Get Maintenance and do-it yourself -> Wheels and tires Guide for Nissan Leaf 4 Door First Generation (2010-2017)

WHEELS AND TIRES

If you have a flat tire, see “Flat tire” in the

“In case of emergency” section.

recommended tire pressure specifica- Incorrect tire pressure, including un-

tions are shown on the Tire and Loading der inflation, may adversely affect

Information label under the “Cold Tire tire life and vehicle handling.

Pressure” heading. The Tire and Loading

TIRE PRESSURE

Tire Pressure Monitoring System

(TPMS)

WARNING

Information label is affixed to the driver

side center pillar. Tire pressures should

be checked regularly because:

•

Improperly inflated tires can fail

suddenly and cause an accident.

The Gross Vehicle Weight rating

(GVWR) is located on the F.M-

.V.S.S. certification label. The ve-

hicle weight capacity is indicated

on the Tire and Loading Informa-

tion label. Do not load your ve-

hicle beyond this capacity. Over-

loading your vehicle may result

in reduced tire life, unsafe oper-

ating conditions due to prema-

ture tire failure, or unfavorable

handling characteristics and

could also lead to a serious acci-

dent. Loading beyond the speci-

fied capacity may also result in

This vehicle is equipped with the Tire Pressure

Monitoring System (TPMS). It monitors tire pres-

sure of all tires. When the low tire pressure warn-

ing light is lit, and the CHECK TIRE PRESSURE

warning appears on the vehicle information dis-

play, one or more of your tires is significantly

under-inflated.

•

• Most tires naturally lose air over time.

• Tires can lose air suddenly when driven

over potholes or other objects or if the

vehicle strikes a curb while parking.

The tire pressures should be checked

when the tires are cold. The tires are

considered COLD after the vehicle has

been parked for 3 or more hours, or driven

less than 1 mile (1.6 km) at moderate

speeds.

The TPMS will activate only when the vehicle is

driven at speeds above 16 MPH (25 km/h). Also,

this system may not detect a sudden drop in tire

pressure (for example a flat tire while driving).

For more details, see “Low tire pressure warning

light” in the “Instruments and controls” section,

“Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)” in the

“Starting and driving” section and “Tire Pressure

Monitoring System (TPMS)” in the “In case of

emergency” section.

The TPMS with Easy Fill Tire Alert also provides

visual and audible signals outside the vehicle for

inflating the tires to the recommended COLD tire

pressure. (See “TPMS with Easy Fill Tire Alert” in

the “Starting and driving” section.)

Tire inflation pressure

failure

of

other

vehicle

Check the pressure of the tires often and

always prior to long distance trips. The

8-26 Maintenance and do-it yourself

components.

•

Before taking a long trip, or

whenever you heavily load your

vehicle, use

a

tire pressure

gauge to ensure that the tire

pressures are at the specified

level.

For additional information re-

garding tires, refer to “Important

Tire Safety Information” (US) or

“Tire

Safety

Information”

(Canada) in the Warranty Infor-

mation Booklet.

2

᭺

Vehicle load limit: See “Vehicle load-

ing information” in the “Technical

and consumer information” section.

Tire and loading information label

1

Seating capacity: The maximum

number of occupants that can be

seated in the vehicle.

᭺

Maintenance and do-it yourself 8-27

3

Original size: The size of the tires

originally installed on the vehicle at

the factory.

3. Remove the gauge.

᭺

4. Read the tire pressure on the gauge

stem and compare it to the specifica-

tion shown on the Tire and Loading

Information label.

5. Add air to the tire as necessary. If too

much air is added, press the core of

the valve stem briefly with the tip of the

gauge stem to release pressure. Re-

check the pressure and add or release

air as necessary.

4

᭺

Cold tire pressure: Inflate the tires to

this pressure when the tires are

cold. Tires are considered COLD

after the vehicle has been parked for

3 or more hours, or driven less than

1 mile (1.6 km) at moderate speeds.

The recommended cold tire inflation

is set by the manufacturer to provide

the best balance of tire wear, vehicle

handling, driveability, tire noise, etc.,

up to the vehicle’s GVWR.

6. Install the valve stem cap.

7. Check the pressure of all of the tires.

COLD TIRE

Checking tire pressure

1. Remove the valve stem cap from the

tire.

5

᭺

Tire size — see “Tire labeling” in this

section.

Spare tire size or compact spare tire

size (if so equipped)

SIZE

INFLATION

PRESSURE

2. Press the pressure gauge securely

onto the valve stem. Do not press too

hard or force the valve stem sideways,

otherwise air will escape. If the hissing

sound of air escaping from the tire is

heard while checking the pressure, re-

position the gauge to eliminate this

leakage.

6

᭺

FRONT

ORIGI-

NAL TIRE

FRONT

ORIGI-

P205/55R16 250 kPa,

89H 36 PSI

P215/50R17 250 kPa,

90V 36 PSI

NAL TIRE

8-28 Maintenance and do-it yourself

COLD TIRE

INFLATION

PRESSURE

SIZE

FRONT

ORIGI-

NAL TIRE

REAR

ORIGI-

NAL TIRE

REAR

P205/55R16 250 kPa,

89H 36 PSI

P205/55R16 250 kPa,

89H

36 PSI

P215/50R17 250 kPa,

ORIGI-

NAL TIRE

90V

36 PSI

Example

Tire size (example: P215/

60R16 94H)

1

᭺

TIRE LABELING

Federal law requires tire manufacturers to

place standardized information on the

sidewall of all tires. This information iden-

tifies and describes the fundamental

characteristics of the tire and also pro-

vides the tire identification number (TIN)

for safety standard certification. The TIN

can be used to identify the tire in case of a

recall.

1. P: The “P” indicates the tire is de-

signed for passenger vehicles. (Not all

tires have this information.)

2. Three-digit number (215): This num-

ber gives the width in millimeters of the

tire from sidewall edge to sidewall

edge.

Maintenance and do-it yourself 8-29

3. Two-digit number (60): This number,

known as the aspect ratio, gives the

tire’s ratio of height to width.

4. Three-digit code: Tire type code

(Optional)

5. Three-digit code: Date of Manufacture

4. R: The “R” stands for radial.

5. Two-digit number (16): This number is

the wheel or rim diameter in inches.

6. Four numbers represent the week and

year the tire was built. For example, the

numbers 3103 means the 31st week

of 2003. If these numbers are missing,

then look on the other sidewall of the

tire.

6. Two- or three-digit number (94): This

number is the tire’s load index. It is a

measurement of how much weight

each tire can support. You may not find

this information on all tires because it

is not required by law.

7. H: Tire speed rating. You should not

drive the vehicle faster than the tire

speed rating.

3

Tire ply composition and material

᭺

The number of layers or plies of

rubber-coated fabric in the tire.

Example

Tire manufacturers also must indicate

the materials in the tire, which include

steel, nylon, polyester, and others.

2

᭺

TIN (Tire Identification Number) for a

new tire (example: DOT XX XX XXX

XXXX)

4

᭺

Maximum permissible inflation pres-

sure

1. DOT: Abbreviation for the “Depart-

ment of Transportation”. The symbol

can be placed above, below or to the

left or right of the Tire Identification

Number.

2. Two-digit code: Manufacturer’s identi-

fication mark

3. Two-digit code: Tire size

This number is the greatest amount of

air pressure that should be put in the

tire. Do not exceed the maximum per-

missible inflation pressure.

5

Maximum load rating

᭺

This number indicates the maximum

load in kilograms and pounds that can

8-30 Maintenance and do-it yourself

be carried by the tire. When replacing

the tires on the vehicle, always use a

tire that has the same load rating as the

factory installed tire.

always face outward when mounted on a

vehicle.

All season tires

NISSAN specifies all season tires on some mod-

els to provide good performance all year, includ-

ing snowy and icy road conditions. All Season

tires are identified by ALL SEASON and/or M&S

(Mud and Snow) on the tire sidewall. Snow tires

have better snow traction than All Season tires

and may be more appropriate in some areas.

TYPES OF TIRES

6

Term of “tubeless” or “tube type”

᭺

WARNING

Indicates whether the tire requires an

inner tube (“tube type”) or not (“tube-

less”).

The word “radial”

The word “radial” is shown, if the tire

has radial structure.

•

When changing or replacing tires, be

sure all four tires are of the same type

(Example: Summer, All Season or

Snow) and construction. A NISSAN

certified LEAF dealer may be able to

help you with information about tire

type, size, speed rating and availabil-

ity.

Replacement tires may have a lower

speed rating than the factory equipped

tires, and may not match the potential

maximum vehicle speed. Never exceed

the maximum speed rating of the tire.

Replacing tires with those not origi-

nally specified by NISSAN could affect

the proper operation of the TPMS.

For additional information regarding

tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety

Information” (US) or “Tire Safety Infor-

mation” (Canada) in the Warranty In-

formation Booklet.

Summer tires

7

᭺

NISSAN specifies summer tires on some models

to provide superior performance on dry roads.

Summer tire performance is substantially re-

duced in snow and ice. Summer tires do not have

the tire traction rating M&S on the tire sidewall.

8

᭺

Manufacturer or brand name

Manufacturer or brand name is shown.

Other tire-related terminology:

If you plan to operate your vehicle in snowy or icy

conditions, NISSAN recommends the use of

SNOW tires or ALL SEASON tires on all four

wheels.

In addition to the many terms that are

defined throughout this section, Intended

Outboard Sidewall is (1) the sidewall that

contains a whitewall, bears white lettering

or bears manufacturer, brand and/or

model name molding that is higher or

deeper than the same molding on the

other sidewall of the tire, or (2) the out-

ward facing sidewall of an asymmetrical

tire that has a particular side that must

•

Snow tires

If snow tires are needed, it is necessary to select

tires equivalent in size and load rating to the

original equipment tires. If you do not, it can

adversely affect the safety and handling of your

vehicle.

Maintenance and do-it yourself 8-31

Generally, snow tires will have lower speed rat-

ings than factory equipped tires and may not

match the potential maximum vehicle speed.

Never exceed the maximum speed rating of the

tire.

dard minimum clearances between the tire and

the closest vehicle suspension or body compo-

nent required to accommodate the use of a win-

ter traction device (tire chains or cables). The

minimum clearances are determined using the

factory equipped tire size. Other types may dam-

age your vehicle.

If you install snow tires, they must be the same

size, brand, construction and tread pattern on all

four wheels.

Use chain tensioners when recommended by the

tire chain manufacturer to ensure a tight fit. Loose

end links of the tire chain must be secured or

removed to prevent the possibility of whipping

action damage to the fenders or underbody. If

possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle when

using tire chains. In addition, drive at a reduced

speed. Otherwise, your vehicle may be damaged

and/or vehicle handling and performance may be

adversely affected.

For additional traction on icy roads, studded tires

may be used. However, some U.S. states and

Canadian provinces prohibit their use. Check

local, state and provincial laws before installing

studded tires. Skid and traction capabilities of

studded snow tires, on wet or dry surfaces, may

be poorer than that of non-studded snow tires.

CHANGING WHEELS AND TIRES

Tire rotation

TIRE CHAINS

NISSAN recommends rotating the tires

every 7,500 miles (12,000 km).

Tire chains must be installed only on the

front wheels and not on the rear wheels.

Use of tire chains may be prohibited according to

location. Check the local laws before installing

tire chains. When installing tire chains, make sure

they are the proper size for the tires on your

vehicle and are installed according to the chain

manufacturer’s suggestions.

As soon as possible, tighten the

wheel nuts to the specified torque

using a torque wrench.

Do not use tire chains on dry roads. Driving with

tire chains in such conditions can cause damage

to the various mechanisms of the vehicle due to

some overstress.

Wheel nut tightening torque:

83 ft-lb (112 N·m)

Use only SAE Class S chains. Class “S”

chains are used on vehicles with restricted tire to

vehicle clearance. Vehicles that can use Class

“S” chains are designed to meet the SAE stan-

8-32 Maintenance and do-it yourself

The wheel nuts must be kept tight-

ened to the specification at all times.

It is recommended that wheel nuts

be tightened to the specification at

each tire rotation interval.

•

The original tires have built-in

tread wear indicators. When

wear indicators are visible, the

tire(s) should be replaced.

Tires degrade with age and use.

Have tires, over 6 years old

checked by a qualified techni-

cian, because some tire damage

may not be obvious. Replace the

tires as necessary to prevent tire

failure and possible personal in-

jury.

WARNING

•

After rotating the tires, check

and adjust the tire pressure.

Retighten the wheel nuts when

•

the vehicle has been driven for

600 miles (1,000 km) (also in

cases of a flat tire, etc.).

1. Wear indicator

•

For additional information re-

garding tires, refer to “Important

Tire Safety Information” (US) or

•

For additional information re-

2. Wear indicator location mark

garding tires, refer to “Important

Tire Safety Information” (US) or

Tire wear and damage

“Tire

Safety

Information”

“Tire

Safety

Information”

(Canada) in the Warranty Infor-

mation Booklet.

WARNING

(Canada) in the Warranty Infor-

mation Booklet.

•

Tires should be periodically in-

spected for wear, cracking, bulg-

ing or objects caught in the

tread. If excessive wear, cracks,

bulging or deep cuts are found,

the tire(s) should be replaced.

Maintenance and do-it yourself 8-33

Replacing wheels and tires

•

If the wheels are changed for any rea-

son, always replace with wheels which

have the same off-set dimension.

Wheels of a different off-set could

cause premature tire wear, degrade

•

The use of retread tire is not recom-

mended.

For additional information regarding

tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety

Information” (US) or “Tire Safety Infor-

mation” (Canada) in the Warranty In-

formation Booklet.

When replacing a tire, use the same size, tread

design, speed rating and load carrying capacity

as originally equipped. See “Specifications” in

the “Technical and consumer information” sec-

tion for recommended types and sizes of tires

and wheels.

vehicle

handling

characteristics

and/or interference with the brake

discs. Such interference can lead to

decreased braking efficiency and/or

early brake pad/shoe wear. See

“Wheels and tires” in the “Technical

and consumer information” section of

this manual for wheel off-set dimen-

sions.

When a wheel is replaced, the TPMS

will not function and the low tire pres-

sure warning light will flash for ap-

proximately 1 minute. The light will re-

main on after 1 minute. Contact your

NISSAN certified LEAF dealer as soon

as possible for tire replacement

and/or system resetting.

Replacing tires with those not origi-

nally specified by NISSAN could affect

the proper operation of the TPMS.

Do not install a damaged or deformed

wheel or tire even if it has been re-

paired. Such wheels or tires could have

structural damage and could fail with-

out warning.

Wheel balance

WARNING

Unbalanced wheels may affect vehicle handling

and tire life. Even with regular use, wheels can get

out of balance. Therefore, they should be bal-

anced as required.

•

The use of tires other than those rec-

ommended or the mixed use of tires of

different brands, construction (bias,

bias-belted or radial), or tread patterns

can adversely affect the ride, braking,

handling, ground clearance, body-to-

tire clearance, tire chain clearance,

speedometer calibration, headlight

aim and bumper height. Some of these

effects may lead to accidents and

could result in serious personal injury.

If your vehicle was originally equipped

with 4 tires that were the same size

and you are only replacing 2 of the 4

tires, install the new tires on the rear

axle. Placing new tires on the front

axle may cause loss of vehicle control

in some driving conditions and cause

an accident and personal injury.

•

Wheel balance service should be per-

formed with the wheels off the vehicle.

Spin balancing the wheels on the vehicle

could lead to mechanical damage.

For additional information regarding tires, refer to

“Important Tire Safety Information” (US) or “Tire

Safety Information” (Canada) in the Warranty In-

formation Booklet.

•

Care of wheels

See “Cleaning exterior” in the “Appearance and

care”section for details about care of the wheels.

8-34 Maintenance and do-it yourself

EMERGENCY TIRE PUNCTURE

REPAIR KIT

The emergency tire puncture repair kit (Emer-

gency Tire Sealant) is supplied with the vehicle

instead of a spare tire. It can be used to tempo-

rarily repair minor tire punctures.

If possible, have the vehicle towed to a facility that

can repair or replace the flat tire. Using the emer-

gency tire puncture repair kit may cause a mal-

function of the tire pressure sensor and cause the

low tire pressure warning light to illuminate.

See “Flat tire” in the “In case of emergency”

section for more details.

Maintenance and do-it yourself 8-35

NOTES

8-36 Maintenance and do-it yourself

Maintenance and do-it yourself -> Wheels and tires for Your Nissan Leaf 4 Door First Generation (2010-2017)

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