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Regularly scheduled auto maintenance is a form of preventative care, as it reduces or eliminates the need for later repairs. It also ensures your Nissan maintains its value and continues to work efficiently. As your Nissan dealership, we want to give you a few examples of the types of Nissan maintenance we provide. Oil Changes Regular oil changes help keep your engine clean and prevent damage, as oil additives break down harmful engine deposits and protect against rust. Oil lubricates your engine components, providing a protective coating that reduces friction damage and unnecessary wear and tear. Depending on your Nissan model, it may use conventional or synthetic oil. more Conventional oil needs to be replaced every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, while longer-lasting synthetic oil should be changed every 7,500 to 15,000 miles. Both types of oil become sluggish as they age due to the accumulation of dirt and other minute debris from the engine. This reduces their ability to lubricate the engine effectively. We can change the oil and install a new oil filter while you wait. Tire Rotations Rotating the tires reduces wear and tear on the tread and increases their working life. While you can't prevent the gradual loss of tread due to surface friction, a tire rotation can protect against other forms of damage. Each tire position generates a specific wear pattern. Over time, continued damage to the same tire sections will cause leaks or a blowout. Tire rotations are usually performed every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, depending on your Nissan model, tire type, driving conditions, and driving habits. Our technicians move each tire to a different position, helping to equalize wear so that each tire abrades at a relatively similar rate. Rotating your tires also reduces strain and damage to other components like the brakes, struts, shocks, and axles. Air Filter Replacement Your engine requires huge quantities of air for combustion. This might seem odd, but it's essential as the fuel requires air to burn efficiently. Air enters through the radiator grille and passes into the engine air filter. The filter's concertina-like folds trap dirt and dust before allowing the now clean air to enter the engine and mix with the fuel. The air filter will become clogged with dirt over time and should be replaced every 12,000 to 15,000 miles. If the filter isn't replaced, the level of air in the fuel-air mixture drops, and your engine will become fuel-rich. A fuel-rich engine lowers fuel economy, as most of the fuel used doesn't burn due to the lack of air. In addition, the spark plugs, ignition coils, cylinders, and pistons will all suffer unnecessary damage. Book your next maintenance by contacting our service department at Ken Ganley Nissan Mayfield in Mayfield Heights, OH.

A car battery, like all components, has a limited lifespan and will eventually fail. Fortunately, the battery always shows some signs that something is wrong, so you have enough time to replace it before it dies. As your Nissan dealership, we'd like you to know a few signs you need to visit us for a battery replacement. Dim Headlights Dim headlights can be a sign that your battery is failing. When your engine is switched off, the battery supplies power to all your Nissan's systems until the engine is running again. If the battery is weak, it can't store enough power to supply all the systems. This can mean a system receives enough power to switch on but not enough to work as efficiently as it should. more You can test the battery to check if it's weak by rechecking the headlight brightness when the engine is switched on. If the lights burn brighter, your battery is probably running out of juice. Alternatively, if the lights are still dim, you may need replacement headlight bulbs. If the battery seems to be the problem, we'll check it to confirm the diagnosis and install a new one to fix the problem. Check Battery Light The battery light looks like a line drawing of a battery with + and - signs. This light illuminates in response to any issue that affects the electrical system. Sensors are attached to all your Nissan's important components, and they continually supply information to your vehicle computer. These sensors can detect even minute changes in their connected component. A healthy battery supplies 12.6 volts, while at 12.3 volts, it's at 3/4 charge. If the sensors detect the battery voltage at 12.2 or lower, they inform your computer, and the warning light will light up. Our technicians will test your battery, and we can install a new one in minutes if the original is failing. Rotten Egg Smell A rotten egg smell from under the hood means your battery is weakening. This nasty smell is produced by hydrogen sulfide. Hydrogen sulfide is a corrosive, toxic gas that can form when a battery is failing. A battery contains sulfuric acid, which is used to provide the chemical reactions that enable the battery to store and supply electricity. The acid slowly breaks down naturally as the battery ages, and hydrogen gas is released as part of the breakdown process. Hydrogen gas wafts out of the battery and mixes with sulfur molecules in the engine compartment, forming hydrogen sulfide. We can't fix the worn battery, but we can install a new one to prevent it from failing. If you suspect your battery is in trouble, contact us today at Ken Ganley Nissan Mayfield in Mayfield Heights, OH.

Imagine how unpleasant it was to drive in the heat of summer before air conditioning? This wonderful device keeps us cool and refreshed no matter the heat outside. If your AC stops working on a warm summer's day, you'll soon notice the difference. Keep an eye out for the following signs that you need prompt air conditioning maintenance at your local Nissan dealership; the earlier you catch and repair a fault, the better. Only Warm Air Blowing Refrigerant is a sophisticated substance that flows through the AC system, turning back and forth from liquid to gaseous form, cooling the air as it does so. If your refrigerant leaks, the entire system will stop cooling your cabin even though air will keep blowing from the vents. more Refrigerant is remarkably hard to see with the naked eye as it's almost transparent and evaporates rapidly in the open air. One of our technicians can inject a fluorescent leak tracer dye into the system and then use a blacklight to locate the leak, which may originate in the evaporator, compressor, condenser, or one of the hoses or hose connections. No Air Blowing at All If air stops blowing from the vents, the blower motor or blower resistor might have malfunctioned. The issue could also stem from a faulty belt or hose, or a problem with the fuse or relay. Additionally, a clogged air intake vent could obstruct airflow, impacting AC performance. Rattling and Other Noises Your AC should be quiet as it cools your cabin. Strange sounds such as rattling or knocking might simply be a leaf or other debris trapped inside the vents. These noises might also mean the compressor's clutch is malfunctioning, which is a little harder to fix. And grinding or squealing noises could point to a worn-out bearing. Smells of Mildew and Mold When left unused for a few weeks or months, moisture inside the air-con system can provide a fertile breeding ground for mold, mildew, and all kinds of bacteria. Then, when you eventually switch on the AC again, the spores from this contamination sweep into the cabin, carrying a very unpleasant smell. As this moldy air can be unhealthy to breathe, it's best to have your AC cleaned right away. Get Quick Air Conditioning Maintenance at Your Nissan Dealership Your car's air conditioner is a complex system with several different components. As such, it's unwise to attempt to repair it yourself. It's far more time and cost-efficient to allow one of our technicians to diagnose and promptly fix the fault. Visit Ken Ganley Nissan Mayfield in Mayfield Heights, OH, to have your AC problems remedied. With swift, courteous service, we can return your car's cabin to comfortable and cool again in no time.

As a driver, if you value your time and money, diagnostic testing should be a core component of your vehicle maintenance plan. It's considered wise to get a routine diagnostic test conducted once a year at your local Nissan dealer, and this computerized testing is also a crucial component of other car maintenance and repair procedures. Let's look in more detail at the enormous time and cost-saving value of diagnostic tests in today's vehicle upkeep. Earlier Fault Detection Your Nissan is equipped with advanced computerized microchips and components that manage and monitor nearly every aspect of the vehicle. During a diagnostic test, our technician connects to your car's onboard treasure trove of collected data and gains a comprehensive snapshot of your car's condition, quickly identifying signs of nascent vehicle problems or premature wear and tear. more These early symptoms are often far too subtle for the driver to notice on their own; without a diagnostic test, the underlying problem would continue to worsen until the signs grew obvious, by which time you're facing a much more expensive repair job. Early fault detection with routine diagnostic tests is key to proactive vehicle maintenance. Quicker Problem Diagnosis If you do suspect something's wrong with your car, the technician first must figure out what's causing the strange sounds, vibrations, or reduced functionality Before diagnostic tests became common, this phase of troubleshooting often consumed the majority of a mechanic's time. These days, diagnosing a fault is far faster, meaning you save money on maintenance and repairs and get your car back sooner. Superior Fine-Tuning If you want to get the most out of your vehicle, it's important to fine-tune the engine and other vital car parts regularly. With diagnostic tests as an integral part of fine-tuning, our technicians can tweak and refine each component with greater precision. As a result, your car will perform better in all ways, and last longer too. Improved Fuel Efficiency A more finely tuned vehicle with fewer undetected malfunctions is a more efficient machine. When regularly evaluated via the onboard computers, your car will have better gas mileage, carrying you many miles farther for each gallon of gas used. Book a Diagnostic Test with Your Nissan Dealer Today Start enhancing the efficiency, performance, longevity, and value of your car today with routine diagnostic tests. If you schedule regular testing with us, our technicians can remind you whenever it's time for your next visit. We can also conveniently coordinate diagnostic tests with other essential services such as oil changes and air filter replacements. Visit Ken Ganley Nissan Mayfield in Mayfield Heights, OH. We have a firm commitment to supporting our local community, helping the region's drivers enjoy better, safer cars in every way we can.

The transmission works with your engine to move your Nissan. The engine produces energy, which is focused by the transmission using a range of gears to deliver the correct amount of power to the wheels to allow them to move at the required speed. As your Nissan dealer, we want to advise you on a few signs that you need to visit us for a transmission service. Leaking Fluid The transmission can't function without fluid. Transmission fluid provides the essential hydraulic power that enables the transmission to smoothly shift gears. The constantly moving fluid protects numerous components by coating them with a friction-resistant covering, which protects them against damage. In addition, the fluid helps cool the hot components. more A transmission leak is typically easy to spot, as transmission fluid is bright or dark red. If you don't spot a leak, you'll notice its effects as you'll hear strange noises from the transmission, shifting will be delayed, and the check engine light will illuminate. Our technicians will investigate, starting with checking the transmission pan gasket, the main potential site of a leak. Once the leak is sealed, we'll refill the fluid. Delayed Shifting When the transmission shifts gears, the original gear disengages, and the new gear engages effortlessly and silently. Delayed shifting occurs when there's a noticeable gap between the gears disengaging and engaging. Your tachometer will show a higher-than-expected RPM count, and you'll hear a straining sound from your engine. The shifting delay is almost unnoticeable when it starts but will rapidly worsen if not repaired. The usual cause of this issue is low transmission fluid, but it could also be caused by a blocked transmission filter, worn gears, or a fault with the transmission computer. We'll need to examine the transmission to identify the problem, then we'll fix it. Humming, Buzzing, and Whining A healthy transmission makes no sound as the gears shift, so any sound when shifting means something isn't working correctly. This type of issue usually starts with a faint humming or buzzing noise, which gradually rises in intensity and can shift into a high-pitched whining noise. If you hear any transmission noises, contact us right away so we can investigate. These sounds can have various causes. Low transmission fluid is a possibility, but dirty or contaminated fluid, a worn shaft or bearing, or a damaged torque converter could all produce these sounds. We'll identify and repair the problem, and the sounds will cease. Driving with a worn or damaged transmission can cause it to fail and sustain irreversible damage in the process. If you have a transmission issue, contact us ASAP at Ken Ganley Nissan Mayfield in Mayfield Heights, OH.

Tires will eventually wear out and should be changed every four to six years. They can also become damaged by incorrect inflation, wheel balance issues, or poor alignment. As your Nissan dealership, we'd like to advise you on some signs you need to visit us for a tire service and possible replacement. Old Tires Rubber is the perfect material for vehicle tires, combining strength with flexibility. Unfortunately, rubber slowly loses its flexibility over time due to water, mud, and UV rays. This loss of flexibility causes the rubber to crack. As time passes, the cracks widen and deepen as the rubber heats due to surface friction, then cools when your Nissan is stationary. more Cracks that reach deep enough into the rubber will cause leaks. The cracks are also weaknesses in the rubber and could cause a blowout. We can repair minor leaks to extend tire life, but tire cracks can't be fixed. Our technicians will examine your tires and advise on their condition. If your tires are severely cracked, replacing them is the safest option and will allow you to drive with confidence that they won't fail you. Lincoln Penny Test The tread is the raised tire section in contact with the surface. It allows the tire to grip the surface, making driving and handling easier. The tread slowly wears down due to surface friction, and you'll notice your braking distance increases. The minimum safe tread is 2/32", and you check your tread using a tread depth gauge or a Lincoln penny. Grab a penny and insert it upside down into the deepest part of the tread. If you can only see part of Lincoln's face, the tire tread is healthy. If you can see Lincoln's face up to his hairline, the tread is wearing thin, and the tire will need replacement soon. Finally, if you can see the top of Lincoln's head, the tread is dangerously low, and that tire needs replacement ASAP. We can quickly replace a worn tire to fix this problem. Underinflated Tires The correct inflation for Nissan is listed in your vehicle handbook. This information is also marked on a sticker or plate on the inside door jamb of the front passenger door. Regular tire pressure checks are important, as tire pressure will change naturally by 1 to 2 PSI per 10-degree increase or decrease in temperature. Underinflated tires droop, exposing part of the softer sidewalls to surface friction. Sidewalls don't have reinforcement like the tread and will wear faster, causing leaks. We'll correct your tire inflation and check the tires to determine if they need replacement. Worn tires make driving dangerous. Contact our service department today at Ken Ganley Nissan Mayfield in Mayfield Heights, OH.

A dead battery is a major cause of stress for any driver, but fortunately, it's preventable. As your Nissan dealer, we can test your battery to ensure it's in good condition and can replace it if it's failing. We'd like you to know a few signs that you may need to visit us for a new car battery. Battery Warning Light The battery warning light looks like a line drawing of a battery with + and - signs. It illuminates if sensors in your Nissan detect any problem with the electrical system. This could mean a weak alternator that can't supply enough power for all your vehicle's systems, damaged wiring, or blown fuses. However, the most common cause for this light to activate is a failing battery. more A fully charged battery should register 12.6 volts when the engine is switched off. An older or damaged battery will register 12.4 to 12 volts, and the sensors will notify your computer, which then switches on the warning light. If this happens, visit us ASAP, and we'll test your battery. If your battery is weak, we can install a new one while you wait. Slow Starting Slow starting is often the most noticeable sign of a battery experiencing issues. When you hit the start button, the battery sends an electrical charge to the starter. This charge energizes the starter, which cranks your engine. Cranking begins the combustion process, and your engine should start in seconds. As your battery ages, its electricity storage capacity decreases, making starting the engine more difficult. Battery failure is a gradual process and is difficult to identify at the beginning. As time passes, you'll notice your engine takes longer than it should to start, and you'll also hear a laboring sound as the engine tries to crank. This is a sign that the starter isn't receiving enough power to crank the engine. Starting problems can also be caused by issues with the alternator or starter. Our technicians will examine your starting system and fix the problem. Phantom Drain A phantom drain is any unseen situation that can cause a fully charged battery to lose its charge in a few hours. The most common cause of this problem is a damaged relay that prevents a system from switching off when it should. Two of the culprits are the lights in the glove box and the trunk. They switch on automatically when their lid is opened and then switch off when it's closed. If either relay fails, the corresponding light remains on and continues to draw power. This unnoticed drain can rapidly deplete battery power. We can trace a phantom drain and repair it. If you have a battery problem, contact the experts today at Ken Ganley Nissan Mayfield in Mayfield Heights, OH.