Kirkland Nissan

Seattle, Do Your MPGs Dip During Winter?
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(Posted on Aug 19, 2018 at 07:55PM by Patrick Wensink)

Dear Patrick,

I have been a Nissan driver my entire life, and I currently love my Nissan Rogue. However, I keep noticing its fuel mileage takes a dip in the winter. Should I be fixing something?

-Rhonda

Hi Rhonda,

As if cold, grueling weather wasnâ€™t tough enough, right? We have good and bad news about this discovery. The upside is that you are not crazy! No matter the car, it is likely to experience a 20-25% drop in efficiency during frigid temperatures.

There are several factors that lead to this. Mainly, gas mileage is calculated in a laboratory under ideal driving conditions. While weather testing is standard for a lot of components, MPGs simply isnâ€™t one of them. So, when we put added stress on the motor, like a heater and defroster, thatâ€™s the reason you are seeing these numbers.

Now for the not-so-great news: there is not much that can counteract it. Just know that itâ€™s perfectly natural and nothing to be alarmed about. The best solution we can offer is to keep watching the meteorologistâ€™s report in hopes of sunny days ahead!

Let me know if I can tell you more regarding this complex topic.Â

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Car Maintenance Questions

Tacoma, Do You Pay Enough Attention To Your Timing Belts?
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most common nissan car maintenance questions tacoma washington most common nissan car insurance questions tacoma washington most common nissan car truck questions tacoma washington most common nissan automotive questions answers tacoma washington most common used nissan auto questions tacoma washington

(Posted on Aug 19, 2018 at 07:46PM by Patrick Wensink)

Dear Patrick,

My mechanic recommends changing the timing belt for my 2017 Nissan Sentra. But it has been running fine. This isnâ€™t really a big deal, is it?

-Austin

Hi Austin,

It is great news that your car is working properly right now. But ignoring this matter could lead to all sorts of awful problems. Experts agree this uncelebrated component is actually the lifeblood of the entire vehicle. Just like the name implies, it ensures each engine valve opens and closes at the precise moment they should. This allows for the appropriate intake and exhaust strokes within the cylinder. That means if the timing belt is even the slightest bit off, it could be total chaos under the hood.

If someone is suggesting replacing it, weâ€™d take that advice seriously. If the belt goes south, you will be left with abundantly expensive motor repairs. Trust us, this will save a lot of money and heartbreak by getting the everything properly cared for.

Ask the person who fixes the car to show you how it all works. Itâ€™s pretty fascinating!

Good luck and safe driving. Let me know if you have any other questions.

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Car Maintenance Questions

Is a Synthetic Oil Blend Right for Kirkland's Roads?
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most common nissan car maintenance questions tacoma washington most common nissan car insurance questions tacoma washington most common nissan car truck questions tacoma washington most common nissan automotive questions answers tacoma washington most common used nissan auto questions tacoma washington

(Posted on Aug 19, 2018 at 07:35PM by Patrick Wensink)

Dear Patrick,

I am nearing a milestone with my new Nissan Pathfinder. Itâ€™s time for its first oil change, and Iâ€™m curious about whether it is safe to switch to a synthetic blend. Also, is it a big deal to use a different grade?

-Kate

Hi Kate,

Awwww. Just like babyâ€™s first steps, people never forget such a magical moment! Only kidding (I hope). But this is an important time for the vehicle and its owner. You clearly already know how important regular upkeep can be, which is great. Itâ€™s perfectly okay to switch from traditional oil to something a little more high-tech. With a new engine like yours, there shouldnâ€™t be a problem. The only situation when drivers may want to consult their mechanic is for older cars that have been using regular 10W-40 for a while. Since this is not the case here, everything should be fine.

Now, as for the blends, we advise owners to avoid getting too creative. A manufacturerâ€™s recommendations for lubrication is very scientific and specifically geared for each model. Donâ€™t stray far from what they say to pour into the motor.

Hope that helps you with this exciting time in your ownership voyage.Â

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Car Maintenance Questions

Can I Easily Change the Wipers in My Nissan Frontier?
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most common nissan car maintenance questions tacoma washington most common nissan car insurance questions tacoma washington most common nissan car truck questions tacoma washington most common nissan automotive questions answers tacoma washington most common used nissan auto questions tacoma washington.

(Posted on Aug 13, 2018 at 04:15AM by Patrick Wensink)

Dear Patrick,

I love my mechanic, but he charges an arm and a leg to replace my windshield wipers. I am a single mom on a budget, and this seems like a way I can save money. Is it hard to change the blades on my Nissan Frontier without help?

-Anna

Hi Anna,

Good thinking! Buying and replacing them yourself is a great way to shave off added cost to a tune-up bill. Thereâ€™s also more positive news: this process couldnâ€™t be simpler!

First, ease the arm backward so it sticks out from the windshield at roughly a 90-degree angle.

Next, rotate the wiper so that it is parallel with the glass, essentially forming a T.

On the backside of the mechanism, you will discover a release tab. Unsnap it (itâ€™s a very simple metal hinge) to loosen the blade.

Pull it downward, and it should easily come free.

Finally, just repeat the steps in reverse to install the new blade and lock it into place. Be sure to test out the wipers when you are done by spraying fluid and running it a few times to make sure everything is secure.

Hope this helps. Let me know if you have any more questions.

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Car Maintenance Questions

Seattle, There's A Simple Way to Keep Nissan Altima Leather Looking New
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most common nissan car maintenance questions tacoma washington most common nissan car insurance questions tacoma washington most common nissan car truck questions tacoma washington most common nissan automotive questions answers tacoma washington most common used nissan auto questions tacoma washington

(Posted on Aug 10, 2018 at 04:46PM by Patrick Wensink)

Hi Patrick,

I am so mad at myself! I was drinking coffee in my new Nissan Altima and hit a pothole. Now I have a stain on my beautiful leather seats. Are they ruined?
-Darlene

Hi Darlene,

I am sure you must feel awful, but have no fear! Keeping things spotless is much easier than you would guess. A lot of this has to do with the fact that cowhide for cars is designed to take a beating.

First, choose a cleaning solution specifically for interiors like this. Most auto stores will offer a wide selection. The most important part is that you should also buy a leather and upholstery scrub brush. These are made with gentle bristles that wonâ€™t damage the material.

Follow the dilution directions on the bottle.

Find a portion of the seat to test everything on before tackling the big stain. I like to use the front end of the passenger side, which is usually out of sight.

Once you are certain this is the right combo, simply scrub out the coffee according to instructions and dry.

Everything should look as if itâ€™s never seen a drip of java.

Let me know how this works!

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Car Maintenance Questions

Hey, Seattle! Does Your 2018 Nissan Frontier Get an Oil Change Every 3000 Miles?
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most common nissan car maintenance questions seattle washington most common nissan car insurance questions seattle washington most common nissan car truck questions seattle washington most common nissan automotive questions answers seattle washington most common used nissan auto questions seattle washington

(Posted on Jul 29, 2018 at 09:33PM by Kiera Dailey)

Dear Kiera,

Â

I read online that I need to change the oil in my 2018 Nissan Frontier every 3000 miles. Is that true?

Â

Sincerely,

Stephanie

Â

There's a lot of conflicting information out there to answer - what should be - a fairly simple question. But it's mostly quick repair and oil change shops that advocate the 3,000-mile theory. Ultimately, you should read your ownerâ€™s manual or ask a trusted mechanic for the best information. That being said:Â the consensus of auto professionals is that the number sits somewhere between 5,000 - 7,500. This may seem like quite a gap, but remember it's just a rule of thumb.

Â

There are a few different things outside of the make and model that affect how long you can go between oil changes. The frequency of use is a large factor. If your car is mostly for looks and the occasional joy ride, youâ€™ll be able to stretch it a bit longer. If youâ€™re a daily commuter, however, youâ€™ll want to follow the manualâ€™s recommendations closely. Age also plays a role. As your vehicle creeps up in years, you may find you have to take it into the shop a little more often.

Â

I hope that helps, Stephanie! Let us know if you have any more maintenance questions about your Nissan Frontier.

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Car Maintenance Questions

Are You Using Regular Glass Cleaner to Wipe the Seattle Grunge from Your 2018 Nissan Altima?
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most common nissan car maintenance questions seattle washington most common nissan car insurance questions seattle washington most common nissan car truck questions seattle washington most common nissan automotive questions answers seattle washington most common used nissan auto questions seattle washington

(Posted on Jul 28, 2018 at 06:15PM by Kiera Dailey)

Dear Kiera,

Â

Do I really need to buy a car-specific glass cleaner? Canâ€™t I just clean my car windows with the same thing I use in the house?

Thanks!

Tom

Â

At first glance, it may seem like a waste of money to buy a glass cleaner specially formulated for your car - but just imagine your newly detailed 2018 Nissan Altima with streaked windows and peeling tint. A sad thing indeed.

Â

According to Glass Doctor, many over-the-counter cleaners contain ammonia. This harsh chemical tends to streak, which can create a glare - a serious problem if the sun hits your windshield at just the right (or wrong) time and place. It can also eat away at the vehicle tint, causing it to peel over time. Last but certainly not least, using the wrong solution can corrode the plastic and rubber pieces on your vehicle. This is particularly problematic as it could cause the parts holding the window in place to weaken.

Â

So, leave the household glass cleaner for chores at home and opt for one thatâ€™s ammonia-free and formulated specifically for vehicles, especially if you have tint on your windows.

Â

Weâ€™re here to help! Contact us if you have more questions about the best way to care for your Nissan.

Â

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21st Century Car Buying! Free Service Loaners For Life!

Seattle, Do Your MPGs Dip During Winter?

Tacoma, Do You Pay Enough Attention To Your Timing Belts?

Is a Synthetic Oil Blend Right for Kirkland's Roads?

Can I Easily Change the Wipers in My Nissan Frontier?

Seattle, There's A Simple Way to Keep Nissan Altima Leather Looking New

Hey, Seattle! Does Your 2018 Nissan Frontier Get an Oil Change Every 3000 Miles?

Are You Using Regular Glass Cleaner to Wipe the Seattle Grunge from Your 2018 Nissan Altima?

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