Nissan Frontier: Starting and driving - Cold weather driving

Freeing a frozen door lock

To help prevent the door locks of your Nissan Frontier from freezing during severe winter weather, apply a suitable lock de-icer through the key cylinder. If a lock becomes frozen, carefully warm the key before inserting it into the lock cylinder. Vehicles equipped with the remote keyless entry system can also be unlocked using the key fob, reducing the need to use the mechanical key during icy conditions.

Antifreeze

Whenever winter temperatures are expected to fall below 32°F (0°C), inspect the coolant mixture to ensure the Nissan Frontier is protected against freezing. Maintaining the proper antifreeze concentration helps protect the engine, cooling system components, and heater system while ensuring reliable cold-weather operation.

Battery

Extremely low temperatures can significantly reduce battery performance. If the battery is not fully charged, the electrolyte may freeze and permanently damage the battery. To maintain dependable starting performance in your Nissan Frontier, inspect the battery regularly and ensure it remains properly charged throughout the winter season.

Draining of coolant water

If the Nissan Frontier will be stored outdoors without antifreeze protection, the entire cooling system, including the engine block, should be drained. Before returning the vehicle to service, refill the cooling system with the proper coolant mixture and verify that all components are functioning correctly.

Tire equipment

1. SUMMER tires are engineered to deliver excellent performance on dry and warm pavement. However, traction, braking capability, and overall control can be greatly reduced on snow-covered or icy roads. If your Nissan Frontier is driven in winter conditions, NISSAN recommends equipping all four wheels with MUD & SNOW or ALL-SEASON tires. For information regarding proper tire size, speed rating, load rating, and seasonal tire availability, consult a NISSAN dealer.

2. For additional traction on icy roads, studded winter tires may be used where permitted by law. However, regulations regarding studded tires vary between U.S. states and Canadian provinces. Always verify local regulations before installing them on your Nissan Frontier.

Studded snow tires may provide reduced traction and skid resistance on dry or wet pavement compared with non-studded winter tires.

3. Tire chains may be used when additional traction is required under severe winter driving conditions.

Special winter equipment

To improve safety and preparedness during winter travel, it is recommended that the following equipment be carried in the Nissan Frontier:

• A scraper and stiff-bristled brush for removing snow, frost, and ice from windows, mirrors, lights, and wiper blades.
• A sturdy, flat board that can be placed beneath the jack to provide stable support on snow-covered or soft surfaces.
• A shovel for digging the Nissan Frontier out of deep snow, drifts, or packed ice.
• Extra windshield washer fluid suitable for low temperatures to replenish the washer reservoir when necessary.

Driving on snow or ice

WARNING

• Wet ice, freezing rain, and extremely cold packed snow can create exceptionally slippery driving conditions. Under these circumstances, your Nissan Frontier will have significantly less traction and directional stability. Whenever possible, avoid driving on untreated icy roads until they have been sanded or salted.
• Regardless of road conditions, always drive carefully and smoothly. Accelerate, brake, and downshift gradually. Abrupt inputs can cause the drive wheels to lose traction and reduce vehicle control.
• Allow considerably greater stopping distances on snow-covered and icy roads. Begin braking earlier than you normally would on dry pavement.
• Increase following distance between your Nissan Frontier and the vehicle ahead when driving on slippery surfaces.
• Be alert for hidden slippery areas, commonly known as glare ice.

  These areas often appear on bridges, overpasses, shaded road sections, and locations exposed to freezing moisture. If ice is visible ahead, reduce speed and brake before reaching it. Avoid braking while driving directly on the ice and refrain from making sudden steering corrections.

• Do not use cruise control while driving on slippery roads, snow-covered highways, or icy surfaces.
• Snow accumulation around the vehicle can trap dangerous exhaust gases. Always keep snow away from the exhaust pipe and clear the area surrounding the Nissan Frontier whenever it is parked or operating in deep snow.

Engine block heater

Engine block heaters are designed to improve cold-weather starting performance by warming the engine coolant before startup.

For best results, the Nissan Frontier engine block heater should be used whenever the outside temperature falls to 20°F (-7°C) or below.

WARNING

• Never use the engine block heater with an ungrounded electrical system or a two-prong adapter. Improper grounding can expose you to the risk of severe electrical shock.
• Always disconnect and properly store the engine block heater cord before starting the engine. A damaged or improperly secured cord may result in electrical shock, equipment damage, or personal injury.
• Use a heavy-duty three-wire, three-prong extension cord rated for at least 10 amps.

  The extension cord must be connected to a Ground Fault Interrupt (GFI) protected and properly grounded 110-volt AC outlet.

  Failure to use the proper extension cord or grounded outlet may result in fire, electrical shock, equipment damage, or serious injury.

To use the engine block heater:

1. Turn the engine off completely.

2. Open the hood and carefully unwrap the Nissan Frontier 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 at least 2 to 4 hours to properly warm the engine coolant. Using an approved timer can help automate operation and improve energy efficiency.

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

CAUTION

Using the engine block heater while the Nissan Frontier is parked with the front of the vehicle elevated approximately 5 degrees or more above the rear may damage the heater and could render it inoperative. Always park on a reasonably level surface when using the engine block heater.

Proper cold-weather preparation, regular battery maintenance, suitable winter tires, and correct use of the engine block heater can significantly improve the winter performance, reliability, and safety of your Nissan Frontier in harsh seasonal conditions.