Throughout the daily operation of your vehicle, performing general maintenance at the intervals described in this section is vital for long-term reliability. Should you notice any unusual acoustic feedback, vibrations, or strange odors while driving your Nissan Leaf, be sure to investigate the source promptly or have a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer conduct a thorough inspection. Furthermore, if you suspect that your vehicle requires professional repairs, we strongly recommend entrusting the work to a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer to ensure quality service.

Whenever you are performing any checks or maintenance tasks yourself, it is imperative that you carefully review and adhere to the "Maintenance precautions" outlined elsewhere in this manual to ensure your safety.

Explanation of general maintenance items

WARNING

Failure to strictly follow the safety procedures listed within this section could result in serious personal injury.

Additional technical information regarding items marked with an " * " can be found in the "Do-it-yourself" section of this owner's manual.

Outside the vehicle

The following maintenance items should be inspected periodically to keep your Nissan Leaf in top condition, unless a different schedule is specified.

Doors and motor hood: Regularly verify that all vehicle doors and the motor hood operate smoothly and close with ease. Also, confirm that all latches engage firmly and lock securely. It is good practice to lubricate hinges, latches, latch pins, rollers, and connecting links as needed to prevent sticking. Always verify that the secondary hood latch effectively prevents the hood from opening if the primary latch is released. If you frequently drive in regions that utilize road salt or other highly corrosive de-icing agents, check these lubrication points more frequently to prevent rust and binding.

Additionally, check that the gas stays or support struts effectively and securely hold the hood, trunk, or rear hatch in the fully open position. If these components fail to hold the panel securely, they should be replaced to prevent potential injury from a falling hatch or hood.

Lights*: Maintain clear visibility by cleaning the headlight lenses on a regular basis. Routinely confirm that your headlights, stop lights, tail lights, turn signals, and all other exterior lighting are functioning correctly and are securely mounted. Periodic checks of your headlight aim are also recommended to ensure safe illumination of the road ahead.

Road wheel nuts (lug nuts)*: During your routine tire inspections, scan the wheel assembly to ensure that no lug nuts are missing. Check each one for tightness, and use a torque wrench to tighten any loose nuts to the manufacturer's specified setting.

Tire rotation*: To ensure even tread wear and optimal longevity for your Nissan Leaf tires, perform rotations strictly at the intervals specified in your official maintenance schedule.

Tires*: Monitor your tire pressure frequently using a reliable gauge, and always check it before embarking on long-distance trips. Adjust the inflation pressure of all tires to match the manufacturer's specifications. During these checks, closely inspect the sidewalls and tread for signs of damage, deep cuts, or excessive, uneven wear.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) tire pressure sensor: For maximum system reliability, it is recommended that you replace the TPMS sensor assemblies whenever you replace your tires due to significant wear or advanced age.

Wheel alignment and balance: If you notice that your Nissan Leaf consistently pulls to one side while driving on a straight, level road, or if you observe uneven or abnormal patterns of tire wear, this may be a strong indicator that a professional wheel alignment is necessary to correct the vehicle's geometry.

If you notice that the steering wheel or seat vibrates noticeably while driving your Nissan Leaf at normal highway speeds, your wheels may have fallen out of balance, and a professional balancing service may be required to restore a smooth ride.

For additional comprehensive information regarding tire safety and maintenance, please refer to the "Important Tire Safety Information" (US) or "Tire Safety Information" (Canada) sections contained within your Warranty Information Booklet.

Windshield: Maintain optimal outward visibility by cleaning the windshield on a regular basis. You should conduct a visual inspection of the glass at least every six months to check for chips, cracks, or other structural damage.

Any damage to the windshield should be addressed promptly by a qualified repair facility to prevent the crack from spreading. It is highly recommended that you have a damaged windshield repaired or replaced by a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer, or a specialized NISSAN Certified Collision Center, to ensure the work meets factory safety standards.

To locate a certified collision center in your area, please refer to http://collision.nissanusa.com.

Inside the vehicle

The interior maintenance items listed below should be checked on a consistent basis, such as when you are performing your scheduled maintenance intervals or cleaning the cabin of your Nissan Leaf.

Accelerator pedal: Regularly check the pedal for smooth, consistent operation. Ensure that the pedal does not catch, stick, or require uneven effort during use.

Always ensure that the floor mat is positioned correctly and kept clear of the pedal area to prevent any obstruction.

Brake pedal: Verify that the pedal operates smoothly and provides consistent resistance. If you notice that the brake pedal suddenly travels deeper than normal, feels "spongy" underfoot, or if you feel that your Nissan Leaf takes an increased distance to come to a complete stop, it is strongly recommended that you visit a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer immediately for a diagnostic check.

As with the accelerator, always keep the floor mat securely fastened and clear of the brake pedal.

Brakes: During normal driving, observe whether the brakes cause the vehicle to pull to one side when applied; consistent, straight-line stopping is a key indicator of a healthy braking system.

Electric shift P (Park) position mechanism: When parked on a steep hill, verify that the vehicle is held securely in the P (Park) position without the need to apply the service brakes.

Parking brake: Regularly test the operation of your parking brake. The system should be able to hold your Nissan Leaf securely on a steep incline using only the parking brake mechanism. If you find that the parking brake is unable to maintain the vehicle's position, it is recommended that you schedule a service appointment at a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer.

Seats: Periodically check all seat position controls—including adjusters and the seatback recliner mechanism—to ensure they operate smoothly and that all latches lock firmly and securely in every adjusted position.

Verify that the head restraints move up and down smoothly and that the locking mechanisms (if so equipped) hold the restraints securely in all adjusted positions.

Seat belts: Perform a thorough inspection of all components in the seat belt system, including buckles, anchors, adjusters, and retractors, to ensure they operate properly, function smoothly, and remain securely installed.

Carefully examine the entire length of the seat belt webbing for any signs of cuts, fraying, excessive wear, or other physical damage.

Steering wheel: Be attentive to any changes in steering feedback or conditions, such as the development of excessive free play, increased steering effort, or the presence of unusual noises when turning.

Warning lights and chimes: Periodically verify that all dashboard warning lights and audible alert chimes are functioning correctly and illuminating during the initial ignition sequence.

Windshield defroster: Regularly verify that airflow is emitted from the defroster outlets with sufficient force and volume when the heating or air conditioning system is active, ensuring your Nissan Leaf maintains clear visibility in all weather conditions.

Windshield wiper and washer*: Periodically test that the wipers and washer fluid spray function smoothly and correctly, and confirm that the wiper blades clear the glass efficiently without leaving streaks or residue.

Under the hood and vehicle

The following maintenance items are critical to the longevity of your Nissan Leaf and should be inspected periodically.

12-volt battery (except for maintenance-free batteries)*: For batteries that require manual maintenance, inspect the fluid level in each individual cell. The electrolyte should ideally be visible at the bottom of the filler opening. If your vehicle is regularly operated in high-temperature environments or under severe driving conditions, the 12-volt battery fluid levels must be checked more frequently to prevent depletion.

NOTE:

To maintain optimal health of the 12-volt battery and prevent potential discharge or a "no-start" condition, exercise caution regarding the following:

1. Avoid the installation or prolonged usage of electronic accessories that continue to draw power from the battery when the EV system is not active, such as mobile phone chargers, GPS units, or portable media players.

2. If the vehicle is driven infrequently or only for very short distances, the battery may not receive a sufficient charge from the EV system.

In these scenarios, it may be necessary to have the battery charged externally to preserve its capacity and overall health.

Brake fluid level*: Regularly monitor the brake fluid reservoir to ensure the level remains consistently between the designated MAX and MIN graduation marks.

Coolant level*: Always check the coolant level while the high-voltage components are cold to ensure an accurate reading. Confirm that the fluid is maintained between the MAX and MIN lines on the reservoir.

Fluid leaks: After your Nissan Leaf has been parked for a period, inspect the area underneath the vehicle for signs of unexpected fluid leaks. Note that a small amount of water dripping from the air conditioning system after operation is completely normal and not a cause for concern.

If you identify any distinct or persistent fluid leaks, investigate the source immediately and have the condition addressed by a professional.

Radiator and hoses: Regularly inspect the front of the radiator and clear away any accumulated debris, such as dirt, insects, or leaves, that could obstruct airflow and affect thermal management. Additionally, check all coolant hoses for signs of surface cracks, deformation, dry rot, or loose connections that could lead to leaks.

Underbody: The underbody of your Nissan Leaf is frequently exposed to corrosive elements, including road salt used on icy surfaces and various dust-control agents. It is crucial to remove these substances to prevent the development of rust on the floor pan and frame. Following the winter season, the underbody should be thoroughly flushed with plain water, paying special attention to crevices where mud and grime tend to accumulate. For more detailed instructions, refer to the "Cleaning exterior" section of this manual.

Windshield-washer fluid*: Regularly verify that there is an adequate volume of cleaning solution in the reservoir to ensure you can effectively clear the windshield during driving.