Wet brakes
When the vehicle is washed or driven
through water, the brakes may get wet. As
a result, the braking distance will be longer
and the vehicle may pull to one side during
braking.
To dry brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe
speed while lightly tapping the brake pedal
to heat up the brakes. Do this until the
brakes return to normal. Avoid driving the
vehicle at high speeds until the brakes
have dried.
Parking brake break-in
Break in the parking brake shoes whenever
the stopping effect of the parking brake is
weakened or whenever the parking brake
shoes and/or drums/rotors are replaced,
in order to assure the best braking perfor-
mance.
This procedure is described in the Genuine
NISSAN Service Manual, and it can be per-
formed by a certified repair facility. It is rec-
ommended that you visit a NISSAN certi-
fied LEAF dealer.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS)
WARNING
• The ABS is a sophisticated device, but it cannot prevent accidents re-
sulting from careless or dangerous
driving techniques. It can help main-
tain vehicle control during braking
on slippery surfaces. Remember
that stopping distances on slippery
surfaces will be longer than on nor-
mal surfaces even with ABS. Stop-
ping distances may also be longer
on rough, gravel or snow covered
roads, or if you are using tire chains.
Always maintain a safe distance
from the vehicle in front of you. Ulti-
mately, the driver is responsible for
safety.
• Tire type and condition may also af- fect braking effectiveness.
– When replacing tires, install thespecified size of tires on all four
wheels.
– For additional information, refer to “Wheels and tires” in the “Main-
tenance and do-it-yourself ” sec-
tion of this manual. The ABS controls the brakes so the wheels
do not lock during hard braking or when
braking on slippery surfaces. The system
detects the rotation speed at each wheel
and varies the brake fluid pressure to pre-
vent each wheel from locking and sliding.
By preventing each wheel from locking, the
system helps the driver maintain steering
control and helps to minimize swerving
and spinning on slippery surfaces.
Using the system
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down.
Depress the brake pedal with firm steady
pressure, but do not pump the brakes. The
Anti-lock Braking System will operate to
prevent the wheels from locking up. Steer
the vehicle to avoid obstacles.
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
may result in increased stopping dis-
tances.
5-148Starting and driving
WARNING
• The VDC system is designed to help the driver maintain stability but
does not prevent accidents due to
abrupt steering operation at high
speeds or by careless or dangerous
driving techniques. Reduce vehicle
speed and be especially careful
when driving and cornering on slip-
pery surfaces and always drive care-
fully.
• Do not modif y the vehicle’s suspen- sion. If suspension parts such as
shock absorbers, struts, springs,
stabilizer bars, bushings and wheels
are not NISSAN recommended for
your vehicle or are extremely dete-
riorated the VDC system may not op-
erate properly. This could adversely
affect vehicle handling perfor-
mance, and the
indicator light
may flash or theindicator
light may illuminate. • If brake related parts such as brake
pads, rotors and calipers are not
NISSAN recommended or are ex-
tremely deteriorated, the VDC sys-
tem may not operate properly and
the
indicator light may illumi-
nate.
• If traction motor control related parts are not NISSAN recommended
or are extremely deteriorated, the
indicator light may illuminate.
• When driving on extremely inclined surfaces such as higher banked cor-
ners, the VDC system may not oper-
ate properly and the
indicator
light may illuminate. Do not drive on
these types of roads.
• When driving on an unstable surface such as a turntable, ferry, elevator or
ramp, the
indicator light may il-
luminate. This is not a malfunction.
Restart the EV system af ter driving
onto a stable surface.
• If wheels or tires other than the NISSAN recommended ones are
used, the VDC system may not oper-
ate properly and the
indicator
light may illuminate. • The VDC system is not a substitute
for winter tires or tire chains on a
snow covered road.
Starting and driving5-151
FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCK
To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
deicer through the key hole. If the lock be-
comes frozen, heat the key before inserting
it into the key hole or use the remote key-
less entry key fob.
ANTIFREEZE
In the winter when it is possible that the
outside temperature will drop below 32°F
(0°C), check the antifreeze to ensure proper
winter protection. For additional informa-
tion, refer to “Cooling system” in the “Main-
tenance and do-it-yourself ” section of this
manual.
12-VOLT BATTERY
If the 12-volt battery is not fully charged
during extremely cold weather conditions,
the 12-volt battery fluid may freeze and
damage the 12-volt battery. To maintain
maximum efficiency, the 12-volt battery
should be checked regularly. For additional
information, refer to “12-volt battery” in the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself ” section
of this manual.
DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER
If the vehicle is to be lef t outside without
antifreeze, drain the cooling system. Refill
before operating the vehicle. For additional
information, refer to “Cooling system” in the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself ” section
of this manual.
TIRE EQUIPMENT
SUMMER tires have a tread designed to
provide superior performance on dry
pavement. However, the performance of
these tires will be substantially reduced in
snowy and icy conditions. 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. It is
recommended that you visit a NISSAN cer-
tified LEAF dealer for the tire type, size,
speed rating and availability information.
For additional traction on icy roads, stud-
ded 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 additional in-
formation, refer to “Tire chains” in the “Main-
tenance and do-it-yourself ” section of this
manual.SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT
It is recommended that the following items
be carried in the vehicle during winter:
• A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to re-
move ice and snow from the windows and
wiper blades.
• A shovel to dig the vehicle out of snow-drif ts.
• Extra windshield-washer fluid to refill the reservoir tank.
Starting and driving5-155
To shut off the EV system in an emergency
situation while driving, perform the follow-
ing procedure.
• Rapidly push the power switch three con-secutive times in less than 1.5 seconds, or
• Push and hold the power switch for more than 2 seconds.TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING
SYSTEM (TPMS)
This vehicle is equipped with TPMS. It moni-
tors tire pressure of all tires. When the low
tire pressure warning light is lit, and the “Tire
Pressure Low — Add Air” warning appears
on the vehicle information display, one or
more of your tires is significantly under-
inflated. If the vehicle is being driven with
low tire pressure, the TPMS will activate and
warn you of it by the low tire pressure warn-
ing light. This system will activate only
when the vehicle is driven at speeds above
16 mph (25 km/h). For additional informa-
tion, refer to “Warning lights, indicator lights
and audible reminders” in the “Instruments
and controls” section and “Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS)” in the “Starting
and driving” section of this manual.
WARNING
• Radio waves could adversely affect electric medical equipment. Those
who use a pacemaker should con-
tact the electric medical equipment
manufacturer for the possible influ-
ences before use. • If the low tire pressure warning light
illuminates while driving, avoid sud-
den steering maneuvers or abrupt
braking, reduce vehicle speed, pull
off the road to a safe location and
stop the vehicle as soon as possible.
Driving with underinflated tires may
permanently damage the tires and
increase the likelihood of tire failure.
Serious vehicle damage could occur
and may lead to an accident and
could result in serious personal in-
jury. Check the tire pressure for all
four tires. Adjust the tire pressure to
the recommended COLD tire pres-
sure shown on the Tire and Loading
Information label to turn the low tire
pressure warning light OFF. If the
light still illuminates while driving
af ter adjusting the tire pressure, a
tire may be flat or the TPMS may be
malfunctioning. If you have a flat
tire, repair it as soon as possible. If
no tire is flat and all tires are properly
inflated, have the vehicle checked. It
is recommended that you visit a cer-
tified LEAF dealer for this service.
EMERGENCY EV (ELECTRIC VEHICLE)
SHUT OFF FLAT TIRE
In case of emergency6-3
•When replacing a wheel without the
TPMS such as the spare tire, TPMS will
not function and the low tire pressure
warning light will flash for approxi-
mately 1 minute. The light will remain
on af ter 1 minute. Have your tires re-
placed and/or TPMS system reset as
soon as possible. It is recommended
that you visit a NISSAN certified LEAF
dealer for these services.
•Replacing tires with those not origi-
nally specified by NISSAN could affect
the proper operation of the TPMS.
• The Genuine NISSAN Emergency TireRepair Sealant or equivalent can be
used for temporarily repairing a tire.
Do not inject any other tire liquid or
aerosol tire sealant into the tires, as
this may cause a malfunction of tire
pressure sensors.
• NISSAN recommends using only Genuine NISSAN 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. It is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN cer-
tified LEAF dealer as soon as pos-
sible af ter using tire repair sealant
(for models equipped with the emer-
gency tire puncture repair kit).
REPAIRING FLAT TIRE
WARNING
• Af ter using Genuine NISSAN Emer-
gency Tire Sealant to repair a minor
tire puncture, do not drive the ve-
hicle at speeds faster than 50 mph
(80 km/h).
• Immediately af ter using the Genu-
ine NISSAN Emergency Tire Sealant
to repair a minor tire puncture, it is
recommended that you visit a
NISSAN certified LEAF dealer. The
Genuine NISSAN Emergency Tire
Sealant cannot permanently seal a
punctured tire. Continuing opera-
tion of the vehicle without a perma-
nent tire repair can lead to a crash.
• If you used the Genuine NISSAN
Emergency Tire Sealant to repair a
minor tire puncture, it is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN cer-
tified LEAF dealer to replace the
TPMS sensor in addition to repairing
or replacing the tire. •
NISSAN recommends using only
Genuine NISSAN 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.
This vehicle does not have a spare tire. The
emergency tire puncture repair kit (Genu-
ine NISSAN Emergency Tire Sealant) is sup-
plied with the vehicle instead of a spare tire.
It can be used to temporarily repair minor
tire punctures.
If possible, have the vehicle towed to a fa-
cility that can repair or replace the flat tire.
Using the emergency tire puncture repair
kit may cause a malfunction of the tire
pressure sensor and cause the low tire
pressure warning light to illuminate.
6-4In case of emergency
CAUTION
• To avoid the emergency tire punc-
ture kit being damaged during stor-
age or use:
–Only use the emergency tire punc-
ture repair kit on your vehicle. Do
not use it on other vehicles.
– Only use the kit to inflate the tires
of your vehicle and to check the
vehicle’s tire pressure.
– Only plug the compressor into a
12-volt DC car power point.
– Keep the kit free of water and dirt.
– Do not disassemble or modif y the
kit.
– Do not drop the kit or allow hard
impacts to the kit.
•
Do not use the emergency tire punc-
ture repair kit under the following con-
ditions. It is recommended that you
visit a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer or
professional road assistance.
– when the sealant has passed its
expiration date (shown on the la-
bel attached to the bottle) –
when the cut or the puncture is
approximately 0.25 in (6 mm) or
longer
– when the tire sidewall is damaged
– when the vehicle has been driven
with extremely low tire pressure
– when the tire has come off the in-
side or the outside of the wheel
– when the tire wheel is damaged
– when two or more tires are flat
If you have a flat tire, follow the instructions
below.
Stopping the vehicle
1. Safely move the vehicle off the road and away from traffic.
2. Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
3. Park on a level surface and apply the parking brake.
4. Push the P (Park) position switch on the shif t lever to the P (Park) position.
5. Turn off the EV system. 6. Raise the hood to warn other traffic and
to signal professional road assistance
personnel that you need assistance.
7. Have all passengers get out of the ve- hicle and stand in a safe place, away
from traffic and clear of the vehicle.
WARNING
• Make sure the parking brake is se-
curely applied and the vehicle is
placed into the P (Park) position.
• Never repair tires when the vehicle is
on a slope, ice or slippery areas. This
is hazardous.
• Never repair tires if oncoming traffic
is close to your vehicle. Wait for pro-
fessional road assistance.
In case of emergency6-5
WARNING
• Af ter using Genuine NISSAN Emer-
gency Tire Sealant to repair a minor
tire puncture, do not drive the ve-
hicle at speeds faster than 50 mph
(80 km/h).
• Immediately af ter using Genuine
NISSAN Emergency Tire Sealant to
repair a minor tire puncture, it is rec-
ommended that you visit a NISSAN
certified LEAF dealer. The Genuine
NISSAN Emergency Tire Sealant can-
not permanently seal a punctured
tire. Continuing operation of the ve-
hicle without a permanent tire repair
can lead to a crash.
• Do not inject any tire liquid or aero- sol tire sealant into the tires, as this
may cause a malfunction of the tire
pressure sensors.
• If you used the Genuine NISSAN Emergency Tire Sealant to repair a
minor tire puncture, it is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN cer-
tified LEAF dealer to replace the
TPMS sensor in addition to repairing
or replacing the tire. • NISSAN recommends using only
Genuine NISSAN 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. To start your EV system with a booster bat-
tery, the instructions and precautions be-
low must be followed.
Jump starting provides power to the 12-
volt system to allow the electrical systems
to operate. The electrical systems must be
operating to allow the Li-ion battery to be
charged. Jump starting does not charge
the Li-ion battery. The Li-ion battery must
be charged before the vehicle can be
driven.
WARNING
• If done incorrectly, jump starting can lead to a 12-volt battery explosion,
resulting in severe injury or death.
It could also damage your vehicle.
• Explosive hydrogen gas is always present in the vicinity of the 12-volt
battery. Keep all sparks and flames
away from the 12-volt battery.
JUMP STARTING
6-10In case of emergency
VEHICLE RECOVERY (FREEING A
STUCK VEHICLE)
WARNING
To avoid vehicle damage, serious per-
sonal injury or death when recovering
a stuck vehicle:
• Contact a professional towing ser- vice to recover the vehicle if you
have any questions regarding the
recovery procedure.
• Tow chains or cables must be at- tached only to main structural
members of the vehicle.
• Do not use the vehicle tie-downs to tow or free a stuck vehicle.
• Only use devices specifically de- signed for vehicle recovery and fol-
low the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Always pull the recovery device straight out from the front of the ve-
hicle. Never pull at an angle.
• Route recovery devices so they do not touch any part of the vehicle ex-
cept the attachment point. If your vehicle is stuck in sand, snow, mud,
etc., use a tow strap or other device de-
signed specifically for vehicle recovery. Al-
ways follow the manufacturer’s instruc-
tions for the recovery device.Rocking a stuck vehicle
If the vehicle is stuck in sand, snow, mud,
etc., try to free it by following the procedure
below.
1. Turn off the Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) system.
2. Make sure the area in front and behind the vehicle is clear of obstructions.
3. Turn the steering wheel lef t and right to clear an area around the front tires.
4. Slowly rock the vehicle forward and backward.
• Shif t back and forth between the R (Re- verse) and D (Drive) positions.
• Apply the accelerator as little as pos- sible to maintain the rocking motion.
• Release the accelerator pedal before shif ting between R (Reverse) and D
(Drive).
• Do not spin the tires above 35 mph (55 km/h). 5. If the vehicle cannot be freed af ter a few
tries, contact a professional towing ser-
vice to remove the vehicle.
6-16In case of emergency