Kirkland Nissan

Redmond, When Is It Time To Check Transmission Fluid?
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(Posted on Sep 28, 2018 at 05:37AM by Patrick Wensink)

Dear Patrick,

I have a manual transmission Nissan 370Z and love to hit the open road. Recently, it has shifting harder. What does this mean?

-Otto

Hi Otto,

Weâ€™ve seen everything around here. This is a pretty common issue, so donâ€™t worry too much. Usually, I tell folks one of three things is two blame when they experience this problem.

First: Your fluid is low. Without proper lubricant, gears will grind, hum, or even refuse to shift. To investigate this issue, pop the hood and locate a gauge that looks like the oil dipstick. It will be labeled for the transmission, though. Pull it out and check, just like youâ€™d do with petroleum. If it is low, consult the manual on how best to top it off.

Second: the computer might need to be restarted. This is a pretty frequent issue with newer stick shifts. Safely detach the battery (Check ownerâ€™s instructions if youâ€™ve never done this before) and let it sit for 30 minutes. Hook everything back up and see if resetting the system helped.

Third: If these donâ€™t solve anything, consult a mechanic.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

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Car Maintenance Questions

Tacoma, Do You Know How to DIY Window Tint?
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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 Sep 27, 2018 at 05:30AM by Patrick Wensink)

Hey Patrick,

I just bought a sweet, pre-owned Nissan Sentra. I love everything about it, except the windows. I have sensitive eyes and want to tint them. Is that impossible to do on my own?

-Grace

Hi Grace,

Congrats on the new ride. I understand where you are coming from. Having a professional darken the windows can be expensive. Luckily, there is a way to handle it yourself.

Most auto parts stores sell kits. Find one within the budget and follow the instructions carefully. In almost all cases, there are a few simple steps to blacken that glass.

First, everything must be perfectly clean. Often, these DIY options come with cleaning solution, a scraper, and dust-free cloth to get it spotless.
Next, apply a thin layer of tinted plastic over the surface. Cut it to fit the exact dimensions of the windows, which many find to be the trickiest part.
The final step usually involves applying adhesive so the film stays on tight.

Each set is a little different, but that is the basic idea. With a little time and precision, it could save you big bucks.

Good luck and let me know if you have other questions.

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Car Insurance Questions

Kirkland, Why Does Pickup Truck Insurance Cost Less?
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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 Sep 26, 2018 at 05:23AM by Patrick Wensink)

Dear Patrick,

We just bought our first pickup, a Nissan Frontier. We love hauling stuff around town, but also got a pleasant surprise when our insurance rates went down. Weâ€™re not complaining, but just curious why?

-Dave and Cindy

Hi Dave and Cindy,

So happy you are both getting the most out of this new set of wheels! Iâ€™m not shocked you discovered a lower monthly bill. Thereâ€™s a simple explanation, actually.

Often, we hear about comprehensive and collision coverages being cheaper for trucks than sedans. It all has to do with how the agencies rate the safety and cost of replacement for a vehicle. Yours, obviously, scored very high. That has a lot to do with the ground clearance. Studies show, automobiles that are higher off the road take less damage in an accident. People, likewise, tend to suffer fewer injuries.

Another factor is that a burly workhorse like yours doesnâ€™t have as many gadgets and computer gizmos to replace. In a wreck, these are the kind of things insurers like to see. Folks have been known to save even more with older models, which are even simpler.

Hope that helps. Let me know if you have any other questions.Â

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Car Maintenance Questions

Seattle, Do You Know How to Spot a Brake Leak?
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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 Sep 25, 2018 at 05:16AM by Patrick Wensink)

Hey Patrick,

We own two cars in my family. A new Nissan Rogue that runs like a dream, and an ancient beater weâ€™ve had for years. The older one acts funny whenever it needs to stop. How do I check for a leak??

-Miguel

Hi Miguel,

Brakes are no joke, so if there are serious concerns, we always recommend talking to a mechanic. But, if you feel confident in doing the job, there are three easy places to hunt for issues.

1. Pop the hood and locate the brake fluid reservoir. This is a tank, much like the windshield wiperâ€™s. If it is low, pour in some more. Keep an eye on it for the next several days to determine if more is escaping.

2. If you are still unsure, look for puddles under the automobile. This is usually a sign something is not right.

3. Finally, the ultimate test involves taking off the wheel. Jack up the car and remove the lug nuts as if changing the tire. Once it is removed, look around. If there are stains or wetness on the calipers and pad, it is a problem.

Hope that is helpful. Let me know if there are any more questions.

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Car Maintenance Questions

Bothell, Do You Know When To Change Wiper Blades?
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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 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

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Car Maintenance Questions

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

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Car Maintenance Questions

Redmond, Checking Your Car's Oil Is Easy
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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 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!

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Car Financing Questions

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

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Car Maintenance Questions

Kirkland, Can You Plug a Flat Tire Fast?
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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 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.

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Car Insurance Questions

Hey Bothell, Do You Know What Liability Insurance Is?
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(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

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

Redmond, When Is It Time To Check Transmission Fluid?

Tacoma, Do You Know How to DIY Window Tint?

Kirkland, Why Does Pickup Truck Insurance Cost Less?

Seattle, Do You Know How to Spot a Brake Leak?

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?

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