To help keep your Nissan Kicks operating safely, efficiently, and reliably, routine general maintenance should be performed on a regular basis during normal day-to-day vehicle use. If you notice unusual noises, vibrations, warning signs, fluid leaks, or unfamiliar odors, investigate the cause as soon as possible or have the vehicle inspected by a qualified technician. If repairs appear necessary, it is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for professional diagnosis and service.
Whenever carrying out inspections or maintenance procedures on your Nissan Kicks, carefully follow all instructions and safety recommendations outlined in the "Maintenance precautions" section of this manual.
Explanation of general maintenance items
WARNING
Failure to follow the maintenance procedures and safety precautions described in this section could result in personal injury, vehicle damage, or unsafe operating conditions.
Additional information for maintenance items marked with an "*" can be found in the "Do-it-yourself" section of this manual.
Outside the vehicle
The following maintenance items should be checked periodically as part of routine ownership of your Nissan Kicks unless otherwise noted.
Doors and engine hood: Verify that all doors and the engine hood open, close, and latch properly without excessive effort or unusual resistance.
Make sure all locking mechanisms engage securely and operate smoothly during normal use.
Lubricate hinges, latch assemblies, latch pins, rollers, and connecting links whenever necessary to maintain proper operation and reduce wear. Confirm that the secondary hood latch functions correctly and prevents the hood from opening if the primary latch is released.
When driving in regions where road salt, de-icing chemicals, or other corrosive substances are commonly used, inspect and lubricate these components more frequently.
Check that the gas stays or support struts securely hold the hood, trunk, or rear hatch in the fully open position. If any panel no longer remains open on its own, have the gas stays or struts replaced promptly.
Lights*: Keep the headlamps clean to maintain optimal visibility and lighting performance. Regularly inspect the headlights, tail lights, brake lights, turn signals, marker lights, and all other exterior lighting components to ensure they operate correctly and remain securely mounted. Headlight alignment should also be checked periodically.
Road wheel nuts (lug nuts)*: Whenever inspecting the tires, confirm that no wheel nuts are missing and verify that all wheel nuts are properly tightened. Tighten them to specification whenever necessary.
Tire rotation*: Rotate the tires at the intervals specified in the maintenance schedule. Regular tire rotation helps promote even tread wear and contributes to longer tire life and more consistent handling characteristics for your Nissan Kicks.
Tires*: Check tire pressure frequently using an accurate pressure gauge, especially before extended trips. Adjust all tires, including the spare tire (if equipped), to the recommended inflation pressure. Carefully inspect the tires for cuts, punctures, sidewall damage, embedded objects, uneven wear patterns, or excessive tread wear.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) tire pressure sensor: To help maintain accurate tire pressure monitoring, it is recommended that the TPMS sensor assemblies be replaced whenever the tires are replaced due to age, wear, or damage.
Wheel alignment and balance: If your Nissan Kicks consistently drifts or pulls to one side while traveling on a straight, level road, wheel alignment adjustment may be required. Likewise, if vibrations are felt through the steering wheel, floor, or seats at highway speeds, wheel balancing service may be necessary to restore smooth operation and prevent uneven tire wear.
For additional information regarding tire maintenance, safety recommendations, and tire-related inspections, refer to "Important Tire Safety Information" (U.S.) or "Tire Safety Information" (Canada) in the Warranty Information Booklet.
Windshield: Clean the windshield of your Nissan Kicks regularly to maintain clear visibility in all driving conditions. In addition to routine cleaning, inspect the glass at least every six months for chips, cracks, pitting, or any other signs of damage that could affect driver visibility or compromise the windshield’s structural integrity.
If the windshield becomes damaged, have it inspected and repaired promptly by a qualified repair facility. For the best results and proper restoration of original vehicle standards, Nissan recommends having windshield repairs performed by a NISSAN dealer or a NISSAN Certified Collision Center. To find an authorized collision repair facility in your area, refer to http://collision.nissanusa.com.
Windshield wiper blades*: Inspect the wiper blades periodically for cracks, splits, hardened rubber, or excessive wear, especially if they fail to clear the glass effectively. Replacing worn blades helps maintain optimum visibility during rain, snow, and other adverse weather conditions.
Inside the vehicle
The maintenance items listed below should be inspected regularly as part of routine ownership of your Nissan Kicks. These checks can be performed during scheduled maintenance visits, while cleaning the vehicle, or whenever you notice a change in vehicle operation.
Accelerator pedal: Verify that the accelerator pedal operates smoothly throughout its entire range of movement without sticking, binding, or requiring uneven pressure. Ensure that no objects interfere with pedal travel and always keep the floor mat properly secured and away from the pedal area.
Brake pedal: Check that the brake pedal moves smoothly and feels firm during operation. If the pedal suddenly travels farther than normal, feels soft or spongy, or if the vehicle requires a longer distance to stop, the braking system should be inspected without delay.
It is recommended that you have the vehicle examined by a NISSAN dealer if any abnormal brake pedal behavior is detected. Also ensure that floor mats remain properly positioned and do not interfere with brake pedal operation.
Brakes: During normal driving, verify that the brakes apply evenly and do not cause the Nissan Kicks to pull to either side. Uneven braking may indicate the need for inspection or service.
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) P (Park) position mechanism: When parked on a reasonably steep incline, confirm that the vehicle remains securely stationary with the shift selector placed in the P (Park) position and without applying the service brakes. This check helps verify proper operation of the parking mechanism.
Parking brake: Inspect parking brake performance on a regular basis. On a fairly steep hill, the vehicle should remain securely in place using only the parking brake. If reduced holding ability or excessive lever or pedal travel is noticed, adjustment or service may be required. Nissan recommends having this work performed by a NISSAN dealer.
Seats: Check all seat adjustment functions, including seat position adjusters, seatback recliners, and any other seat controls, to ensure smooth operation. Verify that all locking mechanisms engage properly and hold the seat securely in every selected position.
Also check that the head restraints/headrests move smoothly through their adjustment range and that the locking mechanisms (if equipped) engage securely in each latched position, helping provide proper occupant support and protection.
Seat belts: Inspect all components of the seat belt system, including buckles, anchors, adjusters, and retractors, to ensure they operate smoothly and are securely attached. Each belt should latch and release properly and retract without hesitation.
Examine the seat belt webbing carefully for cuts, fraying, excessive wear, abrasions, or any other damage. Damaged seat belts should be replaced promptly to maintain occupant safety.
Steering wheel: Pay attention to any noticeable changes in steering performance, including excessive free play, increased steering effort, vibration, or unusual noises during steering operation. Any significant change should be inspected by a qualified technician.
Warning lights and chimes: Confirm that all warning indicators, information displays, and audible chimes operate correctly. Proper operation of these systems helps ensure that important vehicle alerts are communicated to the driver when necessary.
Windshield defroster: Verify that air flows properly from the defroster outlets and that sufficient airflow reaches the windshield when operating the heating or air conditioning system. Effective defroster performance is essential for maintaining visibility in cold or humid weather.
Windshield wiper and washer*: Check that the wiper and washer systems function correctly and consistently. Ensure that washer fluid is delivered properly to the windshield and that the wiper blades clear the glass without streaking, skipping, or leaving areas of reduced visibility. Regular inspection of these systems helps keep your Nissan Kicks ready for changing weather conditions.
Under the hood and vehicle
The maintenance items listed in this section should be inspected periodically as part of routine Nissan Kicks ownership. A convenient time to perform these checks is whenever you inspect the engine oil level, refuel the vehicle, or carry out other regular maintenance tasks. Consistent inspections can help identify potential concerns before they develop into more costly repairs.
Battery*: The Nissan Kicks is equipped with a sealed, maintenance-free battery designed to provide reliable performance under normal operating conditions. Because the battery does not require routine servicing, any inspection, testing, or replacement should be performed by qualified personnel. Nissan recommends visiting a NISSAN dealer for battery-related service and diagnostics.
NOTE:
Special care should be taken to avoid conditions that may contribute to battery discharge and result in a no-start situation.
1. Installation or prolonged use of electronic accessories that draw power while the engine is not running, such as phone chargers, GPS devices, DVD players, dash cameras, or similar equipment.
2. The vehicle is driven infrequently and/or is primarily used for short trips that do not allow sufficient time for the battery to recharge fully.
Under these circumstances, periodic battery charging may be necessary to help maintain battery condition and support reliable starting performance.
Brake fluid level*: Check that the brake fluid level remains between the MIN and MAX marks on the reservoir. Maintaining the correct fluid level is important for proper braking performance and overall system operation.
Engine coolant level*: Inspect the coolant level only when the engine is completely cold. Checking coolant while the engine is hot may result in inaccurate readings and could pose a safety risk.
Engine drive belts*: Examine the drive belt carefully for signs of fraying, cracking, excessive wear, glazing, or contamination from oil or other fluids. A properly maintained belt helps ensure reliable operation of engine-driven components.
Engine oil level*: Check the engine oil level after parking the Nissan Kicks on a level surface and turning the engine off. Allow at least 15 minutes for the oil to drain back into the oil pan before taking a reading. This helps ensure a more accurate measurement.
Engine valve clearance*: Inspection of valve clearance is generally not required under normal conditions. However, if engine valve noise becomes noticeably louder than usual, the system should be inspected by a qualified technician.
Exhaust system: Inspect the exhaust system for loose mounting supports, cracks, holes, or any signs of damage. If the exhaust note becomes unusually loud or if exhaust fumes are detected inside or around the vehicle, have the system inspected immediately. For proper diagnosis and repair, Nissan recommends visiting a NISSAN dealer.
Fluid leaks: After the vehicle has been parked for a period of time, look underneath for evidence of fuel, oil, coolant, water, or other fluid leaks. Small amounts of water dripping from the air conditioning system after operation are normal. However, any other leak or the presence of fuel odors should be investigated and corrected as soon as possible.
Radiator and hoses: Inspect the front surface of the radiator and remove any dirt, insects, leaves, or debris that may restrict airflow. Proper airflow is important for maintaining effective engine cooling performance.
Make sure all cooling system hoses are free from cracks, swelling, deterioration, deformation, rot, or loose connections. Damaged hoses should be replaced promptly to help prevent cooling system failures.
Underbody: The underbody of the Nissan Kicks is frequently exposed to corrosive materials such as road salt, de-icing chemicals, mud, and dust-control compounds. These substances can accelerate corrosion if allowed to accumulate. Regular cleaning of the underbody is important to help protect the floor pan, frame components, fuel lines, and exhaust system from rust and deterioration.
At the end of the winter season, or whenever heavy accumulations of mud and debris are present, thoroughly flush the underbody with clean water, paying particular attention to areas where contaminants may collect and remain trapped.
Windshield-washer fluid*: Check the washer fluid reservoir regularly and ensure that an adequate amount of fluid is available. Maintaining the proper fluid level helps keep the windshield clean and supports clear visibility in changing weather and driving conditions.