Kirkland Nissan

Bellevue, What Kind of Trouble Can a Loose Fuel Cap Cause for Your Altima?
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(Posted on Oct 1, 2018 at 04:48AM by Patrick Wensink)

Hi Patrick,

We recently upgraded to a new Nissan Altima, and everything is going great there. But our old car has had its check engine light on since the dawn of time. Everything runs fine, so what gives?

-Howard

Hi Howard,

Welcome to the one of the oldest questions in vehicle ownership history! It has baffled experts and been the butt of countless standup comedy routines. I totally get where you are coming from: taking an older car to the mechanic for an unnecessary look is not in your budget, right? I might not have all the answers, but there is one thing you should try first.

You are going to think I am crazy, but replace the gas cap. By picking up a new one at an auto parts store, you might just save yourself a lot of headaches. Thatâ€™s because a loose fuel cap is one of the most frequent causes of such dashboard head scratchers.

Itâ€™s a $15 fix that could save you more than just repair fees. Experts agree that any added air entering the fuel tank alters the performance. If this is the case, your old ride has likely been getting much worse mileage as a result.

I hope the answer is that simple for your Altima. Donâ€™tâ€™ hesitate to ask anything else that comes up.Â

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Car Maintenance Questions

Kirkland, Are You Sure You Know How To Change Your Sentra's Wiper Fluid?
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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 Oct 1, 2018 at 04:08AM by Patrick Wensink)

Patrick,

Ok, so this is kinda embarrassing. My Nissan Sentra has run out of windshield wiper fluid. The hard part is that I do not have the slightest clue how to replace it. I donâ€™t want to ask my mechanic. Can you help?

-Donnie

Donnie,

You came to the right place. We do not pass judgement here! You would be shocked by how many people have issues like this and never make a peep. This is one of the simplest pieces of maintenance an owner can do.

1. Purchase a jug of windshield wiper solution. Itâ€™s usually in a gallon container and bright blue.
2. Pop your hood and locate a plastic cap that says â€œFLUIDâ€ or something similar.
3. Pull that cover off, which should reveal a funnel-like opening.
4. Pour in the liquid until you reach the FILL line.
5. With an empty tank, you will probably use up the entire bottle.
6. Replace everything the way it came. Also, know that it will take a few pulls of the handle to get everything to eject onto the glass.

This will be a snap in your Sentra. Donâ€™t worry. Let me know if you have any other car care questions!

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Car Maintenance Questions

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 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 Maintenance Questions

Kirkland, Can You Plug a Flat Tire Fast?
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(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 Maintenance Questions

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

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

Bellevue, What Kind of Trouble Can a Loose Fuel Cap Cause for Your Altima?

Kirkland, Are You Sure You Know How To Change Your Sentra's Wiper Fluid?

Redmond, When Is It Time To Check Transmission Fluid?

Tacoma, Do You Know How to DIY Window Tint?

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

Kirkland, Can You Plug a Flat Tire Fast?

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

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