Preparing Your Nissan for the Seasons: A Comprehensive Checklist

The changing temperatures and weather conditions in different seasons can cause unnecessary wear and tear on your Nissan’s components and reduce performance. Fortunately, this can be easily prevented by maintenance tailored to these conditions. As your Bay Area Nissan dealer, we’d like to give you some examples of Nissan maintenance that enables your Nissan to perform at its best regardless of the weather.

Spring 

Spring is the time to get a tire pressure check. Tire pressure changes during winter. Every 10-degree drop in temperature causes a loss of 1 to 2 PSI per tire as its internal pressure tries to equalize with the outside air. Underinflated tires suffer increased friction damage, causing them to wear out faster than necessary.

We recommend replacing your cabin air filter. This filter traps pollen, dirt, and other debris, stopping it from entering your cabin. It also filters the air from the AC before it’s blown in. This filter gradually becomes clogged, reducing airflow when you need it. A blocked filter also produces a musty smell in the cabin.

Summer

This is the perfect time of year in California. It’s also time to get an AC service. During a hot summer day, you’ll need refreshingly cold air from your AC. The AC is a mechanical system, and parts will wear out. Age or damage can cause a refrigerant leak, preventing the AC from delivering the cold air you need.

A cooling system service will help your engine beat the heat and continue to deliver high performance. The engine runs most efficiently from 185°F to 220°F, but this generates heat that can damage engine components. After service, your cooling system will keep the engine temperature under control so you can enjoy driving in the sunshine.

Fall

Replacing the wiper blades will help prepare for the winter rains. These blades are made from high-quality rubber, but older rubber becomes less flexible and can crack. Pieces can also break off a damaged blade, leaving streaks on your windshield or not removing falling rain fast enough. Fitting new blades will provide the visibility you need.

Winter

Heavy rain means the roads will be slick, so it’s a good time to check your tire tread. Healthy tread allows your tires to grip the surface so you can drive safely. Tread wears down over time due to surface friction, and worn tread reduces your braking speed and increases braking distance. Replacing worn tires means you can drive with confidence.

If you’d like to know more about seasonal maintenance or to book maintenance, contact us today at Stevens Creek Nissan in Santa Clara, CA.

Posted in Santa Clara Nissan Service | No Comments »