Nissan ALTIMA 2023 Break-in schedule and Brake

 A careful break-in plan and a dependable braking system combine in the 2023 Nissan Altima to provide a safe and comfortable ride. It is advised that drivers use caution throughout the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of the suggested break-in time. This will allow the engine and other components to settle as best they can. Avoiding excessive speeds, sudden accelerations, and heavy towing. The Altima’s hydraulic brake system, which comes with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), brake assist, and anti-lock brakes (ABS), emphasizes its dedication to control and safety. Every drive is made safer and more pleasurable by the Altima’s frequent brake checks and brake fluid changes, which are part of normal maintenance that guarantee a well-maintained brake system and a smooth break-in period.

2023 Nissan Altima Specs, Price, Features and Mileage (Brochure)

BREAK-IN SCHEDULE

CAUTION
During the first 1,200 miles (2,000 km), follow these recommendations to obtain maximum engine performance and ensure the future reliability and economy of your new vehicle. Failure to follow these recommendations may result in shortened engine life and reduced engine performance.

• Avoid driving for long periods at a constant speed, either fast or slow, and do not run the engine over 4,000 rpm.
• Do not accelerate at full throttle in any gear.
• Avoid driving for long periods at a constant speed, either fast or slow, and do not run the engine over 4,000 rpm.
• Do not accelerate at full throttle in any gear.

FUEL EFFICIENT DRIVING TIPS

Follow these easy-to-use Fuel Efficient Driving Tips to help you achieve the most fuel economy from your vehicle.

1.  Use Smooth Accelerator and Brake Pedal Application
   • Avoid rapid starts and stops.
   •  Use a smooth, gentle accelerator and brake application whenever possible.
   • Maintain constant speed while commuting and coast whenever possible.
2. Maintain Constant Speed
   • Look ahead to try and anticipate and minimize stops.
   • Synchronizing your speed with traffic lights allows you to reduce your number of stops.
   • Maintaining a steady speed can minimize red light stops and improve fuel efficiency.
3.  Use Air Conditioning (A/C) at Higher Vehicle Speeds
   •  Below 40 mph (64 km/h), it is more efficient to open windows to cool the vehicle due to reduced engine load.
   • Above 40 mph (64 km/h), it is more efficient to use A/C to cool the vehicle due to increased aerodynamic drag.
   •  144 Starting and driving
   • Recirculating the cool air in the cabin when the A/C is on reduces the cooling load.
4. Drive at Economical Speeds and Distances
   •  Observing the speed limit and not exceeding 60 mph (97 km/h) (where legally allowed) can improve fuel efficiency due to reduced aerodynamic drag.
   •  Maintaining a safe following distance behind other vehicles reduces unnecessary braking.
   • Safely monitoring traffic to anticipate changes in speed permits reduced braking and smooth acceleration changes.
   • Select a gear range suitable to road conditions.
5. Use Cruise Control
   • Using cruise control during highway driving helps maintain a steady speed.
   •  Cruise control is particularly effective in providing fuel savings when driving on flat terrains.
6. Plan for the Shortest Route
   •  Utilize a map or navigation system to determine the best route to save time.
7. Avoid Idling
   • Shutting off your engine when safe for stops exceeding 30–60 seconds saves fuel and reduces emissions.
8. Buy an Automated Pass for Toll Roads
   • Automated passes permit drivers to use special lanes to maintain cruising speed through the toll and avoid stopping and starting.
9.  Winter Warm Up
   • Limit idling time to minimize impact to fuel economy.
   • Vehicles typically need no more than 30 seconds of idling at start-up to effectively circulate the engine oil before driving.
   • Your vehicle will reach its ideal operating temperature more quickly while driving versus idling.
10.  Keeping your Vehicle Cool
    • Park your vehicle in a covered parking area or in the shade whenever possible.
    • When entering a hot vehicle, opening the windows will help to reduce the inside temperature faster, resulting in reduced demand on your A/C system.

INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY

• Keep your engine tuned up.
• Follow the recommended scheduled maintenance.
• Keep the tires inflated to the correct pressure. Low tire pressure increases tire wear and lowers fuel economy.
• Keep the wheels in the correct alignment. Improper alignment increases tire wear and lowers fuel economy.
• Use the recommended viscosity engine oil. 

ALL-WHEEL DRIVE (AWD) (if so equipped)

If any malfunction occurs in the AWD system while the engine is running, messages are displayed in the meter. If the AWD error warning message is dis-played, there may be a malfunction in the AWD system. Reduce vehicle speed and have your vehicle checked. It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer as soon as possible.

The AWD high temperature message may be displayed while trying to free a stuck vehicle due to increased oil temperature. The driving mode may change to 2-wheel drive. If this message is displayed, stop the vehicle with the engine idling, as soon as it is safe to do so. Then if the message turns off, you can continue driving.

The tire size message may be displayed if there is a large difference between the diameters of the front and rear wheels. Pull off the road in a safe area, with the engine idling. Check that all tire sizes are the same, that the tire pressure is correct and that the tires are not excessively worn. If any warning messages continue to be displayed, have your vehicle checked. It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer as soon as possible.

WARNING

• Do not drive beyond the performance capability of the tires. Accelerating quickly, sharp steering maneuvers, or sudden braking may cause loss of control, even with AWD engaged.
• For AWD-equipped vehicles, do not attempt to raise two wheels off the ground and shift the transmission to any drive or reverse position with the engine running. Doing so may result in drivetrain damage or unexpected vehicle movement which could result in serious personal injury or vehicle damage.
• Do not attempt to test an AWD-equipped vehicle on a 2-wheel dynamometer (such as the dynamometers used by some states for emissions testing) or similar equipment even if the other two wheels are raised off the ground. Make sure that you inform the test facility personnel that your vehicle is equipped with AWD before it is placed on a dynamometer. Using the wrong test equipment may result in drivetrain damage or unexpected vehicle movement which could result in serious personal injury or vehicle damage.

CAUTION

•  Do not operate the engine on a free roller when any of the wheels are raised.
• If you use the free roller, rotate four wheels with the same speed without raising any wheels.
• If an AWD warning message is displayed while driving there may be a malfunction in the AWD system. Reduce the vehicle speed immediately and have your vehicle checked. It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer as soon as possible.
• The powertrain may be damaged if you continue driving when the AWD temperature or tire size incorrect messages are displayed
• If the AWD high temperature message is displayed while you are driving, pull off the road in a safe area, and idle the engine. The driving mode will change to 2WD to prevent the AWD system from malfunctioning. If the warning message turns off, you can drive again.
• If the tire size incorrect message is displayed while you are driving, pull off the road in a safe area with the engine idling. Check that all tire sizes are the same, that the tire pressure is correct and that the tires are not excessively worn.
• If a warning message continues to be displayed after the above operations, have your vehicle checked as soon as possible. It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.

PARKING/PARKING ON HILLS

Break-in schedule

• Do not stop or park the vehicle over flammable materials such as dry grass, waste paper or rags. They may ignite and cause a fire.
• Safe parking procedures require that both the parking brake be set and the transmission placed into P (Park). Failure to do so could cause the vehicle to move unexpectedly or roll away and result in an accident. Make sure the shift lever has been pushed as far forward as it can go and cannot be moved without depressing the foot brake pedal.
  • Never leave the engine running while the vehicle is unattended.
• Do not leave children unattended inside the vehicle. They could unknowingly activate switches or controls or make the vehicle move. Unattended children could become involved in serious accidents.
• To help avoid risk of injury or death through the unintended operation of the vehicle and/or its systems, do not leave children, people who require the assistance of others or pets unattended in your vehicle.
• Additionally, the temperature inside a closed vehicle on a warm day can quickly become high enough to cause a significant risk of injury or death to people and pets.

1. Firmly apply the parking brake.
2. Move the shift lever to the P (Park) position.
3. To help prevent the vehicle from rolling into traffic when parked on an incline, it is a good practice to turn the wheels as illustrated.
   • HEADED DOWNHILL WITH CURB OA : Turn the wheels into the curb and move the vehicle forward until the curb side wheel gently touches the curb.
   • HEADED UPHILL WITH CURB OB : Turn the wheels away from the curb and move the vehicle back until the curb side wheel gently touches the curb.
   • HEADED UPHILL OR DOWNHILL, NO CURB OC :
   • 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. Place the ignition switch in the LOCK position.

POWER STEERING

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 harder to operate.
• When the power steering warning light illuminates with the engine running, there will be no power assist for the steering. You will still have control of the vehicle, but the steering will be much harder to operate. Have the power steering system checked. It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.

The power steering system is designed to provide power assistance while driving to operate the steering wheel with light force. When the steering wheel is operated repeatedly or continuously while parking or driving at a very low speed, the power assist for the steering wheel will be reduced. This is to prevent overheating of the power steering system and protect it from getting damaged. While the power assist is reduced, steering wheel operation will become heavy. If the steering wheel operation is still performed, the power steering may stop and the power steering warning light will illuminate. In a safe location, stop the engine and place the ignition switch in the OFF position. The temperature of the power steering system will go down after a period of time and the power assist level will return to normal after starting the engine. The power steering warning light will go off. Avoid repeating such steering wheel operations that could cause the power steering system to overheat. You may hear a noise from the front of the vehicle when the steering wheel is operated. This is a normal operational noise and is not a malfunction. If the power steering warning light illuminates while the engine is running, it may indicate the power steering system is not functioning properly and may need servicing. Have the power steering system checked. It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service. When the power steering warning light illuminates with the engine running, the power assist for the steering will cease operation but you will still have control of the vehicle. At this time, greater steering efforts are required to operate the steering wheel, especially in sharp turns and at low speeds.

BRAKE SYSTEM
The brake system has two separate hydraulic circuits. If one circuit malfunctions, you will still have braking at two wheels.

BRAKE PRECAUTIONS

Vacuum-assisted brakes
The brake booster aids braking by using an 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. Using the brakes Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving. This will overheat the brakes, wear out the brake pads faster, and reduce gas mileage. To help reduce brake wear and 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.

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.

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 the 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.

Parking brake break-in
Break in the parking brake shoes whenever the stopping effect of the parking brake is weakened or whenever the parking brake shoes and/or drums/rotors are replaced, in order to ensure the best braking performance. This procedure is described in the vehicle service manual. It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.

ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS)

• The ABS 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. Remember that stopping distances on slippery surfaces will be longer than on normal surfaces even with ABS. Stopping distances may also be longer on rough, gravel, or snow-covered roads, or if you are using tire chains. Always maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you. Ultimately, the driver is responsible for safety.
• Tire type and condition 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 that it is the proper size and type as specified on the Tire and Loading Information label. 

The ABS controls the brakes so the wheels do not lock during hard braking or when braking on slippery surfaces. The system detects the rotation speed at each wheel and varies the brake fluid pressure to prevent each wheel from locking and sliding. By preventing each wheel from locking, the system helps the driver maintain steering control and helps minimize swerving and spinning on slippery surfaces.

Using the system
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down. Depress the brake pedal with firm steady pressure, but do not pump the brakes. The Anti-lock Braking System will operate to prevent the wheels from locking up. Steer the vehicle to avoid obstacles.

WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so may result in increased stopping distances.

Self-test feature
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) includes electronic sensors, electric pumps, hydraulic solenoids, and a computer. The computer has a built-in diagnostic feature that tests the system each time you start the engine and move the vehicle at a low speed in forward or reverse. When the self-test occurs, you may hear a “clunk” noise and/or feel a pulsation in the brake pedal. This is normal and does not indicate a malfunction. If the computer senses a malfunction, it switches the ABS off and illuminates the ABS warning light on the instrument panel. The brake system then operates normally but without anti-lock assistance.
If the ABS warning light illuminates during the self-test or while driving, have the vehicle checked. It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.

Normal operation
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) operates at speeds above 3-6 mph(5-10 km/h). The speed varies according to road conditions. When the ABS senses that one or more wheels are close to locking up, the actuator rapidly applies and releases hydraulic pressure. This action is similar to pumping the brakes very quickly. You may feel a pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a noise from under the hood or feel a vibration from the actuator when it is operating. This is normal and indicates that the ABS is operating properly. However, the pulsation may indicate that road conditions are hazardous and extra care is required while driving.

BRAKE ASSIST
When the force applied to the brake pedal exceeds a certain level, Brake Assist is activated generating greater braking force than a conventional brake booster even with light pedal force.

WARNING
The Brake Assist is only an aid to assist braking operation and is not a collision warning or avoidance device. It is the driver’s responsibility to stay alert, drive safely, and be in control of the vehicle at all times.

FAQ