---

Maintenance

How often should I change the oil in my car?

This is different for every vehicle and the manufacturer will recommend the intervals for this service. You can find this information in your owner’s manual that came with the vehicle. If you are unable to locate the manual, however, you can always call our service center and we will look it up for you.

How often do I need to change my battery?

Every battery comes with a warranty and the end of the warranty date will determine when you should change it. On the battery, you will see a code that has a letter and two digit number. The letter corresponds with the month and the numbers are the year of expiration. For example, If you see B18, the battery warranty will expire in February of 2018. It is recommended that you change your battery before it expires. You can also bring your vehicle in at any time to have us check your battery for ability to hold a charge.

Why won’t my vehicle start?

There are many reasons why a vehicle will not start. Two of the most common reasons are a dead battery or a bad starter. If you hear a clicking noise when you try to start the vehicle, it is likely one of these two problems. To check to see which it is, you can check the number of volts the battery gives off when someone tries to start the vehicle. You will need a voltmeter to do this and it should read at least 12 volts when off. When your try to turn it on, it should drop below 10.50 volts and if it doesn’t, then it is likely the starter. Other possible issues if it is not one of these two include a timing belt that is broken or overstretched, a bad alternator, or a malfunctioning sensor.

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.

When you “Check Engine Soon” or “Service Engine Soon” light comes on, then the only way to determine the issue is by having your vehicle connected to a code reader. However, if the light comes on then clears, it is a soft code and means the oxygen mixture in the vehicle is wrong according to the read of the oxygen sensor.

Make Your Appointment

---

How often can I expect to replace my tires?

Many tires have a driving life span that is between 20,000 and 40,000 miles. The exact amount is determined by the manufacturer. Other factors can play into this, however, such as the surface you drive on, the materials of the tires, and the environment in which you live.

Should I align have my tires aligned after purchasing new ones?

You should always have your alignment checked after you have replaced your tires. If your old tires had an uneven war pattern, it could indicate an issue with your alignment.

Are there any signs that I should get new tires?

To keep an eye on when you should get new tires, you should look for low pressure, any abnormalities, and uneven wear. You should also take a look at the ration of tread remaining on your tires. If there is not much tread left , it is time to get new tires.

I need help finding the right tires.

 

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

There are lots of different tires available on the market today so it can be difficult to know where to start when you are trying to buy new ones. You should always replace your tires with ones that are recommended by the manufacturer. However, if you do not like the tires that the manufacturer recommends, you should ask one of our technicians to find you another good option based on your preferences.

How to Determine if You Need New Tires

New tires are an investment in the longevity and performance of your car but there’s no reason to replace them if you don’t need to. There are a number of different ways to determine if you need new tires. Each manufacturer provides a range that your tires are expected to last which is typically between 20,000 and 40,000 miles.

Checking the tread on your tires is one determining factor. The penny test in which you slide a penny into the tread to see if it covers Lincoln’s head means that you only have about 2/32 inches left. However, the current recommendations from experts indicate that you should replace your tires if they have less than 4/32 inches of tread left.

Another determining factor when it comes to replacing your tires is their age. Even if your tires have a great deal of tread left on them, if they have been on the car for more than a few years, it’s time to replace them. Environmental issues like the sun can make tires brittle while road conditions could result in hidden defects that you might not even be aware of.

Which Tires Are Right for You?

The manufacturer of your vehicle likely has recommendations for the ideal type, style and size tire. If you don’t have the vehicle manual, contact Monroe Nissan and our helpful service staff will be glad to help you out.

In some cases, you might not want to replace your tires with those that the automaker recommends. Maybe they are out of your budget or you simply don’t like them. The service team at Monroe Nissan is knowledgeable about the different aspects that make up the decision to purchase new tires. In addition to your budget, other considerations include the type of driving you do on a regular basis and the road conditions that you’ll most often face.

Make Your Appointment

---

How often do my belts and hoses need to be replaced?

You should replace your belts and hoses based on the timeline in your owner’s manual. However, you may need to replace them outside of these timelines if they are showing signs of dry rot, they are shiny on the bottom, they are soft, they are cracking, or if they are losing some of their tension.

Are OEM and generic parts different?

There is a major difference between the two. OEM parts are original from the manufacturer and have been made by the maker of your vehicle. They can be sold by the manufacturer or a third party but the quality is the same and they are covered against a warranty for defects. Generic parts are not made by the manufacturer but are designed to fit the vehicle. The quality is not as good and they often do not come with a warranty.

Make Your Appointment Parts

---

What is ASE certification?

Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification recognizes automotive professionals with the experience and training to provide the highest standard of service. Certified technicians will know your vehicle inside and out, providing repairs that dramatically improve its performance and lifespan.

Why should I hire a certified professional?

If an automotive technician lacks ASE certification, you have no reliable way of determining how much training and experience they have. Such mechanics also tend to use lower-quality parts and are less likely to offer warranties on their work.

How are technicians certified?

Standard certified professional technicians must pass the exam for their specialty. Once they have two years of experience in their field, they can take an additional series of tests and advance to master technician status. All technicians must renew their credentials every five years. Specific tests vary by specialty. To become a master technician in light trucks and automobiles, one must pass exams in:

• Transmission and transaxle repair
• Steering and suspension work
• Engine service
• Brake repair
• Axle and manual drivetrain maintenance
• Electrical work
• HVAC maintenance
• Engine performance service

Though not required, master technicians can take an additional test for work on light vehicle diesel engines. Those who specialize in collision or body repair take separate exams in refinishing and painting, electrical and mechanical components, and both structural and non-structural analysis and repair.

Make Your Appointment

---

Understanding Nissan Bluetooth Connect

Nissan has always strived to make driving safe and convenient, and this commitment comes through with Nissan Bluetooth Connect. A platform that links your vehicle with mobile devices, Bluetooth Connect provides hands-free connection every time you press the ignition. You can use it to select and play music, send and take phone calls, and connect to the outside world without ever taking your eyes off the road. Monroe Nissan ensures that all customers can take advantage of this bold new technology. Whether you want this feature on your next car or are having trouble using it on your current one, visit us today for assistance.

 

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

Your Guide To Nissan HomeLink

Besides helping you communicate and navigate from your car, Nissan lets you control your home while on the road. Through Nissan HomeLink, you can control all the major functions of your house from any location. The system provides three buttons, each of which can be integrated with a remote control apparatus. With these buttons, you can turn your house’s lights on and off, activate and deactivate the security system, and open or close the building’s gate and front door. You can also link it to individual appliances and electronics, allowing you to save electricity and get your house ready from a distance. HomeLink draws energy directly from your car, meaning that as long as your battery is in good condition, you won’t have any trouble using it.

 

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

Nissan HomeLink

---

How to Improve Your Automobile’s Fuel Efficiency

• The frequent alteration of speed reduces the fuel efficiency of vehicles large and small.
  Though maintaining a steady rate of speed is difficult in urban and suburban areas, it is possible to drive at a consistent speed on the highway. Turn on your vehicle’s cruise control when driving on the highway. Cruise control allows for a steady rate of speed for an extended period of time. In general, maintaining a speed of 55 mph is ideal for fuel conservation purposes. However, you should always abide by the speed limit of each respective road/highway.
• Have Your Vehicle Maintained on a Regular Basis.
  Periodic vehicle maintenance is the best way to heighten fuel efficiency. Routine maintenance allows your vehicle to last as long as possible as it will be in tip-top shape whenever you take it out onto the road. Everything from vehicle sensors to tire quality and the check engine light impact gas mileage. These parts should be inspected at regular intervals and repaired/replaced when necessary.
• Tire Air Pressure.
  Inflate your tires to the PSI recommended in your owner’s manual. The recommended tire PSI will also likely be listed on the driver side’s door jamb. This level of inflation allows for optimal fuel economy. If there is too little or too much air in the tires, the vehicle will use an excessive amount of fuel to operate.
• Braking Style Matters.
  Do not wait until you are near a stop light or stop sign to press the brakes. Such a delay reduces fuel economy and also forces the brakes to work harder than they should. Pressing the brakes at the last moment results in a harder brake that ultimately requires more gasoline to be used to subsequently accelerate from a complete stop. Apply pressure to the brakes sooner rather than later. Press them in a gentle manner to obtain the best gas mileage. Gradually brake as you approach a red light so you do not have to come to a full stop. The light just might turn green by the time you reach it so you don’t have to reach a complete stop.
• Put Some Space Between Your Vehicle and the One Ahead.
  Do not tailgate! Leave at least a full car’s length (preferably two or more) between your vehicle and the one in front of you. This space reduces the odds of an accident and also prevents frequent alterations to speed in response to the actions of the driver ahead of you. Such adjustments guzzle up the gas and reduce fuel economy. Leaving ample space between your vehicle and the one ahead also allows other vehicles to merge into your lane so you do not have to alter your speed to accommodate such a maneuver.