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As summer arrives and the heat rises, an unprotected car can become damaged by the sun and its UV rays. A few straightforward Nissan summer maintenance guidelines will keep your vehicle safe and running well. Park Out of Direct Sunlight Direct sun rays can harm your car's paintwork, the battery, and other components, while dramatically heating up your cabin's interior. Always park under shade if possible, although beware of parking under trees, which might deposit tree sap and bird droppings on your car. more Wash Your Car Frequently Dust, dirt, and other debris can rapidly build up on a car's bodywork and undercarriage during summer. It's advisable to wash your car every other week. Also, wash it following a long drive or whenever it's visibly dirty. Apply a Fresh Layer of Wax Wax is an effective defense against UV rays, dirt, bugs, tree wax, and other corrosive elements. It prevents scratches, oxidation, and swirls, keeping your car shiny and attractive throughout the summer. So, wax your car well at the start of the season. Check Your Coolant and Cooling System Your engine faces a greater risk of overheating during summer. Check the level and condition of your coolant once a month, topping it up or flushing as required. It's a good idea to have your whole cooling system inspected and pressure tested as spring comes to an end. Change Your Motor Oil Often Motor oil helps control heat inside the engine by minimizing friction. In the summer months, the extra dust in the air can get into the oil, thickening it. Make sure to check your oil regularly and change it at least once during the summer. Maintain Your Air-Conditioner Of course, your comfort relies on the AC when driving in the hottest time of the year. So, make sure your air-con is working well. Many drivers have their entire AC system inspected in spring to make sure it's in good working order. Put a Sunscreen on Your Windshield If sunlight shines directly into your car, it not only generates a great deal of unpleasant heat but also damages the upholstery. For the sake of both your comfort and seating, protect your car's interior with sunscreens on the windshield and other windows. Get Help With Your Nissan Summer Maintenance As summer approaches, we'll be happy to inspect your car and prepare it for the heat. Drivers who plan in advance for the seasonal changes enjoy the comfiest, best-performing, longest-lasting vehicles. Whatever the season, we can help you get ready. Visit DARCARS Nissan of College Park in College Park, MD, today to have your car professionally maintained. Whether you're interested in an automotive purchase, service, or repair, we always strive to deliver a premium customer experience.

Apart from powering the wheels of your car, the engine also powers many accessory parts, such as the alternator, the coolant pump, and more. The power is transferred to these accessories using a car belt, otherwise known as a serpentine belt. As durable as these belts are, over time they can begin to crack, fray, slip, and even snap. Here are six signs that you might need to visit your trusted Nissan dealer in College Park, MD for a new serpentine belt. Malfunctioning Accessories Since the only purpose of your serpentine belt is to power five essential accessories, if any or all of these accessories break down, you can guess the cause of the problem: more Alternator Your alternator uses the engine's power to recharge your battery. So if you have problems with your electronics, and your battery isn't recharging properly, check your serpentine belt. Coolant Pump This pump pushes coolant from the radiator through your engine and back into the radiator. If the pump loses power because of a slipped belt, your engine will begin to overheat. So it's important to fix it promptly. Power Steering Pump Power steering allows you to turn your car's wheels with relatively little pressure applied to the steering wheel. If steering suddenly becomes more difficult, then your power steering pump might have lost power. Make sure to check your serpentine belt. Supercharger The supercharger increases the pressure of air going into the fuel-air mixture of your engine's combustion chambers. If the supercharger begins to fail, you'll notice your engine's power dropping. Air Conditioning Compressor This compressor is essential to the functioning of your air conditioning. So if you start to get a little too hot, your serpentine belt might be at fault. Squealing Noises A slipping belt often creates squealing sounds as it struggles with the force of the crankshaft and pulleys. As soon as you hear this sound, pull over and pop your hood. You should be able to see if the belt has slipped, and you might even be able to push it back into place. Otherwise, have a technician do it for you. Frayed or Cracked Belt When examining your belt, pay attention to the rubber at its edges. If you see that the rubber is cracked or frayed, then the belt is structurally weakened. You'll need to replace a cracked or frayed belt before it snaps. Worn Grooves Rows of V-grooves on the inner side of a serpentine belt act as notches, allowing it to grip matching grooves on the crankshaft and pulleys. When these grooves begin to wear down, it can soon lead to slippage. If you suspect your belt's grooves are a little worn down, you can either measure them with a specialist tool called a belt wear gauge, or you can have a technician do it for you.   To have an experienced professional examine, repair, or replace your serpentine belt, visit or schedule a service at DARCARS Nissan of College Park, where our technicians are the best for the job. Ready to learn more? We have many auto-related blogs ready to be explored today!

Is your car giving you trouble lately? Does it feel like it's not running quite right? Chances are, your spark plugs might need to be replaced. Here are a few signs that it might be time for a new set of spark plugs. If these symptoms sound familiar, take your car to your local Nissan service center in College Park, MD, as soon as possible! Trouble Starting If it takes longer than usual for your engine to turn over, or if it sounds like it's struggling to start, it's a good indication that the ignition plugs need to be replaced. Another key sign is if your vehicle starts fine in warm weather but has trouble starting in cold weather. more This is because the spark plugs need to create a spark to ignite the fuel and air mixture in the engine, and cold weather can make it more difficult to create a spark. If you notice either of these issues, it's best to take your car to a mechanic. The Engine Misfires If the engine in your vehicle is misfiring, you might need new plugs. If your spark plugs are worn out, it can cause the engine to misfire, run rough, lose power, and decrease fuel efficiency. In some cases, it can even lead to engine damage. If you suspect your ignition plugs may be worn out, have them inspected by a professional mechanic. Poor Gas Mileage The quality of your spark plugs directly impacts your car's gas mileage. If you notice that you're getting less mileage, it may be due to deteriorated ignition plugs. As they age, the space between the plug electrodes can expand or decrease.   This causes the spark plugs not to fire or fire erratically, which leads to increased emissions, thus wasting fuel. When this happens, your car's engine has to work harder to burn fuel, resulting in poorer gas mileage. Replacing your spark plugs is an easy and affordable way to improve your car's gas mileage. Slow Acceleration When you press the gas pedal, you expect your car to speed up accordingly. However, if your vehicle lags or takes longer to reach the desired speed, it could signal you need new spark plugs. However, additional elements, such as faulty oxygen sensors, a malfunctioning fuel pump, or dirty fuel injectors, can result in a delayed reaction as well. So be sure to have your car inspected by a skilled mechanic to find the actual cause of the problem.   If you're unsure whether your car needs new ignition plugs, don't worry! Schedule a service at DARCARS Nissan of College Park. We would be more than happy to take a look and see what might need to be done to get your engine running as smoothly as possible.   Image by Pixabay

Routine car maintenance is of the utmost importance to keep your Nissan reliable, fuel-efficient, safe, and on the road for longer. With a bit of care from your side and expert maintenance services from the qualified technicians at your Nissan dealer in College Park, MD, your vehicle should always perform at its best. Rely on Quality Maintenance Services From Nissan Experts When it comes to proper car care, stick to your vehicle's service schedule and factory-recommended maintenance intervals and rely on your Nissan technician. Our factory-trained Nissan technicians know how to maintain your vehicle expertly and keep it running optimally. more You will reap the benefits of proper services and hopefully avoid unexpected vehicle issues and costly repairs. All the information you need to keep your car in tip-top shape is in your vehicle's owner's manual, or your Nissan technician can assist you. Change the Oil at the Recommended Intervals The oil in your vehicle keeps the moving parts lubricated and reduces friction that causes wear. Regular oil changes will ensure that your vehicle's engine runs smoothly and efficiently. Generally, the oil in your Nissan should be changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles or every six months. If you tow a trailer, drive on dirt roads, and in heavy traffic, change the oil more often, or ask your Nissan technician for the best oil change intervals for your driving conditions.   Check the oil at regular intervals and top it off if necessary to keep it at the correct level. If you notice that the oil is a darker brown or milky, it's best to ask your technician to perform an oil change. Get Regular Brake System Inspections Regular brake system inspections are vital to ensure your safety on the road. Don't wait for the high-pitched squealing or the horrible grinding noises before you schedule a brake system service. If your Nissan technician regularly inspects your brake system, you shouldn’t have to worry about failing brakes or brake system issues. Having regular brake inspections should help keep your vehicle's brakes in excellent working order. Look After Your Tires Tires are expensive, but they will last longer if you take care of them. Check the tread depth on your car's tires regularly. Look for signs of wear and damage such as bulges and cracks, and keep the tires inflated to the correct PSI.   The recommended tire pressure levels for your car's tires are on the inside of your driver's door and in your owner's manual. If you ask your technician to rotate the tires every time the oil is changed, they should wear evenly, and you should not have to replace them as often. Perform Monthly Maintenance Tasks There are checks and tasks you can perform yourself to ensure that your car stays in good working condition. Perform the following tasks at least once or twice a month: Check all fluid levels and perform top-offs if necessary Check the battery Inspect the tires for wear Check the tire pressure Wash your car at least every two weeks Take the stress out of vehicle maintenance, and rely on Nissan technicians to help you keep your car in excellent running condition. Visit DARCARS Nissan of College Park today or schedule a service online, and our repair shop will ensure your vehicle performs optimally.

If you require a collision repair, it's essential to prepare ahead for the next steps. When you consult with your local Nissan dealer in College Park, MD, it's necessary to get familiar with your vehicle's damage and the various options available to get the most from your Nissan collision experts. Assess the Damage to Your Vehicle It's vital to assess your vehicle following an accident to determine the extent of the damage and the potential costs. If the collision is minor, you may notice a small dent, scratches, and chipped paintwork. When there is more extensive damage, you'll want to note which parts and sections of your car have been impacted, so that you can explain these details to your Nissan certified technician. more While you may notice a few key areas in need of repair, a certified professional can perform a more thorough assessment and determine the extent of repairs and replacement parts required. Get Familiar With Your Insurance Coverage Consult with an insurance professional to determine which coverage is best for your car and budget. When you invest in collision insurance, you'll have the benefit of having more repairs and services covered, which could result in significant savings. If you're considering the option of increasing your coverage, your Nissan expert can review various options, including the premium and policy that's affordable and fits your driving needs. Once you decide to increase your car insurance to include collision coverage, you can rest assured that your Nissan technician can perform all the repairs and replacements needed at a low or no cost. Consult with a Professional Technician Your Nissan technician will provide a comprehensive assessment of your vehicle, including recommendations on repairing damages following a collision. If one or more parts require replacement, your Nissan expert will source authentic, certified parts compatible with the make and model of your vehicle. When a certified technician repairs your vehicle, you can rest assured that your car will receive the best service and repairs for top performance. If there are several options to consider for your vehicle's repairs, your Nissan expert will provide which options are best suited for your car and budget. Contact Roadside Assistance Roadside Assistance is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week so that you can access urgent towing services and repairs following a serious collision. Your Nissan specialist can offer immediate assistance, so you can find the nearest service center and consult with a Nissan technician on the required repairs needed. When you prepare for your next road trip, be familiar with your vehicle, insurance protection, and emergency assistance. We guarantee your Nissan will receive the best services from our certified experts. Our DARCARS Nissan Collison Center will be here to help take care of the damages when you need us. You can always schedule your service online, so be sure to save that link for quick access when you need it!

If you want to keep your Nissan running in good condition, you need to stay on top of its maintenance. It's also essential that you find a service center as committed to your vehicle as you are. You want a professional, certified mechanic, and you want a Nissan service center that will be convenient and treat you well. How do you find a good service center? There are certain qualities that every excellent service center has. Well-Trained Mechanics Always make sure that anyone working on your car is up to date on their certifications. Many service centers are certified by the National Institute for Automotive Excellence. And ideally, the mechanic working on your vehicle is licensed to work on Nissans. Using a Nissan-certified mechanic ensures that the individual working on your car knows all of its ins and outs. Using a professional, certified mechanic is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure your vehicle gets the best possible service. more A Commitment to Customer Satisfaction When you choose a service center, you want to select one that will go the extra mile to make sure you're satisfied. This may include anything from greeting you as soon as you enter the service center to a comfortable waiting area. It's not unusual for waiting rooms in service centers to offer free wi-fi, coffee, bottled water, and other amenities. Any time your vehicle is worked on, there's likely to be at least a short wait. Look for a service center where you'll be comfortable and where you'll be treated well. Towing Occasionally you may need to have your vehicle towed in for a repair. If you have an established relationship with a service center that offers towing service, you won't have to worry about finding an independent towing company to pick up your car. This can save you money in the long run, and it may also expedite the service your vehicle needs. Shuttle Service Sometimes you just don't have time to wait on-site as your vehicle receives auto repairs. That's why it's helpful if your service center operates a shuttle service that can drop you off at your home or office. Many service centers offer a free shuttle service that operates within a certain radius. Same-Day Service Some vehicle repairs may take several days to complete, and others only take a matter of hours. When your vehicle is in the shop for a minor service, same-day service can be helpful. This minimizes the amount of time you're without a car and saves you money that might have been spent on rental cars and taxis. If you're committed to keeping your vehicle in excellent condition, you can count on us at DARCARS Nissan of College Park. Be sure to schedule your next auto repair with us in College Park, MD.