Nissan Qashqai (2018 year). Manual

6-12

In case of emergency

an extremely high temperature gauge
reading), or if you feel a lack of engine
power, detect abnormal noise, etc., take
the following steps:
1.

Move the vehicle safely off the road
and apply the parking brake.

2. Continuously Variable Transmission

(CVT) models:

Move the shift lever to the P (Park)
position.
Manual Transmission (MT) models:

Move the shift lever to the N (Neutral)
position.
Do not stop the engine.

3. Turn off the air conditioner (if so

equipped). Open all the windows,
move the heater or air conditioner
temperature control to maximum hot
and fan control to high speed.

4. Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen

for steam or coolant escaping from
the radiator before opening the hood.
(If steam or coolant is escaping, turn
off the engine.) Do not open the hood
further until no steam or coolant can
be seen.

5. Open the engine hood.

WARNING

If steam or water is coming from the
engine, stand clear to prevent get-
ting burned.

6. Visually check the drive belt for da-

mage or looseness. Also check if the
cooling fan is running. The radiator
hoses and radiator should not leak
water. If coolant is leaking or the
cooling fan does not run, stop the
engine.

WARNING

Be careful not to allow your hands,
hair, jewelry or clothing to come into
contact with, or get caught in, engine
belts or the engine cooling fan. The
engine cooling fan can start at any
time.

7. After the engine cools down, check

the coolant level in the reservoir with
the engine running. Add coolant to
the reservoir if necessary. Have your
vehicle repaired. It is recommended
you visit a NISSAN dealer for this
service.

When towing your vehicle, all jurisdic-
tional and local regulations for towing
must be followed. Incorrect towing equip-
ment could damage your vehicle. Towing
instructions are available from a NISSAN
dealer. Local service operators are gen-
erally familiar with the applicable laws
and procedures for towing. To assure
proper towing and to prevent accidental
damage to your vehicle, NISSAN recom-
mends that you have a service operator
tow your vehicle. It is advisable to have
the service operator carefully read the
following precautions.

WARNING

. Never ride in a vehicle that is

being towed.

. Never get under your vehicle after

it has been lifted by a tow truck.

CAUTION

. When towing, make sure that the

transmission, axles, steering sys-
tem and powertrain are in work-
ing condition. If any of these
conditions apply, dollies or a
flatbed tow truck must be used.

. Always attach safety chains be-

fore towing.

For information about towing your vehi-
cle behind a recreational vehicle (RV), see
“Flat towing for All–Wheel Drive vehicle”
(P.10-15) of this manual.

In case of emergency

6-13

TOWING YOUR VEHICLE

SCE0950

Two-wheel drive models

Two-Wheel Drive (2WD) models

NISSAN recommends that your vehicle be
towed with the driving (front) wheels off
the ground or place the vehicle on a flat
bed truck as illustrated.

CAUTION

. Never tow CVT models with the

front wheels on the ground or
four wheels on the ground (for-
ward or backward), as this may
cause serious and expensive da-
mage to the transmission. If it is
necessary to tow the vehicle with

the rear wheels raised, always
use towing dollies under the front
wheels.

. When towing CVT models with

the front wheels on towing dol-
lies: Place the ignition switch in
the OFF position, and secure the
steering wheel in a straight-
ahead position with a rope or
similar device. Move the shift
lever to the N (Neutral) position.

. When towing a CVT model with

the rear wheels on the ground (if
you do not use towing dollies):
Always release the parking brake.

. When towing MT models with the

front wheels on the ground: Place
the ignition switch in the OFF
position, and secure the steering
wheel in a straight-ahead posi-
tion with a rope or similar device.
Move the shift lever to the N
(Neutral) position.

. When towing MT models with the

rear wheels on the ground (if you
do not use towing dollies): Always
release the parking brake.

Front wheels on the ground:

NISSAN recommends that towing dollies
be used under the front wheels when
towing your vehicle or the vehicle be
placed on a flatbed tow truck as illu-
strated.

CAUTION

Never tow Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT) model with the
front wheels on the ground. Doing so
will cause serious and expensive
damage to the drivetrain.

In case of emergency

6-15

6-16

In case of emergency

Manual Transmission (MT) model:
1.

Place the ignition switch in the OFF
position.

2. Secure the steering wheel in a

straight-ahead position with rope or
a similar device.

3. Move the shift lever to the N (Neutral)

position.

4. Release the parking brake.
5. Attach the safety chains whenever

towing.

Rear wheels on the ground:

Place the ignition switch in the OFF
position.

2. Move the shift lever to the N (Neutral)

position.

3. Release the parking brake.
4. Attach safety chains whenever tow-

ing.

All four wheels on the ground:

NISSAN recommends that the vehicle be
placed on a flatbed tow truck as illu-
strated.

CAUTION

Never tow CVT model with all four
wheels on the ground. Doing so will
cause serious and expensive da-
mage to the drivetrain.

Manual Transmission (MT) model:
1.

Place the ignition switch in the OFF
position.

2. Move the shift lever to the N (Neutral)

position.

3. Release the parking brake.

VEHICLE RECOVERY (freeing a stuck
vehicle)

WARNING

To avoid vehicle damage, serious
personal injury or death when reco-
vering a stuck vehicle:
. Contact a professional towing

service to recover the vehicle if
you have any questions regard-
ing the recovery procedure.

. Tow chains or cables must be

attached only to main structural
members of the vehicle.

. Do not use the vehicle tie-downs

to tow or free a stuck vehicle.

. Only use devices specifically de-

signed for vehicle recovery and
follow the manufacturer’s in-
structions.

. Always pull the recovery device

straight out from the front of the
vehicle. Never pull at an angle.

. Route recovery devices so they

do not touch any part of the
vehicle except the attachment
point.

If your vehicle is stuck in sand, snow, mud,
etc., use a tow strap or other device
designed specifically for vehicle recovery.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instruc-
tions for the recovery device.

Rocking a stuck vehicle

WARNING

. Stand clear of a stuck vehicle.
. Do not spin your tires at high

speed. This could cause them to
explode and result in serious in-
jury. Parts of your vehicle could
also overheat and be damaged.

If your vehicle is stuck in sand, snow, mud,
etc., use the following procedure:
1.

Turn off the Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) system.

2. Make sure the area in front and

behind the vehicle is clear of obstruc-
tions.

3. Turn the steering wheel right and left

to clear an area around the front tires.

4. Slowly rock the vehicle forward and

backward.

Shift back and forth between R

(Reverse) and D (Drive) (Continu-
ously Variable Transmission (CVT)
models) or 1st and R (Reverse)
(Manual Transmission (MT) models).

Apply the accelerator as little as

possible to maintain the rocking
motion.

Release the accelerator pedal be-

fore shifting between R and D (CVT
models) or 1st and R (MT models).

Do not spin the tires above 35 MPH

(55 km/h).

5. If the vehicle cannot be freed after a

few tries, contact a professional tow-
ing service to remove the vehicle.

WARNING

. Stand clear of a stuck vehicle.
. Do not spin your tires at high

speed. This could cause them to
explode and result in serious in-
jury. Parts of your vehicle could
also overheat and be damaged.

In case of emergency

6-17

7-2

Appearance and care

In order to maintain the appearance of
your vehicle, it is important to take proper
care of it.
To protect the paint surfaces, wash your
vehicle as soon as you can:
. after a rainfall to prevent possible

damage from acid rain

. after driving on coastal roads

. when contaminants such as soot, bird

droppings, tree sap, metal particles or
bugs get on the paint surface

. when dust or mud builds up on the

surface

Whenever possible, store or park your
vehicle inside a garage or in a covered
area.
When it is necessary to park outside, park
in a shady area or protect the vehicle with
a body cover.
Be careful not to scratch the paint
surface when putting on or removing
the body cover.

WASHING

Wash dirt off the vehicle with a wet
sponge and plenty of water. Clean the
vehicle thoroughly using a mild soap, a
special vehicle soap or general purpose
dishwashing liquid mixed with clean, lu-
kewarm (never hot) water.

CAUTION

. Do not use car washes that use

acid in the detergent. Some car
washes, especially brushless
ones, use some acid for cleaning.
The acid may react with some
plastic vehicle components, caus-
ing them to crack. This could
affect their appearance, and also
could cause them not to function
properly. Always check with your
car wash to confirm that acid is
not used.

. Do not wash the vehicle with

strong household soap, strong
chemical detergents, gasoline or
solvents.

. Do not wash the vehicle in direct

sunlight or while the vehicle body
is hot, as the surface may become
water-spotted.

. Avoid using tight-napped or

rough cloths, such as washing
mitts. Care must be taken when
removing caked-on dirt or other
foreign substances so the paint
surface is not scratched or da-
maged.

Rinse the vehicle thoroughly with plenty
of clean water.
Inside flanges, seams and folds on the
doors, hatches and hood are particularly
vulnerable to the effects of road salt.
Therefore, these areas must be regularly
cleaned. Make sure that the drain holes in
the lower edge of the door are open.
Spray water under the body and in the
wheel wells to loosen the dirt and wash
away road salt.
Avoid leaving water spots on the paint
surface by using a damp chamois to dry
the vehicle.

WAXING

Regular waxing protects the paint surface
and helps retain new vehicle appearance.
Polishing is recommended to remove
built-up wax residue and to avoid a
weathered appearance before reapplying
wax.
A NISSAN dealer can assist you in choos-
ing the proper product.
. Wax your vehicle only after a thorough

washing. Follow the instructions sup-
plied with the wax.

. Do not use a wax containing any

abrasives, cutting compounds or clea-
ners that may damage the vehicle
finish.

Machine compound or aggressive polish-

CLEANING EXTERIOR

ing on a base coat/clear coat paint finish
may dull the finish or leave swirl marks.

REMOVING SPOTS

Remove tar and oil spots, industrial dust,
insects, and tree sap as quickly as possi-
ble from the paint surface to avoid lasting
damage or staining. Special cleaning
products are available at a NISSAN dealer
or any automotive accessory stores. It is
recommended that you visit a NISSAN
dealer for these products.

UNDERBODY

In areas where road salt is used in winter,
the underbody must be cleaned regularly.
This will prevent dirt and salt from build-
ing up and causing the acceleration of
corrosion on the underbody and suspen-
sion. Before the winter period and again
in the spring, the underseal must be
checked and, if necessary, re-treated.

GLASS

Use glass cleaner to remove smoke and
dust film from the glass surfaces. It is
normal for glass to become coated with a
film after the vehicle is parked in the hot
sun. Glass cleaner and a soft cloth will
easily remove this film.

CAUTION

When cleaning the inside of the
windows, do not use sharp-edged
tools, abrasive cleaners or chlorine-
based disinfectant cleaners. They
could damage the electrical conduc-
tors, radio antenna elements or rear
window defroster elements.

WHEELS

Wash the wheels when washing the
vehicle to maintain their appearance.
. Clean the inner side of the wheels

when the wheel is changed or the
underside of the vehicle is washed.

. Inspect wheel rims regularly for dents

or corrosion. Such damage may cause
loss of pressure or poor seal at the tire
bead.

. NISSAN recommends that the road

wheels be waxed to protect against
road salt in areas where it is used
during winter.

CAUTION

Do not use abrasive cleaners when
washing the wheels.

ALUMINUM ALLOY WHEELS

Wash regularly with a sponge dampened
in a mild soap solution, especially during
winter months in areas where road salt is
used. Salt could discolor the wheels if not
removed.

CAUTION

Follow the directions below to avoid
staining or discoloring the wheels:
. Do not use a cleaner that uses

strong acid or alkali contents to
clean the wheels.

. Do not apply wheel cleaners to

the wheels when they are hot.
The wheel temperature should be
the same as ambient tempera-
ture.

. Rinse the wheel to completely

remove the cleaner within 15
minutes after the cleaner is ap-
plied.

Appearance and care

7-3

7-4

Appearance and care

CHROME PARTS

Clean chrome parts regularly with a non-
abrasive chrome polish to maintain the
finish.

TIRE DRESSING

NISSAN does not recommend the use of
tire dressings. Tire manufacturers apply a
coating to the tires to help reduce dis-
coloration of the rubber. If a tire dressing
is applied to the tires, it may react with
the coating and form a compound. This
compound may come off the tire while
driving and stain the vehicle paint.
If you choose to use a tire dressing, take
the following precautions:
. Use a water-based tire dressing. The

coating on the tire dissolves more
easily with an oil-based tire dressing.

. Apply a light coat of tire dressing to

help prevent it from entering the tire
tread/grooves (where it would be
difficult to remove).

. Wipe off excess tire dressing using a

dry towel. Make sure the tire dressing
is completely removed from the tire
tread/grooves.

. Allow the tire dressing to dry as

recommended by tire dressing manu-
facturer.

Occasionally remove loose dust from the
interior trim, plastic parts and seats using
a vacuum cleaner or soft bristled brush.
Wipe the vinyl and leather surfaces with a
clean, soft cloth dampened in mild soap
solution, then wipe clean with a dry soft
cloth.
Regular care and cleaning is required in
order to maintain the appearance of the
leather.
Before using any fabric protector, read
the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Some fabric protectors contain chemicals
that may stain or bleach the seat materi-
al.
Use a cloth dampened only with water, to
clean the meter and gauge lens.

WARNING

Do not use water or acidic cleaners
(hot steam cleaners) on the seat. This
can damage the seat or occupant
classification sensors. This can also
affect the operation of the air bag
system and result in serious perso-
nal injury.

CAUTION

. Never use benzine, thinner, or any

similar material.

. For cleaning, use a soft cloth,

dampened with water. Never use
a rough cloth, alcohol, benzine,
thinner or any kind of solvent or
paper towel with a chemical
cleaning agent. They will scratch
or cause discoloration to the lens.

. Do not spray any liquid such as

water on the meter lens. Spraying
liquid may cause the system to
malfunction.

. Small dirt particles can be abra-

sive and damaging to the leather
surfaces and should be removed
promptly. Do not use saddle soap,
car waxes, polishes, oils, cleaning
fluids, solvents, detergents or
ammonia-based cleaners as they
may damage the leather’s natural
finish.

. Never use fabric protectors un-

less recommended by the manu-
facturer.

. Do not use glass or plastic cleaner

on meter or gauge lens covers. It

CLEANING INTERIOR

may damage the lens cover.

AIR FRESHENERS

Most air fresheners use a solvent that
could affect the vehicle interior. If you use
an air freshener, take the following pre-
cautions:
. Hanging-type air fresheners can

cause permanent discoloration when
they contact vehicle interior surfaces.
Place the air freshener in a location
that allows it to hang free and not
contact an interior surface.

. Liquid-type air fresheners typically clip

on the vents. These products can
cause immediate damage and disco-
loration when spilled on interior sur-
faces.

Carefully read and follow the manufac-
turer’s instructions before using air fresh-
eners.

FLOOR MATS

WARNING

To avoid potential pedal interference
that may result in a collision, injury
or death:

. NEVER place a floor mat on top of

another floor mat in the driver
front position or install them up-
side down or backwards.

. It is recommended that you use

only genuine NISSAN floor mats
specifically designed for use in
your vehicle model and model
year.

. Properly position the mats in the

floorwell using the floor mat po-
sitioning hooks. See “Floor mat
installation” (P.7-5).

. Make sure the floor mat does not

interfere with pedal operation.

. Periodically check the floor mats

to make sure they are properly
installed.

. After cleaning the vehicle interior,

check the floor mats to make
sure they are properly installed.

The use of genuine NISSAN floor mats can
extend the life of your vehicle carpet and
make it easier to clean the interior. Mats
should be maintained with regular clean-
ing and replaced if they become exces-
sively worn.

JVA0018X

Floor mat installation

Your vehicle is equipped with floor mat
positioning hook(s). The number and
shape of the floor mat positioning hook
(s) for each seating position varies de-
pending on the vehicle.
When installing genuine NISSAN floor
mats, follow the installation instructions
provided with the floor mat and the
following:
1.

Position the floor mat in the floorwell
so that the floor mat grommet holes
are aligned with the hook(s).

2. Secure the grommet holes into the

hook(s) and ensure that the floor mat

Appearance and care

7-5

7-6

Appearance and care

is properly positioned.

3. Make sure the floor mat does not

interfere with pedal operation. With
the ignition in the OFF position and
the shift lever in the P (Park) position
(Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) models) or the shift lever in the
N (Neutral) position (Manual Transmis-
sion (MT) models), fully apply and
release all pedals. The floor mat must
not interfere with pedal operation or
prevent the pedal from returning to its
normal position. It is recommended
you see a NISSAN dealer for details
about installing the floor mats in your
vehicle.

JVA0031X

Positioning hook(s)

The illustration shows the location of the
floor mat positioning hook(s).

SEAT BELTS

The seat belts can be cleaned by wiping
them with a sponge dampened in a mild
soap solution. Allow the belts to dry
completely in the shade before using
them.
See “Seat belts” (P.1-10).

WARNING

Do not allow wet seat belts to roll up
in the retractor. NEVER use bleach,

dye, or chemical solvents to clean
the seat belts, since these materials
may severely weaken the seat belt
webbing.

CLEANING THE SEAT TRACKS

CAUTION

Periodically clean the seat tracks to
prevent reduction of ability to move
the seats.

Clean periodically with a high-powered
vacuum cleaner. Dirt and debris may
reduce the ability to adjust the seat. A
wet cleansing agent may be used if
necessary.

MOST COMMON FACTORS CON-
TRIBUTING TO VEHICLE CORRO-
SION

. The accumulation of moisture-retain-

ing dirt and debris in body panel
sections, cavities, and other areas.

. Damage to paint and other protective

coatings caused by gravel and stone
chips or minor traffic accidents.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS INFLU-
ENCE THE RATE OF CORROSION

Moisture

Accumulation of sand, dirt and water on
the vehicle body underside can acceler-
ate corrosion. Wet floor coverings will not
dry completely inside the vehicle, and
should be removed for drying to avoid
floor panel corrosion.

Relative humidity

Corrosion will be accelerated in areas of
high relative humidity, especially those
areas where the temperatures stay above
freezing where atmospheric pollution ex-
ists, or where road salt is used.

Temperature

A temperature increase will accelerate
the rate of corrosion to those parts which
are not well ventilated.

Air pollution

Industrial pollution, the presence of salt in
the air in coastal areas, or heavy road salt
use will accelerate the corrosion process.
Road salt will also accelerate the disin-
tegration of paint surfaces.

TO PROTECT YOUR VEHICLE FROM
CORROSION

. Wash and wax your vehicle often to

keep the vehicle clean.

. Always check for minor damage to the

paint and repair it as soon as possible.

. Keep drain holes at the bottom of the

doors open to avoid water accumula-
tion.

. Check the underbody for accumula-

tion of sand, dirt or salt. If present,
wash with water as soon as possible.

CAUTION

. NEVER remove dirt, sand or other

debris from the passenger com-
partment by washing it out with a
hose. Remove dirt with a vacuum

cleaner.

. Never allow water or other liquids

to come in contact with electronic
components inside the vehicle as
this may damage them.

Chemicals used for road surface deicing
are extremely corrosive. They accelerate
corrosion and deterioration of underbody
components such as the exhaust system,
fuel and brake lines, brake cables, floor
pan and fenders.
In winter, the underbody must be
cleaned periodically.

For additional protection against rust and
corrosion, which may be required in some
areas, it is recommended you consult a
NISSAN dealer.

Appearance and care

7-7

CORROSION PROTECTION

Nissan Qashqai (2018 year). Manual - part 26