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Maintenance

How often should I change the oil in my car?

Every vehicle manufacturer establishes recommended intervals for the various maintenance services required to keep your car running in top condition. This information is found in the owner’s manual that came with your vehicle. If you aren’t able to find your owner’s manual, contact our knowledgeable service center and they can provide you with that information.

How often do I need to change my battery?

Your battery comes with a warranty. The warranty’s end date is indicated by a code consisting of a letter and a two-digit number that is found on the battery itself. In this code, the letter correlates with the month. So the letter “A” indicates January, the letter “B” means February and so on. The number indicates the year of expiration. With that in mind, a code that reads B17 indicates that your battery’s warranty expires in February 2017.

In an attempt to circumvent any potential issues, we recommend that you replace your battery prior to the warranty expiring. As an alternative, you can also bring your vehicle to our service technicians where we can provide you with information about its ability to hold a charge.

Why won’t my vehicle start?

There are many factors that could make your vehicle not start. Two that are most often seen — a dead battery or a bad starter — can often deliver a clicking noise as you attempt to start the car. One way to differentiate between the two is to test the number of volts the battery is pulling as someone else tries to turn the ignition over.

First, using a voltmeter, obtain a reading on the battery with your vehicle off. It should have a reading of at least 12 volts. While someone else turns the engine over, check the reading again. Voltage that doesn’t drop below 10.50 volts points to a likely issue with the starter — as long as all of the other systems within the vehicle are working correctly.

Other possible causes of a vehicle not starting include a timing belt that is either broken or overstretched, a malfunctioning sensor or a bad alternator.

What does it mean when my “Check Engine Soon” light illuminates?

 

These lights are here for a reason. This video will let you know what that reason is.

The “Check Engine Soon” light or the “Service Engine Soon” light indicates an issue with your vehicle that can only be determined by hooking it up to a code reader. There is one exception to this. A “Check Engine Soon” light that appears and then clears on its own is known as a soft code. This means that the oxygen mixture within the vehicle is wrong according to the oxygen sensor.

How can I make my car last longer?

Having routine maintenance done and making adjustments to your driving can help you make the most of your vehicle’s gas mileage. Tires are also part of the maintenance. They should have the proper air pressure so that they don’t wear out too fast.

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How often should I replace my tires?

The answer to this question depends on a number of factors such as the surfaces that you drive on, the kinds of tires you currently have and the way you drive. Gravel and other rough surfaces can make your tires wear faster. Highway tires and other soft rubber tires sustain more wear. Each tire is manufactured with the number of miles that it is estimated to last.

Do I have to have my tires aligned each time I have them replaced?

When you have your tires replaced, it’s a good idea to also have the alignment checked. This is especially true if your old tires showed an uneven wear pattern.

What are some signs that I need new tires?

It’s a good idea to get into the habit of checking the condition of your tires on a regular basis. Signs of wear, low pressure and other defects could point to the necessity of new tires. Another sign that you need new tires is when the tread has worn to be even with the wear bars. These are small bumps in the rubber within the tread.

How do I decide which tires are right?

 

The right tool for the right job and the right tire for the right Nissan. Here’s how to figure it out.

The right tires will be dictated by a number of factors such as the amount of driving you do and where most of your driving takes place, such as on the city, on the highway, down a gravel driveway or off the road altogether. Our service advisors can provide recommendations for suitable tires after reviewing your driving habits.

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When will my hoses and belts need to be replaced?

While the exact time frame for the replacement of belts and hoses varies, there are some signs that indicate this service is due. Hoses that are cracked or soft should be replaced. Belts that don’t retain their tension, are dry rotting or are shiny on the bottom also need to be replaced.

Is there a difference between OEM and generic parts?

OEM is an acronym for “original equipment manufacturer,” They are parts made by the manufacturer of your vehicle. The parts are sold by that manufacturer or by a third party. In contrast, generic parts are designed to work with your vehicle but are not manufactured by the company that made your vehicle. It is important to note that while generic parts are designed to fit your vehicle, their quality could be lacking when compared to OEM parts.

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What is a Certified Professional?

Certified technicians are those who have been specially trained to work on automobiles. This training gives you the assurance that any maintenance or repair work that you have done will be correct and involve high-quality parts. These reasons are why you should always choose a certified professional when you need someone to work on your vehicle.

What is a non-certified mechanic?

A non-certified mechanic is one that is not ASE certified. Without this certification, you cannot be sure that the mechanic has the skills and knowledge to complete the job correctly. You also won’t know if genuine OEM auto parts are being used on your vehicle. There also isn’t likely to be a warranty on any work performed by a non-certified individual.

What can I expect when I use an auto repair technician who’s been certified?

You can expect a superior level of skill and knowledge when using an auto repair technician who has been certified by Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Because your mechanic has specific training and focus, you’ll know the repair job and maintenance will be done correctly the first time. You’ll also be able to rest assured that only highly-quality OEM parts were used at that time. The cars of today are heavily focused on the use of technology as both a diagnostics tool and to ensure the proper performance of your vehicle. At East Charlotte Nissan, our repair technicians are ASE certified according to their particular specialties. Master technicians have at least two years of proven work experience. Master technicians must also complete a battery of tests.

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Nissan Bluetooth Connect

Nissan seamlessly keeps you connected with all that is important to you — even while you’re out on the road — with its integrated Bluetooth Connect system. You are automatically connected the instant you start your vehicle and are able to perform many activities in a completely wireless environment. You can make and receive wireless calls, stream your favorite music and safely talk without taking your hands off the wheel. Syncing your mobile device with Bluetooth Connect is a quick and simple procedure that eliminates cords while keeping you connected. When you purchase your new Nissan from East Charlotte Nissan, we’ll happily assist you in getting started with pairing your device so you can drive home and experience just how connected you can be with the world.

 

Setting up your Nissan with your smartphone is a match that’s guaranteed to last. Here’s how to make it happen.

Nissan Bluetooth Connect

Nissan HomeLink

As Nissan’s wireless control system, HomeLink uses your vehicle as its base. From its interface, you’ll be able to effortlessly interact with and control a range of systems at your home including your home security system, garage door, exterior and interior lighting, front gate, electronics appliances and more. With three buttons that are integrated in your vehicle’s dash platform, your access to these systems is instant and streamlined. With its ability to work with a growing list of devices controlled by radio devices, as well as gate systems and garage door openers, HomeLink allows you to securely control your home — even from afar. Best of all, since your vehicle’s electrical system powers HomeLink you’ll always have access to the system. No more replace the batteries in your remotes.

 

Who needs another remote control in their lives. With Homelink in your Nissan, not you.

Nissan HomeLink

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How do I get better gas mileage?

• Adjust your braking routine.
  As soon as you see an instance that requires you to stop, start slowing down sooner than you might otherwise. If you time it right, the stoplight could turn green before you arrive at the intersection and stop completely. No matter how slowly you are cruising, your gas mileage increases compared to starting off from a dead stop.
• Keep your distance.
  When you are traveling behind another car, give yourself plenty of distance between the two of you — at least several car lengths. Most people don’t drive the same, steady speed unless they have engaged their cruise control. As they speed up and slow down, you’ll use more gas to accommodate their differences in speed. Keeping a sizable distance between cars means you can avoid that. Doing so also means that cars that are merging onto the highway in front of you can do so without you having to slow down to let them in.
• Maintain your speed.
  Using your cruise control while you’re driving on the highway helps you get better gas mileage. Research has also shown that driving 55 MPH is best for your gas mileage, though few roads seem to have that speed limit anymore. Instead, just try to maintain the same speed to increase your gas mileage.
• Focus on vehicle maintenance.
  Keeping your vehicle properly maintained offers you numerous advantages. A well-maintained vehicle will performed better and last longer. In addition, when it comes to selling your vehicle or trading it in, one that has been maintained on a regular basis will provide a higher rate of trade for you.

Another advantage of keeping your car maintained properly is that doing so will increase your gas mileage. If your spark plugs are past their prime, for example, your vehicle will increase its usage of gas. If your car has any lights on in the dashboard, such as the “Check Engine” light or “Service Engine Soon” light, take it in to be serviced as soon as possible. Faulty sensors can indicate when something in the vehicle is negatively affecting the gas mileage so you’ll want to get those replaced.
Properly maintaining your tires helps improve your gas mileage as well. Make sure your tires are properly inflated to maintain the ideal amount of resistance with the road. Tire pressure that is too low requires the vehicle to work harder which increases its consumption of gas.