Freeing a frozen door lock

To help prevent a door lock from freezing, apply an appropriate de-icer through the keyhole before severe cold weather arrives. If the lock has already frozen, warm the key carefully before inserting it into the keyhole, or unlock the Nissan Murano using the NISSAN Intelligent Key. Do not force a frozen key or lock mechanism, as excessive pressure may cause damage.

Antifreeze

When winter temperatures are expected to fall below 32ºF (0ºC), check the engine coolant antifreeze concentration to confirm that the cooling system has adequate freeze protection. Proper antifreeze strength helps prevent the coolant from freezing and protects the Nissan Murano cooling system during cold-weather operation.

Battery

Extremely cold temperatures reduce battery performance. If the battery is not fully charged, the battery fluid may freeze and damage the internal components. To maintain dependable starting performance and maximum battery efficiency, have the battery charge and general condition checked regularly, particularly before the coldest part of the year.

Draining of coolant water

If the vehicle must be left outdoors in freezing weather without antifreeze in the cooling system, drain the cooling system completely, including the engine block. The system must be refilled correctly before the engine is started or the vehicle is operated. Running the engine without the proper coolant could cause serious engine damage.

Tire equipment

1. SUMMER tires use a tread compound and pattern designed to provide strong performance on dry pavement. Their traction and handling capability are substantially reduced on snow- or ice-covered roads. If the Nissan Murano will be operated regularly in winter conditions, NISSAN recommends installing MUD & SNOW or ALL SEASON TIRES on all four wheels. It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for information about the appropriate tire type, size, speed rating, and availability.

2. Studded tires may provide additional traction on icy roads. However, their use is prohibited or restricted in some U.S. states and Canadian provinces. Check all applicable local, state, and provincial regulations before purchasing or installing studded tires.

The skid resistance and traction performance of studded snow tires on wet or dry pavement may be lower than the performance provided by nonstudded snow tires. Adjust vehicle speed and driving technique to the installed tire type and current road conditions.

3. Tire chains may be used when permitted and when required by road or weather conditions. Install and operate tire chains in accordance with the applicable instructions and local regulations.

Special winter equipment

Basic Information

During winter travel, it is recommended that the following practical items be carried in the vehicle so the driver can remove accumulated snow, improve jack stability, and maintain visibility:

• A window scraper and a stiff-bristled brush for removing snow and ice from the glass, mirrors, and windshield wiper blades before driving.
• A sturdy, flat board that can be placed beneath the jack to provide a firm supporting surface when the ground is soft, snowy, or uneven.
• A shovel suitable for clearing snow from around the tires or digging the Nissan Murano out of a snowdrift.
• An additional supply of washer fluid for refilling the windshield-washer reservoir when frequent winter road spray increases fluid consumption.

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) model

If snow tires are installed on an AWD model, all four tires must be identical in size, brand, construction, and tread pattern. Matching tires help maintain consistent rolling diameter and traction at every wheel, supporting correct AWD system operation and predictable handling.

Driving on snow or ice

WARNING

• Wet ice near 32ºF (0ºC), freezing rain, extremely cold snow, and polished ice can create exceptionally slippery road surfaces. Tire grip may be severely reduced under these conditions. Avoid driving on wet ice whenever possible until the roadway has been treated with salt or sand.
• Regardless of the winter condition, drive cautiously and use smooth control inputs. Accelerate, brake, and slow the vehicle gradually. Rapid acceleration or abrupt downshifting can cause the drive wheels to lose additional traction.
• Allow substantially more distance for stopping on snow or ice. Begin braking earlier and apply the brake pedal more gradually than you would on dry pavement.
• Increase the following distance between the Nissan Murano and the vehicle ahead so there is more time to react and stop safely on a slippery road.
• Watch carefully for isolated slippery areas, including glare ice.

  Glare ice may form in shaded locations, on bridges, or in other areas even when the rest of the road appears clear. If ice is visible ahead, reduce speed and brake before reaching it. Avoid braking while directly on the icy patch, and do not make sudden steering movements.

• Do not use cruise control on slippery roads. Automatic speed control may apply power at a time when reduced traction requires direct and immediate driver input.
• Accumulated snow can block the exhaust outlet and trap dangerous exhaust gases beneath or around the vehicle. Keep the exhaust pipe and the surrounding area clear of snow before starting or operating the engine.

Engine block heater

An engine block heater can assist with starting in very cold temperatures by warming the engine coolant before the engine is started.

The engine block heater should be used when the outside temperature is 20ºF (-7ºC) or below. The required heating time varies according to the ambient temperature.

WARNING

• Never connect the engine block heater to an ungrounded electrical system or use a two-pronged adapter. An ungrounded connection can expose the user to a severe electrical shock.
• Disconnect the engine block heater cord and store it securely before starting the engine. A loose or connected cord may contact hot or moving engine components, become damaged, and create a risk of electrical shock or serious injury.
• Use a heavy-duty, three-wire, three-pronged extension cord rated for at least 10 A.

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

  Using an unsuitable extension cord, an ungrounded outlet, or an electrical connection without GFI protection may cause overheating, fire, electrical shock, serious injury, or death.

To use the engine block heater:

1. Turn off the engine and confirm that the ignition is in the OFF position.

2. Open the hood and carefully unwrap the engine block heater cord, making sure the cord and plug are not damaged.

3. Connect the engine block heater cord to a grounded, heavy-duty three-wire, three-pronged extension cord with the required electrical rating.

4. Connect the extension cord to a grounded 110-volt AC (VAC) outlet protected by a Ground Fault Interrupt (GFI).

5. Leave the engine block heater connected for at least 2–4 hours, depending on the outside temperature, so it can warm the engine coolant effectively. An appropriate timer may be used to switch the heater on before the Nissan Murano is needed.

6. Before starting the engine, disconnect the extension cord and engine block heater cord. Wrap and store the vehicle cord correctly so it remains clear of belts, fans, and other moving or hot components.