Woodfield Nissan Blog Hoffman Estates IL | Schaumburg
How to Maintain Your Vehicle in the New Year
By webdev | Posted in Woodfield Nissan on Thursday, January 30th, 2025 at 3:17 am
A new year brings with it personal resolutions. You may desire to lose weight, travel more, or bring balance to social media usage. When it comes to your personal assets, your home may be your top concern, but taking care of your vehicle is also important too. Before you get too caught up in your new Nissan gifts and accessories, remember to maintain your vehicle in the new year. The following are some ways to keep it running in top condition. Follow these guidelines, and you will enjoy many miles of trouble-free driving.
Acquaint Yourself with Your Owner’s Manual
Every vehicle comes with an owner’s manual, which is the manufacturer’s “bible” on how cars should be maintained. Typically, they’re squirreled away in the glove box or other storage compartment but should be accessed and followed.
The owner’s manual usually features a pair of maintenance schedules. These schedules list everything from oil change intervals, spark plug replacement, filter changes, and other car care maintenance. You will find two schedules: normal and severe. Choose the one based on your driving habits and carefully follow it. In doing so, you will avoid potentially costly repairs to your engine, transmission, suspension system, brakes, and other key parts.
If you cannot find your owner’s manual, you can order a new one. Also, some manufacturers publish manuals online for ease of access.
Come Up With a Car Care Routine
Some routine car maintenance items include oil changes, tire inflation, checking filters, and making sure all the lights work.
But for the new year, following the maintenance schedule will keep you on track, ensuring that due items are accomplished in a timely manner, as advised by Woodfield Nissan.
Brakes, Alignment, and Suspension: Unusual sounds coming from the brakes, such as squeaks, rattles, or groans point to potential problems. A regular brake checkup, which checking includes pads, calipers, and rotors, is necessary. Your dealer’s service department may also check wheel alignment and the suspension system, which ensures your vehicle’s shocks, struts, and springs are all in top shape.
Fluids, Belts, and Hoses: Your car relies on transmission and brake fluid, coolant, transmission fluid, and air conditioner refrigerant. Fluid levels, change intervals, and refrigerant recharging should be carefully followed.
Oil Changes: You should change your oil and oil filter on schedule while checking oil levels monthly. As your car ages, switching to synthetic oil is ideal as it provides better protection in extreme temperatures, removes engine sludge buildup, and may extend engine life. Consult your owner’s manual for the right grade of oil and change recommendations.
Tire Care: Tires provide separation from the road and play a pivotal role in keeping you safe. They also need to be rotated regularly to ensure even wear and tear for improved safety and longer life. The tire manufacturer provides maintenance information, but inflation levels are set by the vehicle manufacturer. You can find these details in the owner’s manual or on a placard in the driver’s door jamb or glove box.
Long-Term Care
Long-term or high-mileage car maintenance focuses on preserving the vehicle’s reliability and performance as it ages. Key areas include replacing the timing belt or chain at the manufacturer-recommended interval, typically between 60,000 and 100,000 miles, to prevent engine damage. Regularly inspect the exhaust system for rust or leaks. Finally, clean or replace the mass airflow sensor and throttle body to keep the engine running smoothly and continue routine oil changes and tire care to extend the life of the vehicle.
So, pull out your owner’s manual, learn what maintenance needs to be done, and then make your appointment with Woodfield Nissan today! We have service and parts coupons available to help you save money.
