2000 Nissan Maxima Owner's Manual - Page 139

POWER STEERING 2 ¼ HEADED UPHILL WITH CURB: k BRAKE SYSTEM BRAKING PRECAUTIONS 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 will be required to stop the vehicle and the 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 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, increases wear on the brake linings and pads, and reduces gas mileage. Turn the wheels away from the curb and move the vehicle back until the curb side wheel gently touches the curb. ¼ HEADED UPHILL OR DOWNHILL, NO 3 CURB: k Turn the wheels toward the side of the road so the vehicle will move away from the center of the road if it moves. 4. Turn the ignition key to the LOCK position and remove the key. 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. WARNING If the engine is not running or is turned off while driving, the power assist for the steering will not work. Steering will be much harder to operate. 5-18 Starting and driving