Blog

Do you want to explore genuine Nissan accessories in MD for your Nissan Kicks, Pathfinder, Murano, or other Nissan model? You are in the right spot! DARCARS Nissan of College Park is your destination to shop OEM Nissan accessories in the area. You can personalize your Nissan car, truck, or SUV by choosing your favorite accessories that match your model. Want to upgrade the exterior, interior, or performance of your Nissan? See what top accessories you want to explore today! Top Nissan Electronic Accessories Ready to upgrade some electronics in your Nissan? Whether it’s opting for exterior ground lighting or interior accent lighting, there are great electronic accessory selections that you can explore for Nissan vehicles. Top Nissan Interior Accessories What kind of interior accessories are available for Nissan cars? Whether you want to protect your cargo and find a cargo area cover, or you want to protect the interior floors with an all-season floor mat, you can find it in the inventory of Nissan interior accessories. Top Nissan Exterior Accessories Want to enhance how the exterior of your Nissan looks? Are you searching for exterior touches to add to your Nissan Altima or Nissan Rogue? There are many options for you to browse through in the Nissan exterior accessory selection. You can change up your Nissan wheels, decide on exterior ground lighting, get fog lights, or choose rear underbody trim. Top Nissan Towing and Truck Accessories Are you eager to hook up some towing accessories or upgrade the exterior of your Nissan truck? If you have a Nissan Frontier or Nissan Titan and are looking for the right accessories to upgrade your towing experience, there is an accessory for you! You can go with a fixed bed extender or bedliner, choose a rear bumper step, or equip your pickup with a new tow hitch or tow hitch receiver. Ready to Order Nissan Accessories Online? You can secure your Nissan accessory or parts order online today! There is a wide collection of accessories to choose from for Nissan vehicles, and we can help you at our College Park, MD Nissan dealership. Have questions for the certified Nissan service professionals? Feel free to contact us. How do you save on parts and accessories for your Nissan? With the help of our regularly updated service and parts coupons, you can look for savings. If the offer isn’t there currently, you can check back later to see what deals we are offering next!

The Nissan Frontier is a mid-size pickup truck built to handle tough jobs with ease. With a rugged, durable exterior and a luxurious, tech-filled cabin, this Frontier is perfect for those who want the best of both worlds. The 2023 Nissan Frontier offers great value for those in need of a dependable utility vehicle. Review the 2023 Nissan Frontier Built to Handle Tough Jobs The 2023 Frontier is built to tackle the toughest jobs with ease. With its impressive standard horsepower of 310 horsepower, 9-speed automatic transmission, and 3.8-liter V-6 engine, the Frontier is a force to be reckoned with. The vehicle can tow up to 6,690 pounds when properly equipped, making it an excellent choice for those who need to tow heavy loads. Additionally, the new and improved Frontier boasts plenty of ground clearance, off-road capability, and a selectable 4x4 mode. The available hill descent control feature provides added control when driving down steep inclines, which is ideal for those who frequently travel off the beaten path. High-Tech Cabin The Frontier's spacious cabin is not only modern in design but also equipped with cutting-edge technology. The Zero Gravity front seats provide exceptional comfort, while the power sliding glass moonroof adds a touch of luxury. The available heated front seats and steering also make the Frontier a comfortable ride in any weather. The Frontier's Remote Engine Start System, with Intelligent Climate Control, allows you to start your vehicle and set the perfect temperature from the comfort of your home or office. Want more tech? You got it! The Frontier's standard touchscreen infotainment system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the Bluetooth hands-free calling feature makes it easy to stay connected while on the go. A rearview camera is also available, making it easier to reverse and park your vehicle. Whether you're on a long road trip or an off-road adventure, the 2023 Frontier is the perfect vehicle for your journey. Driver Assist & Safety Features The 2023 Frontier is equipped with several advanced driver assist and safety features. The automatic emergency braking feature monitors your speed and distance between you and the car ahead and can automatically engage the brakes to help avoid a collision or lessen the impact in the event of an accident. The Nissan Safety Shield® 360 offers high-tech protection from every angle, giving you peace of mind on the road. The available High Beam Assist springs into action and deactivates your headlights automatically if an oncoming vehicle is detected. Find Your New Nissan Frontier for Sale in MD Today The 2023 Frontier is a mid-size pickup truck that combines rugged durability with modern comfort and technology. Stop by DARCARS Nissan of College Park to test drive one today!

For student drivers, first learning to drive can be both exhilarating and nerve-wracking at once. The key is to focus on careful, rule-abiding, defensive driving at all times. If you bear the following six tips in mind, you're far more likely to stay safe and secure on the roads in College Park, MD, and anywhere else. Slow Down The faster you drive, the less time you have to react to danger. Don't let this be you. Slow down and take your time, wherever you're heading. Obey Every Traffic Rule Traffic rules keep everyone safer. They're not just to be learned in order to pass the test. Take the time to study every rule. If you ever see a road sign you don't know the meaning of, learn it well so you're ready for your next drive. Always Wear Your Seatbelt In the event of a crash, your seatbelt is often the difference between a minor injury and a serious injury. Never forget to wear your seatbelt when you take to the roadways. Keep Your Eyes on the Road Distracted driving causes a staggering number of accidents every single day. It's essential to always keep your eyes on the road and your surroundings, especially when you still lack experience. Put your phone away and avoid eating, drinking, or turning to talk to friends behind you. When dangers appear on the road, they happen in an instant. Always stay alert and be prepared for anything. Keep Your Distance Tailgating is another surefire way to have a surprise collision. You never know when the car in front might suddenly stop. Remember the three-second rule during the warmer months and extend this gap between you and the vehicle ahead to eight- or ten-seconds during winter. If your car has adaptive cruise control, use it often to help learn what a safe distance should be. Watch the Weather Sudden downpours or snowstorms can turn a safe road into a dangerous road in seconds. It always pays to pay attention to the weather. Quickly check weather reports before you set out on a drive. And if driving conditions are going to be terrible that day, consider postponing your trip until a later date. Remember Your Nissan Maintenance in College Park, MD One final road safety tip is to always keep your car in tip-top condition. With this in mind, visit DARCARS Nissan of College Park today. We have friendly, knowledgeable technicians who can service your vehicle, find any underlying problems, and fix them before they cause you any trouble.

Electrical problems can seemingly appear at random. The issues they cause range from being a nuisance to causing serious damage. As your Nissan dealer, we can identify and repair any problem in your car's electrical system. These are a few examples of problems that we can fix for you. Dead Battery The battery is one of the most important but underappreciated components in a car. Many drivers only think about the battery when their car fails to start. A car battery stores electricity to provide the charge necessary to start your engine. When you press the button, the battery sends a powerful charge to the starter motor to activate it. A battery will slowly weaken and eventually fail due to the chemical processes inside the battery. The chemical reactions that enable the battery to store electricity will break down over time, and this prevents the battery from storing electricity. If you experience starting problems, we can easily test your battery and install a new one if your battery is failing. Loose Connections Your car contains a vast amount of wiring which connects all of the electrical components to the electrical charging system. All of these wires require relays, connectors, and fuses for the electricity to flow and work effectively. Unfortunately, every break in the wiring to fit a connector also means breaking and reconnecting the flow of electricity. The various connections can become weak points in the electrical system if they're damaged, rusted, or worn out. Electricity can't flow through a gap, and a rusted connector will cut off the supply of electricity to one or more components. Our technicians will test your wiring, and we can easily find and repair any connection issues. Damaged Sensors Your Nissan has large numbers of sensors, and each sensor is connected to a vital component. These sensors monitor their attached component and continually feed information to your car's computer. Hundreds of messages are sent to your computer every second, and this information is used by your computer to make decisions. Sensors can fail, and a failed sensor will report incorrect information. This false information will be used by your computer and this can result in further problems for your car. Failing sensors will also trigger the check engine light, as your computer sends a warning that there's a problem. We'll connect your computer to our diagnostic system to identify the failed sensor and then replace it. A problem in the electrical system can also appear to be caused by other issues in your engine. Our Nissan-trained technicians are highly experienced in identifying and repairing these problems. If you suspect a problem with your electrical system, schedule a service with us right away at DARCARS Nissan of College Park. We hope this blog has given you a deeper understanding of your vehicle. If you’d like to learn more ways to maintain your car, click here for more blogs from us!

Nobody ever wants to deal with a flat tire in the middle of a busy day, but it happens. And it's important to know how to get out of that sticky situation quickly and safely. This is especially true if you're stuck on the side of the road at night somewhere in College Park, MD. Driving in MD: How to Change a Flat Tire The first step is to find a safe location. Pull off the road as far as possible, preferably onto a flat stretch of pavement. If you're stuck on the highway, try to make your way to an exit or rest stop. This might mean ruining your tire, but it's much safer than trying to change a flat on the highway. Once you're in a safe spot, make sure your emergency brake is engaged and place blocks or wedges behind the wheels that are still inflated. This will help prevent your car from rolling away while you work. Remove the Flat Next, you'll want to loosen up the lug nuts on the tire. You can spray them with penetrating oil if you are having a hard time getting them to move (WD-40 works well). This will allow the nuts to roll a little bit easier. Once they are loose, jack up the vehicle to raise it off the ground. Now you are ready to remove the lug nuts and take off the flat. Set it aside for now so you can install the spare. Mount the New Tire Grab your new tire and carefully mount it on the wheel. This is an important step, as you want to make sure that it is properly aligned. When that's done, tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern and lower the car back onto the ground. Now that the tire is installed, you want to make sure it is adequately secured. This means checking if your lug nuts are tightened correctly (using a torque wrench). If not, go ahead and tighten them. Take Your Flat to a Trusted Tire Shop in College Park, MD You want to take your flat to a local shop as soon as possible. These folks can patch up or replace the tire, so you can be prepared for the next time this unfortunate incident happens again. However, you want a quality repair job, or you could be back where you started. Overall, changing a tire isn't too difficult – especially if you know what you're doing. Just remember to stay safe and get help from a qualified repair shop when necessary. And that's where we come in. Schedule a tire service at DARCARS Nissan of College Park today if you need help with a flat. We'll get you back on the road quickly and safely.

It’s good for Maryland drivers to know their options when it comes to auto financing. The last thing you want is to get in over your head with a loan that is too expensive or not right for your needs. However, there are things you can do to qualify for a favorable car loan in College Park, MD. 1. Improve Your Credit Score Before you even think about applying for a loan, you should know what your credit score looks like to lenders. This number determines your interest rate on a loan, so you should work on it before applying. The better your credit score, the lower your interest rate. Improve your credit score by paying your bills on time, reducing your credit card debt, and not taking out too many loans. You can also request a copy of your credit report from the three major credit bureaus and make sure all the information is accurate. 2. Save for a Sizable Down Payment It is also good to put down a substantial down payment when seeking a favorable loan. The result is a lower monthly payment, so there's less risk of bad debt. This might make the lender more willing to offer you a better loan. The general rule is to pay at least 20% of the car's price as a down payment. So if you plan on buying a car that costs $20,000, make sure you have at least $4,000 in savings. 3. Choose a Shorter Loan Term Choosing a shorter loan term will mean higher monthly payments, but you'll end up paying less in interest over the life of the loan. This can help you save money and pay off your loan sooner. For example, if you have a loan for five years, you can save money by switching to a three-year loan. But make sure you can afford the higher monthly payments before making this decision. 4. Consider a Co-Signer in College Park, MD A co-signer with good credit can help you qualify for a better loan. With a favorable loan term, you'll have lower monthly payments, which makes it easier to pay off the loan. Just be aware that if you default, you and your co-signer will be liable. Many people have their parents or other family members co-sign for them. But it's still important that you and your co-signer understand the terms of the loan before signing anything. Getting a low-interest loan in College Park doesn't have to be difficult. Contact DARCARS Nissan of College Park today to secure an auto loan or learn more about your financing options. With our expertise and the tips listed above, you can get a favorable loan that suits your needs.

The 2023 Nissan Altima is a four-door, midsize sedan known for its spacious interior and sleek lines. When you're choosing your Altima, you have six different trim levels available, from the basic Altima S to the luxury Altima SL. There's even a turbo-charged model, the SR-VC Turbo, available in the lineup. With so many choices, we're here to give you the inside scoop on the Altima's trim levels. The 2023 Nissan Altima Trim Level Options Altima S The S trim is perfect for the budget conscious. Its features include comfortable seating for five people and a spacious trunk. This Altima is available in front-wheel drive. It features keyless, selective unlocking, auto on-off LED lights, power side mirrors, and rear parking sensors. Safety-wise, Nissan's Safety Shield 360 includes a comprehensive range of features, including blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warnings, and other vital features. Altima SV The SV increases wheel size from 16" to 17" and provides an all-wheel drive option. The Infotainment system is upgraded to an 8" touchscreen and includes the SiriusXM satellite radio. The Nissan Intelligent Key lets you lock and unlock the doors by touching a button on the door handle. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also added as standard. Altima SR Another step up, this model upgrades to a sport suspension and adds Active Ride Control and Intelligent Trace Control. The increase in wheel size to 19" alloys add even more traction for your driving pleasure when cornering. The increase in touchscreen from 8" to a 12.3" color screen increases visibility. In addition, all-wheel drive is available as an option. Altima SR-VC Turbo This trim level provides a powerful engine upgrade by installing a 248 hp 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 273 pound-feet of torque. ProPilot Assist is another great feature that allows you to center your car between lane markings. It also allows you to set the following distance from the vehicle ahead. Altima SL The ultimate Altima version takes the SV trim and adds more options and features. A Bose audio system with nine speakers is added to provide crystal-clear surround sound. The front seats are both heated for extra comfort in cold weather. Dual-zone climate control allows the driver and passenger to set their air temperature individually. Finally, the 360 four-camera monitor provides an all-round view of the surrounding area. Now you know more about the various Altima trim levels. There are a host of additional features that can be added to each version. View our 2023 Nissan Altima model guide at DARCARS Nissan of College Park to explore more specs and features about this sedan.

There are two key things to know about one-direction streets. The first is how to tell the difference between a one-way road and an ordinary road. The second is what to do if you or another driver accidentally drives up one of these streets in the wrong direction. How to Always Recognize a One-Direction Street When driving around your hometown, you're probably already aware of any streets that you can only enter from one end. But when you venture into an unfamiliar city, you must pay more attention. If you want to be really prepared, you could study a street map before you reach a new city. Even if you're using a GPS, always verify with your own eyes that you're allowed to enter every street the GPS guides you into. Look for Warning Signs Streets with only one allowed direction always have signs indicating this. You'll see an arrowed "One Way" sign at the entrance and a warning "Do Not Enter" sign at the exit. You might also see a "No Turn Right" before the exit end of these streets. Observe the Street Lines As you're undoubtedly aware, yellow lines on the road mark the divide between the two sides of an ordinary two-way street. But one-direction streets lack a yellow dividing line of any sort. Instead, you'll only see white lines marking the edge of the street on either side. Look at the Parked Cars Parked cars are reliable indicators of the flow of traffic on any street. If you see many parked cars all facing in the same direction on both sides of the street, there's probably a good reason for it. What To Do If You Enter From the Wrong Direction In moments of distraction, any driver might enter a one-direction street from the wrong end. If you make this mistake, don't panic. Turn on your headlights to alert other drivers and immediately remove your vehicle from the traffic flow. Once you're safely pulled over, wait patiently for a large enough break in the oncoming cars to safely do a U-turn and exit in the right direction. What To Do If Another Driver Is Coming the Wrong Way If you see another driver coming the wrong way, they might not have realized their mistake yet. Immediately slow down and flash your headlights to warn the other driver. Also, honk your horn if necessary. Always put your safety first. If they don't slow down, get out of their way to allow them to pass. It's never worth risking an accident to prove that you're in the right. The Reason for One-Direction Streets in College Park, MD Even relatively small towns like College Park, MD have one-direction streets. These streets are designed to help improve the flow of traffic in denser urban areas, eliminating the need for left turns across oncoming traffic. They may seem a pain at first, but when you get used to one-direction streets, you'll often start to appreciate how much they do to alleviate city-center traffic. Whether you need friendly automotive tips, a trusted Nissan dealership, or to find local things to discover, we have you taken care of at DARCARS Nissan of College Park. Browse our new car specials today or navigate to our blog page to keep learning more!   Image by Pixabay

The arrival of the Z-car's seventh generation is well worth the long wait! The iconic sports coupé is back with an even more powerful twin-turbocharged V-6 engine and refined handling. It also features updated technology and a stylishly redesigned interior. This is your introduction to the all-new 2023 Nissan Z! Power The Sport, Performance, and Proto Spec models all share the same water-intercooled, 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6, which produces a robust 400 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. Buyers can choose to equip their Z with either a 6-speed manual transmission and its available SynchroRev Match or a 9-speed automatic with manual shifting mode. Both options promise plenty of low-end torque and can help propel the car from 0 to 60 in well under five seconds. To help you get the perfect launch, both the Performance and Proto Spec come standard with launch control. Handling While the Z is very fast in a straight line, it's even more impressive when hitting the twisties. Incredible stability during hard cornering is provided by the car's perfectly tuned multi-link rear suspension and double-wishbone front suspension. The aluminum alloy used in the suspension's construction is both lightweight and ensures excellent rigidity. Speed-sensitive power steering means that the car remains easy to turn at any speed. In addition to brake assist and electronic brake force distribution, the Z offers high-performance Akebono 4-piston front brakes and 2-piston rear brakes. Monotube shock absorbers provide a smooth ride as you cruise the roads. Interior Your driving experience will be enhanced ergonomic performance seats made from non-slip material, perfectly placed controls, and driver-oriented gauges. The highly detailed digital instrument panel was designed with the help of Super GT racer Tsugio Matsuda, and can be customized to emphasize information like engine revs or g-forces. Deep side bolstering and padded knee bolsters keep you in position during heavy cornering. High-quality cloth or premium leather upholstery is nicely complemented by available heating, power adjustability, and lumbar support. Standard automatic climate control with a microfilter keeps the air fresh. A parcel box behind the passenger seat and a rear shelf provide convenient storage for smaller items. Infotainment System A standard 8-inch NissanConnect touchscreen display gives you access to a variety of useful technology and apps, such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. Performance and Proto Spec trims come with a 9-inch display that adds Nissan Door-to-Door Navigation, SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link, and mobile Wi-Fi hotspot capability. Standard USB-A and USB-C ports let you make use of wired connections and charging for your devices. An available Bose premium audio system includes eight speakers and dual subwoofers. The legendary Z's newest iteration delivers the thrills while remaining an affordable option for sports car enthusiasts. Get directions to DARCARS Nissan of College Park today for a test drive!

The alternator is one of the most important parts of your vehicle, responsible for generating electrical power to keep your battery charged up and your electrical systems functioning correctly. If it breaks down, the consequences can be very problematic, which is why it's so important to seek out alternator repair if you notice that something might be wrong. Here are some of the most common warning signs to watch out for as a driver in College Park, MD. Warning Light Warning lights make it clear when something isn't quite right with your vehicle, and there's a specific light that should show up if the alternator is failing in any way. Look out for a light that reads 'ALT' (this stands for alternator) or 'GEN' (this stands for generator) or appears in the form of a battery. Frequent Stalling Your car needs a steady supply of electricity to run smoothly, and if the alternator isn't working correctly, you may notice your vehicle stalling from time to time for no obvious reason. Unreliable Starting Your vehicle needs sufficient electricity to start up, too. The alternator plays a key role in this, helping to power the spark plugs that get your engine running. When the alternator starts to break down, your car can be a lot harder to start. Weak Headlights The alternator plays a vital role in keeping your headlights powered up to help you see clearly while driving in dark and dimly-lit areas. When the alternator isn't working at full capacity, the headlights may not have enough power to function correctly. This can result in headlight beams that seem weaker than usual or randomly flicker while switched on, and it can be very dangerous to drive with unreliable headlights. Failing Features The headlights aren't the only part of your car that relies on electricity. You might also have power windows, locks, a car radio, air conditioning, or other electrical features that can start to struggle, fail, or behave strangely when the alternator needs repairing. Strange Smells If you smell something strange in your vehicle, there are many different components that could be to blame. The alternator is one of them, as broken alternators sometimes give off a smell like burning rubber. Odd Noises As well as strange smells, you should also listen out for odd noises in your vehicle. A broken alternator can sometimes cause a rattling sound around the engine area. Dead Battery The alternator is what helps to keep your car's battery powered up. Batteries will wear out eventually, and the alternator might not always be to blame, but if your battery has died unusually quickly, this could be a sign of alternator issues.   As we can see, there are a lot of possible issues that can arise when an alternator begins to break down. If you notice any of them, getting your car repaired as quickly as possible is vital to avoid further complications. You can easily schedule a service at DARCARS Nissan of College Park where our expert technicians will handle any alternator repair for you.

In the last few years, countless people have switched from a traditional car to an electric vehicle in College Park, MD. EVs have many advantages for drivers and communities. Not only are they better for the climate, but they are also very quiet and tend to be easy to maintain. What's more, you'll never have to pay emissions charges, since your car doesn't pollute the environment. Everyone Will Benefit from a Cleaner and Quieter Environment The main reason why electric cars are so desirable is that they don't create greenhouse gases. As a result, they are much better for the environment. By getting an EV, you can reduce emissions in your neighborhood, which makes the air healthier. If the place where you charge your car runs on renewable energy, you will also reduce your carbon footprint. It's also worth noting how much quieter electric cars are. Because EVs don't have internal combustion engines, they make far less noise, especially when driving at low speeds. This is great for everyone because lower noise levels can lead to better health and less stress. You'll Never Pay an Emissions Charge In an effort to reduce pollution, many cities and counties are implementing emissions charges. This means that you have to pay a fee whenever you drive to a busy area in a car that emits a lot of greenhouse gases. Even if your city doesn't have an emissions charge yet, it's likely that one might be implemented in the next five to ten years.   When you buy an EV, you no longer have to worry about this because your car doesn't emit any carbon dioxide and other chemicals. As a result, you can drive anywhere you want without having to pay extra. High-Quality Electric Cars Tend to be Cheaper to Run Although energy costs have risen recently, many electric cars are still cheaper to run. What's more, some people are installing solar panels to further reduce the cost of running their homes and vehicle.   It's also important to consider that internal combustion engines have many moving parts, while EVs are simpler and less prone to breaking. Therefore, you're less likely to have expensive maintenance costs when you buy an electric car. Many EV batteries come with an 8-year or 100,000-mile warranty, while traditional powertrain warranties tend to only last for five years.   More and more people are getting electric cars because they are better for the environment, quieter, and cheaper to run. Contact us at DARCARS Nissan of College Park to ask us any questions you may have, or click here to browse the electric cars we currently sell.

Motor oil keeps all the moving parts of your engine properly lubricated. Without adequate oil, an engine will rapidly overheat and might even seize up altogether. Keep an eye out for the following six signs of a leak. If you ever notice your engine leaking oil, visit your nearest Nissan dealer to have it repaired right away. Oil Is Puddling Under Your Car The most obvious sign of an oil leak is when you see oil pooling under your car while parked. Motor oil is a golden yellow color when fresh. This fades to caramel, then tan, then dark brown as it ages. Any fluid pooling under your car is a sign of trouble. But if that fluid is yellow or brown and near the front of your vehicle, then it might well be a motor oil leak. Use Cardboard to Check If you have a dedicated parking space, it's easy to notice any leaks coming from your car. But drivers who change parking locations from day to day don't necessarily find it so easy. If you ever suspect a leak, you can leave a piece of cardboard under your car and check it for fluid stains when you return. Low Reading on Your Oil Pressure Gauge The oil pressure gauge on your dashboard will also let you know if your engine's leaking oil. Healthy oil pressure for most Nissan cars is between 25 and 65 pounds per square inch (PSI) while the engine's warm. If this pressure drops below 25 PSI, it’s possible that you might have a leak. Ticking or Knocking Sounds From Your Engine An engine that loses lubrication will start to emit strange ticking and knocking sounds. You'll notice these sounds most clearly while resting in idle. Ticking or knocking means the valves and valve lifters are beginning to struggle. If you hear it, have a trusted technician take a look as soon as you can. Smoke Rising From Your Engine When motor oil starts to leak, it sometimes drips onto extremely hot parts of the engine or the exhaust manifold. It will then burn up very quickly, creating smoke. Needless to say, never ignore any smoke seeping from under your hood. You Can Smell Burning Oil When leaking oil starts to burn, you'll often smell it. Burning oil smells unpleasant and very different from your usual car smells. When oil burns in this way, you might also hear an accompanying sizzling sound as it cooks on the hot metal parts of your car. Oil Level Consistently Low When suspecting a leak, you can always pop the hood and use a dipstick to measure your motor oil level. Motor oil tends to diminish gradually over time, even without a leak. But if your oil level is persistently lower than you think it should be, you may well have a leak. First Places a Nissan Dealer Checks for Leaks Here's how a technician at your local dealership will check your vehicle for engine leaks. You can try it yourself before you take your car in.   They'll first check the oil pan seals under your engine, which is where the majority of leaks originate. They'll also check the valve cover gaskets, the timing cover seal, and the oil pan drain plug. More often than not, one of these is the culprit. Get directions to DARCARS Nissan of College Park now, or schedule a service with us today to have your motor oil checked and topped up. We take pride in providing excellent vehicles and customer service.