10-18-13
Car Care Tips Every Driver Should Know Courtesy of Mossy Nissan!
Tires Tip #1
Learn the importance of tire pressure
Proper inflation pressure in your tires is essential. Under-inflation can lead to tire failure and over-inflation can wear out your tires rapidly. Check your pressure at least once a month.
Tires Tip #2
Check your tire alignment
Misalignment of wheels in the front or rear can cause uneven and rapid wearing of your treads and should be corrected by a dealer.
Tires Tip #3
Why rotate your tires?
Front and rear tires wear differently. Tire rotation can prevent irregular tire wear and help to extend the life of your tires.
Tires Tip #4
Monitor tire treads
Tires must be replaced when the tread is worn down to 2/32 of an inch. Traction, particularly in bad weather, and resistance to hydroplaning are reduced as tires wear.
Wipers Tip #1
Why is wiper blade replacement a safety concern?
Reduced visibility accounts for 42% of collisions. Weather, chemicals, and usage will eventually wear the rubber on your wiper blades. Inspect your wipers' performance regularly and replace every 12 months.
Wipers Tip #2
Signs that it's time to replace your wiper blades
• Streaks on your windshield after use
• Cracked and brittle wiper blades
Battery Tip #1
Check battery health regularly
There are a number of factors that can affect your battery's life including weather, driving habits, and technology within your vehicle. As part of your complimentary multi-point inspection, your dealership should check the current health of your battery to prevent inconvenient failures before they happen!
Battery Tip #2
Ways to help improve your battery's life
• If possible, park in an insulated garage during cold winter months. You can also insulate the battery itself if you don't have access to indoor parking.
• Clean away grease, dirt and any oxidation.
• Oil & Filter Tip #1
• Why change your oil and filter regularly?
• Oil reduces wear and tear by providing a lubricating barrier between your engine's many moving parts. Friction, heat, and contaminants can cause oil to degrade.
• The oil filter can extend the life of your oil and your car by capturing contaminants and reducing engine-damaging oil sludge buildup.
• Oil & Filter Tip #1
• Why change your oil and filter regularly?
• Oil reduces wear and tear by providing a lubricating barrier between your engine's many moving parts. Friction, heat, and contaminants can cause oil to degrade.
• The oil filter can extend the life of your oil and your car by capturing contaminants and reducing engine-damaging oil sludge buildup.
• Oil & Filter Tip #2
• Signs that you may have gone too long without an oil change
• Illumination of your oil pressure indicator light
• Pooling of leaked oil under your car
• Odd noises coming from your engine
• Smell of burning fluids
• Low oil levels on your dip stick
• You can't remember the last time you had an oil change
Brakes Tip #1
Check your brake fluid
Check your brake fluid every month. If you need to top off fluid levels, only use a brand recommended in your owner's manual. Brake fluid can be easily contaminated when exposed to air, so don't use fluid from a previously opened container.
Brakes Tip #2
Ways to tell if you need new brake pads
• Less than 1/8 padding
• Grooves or rough patches on your rotor disc
• Metallic screeching or grinding noise when you brake
• Shaking or a feeling of being pulled to one side when you brake
• Increased braking travel distance can indicate worn pads and low brake fluid
Air Filter Tip
Why should you replace air and in-cabin filters?
Change your air filter regularly to help protect your engine. It helps to remove dust and soot from the airflow to help keep your engine clean. An in-cabin filter re-circulates cabin air and helps maintain the efficiency of your heating and air conditioning system. It should be replaced every 12 months or 15,000 miles to maintain proper air quality inside your cabin.
Interior Tip
How to protect your car’s interior
• Clean or replace your floor mats
• Care for leather or upholstery following your owner’s manual
• Consider purchasing a trunk mat or protector
CREDIT: NissanUSA.com
