Nissan Sentra B18 (2020-2025) Owner's Manual: Brake system

The Nissan Sentra brake system is equipped with two independent hydraulic circuits. If one hydraulic circuit experiences a malfunction, braking capability will still be available at two wheels, helping maintain a basic level of vehicle control.

Brake precautions

Vacuum assisted brakes

The brake booster assists braking by utilizing engine vacuum. If the engine stops or stalls, you can still bring the Nissan Sentra to a stop by pressing the brake pedal. However, increased pedal force will be required, and the overall stopping distance will be longer than normal.

Using the brakes

Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving. This practice can cause the brakes to overheat, accelerate brake pad wear, and negatively impact fuel economy.

To reduce brake wear and help prevent brake overheating, decrease vehicle speed and downshift to a lower gear before descending a long or steep grade. Overheated brakes may reduce braking effectiveness and could result in a loss of vehicle control.

WARNING

• When driving the Nissan Sentra on slippery surfaces, exercise caution when braking, accelerating, or downshifting. Sudden braking or rapid acceleration may cause wheel skid and could lead to an accident.
• If the engine is not running or is turned off while driving, brake power assist will not be available.

  As a result, significantly greater braking effort will be required.

Wet brakes

After washing the vehicle or driving through water, the brakes may become wet. This condition can increase stopping distance and may cause the Nissan Sentra to pull slightly to one side during braking.

To dry the brakes, drive at a safe speed while lightly applying the brake pedal to generate heat. Continue this process until normal braking performance is restored. Avoid high-speed driving until proper brake function returns.

Parking brake break-in

The parking brake shoes should be broken in whenever parking brake effectiveness is reduced, or when the parking brake shoes and/or drums or rotors have been replaced. This procedure helps ensure optimal parking brake performance.

The correct break-in procedure is described in the vehicle service manual. It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer to have this service performed.

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

WARNING

• The ABS is a sophisticated safety system; however, it cannot prevent accidents caused by careless or aggressive driving. ABS helps maintain vehicle control during braking on slippery surfaces. Keep in mind that stopping distances on slippery surfaces will still be longer than on dry pavement, even with ABS. Stopping distances may also increase on rough roads, gravel, snow-covered surfaces, or when tire chains are installed. Always maintain a safe following distance. Ultimately, the driver of the Nissan Sentra is responsible for safe operation.
• Tire type and condition can significantly affect braking performance.
  • When replacing tires, install the specified tire size on all four wheels.
  • When installing a spare tire, ensure it matches the correct size and type listed on the Tire and Loading Information label.

The ABS regulates brake pressure to prevent the wheels from locking during hard braking or when braking on slippery road surfaces. The system monitors the rotational speed of each wheel and adjusts brake fluid pressure accordingly.

By preventing wheel lock-up, the ABS helps the driver maintain steering control and reduces the likelihood of skidding, swerving, or spinning on slippery roads.

Using the system

Press the brake pedal firmly and hold it down.

Apply steady, continuous pressure to the brake pedal without pumping it. The Anti-lock Braking System will automatically modulate brake pressure to prevent wheel lock. While braking, steer the Nissan Sentra as necessary to avoid obstacles.

WARNING

Do not pump the brake pedal. Pumping the brakes can increase stopping distances and reduce braking effectiveness.

Self-test feature

The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) incorporates electronic sensors, electric pumps, hydraulic solenoids, and an onboard control module. Each time the engine is started and the vehicle begins to move at low speed in forward or reverse, the system performs a self-diagnostic check.

During this self-test, you may hear a brief clunking sound or feel a pulsation in the brake pedal. This is normal operation and does not indicate a malfunction.

If a malfunction is detected, the ABS will be disabled and the ABS warning light will illuminate on the instrument panel. The conventional braking system will continue to operate, but without anti-lock functionality.

If the ABS warning light remains illuminated during the self-test or while driving, have the Nissan Sentra inspected as soon as possible. It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.

Normal operation

The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on the Nissan Sentra operates at vehicle speeds above approximately 3–6 mph (5–10 km/h), depending on road surface and driving conditions. This operating range may vary based on traction, pavement quality, and weather, ensuring stable braking performance in everyday Nissan Sentra driving situations.

When the ABS detects that one or more wheels are approaching a lock-up condition during braking, the system’s actuator rapidly applies and releases hydraulic brake pressure. This precise modulation helps maintain tire grip with the road surface and supports directional stability of the Nissan Sentra.

This rapid modulation feels similar to pumping the brakes very quickly. During ABS operation, you may notice a pulsation in the brake pedal, hear mechanical sounds from under the hood, or feel slight vibrations transmitted through the brake system. These sensations are normal and indicate that the Anti-lock Braking System in your Nissan Sentra is functioning correctly. However, the presence of pulsation also serves as a reminder that road conditions may be slippery or hazardous, and additional caution should be exercised while driving.

Brake Assist

Brake Assist on the Nissan Sentra is designed to support emergency braking situations. When the force applied to the brake pedal exceeds a predetermined threshold, the Brake Assist system activates automatically, increasing braking pressure beyond what a conventional brake booster would provide, even if the pedal input is relatively light.

WARNING

Brake Assist is intended solely as a supplemental braking aid. It does not provide collision warnings and does not prevent accidents on its own. The driver of the Nissan Sentra must remain attentive, drive responsibly, and maintain full control of the vehicle at all times. Safe following distances and proper driving judgment are always essential.

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