Frequently Asked Questions

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Maintenance

How often should I change my oil?
Throw out the every 3,000 miles rule you may have had drilled into your head. Your car will have its own specific recommendations, so follow the manual suggestions. If you can, choose synthetic oil which will last longer than regular oil. Talk to a technician if you have any questions or want to set up a specific schedule for oil changes.
How often should I change my battery?
The life of your battery is partially determined by its expiration date, and partially by your driving style. Check your battery for the code that indicates the end of the warranty (normally about 3 years after you buy it. The letters are the month (i.e, A is January, B is February, etc) and the numbers of the year. So if the code on your battery reads C19, then your battery expires in March of 2019.
If you tend to run a lot of short errands with your car, you may be depleting your battery faster than you think. We recommend changing it out before the expiration date to be on the safe side, or at least having it tested after a few years. Bring it to Woodmen Nissan to either test or replace your battery.
Why is my car not starting?
If your car is making a clicking sound instead of starting, it’s likely a dead battery or starter. You can test the voltage with a voltmeter at home to ensure it’s at least 12 volts when the car is off. As someone tries to start the car, you can test again to ensure that it’s at least 10.5 volts. If it’s over that number, you’re likely dealing with a starter problem. It could also be a problem with the timing belt, alternator, or sensor.
What does the Check Engine light mean?
 

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This could mean a number of things. It may mean you need service because there’s something wrong with the car, or it may not. If the engine light goes off quickly after appearing, then it’s called a soft code. Usually it just means the oxygen sensor picked up an imbalance which then corrected itself. If the light stays on though, your vehicle will need to be hooked up to a code reader to determine the exact problem.

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Tires

How often should I replace my tires?
Everyone has different driving habits, and your tires respond to what you do on the road. Manufacturers set the limits between 20,000 and 40,000 miles, but if you’re driving on a lot of gravel or rough roads, your tires may not last that long. Highway tires or those made of soft rubber may also need more frequent replacement.
When should I check my alignment?
The alignment needs to be checked immediately after buying new tires, or if you feel your car pulling to one side or the other. Even if your vehicle never veers off course though, you should still get your alignment checked at least once a year.
What are the signs I should get new tires?
Tire tread should be at least 1/8″ deep. One of the best ways to tell is either through the wear bars or by using the penny test. If the tread is even with the rubber wear bars found on your tires, it’s time to change them. Or stick a penny into your tire’s tread upside down. If you can’t see Mr. Lincoln’s head, you need new tires.
What if 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.

There are a lot of options out there, and it’s easy to become confused. For most people, it makes sense to replace the tires with the same brand and type that the car originally came with. If you want something different though, talk to our technicians for more information and tips about navigating the many choices.

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Parts

How often should I replace the belts and hoses?
You can follow your owners manual when it comes to replacing hoses and belts, but you should also be checking them periodically. If you open the hood and see signs of cracking, rot or other signs of wear, they’ll need to changed.
What is the difference between OEM and generic parts?
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts are made by the original manufacturer, meaning they’ve made the part specifically for your car to meet the original quality standards. Whether ordered directly from them or not, they come with a warranty.
Generic parts are made by an outside company, and therefore may not have the same quality standards as OEM. While generic parts may work perfectly fine in your car, sometimes the chance is not worth taking.

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Certified Professionals

What is a certified professional technician?
The Manufacturer has a certain testing process, so all certified technicians meet the rigorous standards and high bar before getting to work on your car. They’re trained to both repair and maintain, and they have the experience to fix even the more complicated issues. Mechanics with the right experience can greatly increase the lifespan of your car.
Can I use a mechanic that isn’t certified?
You can, but you have no means of knowing if you’re getting the right work done or not. Just one mistake can spell disaster, so it makes more sense to spend the money for quality technicians now rather than more expensive repairs down the road.
Manfucaturer Certification and Woodmen Nissan
It’s our duty to keep you safe and your car running at its optimal levels, and we take that job seriously All of our technicians are manufacturer certified, and we only use OEM parts. We cover you under a warranty, and always guarantee our work. If you’re looking for fast, friendly and efficient service, then count on us for excellent workmanship and quality parts.

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Technology

What is Nissan Bluetooth Connect and how is it used?
With Nissan’s Bluetooth Connect, the automaker continues its innovative leadership role within the auto technology industry. This system seamlessly integrates your vehicle with your favorite mobile device. Once the two have been linked, you are instantly connected as soon as you start your Nissan. Using Bluetooth Connect’s wireless technology, you can make and receive phone calls, stream all your favorite music and do many other tasks — all while keeping your hands safely on the steering wheel. If you need assistance syncing your Nissan Bluetooth Connect with your mobile device, simply let your Woodmen Nissan service technician or sales professional know and they’ll be glad to help.
 

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 is it used?
Nissan makes it easier than ever to keep tabs on what’s happening on the home front while you are on the road with their innovative system, HomeLink. A wireless control system that uses your Nissan as a base, HomeLink enables you to sync up to three remote-control devices. With three buttons conveniently and seamlessly integrated within your Nissan’s interior, you can manipulate your home’s functions while you’re in your vehicle. For example, you can open the garage door for out-of-town guests, turn on your exterior lights in anticipation of your arrival home or turn off your security system to allow service personnel to access your property. You never need to change the batteries because HomeLink is tied to your Nissan’s electrical system.
 

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

Nissan HomeLink


Driving & Maintenance Tips

How do I get better gas mileage?
  • Many automobile owners believe that fuel efficiency comes down to the type of car you buy. To some degree, that’s true. A 4-cylinder compact will likely get better gas mileage than a big 8-cylinder vehicle. But gas mileage isn’t entirely beyond your control and there are things you can do to save at the pump while extending the life of your vehicle.
  • Cruise Control And Constant Speeds
    When traveling on major highways, the simplest way to save on gas mileage is to use cruise control. The general consensus is that driving 55 mph provides the best efficiency. However, vehicle and engine sizes vary. If you have an mpg meter built into your console, don’t hesitate to experiment by resetting it to gauge fuel efficiency on the open road. You may find that your vehicle is more efficient at a slightly different constant speed. On slower roadways, try to avoid frequent speed increases and decreases. Steady wins the gas mileage race.
  • Space Cushions
    If you’ve ever watched a stock car racing movie, sometimes they talk about drafting. It’s a dangerous tailgating practice that keeps the trailing car in a vacuum. But if you’re on the highway and just a few car lengths behind a tractor trailer, your vehicle is actually experiencing greater wind resistance and lower fuel efficiency. Back off and allow plenty of space between you and the vehicle ahead. Besides wind resistance, you’ll also be able to maintain a more regular speed. Maintaining safe distance is also an excellent personal safety policy.
  • Check Your Tire Pressure
    There’s little dispute that a well-maintained vehicle maximizes its gas mileage potential. Start with the little things that you have day-to-day control over. Check your tire pressure and keep it at the factory recommended settings or slightly higher. Inconsistent or low tires tend to increase rolling resistance and lower gas mileage. The tires may last longer as well.
  • Dealing With Weather
    Hot weather often has people reaching for the air conditioning the moment they get behind the wheel. However, AC has a significant impact on power usage and gas mileage. If its sweltering hot out, dispel the built-up heat inside your car by rolling down the windows first.
    Cold weather presents a similar problem. Running the heat while idling obviously lowers overall gas mileage efficiency. Park in a spot that gets early morning sun. That will at least take the bite off the frost.
  • Keep Service Checkup Dates
    There’s a reason service centers put little oil change stickers inside your windshield. These reminders prompt drivers to bring in their vehicles and that opens the door to general service that will keep your vehicle fuel efficient and on the road longer. Beyond the oil change, some of these items include:
    Changing Filters: Oil and air filters are keys to engine health. One keeps the lifeblood (oil) clean and the other helps keep debris from going down its windpipe. You may find an immediate uptick in fuel economy by replacing these filters.
    Spark Plugs: These should be replaced about every 30,000 depending on the vehicle. They’ll make a difference every time you start the engine.
    Fuel Injectors: Talk to your service technician about ultrasonic cleaning the fuel injectors. It’s a good policy to have this done about every 60,000 to improve the gas-air mix in your engine. The process can add to the life of your vehicle and save on gas.
    Try to think about fuel efficiency in terms of vehicle health. The better you maintain it, the more you’ll save at the pump and the longer your automobile will stay on the road.

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Does Your Car Have a Safety Recall?

Recalls have been in the news a lot lately. We know you have questions about the effect of these recalls on the safety of you and your passengers. We can’t service every vehicle with an open recall, but we can alert you if your vehicle has one.

Find out if your car is affected.

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