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Modern cars are packed full of driver assistance features to enhance safety, but the brakes are still the most important safety component on every single vehicle. That's why it's so important to head straight to the Nissan dealer when you notice you need a brake repair, so it's a good idea to learn the signs that your brakes need some attention. 1. Your Brake Pads Are Too Thin You can identify whether your brake pads are too thin in one of two ways. One way is to give them a visual inspection by looking between the spokes of your wheel. You should see more than 1/4 inch of brake pad pressed against your metal rotor. The other way to identify problems with your brake pads is by listening. Brake pads have a built-in wear indicator, which becomes exposed gradually as your brake pads wear down. Upon becoming exposed, this indicator scratches against your rotor and creates a metallic screeching noise when you activate the brakes. Turn off the radio and listen out for this sound periodically. 2. Your Brake Pedal Starts Vibrating Your brake pedal shouldn't vibrate under normal braking circumstances. If your brake pedal vibrates after you press down on it, then you should schedule an appointment at the dealer to have your braking system checked. It's very likely that your rotors are warped and need to be either replaced or resurfaced before they start causing problems. 3. Your Brakes Have Reduced Responsiveness When there's a problem with your braking system, you may experience reduced braking responsiveness. It could take a few extra seconds to stop when you step on the brake pedal, or your brake pedal might sink toward the floor without any of its usual resistance. The issue may be an air leak in the brake hose, or you could have a brake fluid leak. A brake fluid leak is often easier to catch, as you'll spot fluid that looks like motor oil near your vehicle when it's parked. 4. Your Brake Pedal Feels Different As mentioned above, your brake pedal may sink straight to the floor if you have an air leak or a brake fluid leak. Other issues with the braking system can make your brake pedal feel different, too. The pedal may be lower than usual, or it could feel spongy/soft when you step on it. When you're having this problem, it can take more effort to apply the brake pedal. Visit Courtesy Nissan PA in Altoona, PA when your brakes need TLC. You can request an appointment online so you can come in and get your brakes repaired promptly.

Your motor is the heart of your vehicle. If you take good care of it, you are free to drive wherever your heart desires. If you neglect it, though, it may fail when you need it most. Today, we're looking at several signs that you need to bring your Nissan into your local dealership for an oil change. 1. An Engine-Related Dashboard Light Is Illuminated One sign that your engine oil needs to be changed is an engine-related light illuminated on your dashboard. You may see a small red oil can dripping oil. This indicates that your engine oil pressure is low and new oil needs to be put in your reservoir. However, it is possible to need new engine oil without your engine oil pressure dropping. In such a case, you may see an amber check engine light illuminated on your dash. 2. You Can Smell Engine Oil Inside Your Vehicle You should also bring your vehicle to your local dealership to have its engine oil replaced if you can smell engine oil while you're sitting in your vehicle. Smelling motor oil while you're driving is another clear indication that you have an engine oil leak and a service appointment is required. Similarly, you should schedule an immediate service appointment if you smell exhaust fumes or fuel. These smells often indicate that your engine is overheating. To determine what is causing the odd smell and discover how it is affecting your vehicle, you should have a certified mechanic inspect your vehicle and treat the cause of the problem. 3. Your Engine Oil Is Discolored Furthermore, you should have a certified automotive technician change the oil in your vehicle if the motor oil is discolored. If your engine oil is clean, it will be amber and almost see-through. Engine oil darkens when it gets clogged with particles, and it must be changed at this point. To ensure that your engine oil is still clean, once per month, check it. Remove the dipstick from the reservoir, wipe it off, insert it, and remove it again. You should be able to see the dipstick, and the oil should be mostly clear. Signs it is time to have the engine oil in your vehicle changed include odd sounds, smells, and lights. If you notice any of these signs, don't delay. Contact us today at Courtesy Nissan PA in Altoona, PA to schedule a service appointment. We'll make sure the heart of your car is beating strong so you can explore the area to your heart's content.

You chose a Nissan for its reliability, durability, and safety, and your Nissan dealership has a top-of-the-line service department with the latest specialized equipment and technology and Nissan-trained technicians who perform superior maintenance and repair services, all to ensure that your beloved Nissan always performs at its best. 1. Oil Changes Our service department has the latest tools and technologies tailored to your Nissan vehicle, ensuring a fast and efficient oil change process that delivers optimal engine performance. Our highly skilled Nissan-trained technicians perform a complimentary multi-point inspection during each oil change to help maintain the performance of your Nissan vehicle and only use Nissan-tested and approved oil products, ensuring the highest quality of service. Recommended Motor Oil We recommend Genuine Synthetic Blend Motor Oil, available in 5W-30 GF-5 SN Plus, that reduces corrosion and wear while protecting your engine. For newer Nissan models, Genuine Full Synthetic Motor Oil, available in 0W-20 GF-5 SN Plus, will shield your engine against sludge and rust. For outstanding overall vehicle performance and to help prolong the life of your engine, we offer Genuine Mobil 1 Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil, available in 0W-20, 5W-30, and 0W-40 GF-5 SN Plus. Genuine Nissan Oil Filters Just as important as using the proper oil, so is the filter. Genuine Nissan oil filters provide extra protection while your engine runs, made possible by the anti-drain-back valve. This feature effectively reduces engine wear on start-up, ensuring your engine runs smoothly. 2. Battery Services When you bring your vehicle to us for a multi-point inspection, our Nissan technicians also perform a complimentary battery diagnostic test to determine the strength of your battery. If your car needs a replacement, we install genuine Nissan batteries that meet your Nissan's original specifications and are backed by an 84-month Limited Warranty. 3. Brake Services Your brakes must always be in excellent condition to stay safe behind the wheel. Our certified technicians perform complimentary brake system inspections to ensure your brakes work correctly. When your vehicle needs replacement brake parts, we only install genuine Nissan parts that offer reliable, long-lasting performance. 4. Tire Services We carry a wide selection of approved major tire brands. Our knowledgeable tire specialists are always ready to help you find the appropriate tires for your specific vehicle model. When you buy four eligible tires from us, you'll receive $100 off the purchase, and we'll even match the price and provide an additional 5% credit on eligible tires if you can find a better quote. Plus, our road hazard coverage on eligible tires covers tire repair or replacement costs. We are committed to providing exceptional services to keep your vehicle running like new. Contact Courtesy Nissan PA today to schedule a service appointment and rely on our team of Nissan experts to take care of all your vehicle needs.

Like all vehicles, your Nissan depends on a crucial component to start and run efficiently: its battery. Over time, even the best batteries degrade and need replacing. Understanding when to head to the Nissan dealer for a new car battery is key to uninterrupted driving pleasure. Difficulty Starting the Engine The most common sign of a battery that is nearing the end of its lifespan is trouble when starting the engine. If your Nissan takes longer than usual to start, or if you hear a clicking sound when turning the key, it's a clear sign your battery is losing its charge. Dimming Headlights or Electrical Issues If your headlights or dashboard lights are dimmer than usual, or if you notice the performance of other electrical components deteriorating, it could be due to a failing battery. Battery Warning Light Modern Nissans come equipped with a battery warning light on the dashboard. If this light illuminates, it's a direct signal from your car that the battery needs attention. Swollen Battery Case Extreme temperatures can affect the lifespan of your battery. If the battery case appears swollen or bloated, it's a sign that it needs to be replaced immediately. Aging Battery Typically, a car battery lasts anywhere from 3-5 years. If your Nissan's battery is within this age range, it's wise to start monitoring its performance. Corrosion on Battery Terminals White, ashy deposits on your battery's metal terminals are a sign of corrosion. Corrosion can cause reduced battery connectivity, leading to poor performance, and may be a sign that your battery is too old or damaged to do its job. Choosing the Right Battery for Your Nissan Once you've determined that you need a new battery, the next step is choosing the right one. Ensure you get the right size and type of battery for your specific Nissan model. You'll also need to make sure that it has enough power for your vehicle. Finally, for best results, you should choose a high-quality battery that comes with a warranty. Head to the Nissan Dealer for Battery Help If choosing the right car battery alone sounds overwhelming, don't worry! You can let the professionals handle it. Your local dealership has expert technicians who can help you select the right battery for your car. We can also install it properly and dispose of your old one without any hassle at all. Regular battery checks are essential for keeping your Nissan running reliably. By staying on top of your battery's health and understanding when it's time for a new one, you can avoid the problem of a dead battery at the worst possible time. If your battery isn't performing its best, take a trip to Courtesy Nissan PA to get it checked.

Whether it's a zippy Sentra or a robust Pathfinder, driving a Nissan brings a sense of style and reliability. However, no matter how well you maintain your vehicle, there comes a time when your tires need replacing. Recognizing when it's time for new tires is crucial for your safety and your Nissan's performance. Here's how to tell when it's time to head to your Nissan dealership for a fresh set of wheels. Check the Tread Depth It's easy to tell that you need a new set of tires if your tread depth is too low. Use the "penny test." Insert a penny into the tire tread with Lincoln's head facing down. If you can see the top of his head, your tread depth is less than 2/32 of an inch, and it's time to replace those tires. Tread depth is vital for proper traction, and low tread depth reduces your Nissan's ability to grip the road, especially in wet conditions. Visible Tread Wear Indicators Modern tires come with built-in tread wear indicators. Look for flat rubber bars running perpendicular to the direction of the tread. These indicators are specifically designed to show when the tires have reached their wear limit: if the bars are flush with your tires' tread, it's time for a replacement. Ignoring them can compromise your vehicle's braking and handling. Bulges, Gouges, or Cracks The condition of your tire's sidewall is just as important as the tread, so inspect them for any bulges, gouges, or cracks. These can be signs that your tires are failing. Damage to the sidewall can be dangerous; it weakens your tire and may lead to a blowout while driving. Excessive Vibration While some vibration is normal, especially when the roads are rough, excessive vibration through the steering wheel or body of your car can indicate tire issues. This type of vibration may be a sign of misaligned or unbalanced tires, or it could mean your tires are damaged internally. Aging Tires Tires have a lifespan, even if they look okay. Over time, the rubber in tires deteriorates, which can lead to reduced performance and put your safety at risk. The general rule is to replace your tires every six years, regardless of the tread depth. Check your tire's manufacturing date on the sidewall. Visit Your Nissan Dealership for New Tires The technicians at the dealership are specifically trained to handle Nissan vehicles. We can ensure the right tires are chosen for your specific model, check your wheel alignment, and tire balancing, and take a look at your car's overall health before we send you back on the road. If you've noticed it's time to replace those tires, don't delay. Visit Courtesy Nissan PA to have your tires inspected today.