Happy Car Care Month! We hope you have been taking full advantage of the warm weather by hitting the road for some fun in the sun. Speaking of hitting the road, we want to remind you how important it is to service your car before hitting the road. Putting off service is a common thought for many drivers, but it’s not a safe one. Without regular maintenance, it’s a stronger possibility you run into issues on the road ahead. In order to avoid that, regular maintenance is strongly recommended. However, there is DIY maintenance that many Nissan drivers can complete from the comfort of their own home – like topping off their fluid levels! Not sure what fluid levels you should be looking out for? No problem, take a peek below for all you need to know about your Nissan’s fluid levels and get better peace of mind when you hit the road this spring/summer. 

Engine Oil: 

Your engine needs oil in order to keep moving parts lubricated and working properly. To check your oil, make sure your engine is cool before popping open the hood. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it on a clean rag, reinsert the stick all the way back into the tank. Pull out the stick and see where the oil line hits, there will be a notch that indicates what a safe oil level is. If your oil hits below the notch, check for the specific type of oil and add some yourself. 

Transmission Fluid: 

Transmission fluid is important because it keeps your transmission lubricated and will save you from expensive repairs. The second dipstick in your engine is for this fluid. Like we did to check the engine’s oil, you will have to remove the dipstick, wipe it off, and reinsert it back into the tank. Pull it back out and examine where the fluid hits on the stick, it’s also a good idea to check the quality of your fluids. Wipe a small amount onto your fingers, if the fluid has a pink or clear look to it, it is fine. If the fluid smells burnt or has particles in it, it is time to swap it out.

Brake Fluid: 

From a safety standpoint, this is one of the most important fluids. Brake fluid basically keeps you from running into other cars and objects. You’ll find the brake fluid reservoir toward the back under your hood, be sure to clean off the outside of the compartment so any dirt or dust doesn’t enter the reservoir. Open up the cap and look inside to see where the fluid level is. It should be about a half-inch from the cap. If it is lower than that, check your owner’s manual for what fluid you should use. Also, if the fluid has a dark tint to it, bring your vehicle into our service department for a change of fluids.

Power Steering Fluid: 

It’s important to have control over your car and this fluid keeps the right parts lubricated to ensure a safe driving experience. This reservoir is typically found under the hood, on the passenger side with a cap that will likely say “steering” on it. Many cars have a light-colored reservoir so you can see the level of fluid without removing the cap. If your car has a dark reservoir, clean off the cap before opening it to avoid dirt particles from entering the system. Open up the cap and use the dipstick the same way as we did before, if the fluid is low, you can easily add more. Also, if your fluid level is low, check for a leak in the system. 

Windshield Washer Fluid: 

One important part of driving is being able to see out the windshield, this fluid is key to ensure that happens. Most vehicles have a clear washer fluid tank that will be labeled either “washer” or “windshield.” If you need to add more, simply pop the cap off and pour it into the tank. Do not use soap and water if you are completely empty!! But, the window cleaner that you use at home can work until you fill up with the real stuff. 

Is it time for an upgrade? Look no further because Loughead Nissan has an impressive lineup of new, used and pre-owned Nissan vehicles for you to choose from! Plus, we have monthly specials that can help you save big on the Nissan of your dreams. So let our team match you with the Nissan for you! Just browse our available inventory online and schedule a test drive today! We hope to see you soon!