COLD WEATHER DRIVING
fenders or underbody. In addition, drive at
a
BATTERY
WARNING:
reduced speed, otherwise, your vehicle may be
damaged and/or vehicle handling and perfor-
mance may be adversely affected.
If the battery is not fully charged during extremely cold
weather conditions, the battery fluid may freeze and
damage the battery. To maintain maximum efficiency,
the battery should be checked regularly. For details,
see “Battery” (P.8-15) of this manual.
.
.
Whatever the condition, drive with caution.
Accelerate and decelerate with great care. If
accelerating or decelerating too fast, the
drive wheels will lose even more traction.
SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT
It is recommended that the following items be carried
in the vehicle during the winter:
Allow more stopping distance in cold weath-
er driving. Braking should be started sooner
than on dry pavement.
ENGINE COOLANT
.
.
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A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to remove ice
and snow from the windows.
If the vehicle is to be left outside without anti-freeze,
drain the cooling system, including the engine block.
Refill before operating the vehicle. For details, see
“Changing engine coolant” (P.8-7) of this manual.
.
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Keep at a greater distance from the vehicle
in front of you on slippery roads.
A sturdy, flat board to be placed under the jack to
give it firm support.
Wet ice (08C, 328F and freezing rain), very
cold snow and ice can be slick and very
difficult to drive on. The vehicle will have a
lot less traction or grip under these condi-
tions. Try to avoid driving on wet ice until the
road is salted or sanded.
A shovel to dig the vehicle out of snowdrifts.
TIRE EQUIPMENT
1. If you have snow tires installed on the front/rear
wheels of your vehicle, they should be of the same
size, loading range, construction and type (bias,
bias-belted or radial) as the rear/front tires.
Engine block heater (if equipped)
WARNING:
Do not use the heater with an ungrounded
electrical system or two-pronged (cheater) adap-
ters. You can be injured by an electrical shock if
you use an ungrounded connection.
.
Watch for slippery spots (glaring ice). These
may appear on an otherwise clear road in
shaded areas. If a patch of ice is seen ahead,
brake before reaching it. Try not to brake
while actually on the ice, and avoid any
sudden steering maneuvers.
2. If the vehicle is to be operated in severe winter
conditions, snow tires should be installed on all
four wheels.
3. For additional traction on icy roads, studded tires
may be used. However, some countries, provinces
and states prohibit their use. Check local, state
and provincial laws before installing studded tires.
An engine block heater to assist in extreme cold
temperature starting is available through a NISSAN
dealer.
.
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Do not use cruise control on slippery roads.
Snow can trap dangerous exhaust gas under
your vehicle. Keep snow clear of the exhaust
pipe and from around your vehicle.
Skid and traction capabilities of studded
snow tires, on wet or dry surfaces, may be
poorer than that of non-studded snow tires.
PARKING BRAKE
When parking in the area where the outside tempera-
ture is below 08C (328F), do not apply the parking
brake to prevent it from freezing. For safe parking:
4. Snow chains may be used if desired. Make sure
they are the proper size for the tires on your
vehicle and are installed according to the chain
manufacturer’s instructions. Use chain tensioners
when recommended by the tire chain manufac-
turer to ensure a tight fit. Loose end links of the tire
chains must be secured or removed to prevent the
possibility of whipping action damage to the
.
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Place the shift lever in the “P” (Park) position
(Continuously Variable Transmission models).
Place the shift lever in the “1” (1st) or “R”
(Reverse) position (Manual Transmission models).
Securely block the wheels.
5-26 Starting and driving
English 
