Good morning,

Well, today in Cleveland it is 37 degrees, windy, and the roads are just damp enought to darken the pavement color. As always, I am commuting to work in my Z and the computer is set to MPG/average MPH. A minute later I look down and the computer has switched to outside temp. I have seen it switch on its own before, but never to outside temp. It reads 37 and says "ICY" just below the temp. A second later it starts to pour down with freezing rain.

I know how the computer knew the temp, but how does it know it is ICY? Does it just assume it is because it is cold, or did the tires slip slightly giving the computer "cold + slip = icy"? Or even does the computer have a mositure sensor?

I confused, but pleased with the feature. Also reminds me that it is time for winter rubber.

 

I believe that 37 degrees is when the "Icy" warning comes up. It's nothing special - just a set temperature that gives warning that there's the potential for ice in places.

 

I think that the bette question would be; "How does the weather know when I wash my Z?". It never fails even if I watch the forecast. If I wash, it rains.

 

I know what u mean. It always rains within 2 days of washing my super black Z.

 

well that's b/c that's when the water starts to freeze, and it was programmed at 37 degree as freezing.

 

Makes sense I guess. I wish it were a combination of slip detection and temp. Now, every morning during the winter my computer is going to automatically change to outside temp. As for water freezing, it actually happens at 32 degrees (0 celcius). However, outside of the lab, an external temp of 37 can actually mean much lower temperatures in the upper atmosphere, so snow can fall. I guess Nissan thought of this.

 

I have a deal with a client who details my cars for free in exchange for a lower rate on advertising. He forecasts the weather for me: The only time he ever calls to ask if I want a car detailed is when it's gonna rain the next day and nobody else wants their car done.

 

Also, the air temp might have warmed up some, but pavement over bridges, etc., could still be cold enough to freeze water and may be icy.

Personally, I wouldn't want the warning triggered by a combination of temp and slip. By the time you slip, it may be too late. I'd rather have a warning/reminder early and based on a set temperature, such as 37 degF.

WayneTN

 

not for nothin, but I think Im capable of realizing when it might be icy. thanks for the tip nissan, but we're gonna toss this one in the who cares category.

"walks outside to see white stuff everywhere, gets into car, turns it on, sees icy; OHHHH better be careful, might be ice"

 

I hear on 2005 they are adding a complete weather package including a "Rain Meter" to tell you if it is raining and a "Night Meter" to let you know whether it is night or Day.