2013 Nissan Leaf Owner's Manual - Page 303

regenerative brake is applied than in the D (Drive) position. However, during high-speed driving you may feel that regenerative brake provides less deceleration than the engine braking in an ordinary vehicle. This is normal. Less deceleration is provided by the regenerative brake system when the Li-ion battery is fully charged. Regenerative brake is automatically reduced when the Li-ion battery is fully charged to prevent the Li-ion battery from becoming overcharged. Regenerative brake is also automatically reduced when the battery temperature is high/low (indicated by the red/blue zones on the battery temperature gauge) to prevent Li-ion battery damage. The brake pedal should be used to slow or stop the vehicle depending on traffic or road conditions. The vehicle brakes are not affected by regenerative brake system operation. • If the power switch position is in a position other than ON or READY to drive, you can stop the vehicle by depressing the brake pedal. However, greater foot pressure on the brake pedal will be required to stop the vehicle, and the stopping distance will be longer. • When depressing the brake pedal, the braking pedal feel will not be smooth or may change when the cooperative regenerative brake system activates. However, the electronically controlled brake system is operating normally and this does not indicate a malfunction. WARNING • While driving on a slippery surface, be careful when braking or accelerating. Abrupt braking or accelerating could cause the wheels to skid, which could result in an accident. • If the brake pedal is depressed with the EV (Electric Vehicle) system OFF, you may feel an increased brake pedal effort and a decreased pedal stroke. If the BRAKE warning light does not illuminate and the brake pedal feels like it has returned to its normal state after the EV system is started, this indicates that there is no malfunction and the vehicle can be operated normally. Using brakes Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving. This will cause overheating of the brakes, wearing out the brake pads and shoes faster and will reduce driving range. To help reduce brake wear and to prevent the brakes from overheating, reduce speed and select ECO position before going down a slope or long grade. Overheated brakes may reduce braking performance and could result in loss of vehicle control. Wet brakes When the vehicle is washed or driven through water, the brakes may get wet. As a result, the braking distance will be longer and the vehicle may pull to one side during braking. To dry brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe speed while lightly tapping the brake pedal to heat up the brakes. Do this until the brakes return to normal. Avoid driving the vehicle at high speeds until the brakes have dried. NOTE: • When applying the regenerative brakes, you may hear a sound coming from the regenerative brake system. This is a normal operating characteristic of an EV (Electric vehicle). 5-20 Starting and driving