Get Maintenance and do-it yourself -> Wheels and tires Guide for Nissan Leaf 4 Door Second Generation (2018-2025)

WHEELS AND TIRES

If you have a flat tire, refer to “Flat tire” in

the “In case of emergency” section.

TIRE PRESSURE

Tire Pressure Monitoring System

(TPMS)

WARNING

Radio waves could adversely affect

electric medical equipment. Those who

use a pacemaker should contact the

electric medical equipment manufac-

turer for the possible influences before

use.

This vehicle is equipped with the Tire

Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

It monitors tire pressure of all tires.

When the low tire pressure warning

light is lit, and the “Tire Pressure Low -

Add Air” warning appears on the ve-

hicle information display, one or

more of your tires is significantly

under-inflated.

LDI3243

Rear combination light

1. Remove the rear combination attach- 3. Turn the bulb sockets and then remove

1

3

ment bolts

.

the bulbs

.

O

2. Pull the rear combination assembly as

2

shown in the illustration

.

O

8-28 Maintenance and do-it yourself

The TPMS will activate only when the heading. The Tire and Loading Infor- Alert” in the “Starting and driving”

vehicle is driven at speeds above 16 mation label is affixed to the driver section of this manual.

mph (25 km/h). Also, this system side center pillar. Tire pressures

may not detect a sudden drop in tire should be checked regularly be-

pressure (for example a flat tire while cause:

Incorrect tire pressure, including

under inflation, may adversely af-

fect tire life and vehicle handling.

driving).

• Most tires naturally lose air over

time.

WARNING

For additional information, refer to

“Low tire pressure warning light” in • Tires can lose air suddenly when

• Improperly inflated tires can

fail suddenly and cause an

accident.

the “Instruments and controls” sec-

tion, “Tire Pressure Monitoring Sys-

tem (TPMS)” in the “Starting and driv-

ing” section and “Tire Pressure

Monitoring System (TPMS)” in the “In

case of emergency” section of this

manual.

driven over potholes or other ob-

jects 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.

Tire inflation pressure

Check the pressure of the tires often

and always prior to long distance

trips. The recommended tire pres-

sure specifications are shown on the

F.M.V.S.S/C.M.V.S.S certification label

or Tire and Loading Information la-

bel under the “Cold Tire Pressure”

The TPMS with Easy-Fill Tire Alert

also provides visual and audible sig-

nals outside the vehicle for inflating

the tires to the recommended COLD

tire pressure. For additional informa-

tion, refer to “TPMS with Easy-Fill Tire

Maintenance and do-it yourself 8-29

•

The Gross Vehicle Weight rating

(GVWR) is located on the

F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S certification

label. The vehicle weight capac-

ity is indicated on the Tire and

Loading Information label. Do

not load your vehicle beyond

this capacity. Overloading your

vehicle may result in reduced

tire life, unsafe operating condi-

tions due to premature tire fail-

ure, or unfavorable handling

characteristics and could also

lead to a serious accident. Load-

ing beyond the specified capac-

ity may also result in failure of

other vehicle components.

• For additional information re-

garding tires, refer to “Impor-

tant Tire Safety Information”

(US) or “Tire Safety Informa-

tion” (Canada) in the Warranty

Information Booklet.

• 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.

8-30 Maintenance and do-it yourself

6

Vehicle load limit: For additional

O

information, refer to “Vehicle loading

information” in the “Technical and

consumer information” section of

this manual.

LDI2644

ter 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 pro-

vide the best balance of tire wear,

vehicle handling, driveability, tire

noise, etc., up to the vehicle’s GVWR.

Tire and Loading Information

label

1

Seating capacity: The maximum

O

number of occupants that can be

seated in the vehicle.

2

Original size: The size of the tires

O

originally installed on the vehicle at

the factory.

4

Tire size — refer to “Tire labeling” in

O

3

Cold tire pressure: Inflate the tires

O

this section.

to this pressure when the tires are

cold. Tires are considered COLD af-

5

Spare tire size or compact spare

O

tire size (if so equipped)

Maintenance and do-it yourself 8-31

3. Remove the gauge.

SIZE

COLD TIRE

INFLATION

PRESSURE

4. Read the tire pressure on the

gauge stem and compare it to

the specification shown on the

Tire and Loading Information

label.

Front

Original

Tire

P205/

250 kPa,

55R16 89H 36 PSI

P215/50R17

90V

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 re-

lease pressure. Recheck the pres-

sure and add or release air as

necessary.

Rear

Original

Tire

P205/

250 kPa,

55R16 89H 36 PSI

P215/50R17

90V

SDI1949

Checking tire pressure

1. Remove the valve stem cap from

the tire.

6. Install the valve stem cap.

7. Check the pressure of all of the

tires.

2. Press the pressure gauge se-

curely 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.

8-32 Maintenance and do-it yourself

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

ber, known as the aspect ratio,

gives the tire’s ratio of height to

width.

4. R: The “R” stands for radial.

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

ber is the wheel or rim diameter in

inches.

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

This number is the tire’s load in-

dex. It is a measurement of how

much weight each tire can sup-

port. You may not find this infor-

mation on all tires because it is

not required by law.

SDI1575

SDI1606

Example

1

Tire size (example: P215/60R16

TIRE LABELING

O

94H)

Federal law requires tire manufac-

turers to place standardized infor-

mation on the sidewall of all tires.

This information identifies and de-

scribes the fundamental character-

istics of the tire and also provides 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.)

7. H: Tire speed rating. You should

not drive the vehicle faster than

the tire speed rating.

2. Three-digit number (215): This

number gives the width in milli-

meters of the tire from sidewall

edge to sidewall edge.

Maintenance and do-it yourself 8-33

3

Tire ply composition and material

O

Example

The number of layers or plies of

rubber-coated fabric in the tire.

Tire manufacturers also must indi-

cate the materials in the tire, which

include steel, nylon, polyester, and

others.

4

Maximum permissible inflation

O

pressure

This number is the greatest amount

of air pressure that should be put in

LDI2786

2

TIN (Tire Identification Number) 4. Three-digit code: Tire type code the tire. Do not exceed the maximum

O

for a new tire (example: DOT XX XX

XXX XXXX)

(Optional)

permissible inflation pressure.

5

Maximum load rating

5. 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.

O

1. DOT: Abbreviation for the “Depart-

ment of Transportation”. The sym-

bol can be placed above, below or

to the left or right of the Tire Iden-

tification Number.

This number indicates the maxi-

mum load in kilograms and pounds

that can be carried by the tire. When

replacing the tires on the vehicle, al-

ways use a tire that has the same

load rating as the factory installed

tire.

2. Two-digit code: Manufacturer’s

identification mark

3. Two-digit code: Tire size

8-34 Maintenance and do-it yourself

6

Term of “tubeless” or “tube type”

lar side that must always face out-

ward when mounted on a vehicle.

O

•

Replacing tires with those not origi-

nally specified by NISSAN could af-

fect the proper operation of the

TPMS.

Indicates whether the tire requires

an inner tube (“tube type”) or not

(“tubeless”).

TYPES OF TIRES

For additional information regarding

tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety

Information” (US) or “Tire Safety In-

formation” (Canada) in the Warranty

Information Booklet.

WARNING

7

The word “radial”

O

•

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

availability.

The word “radial” is shown, if the tire

has radial structure.

8

All season tires

Manufacturer or brand name

O

NISSAN specifies all season tires on some

models to provide good performance all

year, including snowy and icy road condi-

tions. 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.

Manufacturer or brand name is

shown.

•

Always use tires of the same type,

size, brand, construction and tread

pattern on all four wheels. Failure to

do so may result in a circumference

difference between tires on the front

and rear axles which can cause the

VDC system to malfunction resulting

in personal injury or death, excessive

tie wear and may damage the trans-

mission and differential gears.

Other tire-related terminology:

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 outward facing sidewall of an

asymmetrical tire that has a particu-

Summer tires

NISSAN specifies summer tires on some

models to provide superior performance

on dry roads. Summer tire performance is

substantially reduced in snow and ice.

Summer tires do not have the tire traction

rating M&S on the tire sidewall.

•

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.

Maintenance and do-it yourself 8-35

If you plan to operate your vehicle in snowy

or icy conditions, NISSAN recommends the

use of SNOWtires or ALL SEASON tires on all

four wheels.

damaged and/or vehicle handling and

performance may be adversely affected.

TIRE CHAINS

Use of tire chains may be prohibited ac-

cording 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 manufac-

turer’s suggestions.

Tire chains must be installed only on the

front wheels and not on the rear wheels.

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.

Snow tires

If snow tires are needed, it is necessary to

select tires equivalent in size and load rat-

ing to the original equipment tires. If you do

not, it can adversely affect the safety and

handling of your vehicle.

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 standard minimum clearances be-

tween the tire and the closest vehicle sus-

pension or body component required to

accommodate the use of a winter traction

device (tire chains or cables). The minimum

clearances are determined using the fac-

tory equipped tire size. Other types may

damage your vehicle.

Generally, snow tires will have lower speed

ratings than factory equipped tires and

may not match the potential maximum

vehicle speed. Never exceed the maximum

speed rating of the tire.

If you install snow tires, they must be the

same size, brand, construction and tread

pattern on all four wheels.

For additional traction on icy roads, stud-

ded 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.

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

8-36 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.

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.).

SDI1662

SDI1663

CHANGING WHEELS AND TIRES

Tire wear and damage

1

᭺

Wear indicator

Tire rotation

• For additional information re-

garding tires, refer to “Impor-

tant Tire Safety Information”

(US) or “Tire Safety Informa-

tion” (Canada) in the Warranty

Information Booklet.

NISSAN recommends rotating the

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

2

᭺

Wear indicator location mark

As soon as possible, tighten the

wheel nuts to the specified torque

using a torque wrench.

Wheel nut tightening torque:

83 ft-lb (113 N·m)

Maintenance and do-it yourself 8-37

• For additional information re-

garding tires, refer to “Impor-

tant Tire Safety Information”

(US) or “Tire Safety Informa-

tion” (Canada) in the Warranty

Information Booklet.

WARNING

•

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, Vehicle Dy-

namic Control (VDC) system, ground

clearance, body-to-tire clearance,

tire chain clearance, speedometer

calibration, headlight aim and bum-

per height. Some of these effects

may lead to accidents and could re-

sult in serious personal injury.

• Tires should be periodically in-

spected for wear, cracking,

bulging or objects caught in

the tread. If excessive wear,

cracks, bulging or deep cuts

are found, the tire(s) should be

replaced.

Replacing wheels and tires

When replacing a tire, use the same size,

tread design, speed rating and load carry-

ing capacity as originally equipped. For ad-

ditional information, refer to “Specifica-

tions” in the “Technical and consumer

information” section of this manual for rec-

ommended types and sizes of tires and

wheels.

• The original tires have built-in

tread wear indicators. When

wear indicators are visible, the

tire(s) should be replaced.

•

If your vehicle was originally

equipped with four tires that were

the same size and you are only re-

placing two of the four 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.

• Tires degrade with age and

use. Have tires, over 6 years old

checked by a qualified techni-

cian, because some tire dam-

age may not be obvious. Re-

place the tires as necessary to

prevent tire failure and pos-

sible personal injury.

8-38 Maintenance and do-it yourself

Wheel balance

•

If the wheels are changed for any

reason, always replace with wheels

which have the same off-set dimen-

sion. Wheels of a different off-set

could cause premature tire wear, de-

grade vehicle handling characteris-

tics, affect the VDC system and/or in-

terference with the brake discs. Such

interference can lead to decreased

braking efficiency and/or early brake

pad/shoe wear. For additional infor-

mation on wheel-off set dimensions,

refer to “Wheels and tires” in the

“Technical and consumer informa-

tion” section of this manual.

•

The TPMS sensor may be damaged if

it is not handled correctly. Be careful

when handling the TPMS sensor.

Unbalanced wheels may affect vehicle

handling and tire life. Even with regular use,

wheels can get out of balance. Therefore,

they should be balanced as required.

When replacing the TPMS sensor, the

ID registration may be required. It is

recommended that you visit

a

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.

NISSAN certified LEAF dealer for ID

registration.

•

Do not use a valve stem cap that is

not specified by NISSAN. The valve

stem cap may become stuck.

For additional information regarding tires,

refer to “Important Tire Safety Information”

(US) or “Tire Safety Information” (Canada) in

the Warranty Information Booklet.

Be sure that the valve stem caps are

correctly fitted. Otherwise the valve

may be clogged up with dirt and

cause a

pressure.

malfunction or loss of

Care of wheels

•

When replacing a wheel without the

TPMS such as the spare tire, the TPMS

will not function when a wheel is re-

placed, the TPMS will not function

and the low tire pressure warning

light will flash for approximately 1

minute. The light will remain on after

1 minute. It is recommended that you

visit a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer

for this service.

For additional information on care of

wheels, refer to “Cleaning exterior” in the

“Appearance and care” section of this

manual.

•

Do not install a damaged or de-

formed wheel or tire even if it has

been repaired. Such wheels or tires

could have structural damage and

could fail without warning.

EMERGENCY TIRE PUNCTURE

REPAIR KIT

•

The use of retread tire is not

recommended.

The emergency tire puncture repair kit

(Emergency Tire Sealant) is supplied with

the vehicle instead of a spare tire. It can be

used to temporarily repair minor tire punc-

tures.

For additional information regarding

tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety

Information” (US) or “Tire Safety In-

formation” (Canada) in the Warranty

Information Booklet.

•

Replacing tires with those not origi-

nally specified by NISSAN could af-

fect the proper operation of the

TPMS.

Maintenance and do-it yourself 8-39

If possible, have the vehicle towed to a fa-

cility that can repair or replace the flat tire.

Using the emergency tire puncture repair

kit may cause a malfunction of the tire

pressure sensor and cause the low tire

pressure warning light to illuminate.

For additional information, refer to “Flat tire”

in the “In case of emergency” section of this

manual.

8-40 Maintenance and do-it yourself

Maintenance and do-it yourself -> Wheels and tires for Your Nissan Leaf 4 Door Second Generation (2018-2025)

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