Get Starting and driving -> Cold weather driving Guide for Nissan Leaf 4 Door Second Generation (2018-2025)

COLD WEATHER DRIVING

CAUTION

• The predicted charging time displayed

on the meter and navigation system (if

so equipped) increases when the Li-ion

battery warmer (if so equipped) oper-

ates.

FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCK

To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply

deicer through the key hole. If the lock be-

comes frozen, heat the key before inserting

it into the key hole or use the remote key-

less entry key fob.

To prevent damage to the Li-ion bat-

tery: Do not store the vehicle in tem-

peratures 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)).

ANTIFREEZE

• Using the climate control system to

heat the cabin when outside tempera-

ture is below 32°F (0°C) uses more elec-

tricity and affects vehicle range more

than when using the heater when the

temperature is above 32°F (0°C).

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 informa-

tion, refer to “Cooling system” in the “Main-

tenance and do-it-yourself” section of this

manual.

NOTE:

• Connect the charger to the vehicle and

place the power switch in the OFF po-

sition when parking the vehicle if tem-

peratures may go below -4°F (-20°C).

For models with 40 kWh battery

model, this provides external power to

the Li-ion battery warmer (if so

equipped) when it operates and does

not discharge the Li-ion battery. Ve-

hicle driving range is reduced if the Li-

ion battery warmer (if so equipped) op-

erates (Li-ion battery temperature

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.

• Climate control performance is re-

duced when using the Climate Ctrl.

Timer or Remote Climate Control while

the Li-ion battery warmer (if so

equipped) operates (for models with

40 kWh battery model). Set only the

charging timer [End Time] when charg-

ing in cold weather. The vehicle auto-

matically determines when to start

charging to fully charge the Li-ion bat-

tery, even if the Li-ion battery warmer

operates. Charging ends before the set

end time if the Li-ion battery is fully

charged.

12-VOLT BATTERY

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 additional

information, refer to “12-volt battery” in the

“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section

of this manual.

• The Li-ion battery requires more time

to charge when the Li-ion battery

warmer (if so equipped) operates.

Starting and driving 5-169

Tire chains may be used. For additional in-

formation, refer to “Tire chains” in the “Main-

tenance and do-it-yourself” section of this

manual.

DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER

•

Whatever the conditions, drive with

caution. Accelerate and slow down

with care. If accelerating too fast, the

drive wheels will lose even more

traction.

If the vehicle is to be left outside without

antifreeze, drain the cooling system. Refill

before operating the vehicle. For additional

information, refer to “Cooling system” in the

“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section

of this manual.

SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT

Allow more stopping distance under

these conditions. Braking should be

started sooner than on dry

pavement.

It is recommended that the following items

be carried in the vehicle during winter:

TIRE EQUIPMENT

• A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to re-

move ice and snow from the windows

and wiper blades.

SUMMER tires have a tread designed to

provide superior performance on dry

pavement. However, the performance of

these tires will be substantially 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. It is

recommended that you visit a NISSAN cer-

tified LEAF dealer for the tire type, size,

speed rating and availability information.

•

Allow greater following distances on

slippery roads.

• A shovel to dig the vehicle out of snow-

drifts.

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

reaching it. Try not to brake while on

the ice, and avoid any sudden steer-

ing maneuvers.

• Extra windshield-washer fluid to refill the

reservoir tank.

DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE

WARNING

•

Do not use cruise control on slippery

roads.

•

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” un-

der these conditions. Try to avoid

driving on wet ice until the road is

salted or sanded.

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.

FREEING A FROZEN CHARGE PORT

LID

When the charge port is frozen, melt the ice

using a hair dryer.

Skid and traction capabilities of studded

snow tires, on wet or dry surfaces, may

be poorer than that of non-studded

snow tires.

5-170 Starting and driving

PARKING BRAKE

CAUTION

When parking in an area where the

outside temperature is below 32°F

(0°C), the parking brake, if applied,

may freeze in place and may be diffi-

cult to release.

•

For safe parking, it is recommended

that you place the shift lever in the P

(Park) position and securely block

the wheels.

Starting and driving 5-171

MEMO

5-172 Starting and driving

Starting and driving -> Cold weather driving for Your Nissan Leaf 4 Door Second Generation (2018-2025)

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