NISSAN LEAF 2013 1.G Owners Manual

Checking tire pressure
1. Remove the valve stem cap from the tire.
2. Press the pressure gauge securely onto thevalve stem. Do not press too hard or force the
valve stem sideways, otherwise air will es-
cape. If the hissing sound of air escaping from
the tire is heard while checking the pressure,
reposition the gauge to eliminate this leakage.
3. Remove the gauge.
4. Read the tire pressure on the gauge stem and compare it to the specification 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 re-
lease pressure. Recheck 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
ORIGINAL
TIRE P205/55R16
89H 250 kPa,
36 PSI
FRONT
ORIGINAL
TIRE P215/50R17
90V 250 kPa,
36 PSI
REAR
ORIGINAL
TIRE P205/55R16
89H 250 kPa,
36 PSI
REAR
ORIGINAL
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 identifies and describes
the fundamental characteristics of the tire and
also provides the tire identification number (TIN)
for safety standard certification. The TIN can be
used to identify the tire in case of a recall.
Example
8-28Maintenance and do-it yourself

1Tire size (example: P215/60R16 94H)
1. P: The “P” indicates the tire is designed for passenger vehicles. (Not all tires have this
information.)
2. Three-digit number (215): This number gives the width in millimeters of the tire from side-
wall edge to sidewall edge.
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 be-
cause 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 “Department 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 identification 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 numbersExample
Example
Maintenance and do-it yourself8-29

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 ma-
terials in the tire, which include steel, nylon,
polyester, and others.
4Maximum permissible inflation pressure
This number is the greatest amount of air
pressure that should be put in the tire. Do not
exceed the maximum permissible inflation
pressure.
5Maximum load rating
This number indicates the maximum load in
kilograms and pounds that can be carried by
the tire. When replacing the tires on the ve-
hicle, 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 (“tubeless”) .
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 white-
wall, 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 outward facing
sidewall of an asymmetrical tire that has a par-
ticular 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.
8-30Maintenance and do-it yourself

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.
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.
Maintenance and do-it yourself8-31

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) The wheel nuts must be kept tightened to
the specification at all times. It is recom-
mended that wheel nuts be tightened to the
specification at each tire rotation interval.
WARNING
After rotating the tires, check and ad- just the tire pressure.
Retighten the wheel nuts when the ve- hicle has been driven for 600 miles
(1,000 km) (also in cases of a flat tire,
etc.) .
For additional information regarding tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety
Information” (US) or “Tire Safety Infor-
mation” (Canada) in the Warranty In-
formation Booklet. 1. Wear indicator
2. Wear indicator location mark
Tire wear and damage
WARNING
Tires should be periodically inspected for wear, cracking, bulging or objects
caught in the tread. If excessive wear,
cracks, bulging or deep cuts are found,
the tire(s) should be replaced.
8-32Maintenance and do-it yourself

The original tires have built-in treadwear indicators. When wear indicators
are visible, the tire(s) should be re-
placed.
Tires degrade with age and use. Have tires, over 6 years old checked by a
qualified technician, because some
tire damage may not be obvious. Re-
place the tires as necessary to prevent
tire failure and possible personal in-
jury.
For additional information regarding tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety
Information” (US) or “Tire Safety Infor-
mation” (Canada) in the Warranty In-
formation Booklet.
Replacing wheels and tires
When replacing a tire, use the same size, tread
design, speed rating and load carrying capacity
as originally equipped. See Specificationsin
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 theTechnical
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
without warning.
Maintenance and do-it yourself8-33

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 theAppearance and
care section for details about care of the wheels.
EMERGENCY TIRE PUNCTURE
REPAIR KIT
The emergency tire puncture repair kit (Emer-
gency Tire Sealant) is supplied with the vehicle
instead of a spare tire. It can be used to tempo-
rarily repair minor tire punctures.
If possible, have the vehicle towed to a facility that
can repair or replace the flat tire. Using the emer-
gency tire puncture repair kit may cause a mal-
function of the tire pressure sensor and cause the
low tire pressure warning light to illuminate.
SeeFlat tire for more details.
8-34Maintenance and do-it yourself

9 Technical and consumer information
Capacities and recommended lubricants.........9-2
Air conditioning system refrigerant and lubricant
recommendations .................... .9-3
Specifications ........................ .9-4
Charging system .................... .9-4
Motor ........................... .9-6
Wheels and tires .................... .9-6
Dimensions and weights ................ .9-6
When traveling or registering your vehicle in another
country ............................ .9-7
Vehicle identification .................... .9-7
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) plate .......9-7
Vehicle identification number (chassis number). . . .9-7
Traction motor serial number ..............9-8
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S certification label ........9-8
Emission control information label ...........9-8
Tire and Loading Information label ...........9-9
Air conditioner specification label ............9-9
Installing front license plate .................9-9Vehicle loading information
.................9-10
Terms .......................... .9-10
Vehicle load capacity ................. .9-11
Securing the load ................... .9-12
Loading tips ...................... .9-12
Measurement of weights ................9-13
Towing a trailer ....................... .9-13
Flat towing ......................... .9-14
Uniform tire quality grading .................9-14
Treadwear ....................... .9-14
Traction AA, A, B and C ................9-14
Temperature A, B and C ................9-15
Reporting safety defects ................. .9-15
Telematics overview .................... .9-16
Event Data Recorder (EDR) ................9-18
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual order information. . .9-18
Charging information ................... .9-20
Cold tire pressures .................... .9-22

The following are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be slightly different. When refilling, follow the procedure that
is described in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section to determine the proper refill capacity.
Capacity (approximate)Recommended specifications
US measure Imp measure Liter
Cooling system With reservoir 5-5/8 qt 4-5/8 qt 5.3
Pre-diluted Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant
(blue) or equivalent
Reservoir 1/2 qt 1/2 qt 0.5
Reduction gear fluid 1-1/2 qt 1-1/4 qt 1.4 Genuine NISSAN Matic Fluid S*1
Brake fluid Refill to the proper oil level according to
the instructions in the “Maintenance and
do-it-yourself” section.Genuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid*2 or
equivalent DOT 3
Multi-purpose grease —— — NLGI No. 2 (Lithium soap base)
Air conditioning system refrigerant —— — HFC-134a (R-134a)*3
Air conditioning system lubricants —— — NISSAN A/C System Oil ND-OIL11 or equivalent
*1: Use only Genuine NISSAN Matic Fluid S. Using reduction gear fluid other than Genuine NISSAN Matic Fluid S will damage the re-
duction gear, which is not covered by the NISSAN new vehicle limited warranty.
*2: Available in mainland US through a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer.
*3: For additional information, see Vehicle identificationfor air conditioner specification label.
CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED
LUBRICANTS
9-2Technical and consumer information

AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM
REFRIGERANT AND LUBRICANT
RECOMMENDATIONS
The air conditioning system in your
NISSAN vehicle must be charged with the
refrigerant, HFC-134a (R-134a) and the oil,
compressor oil ND-OIL11 or the equiva-
lents.
CAUTION
The use of any other refrigerant or oil will
cause severe damage to the air condi-
tioning system and will require the re-
placement of all air conditioner system
components.
The refrigerant, HFC-134a (R-134a) , in your
NISSAN vehicle will not harm the earth’s ozone
layer. Although this refrigerant does not affect the
earth’s atmosphere, certain governmental regu-
lations require the recovery and recycling of any
refrigerant during automotive air conditioning
system service. A NISSAN certified LEAF dealer
has the trained technicians and equipment
needed to recover and recycle your air condition-
ing system refrigerant.
Contact a NISSAN certified LEAF dealer when
servicing your air conditioning system.
Technical and consumer information9-3