2004 Nissan Xterra Owner's Manual - Page 179

VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC) SYSTEM (if so equipped) WARNING ● The anti-lock brake system is a sophisticated device, but it cannot prevent accidents resulting from careless or dangerous driving techniques. It can help maintain vehicle control during braking on slippery surfaces, but remember that the stopping distance on slippery surfaces will be longer than on normal surfaces even with the anti-lock brake system. Stopping distances may also be longer on rough, gravel or snow covered roads, or if you are using tire chains. Tire type and condition may also affect braking effectiveness. Always maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you. Ultimately, the responsibility for safety of self and others rests in the hands of the driver. ● Tire type and condition of tires may also affect braking effectiveness. ● When replacing tires, install the specified size of tires on all four wheels. ● When installing a spare tire, make sure it is the proper size and type as specified on the tire placard. For tire placard location information, refer to "Tire placard" in the "Technical and consumer information" section of this manual. ● Refer to "Wheels and tires" in the "Maintenance and do-it-yourself" section of this manual. When accelerating or driving on slippery surfaces, the tires may spin or slide. With the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system, sensors detect these movements and control the braking and engine output to help improve vehicle stability. ● When the vehicle dynamic control (VDC) system is operating, the slip indicator in the instrument panel blinks. ● When only the traction control system (TCS) portion of the vehicle dynamic control system is operating, the slip indicator will also blink. ● If the slip indicator blinks, the road conditions are slippery. Be sure to adjust your speed and driving to these conditions. See "Slip indicator light", and "Vehicle dynamic control off indicator light" in the "Instruments and controls" section. ● Indicator light If malfunction occurs in the system, the and indicator lights come on in the instrument panel. As long as these warning lights are on, the traction control function is canceled. The VDC system uses an Active Brake Limited Slip (ABLS) system to improve vehicle traction. The ABLS system works when one of the driving wheels is spinning on a slippery surface. The Starting and driving 5-25