For many San Diegans, spring means weekend road trips, family vacations, spring break trips and camping adventures.  Whatever your plans are, chances are you are getting ready to get on the road, however are you confident your car is in shape to get you there safely?  Winter’s cold and rainy weather can be hard on your car, and likely showing signs of wear & tear. Here are some car care tips to get your car ready for spring.

Change your oil and oil filter.
Changing your oil and oil filter at the intervals recommended in your vehicle’s owner’s manual is one of the best ways to keep the engine running trouble free. Neglecting to replace engine oil can result in poor engine performance, higher fuel consumption and even severe engine damage.

Check your fluids.
When you change your oil and oil filter, you should also check your fluids. Check your power steering, brake, and transmission fluids; your windshield washer fluid; and your coolant. If the levels are low, top them up, and flush/replace them as recommended in your owner’s manual.

Replace your wiper blades.
If they’re torn or cracked your wiper blades won’t do you much good in the middle of spring showers when visibility is reduced.

Check your battery.
Cold temperatures can do a number on your battery, so now is a good time to have it tested. You should also check to make sure that your battery is securely mounted and that the connections are clean, tight, and corrosion free. If your battery is more than five years old, you should consider having it replaced.

Check your lights.
Check all exterior and interior lighting to identify any problems. When your vehicle’s lighting is defective, other motorists may not get the message that you intend to stop or turn.

Check your belts and hoses.
Cold temperatures can harden and/or damage rubber, so it’s important to check your belts and hoses for damage. Check your hoses for hardening, softening, leaking, cracks, blistering, or other visual damage, and check your belts for looseness, cracks, frays, or glazing.

Check your filters.
Your car has many filters that are important to its longevity and should be replaced regularly. Check your engine air filter, your cabin air filter, and your fuel filter for damage or clogging and replace them if necessary.

Check your tires.
Check the pressure of all your tires (including the spare) monthly, and maintain the optimal pressure recommended in your owner’s manual. Check the tread for uneven or irregular wear and for cuts on the sidewalls.

Make car care a priority this spring to protect yourself and prolong the life of your vehicle! Not comfortable checking your vehicle yourself? Schedule a service appointment at one of our 7 Mossy Nissan locations for a free multi-point inspection.

Winter Service Tips To Save Time And Money

You may not think about getting your car ready for winter living in sunny San Diego. However, spending some time preparing your car for winter not only can help prevent a breakdown or accident, but it can also save you money on repair costs and gas. We put together a few quick and easy winter service tips. Some things you can do yourself, while others require a trained service technician. All will save you money down the road.

1. Get a tune-up

If you’re due for a tune-up, schedule one in the fall. Cold winter weather magnifies existing problems such as hard starts, and sluggish performance. Check your owner’s manual for the tune-up schedule and follow it.

2. Change the fluids.

Six different fluids should be changed before the colder winter temperatures come. These include brake system fluid, coolant, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, washer fluid, and suspension differential fluid.

3. Change your oil and oil filters.

Regular oil changes prevent overheating and buildup of grime. Changing the oil also helps with fuel efficiency and reduces the possibility of engine failure.

4. Check your brakes.

Brakes are your car’s most important safety system. Test your brakes before the cold and rainy weather, and make sure to get your brakes and brake fluid checked. Replace brake pads if necessary, so you’ll be able to stop, even on slippery winter roads.

Ask your service advisor to check the emergency brake as well. Even if your brake pads are good, the cables or mechanical elements can seize or break, especially if they are unused.

5. Clean and check your car battery.

Cold weather is hard on batteries. Have the battery and charging system checked for optimum performance each fall. It’s especially important because so many computerized safety systems run off battery power.

You can use a tester to determine if you have a weak battery. If you aren’t comfortable doing this, schedule an appointment at one of our 7 Mossy Nissan locations.

6. Make sure your heater and defroster still work.

Check the heater and defroster in the fall, before you need them, to determine if they are working properly. If they’re not, get them fixed ASAP.

Check the heated seats, too, if your car has them.

7. Replace windshield wiper blades.

As a general rule, wiper blades should be replaced every six months. If yours have been leaving patches on your windshield, replace them now before the cold weather stiffens the rubber even more.

It’s also a good idea to check the rubber seals around your car’s doors and windows.

8. Test your headlights.

Shorter days in winter lead to more driving in the dark, using your headlights. Check that your car’s exterior and interior lights and headlights work and are properly aimed. If headlights seem to be less powerful than they used to be, clean them. Use only a special cleaner that won’t scratch the finish.

9. Prep car tires for winter.

To prepare your car wheels for winter, plan to rotate tires in the fall, for more even wear and a more comfortable ride.

In winter, tire pressure should be checked weekly. Always check tire pressure in the driveway. And don’t forget to test the spare, too, especially if you’ve been lucky and haven’t needed it for a while.

10. Check the exhaust system.

Check your car for carbon monoxide leaks, which can be especially dangerous during cold weather driving when windows are closed. A detector made for vehicles will alert you to problems.

11. Keep your gas tank full.

When winter comes, keep the gas tank at least half full at all times to reduce the chance of moisture forming in the gas lines and possibly freezing.

12. Put together a winter emergency kit.

Planning a road trip to go skiing or snowboarding? Make sure you have a winter survival kit in your car in case things don't go as planned! It only takes a few minutes to gather most of these items and they could save your life!

Your kit should include blankets, socks, hats, mittens to keep you and your passengers warm. A source of heat like a can heater or multiple wick candle - don't forget matches or a lighter! Water and a metal container suitable for melting snow into drinking water. Food - such as hard candy, energy bars, nuts, and raisins. And don’t forget a bright red or orange cloth and whistle to signal for help, and an AM/FM radio plus a flashlight - both with new batteries!

Other lifesavers? A shovel, a good spare tire, jumper cables, tire chains, road flares, and a small tool kit can become your lifesavers if a bad situation comes around!

We want all of our drivers to be safe this winter season. Mossy Nissan can help you get ready with a free multi-point inspection. We wish you a safe holiday and winter season this year!

Spook your car up for Halloween! While social distancing guidelines may impact traditional Halloween plans this year, new activities in San Diego County involving cars – such as haunted drive-throughs and concerts in your car – are becoming more popular. Why not decorate your vehicle for Halloween this year?

Below are nine tips to consider before you decorate your car for Halloween.

It is well documented that cell phone use while driving contributes to distracted driving. The act of typing in a number and then holding a device while driving with a single hand on the wheel is most definitely adding to accidents and distracted driving mishaps. A hands-free mobile phone system like Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™ can minimize such issues, allowing drivers to do a variety of things without ever taking their eyes off the road or their hands off the steering wheel.

Nissan really has the jump on technology. But sometimes consumers don’t take advantage of the high-tech features. This blog will help you learn more about the Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™ features available in many 2019 Nissans like the Rogue, Altima, and Sentra.

HERE ARE SOME HANDY “HOW TO” TIPS:

Hands-Free Text Messaging Assistant

• You can activate the Assistant by pressing a button on the steering wheel
• If you say, “Read Text,” the assistant will read out your messages to you.
• If you say, “Next Text,” you can move on to the next text that was recorded in the Nissan Connect system.
• You can also respond or send a new text message to someone by saying “Send text message to..” followed by the contact’s name.
• Or you can choose one of the many pre-written messages like: On my way, Running late, Driving, can’t text, etc.
• You can also customize your own messages and add them into the list of pre-written messages.

Hands-Free Calling – Bluetooth Feature

• You can accept a call by pressing the phone button on the steering wheel.
• You can use this feature with simple voice commands. For example, if you want to call someone:
  • You can just say, “Call” and say the person’s name from your contacts
  • Or say, “Dial Number” and say that person’s phone number

AVAILABLE APPS:

Android Auto™ supports SMS and offers integration with third-party messaging apps like Google Hangout, WhatsApp, Skype, ICQ, Kik, and others.

Apple CarPlay® on the other hand, supports SMS, iMessages, and the third-party messaging app, WhatsApp.

MUSIC:

When it comes to music, both Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay® offer a variety of integration with third-party audio streaming apps, apart from their native audio apps like Google Play, Music, and iTunes. This makes it easy for you to play music from any streaming services you use.

Apple CarPlay® has the same options as services like Spotify. Users have options on the home screen for playlists, browsing music, and 'Now Playing' information.

Similarly, the audio interface of Android Auto™ includes the same options that Android users are familiar with, like what’s playing next, playlists, recently played, and shuffle.

NAVIGATION:

You can use available navigation apps to get real-time traffic alerts and avoid road hazards, speed traps, or find the fastest route. Or see where you can take a break and find a bite along the way.

Ultimately, when it comes to cellphone safety, Nissan has you covered! For assistance with any of these tips you can go to any of the 7 local San Diego Mossy Nissan dealers, where our staff will gladly help you set up your phone or take you through the high-tech features. Stay safe!

CREDIT: https://www.zco.com/blog/android-auto-vs-apple-carplay-2018/

*Driving is serious business and requires your full attention. Only use features and connected devices when safe and legal to do so.

Would your car be ready if you had to leave at a moment’s notice? If you were stranded in your car, would you be prepared?

Emergencies and natural disasters come in a variety of forms, and you don’t always have time to prepare. It is important to remember to perform regular maintenance and do-it-yourself checks on your car, as well as have a stocked emergency kit. This gives you peace of mind to know that your vehicle is always ready for the task.

It is recommended to check the following to make sure your car is ready for the unexpected:

• Tire Tread:
  Tire tread helps your car grip the road. Having low tire tread is especially dangerous when driving in wet, flood-like, snowy or icy conditions. Check your tread easily with a penny.

• Tire Pressure:
  Pressure that is too low or too high can affect gas mileage, tread wear and vehicle performance. Check your tires once a month when they are still cold, using the PSI (pounds per square inch) number located on the driver door or in the owner’s manual.

• Fluids Check:
  Check your car’s fluids once a month or take a peek when you fill the gas tank. Top off fluids, such as your oil and coolant, and visit a technician if you suspect a leak.

• Belts:
  A broken engine belt can literally stop you in your tracks. Look for signs of excessive wear or looseness.

• Brakes:
  Your vehicle’s brakes are very important for safety; make sure they are ready in any condition. Have your brakes inspected by a technician once a year, and be aware of any signs of brake trouble, including noise, pulling and vibration while braking.

• Battery:
  Even in a non-emergency, it is stressful when your car does not start. Extreme temperatures, such as summer and winter, can wear the battery. A technician can test that the battery is charging at the correct rate. If your battery is three years or older, it may need to be replaced.

• Emergency Kit:
  Have an emergency kit ready to go in your car. A vehicle emergency kit should include the following:

  • Jumper cables
  • Road atlas or map
  • First-aid kit
  • Flashlight with extra batteries
  • Water
  • Non-perishable food
  • Blankets

Make sure your car is in tip top shape so you can be prepared for anything! Schedule an appointment at one of our 7 convenient Mossy Nissan locations in San Diego County today!

CREDIT: http://www.carcare.org/car-care-resource/car-care-tips/

Interior Car Detailing Tips from the Pros!

#1: Get the right products!

There are many types and brands of interior cleaning products. Depending on the material you are cleaning, you may need several products. For the leather portions, make sure to use leather cleaner.

#2: Soft cloth - or socks!

Spray your cleaner directly on interior surfaces, like steering wheel, dashboard or onto a clean, soft terry cloth. An old cotton sock works well too!

#3 Toothbrushes & cotton swabs!

Use a toothbrush to remove stubborn stains and keep a bag of cotton swabs handy for interior crevices, steering wheel dashboard and center console! You'll be amazed at how much better the car looks when you clean all the detail spots.

#4: Glass cleaner makes it shine!

Glass cleaner puts a nice shine on interior plastic (dashboard, center consoles, etc) as well as the windows!

 

credit:

http://www.mossynissan.com/blog/2013/may/28/interior-car-detailing-tips.htm

The San Diego summer sun can get your car interior cooking! When it’s hot outside, getting in your car that’s been parked directly in the sun for hours is never a pleasant experience.

No one wants to be greeted by a sweltering car interior that’s filled with things like scalding seatbelt buckles, sizzling leather seats, plus your steering wheel, and gear shift that are uncomfortably hot to touch.

We put together tips to help keep your parked car cool this summer.

1. Use a sunshade or window visor.
This tried-and-true method of keeping your car cool should be your go-to option to counteract hot interior temps throughout the summer. Put up a sunshade or window visor every time you exit your car for more than a few minutes. Keep it even cooler for long periods by putting a sunshade in your rear window as well.

2. Use a dash cover.
A fabric or upholstered dash cover can go a long way towards making your car's interior more comfortable. You won't feel as overwhelmed by the heat if you don't have to touch hot vinyl surfaces. Dash covers also protect sensitive vinyl from sun damage that can cause cracking and fading.

3. Cover your steering wheel with a hand towel.
Even if you use a sunshade, it's a good idea to cover your steering wheel with a small towel. This will help to keep the contact temperature of your steering wheel down.

4. Whenever possible, park in a shady area.
If you're going to be somewhere for an extended period of time, it's worth it to walk a bit farther in order to park in the shade. You'll be happy to enter a not-so-hot car when you return from your day out.

5. Keep your possessions out of the sun.
Electronics, jewelry, or delicate items that you keep in your car should be stored out of the path of direct sunlight. Try storing your easy to melt items underneath the seat. You can also throw a blanket over your precious possessions.

6. Park in a garage when possible.
Whenever possible, park in a garage. Your car will be out of direct sunlight and will have the benefit of near-constant shade. Even a warm garage beats being parked in the sun all day.

7. Keep windows slightly cracked.
While it's not a good idea to leave your windows all the way open, it is a good idea to leave them slightly cracked. Check to be sure that you can't fit your arm through the crack in your window. Even a small crack will promote ventilation and help to keep your car cool.

8. Purchase a solar-powered fan.
Paired with cracked windows, a solar-powered fan can make your car feel downright pleasant during even the hottest summer days. These simple fans work  to expel hot air from your car. By creating constant air circulation, they lower your car's overall temperature.

9. Throw blankets over your seats.
If your car features vinyl or leather seats, you know just how hot these materials can become when exposed to sunlight and high temperatures. To keep car seats cool, throw blankets over them. When you return to the car, you can place the blankets on the floorboards or toss them in the trunk. Keeping your seats cool will make your car more pleasant on hot summer days.

10. Leave your doors open before getting in.
Before jumping into your hot car, leave the doors open for a few minutes, this will help the hot air exit and the cool air enter.

Here's a visual representation of the 10 Tips to Keep You Car Cool in the Summer:

Interior Car Detailing Tips from the Pros

#1: Get the right products!
There are many types and brands of interior cleaning products. Depending on the material you are cleaning, you may need several products. For the leather portions, make sure to use leather cleaner.

#2: Soft cloth - or socks!
Spray your cleaner directly on interior surfaces, like steering wheel, dash board or onto a clean, soft terry cloth. An old cotton sock works well too!

#3 Toothbrushes & cotton swabs!
Use a toothbrush to remove stubborn stains and keep a bag of cotton swabs handy for interior crevices, steering wheel dashboard and center console! You'll be amazed at how much better the car looks when you clean all the detail spots.

#4: Glass cleaner makes it shine!
Glass cleaner puts a nice shine on interior plastic (dashboard, center consoles, etc) as well as the windows!

Credit: http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/how-to/repair/how-to-clean-your-car-interior-5

> Want to get that new car smell? Get a new Nissan from Mossy Nissan in San Diego!

Thinking about taking your dog for a ride or a road trip? Traveling can be stressful for both you and your pet companions. We put together the following tips to help you prepare for a safe and smooth car ride for yourself, your pet, and your passengers.

Always use a harness and a seat belt.

A dog should never be roaming freely in your car or sitting your lap. Petting your dog, letting him sit in your lap, and other behaviors can distract you and increase the risk of a crash. The best way to travel with a dog is to keep them in the back seat in his/her crate or with a harness attached to a seat belt.

Going on a longer drive or trip? Another option is to keep your pets safe and secure in a well-ventilated crate or carrier. And make sure it is large enough for your pet to stand, sit, lie down and turn around in.

Keep your dogs’ head inside the car.

Dogs with their heads hanging out of the window sure look cute, but are at risk of injury to their eyes, nose, ears, mouth and face from airborne debris, or could be injured by flying objects. Plus, they are not protected in a crash. Keep the windows up and the dog securely belted in.

Don’t leave pets in the car.

Never leave a pet unattended in your car. On a hot day, even with the windows open, a parked car can become very hot, and heatstroke can develop. In cold weather, your car can act as a refrigerator, and causing your pet to freeze to death. Unless you're taking your pet to the vet or traveling with your pet, just leave him at home.

Pet travel kit.

If you travel frequently with your pet, you should have a pet travel kit that includes food, a bowl, leash, a waste scoop, plastic bags, grooming supplies, medication and a pet first-aid kit. Also pack a favorite toy or pillow to give your pet a sense of familiarity. Additionally, you may want to invest in rubber floor mats and waterproof seat covers, available at any of our 7 Mossy Nissan Parts Centers.

Looking for a new car to travel with your family and pets safely?  Check out our inventory of Nissan SUVs, Trucks and Sedans.

#1. DRIVE NOW,  TEXT LATER! Texting is now the  #1 cause of accidents and fatalities on the road - more than alcohol. Please keep your phone off when driving! The ticket will cost you a minimum of $159!

#2: PRACTICE! Find an empty parking lot and imagine a situation that you would have to react quickly in either swerving to one side or the other.

#3: DON'T OVERREACT! If you ever find yourself drifting out of your lane don't jerk the wheel. That could cause you to oversteer into another car ...or into oncoming traffic.

#4: HIT THE BRAKES! Many young drivers feel uneasy about slamming down on their brakes...but sometimes it is the only way to avoid an accident. Modern Anti Lock Brakes make a pulsing sensation you can feel thru the brake pedal, don't be afraid of it - that's means they're working!

>We have great new and used cars for teens and adults. Check out our New San Diego Nissans TODAY!

CREDIT: http://www.teendriving.com/

"Oh the weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful, and since we've no place to go, Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!" Such a beautiful holiday song! Of course living in San Diego most of us don't see too much actual snow, much less spend time driving in it. But if you're planning any road trips this winter, especially up to the mountains, please make sure your car is winter ready!

Here are a few tips to help you stay safe on the roads this winter:

Tires: Tires are the number one factor in winter driving safety. When was the last time you had your tires replaced? If it was recently, have you been getting them rotated regularly? Many people forget to get this done, which means these so-called "new" tires are wearing unevenly and could actually be unsafe. Make sure you visually inspect your tires for uneven wear, and loss of tread. Better yet, have a professional inspect them! Balding tires do not grip the road effectively and they increase your breaking distance substantially - especially in wet or icy road conditions. Remember: Worn out tires aren't safe on dry pavement, but they are downright dangerous on rainy, snowy or icy roads. Be sure to get those tires inspected, rotated, and replaced if necessary right away! You can always make an appointment at your local Mossy Nissan service center - for any service needs!

Winter Survival Kit: Planning a road trip to go skiing or snowboarding? Make sure you have a winter survival kit in your car in case things don't go as planned! It only takes a few minutes to gather most of these items and they could save your life!

Your kit should include:

• Blankets, socks, hats, mittens to keep you and your passengers warm
• A source of heat like a can heater or multiple wick candle - don't forget matches or a lighter!
• Water and a metal container suitable for melting snow into drinking water
• Food - such as hard candy, energy bars, nuts and raisins
• Bright red or orange cloth and whistle to signal for help
• An AM/FM radio plus a flashlight - both with new batteries!

Other lifesavers! A shovel, a good spare tire, jumper cables, tire chains, road flares and a small tool kit can become your lifesavers if a bad situation comes around!

Stay warm and safe! If your car gets stuck in snowy conditions, and you need to keep your car running for heat, make that your exhaust pipe is not blocked off by snow! Run the engine and heater for 10 minutes every hour depending on the amount of gas in your tank. If there is heavy snow or sleet coming down, keep one window slightly open so you don't get sealed inside your car!

We want all our drivers to be safe this season, and we hope this helps those of you traveling to snowy climates. Mossy Nissan can help you get ready for these holiday trips with a FREE winter car care inspection, a winter car care package, or a 27-point inspection here. We wish you a safe holiday season this year!