Nissan Sentra B18 (2020-2025) Owner's Manual: Cold weather driving

Freeing a frozen door lock

To help prevent the door locks of your Nissan Sentra from freezing in cold weather, apply a suitable de-icing agent directly into the keyhole. If a lock does become frozen, gently warm the mechanical key before inserting it into the keyhole. As an alternative, use the remote keyless entry key fob or the NISSAN Intelligent Key system to unlock the vehicle without inserting a key.

Antifreeze

During winter operation, when ambient temperatures are expected to drop below 32ºF (0ºC), check the engine coolant mixture to ensure adequate freeze protection. Proper antifreeze concentration is essential to protect the Nissan Sentra engine and cooling system from freezing and damage.

Battery

If the battery is not fully charged during extremely cold weather, the electrolyte may freeze and cause permanent battery damage. To maintain maximum starting performance and reliability, the battery should be inspected and tested regularly during winter.

This Nissan Sentra is equipped with a sealed, maintenance-free battery. For inspection or replacement, it is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer or authorized service facility.

Draining of coolant water

If the vehicle must be left outdoors in freezing conditions without antifreeze protection, drain the entire cooling system, including the engine block. Always refill the cooling system with the proper coolant mixture before operating the vehicle again.

Tire equipment

1. SUMMER tires are designed to provide excellent performance on dry pavement. However, their traction is significantly reduced on snow and ice. If you regularly drive your Nissan Sentra in snowy or icy conditions, NISSAN recommends installing MUD & SNOW or ALL-SEASON tires on all four wheels. Visit a NISSAN dealer for correct tire size, speed rating, and availability.

2. For increased traction on icy surfaces, studded snow tires may be used. However, some U.S. states and Canadian provinces restrict or prohibit their use. Always check local, state, and provincial regulations before installing studded tires.

Note that skid resistance and traction of studded snow tires on wet or dry pavement may be inferior to non-studded snow tires.

3. Tire chains may be used where permitted by law and when road conditions require additional traction.

Special winter equipment

It is recommended that the following items be carried in your Nissan Sentra during winter driving:

• A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to remove ice and snow from windows and wiper blades.
• A sturdy, flat board to place under the jack to provide stable support.
• A shovel to help free the vehicle from deep snowdrifts.
• Extra windshield washer fluid suitable for freezing temperatures.

Driving on snow or ice

WARNING

• Wet ice (32ºF, 0ºC and freezing rain), very cold snow, or ice-covered roads can be extremely slippery and difficult to navigate. Vehicle traction is significantly reduced under these conditions. Avoid driving on wet ice whenever possible until the road has been treated with salt or sand.
• Regardless of road conditions, always drive cautiously. Apply throttle and brakes smoothly. Rapid acceleration or downshifting can cause the drive wheels to lose traction.
• Increase stopping distances in winter conditions. Begin braking earlier than on dry pavement.
• Maintain greater following distances on slippery roads.
• Be alert for hidden slippery areas such as glare ice, which often forms in shaded sections of otherwise clear roads.

  If ice is visible ahead, brake before reaching it. Avoid braking while on ice and do not make sudden steering inputs.

• Do not use cruise control (if equipped) on slippery road surfaces.
• Snow accumulation can trap hazardous exhaust gases beneath the vehicle. Keep snow clear from the exhaust outlet and away from the underside of the vehicle.

Engine block heater

An engine block heater assists with cold weather starting by warming the engine coolant.

Use the engine block heater when outside temperatures are approximately 20ºF (-7ºC) or lower.

WARNING

• Do not use the engine block heater with an ungrounded electrical system or a 2-pronged adapter. Doing so may result in serious electrical shock.
• Always disconnect and properly store the engine block heater cord before starting the engine. A damaged cord can cause electrical shock or injury.
• Use a heavy-duty 3-wire, 3-pronged extension cord rated for at least 10 A.

  Connect the extension cord to a grounded, Ground Fault Interrupt (GFI) protected 110-VAC outlet.

  Failure to use the correct extension cord or a grounded outlet may result in fire, electrical shock, or serious personal injury.

To use the engine block heater:

1. Turn the engine off.

2. Open the hood and carefully unwrap the engine block heater cord.

3. Plug the heater cord into a grounded 3-wire, 3-pronged extension cord.

4. Plug the extension cord into a grounded, GFI-protected 110-volt AC outlet.

5. Leave the engine block heater connected for at least 2–4 hours, depending on outside temperature, to adequately warm the engine coolant. Using a timer is recommended.

6. Before starting the engine, unplug and securely store the cord away from all moving components.

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