Kirkland Nissan

Bothell, Do You Know When To Change Wiper Blades?
Tags:

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 Sep 24, 2018 at 05:18AM by Patrick Wensink)

Hi Patrick,

Now that the rainy season is upon us, Iâ€™ve noticed the visibility in my Nissan Altima isnâ€™t what it used to be. Iâ€™ve owned the car for years and never changed the wipers. How do I check them?

-Sarah

Hi Sarah,

You hit the nail on the head. Iâ€™d bet a hundred bucks that they need replaced. We recommend folks do so at least yearly, if not more frequently. Luckily, there are simple ways to tell.

1. Inspect the rubber on the blade. If it is still one smooth piece, everything is fine. It is time to buy new ones if imperfections, cracks, or missing pieces are discovered.

2. Do you see streaks on the glass when using them? Thatâ€™s often a sign of unevenness, and they need to be swapped out.

3. Finally, open your ears. If it makes a whooshing sound, itâ€™s all good. But, if it stutters or hums when running across the windshield, thatâ€™s not ideal.

If you really want to get serious about things, look into seasonal blades. Ones made for winter are more tuned to fighting snow, sleet, and rain than traditional ones.

Either way, that should get you on the road to better vision. Let me know if there are other questions.Â

View Comments

Facebook Twitter Pinterest

Car Maintenance Questions

Fife, What's The Best Way to Wax A Car?
Tags:

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 Sep 21, 2018 at 06:53AM by Patrick Wensink)

Dear Patrick,

I just bought a used Nissan Pathfinder, but it looks like new. I want it to stay that way. I plan to keep it spotless, but Iâ€™ve never actually waxed a car before. Is it hard?

-Luz

Hi Luz,

This is a great way to keep your ride looking perfect and battling against the elements. Also, it couldnâ€™t be easier!

Wash and dry the exterior completely. This is an important step because it will not set properly if the sheet metal is dirty.

Place about a thumb-sized dollop on the sponge that comes with the packaging.

Rub the wax in lightly in a circular motion, about 12-inches in diameter. Make concentric rows of these patterns until the entire body of the vehicle is covered.

Be careful not to apply any to headlights and plastic components.

Allow everything to dry. It will be white and chalky when it is ready.

Finally, take a chamois and gently polish out all of the material. You should be left with a glimmering, shining Pathfinder that looks exactly like the day you drove it off the lot.

Simple, right?

Let me know if you have any other car care questions.Â Â

View Comments

Facebook Twitter Pinterest

Car Maintenance Questions

Redmond, Checking Your Car's Oil Is Easy
Tags:

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 Sep 20, 2018 at 06:47AM by Patrick Wensink)

Hi Patrick,

Itâ€™s embarrassing to admit this, but I have been driving for almost 10 years and have no idea how to check the oil on my Nissan Altima. Itâ€™s something I have wanted to do forever, but keep putting off. How do you do this?

-Clint

Hi Clint,

No need to be ashamed. You would be surprised by how many other folks have this same question. Most are too shy to bring it up, so maybe this will help them, too!

First, make sure the engine is cold. This means that you shouldnâ€™t even think about taking a peek until it has been sitting for an hour or two. A warm motor can burn skin or give a false reading.

Next, pop the hood and locate the dipstick. This should be a little hook or circle big enough to loop a finger through. Usually, but not always, it is labeled with something that says â€œOILâ€.

Pull this up. It will be a long, thin metal rod. Clean off the end with paper towel or a rag. Reinsert it.

Repeat the previous process, but look at where the dark lubricant stops. Most have a line that shows whether it is full or low. If it needs more, consider adding some yourself or having a professional help.

Let me know if you have any other questions!

View Comments

Facebook Twitter Pinterest

Car Financing Questions

Seattle, What's The Difference Between a Loan and a Lease
Tags:

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 Sep 19, 2018 at 06:38AM by Patrick Wensink)

Hi Patrick,

I have been dreaming of buying a new Nissan Maxima. I think Iâ€™m finally ready, but I canâ€™t choose between buying and leasing. Whatâ€™s the difference?

-Rashida

Hi Rashida,

Nice! You are going to have a blast with that car. This choice of financing comes down to personal expenses and your plans for the future. Itâ€™s very similar to the difference between buying and renting a home.

Letâ€™s look at this example of a 36-month loan and lease for a $30,000 automobile. First, the regular payment is about double when you buy. After that three year period, while factoring interest, the owner has paid $31,304. The other invested $16,250 over the same span. The big difference is, however, what happens after the time is up. This option means you own the car and never have to put another penny into it.

The second choice requires that you turn in the car for an alternate one and work out a new financial agreement. Basically, it comes down to what you can afford each month. Beyond that, knowing your preferences with this automobile is helpful. Everybody has their own preferences.

Let me know if you have any more questions.

View Comments

Facebook Twitter Pinterest

Car Maintenance Questions

Kirkland, Can You Plug a Flat Tire Fast?
Tags:

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 Sep 18, 2018 at 06:25AM by Patrick Wensink)

Dear Patrick,

I bought an expensive set of new tires for my Nissan Rogue. After less than a week, I ran over a nail! I put on the spare, but I really want to save this tire. Is there any hope?

-Hans

Hi Hans,

I literally just cringed thinking about this. How upsetting! But the good news is that there is something you can do. Go to an auto parts store and buy a tire plugging kit. The steps for repairing a puncture are surprisingly simple.

Locate the point of the air leak. Put a piece of tape on the wheel and mark an arrow so you can locate the spot after the obstruction is removed.
Get a pair of pliers and pull out the nail.
Next, ream out the opening. Your set should come with a circular file that can run through and clean it out.
Thread one of the thin strips of tar, called â€œworms,â€ through the tool. This works just like a sewing needle, only bigger.
Plunge the tool into the hole so that only half an inch of your plug sticks out of the tread.
Pull the handle up. This new seal should stay in place. Trim off the excess and fill it with air.

The tire is as good as new!

Let me know if you have any other questions.

View Comments

Facebook Twitter Pinterest

Car Insurance Questions

Hey Bothell, Do You Know What Liability Insurance Is?
Tags:

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 Sep 17, 2018 at 06:28AM by Patrick Wensink)

Hi Patrick,

I have owned my Nissan Frontier for a few years and love it. The time has come to take another look at all of my coverage options, and Iâ€™m confused about what liability insurance entails. Can you help?

-Ned

Hi Ned,

Wow, I totally understand. Switching up can feel overwhelming and even kind of scary. Thankfully, there are some pretty simple things thatâ€™ll sort everything out for you.

The first thing to should know is that liability is the minimum coverage required in every state. It is also often the least expensive, depending on your driving history and many other factors. So, if the biggest concern is staying legal, this is a good choice.

This particular form pays for repairs to other cars, medical expenses, and lost wages for people in other vehicles. This basically helps fund all the damages if you are found responsible in an accident.

However, there is one important element everyone should be aware of. Liability will not give you money for any of those costs to yourself or automobile. Those will come out of the ownerâ€™s own pocket if a collision is their fault.

Let me know if you have any other questions I can answer.Â Â

View Comments

Facebook Twitter Pinterest

Car Maintenance Questions

Tacoma, Do You Know How Long An Electric Car Battery Lasts?
Tags:

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 Sep 14, 2018 at 06:47AM by Patrick Wensink)

Dear Patrick,

Iâ€™m in the process of buying a new Nissan Leaf, and I couldnâ€™t be more thrilled to help the environment. But this is my first electric car, and I have some questions. Mainly: How long does its battery last?

-Jose

Hi Jose,

Congratulations on the new purchase! I have a hunch youâ€™ll be so happy with such an awesome set of wheels. This is a great thing to ask and it can actually be answered in two parts.

First, an electric car can go pretty far between charges, if that is what you are asking. Typically, a 2018 model has been tested and can travel about 150 miles before needing to be plugged in again.

However, some folks might also be curious as to the lifespan of a new power source. As the energy cells under the hood age, it is true that they need to be replaced by a professional. According to experts, you should be able to get about 8-10 years out of a fresh battery until having to replace it. The good news is that a Leaf should run like the day it was bought afterward.

Let me know if you have any more questions.

View Comments

Facebook Twitter Pinterest

Car Insurance Questions

Redmond, Are Insurance Rates Higher For Electric Cars?
Tags:

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 Sep 13, 2018 at 06:38AM by Patrick Wensink)

Hi Patrick,

My husband and I are toying with the idea of buying a Nissan Leaf, and we were curious about insurance. Are rates more expensive with one of these cars, or is it the same as an old-fashioned model?

-Fran

Hi Fran,

I like your style! Itâ€™s always good to do a lot of homework before buying any car, but itâ€™s especially important when you are making a big change like this. This is a complicated one, so Iâ€™ll break it down as best I can.

First, purchasing a non-petroleum using car will save money at the pump. For example, experts say it only costs about $2.50 to power up this car. A fully charged battery will last just as long as a tank of fuel in most cases. So, thereâ€™s that to consider.

However, in my research, I have found that an electric vehicle does often cost a little more to insure than a traditional set of wheels. There are several factors, ranging from price, size of the automobile, to driving records. Ideally, the two balance each other out, but that depends on your individual situation.

Let me know if any more questions come to mind that I can answer.

View Comments

Facebook Twitter Pinterest

Car Maintenance Questions

Kirkland, Why Should You Rotate Your Tires?
Tags:

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 Sep 12, 2018 at 11:27AM by Patrick Wensink)

2018 nissan sentra for sale kirkland bellevue seattle washington

Dear Patrick,

Iâ€™ve owned my Nissan Sentra for a little while, and my body shop has recommended that I rotate the tires. Frankly, I donâ€™t even know what this means or why someone would do it. Can you help?

-Cal

Hi Cal,

Great question. This simple maintenance choice is one of the most overlooked elements of car ownership. Maybe because it doesnâ€™t exactly sound like something important. However, giving the wheels this treatment will actually save money and make you safer on the road. We highly recommend doing it!

To keep it simple, rotation means to move each around so that they wear down evenly. For example, a mechanic will put the right on the left side, or move the front to the rear, and sometimes swap them out diagonally.

The purpose of this seemingly odd tactic is really important. Each position ages in different ways, so it helps with balance things. For starters, it puts off replacing the treads by squeezing every mile possible of them. Probably most notable, however, is that it helps prevent blowouts by not letting the rubber get too thin.

Let me know if you have any more questions.Â Â

View Comments

Facebook Twitter Pinterest

Car Insurance Questions

Fife, Why is SUV Insurance Cheaper?
Tags:

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 Sep 12, 2018 at 11:27AM by Patrick Wensink)

Hey Patrick,

I recently bought a Nissan Pathfinder and was surprised to find that my insurance went down for this large-and-in-charge ride. Iâ€™m not complaining, but Iâ€™m wondering what gives?

-Luke

Hi Luke,

Now thatâ€™s what I call a pleasant discovery! You arenâ€™t alone, either. Many people who buy larger vehicles discover their coverage suddenly softens up quite a bit. Thereâ€™s a really simple reason for this: safety.

An SUV like yours is a big, sturdy automobile that is loaded with airbags and a reinforced frame. In addition, adjusters take into account little things such as visibility when making their calculations. They really like rides that get high marks from crash testing organizations, including the IIHSA and others.

The explanation why a more protective model lowers your bills is easy. Providers trust a driver will probably be in fewer accidents in this case. Also, if you are involved in a collision, they can also take comfort in knowing that the chance of injury is lower. So, these companies encourage drivers to get behind the wheel of cars like this by making it affordable.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

View Comments

Facebook Twitter Pinterest

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

Bothell, Do You Know When To Change Wiper Blades?

Fife, What's The Best Way to Wax A Car?

Redmond, Checking Your Car's Oil Is Easy

Seattle, What's The Difference Between a Loan and a Lease

Kirkland, Can You Plug a Flat Tire Fast?

Hey Bothell, Do You Know What Liability Insurance Is?

Tacoma, Do You Know How Long An Electric Car Battery Lasts?

Redmond, Are Insurance Rates Higher For Electric Cars?

Kirkland, Why Should You Rotate Your Tires?

Fife, Why is SUV Insurance Cheaper?

CALENDAR

CATEGORIES

CALENDAR

Recent Posts from this Blog

TAGS

TWITTER POSTS

Username
Password