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

Nissan 180SX - GTR Frankenstein - It's ALIVE! Check out this monstrous 180SX that the mad men at Bee-Racing made into a GT-R!

Pop, pop, pop goes the misfiring system combusting in the yellow Bee-Racing Nissan R324 in the D1 Grand Prix drift series. Bee-Racing is infamous for creating machines that are a minor anomaly when it comes to a purpose-built drift car. It's safe to state that they definitely like to stay away from the norm. The famed R32 Nissan GT-R demo car converted to an FR configuration and displaying a R34 front end has become one of the most renowned cars in drifting today. The big boss Kiyonori Imai of Bee-R requires that all his shop cars sport the signature Bee-R Yellow to be recognized (and feared) in the industry. While many might refer to this taste in color as a slight form of insanity, they may be correct—but in a good way. On the outside, an automobile sliding through turns may totally look disorderly and like pure chaos, but inside, expert drivers and genius engineers have everything under precise control. Ever wonder why drifting is called the "controlled slide?"

Recently, Imai debuted another fresh yellow 2JZGTE machine at the Drift Muscle series that sent a sonic boom through the entire world of drifting. Photos of an R35 Nissan GT-R in full swing sliding sideways emerged over social media walls all over the world, and, to car enthusiasts, there was something peculiar about the nature of this machine.

At first glance, one may think that Imai somehow disabled the AWD system of an R35 Nissan GT-R to make it rear-wheel drive. Nissan gurus were scratching their heads to know how and why such a thing was done to such a superbly designed vehicle from the factory. Upon closer inspection of spy shots discovered on Japanese blogs, it was revealed that this vehicle started its life as an RPS13 Nissan 180SX. Similar to swapping body styles on a radio-controlled car, an R35 Nissan GT-R shell was retrofitted on top of the framerail of an S-chassis. At this point, our gearhead brains were yearning for more details of this yellow jacket, but be warned, what was uncovered from our investigation may shock some of you folks.

Apparently, the 180SX project was launched four years ago and took three years to build with the sole intention of Imai himself making an impact in the Drift Muscle series. He said, "My drifting has greatly improved over the years, so that's why I decided I needed a new machine." An estimated 9,000,000 yen ($90,000 USD) was invested into this project to shape it into fruition for Imai and his company, where his intentions were purposefully directed to make something that stirs controversy amongst the drift circuit.

Further revelation: A 3.0L Toyota 2JZGTE (Supra) engine was chosen to power this vehicle, since these units have been proven to be substantially robust even in factory form. Imai basically installed a set of Tomei camshafts, a GReddy surge tank, and a GCG Turbo kit, and called it a day. Other supporting engine mods included a Bosch fuel pump, Sard fuel pressure regulator, and Sard 800cc injectors. A custom-mounted Sard fuel collector tank sits behind the driver seat as well as the battery for preventing fuel starvation from extreme lateral g's and for corner balance, respectively. A Bee-R custom exhaust expels all the gas, but not before passing through a factory catalytic converter that's mandated by the Drift Muscle rulebook. An estimated 460 hp at 6,600 rpm is produced with over 368 lb-ft of torque with this setup, which should be plenty of power for Imai to learn to master. The entire engine is controlled by a trusty Australian ECU named Adaptronic and tuned by Imai himself.

Since the 2JZGTE Supra engine was robust and handled plenty of boost in factory form, it wouldn't be effective unless it had a bulletproof transmission that came with it. Imai chose a Getrag V160 six-speed tranny since it was practically indestructible and it perfectly complemented the engine without any custom fabrication. The transition of rotational force is all taken care of by an Ogura Racing Clutch triple-plate unit. We predict that when Imai's drifting gets even better, he will most likely upgrade to a sequential dog-geared tranny in the near future, provided that he doesn't smash the immaculate R35 body into a barrier at Ebisu Circuit (knock on wood).

In the suspension department, a GP Sports basic coilover suspension kit was installed alongside a variety of Bee-R and Driftworks adjustable control arms. With a relatively conservative spring rate of 8k front and 6k rear, the 180SX didn't require coilovers that were overly exaggerated, since this setup directly correlated with the lightweight nature of the chassis. The wheel position and suspension geometry in terms of camber, caster, toe, and scrub radius didn't really need drastic alteration since the wheel base of both the R35 and S13 weren't all that different. The R35 body literally was a great fit on top of the chassis.

The stenciled Goodyear Eagle letters on all four corners of the tires makes excellent marketing exposure for the brand as well as reinforcing a motorsports feel of this machine. The 255/35 and 265/35 rubbers are mounted on a full set of 18x10.5 Enkei RS05 wheels, with R34 GT-R calipers front and rear.

Sitting in the cockpit of this machine is like being strapped inside a terrifying roller coaster. At standstill, the body builds up anxiety wondering what's in store. Once in motion, the adrenaline and testosterone overrides every neuro receptor in the brain for a seizure-inducing driftgasm. The only luxurious aspect on the interior is the foam rollcage padding and the FIA-approved racing seat. Let it be known that the Bride Low Max reclinable seat enhances vehicle control originating from driver perception and lowered center of gravity. It's clear that Imai had literally built this machine from the ground up since the rollcage, gauge cluster, and dashboard are all positioned for his personal preference. Perhaps subliminally surrounding oneself in a bright yellow cage gives the brain some extra adrenaline needed to plummet into a turn sideways at triple-digit speeds.

The final shocking piece of information that we had uncovered was the front opening bonnet and scissor doors. While true racers may frown upon these modifications, please be reminded that this is not your ordinary motorsport. Flamboyancy and craziness gets you more points in drifting. Imai and Bee-R must absolutely be commended for bringing the car to this level of spectacular caliber. Only in Japan is this kind of craziness openly accepted and copied across the world. But the door and hood hinges make the car heavier and slower, you say? No problem at all, Imai just needs to turn up the 2JZGTE boost!

Yellow is the color for insanity. As insane as they may be, Bee-Racing has managed to take a step aside from the boring norm and execute their visionary project into a tangible matter. The best thing about this machine is that no matter how much love or hate it receives, Imai can care less. He built his ideal machine, and it has plenty of potential for competition. That's all that matters. No wonder Imai is always all smiles. Keep up the craziness, Japan!

SIMPLE SAFETY SATURDAY! Here’s a quick Tutorial to replace worn wiper blades and stay safe with winter weather!

Don’t want to replace old blades yourself? Mossy Nissan has 7 convenient service locations to help get the job done!

Book your appointment now:  

CREDIT: http://www.familyhandyman.com/automotive/car-maintenance/how-to-replace-a-windshield-wiper-blade/step-by-step

Nissan announced the introduction of Nissan Mobility Assist, which aims to support the mobility needs of physically disabled customers. Nissan will offer up to a $1,000 reimbursement to have qualifying adaptive equipment installed on new Nissan vehicles to accommodate a physically disabled driver or passenger.

For existing leases through Nissan Motor Acceptance Corporation (NMAC), the following types of adaptive equipment have been pre-approved: hand controls, wheelchair/scooter lift, left foot accelerator and turning automotive seating. The adaptive equipment must be installed by a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)-registered installer after the vehicle has been retailed and within six months of purchase or lease from an authorized Nissan dealer.
"Nissan Mobility Assist allows us to further broaden the appeal of an already diverse product lineup and truly live up to our corporate motto of 'innovation and excitement for everyone,'" said Fred Diaz, divisional vice president, Nissan Sales & Marketing. "By helping defray the costs of medically necessary upfits, we're increasing the mobility of our customers nationwide."

Requests for reimbursement must be made within 90 days of the equipment installation by a NHTSA certified installer. Requests may be made via the "Nissan Mobility Form" online and applicable claim documentation may be submitted via fax at (888) 912-2409, or via email atnissanmobilityassist@biworldwide.com. Reimbursement will then be provided to the customer within six to ten weeks after all of the required paperwork has been received by Nissan.
To learn more about Nissan Mobility Assist, including full program rules, please visitNissanUSA.com/mobility.

Credit: http://nissannews.com/en-US/nissan/usa/releases/nissan-announces-new-mobility-assist-program-for-new-vehicles

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:

Summer is a time for casual day trips to the beach, family vacations to the mountains, and just plain cruising down the highway with friends. But summer heat, dust, an increase in stop and go traffic, an even the cumulative effects of winter time driving, can begin to take its toll on a vehicle that hasn't been properly maintained or conditioned for the hot, dry summer months. Conducting regular inspections and making the necessary repairs and periodic maintenance will lessen the odds of future mechanical failure.  It will also prolong the life of the vehicle as well as increase its re-sale value.  It really should become an annual event for any car owner because of the tremendous upside when it's done regularly and properly. Some of the inspection and repairs are simple procedures and can be performed fairly easily by do-it-yourselfers.  Others are not and should be handled only by a qualified mechanic.  Owners should know what they are capable of handling and what they are not.  A good way to get started is by reading the owner's manual and following manufacturer's recommended service schedules.
When those summertime temperatures start climbing, drivers find relief by cranking up the air conditioning. Keep in mind that a system that's operating only marginally is likely to fail in hot weather, so it should be evaluated by a skilled and qualified technician.  Unless you know your way around these units, leave this to the professionals.

One of the most frequent causes of summertime breakdowns is overheating.  To prevent this from occurring, the cooling system should be completely flushed and refilled every 24 months, and the levels, condition and concentration of the coolant should be checked periodically.  Generally, a 50-50 mix of anti-freeze and water is recommended.  The strength and condition of drive belts, clamps and hoses should also be checked, and they should be replaced if found to be loose or cracked.

Regardless of the season, oil and oil filters should be changed in accordance with specifications in the owner's manual, however, every 3,000 miles is a good rule of thumb, particularly for those who make frequent short trips, extended trips with cargo, or tow a trailer.  In addition, engine performance can be improved by replacing air, PCV and fuel filters, and by correcting starting and idling problems when they are first noticed.  Don't put them off.

Dirty windshields can cause eye fatigue and reduce visibility, creating a safety hazard.  Replace those worn wiper blades and check to make sure there's plenty of wiper fluid in the reservoir to clean the windshield when necessary.

Tire pressure is a frequent cause of flats and blowouts and therefore should be checked at least once a month.  Always make sure the tires are cooled down before checking, and rotate them about every 5,000 miles to ensure even wear.  And when inspecting tires, don't forget to check the spare for tread life, uneven wearing and cupping.  Be sure the jack is in good working condition and that all the parts are there.

For the safety of everyone on the road, brakes should be checked as recommended in the owner's manual, but sooner if pulsations, grabbing, noises, or longer than usual stopping distances are noticed.  Even the slightest brake problem should be corrected immediately.

A car or truck battery can fail at any time and the only way to accurately detect a weak one is with a battery tester, which most auto service centers offer.  Routine battery care involves scraping away corrosion from the posts and cable connections, cleaning all surfaces, re-tightening connections and, if the battery caps are removable, checking fluid levels monthly.  It's always a good idea to wear protective gloves and eyewear when working around batteries.

To improve night vision, as well as visibility, inspect all head and tail lights and bulbs, replace burned out bulbs, and periodically clean out dirt and insects from the lenses.

And finally, put together an emergency kit with basic tools, first aid kit, flares and a flashlight.  Make sure all seat belts are in proper working order and children's safety seats are installed in accordance with manufacturer's guidelines for size, weight and age.  And if trouble should occur on the road, help is usually never far away for those with a cell phone.

Source: http://blogs.cars.com/.a/6a00d83451b3c669e2017c329dee65970b-800wi
http://www.nissanusa.com/innovations/snug-kids.article.html

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/

There's nothing more frustrating than trying to get from place to place in your busy day with your children bickering in the backseat. Here are some tips to create a smooth ride for everyone!

1. Separate:  If you can keep siblings a bit separated there is a good chance less aggravation will take place. If you don't have the space to keep them apart, draw an imaginary line in space and explain you expect everyone to respect it.
2. Distract: Give each child something to do in the car, keeping safety in mind, choosing a toy or a book to look at can reduce the stressful interactions.
3. Play: With a toy car and some figurines, act out all the wrong things to do and all the right things to do on a car ride.
4. Listen: On longer trips, children enjoy listening to audio books!
5. Involve: Invite the children to be a part of the solution.. ask "how can we make this ride OK for everyone?"

Image Credits:
http://resources3.news.com.au/images/2012/05/17/1226359/375671-priestley-children.jpg
http://cdn.sheknows.com/articles/2012/02/road-trip-kids.jpg

Well Adjusted Mirrors could save your life on our busy San Diego freeways!

To adjust your side view and rearview mirrors:

1. Lean your head over until it almost touches the driver's window, and then position the side mirror on the car's left side so you can just see the rear quarter panel (the rear end of the car) in the mirror. Note this will have it positioned farther out than you probably had it before.
2. Lean your head to the right to align it with the center of the car, for example, just between the two front seats, at your normal height. From there, position the right side mirror so you can just see the rear quarterpanel of the passenger side in the mirror.
3. Adjust the center rearview mirror to place it facing the center of the rear window.
4. While driving note that a car passing you begins in the center of your rearview mirror. As it approaches you, it moves to the side of your center rear view mirror, and at the same time appears in your side mirror. This shows you that there is no rear blind spot, because there is an overlap between the mirrors.

Information courtesy of www.wikihow.com/Set-Rear%E2%80%90View-Mirrors-to-Eliminate-Blind-Spots
Image Source: http://www.caranddriver.com/features/how-to-adjust-your-mirrors-to-avoid-blind-spots

Some more useful tips:

• Practice, practice, practice, - get to know exactly how big your car is!
• If you're hitting the curb, you're not straightening the wheel or going left fast enough!
• If you're too far away, you're not backing straight back (step 3) far enough!

Read this easy checklist!

Trip-worthy tires
Good tires are an integral aspect of vehicle safety, and it is extremely important to check your tires before heading on an extended road trip.

Brake check
Checking your brakes is an extremely important aspect of routine vehicle maintenance, and you should be sure your brakes are in prime condition before a long journey.

Routine maintenance
Whether your trip is 100 miles or 1,000, checking your vehicle mechanics is important before heading out on the open road. This includes checking and changing your oil, coolant, brake, and transmission fluids as needed.

>To make an appointment to have your car inspected and serviced click here

Read more about getting your car road trip ready: http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Get-your-car-road-trip-ready-for-spring-4300187.php#ixzz2PJtdxtHv

Buy with confidence 

Drive with peace of mind!

When it comes to driving safety your tires are a critical factor. Bald tires that lack tread can be dangerous during wet slippery road conditions. Fresh rubber means better road grip, better cornering, and shorter breaking distances.

When's the last time you replaced your vehicle's tires? If it's time for a new set, Mossy Nissan has great news for you. Our new TIRE PRICE ASSURANCE program means you can buy tires with confidence from Mossy, a name you can trust.

Thought you had to go to a tire center for low prices? Think again! We're slashing our competitor's tire prices to bring you a great low Rock Bottom Price on name brand tires. We'll even give you a 30-day tire price guarantee. But that's not all. You'll also get complimentary lifetime tire rotations, plus free 24-month tire road hazard service.

So the next time you're looking for a new safe set of tires, call one of our seven Mossy Nissan locations. Or to see our current tire specials click here!