Freeing a frozen door lock
To help prevent a door lock from freezing during cold weather, apply a suitable de-icing product through the keyhole. If the lock has already frozen, warm the key before inserting it into the lock cylinder, or use the Intelligent Key remote entry function to unlock your Nissan Kicks without using the key directly.
Antifreeze
Before winter temperatures are expected to fall below 32°F (0°C), inspect the engine coolant mixture to ensure the cooling system provides adequate freeze protection. Proper antifreeze concentration helps protect the engine and cooling components during cold-weather operation of your Nissan Kicks.
Battery
Extremely low temperatures can reduce battery performance. If the battery is not fully charged, the electrolyte may freeze, potentially causing permanent battery damage. Regular battery inspections are recommended to maintain reliable starting performance throughout the winter season.
The Nissan Kicks is equipped with a sealed maintenance-free battery. For inspection, testing, or service, it is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer.
Draining of coolant water
If the vehicle will be stored outdoors in freezing temperatures without antifreeze protection, the entire cooling system, including the engine block, should be drained. Refill the system with the proper coolant mixture before operating the vehicle again.
Tire equipment
1. SUMMER tires are engineered to deliver excellent handling and traction on dry roads. However, their effectiveness is significantly reduced on snow- or ice-covered surfaces. If your Nissan Kicks will be driven in winter conditions, NISSAN recommends using MUD & SNOW or ALL-SEASON tires on all four wheels. For information regarding the correct tire size, speed rating, and availability, it is recommended that you consult a NISSAN dealer.
2. For improved traction on icy roads, studded winter tires may be used where permitted. Because regulations vary by state, province, or territory, always verify local laws before installing studded tires.
Keep in mind that studded snow tires may provide reduced skid resistance and traction on wet or dry pavement compared with non-studded winter tires.
Special winter equipment
To be prepared for severe winter conditions, it is recommended that the following items be carried in your Nissan Kicks:
- A scraper and a stiff-bristled brush for removing ice and snow from windows, mirrors, and wiper blades.
- A strong, flat board that can be placed beneath the jack to provide stable support on snow-covered or soft ground.
- A shovel for digging the vehicle out of deep snow or snowdrifts.
- Additional windshield washer fluid for refilling the washer reservoir during extended winter travel.
Driving on snow or ice
WARNING
- Wet ice, freezing rain, and extremely cold packed snow can create exceptionally slippery road conditions. Under these circumstances, tire grip is greatly reduced. Whenever possible, avoid driving on untreated icy roads until they have been properly sanded or salted.
- Regardless of road conditions, always accelerate, decelerate, and steer smoothly. Aggressive acceleration or rapid downshifting can cause the drive wheels to lose traction and increase the risk of skidding.
- Allow considerably more stopping distance when driving on snow- or ice-covered roads. Begin braking earlier than you normally would on dry pavement.
- Maintain a greater following distance from vehicles ahead when road surfaces are slippery.
- Be alert for hidden slippery areas, often referred to as black ice or glare ice.
These hazardous patches frequently develop in shaded locations even when the rest of the roadway appears clear. If you notice ice ahead, reduce speed and brake before reaching it. Avoid braking, accelerating, or making sudden steering inputs while traveling over icy surfaces.
- Do not use cruise control when driving on snow, ice, or other slippery road surfaces.
- Snow accumulation can trap exhaust gases beneath the vehicle. Always keep the area around the exhaust outlet and underbody clear of snow to help prevent dangerous exhaust gas buildup.
Parking brake
When parking in areas where temperatures are expected to remain below 32°F (0°C), avoid applying the parking brake, as it may freeze and become difficult to release. For safe vehicle parking:
- Place the shift lever in the P (Park) position.
- Use wheel chocks or securely block the wheels.
Engine block heater
Engine block heaters are designed to improve cold-weather starting performance and reduce engine warm-up time during extremely low temperatures.
The engine block heater should be used whenever outside temperatures fall to approximately 20°F (-7°C) or below.
WARNING
- Never connect the engine block heater to an ungrounded electrical source or use a two-prong adapter. Using an improper electrical connection can result in severe electrical shock.
- Always disconnect and properly secure the engine block heater cord before starting the engine. A damaged or improperly stored cord could create a risk of electrical shock or personal injury.
- Use only a heavy-duty three-wire, three-prong extension cord rated for at least 10 amps.
Connect the extension cord only to a Ground Fault Interrupt (GFI) protected, properly grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
Failure to use the correct extension cord or a properly grounded power source may result in fire, electrical shock, or serious personal injury.
To use the engine block heater:
1. Turn the engine off completely.
2. Open the hood and carefully unwrap the engine block heater cord.
3. Connect the engine block heater cord to a grounded three-wire, three-prong extension cord.
4. Plug the extension cord into a GFI-protected, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
5. Depending on outside temperatures, leave the engine block heater connected for approximately 2 to 4 hours to properly warm the engine coolant. Using a timer can help manage operating time efficiently.
6. Before starting the engine, disconnect the extension cord and properly secure the heater cord away from moving engine components.
Following these cold-weather driving recommendations can help improve winter reliability, starting performance, and overall driving confidence in your Nissan Kicks while reducing unnecessary wear on critical vehicle systems.