The Nissan Kicks brake system is designed with two independent hydraulic circuits. If one circuit experiences a malfunction, braking capability will still be available at two wheels, helping maintain a level of stopping performance and vehicle control.
Brake precautions
Vacuum assisted brakes
The brake booster uses engine vacuum to provide additional braking assistance and reduce the amount of force required on the brake pedal. If the engine stops running, braking capability remains available; however, significantly greater pedal effort will be required and the stopping distance of the Nissan Kicks may increase.
Using the brakes
Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving. Even light and continuous pedal pressure can cause the brakes to overheat, accelerate brake pad wear, and reduce fuel efficiency.
To minimize brake wear and help prevent brake overheating, reduce vehicle speed and shift to a lower gear before descending long grades or steep slopes. Excessive brake temperatures can reduce braking effectiveness and may increase the risk of losing vehicle control.
WARNING
- When driving on slippery or low-traction surfaces, exercise extra caution when braking, accelerating, or downshifting. Sudden vehicle inputs can cause the tires to lose traction, resulting in skidding and potentially causing an accident.
- If the engine is not running or shuts off while the vehicle is moving, brake power assistance will no
longer be available.
As a result, greater brake pedal effort will be required to slow or stop the Nissan Kicks.
Wet brakes
After driving through water or washing the vehicle, moisture may remain on the brake components. Wet brakes can reduce braking performance, increase stopping distances, and may cause the vehicle to pull slightly to one side during braking.
To dry the brakes, drive at a safe speed and apply light pressure to the brake pedal to generate heat. Continue this process until normal braking performance returns. Avoid high-speed driving until the brakes are functioning properly again.
Parking brake break-in
The parking brake shoes should be properly broken in whenever braking effectiveness decreases or whenever parking brake shoes and/or drums or rotors (if equipped) are replaced. Proper break-in helps ensure maximum parking brake performance and reliability.
The recommended break-in procedure is described in the vehicle service manual. It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer to have this service performed correctly.
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
WARNING
- The ABS is an advanced braking aid, but it cannot overcome the laws of physics or compensate for careless, reckless, or unsafe driving practices. The system helps maintain steering control during braking on slippery surfaces; however, stopping distances on wet, icy, gravel-covered, snow-covered, or otherwise slippery roads may still be longer than on dry pavement. Vehicles equipped with tire chains may also experience increased stopping distances. Always maintain a safe following distance and drive according to road conditions. The driver remains responsible for safe vehicle operation at all times.
- Tire condition, tire type, and tire size can affect braking performance and overall ABS
effectiveness.
- When replacing tires, always install the specified tire size on all four wheels of the Nissan Kicks.
- When using a spare tire, ensure it matches the size and type specified on the Tire and Loading Information label.
The Anti-lock Braking System helps prevent wheel lockup during hard braking or when braking on slippery surfaces. The system continuously monitors wheel speed and adjusts hydraulic brake pressure individually at each wheel to help maintain traction.
By reducing the likelihood of wheel lockup, ABS helps the driver retain steering control and can reduce the chances of skidding, spinning, or losing directional stability during emergency braking situations.
Using the system
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down.
Apply firm, steady pressure to the brake pedal and do not pump the brakes. The Anti-lock Braking System will automatically regulate brake pressure as needed to help prevent wheel lockup. Continue steering the Nissan Kicks around obstacles when necessary.
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Pumping the brakes may increase stopping distances and reduce the effectiveness of ABS operation.
Self-test feature
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) includes electronic sensors, hydraulic control components, electric pumps, solenoids, and a dedicated control module. Each time the engine is started and the vehicle begins moving slowly in either forward or reverse, the system performs a self-diagnostic check.
During this self-test, you may hear a brief "clunk" sound and/or feel a slight pulsation through the brake pedal. These sensations are normal and indicate that the system is performing its diagnostic routine.
If the control module detects a malfunction, the ABS function will be disabled and the ABS warning light will illuminate on the instrument panel. Under these circumstances, the conventional braking system will continue to operate normally, but anti-lock braking assistance will no longer be available.
If the ABS warning light remains illuminated during the self-test process or comes on while driving, have the Nissan Kicks inspected as soon as possible. It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for service.
Normal operation
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) generally operates at speeds above approximately 3 - 6 mph (5 - 10 km/h), depending on road and surface conditions.
When ABS detects that one or more wheels are approaching lockup, the actuator rapidly modulates hydraulic brake pressure. This process occurs many times per second and helps maintain wheel rotation while braking.
The sensation may feel similar to rapidly pumping the brakes. During operation, you may notice brake pedal pulsation, vibration, or hear mechanical sounds from the engine compartment area. These characteristics are normal and indicate that the ABS system in the Nissan Kicks is functioning correctly.
Although these sensations are normal, they may also indicate that road conditions are slippery or hazardous. Drive carefully and adjust your speed to suit current conditions.
Brake Assist
When the system detects that emergency braking is being attempted, Brake Assist automatically increases braking force beyond what a conventional brake booster would provide, even if the driver is not applying maximum pedal force. This feature helps the Nissan Kicks achieve stronger braking performance during emergency situations.
WARNING
Brake Assist is designed only to support braking performance. It is not a collision warning system, collision avoidance system, or autonomous driving feature. The driver must remain attentive, operate the Nissan Kicks safely, and maintain full control of the vehicle at all times.