Oil Changes and Fluids
The regular, routine maintenance tasks you do will help keep your Nissan in great running condition and ensure you are always safe on the road.
Hard at Work for your Automobile
The fluids that run through your vehicle’s systems — engine oil, brake fluid, coolant and transmission fluid — are its lifeblood. They serve a variety of purposes from lubricating and cooling to providing stopping pressure and the transmission of power. Without dedicating time to the care and maintenance of these fluids, the longevity of your vehicle and its performance will suffer.
Benefits of Changing the Fluids
- The life of your vehicle’s engine is extended by using the oil that Nissan recommends
- Your car’s braking system works better and lasts longer when the brake fluid is replaced according to the manufacturer’s recommendations
- The friction within the engine is minimized when you use the oil recommended by the manufacturer, increasing your gas mileage and protecting your car against overheating
- Changing the coolant on a regular basis helps your vehicle’s cooling system to work more efficiently
- Replacing the transmission fluid as recommended can help you avoid costly repair and/or replacement charges
Engine Oil Basics
Paying careful attention to the kind of engine oil as well as its quality can do much to extend the life of your car’s engine. The oil is designed to cover the engine’s moving parts with a thin layer to prevent friction and reduce deterioration. In addition, engine oil also absorbs combustion’s byproducts while withstanding incredible heat and pressure.
Viscosity refers to an oil’s thickness and its ability to resist motion. It is your motor oil’s most important quality and is dependent on its chemical makeup. Typically, oil’s viscosity level diminishes as its temperature increases. A motor oil that can keep its viscosity levels even as temperatures rise has a greater viscosity index than oils that cannot.
Motor oil is rated using a letter/numerical character system, such as 5W30. The number before the “W” is the oil’s cold viscosity rating. The lower the number, the more easily your car should start when it’s cold. The number after the “W” is the oil’s hot viscosity rating. It is at this point when the oil will start to thin out when it is heated up.
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Types of Motor Oil
Engine oils typically fall within a few common categories including fully synthetic, semi-synthetic and natural or mineral. These cannot be used interchangeably. Your car will require a particular category of oil that must be used for best results.
Fully Synthetic vs. Semi Synthetic vs. Natural – What’s the Difference?
Fully Synthetic:
- Helps reduce fuel costs
- Quickly coats the engine’s moving parts
- Starts well in extreme cold and provide rapid circulation
- Improves the engine’s performance and power
- Offers basic protection
- Protects the engine against wear and buildup of deposits
Semi Synthetic:
- Doesn’t need to be changed as frequently as fully synthetic oil
- Provides better protection than fully synthetic oil
- Provides good protection within 10 minutes of starting the engine
- Is about three times better at reducing engine wear compared to fully synthetic oils
Mineral or Natural:
- Offers basic protection
- Needs to be changed more often
When Should I Get an Oil Change?
What You Need to Know About the Other Fluids in Your Vehicle
Coolant
The purpose of the coolant in your engine is to regulate its internal temperature. This fluid is typically held in a semi-transparent container found beside the engine bay. It is marked with “high” and “low” indicators. Make it a habit to check this fluid frequently when your engine is cold. Its level should remain between the two marks.
Transmission Fluid
If you have an automatic transmission, then your transmission fluid will keep your car running smoothly when you shift gears. Transmission fluid is red, so a red puddle in the driveway is an indicator of trouble in this area. Low levels of transmission fluid could be to blame if your car is not running smoothly or shifting well.
Brake Fluid
In order to ensure that your brakes function as they were intended to, your brake fluid is crucial. It provides the appropriate environment in which to pass on the pressure from your foot on the brake pedal to the master cylinder and then to the brake calipers. The friction material is then clamped against the rotors which stops the car. After you have the brake fluid changed, this fluid is nearly impenetrable and your brakes typically work flawlessly.
Brake fluid that is overheated can boil and produce gas bubbles. This boiling fluid can cause your brake pedal to feel spongy or soft when you press it. You might need to pump them in order to stop your car. Checking your brake fluid frequently can help prevent this.
Transmission Fluid
Transmission fluid is designed to facilitate a smooth transition from one gear to another. This liquid — which is typically red — is kept clean by a filter that is designed to trap residue. If your transmission fluid is low, you might experience poor shifting which could lead to transmission damage and result in expensive repairs or even a new transmission. If your car is not running as smoothly as you think it should, you should check the transmission fluid.
Service Hours
- Monday – Friday: 7:00am to 6:00pm
- Saturday: 7:00am to 4:00pm
- Sunday: Closed
Parts Hours
- Monday – Friday: 7:00am to 6:00pm
- Saturday: 7:00am to 4:00pm
- Sunday: Closed