CAUTION

To maintain the long-term integrity and health of your Nissan Leaf Li-ion battery, it is crucial that you do not store the vehicle in ambient temperatures below -13ºF (-25ºC) for a duration exceeding seven days. When the external temperature reaches -13ºF (-25ºC) or lower, the battery pack may reach a frozen state, effectively preventing it from accepting a charge or providing the necessary power to operate the vehicle. Should you find yourself in these extreme conditions, it is necessary to relocate the Nissan Leaf to a warmer, temperature-controlled environment.

Notes on cold-weather operation:

• Whenever parking your Nissan Leaf in environments where temperatures are expected to drop below -4ºF (-20ºC), it is recommended to connect the charging cable to the vehicle and ensure the power switch is in the OFF position. For specific models equipped with the 40 kWh battery, this connection provides external energy to power the Li-ion battery warmer (if so equipped), ensuring the battery is maintained without depleting its own charge. Be aware that if the battery warmer activates while you are driving—typically at internal battery temperatures of -4ºF (-20ºC) or colder—you will notice a reduction in total driving range. Under these conditions, you should plan for more frequent charging sessions compared to milder climates.
• If the battery warmer is actively operating, the charging process will naturally require a longer duration to reach full capacity.
• Please observe that the projected charging completion times displayed on your vehicle's instrument cluster or navigation system will increase during periods when the battery warmer is active.
• During severe cold spells, particularly when temperatures fall below -4ºF (-20ºC), the total driving range of your Nissan Leaf may be substantially reduced compared to standard operating temperatures.
• Utilizing the climate control system to warm the cabin when outside temperatures are below 32ºF (0ºC) draws a significant amount of electricity, which impacts the vehicle’s range more noticeably than using the heater in moderate winter weather above 32ºF (0ºC).
• On models with the 40 kWh battery, climate control performance may be throttled when using the Climate Ctrl. Timer or Remote Climate Control while the battery warmer is simultaneously active. To optimize your charging experience in frigid weather, set only the [End Time] via the charging timer. The vehicle’s intelligent management system will automatically determine the optimal moment to initiate charging to ensure the Li-ion battery reaches a full state of charge. Note that if the battery achieves full capacity before your designated end time, the charging process will conclude automatically.

Freeing a frozen door lock

To proactively prevent door lock mechanisms from freezing during harsh winters, apply an appropriate deicer directly through the keyhole. If you encounter a frozen lock, you can warm the key before insertion to help melt the ice, or simply utilize the convenience of your remote keyless entry key fob to access your Nissan Leaf.

Antifreeze

As the winter season approaches and there is a possibility that ambient temperatures will fall below 32ºF (0ºC), we recommend verifying the concentration and condition of your coolant antifreeze to guarantee optimal thermal protection for your vehicle's systems.

12-volt battery

Extreme cold puts additional stress on the 12-volt battery. If this battery is not maintained at a full charge, the electrolyte fluid inside can freeze, leading to permanent damage to the battery unit. To ensure your Nissan Leaf remains ready for the road, have your 12-volt battery inspected regularly by a qualified technician to maintain its maximum efficiency and reliability.

Draining of coolant water

If your Nissan Leaf is to be stored outdoors in freezing temperatures without the appropriate concentration of antifreeze, ensure you drain the cooling system completely to prevent damage. Always refill the system with the manufacturer-recommended fluid before attempting to operate the vehicle again.

Tire equipment

Summer tires are engineered with a specific tread compound and pattern to provide superior grip and handling on dry pavement. However, the performance characteristics of these tires diminish substantially when encountering snowy or icy road surfaces. If you frequently operate your Nissan Leaf in winter conditions, we strongly recommend outfitting your vehicle with "Mud & Snow" (M+S) or dedicated all-season tires across all four wheel positions. For expert guidance regarding the correct tire type, size, speed rating, and current availability, please consult with a certified Nissan LEAF dealership.

For enhanced traction on persistently icy routes, studded tires are an option. However, please be aware that the use of studded tires is strictly regulated or entirely prohibited in certain U.S. states and Canadian provinces. Always verify local and regional traffic laws before proceeding with installation.

Please note: The skid resistance and overall traction capabilities of studded snow tires on dry or wet asphalt may actually be inferior to that of high-quality non-studded winter tires.

Tire chains may be utilized on your Nissan Leaf if additional grip is required in deep snow.

Special winter equipment

To ensure you are prepared for unexpected winter challenges, it is highly recommended that you keep the following items in your Nissan Leaf throughout the colder months:

• A high-quality ice scraper and a brush with stiff bristles to effectively clear snow and ice from your windows, mirrors, and wiper blades.
• A compact, sturdy shovel to help you clear away snowdrifts or dig your vehicle out if it becomes stuck.
• A supply of winter-rated windshield washer fluid, which contains antifreeze agents to keep your visibility clear in freezing temperatures.

Driving on snow or ice

WARNING

• Surface conditions such as wet ice (at approximately 32ºF/0ºC), freezing rain, or hard-packed snow significantly reduce your vehicle's traction or "grip." We advise avoiding travel on wet ice whenever possible until municipal road crews have treated the surface with salt or sand.
• Regardless of the specific road conditions, always prioritize caution. Accelerate, decelerate, and corner with gentle, deliberate movements. Applying excessive torque to the drive wheels will quickly cause a loss of traction.
• Extended stopping distances are essential in winter. Begin your braking sequence much earlier than you would on dry pavement to account for the reduced surface friction.
• Maintain a significantly greater following distance from the vehicle ahead of you to provide yourself with a necessary safety buffer on slippery roads.
• Stay vigilant for "glare ice"—patches of transparent, slippery ice that can appear on otherwise clear roads, particularly in shaded or bridge-heavy areas. If you spot a patch of ice ahead, attempt to complete your braking *before* reaching the affected surface. Once on the ice, avoid abrupt braking or sudden steering maneuvers, as these actions are likely to trigger a loss of vehicle control.
• Never engage cruise control when traveling on slippery or snow-covered surfaces.

Freeing a frozen charge port lid

If you find that the charge port lid on your Nissan Leaf has become frozen shut, carefully apply heat using a hair dryer to gently melt the ice and release the locking mechanism.

Parking brake

CAUTION

• When parking in environments where temperatures frequently drop below 32ºF (0ºC), the electronic or mechanical parking brake may freeze in the engaged position, making it difficult to release when you are ready to depart.
• To ensure safe and reliable parking in sub-freezing weather, we recommend placing your Nissan Leaf firmly into the P (Park) position and, for additional security on inclines, manually blocking the wheels with chocks.