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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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!
5. 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.

As the season transitions from the long, hot summer to the short, cold fall and winter here in South Carolina, you may see the tire pressure monitoring system light appear on your dashboard at some point. If you do see this light, there’s no need to stress — the light may be indicating that your tires are underinflated due to the dropping temperatures.

Your local Nissan dealership in Orangeburg, SC, is here to help you with Nissan tire maintenance to ensure that your tires last as long as possible. You can rely on the Nissan of Orangeburg service experts to provide Nissan summer and winter tire care tips, answer your questions about how temperature affects tires, and tell you more about seasonal tire pressure changes. If your vehicle’s tire pressure monitoring system warning light is illuminated, feel free to bring your ride in for a Nissan tire pressure check!

Wondering how tire pressure and weather changes are related? Simply put, as air cools, its volume decreases. So when the temperatures drop, your vehicle’s tire pressure will decrease, which may lead to underinflated tires. On the flip side, as air warms up, its volume increases. So when the temperatures rise, your vehicle’s tire pressure will increase, which may lead to overinflated tires.

Now that you know how weather affects tire pressure, let’s find out why maintaining the proper Nissan tire pressure in winter and summer is important.

Why Tire Pressure Matters: Ensuring Safety and Efficiency for Your Nissan

No matter the season, it’s essential to ensure that your tires are in good shape. After all, they’re one of the most important parts of your vehicle. One of the ways you can take care of your tires is by regular tire pressure maintenance, which can include seasonal tire pressure adjustments. Proper tire inflation benefits include:

• Better Nissan fuel efficiency: When tires are underinflated, rolling resistance is increased. That leads to decreased fuel efficiency. When tires are at the correct PSI, your engine won’t have to work as hard, resulting in better fuel efficiency.
• Longer tire life: If your tires are underinflated or overinflated, this can lead to uneven tread wear. For underinflated tires, the wear will show on the outer edges of the tires. For overinflated tires, the wear will show at the center of the tires. In contrast, proper tire inflation will result in even tread wear, thus helping your tires last longer.
• Better performance & safety: Overinflated or underinflated tires can result in reduced performance and become a safety hazard. Your vehicle will perform better with properly inflated tires, resulting in a smoother, safer ride.

Convinced of Nissan tire pressure importance? For more Nissan vehicle safety tips, feel free to reach out to a member of our team!

How to Check Tire Pressure: A Step-by-Step Guide for Nissan Owners

While the technicians here at your local Nissan dealer in Orangeburg, SC, are happy to check Nissan tire pressure for you, you can also learn how to perform a simple DIY tire pressure check at home — or wherever!

Tire Pressure Guide for Nissan:

• If you don’t already have one, you’ll need to buy a tire pressure gauge.
• Next, consult your owner’s manual or the sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb to find out what the Nissan recommended tire PSI is for your specific model.
• It’s recommended that you check the pressure of your tires when they’re cold, meaning that they haven’t been driven for a few hours.
• Whenever you’re ready, choose a tire and take off its valve cap, making sure you don’t lose it.
• Then, connect the tire pressure gauge to the valve stem, pressing firmly.
• See what the tire pressure gauge reads.
• Following the Nissan recommended tire PSI, add air to the tire if needed by using an air compressor.
• When finished, don’t forget to put the valve cap back on.
• You’ll do the same for the rest of the tires.

Maximizing Tire Longevity: Why Consistent Tire Pressure Checks Save You Money

Did you know that you can save money by ensuring that your tires have the correct air pressure? Since proper tire inflation can extend Nissan tire life, that means you likely won’t have to purchase new tires as often as you would if your tires were regularly under or overinflated, both of which cause uneven tread wear. With the correct tire pressure, you also will spend less money on gas since properly inflated tires result in better fuel economy, unlike underinflated tires.

Here at our Nissan Orangeburg, SC, dealership, we’re all about Nissan tire wear prevention and supporting you throughout your Nissan ownership journey. N

ow that you’re aware of the benefits of regular tire maintenance and the importance of tire pressure checks, you can trust us for cost-effective Nissan tire care whenever you need tire maintenance in Orangeburg, SC. Feel free to reach out to us for more Nissan tire care tips and assistance. From inspecting tires to helping our customers choose a new set of Nissan tires in Orangeburg, SC, our tire experts are committed to ensuring a smooth and safe ride for all of our valued guests — and that includes you!

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No matter which Nissan vehicle you choose, safety comes standard. The brand is known for its innovation in safety technology, always looking to the future to remain ahead of the curve.

Five vehicles from Nissan’s line-up have been named a “2022 Top Safety Pick” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)! This highly coveted award identifies the vehicles that exceed safety standards, standing out from the pack within each category. 

Here are the winners: 

• Mid-size SUV: Nissan Murano
• Small SUV: Nissan Rogue
• Mid-size Car: Nissan Altima and Nissan Maxima
• Small Car: Nissan Sentra (when equipped with LED Projector headlights)

Test drive one of these top safety picks at Nissan of Orangeburg today!

How Are Top Safety Pick Winners Determined?

Top Safety Pick+ winners must earn “Good” ratings in all six crash test criteria, including the following tests: Driver-side small overlap front, passenger-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, original side, roof strength and head restraints. Winners must also have “Acceptable” or “Good” standard headlights as well as “Advanced” or “Superior” ratings for available front crash prevention in vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian evaluation.

Top Safety Pick award winners, a slightly lower tier, must meet the same requirements – except “Acceptable” or “Good” rated headlights need only be available, not standard. Note that the Nissan Sentra’s addition of LED projector headlights elevated it to its spot in this category.

What Driver Assist Features Come Standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360?

Nissan Safety Shield 360 includes the following must-have features, designed with your family in mind!

• Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Rear automatic braking
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Blind spot monitoring
• Lane departure warning
• Automatic high-beam assist

Nissan also offers Pro-Pilot Assist, a suite of driver assist features that pairs Intelligent Cruise Control capabilities with Steering Assist tech. This system requires drivers to keep their hands on the wheel, and enhances safety for those susceptible to driver fatigue. For instance, Brake Assist allows drivers to set their desired distance from the vehicle in front of them, and applies the brakes when necessary. Check out these features during your test drive:

• Lane Keep Assist
• Braking Assist
• Blind Spot Detection
• Speed Limit Assist
• Speed Adjust by Route

Find Your Favorite Nissan Model For Sale in Orangeburg Today!

Your new Nissan awaits here at Nissan of Orangeburg! Whether you’re looking for a speedy sports car like the Nissan GT or an eco-friendly Nissan Leaf, our team is here to help! You’ll find this model year’s most popular Nissans, plus a great selection of budget-friendly used options.

As your trusted Nissan dealer in Orangeburg, we’re proud to serve drivers in Cayce, Gaston, and Lexington County. Customers from our state capital of Columbia also visit us, proving that great deals are worth the drive! Come see us today!

It takes some serious preparation to do a road trip right. From planning your route to packing snacks, there is a lot to do to ensure your family is ready to hit the road.

But it is even more important to make sure your vehicle is equipped for the miles ahead. Because car trouble can send your vacation off track quickly, our certified technicians here at Nissan of Orangeburg have created this helpful car maintenance checklist! 

We are dedicated to keeping your car running at peak performance, no matter where the road takes you. Schedule your appointment with our Nissan Service Department today – and check each item off this list before you embark on your next great adventure.

• Conduct a thorough tire check.

Carefully inspect your tires for uneven tire tread wear, cuts, gouges, etc. Check your owner’s manual for tire pressure recommendations and make sure your tires are properly inflated – before you leave and along the way. Tire rotations are also important, so consult your maintenance schedule and make sure you are up to date. Plus, do not forget a spare tire! 

• Make sure your battery is in good condition.

Check your battery to ensure it is in good condition. Dead batteries require a jump or roadside assistance – and nothing puts a damper on your travels like car trouble!

• Test the brakes.

Listen carefully for squeaking, grinding or any other abnormal noises. If you hear anything suspicious, schedule an inspection. The qualified technicians at our Nissan Service Department will check your brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums and fluid levels.

• Check all fluid levels.

Make sure all the following are correct:

• Engine oil levels
• Transmission fluid levels
• Power steering fluid levels
• Coolant levels 
• Brake fluid levels
• Windshield washer fluid levels

It is a good idea to check your wiper blades too, so that you are prepared for any storms you may encounter.

• Properly maintain filters.

To ensure your vehicle achieves peak performance, check both the cabin and engine air filters. Check your oil filter as well.

• Check belts and hoses.

As a general rule, most maintenance schedules recommend replacing drive belts and timing belts every 60,000 miles. If radiator hoses are bulging, worn, brittle, or too soft, that is a clear indication that it is time to replace them. 

• Test your air conditioner.

Your car’s air conditioner provides much-needed relief during summer’s sweltering days – so be sure that it is working properly before hitting the road.

• Ensure your lights are working properly.

Check your headlights and all interior lights to be sure they function correctly.

Roadside Emergency Kit Essentials

While stocking up on snacks is crucial for keeping hunger at bay between pit stops, packing your car emergency kit is even more important! Remember that you cannot always rely on cell phone service, and if you find yourself stuck on the side of the road, you will want these essentials within reach.

Include these items in your road trip emergency kit:

• A spare tire, jack and wheel wrench 
• Jumper cables
• First aid kit (including bandages, aspirin, scissors, tape, etc)
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Basic tool kit
• Car charger for phone
• Nonperishable, high-protein snacks (nuts, granola bars, etc)
• Drinking water
• Rain poncho
• Reflective triangles and vest to increase visibility
• Small fire extinguisher

Schedule Your Service Appointment at Nissan of Orangeburg!

Ready for an inspection to ensure your vehicle checks every box on the car maintenance checklist? Schedule a service appointment today and drive with confidence.

If you are looking to buy a Nissan in Orangeburg before hitting the opening road, we can help with that, too! As your trusted Nissan dealership in Orangeburg, our team is committed to helping you find the perfect new vehicle. 

Check out the stylish Nissan Altima, with a roomy interior and plenty of fun tech features. Or test drive the family-friendly Rogue, the 2021 IIHS Top Safety Pick with the most standard safety features in its class!

Get to Nissan of Orangeburg today!