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Most Common Nissan Vehicle Questions In Seattle, Tacoma, And Bellevue Washington
new 2018 nissan versa for sale in seattle washingtonDear Robert,

My 2018 Nissan Versa has been overheating recently. I’ve checked the coolant-to-water ratio and it’s fine and I haven’t been able to find any leaks. What would you recommend looking at next?

Thanks,
Kevin

 
Hi, Kevin!

If your 2018 Nissan Versa is overheating, you’ve already taken the first two steps to find out what’s causing it.

If there's enough coolant in the engine, it's likely that something is stopping it from circulating. So I think you should check your hoses, as they could be blocked.

Dirt and road sediment can get into your coolant hoses which stops the flow of liquid around the engine.

To tackle this situation yourself, you’ll need to flush the system and refill the coolant tank. If this doesn’t solve the issue, the problem could be linked to your radiator or a broken water pump.

Don't worry if the above task is outside of your mechanical ability. You can always call down to our Service Department and let the Technicians have a look at your Versa.

Thanks for the question, Kevin! Please don’t hesitate to contact Kirkland Nissan, Washington again if you ever need anything else.

new 2019 nissan rogue for sale in seattle washingtonDear Robert,

My father has advised that I upgrade the spark plugs in my 2019 Nissan Rogue. He said to go with either single or double platinum units: could you explain the difference?

Thanks,
Kim

Hi, Kim!

There’s no right or wrong decision here. But upgrading the spark plugs in your 2019 Nissan Rogue to single or double platinum ones will provide some benefits.

To start with, you should understand that standard spark plugs are usually copper on the inside with a nickel-alloy coating around the electrode. These tend to last for about 20,000 miles before performance levels drop.

Single platinum spark plugs: These units use a platinum center electrode which is harder than the regular nickel-alloy coating. They usually last for up to 100,000 miles.

Double platinum spark plugs: These units use platinum for both the center and ground electrodes. They also last for up to 100,000 miles but offer greater performance benefits than the single version.

Whether or not you should change your spark plugs depends on what you want from your Rogue. If you plan on racking up a lot of miles, it makes sense to get components that have a longer lifespan.

Thanks for your question, Kim! Contact Kirkland Nissan, Washington again if you need anything else.

new 2018 nissan kicks for sale in seattle washingtonDear Robert,

My 2018 Nissan Kicks’ headlights have been flickering lately. I was told this is due to a problem with the alternator: what do you think?

Thanks,
Martin

 
Hi, Martin!

There are a number of reasons your 2018 Nissan Kicks’ headlights would start flickering. A malfunctioning alternator could be to blame, and I’ll explain why.

Your alternator takes energy from the vehicle's crankshaft and turns it into electricity which is then stored in the car’s battery.

So, when your engine is running, the alternator helps to power all the electrical systems in your Kicks.

If your alternator begins to fail, it won’t send power your headlamps effectively. This will cause your lights to flicker, pulsate, or just be dim. The problem is often worse when your engine is idling and seems to get better once you start driving. 

An issue with your battery or voltage regulator could also cause your vehicle’s lights to flicker. The best thing for you to do is call down to our Service Department and let the Technicians have a look.

Thanks for the question, Martin! Please don’t hesitate to contact Kirkland Nissan, Washington if you ever need anything else.

new 2018 nissan titan for sale in seattle washingtonHi Robert,

My 2018 Nissan Titan's gearbox has been quite harsh recently and it’s tough to shift gears. I’ve heard that low transmission fluid could cause this: what do you think?

Thanks,
James

Hi, James!

It does sound like your 2018 Nissan Titan’s transmission has a problem. There are a number of issues which could cause this, but having low fluid in your gearbox is the most common culprit.

If your transmission fluid is low it won’t produce enough hydraulic pressure to engage the gears. This would explain the shifting problem you're experiencing.

Low transmission fluid could also cause your gearbox to overheat so it’s a problem you shouldn’t let linger.

You can check your truck's fluid levels via the dipstick in the engine compartment: your transmission is a closed system so it should never be low.

If your fluid is low, it could indicate that your vehicle has a leak somewhere. In this instance, you should call down to our Service Department and let the Technicians have a look.

Thanks for the question, James! Please don’t hesitate to contact Kirkland Nissan, Washington again if you ever need anything else.

new 2019 nissan sentra for sale in seattle washingtonDear Robert,

I hit a curb at a pretty high speed in my 2019 Nissan Sentra the other day. Now I’m worried that one of the rims might be bent: what signs should I look for?

Thanks,
Dave

Hi, Dave!

There are a few telltale signs that you have a bent rim. Below are some potential issues to look out of with your 2019 Nissan Sentra.

A number of things could cause a vibration to come through your steering wheel but, if you notice this issue right after you hit the curb, it's probably down to a bent rim. With this, you'll find that your Sentra’s handling is less responsive and you may even hear a thumping sound while driving.

If you feel vibrations come through the seat, it could indicate that one of the rear rims is damaged.

The tire around a damaged rim may start to leak air so this is something to be mindful of. If this starts to happen, you need to fix the problem ASAP as it could eventually lead to a blowout.

Thanks for your question, Dave! Don’t hesitate to contact Kirkland Nissan, Washington again if you ever need anything else.

most common nissan car insurance questions seattle washingtonDear Kiera,
 
My friend borrowed my Nissan Murano last week, and he had a little fender bender. Is the accident covered by my insurance?
 
Thank you!
Claudia
 
I'm sorry to hear about the accident (and I hope your friend is doing well).

While I can’t answer questions about specific coverage, I can certainly point you in the right direction. You’ll be happy to know that it’s likely the insurance company will treat the incident much the same as if you had been behind the wheel.
 Generally, designated drivers (yourself and anyone who takes your car for a spin with your permission) are protected.

Each insurance policy covers different things:
  • Liability insurance (required by most states) follows the driver, regardless of whether you're behind the wheel of your own vehicle or a friend's. That means you're probably protected under your own policy. But, if the car is regularly available to you, coverage may be excluded.
  • Collision coverage deals directly with the vehicle. This means your carrier will help take care of the cost of damage done to the car during an accident or vandalism. 
  • Comprehensive insurance takes care of most things but often requires many pre-conditions (for example, you must name approved drivers). If such stipulations aren't met, damage to your vehicle may not be covered.
 
Ultimately, each policy is different. The best thing to do is reach out to providers and go over the specifics of your coverage.
 
I hoped that help to quell some of your anxieties! Let me know how it goes.
most common nissan car maintenance questions seattle washington
Dear Kiera,
 
I read online that I need to change the oil in my 2018 Nissan Frontier every 3000 miles. Is that true?
 
Sincerely,
Stephanie
 
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 owner’s manual or ask a trusted mechanic for the best information. That being said: 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.
 
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, you’ll be able to stretch it a bit longer. If you’re a daily commuter, however, you’ll want to follow the manual’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.
 
I hope that helps, Stephanie! Let us know if you have any more maintenance questions about your Nissan Frontier.
most common nissan car maintenance questions seattle washingtonDear Kiera,
 
Do I really need to buy a car-specific glass cleaner? Can’t I just clean my car windows with the same thing I use in the house?

Thanks!
Tom
 
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.
 
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.
 
So, leave the household glass cleaner for chores at home and opt for one that’s ammonia-free and formulated specifically for vehicles, especially if you have tint on your windows.
 
We’re here to help! Contact us if you have more questions about the best way to care for your Nissan.
 
most common nissan car truck questions seattle washingtonDear Kiera,
 
I’m thinking about getting a 2018 Nissan Sentra and have been looking into financing options. What exactly does it mean to lease a vehicle?
 
Thanks!
 
Allie
 
In a nutshell: when you lease instead of buying a vehicle, your payments go toward a portion of the actual cost of the car. Because you’re not charged for the total price, your monthly installments are lower. If you like the brightest new toys or don’t have a large deposit at the time of purchase, then this alternative may be the best bet for you.
 
Leasing may mean lower monthly costs, but it isn’t without drawbacks. Reading the fine print, therefore, is crucial. The most glaring disadvantage is that, after you finish the payments, you have no property to show for it. Although you can purchase after the term of your agreement, the price is locked in and there’s no chance for negotiations. Another thing to consider is your driving style and distance. If you’re hard on your car or you enjoy taking long trips, you can incur extra mileage and wear-and-tear fees. These add up quickly!
 
All in all, leasing is a great option that allows you to get a bit more bang for your buck up front. Though it offers some advantages and freedoms over buying, it all depends on what you value in car ownership.

Need further information, Allie? Contact me and I'll walk you through the leasing process.

 
most common nissan car truck questions seattle washingtonDear Kiera, 
 
Which is better for fuel efficiency? Running the A/C or rolling down the windows?
 
Best,
 
Sam
 
This question gets asked quite a bit and, unfortunately, there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer. Driving conditions instead define every output.

Let’s take a look at the 2004 study by the Society of Automotive Engineers. Using a sedan (like the Maxima) and an SUV (such as the Armada), they put both both methods to the test; and, my, were they surprised.

According to their findings, running the A/C while driving does indeed decrease fuel economy by 5-10%. These results, however, only apply when traveling down city streets. Once you rev onto the highway, rolling down the windows can send your gas mileage plummeting. They came to the conclusion that, when speed exceeds 45 mph, air resistance created by the seemingly more economical approach accounts for a 20% decline. 
 
In a world that places increasing emphasis on efficiency, it seems everyone is looking to improve fuel economy wherever possible. A good rule of thumb is to try to reserve most of your driving for the cooler parts of the day; namely, in the morning or late in the evening. Ultimately, keeping the windows rolled up and the A/C turned off is the best way to save gas.

I hope that helps, Sam! Let us know if you notice any change in your economy!
 
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