Fully redesigned for 2017, the Nissan Titan makes a solid choice if you're seeking a pickup truck. It delivers plenty of power, good towing and payload capacities, and great off-road abilities. Considering summer is quickly approaching with warmer temperatures and lots of sunshine, a pickup truck will suit you well on and off the road. But before the temperatures get too hot, it's important to take the time to prepare your truck for the summer months ahead with preventative maintenance care. Check out these must-do services below!
Check Tires
Tires are one of the most overlooked parts of a vehicle. In fact, according to the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA), only one in 10 drivers checks their tire pressure correctly. This is a rather alarming percentage when you consider the importance tires play in automotive safety. With this notable fact in mind, it is important to take the time to check your tires for proper air pressure.
As temperatures escalate during the summer months, tire pressure changes. For every 10-degree increase in the temperature outside, your tires lose one to two PSI (pounds per square inch) of air. The problem with this is that tires that are under-inflated bulge outward, putting pressure on their sidewalls. This increases the risk of a blowout – an incredibly dangerous situation, especially at fast highway speeds. Overinflated tires are problematic, too. With too much air, tires make less contact with the road, leading to hydroplaning in wet conditions.
Change Oil
Just thinking about the scorching summer heat can leave you begging for a cold drink. Well, your truck will be just as thirsty. Cars are made up of many fluids. One, in particular, is motor oil. Oil is essential to the health and well-being of your truck's engine. It works to keep hardworking engine parts running clean, smooth and cool. Without oil, engine parts become damaged. Your engine is also likely to overheat. This is why it is so important to ensure your truck has a continuous supply of fresh oil. Summer is a time of heavy driving, and it is also a time when your engine is more likely to overheat. So before you head out on vacation or on off-road adventures, be sure to take the time to check your oil level, and have your oil changed if needed.
Inspect Hoses and Belts
The most important aspect of ensuring a healthy car in summer is to keep its engine cool. One way to make this happen is by inspecting your vehicle's hoses and belts. Hoses connected to the radiator help pump coolant to and from the engine block, while belts run the fan that also helps cool the system. A crack of a hose or a snap of a belt, and your truck's radiator will quickly overheat. In already hot temperatures outside, being stranded due to malfunctioning hoses and belts doesn't sound too fun, does it?
Hoses can suffer from electrochemical degradation – a slow deterioration process that eats away at the rubber materials inside the hose. When checking hoses, be on the lookout for any leaks and/or loose connections. Hoses should also be firm, so if they are soft and malleable, this is a bad sign.
Belts can also be visually checked for cracks and damage. When inspecting the belts, be aware of any that look excessively slick or smooth. You will also want to remove the belt to make sure the material hasn't begun to separate into different layers.
For all you need to know about the 2017 Nissan Titan, and other maintenance tips, visit our dealership in Harrisburg, PA.