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Can you believe this Saturday marks the beginning of spring? Well, that can only mean one thing, the time to service your Nissan is officially here! URGH, I know service is not always fun, but at Loughead Nissan, we offer a fast, simple, and convenient experience. Plus, last week we told you about our March service specials, which means it’s time to SAVE while you service! If you missed out on last week’s blog, no biggie, just head over to our site and check out our blog section, or just head over to our service specials page and you can view and print out whichever service works best for you. So, don’t let your ride take a backseat this spring, and check out our service checklist below! Be sure to check off all the boxes to make sure your ride is ready to keep the good times rolling! If there is any maintenance below that you don’t feel you can complete yourself, be sure to print out one of our service coupons and head into Loughead Nissan today! Car Care Tips For Spring: Check those fluid levels, all of them! From engine oil, power steering, brake, and transmission fluids...oh and don’t forget the windshield wiper fluid and antifreeze/coolant! Take a peek at your hoses and belts to make use they haven’t been cracked due to cold weather and wear and tear. Check your battery to make sure the connection is clean, tight, and corrosion-free. Make sure to get your ride an oil change and have the brake linings, rotors, and drums inspected. Often overlooked, but important; be sure to check your exhaust system for leaks and damaged or broken supports or hangers if there is an unusual noise. Tune it up with a tune-up to help the engine deliver the best balance of power and fuel economy Check the heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, as proper heating and cooling performance is critical for safety reasons and interior comfort in the spring/summer months Inspect the steering and suspension system Check your tire pressure and tread depth to see if it’s time for a new set. Also keep an eye out for uneven tread wear, which indicates that your vehicle needs a wheel alignment. Check the wipers and lighting so that you can see and be seen Schedule Your Spring Service Now!

As we get ready to shift into March, we’ve come to the realization that Spring is right around the corner! This is very exciting for many Nissan drivers. Spring means warmer days are ahead of us and road trip season isn’t too far behind it. However, we want to remind you that you should perform spring maintenance on your Nissan before hitting the. Not only does regular maintenance keep your Nissan running in tip-top shape, but it keeps you safe on the road ahead and helps avoid costly repairs down the road. Lucky for you, the experts here at Loughead Nissan have put together a spring maintenance checklist for you! Most of the services below are DIY friendly, but our team is always ready to step in and help with any and all repairs/service/ or maintenance your Nissan needs! Just head over to our site to schedule a service appointment and snag a service special to save big! Thinking this spring is the perfect time to upgrade to a new Nissan? Let our team help match you with the right Nissan for your lifestyle and adventures! Browse our special offers and available inventory now, and schedule a test drive today! Give Your Vehicle A Good Wash Winter can be tough on your vehicle’s exterior. Freezing temperatures and salt from the road can do real damage to your paint job, so make sure to start the season with a car wash. If you choose to go to a car wash, go for the premium wash to get all the nooks and crannies and a deep clean after months of harsh road conditions. If you do it yourself, make sure to add baking soda to the wash water if your car has a strong salt buildup. This will help neutralize the salt and save your paint job. Tire Check When it looks like the snow is finally done falling, be sure to switch from your snow tires to your all-season tires. Once you have your tires back on, be sure to grab your owners manual to find the Manufacturer recommended air pressure. Not only is this important for alignment, but also can give you better gas mileage and save your money at the tank! Make sure your tires are rotated regularly and don’t wait until you have a visible flat to fill them up. Check your tires for worn tread and make sure to replace your tires when the tread becomes too worn. If you’re not sure if you need new tires, use the penny test to determine! Battery Check After a long brutal winter, you’re going to want to check your battery’s life. Stop by the dealership for a battery test to see the life of your car’s battery. If your battery is getting weak, you can prevent future problems by replacing it before it stops working. If you find you’re in need of a new battery, be sure to check out our service offers page to see if you can take advantage of any battery offers! Replace Wiper Blades and Fluids Snow, sleet, and ice can cause wear on your windshield wipers - and it’s no secret how dirty your windows get with slush getting kicked up at you on the road. This means spring is the perfect time to get new wiper blades and top off your windshield wiper fluid levels for all the spring rain coming your way very soon. New wiper blades are inexpensive and simple to replace, so you won’t even need to pay someone to do it for you. However, our team of experts is always here to help you if needed! Oil Change Your vehicle works hard to get you where you need to go, especially during the winter months. That’s why spring is the perfect time to give your care the TLC/pick-me-up your vehicle needs. Regular oil changes can make all the difference in making sure your car has a long, healthy life. Whether your vehicle needs a regular oil change or synthetic oil change, our team is here to assist you! Be sure to check out our service offers page to see what offers are available to you! If you will be performing the oil change on your own, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s suggestions for oil change intervals and oil viscosity, and make sure to change the oil filter as well. Schedule Your Spring Service Here!

The holidays might be over, but winter is still in full swing. This means we have several months of ever-changing weather in store, which means your Nissan better be in tip-top shape. Lucky for you, there is no time than right now to get your Nissan service checked off! The new year is a restart for many of us, and the same goes for your Nissan! After a busy holiday season and lots of traveling and running around, a check-up could really help save your ride from a costly repair. That’s why this week is dedicated to sharing our ultimate winter check-up checklist! So go ahead and roll up your sleeves and start your check-up today! Not much of a DIY-er? No problem, our team of certified service technicians would be happy to help you get your ride back into tip-top shape in no time! Just head over to our website to schedule your service appointment! Check-Up Checklist: Check and change the oil: Regular oil and filter changes will keep your engine’s life running longer Nothing will destroy an engine faster than neglecting oil-level checks or fresh-oil changes. Flush and change the cooling system: A 50/50 mix of coolant and distilled water will keep the cooling system in good shape and prevent corrosion and deposits from building up inside the cooling system. Be sure to change your coolant once a year Change out transmission and differential oils: While not requiring frequent service, these fluids must be changed according to service intervals. Before topping off fluids, be sure that it is the proper oil and transmission fluid needed for your vehicle Clean it up: Washing your vehicle is obvious, but when it comes to cleaning the vehicle’s underside many of us fall short. Everything the vehicle ran over can also get stuck to the underside, hosing off winter salt and road grime is a good idea to keep from corrosion or build up. Grease it up: Everything with moving parts needs grease to survive, make sure the proper vehicle parts remain greased as needed Wax on, wax off: Nothing keeps your vehicle’s paint looking good and protected like a coat of quality wax. Wax should be applied every six months. Keep Driveline components Lubricated: Driveline components such as u-joints also require regular lubrication Protect it from harmful UVs: Protect the interior plastic by parking the vehicle in the shade, harmful UVs can deteriorate the plastic On sunny days, be sure to use a window deflector screen Applying a UV protectant to prevent the plastic and vinyl from drying out can also help Keep your wheels fresh to death: Inspect, clean, and repack wheel bearings with wheel bearing grease according to service intervals This is a pretty cheap task so you won’t break the bank doing so. Top off your brake fluid: Brake fluid   moisture, which causes components to corrode and fail Replacing the brake fluid and bleed system once a year will keep from damage happening Brake fluid is pretty cheap Schedule Your Check Up Now!

December is here and your friends here at Loughead Nissan want to help you make sure your Nissan stays in tip-top shape for the winter months ahead. As you know, the heart of your vehicle in the engine and the harsh winter weather can cause some damage to your engine if not properly taken care of. One of the best ways to keep your Nissan running smoothly all winter long is by checking your oil frequently. I know, I know, seems silly, but it’s not! Your engine oil provides lubrication to the many moving parts of an engine, which helps to avoid damage and keep your engine running smoothly. If you neglect to check your oil, you could run into costly damages. So take a peek below to see how to check your engine oil, and if your find you’re in need of an oil change, just give us a call or schedule an appointment online! We ensure we will get your Nissan back into tip-top shape and on the road in no time! Checking Oil: How To Open the hood. Prop it so it stays open. Locate the oil dipstick next to the engine. It should have a yellow handle and/or be labeled. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it on a clean cloth or paper towel. Dip the stick all the way back in. Pull it out again and look at the oil level. If it’s in the middle of the hatched/indicated area, you’re good. More is better, less is okay, but if you’re lower than the area you need to get your oil topped up and have your system checked for leaks. Look at the oil quality and color. If there are a lot of particles or if the oil looks sludgy, you need to get it changed as soon as possible. Put the dipstick back in. Close your hood. Schedule Your Nissan Service Now!

BRRRR! It’s getting cold outside, which can only mean one thing...winter is coming. Although we love the snow and holiday season, the harsh weather can be hard on your vehicle, especially if it hasn’t received proper maintenance. With the winter months quickly approaching, right now is the perfect time to double check and make sure you’ve completed all your winter service! Below you will find 10 simple services to get your Nissan ready for the winter months. See if you’ve missed any or start your maintenance today! As always, if you need assistance with your service, be sure to schedule a service appointment online or stop into Loughead Nissan today! Tips For Getting Your Ride Ready For Winter It’s Time For An Oil Change Has it been 5,000 miles since your last oil change? Then it’s time for a new one! Oil tends to thicken as it gets colder, and if it’s too thick it won’t do the best job of keeping your engine lubricated. Figure out if your vehicle needs a conventional oil change or synthetic oil change Replace Your Wiper Blades When’s the last time you replaced your windshield wiper blades? Wiper blades tend to last no longer than a year. Give Your Battery Some TLC The cold weather can be tough on your battery. Be sure to check and make sure your battery’s posts and connections are corrosion-free and that your battery has all the water it needs. If your battery is more than three years old, have a certified repair shop test its ability to hold a charge. Examine Your Belts & Hoses Make sure the belts and hoses get checked for wear and tear, as cold weather conditions can cause problems or make problems worse Check Your Tire Pressure Your tires are extremely important to your performance, especially during the winter. Making sure your tire pressure is correct is important for traction, which helps you stop, make turns, and drive without slipping and sliding Check your driver’s manual for the proper tire pressure Change Your Snow Tires Most vehicles are purchased with all-season tires, which can work for some areas. If you experience a lot of snow, ice, or other challenging winter conditions, then we suggest purchasing winter tires, which are designed for winter driving Check Your 4WD Chances are you hadn’t used your 4WD system during summer, which means it’s been almost a year since you last used it. Be sure to try out your 4WD before challenging winter conditions strike to make sure your 4WD system is working properly. Get The Right Antifreeze Mixture Aim for having a 50-50 mix of antifreeze (coolant) and water inside your radiator. This will prevent the mixture from freezing even at freezing cold temperatures. Prepare An Emergency Kit Store this stuff in your trunk during the winter months, especially if a road trip is in your future Include, blanket, extra boots, and gloves, extra water and food, including hard candies, an ice scraper, a small shovel, a flashlight, windshield washer fluid, a tool kit, jumper cables, a spare tire with air in it, and a first-aid kit Have A Plan In Case Of A Breakdown or Accident Breakdowns/ being stranded in the cold is no fun and can be scary. Be sure to make a plan to follow to help make the situation go smoother in case you find yourself stranded. Schedule Your Nissan Service Appointment Here!

It’s car care month and your friends here at Loughead Nissan want help you get your Nissan service/maintenance completed just in time for the winter months ahead. Although service can be your less favorite part of being a car owner, it is still extremely important to complete your fall maintenance. Nothing will throw a wrench in your plans like a breakdown, especially during a storm. SO gain peace of mind this fall/winter, we’ve got your ultimate car care checklist! A lot of the services below are DIY friendly, but as always, our team is ready to help complete any service, big or small! So be sure to head over to our site to schedule your service appointment, and leave the rest to the pros at Loughead Nissan! Winter Car Care Checklist: Short-Term Check-Ups Check oil and coolant levels Replace air filters Make sure your vehicle’s tires are filled to the recommended pressure level Check Tread depth and make sure it is thick enough to make it through the winter Check all of your lights, this includes headlights, turn signals, brake, and parking lights Oil and filter replacement Rotate your tires Wax vehicle to protect exterior paint from cracking in winter weather Long-Term Check-Ups: Transmission fluid level Transfer case fluid Inspect shocks and struts Coolant fluid exchange Check spark plug Serpentine belt Front and/or rear differential Season Check-Ups: Replace windshield wipers Battery performance check Change Tires Check coolant levels Schedule Your Appointment Today!

Fall is in fall swing and before we know it the temperatures outside will be dropping low, and your Nissan is going to need some maintenance before that happens! As always, if you need help or don’t have time to complete your fall maintenance, our certified service professionals can help get your Nissan in tip-top shape in time for the fall season. All you have to do is schedule your service appointment and leave the rest to us! However, if you love getting your hands dirty with some DIY work, then this week’s blog is for you! Below you will find helpful tips and step-by-step instructions for cleaning your Nissan for the fall/winter season! The weather is so unpredictable so we suggest getting started on your maintenance sooner than later! So don’t wait any longer, kickstart your maintenance today! Car Battery: Pop open your hood and brush away the dust. Fall is a great time to inspect your car battery to ensure there are no issues down the road when the colder weather creeps in! Make sure your engine cables and terminals are in good shape and retighten if necessary for good contact. Make sure there’s no corrosion or dirt build-up. If this is the case, this would be a good time to disconnect and clean them up. If your vehicle is newer and you have a maintenance-free battery with no removable caps, there’s not much for you to do besides peeking around the remainder of your hood to ensure there are no leaks, breaks, or issues. Headlights: Many new vehicles have LED headlights that you can’t just pop out and clean, so you might need scheduled maintenance with our team if this is your situation. If you still have non-LED lighting, it’s important to clean/replace your headlights to avoid haziness. Clouded headlights can be a safety hazard, compromising night vision, and reducing the effectiveness of your headlights. This is especially dangerous in winter, where conditions are less than favorable and the darkness is more consistent. You can purchase a headlight cleaning kit, or use household items such as a toothbrush, baking soda, and owner’s manual approved products. Tires: Tire maintenance is always a must, not just during winter months. However, your tires play a crucial role in your vehicle’s winter performance. The first thing you should do is to check your tire tread. When you tread is 2/32" your tires are considered bald and you will need to replace your tires immediately. If your tire tread is above this you’re okay, but should consider replacing soon if it’s closer to balding. Most vehicles are purchased with all-season tires, which provide good performance all-year-round. However, if you live in a very snowy area, we highly suggest purchasing snow tires. Once your tires are on and in good condition, we suggest scrubbing away any dirt, grime, or buildup. Wash & Wax: Chances are your vehicle needs a good washing after all your summer travel. Between dirt, dead bugs, and even beach sand, your exterior probably isn’t shining like it used to. Give your vehicle a good cleaning, this means the top, sides, underneath, and even the tires. Once you’ve washed your car, it’s a good idea to wax your vehicle’s exterior. Getting a car wax is a great way to keep your car’s finish looking new. Waxing can be tricky, so be sure to check your owner’s manual for safe products from your vehicle or leave it to the pros in our service department! Wipers: Windshield wipers maintenance is regularly overlooked. However, your wipers are extremely important for your vision behind the wheel...especially in the fall and winter months. Leaves will be falling very soon, and rain is no stranger to the fall months. This means you’ll need strong wipers to clear the leaves and rain off your windshield. Right after the leaves comes the snow, and anyone who has driven in a snowstorm knows how important your winters are. If your wipers are leaving streaks of water on your windshield, it’s time to replace or clean them. Although drivers rarely change them, wipers break down pretty quickly. In fact, they should be changed every 6-12 months. Interior: It’s time to say goodbye to the trash that’s taken up a vacancy in your car! After traveling all summer long, it’s only normal your interior needs a little pick me up. We suggest grabbing a garbage bag, your vacuum cleaner, and some multi-surface cleaner. First started by taking everything out, and we mean everything! Then, vacuum away crumbs, dust, and whatever else is in there. Don’t forget to clean off whatever item you’ll be putting back in your vehicle. Then it’s time to dust, spray down your dash, console, gear shift, radio system, and of course windows! Finally, put whatever you’re keeping back inside your cabin in a neat and orderly way, and toss whatever is remaining! Schedule Your Service Appointment Now!

Happy September, y’all! Fall is just around the corner, and even though it might be hard to let go of summer, the reality is creeping in. This means right now is the perfect time to kickstart your fall service. I know, I know, you’re thinking I’m crazy for talking about fall/winter service already. However, maintenance becomes very busy during the fall months, and getting ahead of it could save you time! So, this week’s blog is for anyone who wants to get on top of their fall maintenance! We’ve got three important services that should be completed for your end of summer service. They’re DIY approved, but we’re happy to help with any assistance you need! Just schedule an appointment today! Service To Complete… Inspection: The place to start is with an inspection. This is the best way to narrow down the service/ maintenance your vehicle needs most. This will include important checks like battery check, fluids, belts, hoses, lights, and more These are important to catch now because as temperatures fall, components can worsen Tire Tread Your tire tread is extremely important, especially during the upcoming winter months. If your tire tread is low or bald, you have no grip on slick and icy roads The proper tread depth should be at least 2/32” If you need a simple way to check your tire depth, utilize the penny test Penny Test How To: With Lincoln’s head facing downwards, place the penny into several grooves of a tire. If you can see the top of his head, your tread depth is worn too low and it’s time to replace your tires If you’re in heavy snow areas, you should invest in snow tires - which have proven to provide better traction than all-season tires. Keep an eye out for more than just tread depth. Look for intense light exposure, puncture holes, or anything thing else Windshield Wiper Maintenance Often overlooked, but the real MVP of winter driving, windshield wipers are extremely important all year round, especially during the winter months When snow, sleet, hail, etc. are falling at you, you need a good pair of wipers to keep your visibility clear Examine your blades for breaks, tears, streaking, etc. If you’ve had your wipers for more than 6 months, it’s a good idea to replace them If you get a lot of snow, looking into purchase wipers specifically for snow/winter weather Schedule Your Service Appointment NOW!

As we shift into August, the season of summer storms is upon us. Making sure that your wiper blades are in shape for the heavy rain stores is important for you and your passenger’s safety. Your wiper blades help better your vision on the road and what’s ahead of you. Many vehicle owners overlook their wiper blades to the point that they break or streak. So in order to keep your drive safe, we suggest taking a peek at your blades to see if they need some TLC. Not sure what you’re looking for? No problem! Take a peek below and learn more about how you can tell if it’s time to change your wiper blades and how to extend the life of your wiper blades. Wipers 101: It’s time to change your wipers if…. Streaking occurs when the rubber squeegee dries, hardens, and cracks Skipping occurs when the blade develops a curvature from lack of use Wearing occurs with extensive use and is when the rubber edges are rounded instead of squared Splitting is caused when the sun’s rays penetrate the rubber squeegee, causing it to break down Bent frames are caused by inconsistent contact with the glass surface, creating streaking or skipping If you’re running outside to go inspect your vehicle to see if it’s time to change your wipers be sure to look for the following! Broken frames Metal corrosion Visible cracks Rounded squeegee edges Loose or unsecured wiper blades Check that the squeegee is secure in the wiper frame Replace Your Wiper Blades Here!

Are you getting ready to hit the road for some fun in the sun? Well, you deserve it! But your friends here at Loughead Nissan want to remind you to service your Nissan before you hit the road! Nothing can put a dent in your plans like a breakdown or blown tire. So in efforts to help eliminate the chances of that happening, we have created the ultimate summer service checklist to help you stay on top of the service your vehicle needs! Whether you’ll be scheduling an appointment with us or get some good old fashion DIY work in, Loughead Nissan has you covered! Take a look below and get started today! Coolant: keeping your vehicle cool is super important during the summer, not just for us but for your vehicle as well! Making sure the coolant level is correct is super important, this makes sure that your engine doesn’t overheat. Go the extra mile and check the state of the hoses and coolant reservoir, look for leaks or damage. If you find any make sure you get it fixed as soon as possible! Engine Belts: There is usually a serpentine belt that runs between the alternator, the fan, and several other components. It can deteriorate, become loose, start to squeal, and sometimes just break for no apparent reason. It needs to be in good condition and at the right amount of tension. If you see cracks in the belt or small pieces missing, it's time to replace the belt. Wipers: With hot summer days, come those summer storms we love to watch...even if we don’t want to be stuck in the middle of them. Things happen though and when it does you want to make sure your wipers are working properly so you can stay safe through any type of weather. Other Essential Fluids: Check oil, brake, power steering, and windshield-washer fluids regularly. These liquids never stop being used and consumed. Speaking of brake fluid, how do the brakes on your car feel in general? Are they lacking in a bit? Feeling a bit spongy? If so, new pads and a system bleed might be required. Air-Conditioning System: A summer essential is your car’s AC! If the system isn’t working properly, check for leaks. If the AC is leaking when that0 is not good, there are plenty of sealing products you can use to fix this issue. IF this doesn’t resolve the issue bring your car to a mechanic to be serviced. Air Filter: The winter's decomposing leaves may be clogging up drainage points, windshield-washer nozzles, or your car's air filter. Now might be a good time to buy a new one or take the current one out and give it a cleaning. Tires: Tires really need to be checked all year long. Your tire pressure needs to be correct (check the owner's manual) in order to work properly and not cause damage to your vehicle. And since summer is the time for road trips you want your tire to be in tip-top shape! Dashboard Sunshade: For those times when you're not driving, but the car is still out in the sun, a cover that goes in the windshield will protect the dashboard against ultraviolet rays and help the cabin stay a little cooler. Some even have solar panels to keep the battery charged. Clean the Car: Now that the sun stays out longer you might catch yourself gazing at the orange orb hanging low in a pinky-blue sky, but if your windshield is dirty you could find this to very dangerous! Even from the inside, that haze will diffuse the light and make things hard to see. That grime has a tendency to build up over a long period, so we don't really notice it. Things look much sharper after your car has had a good wash, though Driver and Passengers: Prepare your car for road trips and adventures with passengers. If a scheduled service is coming up, think about getting it done before a long drive. It's also wise to make sure your insurance and driving license are up to date. Have a great summer, enjoy the roads, and take care of yourself and your car. And in the case that you find yourself in an emergency make sure your car has an emergency flashlight Schedule Summer Service For Your Nissan Here!

Many of us have been worried about keeping in shape during quarantine, but many of us haven’t thought about keeping our vehicles in shape during quarantine! I know, you’re probably wondering why your car needs to stay in shape if you’ve barely moved it. Well, the truth is, if you don’t maintain your vehicle during these months you’re going to run into issues down the road! So, what are you supposed to do to ensure your vehicle’s safety during this time? Great question! We’ve got all you need to know below! Oh, and if you need any other maintenance, our service department is open and following all CDC guidelines to ensure safety for our customers and employees! All you have to do is schedule an appointment now! Tips For Maintaining Your Ride: Start the car at least once or twice a week. Make sure it gets up to full operating temperature before you shut it back down. Be sure to check under the hood for fluid and oil levels. It’s important to make sure that your oil is fresh and fluid levels like coolant and wiper fluid are full! While you’re under the hood, take a peek at your battery. Make sure it is maintained and charged at all times. Your vehicle’s tires tend to be overlooked, but right now is the perfect time to check your PSI! If you won’t be moving your vehicle, it might be a good idea to overfill the recommended PSI 3 or 4. Another good way to help with your tires PSI is to park your car on wooden blocks underneath the tires to keep the cement from drawing the air pressure out of them. If you’ll be storing a vehicle, it’s a good idea to clean your car before you store it, that will clean off any winter debris, salt, and dirt underneath the car and on the outside of the car. With a little extra free time, it’s a good idea to clean out your vehicle’s interior! Plus, that will prevent smells from building up. Do NOT set the parking brake if you're going to park it for more than 30 days! The pads or shoes can seize to the drum or the rotor and cause problems down the road when you move it. Service With The Pros At Loughead Nissan!

The snow is falling and before you know it, winter will be in full swing. If you haven’t checked off all of your winter maintenance to-do lists, there is no better time than now to do so! Many of us remember to check our tires and brakes, but one of the things that tend to get overlooked is our vehicle’s wipers! Wipers are important during the winter season. They help keep your window clean from snow, dirt, slush and everything else that is kicked up onto your window. So how do you know if it’s time to change your wipers? Great question! We’ve got all you need to know below! Take a peek now and schedule your service appointment today! Wipers 101: It’s time to change your wipers if…. Streaking occurs when the rubber squeegee dries, hardens, and cracks Skipping occurs when the blade develops a curvature from lack of use Wearing occurs with extensive use and is when the rubber edges are rounded instead of squared Splitting is caused when the sun’s rays penetrate the rubber squeegee, causing it to break down Bent frames are caused by inconsistent contact with the glass surface, creating streaking or skipping If you’re running outside to go inspect your vehicle to see if it’s time to change your wipers be sure to look for the following! Broken frames Metal corrosion Visible cracks Rounded squeegee edges Loose or unsecured wiper blades Check that the squeegee is secure in the wiper frame Schedule your winter service now!