2012 NISSAN LEAF tires

wheel temperature should be the
same as ambient temperature.
. Rinse the wheel to completely re-
move the cleaner within 15 minutes
after the cleaner is applied.
CHROME PARTS
Clean chrome parts regularly with a non-
abrasive chrome polish to maintain the finish.
TIRE DRESSING
NISSAN does not recommend the use of tire
dressings. Tire manufacturers apply a coating to
the tires to help reduce discoloration of the
rubber. If a tire dressing is applied to the tires, it
may react with the coating and form a com-
pound. This compound may come off the tire
while driving and stain the vehicle paint.
If you choose to use a tire dressing, take the
following precautions:
.Use a water-based tire dressing. The coat-
ing on the tire dissolves more easily with an
oil-based tire dressing.
. Apply a light coat of tire dressing to help
prevent it from entering the tire tread/
grooves (where it would be difficult to
remove) . .
Wipe off excess tire dressing using a dry
towel. Make sure the tire dressing is
completely removed from the tire tread/
grooves.
. Allow the tire dressing to dry as recom-
mended by tire dressing manufacturer.

8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Maintenance requirement ....................................................... 8-2Scheduled maintenance ................................................... 8-2
General maintenance ........................................................ 8-2
Where to go for service ................................................... 8-2
General maintenance .............................................................. 8-2 Explanation of maintenance items ................................. 8-2
Maintenance precautions ....................................................... 8-4
Motor compartment check locations .................................. 8-6
Cooling system ......................................................................... 8-7 Checking coolant level ..................................................... 8-8
Changing coolant ............................................................... 8-8
Reduction gear fluid ................................................................ 8-9
Brake fluid .................................................................................. 8-9
Window washer fluid ........................................................... 8-10
12-volt battery ........................................................................ 8-11 Jump starting .................................................................... 8-12
Windshield wiper blades .................................................... 8-12 Cleaning ............................................................................ 8-12
Replacing .......................................................................... 8-12 Rear window wiper blade .................................................. 8-15
Brakes ..................................................................................... 8-15
Brake pad wear warning ............................................. 8-15
Fuses ....................................................................................... 8-16 Motor compartment ...................................................... 8-16
Passenger compartment ............................................. 8-17
Intelligent Key battery replacement .................................. 8-18
Lights ....................................................................................... 8-20 Headlights ....................................................................... 8-21Exterior and interior lights ........................................... 8-22
Wheels and tires .................................................................. 8-25 Tire pressure .................................................................. 8-25
Tire labeling .................................................................... 8-28
Types of tires .................................................................. 8-30
Tire chains ...................................................................... 8-31
Changing wheels and tires ......................................... 8-32
Emergency tire puncture repair kit ........................... 8-34

TIRE EQUIPMENT
SUMMER tires have a tread designed to provide
superior performance on dry pavement. How-
ever, the performance of these tires 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 tires on all four wheels.
Consult a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer for the
tire type, size, speed rating and availability
information.
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.
Skid and traction capabilities of studded
snow tires, on wet or dry surfaces, may be
poorer than that of non-studded snow
tires.
Tire chains may be used. For details, see “Tire
chains” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-
yourself” section.
SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT
It is recommended that the following items be
carried in the vehicle during winter:
.A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to remove
ice and snow from the windows and wiper
blades.
. A shovel to dig the vehicle out of snow-
drifts.
. Extra window washer fluid to refill the
reservoir tank.
DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE

and increase the likelihood of tire
failure. Serious vehicle damage
could occur and may lead to an
accident and could result in serious
personal injury. Check the tire pres-
sure for all four tires. Adjust the tire
pressure to the recommended COLD
tire pressure shown on the Tire and
Loading Information label to turn
the low tire pressure warning light
OFF. If the light still illuminates
while driving after adjusting the tire
pressure, a tire may be flat. If you
have a flat tire, repair it as soon as
possible.
. When a wheel is replaced, 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. Con-
tact a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer
as soon as possible for tire replace-
ment and/or system resetting.
. Replacing tires with those not ori-
ginally specified by NISSAN could
affect the proper operation of the
TPMS. .
If you used the Emergency Tire
Sealant to repair a minor tire punc-
ture, your NISSAN certified LEAF
dealer will also need to replace the
TPMS sensor in addition to repair-
ing or replacing the tire.
. NISSAN recommends using only
NISSAN Genuine Emergency Tire
Sealant provided with your vehicle.
Other tire sealants may damage the
valve stem seal which can cause the
tire to lose air pressure.
REPAIRING FLAT TIRE

5.Three-digit code: Date of Manufacture
6.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.
*3Tire ply composition and material
The number of layers or plies of rubber-
coated fabric in the tire.
Tire manufacturers also must indicate
the materials in the tire, which include
steel, nylon, polyester, and others.
*4Maximum permissible inflation pressure
This number is the greatest amount of
air pressure that should be put in the
tire. Do not exceed the maximum
permissible inflation pressure.
*5Maximum load rating
This number indicates the maximum
load in kilograms and pounds that can
be carried by the tire. When replacing
the tires on the vehicle, always use a
tire that has the same load rating as the
factory installed tire.
*6Term of “tubeless” or “tube type”
Indicates whether the tire requires aninner tube (“tube type”) or not (“tube-
less”) .
*7The word “radial”
The word “radial” is shown, if the tire
has radial structure.
*8Manufacturer or brand name
Manufacturer or brand name is shown.
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 particular
side that must always face outward when
mounted on a vehicle.
TYPES OF TIRES

CHANGING WHEELS AND TIRES
Tire rotation
NISSAN recommends rotating the tires
every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) .
As soon as possible, tighten the wheel
nuts to the specified torque using a
torque wrench.
Wheel nut tightening torque:80 ft-lb (108 N·m)
The wheel nuts must be kept tigh-
tened to the specification at all times.
It is recommended that wheel nuts be
tightened to the specification at each
tire rotation interval.

.The original tires have built-in
tread wear indicators. When
wear indicators are visible, the
tire(s) should be replaced.
.Tires degrade with age and use.
Have tires, over 6 years old
checked by a qualified techni-
cian, because some tire damage
may not be obvious. Replace the
tires as necessary to prevent tire
failure and possible personal
injury.
.For additional information re-
garding tires, refer to “Important
Tire Safety Information” (US) or
“Tire Safety Information” (Cana-
da) in the Warranty Information
Booklet.
Replacing wheels and tires
When replacing a tire, use the same size, tread
design, speed rating and load carrying capacity
as originally equipped. See “Specifications” in
the “9. Technical and consumer information”
section for recommended types and sizes of
tires and wheels.

9 Technical and consumer information
Capacities and recommended lubricants .......................... 9-2Air conditioning system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations .............................................. 9-3
Specifications ............................................................................ 9-4 Charging system ................................................................ 9-4
Motor ..................................................................................... 9-5
Wheels and tires ................................................................ 9-5
Dimensions and weights .................................................. 9-5
When traveling or registering your vehicle in
another country ......................................................................... 9-6
Vehicle identification ................................................................ 9-6 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) plate .................... 9-6
Vehicle identification number (chassis number) ........ 9-6
Traction motor serial number .......................................... 9-7
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S certification label ....................... 9-7
Emission control information label ................................. 9-7
Tire and Loading Information label ................................ 9-8
Air conditioner specification label .................................. 9-8 Installing front license plate .................................................. 9-9
Vehicle loading information ................................................ 9-10 Terms ................................................................................ 9-10
Vehicle load capacity ................................................... 9-11
Securing the load ......................................................... 9-12
Loading tips .................................................................... 9-13
Measurement of weights ............................................. 9-13
Towing a trailer ...................................................................... 9-13
Flat towing .............................................................................. 9-14
Uniform tire quality grading ................................................ 9-14
Treadwear ....................................................................... 9-14
Traction AA, A, B and C ............................................. 9-14
Temperature A, B and C ............................................. 9-14
Reporting safety defects .................................................... 9-15
Telematics overview ............................................................. 9-16
Event Data Recorder (EDR) .............................................. 9-18
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual order information .... 9-19