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Dead Battery? Use These Tips! | Frederick, MD

Hey Nissan friends! Welcome back to another weekly blog from yours truly. This week we are diving deep into one topic that you might have never thought much about but that’s okay. We are talking about your vehicle’s dead battery! Yup! What caused it. How to avoid it. And what to do when it happens. We have you covered on all things battery this week and if you’re worried about your battery, give us a call or schedule your appointment online today! It’s time to get that battery in a healthy and happy condition - so let’s get started! What Caused It - Lack of battery maintenance Not starting your vehicle for long periods of time Leaving headlights, interior lights, flashers or the radio on when your vehicle isn’t running Using the air conditioner or heat when your vehicle isn’t running Low air temperatures, causing your battery to freeze Failure of voltage regulator within the alternator How To Avoid It - Our #1 tip is to service your vehicle and keep a schedule so you know that your vehicle is regularly maintained. This goes for all aspects of your vehicle, not just the battery. This is crucial when temperatures start to drop or after long-distance road trips. We recommend having your battery tested and replaced as needed. Also ask about the terminals and hoses, if there is corrosion, clean it off and if there are bulges or cracks in the hoses, replace them. Be smart with what you turn on and when you use it. Avoid using certain features like the radio, chargers, or lights for long periods of time without starting your vehicle. If you do this often, it can result in killing your battery as it puts a lot of strain on your vehicle. Avoid extreme temperatures if possible. Extreme temperatures are killers of batteries and if you can avoid the weather, do so. Obviously, you can’t always but we encourage you to park your in your garage if you have one. What To Do When It Happens - Well, well, well, you got a case of the dead battery and what are you going to do about it? Jumping that battery is the best option you have. Flag down a passerby or a good samaritan that’s willing to help you! It’s a great idea to keep a set of jumper cables in your vehicle for safe measures. In addition, NEVER try to touch or jump-start a battery with visibly leaking acid or if it is cracked. Roadside assistance is glorious and if you don’t have it, invest in it. Whether you run into a lot of issues on the road or not, having this can really be a lifesaver in the event that you need it. Plus, it’s nice having a little help here and there when you need it most! Schedule Your Service Appointment Today: https://api.connectcdk.com/api/nc-cosa-consumer-ui/v1/?subscriptionid=&cid=2001588

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DIY Fall Service For Your Nissan | Frederick, MD

As we get ready to say goodbye to August and hello to September, we have to come to the realization that summer is almost over. That means fall is just around the corner, and that means there is no better time than right now to get your Nissan back into tip-top shape. After a long summer of travel, your Nissan is probably in need of a tune-up. Lucky for your the professionals here at Younger Nissan of Frederick are ready to take on your Nissan service needs. Simply schedule an appointment online or give us a call today! However, if you’re into SIY service, look no further, because this week’s blog is all about fall service you can complete yourself! Take a peek below and kickstart your fall service today! Battery Power: Making sure your battery is fresh is important. The experts say you should change your battery every 3 years, though you could get away with 5 depending on how much you drive...If you’re thinking to yourself “I can’t remember the last time I changed my battery,” it might be time to do so. Make sure the cables are not loose. With the engine off, see if the cables can slip free from the nodes. Don’t yank, but be firm. Check for corrosion, a white powder that forms around the nodes or clamps of your battery. You can clean this off using baking soda, water, and a toothbrush. Fill your Fluids: It might cost you a little bit more but invest in a “winter blend” type of windshield wiper fluid. These tend to have more alcohol in them and less water so the chance of freezing is less. If your windshield washer fluid tank hasn't been flushed in a few years then it could use it! Be sure not to mix colors; most antifreeze is green, blue, or yellow, but be sure not to mix colors. Checking your vehicle's oil is important. If you have not had an oil change in a long time, it might be time for one. Additional Preventative Measures: Buy an emergency kit with cables, a first aid kit, flares, a battery-powered air compressor, and other things that can prevent a minor inconvenience from becoming a major problem. Check the clarity of all your lights. Keeping the gas tank at half-filled can help prevent a fuel line freeze; so can that fuel-line antifreeze mentioned earlier. Tire pressure is important in the snow, be sure that your vehicle’s tires are to the correct PSI. Service Your Nissan For Fall! >> https://api.connectcdk.com/api/nc-cosa-consumer-ui/v1/?subscriptionid=&cid=2001588

What’s That Smell? Don’t Ignore These 7 Smells | Frederick, MD

Have you ever been driving down the road and all of a sudden start smelling something a little funky? If not, you’re lucky! But if you have, you know that some things that smell a little funky can mean bad things for your vehicle. This week, we are bringing you five smells that you should NEVER ignore and what they could mean. So, without further ado, let’s get started on those smells! And if you need a Nissan service appointment, schedule yours now at Younger Nissan of Frederick! You Smell: Rotten eggs What It Is: This could mean that your catalytic converter is having issues. And hydrogen sulfide could be making its way into your exhaust. This could simply be a fuel injection issue, or your cat is failing. Unfortunately, this could end up being a pretty expensive repair and lastly, if you smell the rotten eggs when your vehicle is turned off, that funky smell could just be some old food stuck under your seat or an old gym bag! You Smell: Hot oil What It Is: The easiest smell of all to diagnose is hot oil. This happens when oil leaks onto your exhaust manifold which is hot due to your engine running. This smell is not pleasant so you’ll probably notice it right away! Take a look around your engine and vehicle to look for leaks. Also, keep an eye out for any smoke. If you can find the leak, try to stem it, then bring your car to the shop as soon as possible. You Smell: Sulfur What It Is: When you smell sulfur in your car, it’s safe to assume that it is gear lubricant leaking from either the manual transmission, transfer case, or differential housing. Sulfur compounds in the oil are used as extreme pressure lubricants for gears and after being in use for a while, these substances can get smelly and gross. Check for those oily puddles under your vehicle and if you notice any, bring your ride in for a check-up! You Smell: Maple syrup What It Is: While this one might sound delicious, it’s most definitely toxic! The coolant has ethylene glycol in it, which makes this smell a bit concerning. If you’re smell maple syrup, that means there’s a leak somewhere and you’ll want to stop in for our technicians to take a look! This can be a simple fix but it’s best to have a certified technician treat this. You Smell: A gas station What It Is: If you’re not sitting next to a gas station, this is an issue. If your car is on the older side (i.e. before 1980) then you could be smelling gas when you turn your vehicle off and have no issue. But, if your vehicle is newer, the smell of gasoline could mean a leak from your fuel injection line or fuel tank vent hose. Either way, it’s best to play this safe and stop in to see our team for a service check-up. Got Smells? Schedule With Us Today!

Summer Car Care 101 | Hollidaysburg, PA

Summer is officially here and that means your summer road trips are quickly approaching. While this is a very exciting time, we want to remind you that servicing your vehicle this summer is very important. Extreme temperatures are known for creating problems during road trips in the heat and we don’t want you hitting any roadblocks when you head out for an adventure. So, this week, we have a few summer car care tips to help keep you on the road and away from the rest area calling for a tow truck. Check out these tips below and give us a call to schedule a service appointment before you head out! We’re here to help you, let’s get you on your way to places. Come see our team! Make sure your battery is prepared for high temps Many people think battery issues only happen in the wintertime but that’s not true. In fact, extreme temperatures have an impact on your battery, no matter if it is the heat or the cold. Heat and vibration are your battery’s worst enemy which will lead to an internal breakdown and eventual failure. So, make sure your battery is securely fastened in your vehicle, properly cleaned, and charged ready to go. Keep your tires properly inflated Your tires should always be filled to proper PSI levels, but driving on under-inflated tires can cause tires to overheat and eventually blow out which is extremely dangerous to yourself, your passengers, and other drivers. Make a note to check your tire’s PSI at least once a month (even the spare) and be sure to do so when they are cold for the best, most accurate reading. Keep your engine cool An overheated engine is very common in the hot, summer heat. But if you keep your coolant at the proper levels and periodically flush out your engine, the chances of your engine overheating are slim! If you choose to top off your coolant yourself, be sure to let your vehicle cool down and NEVER open your radiator cap when the engine is hot! Inspect what’s under the hood Oftentimes, we forget about all the components that are working hard under the hood to help get us to where we want to be during the summer months! Well, we’re here to remind you to give them a look over. Check on your engine’s hoses, drive belts, and anything susceptible to heat-related deterioration. These things can lead to a breakdown which is what we’re trying to avoid. So, spend a few minutes when your vehicle is cool & make sure there are no cracks, soft spots, or any other signs of poor condition! Service With Our Team Today!

Quick Tips For Your Nissan Fluid Levels! | Frederick, MD

Spring is in full bloom and that can only mean one thing, it’s time to check your Nissan’s fluid levels. Spring is the perfect time to get your ride back into tip-top shape after the hit it took from the winter months! Plus, if your fluid levels fall below the recommended line, you could find yourself breaking down, overheating, or get stuck in some costly repairs. So to avoid that, completing the simple task of topping off your fluid levels is highly recommended. Not sure what fluid levels you should be checking? Don’t sweat it, we’ve got your back. Below you can find the fluids you should be checking, and why they are important. And if all else fails, you can always schedule a service appointment right here at Younger Nissan of Frederick, and we can get your ride road trip ready in no time! So schedule your appointment online and head into Younger Nissan today for all of your spring maintenance needs! Happy car care month! Engine Oil: Your engine needs oil in order to keep moving parts lubricated and working properly. To check your oil, make sure your engine is cool before popping open the hood. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it on a clean rag, reinsert the stick all the way back into the tank. Pull out the stick and see where the oil line hits, there will be a notch that indicates what a safe oil level is. If your oil hits below the notch, check for the specific type of oil and add some yourself. Transmission Fluid: Transmission fluid is important because it keeps your transmission lubricated and will save you from expensive repairs. The second dipstick in your engine is for this fluid. Like we did to check the engine’s oil, you will have to remove the dipstick, wipe it off, and reinsert it back into the tank. Pull it back out and examine where the fluid hits on the stick, it’s also a good idea to check the quality of your fluids. Wipe a small amount onto your fingers, if the fluid has a pink or clear look to it, it is fine. If the fluid smells burnt or has particles in it, it is time to swap it out. Brake Fluid: From a safety standpoint, this is one of the most important fluids. Brake fluid basically keeps you from running into other cars and objects. You’ll find the brake fluid reservoir toward the back under your hood, be sure to clean off the outside of the compartment so any dirt or dust doesn’t enter the reservoir. Open up the cap and look inside to see where the fluid level is. It should be about a half-inch from the cap. If it is lower than that, check your owner’s manual for what fluid you should use. Also, if the fluid has a dark tint to it, bring your vehicle into our service department for a change of fluids. Power Steering Fluid: It’s important to have control over your car and this fluid keeps the right parts lubricated to ensure a safe driving experience. This reservoir is typically found under the hood, on the passenger side with a cap that will likely say “steering” on it. Many cars have a light-colored reservoir so you can see the level of fluid without removing the cap. If your car has a dark reservoir, clean off the cap before opening it to avoid dirt particles from entering the system. Open up the cap and use the dipstick the same way as we did before, if the fluid is low, you can easily add more. Also, if your fluid level is low, check for a leak in the system. Windshield Washer Fluid: One important part of driving is being able to see out the windshield, this fluid is key to ensure that happens. Most vehicles have a clear washer fluid tank that will be labeled either “washer” or “windshield.” If you need to add more, simply pop the cap off and pour it into the tank. Do not use soap and water if you are completely empty!! But, the window cleaner that you use at home can work until you fill up with the real stuff. Schedule Your Service Appointment Now!

Get Your Nissan In Shape For Spring | Frederick, MD

Get ready to say goodbye to February, and hello to March! I don’t know about you, but here at Younger Nissan of Frederick, we are ready to say goodbye to February and the remainder of the winter season. March means warmer days are on the horizon, which means road trip season is right around the corner! We thought this week would be a good week to remind all of our Nissan drivers to kickstart their spring maintenance sooner than later. Whether you just need to top off fluid levels and a good cleaning, or you’re in need of a bigger repair, our team of Nissan experts are here to help! Below we have five spring maintenance all drivers should check off before hitting the road this spring. We know servicing your ride isn’t always your favorite part of being a car owner, but it is important. Regular maintenance not only keeps your vehicle protected from costly damage, but it keeps you and your passengers safe on the road too. So get started on your spring maintenance today! If you’re in need of assistance on any or all of your spring service, schedule your service appointment online now! Don’t forget to check out our service specials to save big on the service your Nissan needs! Give Your Vehicle A Good Wash Winter can be tough on your vehicle’s exterior. Freezing temperatures and salt from the road can do real damage to your paint job, so make sure to start the season with a car wash. If you choose to go to a car wash, go for the premium wash to get all the nooks and crannies and a deep clean after months of harsh road conditions. If you do it yourself, make sure to add baking soda to the wash water if your car has a strong salt buildup. This will help neutralize the salt and save your paint job. Tire Check When it looks like the snow is finally done falling, be sure to switch from your snow tires to your all-season tires. Once you have your tires back on, be sure to grab your owners manual to find the Manufacturer recommended air pressure. Not only is this important for alignment, but also can give you better gas mileage and save your money at the tank! Make sure your tires are rotated regularly and don’t wait until you have a visible flat to fill them up. Check your tires for worn tread and make sure to replace your tires when the treading becomes too worn. If you’re not sure if you need new tires, use the penny test to determine! Battery Check After a long brutal winter, you’re going to want to check your battery’s life. Stop by the dealership for a battery test to see the life of your car’s battery. If your battery is getting weak, you can prevent future problems by replacing it before it stops working. If you find you’re in need of a new battery, be sure to check out our service offers page to see if you can take advantage of any battery offers! Replace Wiper Blades and Fluids Snow, sleet, and ice can cause wear on your windshield wipers - and it’s no secret how dirty your windows get with slush getting kicked up at you on the road. This means spring is the perfect time to get new wiper blades and top off your windshield wiper fluid levels for all the spring rain coming your way very soon. New wiper blades are inexpensive and simple to replace, so you won’t even need to pay someone to do it for you. However, our team of experts is always here to help you if needed! Oil Change Your vehicle works hard to get you where you need to go, especially during the winter months. That’s why spring is the perfect time to give your care the TLC/pick-me-up your vehicle needs. Regular oil changes can make all the difference in making sure your car has a long, healthy life. Whether your vehicle needs a regular oil change or synthetic oil change, our team is here to assist you! Be sure to check out our service offers page to see what offers are available to you! If you will be performing the oil change on your own, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s suggestions for oil change intervals and oil viscosity, and make sure to change the oil filter as well. Save On Your Spring Maintenance!

Click In For Your Fall Cleaning Tips | Frederick, MD

Hello, fall! Do you feel that cool crisp air in the breeze? That means fall is in fall swing and believe it or not, the winter months will be here before you know it. That means right now is the time to get your Nissan in shape for whatever is coming our way this winter. Where to start? When to start? How to start? Don’t stress, we've got all you need to know in this week’s blog! We suggest starting with some fall cleaning. We’re sure your ride is in need of some TLC after traveling all summer long. So get ready to roll up your sleeves, because we’re cleaning this week! Don’t have time? Need help with repairs or maintenance? No problem, our team of certified professionals are here to help you! Just head over to our site to schedule your service appointment, and get your Nissan in tip-top shape for fall today! Car Battery: Pop open your hood and brush away the dust. Fall is a great time to inspect your car battery to ensure there are no issues down the road when the colder weather creeps in! Make sure your engine cables and terminals are in good shape and retighten if necessary for good contact. Make sure there’s no corrosion or dirt build-up. If this is the case, this would be a good time to disconnect and clean them up. If your vehicle is newer and you have a maintenance-free battery with no removable caps, there’s not much for you to do besides peeking around the remainder of your hood to ensure there are no leaks, breaks, or issues. Headlights: Many new vehicles have LED headlights that you can’t just pop out and clean, so you might need scheduled maintenance with our team if this is your situation. If you still have non-LED lighting, it’s important to clean/replace your headlights to avoid haziness. Clouded headlights can be a safety hazard, compromising night vision, and reducing the effectiveness of your headlights. This is especially dangerous in winter, where conditions are less than favorable and the darkness is more consistent. You can purchase a headlight cleaning kit, or use household items such as a toothbrush, baking soda, and owner’s manual approved products. Tires: Tire maintenance is always a must, not just during winter months. However, your tires play a crucial role in your vehicle’s winter performance. The first thing you should do is to check your tire tread. When you tread is 2/32" your tires are considered bald and you will need to replace your tires immediately. If your tire tread is above this you’re okay, but should consider replacing soon if it’s closer to balding. Most vehicles are purchased with all-season tires, which provide good performance all-year-round. However, if you live in a very snowy area, we highly suggest purchasing snow tires. Once your tires are on and in good condition, we suggest scrubbing away any dirt, grime, or buildup. Wash & Wax: Chances are your vehicle needs a good washing after all your summer travel. Between dirt, dead bugs, and even beach sand, your exterior probably isn’t shining like it used to. Give your vehicle a good cleaning, this means the top, sides, underneath, and even the tires. Once you’ve washed your car, it’s a good idea to wax your vehicle’s exterior. Getting a car wax is a great way to keep your car’s finish looking new. Waxing can be tricky, so be sure to check your owner’s manual for safe products from your vehicle or leave it to the pros in our service department! Wipers: Windshield wipers maintenance is regularly overlooked. However, your wipers are extremely important for your vision behind the wheel...especially in the fall and winter months. Leaves will be falling very soon, and rain is no stranger to the fall months. This means you’ll need strong wipers to clear the leaves and rain off your windshield. Right after the leaves comes the snow, and anyone who has driven in a snowstorm knows how important your winters are. If your wipers are leaving streaks of water on your windshield, it’s time to replace or clean them. Although drivers rarely change them, wipers break down pretty quickly. In fact, they should be changed every 6-12 months. Interior: It’s time to say goodbye to the trash that’s taken up a vacancy in your car! After traveling all summer long, it’s only normal your interior needs a little pick me up. We suggest grabbing a garbage bag, your vacuum cleaner, and some multi-surface cleaner. First started by taking everything out, and we mean everything! Then, vacuum away crumbs, dust, and whatever else is in there. Don’t forget to clean off whatever item you’ll be putting back in your vehicle. Then it’s time to dust, spray down your dash, console, gear shift, radio system, and of course windows! Finally, put whatever you’re keeping back inside your cabin in a neat and orderly way, and toss whatever is remaining! Click Here To Schedule Your Fall Service!

Hello, September! Kickstart Your Fall Service! | Frederick, MD

Heyo! September is here and that means the fall/winter weather is right around the corner. That means it’s time to ask yourself if your vehicle is in need of a tune-up or any other repairs. You don’t want to find yourself stuck in a storm in the next couple of months and have a breakdown because you did service your Nissan. That’s why this week’s blog is here to help you get started on your end of summer service, aka getting your ride ready for the next couple of months! Take a peek below and get started with the DIY service below, or head over to our site to schedule an appointment with the certified professionals here at Younger Nissan of Frederick! Service To Complete… Inspection: The place to start is with an inspection. This is the best way to narrow down the service/ maintenance your vehicle needs most. This will include important checks like battery check, fluids, belts, hoses, lights, and more These are important to catch now because as temperatures fall, components can worsen Tire Tread Your tire tread is extremely important, especially during the upcoming winter months. If your tire tread is low or bald, you have no grip on slick and icy roads The proper tread depth should be at least 2/32” If you need a simple way to check your tire depth, utilize the penny test Penny Test How To: With Lincoln’s head facing downwards, place the penny into several grooves of a tire. If you can see the top of his head, your tread depth is worn too low and it’s time to replace your tires If you’re in heavy snow areas, you should invest in snow tires - which have proven to provide better traction than all-season tires. Keep an eye out for more than just tread depth. Look for intense light exposure, puncture holes, or anything thing else Windshield Wiper Maintenance Often overlooked, but the real MVP of winter driving, windshield wipers are extremely important all year round, especially during the winter months When snow, sleet, hail, etc. are falling at you, you need a good pair of wipers to keep your visibility clear Examine your blades for breaks, tears, streaking, etc. If you’ve had your wipers for more than 6 months, it’s a good idea to replace them If you get a lot of snow, looking into purchase wipers specifically for snow/winter weather Schedule Your Fall Service Here!

Get Your Nissan Back To School Ready! | Frederick, MD

August is almost here, and marks back to school for many of our younger drivers! But before you pack up the car and hit the road for school, there's a few things you should do to ensure you and your vehicle’s safety this back to school season. Below you will find 8 essential back to school car care tips to ensure you have peace of mind when you hit the road this year! So go ahead, take a peek below, and if you find that your vehicle is in need of maintenance or repairs, schedule an appointment with our certified service professionals today! Looking to upgrade this school year? Slip behind the wheel of a new Nissan from Younger Nissan of Frederick just in time for school! Top off all the fluids Regular oil changes are a must, but that isn’t the only fluid you should be keeping an eye on in your vehicle. Keep an eye out for transmission, brakes, coolants, and more. Clean fluids help your engine run smoothly, while dirty fluids can cause damage. Take a peek at your lights. Headlight or taillight out? Lights out on your vehicle are very dangerous. A burned-out headlight can impair your ability to see the road clearly, increasing the risk of a flat tire or accident. While a burnt-out taillight can make it hard to see you. Simply turn your lights on while the car is in park, and walk around the entire vehicle to make sure your headlights, rear lights, blinkers, and hazards are functioning properly. Not only will this keep you safe, but it will keep you from getting a pulled over/ a ticket. If you need replacement, just schedule a service appointment today. Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated Improper tire pressure can cause you to get fewer miles per gallon? It can also increase wear and tear, resulting in a need to replace the tires sooner than normal, and becoming very costly. To keep your tires in tip-top shape, keep a tire gauge in your car and check the pressure monthly. Check for wear and tear by utilizing the “penny test” by inserting an upside-down penny in the tread groove. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, it’s time to get new tires. Don’t forget your wipers You don’t want to be driving down the highway, and go to use your wipers and have no washer fluid! Your windshield wiper fluid needs to be topped off to ensure you have good visibility in poor weather. Wiper blades need regular replacement too, usually every six to twelve months. CH-CH-CHARGE IT UP Don’t find yourself getting out of a class only to find your battery has died. If your car is sluggish to start or if the dashboard lights or radio are giving you trouble, it may be a sign you need a new battery. Batteries only last three to five years, so if you’ve had yours a long time, it’s probably time for a new one. If you find you need a replacement, your mechanic can test your battery during routine maintenance and oil changes. Check your seatbelts—and wear them. Buckle up and stay safe this school year. Simply wearing a properly fitted seatbelt saves thousands of lives each year. It’s one of the most effective ways to avoid serious injury in an accident. Airbags alone are not enough to protect you. Make sure your seatbelt is secured tightly across the pelvis and rib cage. Take a break and get your brakes checked It’s no secret that your brakes are a crucial part of your drive. Worn brakes can make it hard to stop quickly and can cause your car to travel farther before coming to a halt — making it more likely you’ll find yourself in an accident. To avoid that, a professional mechanic should check your vehicle’s brakes regularly, preferably as part of a routine maintenance check performed during regular oil changes. Pack an emergency kit just in case It’s never a bad idea to be prepared! Items you’ll want to keep in your car in case of trouble include a flashlight, tire repair kit, first aid items, a basic tool kit (lug wrench, screwdriver, hammer), jumper cables, hazard triangle, a blanket, and even a small amount of cash. Schedule Your Nissan Service Appointment Now!

Specials Your Nissan Wants, Savings You Wallet Will Love! | Frederick, MD

Your Nissan is one of the most important things you own. It gets you and your family to where you want to be. And safely. So why wouldn’t you treat it right? Why wouldn’t you maintain a regular service schedule? We understand that life gets in the way and right now it is more difficult to make life seem normal. But we want to make sure that that doesn’t mean you can keep skipping on maintenance. Oh no, we’re here to remind you that it’s, in fact, time to service your Nissan with your favorite Nissan team! This week’s blog is featuring our handful of service offers! Whether you’re in need of something simple like a car wash or your vehicle needs something a little more major like a full care package, we have just what your Nissan needs and at prices your wallet wants! So, let us help you choose the right service special below, contact our team, and let us get you on the schedule! May Service Specials At Younger Nissan: Premium Car Care Package - Only $99.95* Pothole Special - Only $149.95* Includes: 4-wheel alignment, tire balance, and tire rotation Car Care Package - Only $59.95* Includes: Conventional oil change, tire rotation, top off fluids, and multi-point inspection Battery Special - 10% OFF* Keep Your Car Fresh - Only $30 Includes: Car wash, vacuum, window cleaning, and tire shine *All offers expire 5/31/2020. See the specials page for full details. Snag Those Service Coupons Here!

Car Leak Color Guide | Frederick, MD

Summer is simmering down and as fall rounds the corner, the time to get your ride ready for the winter is quickly approaching. It’s no secret that getting your vehicle into tip-top shape is important for the winter season. You want peace of mind when you slip behind the wheel and if your vehicle hasn’t had service in quite some time, you might find some issues down the road. So if you want to get ahead of the crowd and service your Nissan, be sure to head over to our site to schedule a service appointment and our pros will get your ride back into tip-top shape in no time! Don’t forget to check out our service specials to save big on your service with us! Since we’re talking about service this week, we want to bring up an issue many drivers run into. Have you ever pulled out of your parking spot and noticed a puddle/stain right where your vehicle was? As the panic starts to set in you question if it was left by the car before you or if it is your vehicle. If this has happened to you then you’ve experienced a fluid leak in your vehicle. This can be frustrating because your vehicle has many fluids in it, and figuring out where it’s coming from can be hard. But did you know that you can figure out what is leaking from your vehicle just by the color and texture of the fluid? Well, lucky for you we have your go-to color guide below. So if you find yourself in this situation you can identify the issues and service it quickly, right here at Younger Nissan of Frederick! LIght brown to black: If the fluid leaking from your vehicle is a brownish/black color, chances are its motor oil. This can leak from various spots of your vehicle, but if it is leaking from the center and the odor smells like rotten eggs, the culprit could be a lube oil leak. This won’t stop your vehicle dead, but it means that there is an ongoing issue and you should bring your vehicle in for a professional examination Light yellow to dark brown: Brake fluid stars out as a clear/yellow color and as it ages it becomes dark brown, similar to motor oil. An easy way to distinguish is simple, just feel the fluid. If the fluid feel slippery, it’s likely brake fluid. If this is the case, your vehicle not safe to drive and you’re going to want to bring it in for repair as soon as possible. Red(ish): If the fluid leaking from your vehicle is a red or reddish color, it’s generally power steering fluid. Power steering fluid will leak from under the front part of your car and is thin in texture. If this is the case, there is an issue with the power steering pump. Orange: If the leak is from the center of your vehicle and the fluid is an orange/reddish-brown color, it could be transmission fluid. However, rust from your radiator mixing with an antifreeze leak can appear orange-ish as well. However, antifreeze will be thin and can leak from anywhere, which could help you determine the difference. Yellow, Green, or Pink: These leaks will be the easiest to spot, and typically the simplest to diagnose. More times than not, the cause of such bright puddles is a simple coolant leak. In these cases, your vehicle’s age comes into play. Older vehicles tend to blow off a bit of coolant when the engine gets too hot, so a few little spots are nothing to worry about. If your vehicle is newer, this coolant shouldn’t be dripping any excess liquids so it might be a good idea to bring it in for a look. Clear: If the fluid leaking from your vehicle looks like water, it probably is water. The air conditioning can build up excess condensation and result in puddles of water underneath your vehicle. This occurs in properly running cars, only be worried if it becomes constant and a lot. Schedule Your Service Appointment Now!

Get Organized For Your Next Road Trip | Frederick, MD

Summer is officially here and it means suns out and vacation mode is on! We know many of you will be hitting the road for some well-deserved fun in the sun, but before you do that there is one task that you really have to do, and that’s clean out your vehicle. I know, I know, it sounds awful, but I promise we have some helpful tips that are going to make it easy as pie. Don’t believe us? Check it out for yourself below! Oh, and if you haven’t serviced your vehicle in a while it will be a good idea to schedule service before you hit the road too, but don’t stress, when you take advantage of our service specials you can save big on service too! Step 1: Sort and clean Take everything out of the car, including car seats, music, and miscellaneous items stored in the glovebox and door pockets. Don't forget the trunk and cargo area! Organize the rest of the items into three piles: stuff you use all the time, things you use occasionally and items you might need in an emergency. Whatever doesn't fall into these categories should be stored in your home or garage. Step 2: Analyze Ask yourself, "How do I use my car?" Are you the taxi driver? Maybe you’re a parent with two toddlers in car seats or salesman who travels with a trunk load of samples. Whatever it is, figure it out. Step 3: Prioritize Depending upon your needs, go through your three piles and prioritize the most important items in each group And just like seasonal clothes in a closet, many items such as ice scrapers and emergency kits should be stored back into your vehicle Step 4: Contain your needs Loose objects in the car lead to disorganization and mess. In the event of a sudden stop or a crash, they can also damage your car or, worse, injure your occupants. Get yourself a good organizer to keep all of your items concise and easy to access. Schedule Your Service Appointment Here!

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