2015 NISSAN LEAF maintenance

•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 re-
garding tires, refer to “Important
Tire Safety Information” (US) or
“Tire Safety Information”
(Canada) in the Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet.
Tire and loading information label
1Seating capacity: The maximum
number of occupants that can be
seated in the vehicle.
2Vehicle load limit: See “Vehicle load-
ing information” in the “Technical
and consumer information” section.
Maintenance and do-it yourself8-27

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 inflation
is set by the manufacturer to provide
the best balance of tire wear, vehicle
handling, driveability, tire noise, etc.,
up to the vehicle’s GVWR.
5Tire size — see “Tire labeling” in this
section.
6Spare tire size or compact spare tire
size (if so equipped)
Checking tire pressure
1. Remove the valve stem cap from thetire.
2. Press the pressure gauge securely onto the valve stem. Do not press too
hard or force the valve stem sideways,
otherwise air will escape. If the hissing
sound of air escaping from the tire is
heard while checking the pressure, re-
position the gauge to eliminate this
leakage. 3. Remove the gauge.
4. Read the tire pressure on the gauge
stem and compare it to the specifica-
tion 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 release pressure. Re-
check the pressure and add or release
air as necessary.
6. Install the valve stem cap.
7. Check the pressure of all of the tires.
SIZE COLD TIRE
INFLATION
PRESSURE
FRONT
ORIGI-
NAL TIRE P205/55R16
89H 250 kPa,
36 PSI
FRONT
ORIGI-
NAL TIRE P215/50R17
90V 250 kPa,
36 PSI
8-28Maintenance and do-it yourself

SIZECOLD TIRE
INFLATION
PRESSURE
FRONT
ORIGI-
NAL TIRE P205/55R16
89H 250 kPa,
36 PSI
REAR
ORIGI-
NAL TIRE P205/55R16
89H 250 kPa,
36 PSI
REAR
ORIGI-
NAL TIRE P215/50R17
90V 250 kPa,
36 PSI
TIRE LABELING
Federal law requires tire manufacturers to
place standardized information on the
sidewall of all tires. This information iden-
tifies and describes the fundamental
characteristics of the tire and also pro-
vides the tire identification number (TIN)
for safety standard certification. The TIN
can be used to identify the tire in case of a
recall.
1Tire size (example: P215/
60R16 94H)
1. P: The “P” indicates the tire is de- signed for passenger vehicles. (Not all
tires have this information.)
2. Three-digit number (215): This num- ber gives the width in millimeters of the
tire from sidewall edge to sidewall
edge.
ExampleExample
Maintenance and do-it yourself8-29

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 because 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 “Depart- ment 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 identi- fication mark
3. Two-digit code: Tire size 4. Three-digit code: Tire type code
(Optional)
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 pres-
sure
This number is the greatest amount of
air pressure that should be put in the
tire. Do not exceed the maximum per-
missible inflation pressure.
5Maximum load rating
This number indicates the maximum
load in kilograms and pounds that can
Example
8-30Maintenance and do-it yourself

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 an
inner 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 out-
ward facing sidewall of an asymmetrical
tire that has a particular 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
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.
Maintenance and do-it yourself8-31

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 the
factory 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.
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)
8-32Maintenance and do-it yourself

The wheel nuts must be kept tight-
ened to the specification at all times.
It is recommended that wheel nuts
be tightened to the specification at
each tire rotation interval.
WARNING
•
After rotating the tires, check
and adjust the tire pressure.
•Retighten the wheel nuts when
the vehicle has been driven for
600 miles (1,000 km) (also in
cases of a flat tire, etc.) .
•For additional information re-
garding tires, refer to “Important
Tire Safety Information” (US) or
“Tire Safety Information”
(Canada) in the Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet.1.Wear indicator
2.Wear indicator location mark
Tire wear and damage
WARNING
•
Tires should be periodically in-
spected for wear, cracking, bulg-
ing or objects caught in the
tread. If excessive wear, cracks,
bulging or deep cuts are found,
the tire(s) should be replaced.
•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 in-
jury.
•For additional information re-
garding tires, refer to “Important
Tire Safety Information” (US) or
“Tire Safety Information”
(Canada) in the Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet.
Maintenance and do-it yourself8-33

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. • The use of retread tire is not recom-
mended.
• For additional information regarding tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety
Information” (US) or “Tire Safety Infor-
mation” (Canada) in the Warranty In-
formation Booklet.Wheel balance
Unbalanced wheels may affect vehicle handling
and tire life. Even with regular use, wheels can get
out of balance. Therefore, they should be bal-
anced as required.
Wheel balance service should be per-
formed with the wheels off the vehicle.
Spin balancing the wheels on the vehicle
could lead to mechanical damage.
For additional information regarding tires, refer to
“Important Tire Safety Information” (US) or “Tire
Safety Information” (Canada) in the Warranty In-
formation Booklet.
Care of wheels
See “Cleaning exterior” in the “Appearance and
care” section for details about care of the wheels.
8-34Maintenance and do-it yourself