COLD WEATHER DRIVING
3) Snow chains may be used, if desired. But the use
of snow chains may be prohibited in some ar-
eas. Therefore, check the local laws before in-
stalling snow chains. When installing snow
chains, make sure they are of proper size for the
tyres on your vehicle and are installed according
to the snow chain manufacturer's instructions.
Use chain tensioners when recommended by
the snow chain manufacturer to ensure a tight
fit. Loose end links of the snow chain must be
secured or removed to prevent the possibility of
whipping action damage to the wings or under-
carriage. In addition, drive at a reduced speed,
otherwise, your vehicle may be damaged and/
or vehicle handling and performance may be ad-
versely affected.
BATTERY
WARNING
If the battery is not fully charged during extremely
cold weather conditions, the battery fluid may
freeze and damage the battery. To maintain maxi-
mum efficiency, the battery should be checked
regularly. For details, see “Battery” in the “8. Mainte-
nance and do-it-yourself” section.
Whatever the conditions, drive with caution.
•
Accelerate and decelerate with great care. If
accelerating or decelerating too fast, the drive
wheels will lose even more traction.
Allow more stopping distance in cold weather
driving.Braking should be started sooner than
on dry surfaces.
•
ENGINE COOLANT
Keep at a greater distance from the vehicle in
front of you on slippery roads.
•
If the vehicle is to be left outside without anti-freeze,
drain the cooling system. Refill before operating the
vehicle. For details, see “Engine cooling system” in
the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section.
Wet ice (0°C, 32°F and freezing rain), very cold
•
snow and ice can be slick and very difficult to
drive on. The vehicle will have a lot less trac-
tion or grip under these conditions. Try to
avoid driving on wet ice until the road is salted
or sanded.
TYRE EQUIPMENT
1) The SUMMER tyres are of a tread design to pro-
vide superior performance on dry surfaces.
However, the performance of these tyres will be
substantially reduced in snowy and icy condi-
tions. If you operate your vehicle on snowy or icy
roads, NISSAN recommends the use of MUD &
SNOW or ALL SEASON tyres on all four wheels.
Please consult a NISSAN dealer or qualified work-
shop for tyre type, size, speed rating and avail-
ability information.
SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT
It is recommended to carry the following items in
the vehicle during winter:
Watch for slippery spots (black ice). These may
•
appear on an otherwise clear road in shaded
areas. If a patch of ice is seen ahead, brake
before driving on it. Try not to brake while ac-
tually on the ice and avoid any sudden steer-
ing manoeuvres.
A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to remove ice
and snow from the windows.
•
A sturdy, flat board to be placed under the jack
to give it firm support.
•
Do not use cruise control (where fitted) on slip-
•
A shovel to dig the vehicle out of snowdrifts.
•
pery roads.
2) For additional traction on icy roads, studded ty-
res may be used. However, some countries, prov-
inces and states prohibit their use. Check appli-
cable laws before installing studded tyres.
Extra windscreen washer fluid to refill the reser-
voir tank.
•
Snow can trap dangerous exhaust gas under
your vehicle. Keep snow clear of the exhaust
pipe and from around your vehicle.
•
CAUTION
Skid and traction capabilities of studded snow
tyres on wet or dry surfaces may be poorer
than that of non-studded snow tyres.
322 Starting and driving
