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Maintenance

When will I need to change the oil in my vehicle?

Each vehicle manufacturer includes a maintenance schedule in the owner’s manual. This includes recommendations for when an oil change should be performed. If you are not able to locate your owner’s manual, contact our helpful service technicians and they can tell you the mileage intervals for your particular vehicle.

How often should I replace my battery?

You’ll find the answer to this question right on the battery itself. Look for a code that is made up of a letter and a two-digit number. The letter corresponds with the letter of the alphabet with the letter “A” meaning January, the letter “B” standing for February and on through the rest of the alphabet. The two digits indicate the year. This formula correlates to a code of H18 meaning that the warranty of your battery is good until August 2018. Here at Gainesville Nissan, we recommend that you replace your battery shortly before that date as a safeguard against any potential issues occurring that close to the warranty end period. Another strategy is to visit our Service Center and we can test your battery to determine if it is still holding a charge.

What causes a vehicle not to start?

There are a number of causes that could lead to a battery not starting. Some of the most common ones that we see include a bad starter, a dead battery and a bad alternator. Other issues that can lead to your car not starting are timing belt breakage or a sensor that is malfunctioning.

An issue with a starter or a battery can often generate a clicking sound as you engage the ignition. You can use a voltmeter and rule out the battery. Using a helper, test the voltage of the battery prior to starting it. The reading should be at least 12 volts. While your helper is starting your car, check the voltmeter once again. If the voltage doesn’t dip below 10.50 volts, your starter is probably the issue.

What does it mean when my “service engine soon” light comes on?

 

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

If your “service engine soon” light comes on, you should bring your vehicle to our service center as soon as you possibly can. Our expert service technicians can plug it into the code reader and inform you of the diagnosis quickly. There is one instance when you can likely diagnose the issue yourself and that is if a “soft code” appears. A soft code is one in which the check engine soon light comes on but then goes off by itself. This error indicates that the oxygen mixture in the system is wrong.

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How often do my tires need to be replaced?

Your tires are generally made to last between 20,000 and 40,000 miles but their actual lifespan can vary depending on a number of factors. These include the way you drive, where you usually drive and the kind of tire on your vehicle. For example, highway tires and others that are made of soft rubber tend to wear faster. Driving on rough surfaces such as gravel will also reduce the lifespan of your tires.

Should I align my tires when I purchase new ones?

In nearly all circumstances, you should at least have the alignment of your vehicle evaluated after you have new tires installed. This is especially true if there is uneven wear on your old tires.

How will I know when my tires need to be replaced?

Today’s tire manufacturers have a built-in indicator of tire wear. Tiny bumps of rubber are found in the tread. When the tread is nearly even with those bumps — known as wear bars — then it’s time to buy new tires. Other signs that you need to replace your tires include low pressure, wear and other imperfections.

What kind of tires are right for me?

 

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

Many people purchase new tires that are the same as the tires that are currently on their vehicle. This strategy often works well if you have the tires recommended by the car maker. In other instances, though, you might want a different tire. Maybe you’re on a budget and need a great, all-weather tire. Our service advisors can help you find the right tire to fit your budget and your lifestyle.

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How do I know when to replace by hoses and belts?

Your vehicle’s manufacturer has a recommended mileage interval for the replacement of your belts and hoses. Other signs that your hoses need to be replaced are cracks and soft spots in them. If your belts are dry rotted, shiny on the bottom or lack tension, you should have them replaced.

Are OEM and generic parts different?

OEM stands for “original equipment manufacturer.” They are made by the manufacturer of your vehicle to their exacting standards. Not only will you be assured that these parts fit and work correctly, you’ll have the peace of mind that a warranty brings. Generic parts are made by companies that are not the manufacturer of your vehicle. It’s possible that they will fit your vehicle properly, however, these parts might not work exactly right or they might not last as long as OEM parts. Even more questionable is the fact that they don’t offer the warranty that you’ll have when you use OEM parts.

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What is a certified professional auto technician?

A certified professional auto technician is one who has gone through the ASE certification process. This is coupled with years of specialized experience in working with specific vehicles. Because a certified technician’s work is covered by a warranty, you have the peace of mind in knowing that you have high-quality work completed on your vehicle.

How is a non-certified mechanic different?

A non-certified mechanic doesn’t have the distinction of an ASE certification. You won’t have the assurance that this person even knows how to work on vehicles, much less if they can effectively work on your particular vehicle.

What are the benefits of using a certified auto repair technician?

One of the most important benefits is the quality of your entire experience. You’ll have top-quality workmanship as well as OEM parts when you use a certified auto repair technician. Best of all, you’ll have a warranty that attests to the superior quality of the work as well as the parts used. This warranty offers you protection in the rare event that a part fails or that the technician makes a mistake.

For automobiles, a master tech must pass eight tests for the master status. For collision repair, a tech must pass four tests in the series. The A series for automobiles and light trucks include:

• Engine repair
• Automatic transmission/transaxle
• Manual drivetrain and axles
• Suspension and steering
• Brakes
• Electrical/Electronic system
• Heating and air conditioning
• Engine performance

The ninth test in the series is for light vehicle diesel engines and that test is not required to become a master technician.

Master techs in body repair or collision must pass these four tests:

• Painting and refinishing
• Non-structural analysis and damage repair
• Structural analysis and damage repair
• Mechanical and electrical components

All master tech must recertify every five years.

Call our certified technicians at Gainesville Nissan to schedule an appointment for maintenance and repairs.

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Nissan Bluetooth Connect: What You Need to Know

Nissan’s technology-based Bluetooth Connect system automatically integrates those elements that are most important to ensuring connectivity in your life into your vehicle as well. You can seamlessly sync your music and wireless calls while keeping your hands free and your environment devoid of cord clutter. At Gainesville Nissan, our skilled technology specialists or your sales associate can assist you in the process of getting this invaluable service set up. This enables you to use it and reap its benefits from the moment you leave our dealership.

 

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

What is Nissan HomeLink and how do I use it?

A vehicle-based wireless system, Nissan HomeLink easily connects you to up to three of your home systems so you can manage them right from your car. Check your home security system and turn it off for unexpected family members who stop by while you’re on your way home. Turn on the exterior lighting as you drive home, bringing home an unexpected load that you must put in the house after dark. Open the security gate that runs along the front perimeter of your property to allow service or repair personnel to access needed components. As the list of devices that are controlled by radio frequency and work with the HomeLink system grows, you are afforded a convenient and seamless method of controlling your home — even when you’re miles away. Best of all, you’ll never need to worry about a dead battery making the system inoperable. It taps right into the electrical system of your vehicle so you won’t ever need to worry about it.

 

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?

• Changing speeds frequently costs you more in terms of gas mileage.
  The way you drive and your willingness to stick with your vehicle manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule are two factors that affect nearly every aspect of the car itself. From how your car handles to how comfortable your trips are to your overall gas mileage, making the right decision in these two core areas will pay dividends for a lifetime in terms of quality and longevity.
• Braking
  Whenever you’re approaching a stop sign, a stop light or even stopped traffic, always start slowing down sooner rather than later. Coming to a complete stop always uses more gas than simply slowing down, if it is possible for you to do so safely. If you think that red light might change to green or that traffic may pick up again, slow down and proceed with caution.
• Maintaining a Consistent Speed
  Whenever possible, always try to use the cruise control in your car. The more often you’re able to maintain a consistent speed in your vehicle, the better your gas mileage will ultimately be. Also, keep in mind that the closer you can get to 55 miles per hour, the better your gas mileage will be. You may not get to where you’re going as fast as you would if you were doing 70, but if you can stay around 55 you should always try to do so.
• Following
  For safety reasons alone, always leave several car lengths between your car and the person in front of you at all times. Constantly slowing down and speeding up again will use more gas, while maintaining a good distance at all times prevents you from needing to do so – even if the person in front of you constantly changes speeds themselves. Likewise, if the person in front of you happens to suddenly slam on their brakes, the distance you’ve maintained will give you more time to react to the situation as safely as possible.
• Maintenance Best Practices
  

  When it comes to your car’s maintenance, there are a number of important things to keep in mind. Chief among them is the fact that if you stick to the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule, your vehicle will last much longer – end of story. Regardless of whether you plan on driving your car until it dies or if you want to sell it or trade it in at some point in the future, you’ll get more money (or more miles) out of your vehicle if you treat it properly.

  This also has the added benefit of increasing your gas mileage, as things like old plugs, faulty sensors and more will also have a negative affect on your car in the long-term.

  When it comes to maintenance, never forget about your vehicle’s tires. They should always have the appropriate air pressure level so that they don’t wear out too fast and so that they’re able to maintain a proper resistance level between the tire and the road.