Frequently Asked Questions

If you don’t see the answer to your question on this page, please don’t hesitate to call us and one of our friendly representatives will be happy to assist you.

Make Your Appointment Call Now Get Directions

Make Your Appointment


Maintenance

How many miles before my Nissan needs an oil change?
Check your owner’s manual for the time intervals for your specific model. If you can’t find your owner’s manual, call our service center – a service adviser will be able to tell you the mileage intervals for oil changes.
When should I replace my car battery?
Check the warranty date on the battery. The letter is the month – A for January, B for February and so on. The number is the year. A battery that shows D17 means April 2017. Change the battery just before the date to hopefully prevent you from being stranded by a dead battery. Or, you could have your battery checked at our Service Center to ensure that it is still holding a charge.
What if my vehicle doesn’t start?
A dead battery, bad starter or bad alternator could all cause no-start situations; just as a stretched or broken timing belt or a bad sensor.
If the issue is a starter, you will generally hear a click when you engage the ignition. However, a dead battery could also cause that symptom. If you have a voltmeter, check the battery. It should have at least 12 volts when the vehicle is off. Have someone turn the key while you check the voltmeter. If the voltage does not drop below 10.50 volts, the problem is most likely the starter, assuming that all other systems are working fine.
What if my “Service Engine Soon” light turns on?
 

These lights are here for a reason. This video will let you know what that reason is.

If the service engine soon or the check engine light comes on, you should get the vehicle to our service center as soon as possible. The only way to check the problem is to plug a code reader in. There is one code that could help you with a partial diagnosis without the code reader. If the check engine light comes on but turns itself off, that is called a soft code. The soft code is telling you that the oxygen sensor is sensing a wrong mixture of oxygen in the system.
How can I make my car last longer?
If you keep your vehicle well-maintained it will last much longer. Whether you’re intention is to drive your vehicle for as long as it is road worthy, sell it, or trade it in, you’ll get more miles or more money from the vehicle when you take care of it properly.
Tires are also part of the maintenance. They should have the proper air pressure so that they don’t wear out too fast.

Make Your Appointment


Tires

How often do I need to buy tires?
Depending on your vehicle and driving style, tires will typically last 20,000 – 40,000 miles before the tread is worn out. (Your results may be different.) Tread wear is easily gauged by pushing a penny into the treads. If part of Lincoln’s head is covered the tire is still useable. (That’s 2/32”, for those who prefer numbers.) Remember though, even with this much tread, in wet weather the tire won’t grip like a new one. The “penny test” is hardly the be-all end-all of tire safety and performance.
Tires can also need replacing because of damage or age. It’s possible for a pothole to damage a tire in a way that’s not obvious, although visible to an experienced technician. On low mileage vehicles it’s common for tires to age out. Sunlight makes rubber brittle, so once tires are five or six years old it’s prudent to replace them even if plenty of tread remains. If your tires were on the car when you bought it, a technician can help you decipher the date code on the sidewall.
Do I need to align my tires when I get new ones?
It’s always a good idea to have the alignment checked. If your vehicle’s tires have an uneven wear pattern, you should definitely have the alignment done.
How do I know when to get new tires?
You should always check your tires for wear, low pressure and other imperfections. When you look at the tires check for uneven wear, which means you may need an alignment. Look between the treads for the wear bars – a little bump of rubber in the tread. When the tread is almost even with the wear bars, it’s time for new tires.
What kind of tires should I get?
For many car owners, the best, and certainly the easiest, approach is to stick with what the manufacturer recommends. (And those may be the tires already on the vehicle.) This is because car manufacturers select the brand and type of tire that work best with the vehicle they’ve engineered. So unless you really want to change, just ask your dealership what the manufacturer recommends.
However good they are, the “Original Equipment” tires won’t be the cheapest, so you may want to try a different type. That’s also true if there’s something about the tires currently on the car that you don’t like. Perhaps you want more grip in corners or a smoother ride. Maybe you want to stop quicker in rain and snow, or perhaps you’d just like longer life. If any of these apply, do a little research.
If you’re web-savvy, go online and search out tire reviews. Be sure to check that any tires you like were used on the same car as yours! Alternatively, a dealership specializing in your make of car will have a good sense of what works well. Explain what you want and they’ll suggest some options at a range of price points.
 

The right tool for the right job and the right tire for the right Nissan. Here’s how to figure it out.

Make Your Appointment


Parts

When should I replace my belts and hoses?
The time frame varies. When hoses start to get soft or if they are showing cracks, they should be replaced. When belts show dry rotting, the bottom side is shiny or if the tensioner can no longer keep tension on the belt, it’s time to change the belts.
What is the difference between OEM and generic parts?
OEM parts are “original equipment manufacturer” parts. They are made by the manufacturer – in this , Nissan. The parts may be sold by Nissan or by third parties. Generic parts are made by another manufacturer to fit your Nissan. While most generic parts do fit, they may not have the quality that OEM parts have.

Make Your Appointment Parts


Certified Professionals

Why use Certified Manufacturer technicians?
When an Certified Manufacturer auto repair technician repairs your vehicle, you have the peace of mind that the repair will be done correctly the first time and you also have the peace of mind knowing that our certified technicians use quality OEM parts. A technician must be trained to use the special equipment required to properly diagnose today’s vehicles. Without this equipment, technicians cannot properly diagnose a problem. An inaccurate diagnosis could cost you needless additional expense.
Using OEM parts means that you have a warranty on the part that was replaced; you also have warranty on the work done on your vehicle. In the event that a part is defective or that a certified technician does make a mistake, that work is under warranty.
What’s wrong with uncertified mechanics?
When you choose a mechanic without Nissan certification to repair your vehicle, you won’t be certain that the person knows how to do the job. Nor will you know if that person uses quality OEM parts. Furthermore, that person may not be Certified Manufacturer and may not guarantee the work and the parts. used.
What are the certification requirements?
The technicians who work for South Colorado Springs Nissan must take and pass the certification test in their specialty. Or, if a technician is a master technician, he or she must pass a group of tests in a series. A master technician must also have two years of documented hands-on work experience.
For automobiles, a master tech must pass eight tests for the master status. For collision repair, a tech must pass four tests in the series. The A series for automobiles and light trucks include:
  • Engine repair
  • Automatic transmission/transaxle
  • Manual drivetrain and axles
  • Suspension and steering
  • Brakes
  • Electrical/Electronic system
  • Heating and air conditioning
  • Engine performance
The ninth test in the series is for light vehicle diesel engines and that test is not required to become a master technician.
Master techs in body repair or collision must pass these four tests:
  • Painting and refinishing
  • Non-structural analysis and damage repair
  • Structural analysis and damage repair
  • Mechanical and electrical components
All master tech must recertify every five years.
Call our certified technicians at South Colorado Springs Nissan to schedule an appointment for maintenance and repairs.

Make Your Appointment


Technology

What is Nissan Bluetooth Connect and how do I use it?
With Nissan Bluetooth Connect you can connect instantly and automatically when you start your vehicle, place and receive wireless calls, talk hands-free, eliminate cord clutter, and stream your music wirelessly. Pairing your portable device is a quick and easy process that will keep you connected while keeping your hands on the wheel. Check out our video on Nissan Bluetooth Connect to find out how pairing works.
 

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 do I use it?
Nissan HomeLink is Nissan’s vehicle-d wireless control system which allows you to control your garage door, front gate, home security system, interior and exterior lighting, as well as various appliances and electronics. Three buttons, seamlessly integrated into your vehicle’s interior grant you easy, instant access and eliminate the need to keep multiple remote control devices in your vehicle. HomeLink is easy to connect to up to three devices and is compatible with nearly all garage door openers and gate systems, along with an increasing list of other radio-frequency (RF) controlled devices. Furthermore HomeLink is powered by your automobile’s electrical system; so you never have to worry about replacing batteries.
Plus even when you’re away from home, you can utilize apps to control your RF devices for incrd security, reassurance and peace of mind. Check our video on Nissan HomeLink to set it up for your vehicle.
 

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?
  • Regardless of the speed you are driving, it incrs gas mileage over starting from a complete stop.
    Letting your car slow well before you get to a stoplight can reduce the chance you have to come to a complete stop. The only exception to this is if you are driving an electric vehicle with regenerative braking. In this , you do want to come to a complete stop.
  • Slowing down and speeding up uses more gas on the highway.
    When you keep a good distance from the car in front of you, you won’t have to slow down when the person in front of you slows down. Use cruise control when you can. This also allows traffic to merge into your lane on the highway without making you slow down. The closer to 55 mph you are, the better the gas mileage will be. However, since 55 mph is pretty much a thing of the past on most highways, just try to keep within the speed limit and keep the same speed.
  • Keeping your vehicle well maintained will also help with gas mileage.
    Old plugs cause the vehicle to use more gas. Certain sensors may also affect gas mileage, so it’s a good idea to have the codes checked and the sensors repaired when the check engine light comes on.
  • Good tire air pressure keeps the proper resistance between the tire and the road.
    If the air pressure is too low, the vehicle has to work harder to keep it rolling and you will use more gas

South Colorado Springs Nissan

MyNISSAN Rewards

Earn Rewards Points

For routine maintenance you already do.

Redeem Reward Points

Lower your cost of ownership by using your points on services you need.

Get the DetailsEnroll Today!>

test

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.

Check My Car