1996 Nissan Maxima Owner's Manual - Page 105

PRECAUTIONS WHEN DRIVING the vehicle. ¼ Driving with 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 will be required to stop the vehicle and the stopping distance will be longer. ¼ Driving with the power assisted steering: The power assisted steering is designed to use a hydraulic pump, driven by the engine, to assist steering. If the engine stops or drive belt breaks, you will still have control of the vehicle. However, much greater steering effort is needed, especially in sharp turns or at low speeds. ¼ 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 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. ¼ 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. ¼ 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. ¼ 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. 4-16