Nissan Sentra Owners Manual: Driving on snow or ice

Nissan Sentra Owners Manual / Starting and driving / Cold weather driving / 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.

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, fl ...

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. WARNING Do not u ...

Other materials:

Variable voltage control system
CAUTION Do not ground accessories directly to the battery terminal. Doing so will bypass the variable voltage control system and the vehicle battery may not charge completely. Use electrical accessories with the engine running to avoid discharging the vehicle battery. Your v ...

Washing
Wash dirt off with a wet sponge and plenty of water. Clean the vehicle thoroughly using a mild soap, a special vehicle soap or general purpose dishwashing liquid mixed with clean, lukewarm (never hot) water. CAUTION Do not use car washes that use acid in the detergent. Some car washes, es ...

Spark plugs
Replacing spark plugs WARNINGBe sure the engine and ignition switch are off and that the parking brake is engaged securely. CAUTION Be sure to use the correct socket to remove the spark plugs. An incorrect socket can damage the spark plugs. Platinum-tipped spark plugs (ex ...