Regular maintenance is the key to keeping your Nissan running smoothly and getting the most life out of it. Whether you're driving a sporty 370Z, a family-friendly Rogue, or a rugged Frontier, following a consistent maintenance schedule can significantly extend your vehicle's lifespan and help you avoid expensive and inconvenient repairs.
Here, we'll walk through essential maintenance tips and Nissan car care, from basic DIY checks to professional services. By following these recommendations, you'll protect your investment and ensure a safer, more reliable driving experience throughout the year.
Seasonal Maintenance Tips for Your Nissan
Thinking about seasonal car maintenance is a great way to stay on top of your car care all year long. Certain maintenance tasks are best performed when the seasons change to ensure your vehicle is ready for changing temperatures.
Here are a few Nissan maintenance tips to get you started:
- Check Your Tires. Your tires are essential and tire pressure monitoring maximizes your fuel efficiency and safety. Temperature changes—especially when it starts getting cool outside—cause the air in your tires to contract, which impacts your tire’s performance. When the seasons change, check the PSI and refill as needed. It’s also a good idea to look at the condition and tread of your tires seasonally. Replacing tires sooner rather than later means you’ll avoid flat tires and blowouts.
- Change Your Oil. Nissan recommends oil and oil filter changes every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. If you drive an average of 15,000 miles per year—which is the average for American drivers—that works out to getting an oil change every three months or so. Going in for your oil change when the seasons change is an easy way to remember this vital car maintenance task.
- Inspect Your Battery. Your vehicle’s battery should last 3-5 years, so there’s no need to replace it seasonally. But like your tires, temperature changes can impact your battery’s performance. Checking your battery seasonally and cleaning any debris or corrosion off of the connections is a great way to get the most life out of it.
- Clean Your AC Vents. In South Carolina, your car’s AC system is vital. Cleaning your vents ensures that air can flow properly and that the air coming through your vehicle is nice and clean. Do this in the spring so you’re ready when those hot SC summers hit!
- Get a Professional Checkup. Nissan recommends a professional checkup regularly. We recommend doing this annually to help prevent small issues from becoming major—and expensive—problems down the road.
Keep an Eye on Key Performance Metrics (through NissanConnect Services)
With NissanConnect Services, you can stay informed about your vehicle’s status with regular updates. Nissan maintenance alerts notify you when there is a malfunction in your vehicle, allowing you to address the issue before it becomes a problem.
Nissan also provides a host of routine maintenance tools:
- A Vehicle Health Report that provides a monthly performance evaluation and details recent malfunction alerts. You can access this report on the MyNISSAN App or in the MyNISSAN Owner Portal.
- Scheduled maintenance notifications via email, text, and/or push based on the mileage data in your Vehicle Health Report when your vehicle is due for service.
- Control where your vehicle goes with a geographical driving boundary. If your vehicle enters or leaves the boundary, you'll get an immediate notification.
Use Genuine Nissan Parts and Fluids
Using genuine Nissan parts in your repairs ensures compatibility and longevity for your vehicle. Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) car parts are designed to fit perfectly and function seamlessly in your Nissan vehicle.
Trusting your Nissan vehicle’s maintenance to factory-trained technicians with genuine Nissan parts and specialized knowledge means peace of mind long-term.
Protect Your Nissan’s Exterior and Interior
Maintaining your Nissan's exterior and interior is a great way to maintain its appearance and functionality. The paint, clear coat, and interior materials can all degrade over time, especially when exposed to the sun and high temperatures here in South Carolina.
Regularly washing your vehicle helps protect car paint from damaging elements like bird droppings, tree sap, and road salt. Automatic car washes are convenient, but hand washing with automotive soap and microfiber cloths will give you the gentlest, most thorough clean. Apply a quality wax or sealant every three to four months to create a protective barrier against UV rays and other environmental contaminants. Don't forget to clean and treat your headlight lenses every few months or whenever you notice they’re dirty to prevent yellowing and maintain optimal visibility.
When it comes to interior car care, regularly vacuuming and cleaning spills immediately will prevent staining and odors. Be sure to use appropriate cleaners for different surfaces—leather requires specific conditioning products to prevent cracking, while fabric upholstery benefits from gentle fabric cleaners. Keep your dashboard and interior trim protected from sun damage by using UV-resistant protectants and, when possible, parking in shaded areas or using a windshield sun shade.
Regular attention to these details will not only make your daily drives more enjoyable but also help maintain your Nissan's resale value.
Trust Your Nissan Maintenance to Nissan of Orangeburg!
You likely chose Nissan because of its reputation for reliability. With these Nissan car care tips, you can help ensure your vehicle continues to deliver the performance you expect.
Remember that preventive maintenance is always more cost-effective than reactive repairs, and Nissan of Orangeburg can help you stay on top of your vehicle's service schedule. Explore our Nissan service in Orangeburg, SC and schedule an appointment online!
Don’t forget to check our service specials to help you save on your next appointment! As your go-to Nissan dealer in Orangeburg, SC, we’re here to make maintenance easy and affordable.