2015 Nissan Sentra Owners Manual - Cold weather driving

Cold weather driving

Freeing a frozen door lock

To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply deicer through the key hole. If the lock becomes frozen, heat the key before inserting it into the key hole, or use the remote keyless entry keyfob or the NISSAN Intelligent Key®.

Anti-freeze

In the winter when it is anticipated that the temperature will drop below 32°F (0°C), check the anti-freeze to assure proper winter protection.

For details, see “Engine cooling system” in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section of this manual.

Battery

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” in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section of this manual.

Draining of coolant water

If the vehicle is to be left outside without antifreeze, drain the cooling system, including the engine block. Refill before operating the vehicle.

For details, see “Changing engine coolant” in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section of this manual.

Tire equipment

1. 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. Please consult a NISSAN dealer for the tire type, size, speed rating and availability information.

2. 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.

3. Tire chains may be used. For details see “Tire chains” in the “Maintenance and do-ityourself” 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 remove ice and snow from the windows and wiper blades.
• A sturdy, flat board to be placed under the jack to give it firm support.
• A shovel to dig the vehicle out of snowdrifts.
• Extra washer fluid to refill the windshieldwasher fluid reservoir.

Driving on snow or ice

WARNING

• Wet ice (32°F, 0°C and freezing rain), very cold snow or ice can be slick and very hard to drive on. The vehicle will have much less traction or “grip” under these conditions. Try to avoid driving on wet ice until the road is salted or sanded.
• Whatever the condition, drive with caution.

  Accelerate and slow down with care. If accelerating or downshifting too fast, the drive wheels will lose even more traction.

• Allow more stopping distance under these conditions. Braking should be started sooner than on dry pavement.
• Allow greater following distances on slippery roads.
• Watch for slippery spots (glare 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 on the ice, and avoid any sudden steering maneuvers.

• Do not use the cruise control (if so equipped) on slippery roads.
• Snow can trap dangerous exhaust gases under your vehicle. Keep snow clear of the exhaust pipe and from around your vehicle.

Engine block heater (if so equipped)

Engine block heaters are used to assist with cold temperature starting.

The engine block heater should be used when the outside temperature is 20°F (-7°C) or lower.

To use the engine block heater:

1. Turn the engine off.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the engine block heater cord.
3. Plug the engine block heater cord into a grounded 3 wire, 3 pronged extension cord.
4. Plug the extension cord into a Ground Fault Interrupt (GFI) protected, grounded 110- volt AC (VAC) outlet.
5. The engine block heater must be plugged in for at least 2 - 4 hours, depending on outside temperatures, to properly warm the engine coolant. Use an appropriate timer to turn the engine block heater on.
6. Before starting the engine, unplug and properly store the cord to keep it away from moving parts.