Blog

Spring is in full bloom and Younger Nissan wants to help remind you that it’s time to top off your 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 any of the above from happening, this week’s blog is dedicated to your vehicle’s fluid levels and what they all do for your ride! The best part is you can use it as a checklist when making sure that you checked off all of your vehicle’s levels from majors like engine and transmission to more simpler features like windshield wiper fluid! Check ‘em all and fill ‘em all, that’s our motto this week! 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 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 into the tank. Do not use soap and water if you are completely empty!! But, window cleaner that you use at home can work until you fill up with the real stuff. Service Your Nissan With Us!

It’s National Car Care month and that’s exactly what we’re going to do in this week’s blog… care for our cars! We understand that servicing your vehicle sometimes is more costly than anticipated, but that doesn’t mean we should put it off. When we put service off, we tend to spend more money on repairs caused by the lack of maintenance then what the actual service would have cost us! Luckily, spring is here and there is no better time than now to start your spring cleaning! To jump-start your spring cleaning we have created a checklist for you so you can be sure you’ve checked every nook and cranny of your vehicle. Most of the maintenance listed below is DIY so you don’t even have to spend money on your ride! However, if you feel that you need an experts opinion or that there might be an issue you need assistance with, feel free to schedule an appointment and we would be happy to help get your vehicle back into tip-top shape! Oh, and don’t forget to check out our service specials, which will help you SAVE BIG on a wide variety of service! So let’s start this spring cleaning party off right and get your ride ready for your next adventure! Car Care Tips For Spring: Check those fluid levels, all of them! From engine oil, power steering, brake, and transmission fluids...oh and don’t forget the windshield wiper fluid and antifreeze/ coolant! Take a peek at your hoses and belts to make use they haven’t been cracked due to cold weather and wear and tear. Check your battery to make sure the connection is clean, tight, and corrosion-free. Make sure to get your ride an oil change and have the brake linings, rotors, and drums inspected. Often overlooked, but important; be sure to check your exhaust system for leaks and damaged or broken supports or hangers if there is an unusual noise. Tune it up with a tune-up to help the engine deliver the best balance of power and fuel economy Check the heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, as proper heating and cooling performance is critical for safety reasons and interior comfort in the spring/summer months Inspect the steering and suspension system Check your tire pressure and tread depth to see if it’s time for a new set. Also keep an eye out for uneven tread wear, which indicates that your vehicle needs a wheel alignment. Check the wipers and lighting so that you can see and be seen Schedule Your Service NOW!

Spring is not too far away and all those showers will bring those flowers so NOW is the best time to get your vehicle ready for all the rain your vehicle will be taking on!  Many of us know the importance of our wipers and if you don’t, news flash they help improve our visibility when driving in snow, rain, and anything else mother nature might throw at us...literally! The bad thing is that many of us know how important they are but they are one of the most overlooked pieces of our vehicles when it comes to maintenance. Whether it’s because we don’t use them that often or because we kind of forget about them, doesn’t mean we shouldn’t replace them from time to time. If you’re not sure when it is appropriate to do so, check out our tips below! If you find you’re in need of new wipers, head over to our site or stop in to order yourself a new pair of genuine Nissan wipers. Who knows you might even find a coupon when you check out our service coupons. It’s time to change your wipers if…. Streaking occurs when the rubber squeegee dries, hardens, and cracks Skipping occurs when the blade develops a curvature from lack of use Wearing occurs with extensive use and is when the rubber edges are rounded instead of squared Splitting is caused when the sun’s rays penetrate the rubber squeegee, causing it to break down Bent frames are caused by inconsistent contact with the glass surface, creating streaking or skipping If you’re running outside to go inspect your vehicle to see if it’s time to change your wipers be sure to look for the following! Broken frames Metal corrosion Visible cracks Rounded squeegee edges Loose or unsecured wiper blades Check that the squeegee is secure in the wiper frame Visibility is extremely important to safe driving. Although drivers depend on their wiper blades to clear rain, sleet, snow, etc., many wait too long to replace them. Do yourself a favor and be sure to maintain wiper blades regularly which can maximize your visibility, efficiency, and reliability! If you want some tips on how to maintain the life of your wiper blades check them out below! When you get gas, be sure to clean your windows too Clean your squeegee often Never use your wipers to de-ice your window Pull your blades up during snow/ice storms Get Your New Wipers Here

If your vehicle is in need of some well deserved TLC, don’t stress about breaking the bank just check out our service specials page and SAVE BIG when you choose us! Have you never serviced your vehicle before? It’s no biggie, our friendly and helpful staff is here to help you throughout the entire process. Whether you’re stopping in for a routine maintenance or getting some serious work done, our staff will keep you updated and accommodated the whole time. If you’re stressed about how the whole situation will go, don’t be! This week we want to walk you through a service experience with at Younger Nissan of Frederick, so that when you’re here you can stress-less about the unknown and relax more in our waiting area! So sit back, relax, and see what it’s like to service your ride with us! What will they do to my car in a service? The service is basically just a thorough check of all of the working parts of your car Mechanics will check the inside and outside of your car, as well as all of the inner workings to make sure that everything is running smoothly They will also usually perform an oil change and replace the oil filter in your engine How long does a service usually take? The length of the service will depend on several factors An interim service usually takes about an hour and a half and a full service is usually completed within 3 hours the length of the service will depend on whether or not there are any problems found, so if the time changes a mechanic will inform you Schedule/ Save with coupons: This time of year is pretty busy for service departments, be sure to schedule an appointment on our website While you’re there be sure to check out our service specials and save yourself some money when you find one that works for you Let Our Team Service Your Vehicle!

Checking your vehicle’s antifreeze level during the cold winter months is a simple and inexpensive way to make sure your car won’t leave you stranded. Antifreeze is important because it helps keep your car’s engine cool, helps provide heat to your cabin, as well as protect your engine from freezing in cold weather. Although we might not be to that point yet, that doesn’t mean the cold weather isn’t right around the corner and we want you to be ahead of it! Checking your coolant level is actually very easy, all you will need a few basic service tools and an antifreeze ball tester, which is available at your local auto parts store. Always make sure the engine and coolant system are cool before you begin. If the antifreeze/coolant is low, add a 50/50 mix of approved antifreeze and distilled water. If you changed your antifreeze recently, but your level is low, use the antifreeze ball tester to make sure the anti-freeze-to-water ratio is correct. While you’re under the hood, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to check for and replace any leaking, brittle, spongy or cracked hoses and to make sure that the radiator hose clamps are tight to prevent leaks at the connections. If you still feel more comfortable leaving the maintenance to the professionals, we would be more than happy to help you with that! All you have to do is go to our website, schedule a service, and come on in whenever you choose to schedule your appointment, it’s that easy! So help yourself and get ahead of the winter weather and get your vehicle ready for the winter with us here at younger Nissan! Let Us Maintenance Your Vehicle!

It is important to stay on top of your vehicle's maintenance. When you keep your vehicle in tip-top-shape it runs better, the value goes up, and you spend less money on repairs! We all know that the heart of your vehicle in the engine and we also know that if something happens to it you might find yourself spending a lot of money to fix it. Save yourself a headache and the hassle of bringing your vehicle to the shop and maintenance your vehicle regularly. Think about it, when you have a hard days work you’re tired, right? Same thing for your vehicle! Don’t be afraid to roll up your sleeves and give your vehicle a little TLC. The first place you should start is under the hood. One of the easiest tasks for you is to make sure that your vehicle’s coolant levels are in the proper spots. Coolant keeps your engine from overheating and is especially important in the winter months that aren't too far away from us. So there is no better time than now to check those levels and get them to their appropriate levels. Not sure where the coolant reservoir is or even how to change the coolant? Don’t stress I’ve got everything you’ll need to know below. Check it out, you can thank me later! Checking your coolant levels: Before putting anything into your vehicle, be sure to identify the correct reservoir. If you can’t find it, check your owner's manual Once you find the correct spot check to see if the coolant is in between the max and mon line. If it is below the min line fill it up to the max line or between the max and min. If the coolant needs topping up, don't remove the filler cap unless the engine is cold – you could be scalded by a sudden release of pressurized hot water It's not normal for the coolant level to drop; if you see that it has, get a garage to take a look Service your vehicle with us!

Spring is here and that means your vehicle is going to have a much easier time of handling the roads, just because of the warmer temperatures and lack of snow and ice on the ground. You’ll be able to pop that sunroof, roll down the windows, and take in the nice weather! Of course, you also have to make sure that your vehicle has survived the winter well. There are some essentials for spring car maintenance that a lot of folks don’t know about, but we’ve put them into this week’s blog so that you can get a leg up and make sure your Nissan lasts for many years to come. Check it out! Start with your tires, even if you drive on all-season tires. If you do use all-seasons, this is the time to rotate them. By rotating tires seasonally, you extend the life of all four tires. Windshield wiper blades also get the short end of the winter weather stick. Colder temperatures are hard on rubber compounds, and slush from the road is not very helpful when it comes to maintaining the blades. This slush often carries with it corrosive salt used to melt road ice, which can really hurt your blades. Early spring is a good time to you’re running low after winter. Next, clean your vehicle’s undercarriage. There’s no magic solution to getting rid of the corrosive salt build-up but the best tool is a high-pressure sprayer. Pay special attention to the area around the front and rear bumpers. Once you’ve thoroughly sprayed the underbody, check for signs of rust and take the necessary steps to stop any small rust spots from eating away at your vehicle. We’ve all seen the “snow boogers” that form around bumpers and wheel wells. That’s the most likely place for road salt to begin the erosion process. While you’re at it, you might as well wash the whole car. Winter is not really the time to spend afternoons hosing off your vehicle and chances are it’s been a while since the last time you’ve washed your car. Examine your brakes. Like wipers, brakes take on a bigger role during wintertime and should be checked to ensure that they’re still in good shape. Listen for brake noises such as grinding, chatter, or squeals. Even if your brakes aren’t making any noises, it’s still a good idea for you or your mechanic to determine the amount of wear on the pads or drums. We often become accustomed to the feel of worn brakes, without realizing that we’ve become used to decreased stopping power. Check all automotive fluids and top them off if you need to. Driving in the winter requires your engine to work harder and condensation can cause moisture buildup in the engine that creates wear. If your car is due for scheduled maintenance, have the oil changes and be sure to use the proper formulation and viscosity recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. Go over the interior of your vehicle. This includes taking out and washing floor liners. Vacuum and clean the carpets, and make sure they are dry before you put the liners back in. A nice, clean interior is one of the best parts of driving after all! Source: https://exchange.aaa.com/car-care/repair-maintenance/seasonal-car-maintenance/#.WpXIAZPwZTY Service Your Vehicle For Less With Younger Nissan!

So, you know that your vehicle has a lot of fluids that need regular checking, right? RIGHT??? If you don’t, consider yourself schooled. Especially with winter coming, you’re going to want to be intimately familiar with everything under the hood of your vehicle, even if it means getting your hands a little dirty. For those of you who don’t know the ins and outs of every fluid that’s running through your engine, here’s a quick primer and guide for how to make sure everything is running well and copacetic. Engine oil. This, if anything, is what your vehicle absolutely cannot do without. The engine oil keeps everything lubricated and moving easily, and it also removes residue and prevents buildup in your engine. If there is a lot of, well, gunk, in your engine, your car will not perform as well as it can. The way to check the engine oil is to locate the dipstick, which is usually a little yellow handle that’s labeled “engine oil” near the engine and to pull it out. Wipe it clean with a paper towel or clean rag, dip it in again, and then pull it out and look at it. Make sure that the oil is at the middle of the two markers on the end of the stick. If it’s low, you can top up the oil yourself. Make sure you’re using the right kind of oil by checking your owner’s manual or asking your dealer. If it’s a little high, that’s fine. Your dealer will tell you when you need to change your oil, but you should be checking your oil at least once a month to make sure everything is okay under the hood. Coolant. Near the radiator is a clear overflow plastic container. The coolant level can be seen through the plastic, and there will be a line that indicates the level that the fluid should reach. Make sure it’s at this level - if it’s not, take your car into the dealer or garage and have them top it up for you with the correct coolant for your vehicle. Power Steering Fluid. At the base of your windshield is a small tank that contains your power steering fluid. This makes it easier to steer your car, believe it or not. Without this fluid, the steering mechanism will not work properly. The level of this fluid should be between the minimum and maximum levels indicated on the tank. Brake Fluid. This is located in a clear reservoir with minimum and maximum lines marked on it. Fill it up with clean, new brake fluid if the level is low, but if it is low you should watch it closely and have the system checked. Low brake fluid could mean that there is a leak in your system or that your brake pads are wearing down. Windshield Washer Fluid. The most basic of them all. Make sure that your washer fluid tank is full at all times. In the winter, this can be useful for helping to defrost your windshield, and in the summer the fluid can reduce glare from the sun and clear off dust and pollen from your windshield, making it easier for you to see where you’re going! Check Out This Month’s Service Specials!

How often do you get your oil changed? I’m gonna bet you follow the sticker that your mechanic puts up on your window saying the mileage and when you should get it done. That’s all well and good, but sometimes folks think that they can go for longer or that they need to get their oil changed more often than what their mechanic says. There are a lot of myths surrounding getting your oil changed that can be cleared up very easily. Read on! Typically, you should only be going six months (or 3,000 miles) between oil changes. There’s a lot of room for variance, especially depending on the age of your vehicle, how often you drive, how far you drive, how hard you drive, and what your manufacturer and dealer recommend. If your car is very old, you’re definitely going to want to get your oil changed more frequently. Same goes for if you have a lot of miles on your vehicle - that oil should be changed more frequently than it would have to be for a vehicle with few miles on it. Your manufacturer probably has a recommendation for how frequently you should be getting your oil changed. This can be found in your vehicle owner’s manual, or if not, your dealer probably has a recommendation on your oil change frequency. And, with the technology of modern synthetic oils, the frequency of oil changes tends to be lower. But depending on what type of oil your tech uses on your vehicle, that frequency can vary a lot. You should always ask to make sure you know how often you need to go in for a change, and what kind of oil your tech used. You should also be checking your oil frequently to make sure that you have the right amount in your engine. This just means pulling out the dipstick and looking at where the oil line is. If there’s too little, you can add some yourself to tide you over until your next scheduled oil change. If you find the oil level dipping too low frequently, you should take your vehicle in to get looked at because you might have a leak or your vehicle might be burning that oil - not good! I hope these tips have helped a little - and remember, the good folks at Younger Nissan of Frederick will be happy to help you with anything you need… they can handle not only oil changes but also maintenance, repairs, and helping you get into a new vehicle if that’s what you need! Younger Nissan of Frederick Helps You Stay Fresh