Nissan Sentra B18 (2020-2025) Owner's Manual: General maintenance

During normal day-to-day operation of the Nissan Sentra, general maintenance should be carried out regularly as outlined in this section. If you notice any unusual noises, vibrations, or odors, identify the cause promptly or have the vehicle inspected without delay. In addition, if you believe repairs may be necessary, it is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for professional diagnosis and service.

Explanation of general maintenance items

WARNING

Failure to properly follow the procedures described in this section may result in personal injury or vehicle damage.

Additional information on the following items marked with an asterisk (*) can be found in the "Do-it-yourself" section of this manual.

Outside the vehicle

The maintenance items listed below should be performed periodically, unless otherwise specified, to ensure proper operation and long-term reliability of your Nissan Sentra.

Doors and engine hood: Verify that all doors and the engine hood open and close smoothly.

Ensure that all latches engage securely and release properly.

Lubricate hinges, latches, latch pins, rollers, and linkages as necessary. Confirm that the secondary hood latch prevents the hood from opening if the primary latch is released.

When operating the Nissan Sentra in areas where road salt or other corrosive materials are used, inspect lubrication points more frequently.

Confirm that gas stays or struts securely support the hood, trunk, or rear hatch in the fully open position. If any component does not remain open, have the gas stays or struts replaced.

Lights*: Clean the headlights regularly to maintain proper illumination. Confirm that headlights, stop lights, tail lights, turn signal lights, and all other exterior lamps operate correctly and are securely installed. Also verify proper headlight aim.

Road wheel nuts (lug nuts)*: While checking the tires, ensure that no wheel nuts are missing and that none are loose. Tighten any loose wheel nuts to the specified torque if required.

Tire rotation*: Rotate the tires at the intervals specified in the maintenance schedule to promote even tire wear and consistent handling.

Tires*: Check tire pressure frequently using an accurate gauge and always before long-distance trips. Adjust pressure in all tires, including the spare, to the specified values. Inspect tires carefully for cuts, damage, or excessive tread wear.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) tire pressure sensor: It is recommended that the TPMS sensor assemblies be replaced when tires are replaced due to wear or age to ensure accurate pressure monitoring on the Nissan Sentra.

Wheel alignment and balance: If the vehicle pulls to one side while driving on a straight, level road, or if uneven or abnormal tire wear is observed, wheel alignment may be required. Steering wheel or seat vibration at highway speeds may indicate the need for wheel balancing.

For additional tire-related information, refer to "Important Tire Safety Information" (US) or "Tire Safety Information" (Canada) in the Warranty Information Booklet supplied with your Nissan Sentra.

Windshield: Clean the windshield regularly and inspect it at least every six months for cracks, chips, or other damage.

Have any windshield damage repaired by a qualified repair facility. It is recommended that windshield repairs be performed by a NISSAN dealer or a NISSAN Certified Collision Center. To locate a certified collision center, visit http://collision.nissanusa.com.

Windshield wiper blades*: Inspect wiper blades for cracking, splitting, or wear if wiping performance is reduced.

Inside the vehicle

The following interior maintenance items should be checked regularly, such as during scheduled maintenance, routine cleaning, or general inspection of the Nissan Sentra.

Accelerator pedal: Ensure smooth pedal operation and verify that the pedal does not bind or require uneven effort. Always keep floor mats positioned away from the pedal area.

Brake pedal: Check for smooth and consistent pedal operation. If the brake pedal suddenly travels farther than usual, feels spongy, or braking distance increases, have the vehicle inspected immediately.

It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for brake system inspection or service. Keep floor mats clear of the pedal area.

Brakes: Confirm that the brakes do not cause the vehicle to pull to one side during application.

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) P (Park) position mechanism (if so equipped): On a moderately steep incline, verify that the vehicle remains securely stationary when the shift selector is placed in the P (Park) position without applying the brakes.

Parking brake: Inspect parking brake operation regularly. The Nissan Sentra should remain securely held on a moderately steep hill using only the parking brake. If adjustment is required, it is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer.

Seats: Inspect seat adjustment mechanisms, seatback recliners, and locking mechanisms to ensure smooth operation and secure engagement in all positions.

Confirm that head restraints or headrests move smoothly up and down and that locking mechanisms (if equipped) hold securely in all adjusted positions.

Seat belts: Inspect all components of the seat belt system in your Nissan Sentra, including buckles, anchors, adjusters, and retractors, to ensure they operate smoothly and are securely installed.

Carefully examine the seat belt webbing for any signs of cuts, fraying, excessive wear, or other damage that could reduce effectiveness or safety.

Steering wheel: Check for any changes in steering behavior, such as excessive free play, increased steering effort, stiffness, or unusual noises while turning the wheel.

Warning lights and chimes: Verify that all warning lights and audible chimes function correctly and illuminate or sound as intended during system checks or alerts.

Windshield defroster: Confirm that sufficient airflow is directed through the defroster outlets when operating the heater or air conditioner, ensuring proper windshield clearing in cold or humid conditions.

Windshield wiper and washer*: Ensure that the windshield wipers and washer system operate correctly and that the wiper blades clean the glass evenly without streaking.

Under the hood and vehicle

The maintenance items listed below should be inspected periodically, such as each time you refuel or check the engine oil, to help maintain optimal performance of your Nissan Sentra.

Battery*: This vehicle is equipped with a sealed, maintenance-free battery. For inspection, testing, or replacement, it is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer.

NOTE:

Care should be taken to avoid conditions that may lead to battery discharge and potential no-start situations, including the following:

1. Installation or extended use of electronic accessories that draw battery power while the engine is not running, such as phone chargers, GPS units, or DVD players.

2. The vehicle is not driven regularly or is only driven short distances, preventing the battery from fully recharging.

In such situations, the battery may require periodic charging to maintain proper battery health and reliable starting performance.

Brake and clutch (if so equipped) fluid level*: Ensure that the brake and clutch fluid levels remain between the MIN and MAX markings on the reservoir.

Engine coolant level*: Check the coolant level only when the engine is cold to avoid injury and to ensure an accurate reading.

Engine drive belts*: Inspect the drive belts for signs of fraying, cracking, excessive wear, or oil contamination, and replace them if necessary.

Engine oil level*: Check the engine oil level after parking the Nissan Sentra on a level surface with the engine turned off. Allow at least 15 minutes for the oil to drain back into the oil pan before checking.

Exhaust system: Inspect the exhaust system for loose supports, cracks, holes, or corrosion. If exhaust noise seems abnormal or exhaust odors are detected, have the system inspected immediately. It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service. For additional details, refer to the section titled "Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide)".

Fluid leaks: After the vehicle has been parked for a period of time, check beneath it for signs of fuel, oil, coolant, or other fluid leaks. Water dripping from the air conditioner after use is normal. If any leaks or fuel odors are detected, identify the source and have the issue corrected promptly.

Radiator and hoses: Inspect the front of the radiator and remove any accumulated dirt, insects, leaves, or debris that could restrict airflow.

Ensure that all hoses are free from cracks, deformation, deterioration, or loose connections.

Underbody: The underbody of the Nissan Sentra is frequently exposed to corrosive substances such as road salt or dust-control chemicals. These materials should be removed regularly to prevent rust formation on the floor pan, frame, fuel lines, and exhaust system. At the end of winter, thoroughly rinse the underbody with plain water, paying special attention to areas where mud and debris accumulate.

Windshield-washer fluid*: Check that the washer fluid reservoir contains an adequate amount of fluid to ensure clear visibility at all times.

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