Nissan Versa: Monitor, climate, audio, phone and voice recognition systems - Cold weather driving

Freeing a frozen door lock

To proactively prevent a door lock on your Nissan Versa from freezing solid during freezing weather, apply a specialized de-icer spray directly into the key cylinder hole. If a lock does happen to freeze up completely, gently warm the mechanical key before inserting it into the key hole, or bypass the lock entirely by using your remote keyless entry key fob.

Antifreeze

During the winter season when ambient temperatures are anticipated to drop below 32ºF (0ºC), check the coolant and antifreeze mixture in your Nissan Versa to assure proper, reliable winter freeze protection.

Battery

If the vehicle battery is not kept fully charged during extremely cold weather conditions, the internal battery fluid can freeze and cause permanent damage to the battery housing and cells. To maintain maximum electrical efficiency and starting reliability, the battery should be inspected and tested regularly.

Your Nissan Versa is equipped with a sealed, maintenance-free battery. It is recommended that you visit an authorized NISSAN dealer when professional electrical testing or replacement service is needed.

Draining of coolant water

If your Nissan Versa is to be left parked outside in freezing weather without proper antifreeze protection, you must completely drain the engine cooling system, including the entire engine block. Always refill the system with the proper coolant mixture before operating the vehicle again.

Tire equipment

1. Standard summer tires feature a tread compound engineered to provide superior performance and grip on dry pavement. However, the performance of these tires is substantially reduced in cold, snowy, and icy road conditions. If you operate your Nissan Versa on snowy or icy winter roads, NISSAN strongly recommends the installation of MUD & SNOW or ALL-SEASON TIRES across all four wheels. It is recommended that you visit an authorized NISSAN dealer to get precise information regarding approved tire types, correct sizes, speed ratings, and seasonal availability.

2. For enhanced traction on heavily iced roads, studded winter tires may be used where permitted. However, some U.S. states and Canadian provinces strictly prohibit the use of studded tires. Always check local, state, and provincial laws and regulations before purchasing or installing studded tires on your vehicle.

Keep in mind that the skid and traction capabilities of studded snow tires on wet or dry paved surfaces may actually be poorer than that of non-studded snow tires.

3. Certified tire chains may also be used when required by road authorities.

Special winter equipment

To ensure safety and preparedness, it is recommended that the following practical items be kept stored in your Nissan Versa during the harsh winter months:

A sturdy window scraper and stiff-bristled brush to effectively clear ice and snow from all windows, mirrors, and wiper blades.
A solid, flat board to place underneath the vehicle jack to provide firm, secure support on soft or snowy ground.
A compact shovel to dig your Nissan Versa out if it becomes stuck in deep snowdrifts.
Extra windshield-washer fluid to keep your washer reservoir topped off during messy winter storms.

Driving on snow or ice

WARNING

Wet ice (occurring around 32ºF, 0ºC during freezing rain), very cold packed snow, and black ice are extremely slick and hazardous to drive on. Your Nissan Versa will have significantly less traction and grip under these severe conditions. Try to avoid driving on wet ice entirely until road crews have treated the surface with salt or sand.
Regardless of prevailing road conditions, always drive with heightened caution. Accelerate and slow down smoothly with great care. If you accelerate or downshift too abruptly, the drive wheels will lose even more of their limited traction.
Allow a much longer stopping distance under icy conditions. Braking maneuvers should be initiated much sooner than they would be on dry pavement.
Maintain substantially greater following distances behind other vehicles when driving on slippery winter roads.
Watch out closely for hidden slippery spots, often referred to as glare ice. These icy patches frequently form on otherwise clear roadways in shaded areas, bridges, and overpasses. If you spot an icy patch ahead, apply your brakes gently before reaching it. Avoid braking while actually rolling over the ice, and refrain from making any sudden steering maneuvers.
Never use the cruise control system (if so equipped) when driving on slippery, snow-covered, or icy roads.
Accumulating snow around your vehicle can trap dangerous, toxic exhaust gases underneath your Nissan Versa. Always keep snow completely cleared away from the exhaust tailpipe and from around the lower body of your vehicle.

Engine block heater

Engine block heaters are highly effective electrical accessories used to assist with reliable cold-temperature engine starting.

The engine block heater should be plugged in and used when the outside ambient temperature drops to 20ºF (-7ºC) or lower.

WARNING

Never operate your engine block heater using an ungrounded electrical system or a 2-pronged electrical adapter. You can suffer severe, life-threatening injuries from an electrical shock if you rely on an ungrounded connection.
Always disconnect and properly stow away the engine block heater power cord before starting the engine. Allowing the cord to dangle or strike moving engine parts can cause severe cord damage, resulting in an electrical shock and serious personal injury.
Always use a heavy-duty, 3-wire, 3-pronged outdoor extension cord rated for at least 10 amperes.
Plug the extension cord securely into a Ground Fault Interrupt (GFI) protected, properly grounded 110-VAC electrical outlet.

Failing to use the proper extension cord or a certified grounded outlet can result in an electrical fire or severe electric shock, causing major personal injury.

To use the engine block heater on your Nissan Versa correctly:

1. Turn off the vehicle engine completely.

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

3. Plug the engine block heater cord firmly into a grounded, 3-wire, 3-pronged outdoor extension cord.

4. Plug the other end of the extension cord into a Ground Fault Interrupt (GFI) protected, grounded 110-volt AC (VAC) wall outlet.

5. Allow the engine block heater to remain plugged in for at least 2 to 4 hours, depending on how cold the outside temperature is, to properly warm the engine coolant block. You can utilize an appropriate outdoor timer to activate the heater automatically.

6. Before starting the engine, unplug the cord from the wall outlet and stow it securely away to ensure it is kept completely clear of all moving engine components.

Parking brake

For CVT models

When parking your Nissan Versa in an area where the outside temperature is below 32ºF (0ºC), the applied parking brake may freeze in place due to moisture and become difficult or impossible to release.

To park safely in freezing weather, it is recommended that you place the transmission shift lever firmly into the P (Park) position and securely block the vehicle wheels with wheel chocks.

For 5MT models

To park safely in freezing weather, it is recommended that you place the transmission shift lever into the 1 (1st) gear or R (Reverse) position and securely block the vehicle wheels with wheel chocks.