(Posted on Oct 25, 2018 at 07:01AM by Robert Bacon)
Hi, Robert
The bad weather is coming in and I want to make sure I can see regardless of the conditions. So, how do I know when I need new wipers on my 2018 Nissan Armada?
Thanks,
Tony
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Hi, Tony!
Let me start by saying it’s great to see how proactive you are about this. Far too many people wait until they can’t see a thing to change their wipers. Once your blades start to deteriorate, they no longer make proper contact with the windshield on your Nissan Armada. You’ll hear it in the form of chatter, squeaks, and skips.
The rule of thumb is, when water begins to get smeared instead of kicked off, it’s time to change them. Generally speaking, your wipers should be replaced every six months to a year. Various factors determine their lifespan but none more so than the climate you live in. If you're worried about snow or ice setting in overnight, pivot your blades forward. This will help ensure they don't become stuck and give you a chance to clear the windshield in the morning.
Thanks for the question, Tony! Stay safe out there this winter and don’t hesitate to contact us again if anything else pops up.
(Posted on Oct 21, 2018 at 07:01AM by Robert Bacon)
Hi, Robert!
My friend checks his tire pressure every time he goes to a gas station. Can you explain if this is necessary and something I should be doing on my 2018 Nissan Titan?
Thanks,
John
Hi, John!
It’s impressive to hear how diligent your friend is. To get straight to the point: yes, checking your pressure is important and definitely something you should be doing. If your tires are overinflated, they have smaller contact patches with the road, meaning you have less stability and traction when driving. This, of course, could be dangerous, especially in bad conditions.
On the other hand, if a tire’s pressure is too low, this puts more stress on it and causes it to overheat. This will result in your tread wearing away much faster than if you were operating at optimal temperatures.Â
Here are two habits which are great to get into. Like your friend, just check your tires when filling up or, at least, once every few times you head to a gas station. Apart from that, you can do a quick visual inspection before entering your vehicle. This should help you see any obvious issues.
Thanks for your question, John! Contact our team again if you ever need anything.Â
(Posted on Oct 20, 2018 at 07:01AM by Robert Bacon)
Hi, Robert
I was recently out in some heavy rain and briefly lost control of my 2018 Nissan Maxima. My friend, who was in the car at the time, said I had hydroplaned. Could you explain what causes this?
Thanks,
Jennifer
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Hi, Jennifer!
I’m sorry to hear about your experience. It does sound like you could have hydroplaned and that’s never pleasant. The tires on your Maxima have treads (grooves) which channel water out from underneath them. This is what keeps you in contact with the road when it’s wet.
Sometimes, there’s just too much water and it can’t be kicked out quickly enough. This leads to you, essentially, riding along the top of a puddle instead of cutting through it. Traveling at speeds in excess of 35 mph or driving over oil residue which has mixed with rain can increase your chances of hydroplaning.
Being aggressive when accelerating, braking, and turning could also cause this happen - so try to slow down and drive smoothly in bad weather conditions. It also helps to follow the tracks left by vehicles in front of you and avoid the outer lanes where standing water can accumulate.
Stay safe, Jennifer! Please contact us again if you have any more questions.
(Posted on Oct 19, 2018 at 07:00AM by Robert Bacon)
Hi Robert,
I bought a 2016 Nissan Pathfinder last year and, lately, I have been hearing some noises coming from the brakes. Do you have any idea what could be causing this?
Thanks,
Paul
Hi, Paul!
It’s great to see you’re taking brake maintenance so seriously. When it comes down to it, they’re your last line of defense in an emergency, so you want them performing well.
The type of sound your brakes make indicates what the problem could be. A high-pitched squeal would mean your pads are more than likely worn out and need to be replaced. This is something you should get fixed at your earliest convenience, as your stopping force will be reduced.
If you hear a grinding noise, it suggests two pieces of metal are rubbing against each other. This is a more serious issue and, if left unchecked, it could lead to major problems like a warped or broken rotor. I’m not sure what sound is coming from your Pathfinder but, either way, you should call into Kirkland Nissan and ask the Service Department to look over it.
Thanks for your question, Paul! If anything else crops up, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
(Posted on Oct 18, 2018 at 07:00AM by Robert Bacon)
Hi Robert,
I bought a pre-owned 2017 Nissan Altima last year and haven't changed the tires since. How do I know when they need to be replaced?
Thanks,
Jeff
Hi, Jeff!
What a great time to ask this question with the wintry weather upon us. A classic trick is to place a penny, upside down, in the treads of your tires. If you can see beyond the top of Abe Lincoln’s head, they have worn to an unsafe level.
Check for any damage to the sidewall, like tears or a bulge. These are things which can’t be fixed and could lead to a blowout, meaning the tire will need to be replaced. You should also look for dry rot, which would be present if there are a lot of small cracks on the rubber. This is dangerous as chunks can fly off and hit your Altima when driving.
While you're down there, make sure both sides of the tires are wearing evenly. If they’re not, it could indicate problems with your suspension or a misalignment.
Thanks for the question, Jeff, and don’t hesitate to contact us again should you need to.
(Posted on Oct 17, 2018 at 09:03AM by Robert Bacon)
Dear Robert,
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I was thinking about getting a 2018 Nissan LEAF this year. Could you tell me how maintenance differs on a LEAF compared to a gas car?
Thanks,
Mark
This is a great question and an even better time to make the switch to electric. You’ll be happy to know, in terms of maintenance, it isn’t so much about what you need to do differently, but rather what you can stop doing.
Of course, things like tires and windshield wipers will still need to be replaced, as they would on a gas car. But, since the LEAF is powered by an all-electric motor, it doesn't require as much maintenance. You can stop fretting about changing the engine oil, transmission fluid, and spark plugs. You’ll also never need to worry about getting a new muffler or putting your car through an emissions test again.
Since the LEAF uses regenerative technology (which slows the platform via kinetic energy distribution), wear and tear on its pads and discs is greatly reduced. In the real world, this means the brakes will last about twice as long as the ones on your average gas car.
Best of luck with your new purchase, Mark, and don’t hesitate to ask any other questions that come up.
(Posted on Oct 13, 2018 at 06:00PM by Darby Riales)
Dear Darby,
I’m looking for a sporty ride that can burn some serious rubber. What’s the top speed for the new 2019 Nissan 370Z?
Thanks,
Rick
You will be thrilled to know that the 2019 Nissan 370Z will never disappoint when it comes to acceleration and agility. This sleek car was made to bolt down the raceway!
Growling under the hood is a 3.7-liter V6 engine that pumps out 332 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. Equipped with a seven-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, it has a fuel economy set at 22 mpg combined (19 city/26 highway).
In track tests, this coupe was able to go from zero to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds. It ate up a quarter of a mile in just 13.3 secs. With its robust engine, aerodynamic design, and 19-inch alloy wheels with performance tires, this spry model can reach 155 mph in a short amount of time. Stability and traction control make the experience smooth so that you don’t have to worry about slipping or sliding in corners.
Want to learn more about the 2019 370Z? Get in touch with Kirkland Nissan today!
(Posted on Oct 12, 2018 at 07:00PM by Darby Riales)
Dear Darby,
I’ve had my eye on the 2018 Nissan Maxima Platinum for a few weeks. Can you tell me more about the driver assistance features?
Sincerely,
Andrea
If you’re looking for a beautiful sedan with luxury options without the high price tag, then the 2018 Nissan Maxima is a perfect choice! This competent model can hold its own against competitors like the Acura TLX and the Lincoln MKZ. It’s loaded with all kinds of new technology to keep you safe on the road.
NissanConnect services include automatic accident notification, emergency calling, stolen vehicle location, and remote start. These convenient functions will keep you connected in the event of an incident.
The Intelligent Mobility system adds blind-spot monitoring and forward collision warning to alert you to any other automobiles getting too close. Another cool gadget is the 360-degree parking camera which stitches together images from your surroundings. This provides you with a clear view of any obstacles. The new Maxima even has rain-sensing wipers that will switch on immediately during inclement weather.
Do you still have questions about the 2018 Maxima? Get in touch with Kirkland Nissan for more answers today!
(Posted on Oct 11, 2018 at 09:00PM by Darby Riales)
Dear Darby,
My current car doesn’t have smartphone integration. I have to use the auxiliary jack, and it gets tedious. I’m looking at the 2018 Nissan Rogue as an upgrade. Is it compatible with my iPhone?
Thanks,
Carl
You will be happy to know that the short answer is yes! The new 2018 Rogue has an array of new technology that makes keeping you connected easy and distraction-free. It includes Apply CarPlay and Android Auto, which means that you can merge any smartphone device with the infotainment interface.
Bluetooth also works for calls and listening to your personalized playlists through the four-speaker stereo. The centrally-located 7-inch touchscreen displays all of these operations and the view from the back camera. What’s more is that you can tune in to satellite radio and even use the two USB ports to charge your cells.
You don’t need to be bothered by wires, cords, or cables anymore. Now, everything will sync seamlessly for your convenience and entertainment pleasure.
Want to test it out for yourself? Give our team at Kirkland Nissan a call to schedule a test drive in a new 2018 Rogue today! We are here to address all of your questions.Â
(Posted on Oct 10, 2018 at 07:00PM by Darby Riales)
Dear Darby,
I’ve been saving up to get the new 2018 Nissan Leaf, and I’m finally ready to buy! How far does it go before needing more juice?
Thanks,
Celeste
This is the perfect year to invest in an environmentally-friendly car. The new 2018 Nissan Leaf is better than ever with upgraded electronics and a longer driving range.
Powered by a 110-kW fully electric motor fed by a 40 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, this nifty hatchback can travel for up to 151 miles. You can head off on the weekends to Mt. Rainer National Park for a quick getaway. The onboard 6.6 kWh cable makes replenishing the energy stores easy. You can be back to 80% in as little as 30 minutes.
If you opt for the SV trim level, it will include safety features such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning/intervention, and adaptive cruise control. All of these functions work in unison to help prevent accidents on the road. They come in quite handy on road trips.
Do you have other questions about the 2018 Leaf? Get in touch with Kirkland Nissan in Seattle, Washington today!