COLD WEATHER DRIVING
tight fit. Loose end links of the tire chains
must be secured or removed to prevent the
possibility of whipping action damage to
the fenders or underbody. In addition, drive
at a reduced speed, otherwise, your vehicle
may be damaged and/or vehicle handling
and performance may be adversely af-
fected.
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 maximum efficiency, the battery
should be checked regularly. For details, see
“Battery” (P.8-18) of this manual.
.
.
Whatever the condition, drive with cau-
tion. 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 pavement.
ENGINE COOLANT
SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT
If the vehicle is to be left outside without anti-
freeze, drain the cooling system, including the
engine block. Refill before operating the vehicle.
For details, see “Changing engine coolant” (P.8-
8) of this manual.
It is recommended that the following items be
.
.
Keep at a greater distance from the
carried in the vehicle during the winter:
vehicle in front of you on slippery roads.
.
.
.
A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to remove
ice and snow from the windows.
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 traction or grip under these
conditions. Try to avoid driving on wet ice
until the road is salted or sanded.
Watch for slippery spots (glaring 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 actually on the ice, and
avoid any sudden steering maneuvers.
A sturdy, flat board to be placed under the
TIRE EQUIPMENT
jack to give it firm support.
1. If you have snow tires installed on the
front/rear wheels of your vehicle, they
should be of the same size, loading range,
construction and type (bias, bias-belted or
radial) as the rear/front tires.
A shovel to dig the vehicle out of snow-
drifts.
Engine block heater (if equipped)
.
WARNING:
2. If the vehicle is to be operated in severe
winter conditions, snow tires should be
installed on all four wheels.
3. For additional traction on icy roads,
studded tires may be used. However, some
countries, provinces and states prohibit
their use. Check local, state and provincial
laws before installing studded tires.
Do not use the heater with an ungrounded
electrical system or two-pronged (cheater)
adapters. You can be injured by an electrical
shock if you use an ungrounded connection.
.
.
Do not use cruise control on slippery
roads.
An engine block heater to assist in extreme
cold temperature starting is available through
a NISSAN dealer.
Snow can trap dangerous exhaust gas
under your vehicle. Keep snow clear of
the exhaust pipe and from around your
vehicle.
Skid and traction capabilities of studded
snow tires, on wet or dry surfaces, may
be poorer than that of non-studded snow
tires.
4. Snow chains may be used if desired. Make
sure they are the proper size for the tires on
your vehicle and are installed according to
the chain manufacturer’s instructions. Use
chain tensioners when recommended by
the tire chain manufacturer to ensure a
5-106 Starting and driving
