2010-2017 Nissan Leaf 4 Door Starting and driving -> Cold weather driving User Manual
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Starting and driving -> Cold weather driving for Your Nissan Leaf 4 Door First Generation (2010-2017)

COLD WEATHER DRIVING  
CAUTION  
The hill start assist system automatically keeps  
the brakes applied to help prevent the vehicle  
from rolling backwards in the time it takes the  
driver to release the brake pedal and apply the  
accelerator when the vehicle is stopped on a hill.  
• The predicted charging time displayed on  
the meter and navigation system in-  
creases when the Li-ion battery warmer  
operates.  
To prevent damage to the Li-ion battery:  
Do not store a vehicle in temperatures  
below -13°F (-25°C) for over seven days. If  
the outside temperature is -13°F (-25°C)  
or less, the Li-ion battery may freeze and  
it cannot be charged or provide power to  
run the vehicle. Move the vehicle to a  
warm location.  
• Vehicle range may be substantially re-  
duced in extremely cold conditions (for  
example under -4°F (-20°C)).  
Hill start assist will operate automatically under  
the following conditions:  
• Using the climate control system to heat  
the cabin when outside temperature is  
below 32°F (0°C) uses more electricity and  
affects vehicle range more than when us-  
ing the heater when the temperature is  
above 32°F (0°C).  
• The shift lever is shifted into D (Drive), ECO, or  
R (Reverse) position.  
• The vehicle is stopped completely on a hill by  
applying the brake.  
NOTE:  
• Connect the charger to the vehicle and  
place the power switch in the OFF posi-  
tion when parking the vehicle if tempera-  
tures may go below -4°F (-20°C). This pro-  
vides external power to the Li-ion battery  
warmer when it operates and does not  
discharge the Li-ion battery. Vehicle driv-  
ing range is reduced if the Li-ion battery  
warmer operates (Li-ion battery tempera-  
ture approximately -4°F (-20°C) or colder)  
while driving the vehicle. You may need to  
charge the Li-ion battery sooner than in  
warmer temperatures.  
The maximum holding time is 2 seconds. After 2  
seconds the vehicle will begin to roll back and hill  
start assist will stop operating completely.  
• Climate control performance is reduced  
when using the Climate Ctrl. Timer or Re-  
mote Climate Control while the Li-ion bat-  
tery warmer operates. Set only the charg-  
ing timer [End Time] when charging in cold  
weather. The vehicle automatically deter-  
mines when to start charging to fully  
charge the Li-ion battery, even if the Li-ion  
battery warmer operates. Charging ends  
before the set end time if the Li-ion bat-  
tery is fully charged.  
Hill start assist will not operate when the shift  
lever is shifted into D (Drive), ECO, or R (Re-  
verse) position or on a flat and level road.  
• The Li-ion battery requires more time to  
charge when the Li-ion battery warmer  
operates.  
Starting and driving 5-25  
system” in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself”  
section.  
FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCK  
SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT  
It is recommended that the following items be  
carried in the vehicle during winter:  
To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply deicer  
through the key hole. If the lock becomes frozen,  
heat the key before inserting it into the key hole or  
use the remote keyless entry keyfob.  
TIRE EQUIPMENT  
• A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to remove ice  
and snow from the windows and wiper blades.  
SUMMER tires have a tread designed to provide  
superior performance on dry pavement. How-  
ever, the performance of these tires will be sub-  
stantially reduced in snowy and icy conditions. If  
you operate your vehicle on snowy or icy roads,  
NISSAN recommends the use of MUD & SNOW  
or ALL SEASON tires on all four wheels. Consult  
a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer for the tire type,  
size, speed rating and availability information.  
• A shovel to dig the vehicle out of snow-drifts.  
ANTI-FREEZE  
• Extra window washer fluid to refill the reservoir  
tank.  
In the winter when it is possible that the outside  
temperature will drop below 32°F (0°C), check  
the antifreeze to ensure proper winter protection.  
For additional information, see “Cooling system”  
in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section.  
DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE  
WARNING  
12-VOLT BATTERY  
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.  
•
Wet ice (32°F, 0°C and freezing rain),  
very cold snow or ice can be slick and  
very hard to drive on. The vehicle will  
have much less traction or “grip”under  
these conditions. Try to avoid driving  
on wet ice until the road is salted or  
sanded.  
If the 12-volt battery is not fully charged during  
extremely cold weather conditions, the 12-volt  
battery fluid may freeze and damage the 12-volt  
battery. To maintain maximum efficiency, the 12-  
volt battery should be checked regularly. For ad-  
ditional information, see “12-volt battery” in the  
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section.  
Skid and traction capabilities of studded  
snow tires, on wet or dry surfaces, may be  
poorer than that of non-studded snow tires.  
•
•
Whatever the conditions, drive with  
caution. Accelerate and slow down  
with care. If accelerating too fast, the  
drive wheels will lose even more trac-  
tion.  
Allow more stopping distance under  
these conditions. Braking should be  
started sooner than on dry pavement.  
Tire chains may be used. For details, see “Tire  
chains” in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself”  
section.  
DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER  
If the vehicle is to be left outside without anti-  
freeze, drain the cooling system. Refill before  
operating the vehicle. For details, see “Cooling  
5-26 Starting and driving  
FREEING A FROZEN CHARGE  
PORT LID  
When the charge port is frozen, melt the ice using  
a hair dryer.  
•
•
Allow greater following distances on  
slippery roads.  
Watch for slippery spots (glare ice).  
These may appear on an otherwise  
clear road in shaded areas. If a patch of  
ice is seen ahead, brake before reach-  
ing it. Try not to brake while on the ice,  
and avoid any sudden steering maneu-  
vers.  
•
Do not use cruise control on slippery  
roads.  
Starting and driving 5-27  
NOTES  
5-28 Starting and driving  

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