Leaf "Maintenance"

[mslmle]

Hi All. I bought a '21 SV in August of 2023. I have had two issues: 1) 12-volt batt had to be replaced, 2) one tire had to be replaced. The dealership sends me messages to get service: "At 45,000 miles: Rotate Tires, Replace Brake Fluid, Replace In-Cabin Microfilter, Complimentary Multi-Point Inspection." My Leaf hasn't even seen 15,000 miles yet. Do I need any of these services or need to get anything else done? I have LeafSpy and car is doing fine except loses a lot of miles in hot weather, it seems to me. What are minimal things I should get done, and do they have to be done by Nissan or can I just take it to my local garage? Any advice appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Drew21]

Basic maintenance items can be mileage or time based. Your owner's manual should have a basic maintenance schedule. Essentially, if you drive a lot you get on the mileage schedule, if you don't drive a lot you base your maintenance schedule on time.

Cabin air filter - Change once per year or more often if you live/drive in particularly dusty conditions.
Check wipers and washer fluid level regularly.
Tire rotation - Every 5,000 miles.
Inspect brake pads and rotors - I do this when I rotate the tires.
Brake fluid flush and bleed - Every 3 years.

I should also mention that in my opinion if you don't know the service history of a used car you should assume that it needs everything. For example, if I bought a 2021 Leaf (= 3 years old) I would do a brake fluid flush and bleed immediately. I would also inspect the brake pats and rotors, check over the tires carefully for excessive or uneven tread wear, make sure the windshield wipers were good, check the 12v battery, etc.

I don't know what the dealership's multi-point inspection would entail. If you live in a state with annual safety inspections most of the basics should be covered.

I consider these to be DIY jobs. Youtube provides useful tutorials if you've never worked on a car before. If you're not comfortable doing you own basic maintenance you should recognize that outside of the battery system there's nothing on a Leaf that isn't found on any other car. In other words, any mechanic can take care of all the basic maintenance above. You will most likely get a better deal from an independent mechanic than the dealership.

Is it very hot where you live, such that you use the A/C constantly? Typically Leaf owners experience range loss during the cold of winter.

 

[Steve52]

My 2018 Leaf calls for an annual HV Battery Test to maintain the warranty in effect. Don't know if Nissan would refuse to honor their warranty if it wasn't completed. You should refer to your own manual to see what is required.

 

[Jerther]

My 2018 Leaf calls for an annual HV Battery Test to maintain the warranty in effect. Don't know if Nissan would refuse to honor their warranty if it wasn't completed. You should refer to your own manual to see what is required.

AFAIK that requirement has been relaxed in later years and is no longer required, at least here in Canada. Best to confirm with a dealer, which I did for myself. I've been through two battery warranty claims without any issue.

 

[CWO4Mann]

My 2012 LEAF has 56,500 miles on it. Always garaged, etc. I'm not physically able to do the various fluid changes. I would appreciate advice. Should I trust "Jffy Lube" or take it to the Stealer. Never had any fluid changes done. Thanks in advance.

 

[Drew21]

Outside of the high voltage battery, the other components of the Leaf, and the maintenance they require, are not really different from any ICE car of the same age. So, any mechanic you would trust to work on a Honda or Nissan or Toyota car can do all of your basic maintenance.

I would steer you towards a trusted independent mechanic, perhaps recommended by a friend or family member. If you can't find an independent mechanic then I guess the dealership is your next best option, but you will pay more for the same service you could get at an independent mechanic. I personally wouldn't go to a Jiffy Lube-type establishment.

As far as recommended maintenance, see my comment above. That would be a good place to start.

If you want more information, you can find the Service and Maintenance guide for your Leaf online.