2009 Nissan cube Owner's Manual - Page 217

BRAKE SYSTEM You may hear a fricative sound when the steering wheel is operated quickly. However, this is not a malfunction. If the electric power steering warning light illuminates while the engine is running, it may indicate the electric power steering system is not functioning properly and may need servicing. Have the electric power steering system checked by a NISSAN dealer. (See "Electric power steering warning light" in the "2. Instruments and controls" section.) When the electric power steering warning light illuminates with the engine running, the power assist for the steering will cease operation. You will still have control of the vehicle. However, greater steering effort is needed, especially in sharp turns and at low speeds. BRAKING PRECAUTIONS The brake system has two separate hydraulic circuits. If one circuit malfunctions, you will still have braking at two wheels. You may feel a small click and hear a sound when the brake pedal is fully depressed slowly. This is not a malfunction and indicates that the brake assist mechanism is operating properly. . WARNING While driving on a slippery surface, be careful when braking, accelerating or downshifting. Abrupt braking or accelerating could cause the wheels to skid and result in an accident. If the engine is not running or is turned off while driving, the power assist for the brakes will not work. Braking will be harder. Vacuum assisted brakes 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 tapping 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 will cause overheating of the brakes, wearing out the brake pads and shoes faster and reduce gas mileage. To help reduce brake wear 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. Starting and driving 5-27