Follow these tips to keep your Nissan operating smoothly this summer
Summer is the season of road trips. Whether it’s to the lake, the beach, the campground, the state fair, or some other destination in this big, beautiful country of the United States, Americans are apt to pack up their vehicles and enjoy the freedom of the open road. But summer, even without the ice and snow that makes winter driving so hazardous, can present challenges, and whether you bought your Nissan brand new or from one of many area Indianapolis used car dealers, it’s a good idea to exercise some caution and planning before setting out for your big summer adventures.
First off, it’s a good idea to keep a log of your fill-ups and mileage—year-round. Worsening gas mileage can be an early warning sign that something isn’t right with your vehicle, whether it’s your tires, driving habits, or something else entirely. For example, on a trip from Chicago to Indianapolis, Nissan Altima drivers should routinely expect to get around 32 mpg with the 4 cylinder 2.5 liter engine. Now if for some reason this isn’t happening, then you’ll know your car needs to be checked out before you go on that 10-hour trip up north to the UP.
And if you are planning a 10-hour trip or longer, there is a good chance you will be driving in the dark. Locales like Wisconsin, Minnesota, the UP (not quite as much a worry really for city trips in well-lit places like Chicago or Indianapolis), Nissan drivers need to be extra cautious when driving at night. Deer are just as likely to dart out in front of your car up there as a teenager is in the city. The distinction is in Wisconsin or the UP all you’ll have are your headlights to guide you. So it’s important to keep your headlight housings clear and polished as if they were the front windows on your house. Also bear in mind it is necessary to routinely check and replace burned out headlights and to make sure they are aimed properly for maximum effectiveness.
Speaking of windows, meaning here windshields, if you’re still using your heavy-duty rubber-wrapped winter blades in the summer, it’s time to make a change. Winter blades are bulkier and unnecessary for summer driving conditions—they could even present safety concerns in milder weather. Something basic in summer should do the trick.
Finally, along with everything mentioned here, it’s probably a good idea to visit your mechanic. Surely the Nissan Maxima you bought at an area Indianapolis used car dealer’s lot is in tip-top shape, but just to be sure it’s always good to go in for a check-up, especially before you take to the road for your big summer adventure.