The Nissan brand offers many great sedans, like the Altima and Sentra. But one Nissan sedan that is definitely worth a look is the Maxima. For 2017, the Maxima offers more than just the typical family sedan. It features an upscale interior, abundant list of features, strong driver engagement and top crash scores. But, if you're going to opt for a new car like this, there's more to it than driving in style and having all the latest technology. You'll also have to keep it up to date with regular maintenance services so it will stay in top health. We've taken the time to break down a list of the five easiest and most essential car maintenance services. Check it out below.
Check Oil/Change Oil
A car without clean oil – or oil period – is a disaster waiting to happen. It may sound a bit extreme, but this tells you just how important oil is to the day-to-day wellbeing of your car. Why is it so important? We're here to tell you. The purpose of motor oil is to act as a lubricant inside your car's engine. When oil is regularly changed, it will keep all internal engine parts running smoothly and efficiently. Engine oil also works to cool down the engine so it doesn't overheat. Unfortunately, the longer your car goes with dirty oil, the larger the risk of serious problems, like engine damage – a very expensive situation that can lead to repairs or even replacements.
Inspect Wiper Blades
Wiper blades are one of the easiest parts of a car to inspect and replace, yet, somehow, they are the most ignored. Don't wait to replace your wiper blades until you're windshield is full of smudges and scratches, or you get caught in the middle of a downpour. Instead, inspect them regularly for signs of wear and tear, and replace them when needed.
Keep Interior Clean
You were probably told countless times to clean your room while growing up. Well now we are going to tell you to clean the interior of your car, too. A clean car doesn't only look and feel good, it also improves the way it drives. Using our car as a storage unit for heavy items, like luggage, strollers or golf clubs, adds extra and unnecessary weight to your vehicle. Not only does this decrease fuel economy, but it also adds stress to your car, causing it to wear out more quickly. Plus, if you plan to sell your car at some point down the road, a clean car will increase its resale value.
Wash the Undercarriage
It may sound ridiculous to wash the undercarriage of your car – no one sees it after all –, but it is actually a very important part of car care. Dirt, dust, sand and salt are tough on cars, getting stuck to the undercarriage. This causes premature aging and rust. In order to keep these problems away when washing your car's exterior, be sure to scrub its undercarriage too.
Check Tires
Tires are one of the most important parts of a car. They are also a top safety feature. This is why it is so essential to check your tires' for signs of wear and tear, damage and to also keep them properly inflated. Under-inflated tires pose a number of problems:
- They are more likely to experience a flat or blowout;
- They decrease fuel economy; and
- They are unable to efficiently grip the road, an especially hazardous situation in wet conditions.
To ensure your tires have adequate pressure, check them once a month and before any long road trips. Also, be sure to check and maintain the air pressure in your spare tire. This will save you a world of trouble and inconvenience if problems strike at some point down the road.
For more information on the 2017 Nissan Maxima, and for all your automotive needs, visit our dealership in Harrisburg, PA.