Frequently Asked Questions

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Routine Maintenance for Your Nissan

How frequently does the oil need to be changed?
How frequently your oil needs to be changed will depend on what your vehicle manufacturer recommends and whether you use traditional or synthetic oil. The information can be located in your owner’s manual that comes with your car, but you can also contact one of our service staff at Nissan of Athens to find out when you should get your oil changed next. In general, if you have gone more than 3,000 miles without an oil change, it’s time to check in.
Do I need to change my battery?
All car batteries come with a warranty. You can tell when the warranty is up by looking at your battery and finding the code that is printed on it. The code delineates the month and the year your battery warranty is up. A is used to indicate January, B for February, etc. After the letter, there is a two digit number that indicates the year your battery warranty is up. If your battery reads C18, your battery warranty expires in March 2018.
It is recommended that you change your battery before the warranty expires. If you aren’t ready to change your battery but you want to know if your battery is still good, a technician at Nissan of Athens can test your battery to see how well it is performing.
My car won’t start, what do I do?
There are a number of reasons you car won’t start, but the two most common reasons are that your battery is dead or your starter isn’t working. If you turn the key and you hear a clicking noise, this can mean your starter needs to be replaced. If you don’t hear a clicking noise or your car interior lights don’t turn on, it’s probably your car battery.
Your car may be having trouble starting if you have a broken timing belt, or a timing belt that is too stretched to work properly. A sensor may be broken, or your alternator may need to be replaced. If you’ve checked the battery and your car won’t start, it’s time to get your car to a repair shop.
My “Check Engine Soon” indicator just turned on, what do I do?
 

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

If you see the “Check Engine Soon” indicator or the “Service Engine Soon” turn on, this means that you’ll need to have your vehicle checked by a professional service provider to see what might be wrong with your car. These indicators turn on when there is a problem with your car that can only be figured out by getting your car hooked up to a code reader. Sometimes a “Check Engine Soon” light will go on, but then turn off on its own. This is called a soft code, and indicates that the oxygen sensor has determined the oxygen mixture inside of your car was incorrect temporarily.

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Tires

How do I know when to replace my tires?
You can expect most tires to last between 20,000 and 40,000 miles according to your tire manufacturer. Cheaper tires don’t usually last as long, and tires that travel over rough terrain frequently may need to be replaced sooner. If your tires are more than 5 years old, it’s probably time to get a new set, even if the tread is still there. Rubber deteriorates over time, and tires older than 5 years are usually no longer safe.
When should tires be aligned?
When you get new tires, you’ll want to have the alignment checked. Most service stations are going to do a tire alignment when you purchase new tires to ensure that they wear evenly.
How will I know if I need new tires?
If your tires are consistently low in pressure, or you see uneven wear, it may be time to look for new tires. Pay attention to your tire treads to see if your tire is wearing down. You have small wear bars on your tires, which wear down to small bumps over time. If you see that the tread and small bumps are just about even, take your car in to see if you need new tires.
How do I find 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.

Talk with the technician at our service center to see what tires you should get for your vehicle. While the manufacturer will recommend a certain type of tire, our skills staff know which tires will work perfectly.

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Parts

When should my belts and hoses be replaced?
Your owner’s manual will tell you exactly when you should replace belts and hoses in order to keep your car running smoothly. If you look over your belts and hoses and see signs of cracking, or the belts aren’t tense enough, it’s time for a replacement. You may also hear squealing noises when you run your car, a sure sign that belts need to be changed.
Should I use generic or OEM parts on my car?
OEM parts are those made by the original equipment manufacturer, and they are under warranty when used to repair your car. While generic parts may fit your vehicle and result in an adequate repair, they are not made with the same quality standards.

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Certified Professionals

Why should I choose a certified professional technician?
When you choose a certified professional technician, you are investing in a mechanic who has been trained following rigorous standards. A mechanic who has ASE-certification has the experience you want when it comes to maintaining and repairing your car.
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 ASE Certified and may not guarantee the work and the parts. used.
What are the certification requirements?
The technicians who work for Nissan of Athens must take and pass the ASE 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 Nissan of Athens to schedule an appointment for maintenance and repairs.

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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-based 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 increased 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 increases 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 case, 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

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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.