WARNING Never operate the Nissan Murano while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Alcohol in the bloodstream reduces coordination, slows reaction time, and impairs judgment, making it more difficult to respond safely to traffic, road conditions, and unexpected hazards.

Driving after consuming alcohol greatly increases the risk of a collision that could injure or kill you, your passengers, or other road users.

Alcohol may also increase the severity of injuries sustained if a collision occurs.

NISSAN is committed to promoting responsible and safe driving, but every driver must make the personal decision never to drive after drinking alcohol. Thousands of people are injured or killed in alcohol-related crashes each year. Although laws defining legal intoxication vary by location, alcohol affects individuals differently, and many people underestimate how significantly even a limited amount can reduce their ability to drive safely.

Alcohol and driving must never be combined. The same rule applies to illegal drugs, prescription medications, and over-the-counter products that may cause drowsiness, delayed reactions, poor concentration, or impaired coordination. Do not drive the Nissan Murano whenever alcohol, medication, drugs, fatigue, illness, or another physical condition reduces your ability to operate the vehicle safely.

Driving safety precautions

The Nissan Murano is designed for normal road travel as well as limited operation on rough or unpaved surfaces. However, avoid driving through deep water, heavy mud, or similarly demanding terrain because this vehicle is intended primarily for recreational and everyday use rather than the severe conditions handled by a conventional purpose-built off-road vehicle.

Keep in mind that 2-Wheel Drive (2WD) models generally have less capability than All-Wheel Drive (AWD) models when traveling over rough surfaces or attempting to free the vehicle from deep snow, mud, or comparable conditions. Drive according to the installed drivetrain, available traction, and current road or terrain conditions.

Observe the following precautions whenever operating the vehicle away from paved roads or in difficult traction conditions:

WARNING

• Allowing the front wheels to spin on a slippery surface may cause an AWD warning message to appear and may prompt the AWD system to switch automatically from AWD operation to 2WD mode. This change can reduce available traction. Use particular care when towing a trailer with an AWD model.
• Drive cautiously when leaving paved roads and avoid terrain that appears unstable, hazardous, or beyond the vehicle's capabilities. Every occupant of the Nissan Murano must remain properly seated with their seat belt fastened. Seat belts help keep the driver and passengers securely positioned while the vehicle moves over uneven or rough ground.
• Do not drive across the face of a steep slope. Travel straight uphill or straight downhill whenever conditions allow. A utility vehicle can tip sideways more easily than it can roll forward or backward, making cross-slope travel particularly dangerous.
• Many hills are too steep for any vehicle to climb or descend safely. Do not attempt a slope when its grade, surface condition, or available traction creates uncertainty about maintaining control.

If you attempt to drive straight up an excessively steep hill, the engine may stall before the vehicle reaches the top. When descending a slope that is too steep, you may be unable to control the vehicle's speed. Driving across the face of a steep incline can cause the Nissan Murano to tip sideways or roll over.

• Do not change gears while traveling down a steep grade. An unexpected change in drivetrain response or vehicle speed could cause the driver to lose control.
• Remain alert when approaching the crest of a hill. A sudden drop-off, stopped vehicle, obstacle, or other hidden hazard may be present beyond the point that can be seen from below.
• If the engine stalls or the vehicle cannot reach the top of a steep hill, never attempt to turn around on the slope. Turning may cause the Nissan Murano to tip or roll over. Keep the vehicle pointed straight along the incline, shift to R (Reverse), and back down slowly while using controlled brake pressure to regulate speed.
• Excessive or continuous braking while descending a hill can cause the brakes to overheat and lose effectiveness. Brake fade may lead to loss of control and a collision. Apply the brakes lightly and select a low gear to help maintain a safe, controlled speed.
• Unsecured cargo may shift violently or be thrown around while the vehicle is traveling over rough or uneven terrain.

  Secure every item with suitable restraints so that it cannot slide, overturn, or be thrown forward and injure the driver or passengers.

• Do not exceed the specified roof rack capacity. Excessive weight carried high on the vehicle can raise its center of gravity and negatively affect steering response, handling, and stability, particularly on slopes or uneven surfaces.
• Position heavy cargo in the load area as far forward and as low as practical, then secure it against movement.

Do not install tires larger than the sizes specified in this manual.

Oversized tires or improperly positioned loads may alter the vehicle's handling characteristics, raise its effective center of gravity, and increase the risk of a rollover.

• Do not hold the inside of the steering-wheel rim or wrap your hands around the spokes while driving off-road.

  The steering wheel may rotate suddenly if a tire strikes a rock, rut, or other obstacle, potentially injuring your hands or wrists. Keep your fingers and thumbs on the outside of the steering-wheel rim so you can maintain control without placing your hands in the path of sudden wheel movement.

• Before moving the Nissan Murano, confirm that the driver and every passenger are correctly seated and wearing their seat belts. Occupants must remain properly restrained whenever the vehicle is traveling over rough terrain.
• Keep the floor mats correctly installed while driving, because areas of the floor may become hot during operation. Make sure the mats are properly secured and do not interfere with pedal movement.
• Reduce speed when driving in strong crosswinds. Because the vehicle has a higher center of gravity than a conventional passenger car, side winds can have a greater effect on its direction and stability. A lower speed provides more time to make smooth corrections and maintain control.
• Never drive beyond the traction, load, speed, or terrain capabilities of the installed tires, even when AWD is engaged. All-Wheel Drive can improve traction under certain conditions, but it cannot overcome the physical limits of the tires or road surface.
• On AWD-equipped vehicles, never raise two wheels off the ground and move the transmission into a forward or reverse position while the engine is running. The drivetrain may be damaged, and unexpected wheel or vehicle movement could cause serious property damage or personal injury.
• Do not test an AWD-equipped Nissan Murano on a two-wheel dynamometer, including equipment used at some emissions-testing facilities, even if the remaining wheels are raised off the ground. Using unsuitable testing equipment can damage the drivetrain or cause unexpected vehicle movement. Inform the testing-facility personnel that the vehicle is equipped with AWD before it is placed on any dynamometer.

Using unsuitable testing equipment may damage the drivetrain or cause unexpected vehicle movement. Either condition could result in serious damage to the Nissan Murano, damage to surrounding equipment, or personal injury.

• If a wheel is lifted off the ground because the vehicle is positioned on an uneven surface, do not allow that wheel to spin excessively. Rapid wheel rotation can place unnecessary stress on drivetrain components and may cause sudden vehicle movement when traction is restored.
• Rapid acceleration, abrupt steering inputs, or sudden braking can disturb the vehicle's balance and cause the driver to lose control, particularly on loose, uneven, wet, or slippery surfaces.
• Avoid sharp turning maneuvers whenever possible, especially at higher speeds. The Nissan Murano has a higher center of gravity than a conventional passenger car and is not designed to negotiate corners at the same speeds as a lower vehicle. Enter turns at an appropriate speed and steer smoothly.
• Incorrect operation of the vehicle may result in loss of control, a collision, or a rollover. Adjust speed and driving technique to the road surface, terrain, visibility, traffic, and available traction.
• Use tires of the same type, size, brand, construction—bias, bias-belted, or radial—and tread pattern on all four wheels. Mismatched tires can affect handling and drivetrain operation. When tire chains are required for slippery-road driving, install them on the front wheels and operate the vehicle cautiously.
• Inspect brake operation immediately after driving through mud or water. Moisture or debris on braking components may temporarily reduce braking effectiveness, so test the brakes carefully at a safe speed before continuing normal travel.
• Avoid parking the Nissan Murano on a steep hill whenever possible. If the vehicle begins to roll forward, backward, or sideways after an occupant exits, it may cause serious injury or damage.
• Driving off-road through sand, deep mud, or water reaching the height of the wheel hubs may expose vehicle components to greater contamination and stress. Under these conditions, maintenance and inspection may be required more frequently than during normal on-road use.