Keeping Up With Vehicle Maintenance When Driving Less

To protect your Nissan when you aren't driving regularly, you need to develop a maintenance schedule based on time instead of mileage. Even if you’re not racking up the miles month over month, your vehicle still requires regular oil changes, tire pressure checks, and battery monitoring. At Russ Darrow Nissan of West Bend, we are Nissan experts ready to help you maximize your purchase no matter how often you take it for a spin.

Oil Changes And Fluid Checks

In the old days of conventional-only oil changes, the standard verbiage was an oil change every three months or 3,000 miles. As time has gone by and oil and standards changed, many vehicles now go at least 5,000 miles in between changes. Despite this, you still need to keep an eye on a time-based engine oil change schedule if you do not drive regularly. If your vehicle doesn’t see 5,000 miles annually, you need to adjust to an annual change. This will help you avoid the consequences of oil breaking down over time and no longer properly lubricating your engine. At a multi-point inspection, our certified technicians can also help with assessing other fluids for signs of degradation, including the transmission fluid and your coolant.

Battery Maintenance And Other Systems

The battery, belts, and many components on your vehicle are designed to stay in motion. That doesn’t mean they need to run 24/7, but it does mean they are built with the idea of operating regularly. If they do not, a variety of different issues can occur. For your battery, regular vehicle operation allows it to be charged by the alternator. If this charging does not take place at regular intervals, such as weekly, you can experience an overall decline in battery performance and eventually the need for a replacement battery ahead of schedule. Other parts and components, such as your timing belt, are also designed with the idea of routine operation. Without a regular drive, they can become dry and brittle and prone to cracking or breakage. If you’re driving less frequently, consider stopping by for a multi-point inspection to assess your major parts and systems.

Tire Problems

Routine driving is excellent for your tires, and it helps them maintain an appropriate tire pressure when there is not a leak present. If your vehicle is parked in the driveway or sitting in the garage, gradual changes in temperature and overall air conditions lead to a steady increase decrease in inflation. This makes it very important that you check your tire inflation before starting on a drive when it’s been a while. Otherwise, you risk damaging your tires. When you go too long without driving, it is also possible your tires will develop flat spots from staying deflated in the same position for too long. If you notice an irregular feel while driving, stop by our dealership for an assessment of your tires, so we can determine if a rotation or replacement tire is necessary.

Why Pick Russ Darrow Nissan of West Bend?

At Russ Darrow Nissan of West Bend, our certified technicians are experts on Nissans and ready to help you develop a maintenance plan no matter how much you drive. We understand the needs of Nissans and the unique challenges driving in West Bend can present. We also serve the Hartford</a href="/hartford-service/">, Jackson, Slinger, and Kewaskum communities. We rely on Nissan's recommended fluids to keep your vehicle running smoothly and use OEM parts when you need an upgrade. Schedule an appointment online or call today.