2014 NISSAN LEAF maintenance

If you have a flat tire, see “Flat tire” in the
“In case of emergency” section.
TIRE PRESSURE
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS)
This vehicle is equipped with the Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS) . It monitors tire pres-
sure of all tires. When the low tire pressure warn-
ing light is lit, and the CHECK TIRE PRESSURE
warning appears on the vehicle information dis-
play, one or more of your tires is significantly
under-inflated.
The TPMS will activate only when the vehicle is
driven at speeds above 16 MPH (25 km/h) . Also,
this system may not detect a sudden drop in tire
pressure (for example a flat tire while driving) .
For more details, see “Low tire pressure warning
light” in the “Instruments and controls” section,
“Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)” in the
“Starting and driving” section and “Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS)” in the “In case of
emergency” section.
Tire inflation pressure
Check the pressure of the tires often and always
prior to long distance trips. The recommendedtire pressure specifications are shown on the Tire
and Loading Information label under the “Cold
Tire Pressure” heading. The Tire and Loading
Information label is affixed to the driver side cen-
ter pillar. Tire pressures should be checked regu-
larly because:
• Most tires naturally lose air over time.
• Tires can lose air suddenly when driven over
potholes or other objects 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.
The TPMS with Easy Fill Tire Alert also provides
visual and audible signals outside the vehicle for
inflating the tires to the recommended COLD tire
pressure. (See “TPMS with Easy Fill Tire Alert” in
the “Starting and driving” section.)
Incorrect tire pressure, including under in-
flation, may adversely affect tire life and
vehicle handling.
WARNING
• Improperly inflated tires can fail sud-
denly and cause an accident.
• The Gross Vehicle Weight rating
(GVWR) is located on the F.M.V.S.S.
certification label. The vehicle weight
capacity 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 con-
ditions due to premature tire failure, or
unfavorable handling characteristics
and could also lead to a serious acci-
dent. Loading beyond the specified ca-
pacity may also result in failure of
other vehicle components.
• 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.
• For additional information regarding
tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety
Information” (US) or “Tire Safety Infor-
mation” (Canada) in the Warranty In-
formation Booklet.
WHEELS AND TIRES
8-26Maintenance and do-it yourself

Tire and Loading Information label
1Seating capacity: The maximum number of
occupants that can be seated in the ve-
hicle.
2Vehicle load limit: See “Vehicle loading in-
formation” in the “Technical and consumer
information” section.
3Original size: The size of the tires originally
installed on the vehicle at the factory.
4Cold tire pressure: Inflate the tires to this
pressure when the tires are cold. 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. The recommended cold tire infla-
tion is set by the manufacturer to provide
the best balance of tire wear, vehicle han-
dling, driveability, tire noise, etc., up to the
vehicle’s GVWR.
5Tire size — see “Tire labeling”.
6Spare tire size or compact spare tire size (if
so equipped)
Maintenance and do-it yourself8-27

Checking tire pressure
1. Remove the valve stem cap from the tire.
2. Press the pressure gauge securely onto the
valve stem. Do not press too hard or force the
valve stem sideways, otherwise air will es-
cape. If the hissing sound of air escaping from
the tire is heard while checking the pressure,
reposition the gauge to eliminate this leakage.
3. Remove the gauge.
4. Read the tire pressure on the gauge stem and
compare it to the specification shown on the
Tire and Loading Information label.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 pressure and
add or release air as necessary.
6. Install the valve stem cap.
7. Check the pressure of all of the tires.
SIZECOLD TIRE
INFLATION
PRESSURE
FRONT
ORIGINAL
TIREP205/55R16
89H250 kPa,
36 PSI
FRONT
ORIGINAL
TIREP215/50R17
90V250 kPa,
36 PSI
REAR
ORIGINAL
TIREP205/55R16
89H250 kPa,
36 PSI
REAR
ORIGINAL
TIREP215/50R17
90V250 kPa,
36 PSI
TIRE LABELING
Federal law requires tire manufacturers to place
standardized information on the sidewall of all
tires. This information identifies and describes
the fundamental characteristics 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.
Example
8-28Maintenance and do-it yourself

1Tire size (example: P215/60R16 94H)
1. P: The “P” indicates the tire is designed for
passenger vehicles. (Not all tires have this
information.)
2. Three-digit number (215): This number gives
the width in millimeters of the tire from side-
wall edge to sidewall edge.
3. Two-digit number (60): This number, 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 number is the
wheel or rim diameter in inches.
6. Two- or three-digit number (94): This number
is the tire’s load index. It is a measurement of
how much weight each tire can support. You
may not find this information on all tires be-
cause it is not required by law.
7. H: Tire speed rating. You should not drive the
vehicle faster than the tire speed rating.2TIN (Tire Identification Number) for a new
tire (example: DOT XX XX XXX XXXX)
1. DOT: Abbreviation for the “Department of
Transportation”. The symbol can be placed
above, below or to the left or right of the Tire
Identification Number.
2. Two-digit code: Manufacturer’s identification
mark
3. Two-digit code: Tire size
4. Three-digit code: Tire type code (Optional)
5. Three-digit code: Date of Manufacture
ExampleExample
Maintenance and do-it yourself8-29

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 ma-
terials 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 ve-
hicle, 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 an inner
tube (“tube type”) or not (“tubeless”) .
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 white-
wall, 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 par-
ticular side that must always face outward when
mounted on a vehicle.
TYPES OF TIRES
WARNING
• 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 availabil-
ity.
• 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.
• Replacing tires with those not origi-
nally specified by NISSAN could affect
the proper operation of the TPMS.
• For additional information regarding
tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety
Information” (US) or “Tire Safety Infor-
mation” (Canada) in the Warranty In-
formation Booklet.
All season tires
NISSAN specifies all season tires on some mod-
els to provide good performance all year, includ-
ing snowy and icy road conditions. All Season
8-30Maintenance and do-it yourself

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.
Summer tires
NISSAN specifies summer tires on some models
to provide superior performance on dry roads.
Summer tire performance is substantially re-
duced in snow and ice. Summer tires do not have
the tire traction rating M&S on the tire sidewall.
If you plan to operate your vehicle in snowy or icy
conditions, NISSAN recommends the use of
SNOW tires or ALL SEASON tires on all four
wheels.
Snow tires
If snow tires are needed, it is necessary to select
tires equivalent in size and load rating to the
original equipment tires. If you do not, it can
adversely affect the safety and handling of your
vehicle.
Generally, snow tires will have lower speed rat-
ings 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, 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
Use of tire chains may be prohibited according 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
manufacturer’s suggestions.
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 stan-
dard minimum clearances between the tire and
the closest vehicle suspension or body compo-
nent required to accommodate the use of a win-
ter traction device (tire chains or cables) . The
minimum clearances are determined using thefactory equipped tire size. Other types may dam-
age your vehicle.
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 damaged
and/or vehicle handling and performance may be
adversely affected.
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.
Maintenance and do-it yourself8-31

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:
83 ft-lb (112 N·m)The wheel nuts must be kept tightened to
the specification at all times. It is recom-
mended that wheel nuts be tightened to the
specification at each tire rotation interval.
WARNING
• After rotating the tires, check and ad-
just the tire pressure.
• Retighten the wheel nuts when the ve-
hicle has been driven for 600 miles
(1,000 km) (also in cases of a flat tire,
etc.) .
• For additional information regarding
tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety
Information” (US) or “Tire Safety Infor-
mation” (Canada) in the Warranty In-
formation Booklet.1. Wear indicator
2. Wear indicator location mark
Tire wear and damage
WARNING
• Tires should be periodically inspected
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.
8-32Maintenance and do-it yourself

• The original tires have built-in tread
wear indicators. When wear indicators
are visible, the tire(s) should be re-
placed.
• Tires degrade with age and use. Have
tires, over 6 years old checked by a
qualified technician, because some
tire damage may not be obvious. Re-
place the tires as necessary to prevent
tire failure and possible personal in-
jury.
• For additional information regarding
tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety
Information” (US) or “Tire Safety Infor-
mation” (Canada) in the Warranty In-
formation 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 “Technical and consumer information” sec-
tion for recommended types and sizes of tires
and wheels.
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, ground clearance, body-to-
tire clearance, tire chain clearance,
speedometer calibration, headlight
aim and bumper height. Some of these
effects may lead to accidents and
could result in serious personal injury.
• If your vehicle was originally equipped
with 4 tires that were the same size
and you are only replacing 2 of the 4
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.• If the wheels are changed for any rea-
son, always replace with wheels which
have the same off-set dimension.
Wheels of a different off-set could
cause premature tire wear, degrade
vehicle handling characteristics
and/or interference with the brake
discs. Such interference can lead to
decreased braking efficiency and/or
early brake pad/shoe wear. See
“Wheels and tires” in the “Technical
and consumer information” section of
this manual for wheel off-set dimen-
sions.
• When a wheel is replaced, the TPMS
will not function and the low tire pres-
sure warning light will flash for ap-
proximately 1 minute. The light will re-
main on after 1 minute. Contact your
NISSAN certified LEAF dealer as soon
as possible for tire replacement
and/or system resetting.
• Replacing tires with those not origi-
nally specified by NISSAN could affect
the proper operation of the TPMS.
• Do not install a damaged or deformed
wheel or tire even if it has been re-
paired. Such wheels or tires could have
structural damage and could fail with-
out warning.
Maintenance and do-it yourself8-33