Nissan Versa: Maintenance and schedules - General maintenance

During the normal day-to-day operation of your Nissan Versa, general maintenance checks should be performed regularly as prescribed throughout this manual section. If you happen to detect any unusual mechanical sounds, abnormal vibrations, or burning smells while driving, be sure to investigate the root cause immediately or have the system checked promptly by a professional. In addition, it is recommended that you visit an authorized NISSAN dealer whenever you believe that mechanical repairs or adjustments are required.

When performing any personal inspections, checks, or routine maintenance work on your car, always closely observe all safety guidelines outlined under the "Maintenance precautions" section.

Explanation of general maintenance items

WARNING

Failure to follow the safety instructions and operating procedures listed within this section may result in serious personal injury.

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

Outside the vehicle

The exterior maintenance items listed here should be performed routinely from time to time, unless otherwise specified for specific intervals.

Doors and engine hood: Check to ensure that all passenger doors and the engine hood operate smoothly and properly every time.

Also verify that all door latches and the hood latch lock securely into place.

Apply appropriate lubrication to hinges, latches, latch pins, rollers, and mechanical links if necessary. Make certain that the secondary safety hood latch effectively keeps the hood from opening unexpectedly when the primary release handle is pulled.

When driving your Nissan Versa in geographic regions that utilize road salt or other corrosive melting materials during winter, check all mechanical hinges and lubrication points frequently.

Check that the gas lift stays or support struts properly and securely hold the hood, trunk lid, or rear hatch fully open under their own weight. If the hood, trunk, or hatch fails to remain held open securely, have the worn gas stays or struts replaced right away.

Lights*: Clean the exterior headlight lenses on a regular basis to maintain illumination clarity. Make sure that the headlights, brake stop lights, tail lights, turn signal blinkers, and all other exterior lights are operating properly and mounted securely. Also check and verify proper headlight beam aim periodically.

Road wheel nuts (lug nuts)*: Whenever you inspect your tires, make sure that no wheel lug nuts are missing, and thoroughly check for any loose wheel nuts. Tighten them to specification immediately if necessary.

Tire rotation*: Rotate the tires on your Nissan Versa at the precise specified mileage interval shown in the official maintenance schedule.

Tires*: Check tire inflation pressure frequently using a reliable pressure gauge and always prior to embarking on long-distance road trips. If necessary, adjust the pressure in all road tires, including the compact spare, to the exact pressure specified. Check the rubber carefully for structural damage, deep cuts, or excessive tread wear.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) tire pressure sensor: It is recommended that you replace the internal tire pressure sensor assembly whenever the tires are replaced due to normal wear or advanced age.

Wheel alignment and balance: If your vehicle should pull noticeably to either side while driving on a straight, level road, or if you detect uneven or abnormal tire wear patterns, there may be a technical need for professional wheel alignment. If the steering wheel or vehicle seat vibrates persistently at normal highway cruising speeds, wheel balancing service may be required.

For additional comprehensive information regarding tire care, refer to "Important Tire Safety Information" (for US models) or "Tire Safety Information" (for Canadian models) located inside your official Warranty Information Booklet.

Windshield: Clean the glass of the windshield on your Nissan Versa on a regular basis to maintain clear driving visibility. Inspect the front windshield at least every six months for surface pitting, stress cracks, stone chips, or other structural damage.

Always have any damaged windshield repaired promptly by a qualified glass repair facility. It is recommended that you have a damaged windshield repaired or replaced by an authorized NISSAN dealer, or a specialized NISSAN Certified Collision Center. To locate a certified collision center in your local area, refer to http://collision.nissanusa.com online.

Windshield wiper blades*: Regularly check the rubber blades for splitting, cracking, or advanced wear if they fail to wipe the glass cleanly and properly.

Inside the vehicle

The interior maintenance items listed here should be checked on a regular basis, such as whenever you perform scheduled vehicle maintenance, thoroughly clean the cabin interior, or prepare for a trip.

Accelerator pedal: Check the accelerator pedal for smooth, consistent mechanical operation and make sure that the pedal does not catch, stick, or require uneven physical effort to press down. Always ensure that floor mats are properly secured and kept away from the pedal path.

Brake pedal: Check the brake pedal for smooth operation and firm resistance. If the brake pedal suddenly travels down much further than normal, if the pedal feels spongy or soft underfoot, or if your Nissan Versa seems to take longer than usual to stop safely, have your braking system checked immediately.

It is recommended that you visit an authorized NISSAN dealer for this professional braking service. Always keep the floor mat clear and away from the pedal.

Brakes: Check during a safe test that the brakes do not pull the vehicle strongly to one side when applied.

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) P (Park) position mechanism (if so equipped): When parked on a fairly steep hill, check to verify that your Nissan Versa is held securely in place with the transmission shift lever locked firmly in the P (Park) position without applying the foot brakes.

Parking brake: Check the mechanical operation of the parking brake regularly. The vehicle should be held securely on a fairly steep hill with only the parking brake engaged. If the parking brake lever or pedal requires adjustment, it is recommended that you visit an authorized NISSAN dealer for this service.

Seats: Check all interior seat position controls, such as seat adjusters and seatback recliners, to ensure they operate smoothly and that all mechanical latches lock securely into place in every adjusted position.

Check that the adjustable head restraints and headrests move up and down smoothly and that the locking mechanisms (if so equipped) hold them securely in all latched height positions.

Seat belts: Check that all components of the seat belt restraint system—for example, buckles, anchor points, height adjusters, and emergency locking retractors—operate properly and smoothly, and are bolted down and installed securely.

Inspect the seat belt webbing carefully along its entire length for any cuts, fraying, unusual wear, or sun damage.

Steering wheel: Check for any noticeable changes or degradation in the steering system feel, such as excessive steering wheel free play, heavy or hard steering resistance, or strange mechanical noises when turning.

Warning lights and chimes: Make sure that all dashboard warning lights and audible reminder chimes illuminate and sound properly during vehicle startup.

Windshield defroster: Check that air flows out of the front defroster vents properly and in sufficient volume when operating the vehicle heater or air conditioning system.

Windshield wiper and washer*: Check that the windshield wipers and washer fluid system operate properly and that the wiper blades clear the moisture away cleanly without leaving streaks.

Under the hood and vehicle

The under-hood and exterior vehicle maintenance items listed here should be inspected and checked periodically—for example, each time you check your engine oil levels or stop to refuel your Nissan Versa at a gas station.

Battery*: This vehicle is equipped with a modern sealed, maintenance-free battery designed for long-term reliability. If your battery requires testing or service, it is recommended that you visit an authorized NISSAN dealer.

NOTE:

Particular care should be taken to avoid common situations that can lead to premature battery discharge and potential no-start conditions, such as:

1. Installation or extended use of aftermarket electronic accessories that continue to consume electrical battery power when the engine is not running, including plugged-in phone chargers, portable GPS units, DVD players, and dash cams.

2. The vehicle is not driven regularly on the highway, and/or is only operated on very short local trips that do not allow the alternator enough time to fully recharge the battery.

In these specific cases, the battery may occasionally need to be charged using an external charger to maintain optimal battery health and starting power.

Brake and clutch (if so equipped) fluid level*: Make sure that the brake fluid and clutch hydraulic fluid levels are clearly positioned between the MIN and MAX service indicator lines marked on the side of the fluid reservoir.

Engine coolant level*: Check the engine coolant overflow reservoir level visually when the engine is completely cold.

Engine drive belts*: Inspect the serpentine drive belts to make sure the rubber is not frayed, worn down, surface-cracked, or contaminated with oil.

Engine oil level*: Check the engine oil dipstick level after parking your Nissan Versa on a flat, level surface with the engine turned off. Always wait more than 15 minutes after shutting off the engine to allow all the hot oil to drain fully back down into the oil pan.

Exhaust system: Inspect the undercarriage to make sure there are no loose mounting brackets, structural cracks, or rust holes in the exhaust pipes and muffler. If the sound of the exhaust seems unusually loud or harsh, or if you detect the distinct smell of exhaust fumes inside the cabin, immediately have the exhaust system inspected by professionals. It is recommended that you visit an authorized NISSAN dealer for this service.

Fluid leaks: Check the ground underneath your vehicle for any pooling or drops of fuel, engine oil, coolant water, or other working fluids after the car has been parked for a while. Note that clear water dripping from the air conditioner drain tube after running the AC is completely normal. If you notice any unusual fluid leaks or if gasoline fumes are evident, investigate the cause and have it corrected immediately.

Radiator and hoses: Check the front core of the radiator and carefully clean off any dirt, insects, leaves, or road debris that may have accumulated over time.

Make sure that all rubber coolant hoses show no signs of surface cracks, swelling, deformation, dry rot, or loose hose clamp connections.

Underbody: The protective underbody of your Nissan Versa is frequently exposed to harsh corrosive substances such as salt and chemicals used on icy winter roads or chemical agents used for dust control. It is very important to wash and remove these harmful substances from the underbody regularly; otherwise, aggressive rust and corrosion may form on the floor pan, frame rails, fuel lines, and exhaust system components. At the end of the winter season, the underbody should be thoroughly flushed with clean plain water, especially in hidden pockets where mud, salt, and dirt tend to accumulate.

Windshield-washer fluid*: Check the under-hood reservoir frequently to make sure there is an adequate supply of washer fluid ready for cleaning your windshield.