Ultimate Guide to Extending the Lifespan of Your Nissan Vehicle

Whether you purchased your Nissan vehicle brand new or pre-owned, one thing remains clear: staying on top of regular maintenance is the best way to keep it on the road for years to come. Part of this maintenance includes replacing parts that have worn out or failed. Read on to learn how to keep your Nissan SUV, car, truck, or van running smoothly.

Consult Your Owner's Manual

When in doubt, always check your owner's manual. It not only explains how your vehicle operates and how to adjust settings to suit your preferences, but it also provides a handy checklist for when to replace parts. You see, some replacements are based on mileage while others are based on a timeline. Either way, it's a good idea to know when you need to address repairs.

Preventative Care Saves Money

In many cases, replacing parts before they go bad can prevent more extensive -- and expensive -- repairs down the road. Here are some common parts that may need replacing, along with a general guide for when to replace them:

• Oil filter: this depends on the age of your Nissan. Older models may need a new oil filter with every oil change (every 4,800 kilometres or so), while newer models might only require a new filter every second oil change.
• Air filters: replace your engine and cabin air filters every 24,000 to 48,000 kilometres, or sooner if you notice they’re clogged with debris and no longer functioning efficiently.
• Fuel filters: replace these approximately every 32,000 kilometres. Depending on the location, though, this might be a task best handled by your local certified Nissan technician.
• Alternator: it’s easy to mistake a failing alternator for a dead battery. In general, expect your alternator to last up to 240,000 kilometres, or about 10 years. However, when they do fail, it’s often without much warning. Signs of trouble include dimming headlights, issues with your sound system, or malfunctioning power windows.
• Battery: since we're discussing power, consider your vehicle’s battery. If the alternator fails, other components that require electricity will start drawing power from the battery. Additionally, extreme temperatures can deplete a battery faster than you might expect. On average, you can expect your battery to last between four and five years.
• Spark plugs: replace these according to their ratings. You’ll want to stay within this range to avoid engine issues down the line.
• Brake pads: these typically need replacing every 16,000 to 32,000 kilometres, although several factors, such as your driving style and road conditions, can affect their lifespan. The quality of the pads also influences how long they last. If you hear squeaking noises when you brake, it's a clear sign that your brake pads need attention.
• Vehicle fluids: when it comes to fluids like motor oil, brake fluid, coolant, or windshield washer fluid, be sure to follow the maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual.

Trust the Experts

While you may be capable of handling most -- if not all -- of these tasks yourself, we recommend entrusting your Nissan vehicle to your local Nissan service centre. That delivers peace of mind, since you know that professionals are taking care of everything. Schedule your service appointment at a time that’s most convenient for you and rest easy. [1][2]

[1]Material in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and was accurate as of the date of first publication. Information is subject to change and does not constitute an offer, representation or warranty (express or implied) by Nissan North America, Inc. ("Company"). Interested parties should confirm the accuracy of any information in this article as it relates to a vehicle directly with Company before relying on it to make a purchase decision. Unless expressly referenced, Company does not endorse and is not affiliated with any company that might be mentioned in this article. Company is not responsible or liable for the availability of links to websites or resources, or for any content, advertising, products, services, privacy policies, or other materials on or available through these websites or resources, or for your reliance thereon. Any references to data or products are subject to change without notice. Trademarks are property of their respective owners.

[2]Replacement of any part will be made with a new or remanufactured Genuine Nissan or Nissan-approved replacement part in use at the time of repair. The replacement part may differ from the original part.