, sharp steering maneuvers or sudden braking may cause loss of control. ● If at all possible, avoid sharp turning maneuvers, particularly at high speeds. Your NISSAN four-wheel drive vehicle has a higher center of gravity than a two-wheel drive vehicle. The vehicle is not designed for cornering at the same speeds as conventional two-wheel drive vehicles. Failure to operate this vehicle correctly could result in loss of control and/or a rollover accident. ● Always use tires of the same type, size, brand, construction (bias, bias-belted, or radial), and tread pattern on all four wheels. Install tire chains on the rear wheels when driving on slippery roads and drive carefully. ● Be sure to check the brakes immediately after driving in mud or water. See "Brake system" later in this section for "Wet brakes". ● Avoid parking your vehicle on steep hills. If you get out of the vehicle and it rolls forward, backward or sideways, you could be injured. ● Whenever you drive off-road through sand, mud or water as deep as the wheel hub, more frequent maintenance may be required. See "Periodic maintenance" in the "NISSAN Service and Maintenance Guide." 5-6 Starting and driving