2003 Nissan Pathfinder Owner's Manual - Page 195

the chain manufacturer's suggestions. Use only SAE Class S chains. Class "S" chains are used on vehicles with restricted tire to vehicle clearance. Vehicles that can use Class "S" chains are designed to meet the SAE standard minimum clearances between the tire and the closest vehicle suspension or body component required to accommodate the use of a winter traction device (tire chains or cables). The minimum clearances are determined using the factory equipped tire size. Other types may damage your vehicle. Use chain tensioners when recommended by the tire chain manufacturer to ensure a tight fit. Loose end links of the tire chain must be secured or removed to prevent the possibility of whipping action damage to the fenders or underbody. If possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle when using tire chains. In addition, drive at a reduced speed. Otherwise, your vehicle may be damaged and/or vehicle handling and performance may be adversely affected. Do not use the chains on dry roads. Tire chains must be installed only on the rear wheels and not on the front wheels. Do not drive with tire chains on paved roads which are clear of snow. Driving with chains in such conditions can cause damage to the various mechanisms of the vehicle due to some overstress. When driving on clear paved roads, be sure to change to 2WD. 4. For four wheel drive: If you install snow tires, they must also be the same size, brand, construction and tread pattern on all four wheels. DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE WARNING ¼ Wet ice (32°F, 0°C and freezing rain), very cold snow or ice can be slick and very hard to drive on. The vehicle will have a lot less traction or grip under these conditions. Try to avoid driving on wet ice until the road is salted or sanded. ¼ Whatever the condition, drive with caution. Accelerate and slow down with care. If accelerating or downshifting too fast, the drive wheels will lose even more traction. ¼ Allow more stopping distance under these conditions. Braking should be started sooner than on dry pavement. ¼ Allow greater following distances on slippery roads. ¼ Watch for slippery spots (glare ice). These may appear on an otherwise clear road in shaded areas. If a patch of ice is seen ahead, brake before CAUTION ONLY use spare tires specified for each four wheel drive model. SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT It is recommended that the following items be carried in the vehicle during winter: ¼ A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to remove ice and snow from the windows and wiper blades. ¼ A sturdy, flat board to be placed under the jack to give it firm support. ¼ A shovel to dig the vehicle out of snow- drifts. ¼ Extra window washer fluid to refill the reservoir tank. 5-38 Starting and driving