Fall Maintenance Tips The leaves are changing, and the weather is cooler. As we get closer and closer to the cold of Winter, Speck Nissan wants to make sure your vehicle is running at its best this Autumn season. Here is a quick list of maintenance that we recommend for the changing of the season: Check Your Fluids! With any new season, its always a great time to check your fluids. This is the most basic yet very crucial part of car maintenance. Fluids lubricate the moving parts in your vehicle to keep them running smoothly and safely. Depending on the fluid, the engine must be warm or cold when checked, and ensure your car is on a level surface. Fluids include*: Engine Oil - Check when engine is cold. Coolant - Check when engine is cold. Brake Fluid - Check when engine is cold. Automatic Transmission Fluid - Check when engine is warm. Power Steering Fluid - Usually checked when engine is cold, although some vehicles require engine to be warm. Refer to owner's manual. *Please refer to your vehicle's owner manual to find the correct type of fluids you need. Tires and Brakes! Tires are the only contact your vehicle has with the road. With the Autumn season comes unpredictable weather, so it important that your tires have enough tread to take on the different textures of precipitation on the road. As the temperature gets cooler, the air pressure in your tires can decrease, so always ensure there is enough air in your tires, especially during a sudden drop in outside temperatures. Tires can not only affect the handling of your vehicle, but your braking too. Brakes should be inspected, especially after those long Summer road trips. Your brakes should be inspected a couple times throughout the year. If you are experiencing prolonged braking times or squealing, this may indicate its time for a check-up. Lights and Wipers! Your lights and wipers are your essential tools for proper visibility when driving through the night or in precipitation. Did you know your visibility can be reduced up to 80% when your headlights are clouded? Consider keeping a headlight restoration kit in your garage to keep your lights nice and bright. If your headlights need to be replaced, refer to your vehicle's owner manual to ensure you get compatible lights and get do-it-yourself instructions if you prefer replace your lights on your own. Wipers can easily be replaced on your own, and any streaking, splitting, squeaking may indicate its time for new wipers. Since the weather is getting colder and eventually frostier, invest in a winter blend windshield fluid. Many winter blends boast protection from freezing conditions and removal of light ice and snow. Heater and Battery! Once the cold of winter sets, your car's heater becomes your best friend. Ensure your heater and defroster system work properly, and blow hot air. Some common issues if your heater is blowing cold air: Faulty water pump Clogged heater core Heating control faults Low coolant levels If you're experience any heating issues, be sure to talk to a mechanic here at Speck Nissan so we can get you back on the road, nice and warm. Another important thing to check before winter sets in is your battery. Car batteries do need to be replaced over time as they can lose power. The last thing you'll want is being stranded in the middle of the Winter season with a dead battery! We offer complimentary battery checks here at Speck Nissan, so be sure to stop in so we can take a look. For more maintenance tips, reach out to our service team here at Speck Nissan to see what our mechanics recommend for your vehicle! Schedule your service online here. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of the information presented. Any action you take based on the context of this blog is strictly at your own risk. Always consult a qualified professional or specialist for advice specific to your situation. We are not responsible for any losses or damages arising from the use of this blog or its content.
How to Diagnose a Headlight Problem
Using headlights at any time of day can make a vehicle more visible to others on the road. Therefore, it is important to make sure that your vehicle's headlights are always in proper working condition. If a light goes out, it can usually be replaced just by taking out the burnt bulb and putting in a fresh one. In some cases, wiping down the glass a bulb is cased in can make a headlight brighter. With just a few wipes with a clean cloth, you can remove dirt or other material that may be hindering its effectiveness. Dim lights could also be the result of a poorly operating starter or car battery. Taking your vehicle to our showroom at Speck Nissan can help to address any headlight issues that it is experiencing. A technician can either repair or replace a burnt-out light in a timely and professional manner. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of the information presented. Any action you take based on the context of this blog is strictly at your own risk. Always consult a qualified professional or specialist for advice specific to your situation. We are not responsible for any losses or damages arising from the use of this blog or its content.
Signs of a Leaky Exhaust System
A leaky exhaust can occur because of a number of different reasons. You may have run over some debris in the road that caused a problem or the issue may have come from just general wear and tear associated with daily driving. Regardless of the reason, there are a number of signs that there is an issue with your exhaust. These can include: Increased sound coming from your vehicle. It may sound louder while you are driving or the sound coming from your engine might just sound different in general. You may notice some damage on your exhaust pipe such as rust or chipping. This can indicate a bigger problem with your whole exhaust system. Condensation dripping from your exhaust pipe or from underneath your vehicle. Acceleration may cause some louder sounds or even smoke coming from your exhaust or from under your vehicle. If your vehicle is experiencing any of the above mentioned problems, give us a call at 509-837-5501 or schedule your maintenance appointment online. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of the information presented. Any action you take based on the context of this blog is strictly at your own risk. Always consult a qualified professional or specialist for advice specific to your situation. We are not responsible for any losses or damages arising from the use of this blog or its content.
Is Your Vehicle Ready to Tow?
You are ready for vacation with the family. What should you take into consideration when hauling the family's boat or trailer, though? Here are two important rules for towing. 1. Avoid sharp turns when towing You have more weight attached, which means that your vehicle's suspension is a bit compromised. You should not try to take sharp turns while hauling a trailer or boat. 2. Turn your truck in the opposite direction when backing up when there is an extra load attached Trailers are only attached to your truck via hitch. It is necessary, then, for you to pay attention to the direction that your additional carrier turns to ensure safety on the road. As a rule of thumb, a trailer will typically go in the direction you desire when you turn the vehicle's wheel in the opposite direction. You would steer your truck to the left, for instance, if you want your extra load to go to the right when backing up. Want to learn more about hauling? Stop by our car repair and maintenance destination in Sunnyside for a more in-depth session about towing! The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of the information presented. Any action you take based on the context of this blog is strictly at your own risk. Always consult a qualified professional or specialist for advice specific to your situation. We are not responsible for any losses or damages arising from the use of this blog or its content.