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There's a famous adage: "I can't afford to buy cheap things." This means, of course, that cheap things don't last, causing you to spend more money in the long run. This is so very true when replacing components in your automobile; genuine Nissan parts are built to last and will save you money over time while keeping your car running smoothly and efficiently. Quality Components Built To Last Nissan is a household name known for consistent quality. Each OEM Nissan replacement part is a brand-new version of the original component being replaced, engineered to the same high standards. As such, you know the component has excellent longevity, unlike an aftermarket part, which might malfunction at any time. more Zero Compatibility Problems As every OEM Nissan part is the identical twin of the part it's replacing, there are never any compatibility issues. Once installed, it makes your car whole. By contrast, generic car parts have different dimensions and specifications, often leading to all kinds of compatibility problems as time passes. Quick, Hassle-Free Installation Aftermarket car parts often need to be adjusted before they can fit into a vehicle. This slows things down. Our technicians are familiar with all Nissan components, on the other hand, and can install them quickly, minimizing your time wasted without the use of your car. Avoid Wearing Out Connected Parts With an inferior aftermarket part, all the closely connected components face a risk of damage. Anything that fits imperfectly into the intricate automobile mechanisms can spread wear and tear throughout the vehicle. Reliability Means Better Safety If safety matters to you, never put your faith in subpar generic parts, especially near anything as important as the engine, brakes, steering system, wheels, or safety features. When you opt for the real deal, you can rest assured that your car is optimized to keep you as safe as possible in all road situations. All safety features will respond properly to hazards, and you're far less likely to ever experience an accident due to vehicle failure. Superior Fuel Efficiency Your car will also run more efficiently when it's a cohesive whole formed of seamlessly interconnected Nissan parts. You'll be spending less money on gas every month. Better Longevity and Resale Value By taking good care of your car with genuine OEM Nissan components, you're ensuring a longer vehicle lifespan. You'll also preserve its resale value; used car buyers offer more for vehicles with excellent maintenance histories, taking into account the quality of all installed parts. Treat your Nissan to top-notch maintenance and components. Visit DARCARS Nissan of College Park in College Park, MD, where quality always comes first.

When the tires are in good shape, your Nissan will likely meet your performance demands flawlessly. However, if your tire tread is a bit thin or your tire pressure’s low, you may notice a difference in the performance of your vehicle. To maintain your car's performance, you should schedule Nissan tire maintenance regularly at your local dealership. What is Considered Tire Maintenance? To keep your tires in good condition for road safety and performance, you should book services like, tire rotations and alignments. Check out your owner's manual for more details about your Nissan, or feel free to visit our Service Center. more Tire Inspections You should visually inspect your tires weekly so you can spot early signs of tire trouble, like bulging side walls, cracks, or other visible damage. If you see something stuck in your tire, like a nail or other debris, it's best to contact your dealership to book tire service right away. A certified Nissan technician can conduct a more thorough inspection by checking tire integrity, the wear on the tires, and air pressure. Tire Rotation A main reason you need routine tire rotations is to make sure the tire tread is wearing evenly on all four tires. Uneven tire tread wear can cause handling difficulties on the road and can have a negative impact on the performance of your vehicle. Your mechanic can recommend a tire replacement if the tread is too thin on any of the tires. Tire Alignment and Balancing Other common tire services are alignment and balancing. A tire alignment ensures all four of your tires are all aligned. This can help improve your vehicle handling, while tire balancing adjusts weight distribution so that your vehicle has a smoother ride. If you notice your vehicle is drifting or pulling to one side of the road, it might be because your wheels need an alignment or to be balanced. Tire Inflation You should also keep an eye on the air pressure in individual tires, especially during extreme weather. When tire pressure is low, this can cause excess friction. A monthly air pressure check on your tires with a manual tool is a good idea, or be sure to often check your car's tire monitoring system. Have Tire Service Questions? Contact our College Park, MD Nissan Service Center When you take care of your tires, you should be able to keep using them longer. Routine tire service can help prolong the life of your tires and help your vehicle perform better. Book your tire service at DARCARS Nissan of College Park.

When you're driving, it's essential to know that your brakes will always respond quickly when needed. The braking system is mechanical, and the combination of heat and pressure used to stop your vehicle causes wear and tear on components over time. As your Nissan dealer, we'd like you to know a few signs you need to visit us for Nissan brake maintenance. Signs You Need Nissan Brake Maintenance at Your Nissan Dealer Vibrating Pedal When you hit the brakes, you should feel resistance as you apply more pressure to the pedal. If you feel vibrations from the pedal, this is a sign that something could be not working properly. more The rotors are located behind the wheels. When you brake, the calipers clamp against them and generate friction, which helps stop the wheels. If you feel vibration, it may be that the brake rotors are warped. We can help fix this issue and find you OEM genuine Nissan brake parts for your car. Hard Brake Pedal As we saw above, you will feel resistance as you exert more pressure on the brake pedal. If you push down and the pedal barely moves, this extreme resistance is caused by a damaged brake pedal booster. It's also dangerous, as the intense resistance makes it difficult to quickly and easily apply the brakes and could result in an accident. The booster uses a vacuum system to magnify the pressure you exert on the pedal. This makes braking faster and more responsive. Our technicians will examine the booster and repair or replace it to help fix this problem. Leaking Brake Fluid As we've seen, brake fluid is vital for your braking system. It's stored in the brake fluid reservoir and carried through the brake hoses to force the calipers to clamp against the rotors. As time passes, the rubber brake hoses can crack and leak. Unlike most fluids in your Nissan, brake fluid can be difficult to spot, as it's slightly yellow and blends easily with most surfaces. While you might not see a leak, you'll feel its presence. As fluid is lost, the brake pedal provides less resistance. Without sufficient pressure, your brakes will react slowly, which could cause an accident. We'll examine the hoses and replace them if they're damaged. Once the leak is fixed, we'll refill the brake fluid. Book a Nissan Brake Service Appointment in College Park, MD If you have a concerns about your car's brake system, contact our service department at DARCARS Nissan of College Park.

Tires, like all vehicle parts, slowly wear out due to age. They're also exposed to constant friction when you're driving and are also affected by environmental conditions. In addition, issues like alignment problems, incorrect balance, and lack of rotation will all take their toll. As your trusted Nissan dealer, here are some signs you may need to visit us for new tires. Tire Vibrations If you're driving and feel vibrations, you could have a tire problem. Your tires are correctly balanced when your Nissan is new, but their balance can change over time due to wear and tear, shock issues, or misalignment. Unbalanced tires don't touch the ground evenly, and this produces a patchy wear pattern on the tread. more Vibrating tires can also be caused by a fault inside the tire, as the internal layers could be separating. Our technicians will need to check your tires to find the cause of the problem. We can help correct tire imbalance using our computerized wheel balancing machine. Shocks and other components can be checked and repaired or replaced if necessary. We can't repair internal tire issues, but we can replace your tire to help fix the problem. Sidewall Damage The tire sidewalls are the sections of a tire that are perpendicular to the ground. They're made from softer, more flexible rubber than the tire tread. This flexibility provides a slight shock-absorbing benefit when driving and braking but does make them more likely to get damaged. They also don't contain the metal and polymer reinforcement built into the tread. Sharp objects like stones or glass on the road can damage the sidewall and cause leaks. In addition, the sidewalls can be damaged by accidentally bumping the tires. If this happens, a tire bubble can form, and this air-filled bubble makes the tire more prone to a blowout. We'll examine your sidewalls and can replace the tire if it's damaged. Tread Center Wear If you check your tread and notice the center is more worn than the edges, your tires are likely overinflated. The edges of overinflated tires lift slightly off the surface, increasing the weight placed in the center of the tread and increasing its damage. Overinflated tires are also more likely to blow out due to their increased internal pressure. We can easily correct your tire pressure, and we'll inspect your tires to ensure they're still safe. If they're severely worn, we can replace them to help reduce the chance of an accident and improve vehicle handling and braking. Buy New Nissan Tires in College Park, MD Today! Tire problems are easy to resolve and give the peace of mind that you can drive safely. Contact our service department today at DARCARS Nissan of College Park.

While you may go to a dealership when you want to buy a car, there are also many options offered by your local Nissan dealer that go far beyond purchasing new. Used vehicles, maintenance, collision repair and even car washes are available to owners when they go to their local Nissan Service Center. Servicing and Repair Everyone loves that new car smell, but cars need to be checked regularly if they are going to keep running well. Every car will have a slightly different servicing schedule that is affected by the amount you drive, the age of the car, and how well it's been maintained. The certified techs at your local dealership are highly qualified to explain what will best suit the needs of your particular car. more Ordering Parts When something does go wrong, using certified Nissan parts can help keep your car under warranty. Order your part through the dealership and schedule installation there too. This can help minimize the amount of time you have to be without your vehicle. Using certified Nissan parts can also help to maintain your car's resale value. Tire Rotation Every driver has their own style, as well as over time driving the vehicle can cause tires to wear unevenly. Rebalancing and rotating tires can help to preserve the suspension of your car, as well as help keep your gas mileage maximized. Bringing your car to the same place that does your servicing means it can all happen at the same time. Oil Changes Although the schedule can vary from car to car, your vehicle needs to get routine oil changes to run properly. Taking your car to the local Nissan service center for all your oil changes will make sure that your car is getting serviced by professionals and that any of the correct parts will match your model. Using OEM brand oil filters will help keep your car running at optimum levels, and you can trust our technicians to use the right type of oil. Collision Repair Sometimes accidents happen. When they do, you want to make sure your car will get repaired by certified technicians. Your local Collision Center works with insurance companies and can handle all types of repairs. We also offer free estimates, can make towing arrangements, offer rental cars on-site, and have a complimentary local shuttle. Also, all repairs include a complimentary car wash, so your vehicle comes back looking like new! Learn More About Services at Our College Park, MD Nissan Dealership In addition to a friendly and helpful staff, our service center has free Wi-Fi and complimentary coffee, so even your wait time is made comfortable! Schedule your next service appointment at DARCARS Nissan of College Park, and experience the excellence of Nissan.

A transmission service involves checking all the components in the transmission to make sure they're working correctly. Time, friction, and the heat inside can slowly cause damage. Our expert technicians will find and repair or replace any damaged parts, so it can work as effectively as it's designed to. As your Nissan dealer, we want to tell you some signs you need to visit us for a service. Transmission Fluid Leak With transmission fluid, it circulates through the transmission and performs numerous vital functions. It helps provide a protective coating for all the components, many of which depend on friction to work effectively. This protective coating helps reduce friction damage and allows them to work smoothly. The fluid also provides the essential hydraulic power needed to shift the gears. Finally, the fluid helps to lower the temperature inside. more A fluid leak can develop in several areas due to wear and tear, but the most common leak site is a worn transmission pan gasket. The fluid is stored in the pan, and the gasket seal can wear out if it's not serviced or replaced. If you spot a puddle of red fluid under your Nissan, your transmission is likely leaking. We'll find the leak and repair it, then refill the fluid. Slipping Gears Your transmission is designed to shift gears smoothly when it receives instructions from the transmission computer. Slipping gears can mean that it can drop back into the previous gear without warning. You'll hear harsh metallic noises as the gears forcibly move to another position, and you'll also experience a jerking movement from your engine when it happens. Low transmission fluid levels usually cause gear slipping, as a lack of fluid prevents the transmission from providing enough power to push the gears to their new position. It can also happen due to a fault in its computer or from worn or damaged gears. The service technicians will need to examine it, so we can determine the exact cause and can help repair the problem. Check Engine Light If you look at the warning lights on your dash, you'll notice there’s no transmission warning light. This is because the engine and transmission work together to move your car. The engine supplies the energy, and the transmission transfers it to the wheels to move at the desired speed. If the either develop a problem, the check engine light will light up to warn you that something is wrong. We’ll connect your computer to our diagnostic system to help identify the problem. Your computer logs any issues with an error code, and once we have the code, we'll be able to trace and fix the problem. Do You Need a Transmission Service at Your Nissan Dealer in College Park, MD? If you have a transmission problem, contact us right away at DARCARS Nissan of College Park.

Your headlights are essential for night driving as they allow you to see the road ahead of you. They also enable other vehicles and pedestrians to see you. The headlights can wear out or become damaged over time, and this can make driving in the dark very dangerous. As your Nissan dealership, we'd like you to know some signs it's time to visit us for new headlights. Dim Headlights Dim headlights can be a sign that your bulbs are wearing out and close to failing. The lifespan of a headlight bulb can vary dramatically from 500 hours to 30,000 hours, depending on the type of bulb in your vehicle. Our technicians will check your bulbs and replace them if they're failing. Our technicians can also offer you a choice of bulb types, depending on your Nissan model. Dim headlights can also point to an alternator problem. The alternator supplies power to all your car's systems, but as it gets older, it slows down due to worn and damaged components. This slowdown reduces the selectivity available for the systems, and the bulbs might receive just enough power to turn on but not enough to shine brightly. If your alternator is failing, we can replace it in minutes. more Foggy Headlights The headlights are protected by clear plastic lenses. These lenses help protect the lights and the light recess from water, dirt, and mud while allowing the headlights to shine clearly. The lenses can become scratched by hard objects like gravel thrown up from the road. As time passes, they will turn slightly yellow due to the reaction of the plastic to UV rays from the sun. You might also notice tiny white dots on the inside of the lenses. These marks are made by water that's burned away due to the heat from the bulbs. Water in the headlight recess is a sign of a leak, and water can damage the bulbs or bulb sockets and even cause an electrical short. Our technicians will replace damaged lenses, and we'll also check the headlight recesses for damage and repair any we find. Bulbs Keep Blowing As we've seen, headlight bulbs have widely varying lifespans. Despite this, even the lowest-duration headlight bulb should last for at least a year. Bulbs are usually only used for a limited duration at any time. If you have to replace your bulbs more frequently, this is a sign that something is wrong with the electrical system. A short in the electrical system can cause the bulbs to blow. Damaged ground wires, corroded headlight bulb sockets, or damaged wiring can also reduce a bulb's life. We'll examine your electrical system and repair any issues we find then we'll replace your headlight bulbs. Buy New Nissan Headlights in College Park, MD If you have a headlight problem, contact us today at DARCARS Nissan of College Park.

Regular vehicle maintenance is essential to ensuring your safety and keeping things running smoothly on the road. While previously you had to take your car to a garage and get a mechanic to determine the problem, technology has significantly evolved, and you can now save time, thanks to diagnostic testing. This technological advancement has made vehicle maintenance and servicing more effective. Learn more about vehicle diagnostics and why you should visit your Nissan Dealer for these tests. What Is a Diagnostic Test? Diagnostic tests use complex machines and software to determine if there are problems with your car's transmission, steering, engine, exhaust, or brakes. A car diagnostic test can also help determine if there are performance issues with the ignition coils, coolant, fuel injector, throttle, or airflow. Although a diagnostics test will provide information on your car's faults, it won't tell you the cause of the problem. You'll need an experienced technician to find out what's causing the specific issue. more Why You Should Get Diagnostic Testing from Your Nissan Dealer Your Nissan will alert you if you have any problems. A good example is when the Check Engine Light comes on. However, other not obvious signs might indicate something is off, such as a higher fuel consumption, strange noises, or a change in your car's performance. A diagnostics test can help uncover these issues. Here's more on the role of a diagnostic test in Nissan maintenance. Identify Car Problems Accurately and Fast Vehicle diagnostics can help identify faults within your car's systems accurately and fast. Qualified technicians can read the data quickly and diagnose problems, making it easier to perform the necessary repairs and help keep you safe on the road. Save Time and Money The tests provide accurate information on the parts or components that need repairs or replacement. That can help save you time and money on unnecessary repairs. Improved Performance Factors like a faulty fuel injection system, worn-out ignition coils, or a leaking oil tank can interfere with your vehicle's performance. A diagnostics test can help detect these issues before they become a big problem. That can help improve your vehicle's overall performance and longevity. Ensure Safety A diagnostic test helps identify possible safety hazards, such as brake failure. Addressing these issues can help prevent an accident and can help make sure you’re safe while driving. Schedule a Car Diagnostic Test in College Park, MD Are you ready to enjoy reliable performance with your Nissan? Contact us at DARCARS Nissan of College Park today! We have certified and experienced Nissan technicians trained in vehicle diagnostics to help ensure your vehicle's longevity, safety, and performance.

As your tires are the only point of contact between your car and the road, it's vital to keep them in excellent condition. The trusty technicians at your local Nissan dealership can schedule routine tire maintenance visits for you and help to ensure you stay safe on the road. Check Air Pressure Each Month If car tires become either under-inflated or overinflated, the risk of overheating, blowouts, and skids increases. For this reason, it's vital to know the precise recommended PSI for your car's tires, which you can find in your owner's manual. more At least once a month, check the air pressure in each tire, adding or releasing air as required to keep air pressure at the required PSI. If you find that a tire is mysteriously losing air pressure month after month, ask a technician to inspect it for hidden punctures. Rotate Your Tires Twice a Year Car tires gradually wear down unevenly. This is caused by unbalanced weight at the front and rear of a car and also the specific wear patterns created by steering and braking. Uneven tire wear can also be accentuated by misaligned wheels, suspension issues, and improper driving habits. You can help alleviate uneven tire wear by having your tires rotated twice a year at your local dealership. Keep an Eye on Tread Depth Car tires need to be replaced when the tread depth nears or reaches 2/32 of an inch. While checking air pressure, you can also measure the tread depths on each tire. This way, you'll gain an idea of how soon you'll need to have them replaced. Respond Promptly to Signs of Damage As with other car parts, a large part of proper tire care is a quick response to any signs of damage. If one of your tires develops strange external bulges in the rubber, you'll probably need to have it replaced. Likewise, significant cuts or cracks can weaken tire rubber to the point where the tire is no longer safe to drive on. Embedded objects might also spell the end for a tire, although small holes or punctures in tire treads can sometimes be repaired. Schedule Routine Tire Rotations at Your Nissan Dealership in College Park, MD Routine tire rotations serve a variety of purposes. During a rotation, not only does the technician swap around your tires, thereby helping extend the tires' lifespan, but they also take the opportunity to check for damage or excessive wear and tear. Visit DARCARS Nissan of College Park today to have your tires inspected, rotated, repaired, or replaced by courteous, qualified professionals. We're a locally trusted full-service dealership serving as a one-stop shop for all your automotive needs.

There's nothing better than a brand-new Nissan. The exterior is shiny, the glass is crystal clear, and the interior has that distinctive smell of new upholstery. How do you keep your car looking new? Here are some pointers on how to keep your car looking like new. Tips to Keep Your Vehicle Clean Regular washing is the first step. However, when you regularly wash your vehicle, you want to make sure that you aren’t using harsh chemicals that can scratch the paintwork and damage the protective sealant or wax. more Washing by Hand Frequently washing your car with a mixture of warm water and a mild soap will help your car maintain its luster. Use a microfiber cloth or mitt, as sponges may harbor dust or grit which can damage smooth surfaces. If you encounter stubborn dirt, such as tree sap, work in a gentle circular motion until the stain is gone. Don't Forget the Tires, Wheels, Headlamps, and Bumpers Use soapy water and a different cloth to clean the tires, wheels, bumpers, and headlights. A soft-bristled brush can help access any crevices and hard-to-reach areas. Focus on the Glass You want the glass to be streak-free, so pay close attention to your car's glass. Spray the appropriate glass cleaner onto a clean cloth and wipe both the inside and outside of the windows until all dirt and streaks have disappeared. Clean the Interior Keeping your interior clean is just as important as washing the exterior. A vacuum cleaner is ideal for getting rid of dirt, crumbs, and anything else accumulated on the floor and seats. Apply Wax In addition to protecting your nice clean car from dirt, dust, and water, wax will also help give your Nissan the shiny coat it had when you first saw it in the showroom. Use a good-quality wax and work in a circular motion, until a light haze covers the bodywork. Finally, take a clean, gentle cloth and wipe the haze away so you're left with a car that shimmers. Want to Learn More About Upkeeping Your Car in College Park, MD? Regular washing, cleaning, and waxing are the ways to keep your car looking like you've just driven it off the lot. Would you like to upgrade your ride instead? Head to DARCARS Nissan of College Park today and check out our range of vehicles that really are showroom fresh.

A regular tire rotation is one of the best ways to maintain your tire's condition. It extends their life and also makes driving safer as tire wear is reduced. As your Nissan dealer, we want to tell you more about the benefits of a rotation and how often it should be performed. How Does It Work? A rotation involves moving each of your tires from their current position to a new position on your Nissan. The positions the tires move to depend on the type of drivetrain you have. Let's take a look at rotation on an FWD, RWD, and AWD. more FWD Rotation Most of the weight on an FWD is concentrated in the front, which means your front tires can take more damage than the rear ones. In this type of rotation, your front tires stay on their original sides but move to the rear, while the rear tires move to the front but cross over to the opposite sides. This is known as the forward-cross pattern. RWD Rotation The weight on an RWD is concentrated in the rear, so the rear tires will wear out faster than the front ones. We perform a rearward cross rotation by moving the rear tires to front on their original sides. The front tires will cross over to the opposite sides and move to the rear. AWD Rotation Tires on an AWD wear more evenly on an AWD as the weight is more equally distributed to all four wheels. They will, however, develop wear spots, and changing their position will allow each tire to develop a new wear pattern and help protect the original damaged sections. With this type of drivetrain, all the tires move diagonally to new positions. When Should You Rotate? ​Your tires should be rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles to keep them in good condition. When your tires are new, it's especially important to rotate them within 5,000 miles, as the new tread is more susceptible to faster abrasion damage. Your Nissan manual will list the correct time for your model's rotation. Benefits of Rotation ​Rotating your tires helps equalize the wear damage across all your tires, and this allows them to wear down at a relatively uniform rate. Reducing tire damage means your tires are less likely to develop leaks or punctures, and you can likely extend their replacement time. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ In addition, the reduced level of wear on your tires allows them to have a better grip on the surface, which translates into faster braking, increased fuel efficiency, and an overall safer driving experience. Schedule Your Next Nissan Tire Rotation in College Park, MD If you'd like to know more about this process or to book a tire rotation, contact us today at DARCARS Nissan of College Park in College Park, MD.

With the changing seasons, the needs of your Nissan may change as well. Colder weather, more rain, and earlier nights are factors that can demand more of your vehicle. As soon as the leaves start dropping, you should schedule Nissan fall maintenance. Fall Auto Maintenance Tips In general, fall maintenance is routine vehicle maintenance that is designed to prepare your vehicle for the upcoming cold temperatures. For example, specialized winter parts might be used for your recommended services so that your vehicle can still perform well as the weather changes. It's important to schedule maintenance for your car so you can protect your Nissan. more Oil Change Your car likely uses synthetic oil, which is formulated to perform even in cold temperatures. However, it might be a good idea to talk to your mechanic about using motor oil that is designed to tolerate winter weather. Scheduling your oil change at the start of fall can help ensure the motor oil in your engine is clean for the next six or so months. Tire Rotation During the fall, rain and road debris make it essential to ensure the tread of your tires is adequate for safe driving. A seasonal tire rotation can check the tread on each tire, balance the wheels, and align the wheels. New Tires For some drivers, all-season tires are perfect throughout the year. However, if your Nissan goes off-road, or you feel more comfortable with winter tires, you can order tires and have them installed at your dealership. New Headlights The sun sets much earlier in the fall, so it's important that your headlights have fresh bulbs. Both your daytime running lights and your high beam lights should have fresh bulbs at the start of fall, particularly if you've noticed any headlight performance issues. Your taillights can also be replaced at this time. New Wiper Blades Fall is also a good time to get new windshield wiper blades. Fresh wiper blades can help keep your windshield streak-free throughout the fall and winter so that rain, sleet, and snow won't hamper your road visibility. Should You Also Detail Your Car? Thoroughly cleaning your car is also a good way to prepare for the cooler months. Dust, pollen, and tree sap may have accumulated on your vehicle. You can wash and detail your car to help ensure fall rain and winter snow do not damage your paint. This is also a good opportunity to find any scratches and have them sealed to prevent rust. Applying wax or a protective film at your dealership's service center can help keep your car protected throughout the season. Make Your College Park, MD Maintenance Appointment Today Before the weather turns too frigid, you should schedule seasonal maintenance services for your Nissan. Specific vehicle services, such as new tires or an oil change, can prepare your vehicle for upcoming weather changes. Book your next service appointment at DARCARS Nissan of College Park.