Frequently Asked Questions

---

Maintenance

How often should I change the oil in my car?

Every vehicle manufacturer establishes recommended intervals for the various maintenance services required to keep your car running in top condition. This information is found in the owner’s manual that came with your vehicle. If you aren’t able to find your owner’s manual, contact our knowledgeable service center and they can provide you with that information.

How often do I need to change my battery?

Your battery comes with a warranty. The warranty’s end date is indicated by a code consisting of a letter and a two-digit number that is found on the battery itself. In this code, the letter correlates with the month. So the letter “A” indicates January, the letter “B” means February and so on. The number indicates the year of expiration. With that in mind, a code that reads B17 indicates that your battery’s warranty expires in February 2017.

In an attempt to circumvent any potential issues, we recommend that you replace your battery prior to the warranty expiring. As an alternative, you can also bring your vehicle to our service technicians where we can provide you with information about its ability to hold a charge.

Why won’t my vehicle start?

There are many factors that could make your vehicle not start. Two that are most often seen — a dead battery or a bad starter — can often deliver a clicking noise as you attempt to start the car. One way to differentiate between the two is to test the number of volts the battery is pulling as someone else tries to turn the ignition over.

First, using a voltmeter, obtain a reading on the battery with your vehicle off. It should have a reading of at least 12 volts. While someone else turns the engine over, check the reading again. Voltage that doesn’t drop below 10.50 volts points to a likely issue with the starter — as long as all of the other systems within the vehicle are working correctly.

Other possible causes of a vehicle not starting include a timing belt that is either broken or overstretched, a malfunctioning sensor or a bad alternator.

What does it mean when my “Check Engine Soon” light illuminates?

 

These lights are here for a reason. This video will let you know what that reason is.

The “Check Engine Soon” light or the “Service Engine Soon” light indicates an issue with your vehicle that can only be determined by hooking it up to a code reader. There is one exception to this. A “Check Engine Soon” light that appears and then clears on its own is known as a soft code. This means that the oxygen mixture within the vehicle is wrong according to the oxygen sensor.

How can I make my car last longer?

Having routine maintenance done and making adjustments to your driving can help you make the most of your vehicle’s gas mileage. Tires are also part of the maintenance. They should have the proper air pressure so that they don’t wear out too fast.

Make Your Appointment

---

How often can I expect to replace my tires?

There’s no one particular time frame that indicates when you’ll need to replace your tires. Most tires have a lifespan of between 20,000 and 40,000 miles as established by their manufacturer. Other factors that affect the longevity of your tires include the surface that you drive on as well as the material the tires are made of. Driving on gravel roads or other roads that are made of rough materials can reduce their lifespan. Choosing tires made of soft rubber or “highway” tires will wear faster.

Should I have my tires aligned after purchasing new ones?

After replacing your tires, it is best to have their alignment checked. If your old tires showed any unevenness in their wear patterns, an alignment is definitely in order.

What are the signs that I should get new tires?

Check your tires often for signs of low pressure, uneven wear and other abnormalities. Keep an eye on the ratio of tread to the wear bars. When the tread is nearly even with these tiny rubber bumps, you need to purchase new ones.

I need help finding the right tires.

 

The right tool for the right job and the right tire for the right Nissan. Here’s how to figure it out.

The diverse array of tires available these days means that many drivers don’t know where to start when it comes to purchasing new ones. Many people simply replace their old tires with new ones that are the same. This is a particularly good idea if your vehicle already has the tires that the manufacturer recommends. If you aren’t happy with your current tires, though, speak with our trained technicians. They can provide some recommendations based on your feedback.

Make Your Appointment

---

How often do my belts and hoses need to be replaced?

The intervals for the replacement of your belts and hoses are outlined in your owner’s manual. However, if you notice that your belts are showing signs of dry rot, they are losing tension or the bottoms are shiny, they should be changed. Soft hoses or ones that are cracking also need to be replaced.

Are OEM and generic parts different?

There is a vast difference between OEM and generic parts. OEM stands for “Original Equipment Manufacturer” parts and are manufactured by your vehicle’s maker. While they can be sold both by your vehicle manufacturer or a third party, these parts are made to exacting standards and are covered by a warranty against defects.

Generic parts are manufactured by another company and are designed to fit your vehicle. The quality standards that are established by the manufacturer of your vehicle are not upheld so it’s likely that the quality of these parts is less than OEM.

Make Your Appointment Parts

---

What is a certified professional technician?

Choosing the right mechanic to work on your vehicle can have a direct correlation to its lifespan as well as its performance. A certified professional technician is a mechanic who has undergone the rigorous standards established by the ASE. Not only has he or she gained certification, an ASE-certified mechanic also has extensive experience in maintaining and repairing vehicles like yours.

Can I use a mechanic that is not certified?

Using a mechanic who has not obtained his or her ASE certification means that you have no assurance as to their level of expertise. Furthermore, you won’t know about the quality of the parts that this type of mechanic uses nor can you be assured of having a warranty on the work completed.

Here at Naples Nissan, we take the repair and maintenance of your vehicle very seriously. We employ only those technicians who are ASE certified. Our service technicians use only OME parts. Both the parts and labor are covered under a warranty that protects you in the rare event of a defect or a mistake made by one of our mechanics. This provides you with the assurance that your vehicle has had the finest in workmanship and parts.

What are the certification requirements?

The technicians who work for Naples Nissan must take and pass the ASE certification test in their specialty. Or, if a technician is a master technician, he or she must pass a group of tests in a series. A master technician must also have two years of documented hands-on work experience.

For automobiles, a master tech must pass eight tests for the master status. For collision repair, a tech must pass four tests in the series. The A series for automobiles and light trucks include:

• Engine repair
• Automatic transmission/transaxle
• Manual drivetrain and axles
• Suspension and steering
• Brakes
• Electrical/Electronic system
• Heating and air conditioning
• Engine performance

The ninth test in the series is for light vehicle diesel engines and that test is not required to become a master technician.

Master techs in body repair or collision must pass these four tests:

• Painting and refinishing
• Non-structural analysis and damage repair
• Structural analysis and damage repair
• Mechanical and electrical components

All master tech must recertify every five years.

Call our certified technicians at Naples Nissan to schedule an appointment for maintenance and repairs.

Make Your Appointment

---

What is Nissan Bluetooth Connect and how do I use it?

Nissan is at the forefront of keeping its drivers connected with the world around them. Nowhere is this more evident than their Bluetooth Connect integrated technology system. Once your favorite mobile device has been paired with your vehicle’s Bluetooth Connect system, you’ll be automatically connected each time you start your car. Using wireless technology that enables you to go wireless as well as hands-free, you’ll be able to instantly make and receive calls, stream all your favorite music and more. If you need help syncing your mobile device with your vehicle’s Bluetooth Connect system. speak with a service technician or your sales professional. We at Naples Nissan want you to be able to use these extras from the moment you drive away in your vehicle.

 

Setting up your Nissan with your smartphone is a match that’s guaranteed to last. Here’s how to make it happen.

Nissan Bluetooth Connect

What is Nissan HomeLink and how do I use it?

Nissan just raised the bar on integrating your vehicle and your home with HomeLink, its wireless control system that is based out of your vehicle. Tapping into the capabilities offered by radio-controlled devices, HomeLink allows you to manipulate various functions at your home from afar. Using the three buttons that are seamlessly and conveniently integrated as part of the interior of your vehicle, you can connect up to three remote-control devices. Turn your security system, or interior and exterior lights, on or off. Open your front gate to allow service personnel inside or close your garage door after your guests have left. You can even control a variety of electronics and appliances inside your home from the comfort of your car. Because HomeLink depends on your car’s electrical system to function, you don’t have to remember to change any batteries.

 

Who needs another remote control in their lives. With Homelink in your Nissan, not you.

Nissan HomeLink

---

How do I get better gas mileage?

• Changing speeds frequently costs you more in terms of gas mileage.
  While it’s not as easy to maintain the same speed on local roads in stop and go traffic, you can do so while driving on highways. When you’re on these roads, switch to cruise control to help you stay at a steady speed for longer periods of time. While staying around 55 mph is ideal for gas mileage, this isn’t always possible on most highways. Instead, stick to the posted speed limit and stay at that speed as much as you can.
• While you’re following another car, leave as much space as possible between you and the other driver.
  Having more space to maneuver means you won’t have to worry about making frequent adjustments to your speed when the driver in front of you slows down or goes faster. Since these adjustments use up more gas, you’ll get better gas mileage when you don’t have to make them. When you’re driving on highways, having more space in front of you also leaves plenty of room for other vehicles to move into your lane, so you won’t have to adjust your speed. Safety is another benefit of leaving more room between you and the driver ahead of you. Having more space in front of you gives you extra room to move in order to avoid a collision if the driver ahead of you has to stop or slow down suddenly.
• Waiting until you’re almost at a stop sign or stop light to hit the brakes leads to lower fuel economy.
  You’re more likely to hit the brakes harder when you wait, and you also end up using more gas by having to start from complete stops. When you start using the brakes sooner and apply pressure to them gently, you get better gas mileage. Braking sooner while approaching traffic lights increases your chance of not having to make a complete stop. When you slow down gradually, the light can change to green by the time you get to it.
• One of the most effective ways to get the most gas mileage is by maintaining your vehicle.
  Routine maintenance helps your vehicle last longer and ensures that it’s in good condition for the road. Maintenance for issues such as the check engine light also ensures that sensors and other parts of your vehicle that can affect gas mileage are inspected and replaced as needed. Having your tires inspected and maintained helps you use less gas as well. Driving on tires that have the right air pressure means your vehicle doesn’t have to use as much gas in order to operate smoothly on the road.