Understanding Your Vehicle’s Dashboard

Ever had a dashboard light pop on and felt a little unsure about what it meant? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Your car’s dashboard is like its way of talking to you, and understanding those little symbols can give you peace of mind and help you catch small issues before they become big problems. At Nissan of Marietta, we believe car care shouldn’t be confusing or stressful. That’s why we’ve put together this friendly guide to help you decode your dashboard. We'll break down the most common dashboard warning lights and what they’re telling you.

What Are Standard Vehicle Warning Lights?

Standard warning lights are indicators built into your dashboard to alert you when something requires your attention. These lights can signal issues with your engine, brakes, battery, or other vital systems. While some lights are just informational, others may require immediate action.

Here are the most common categories of dashboard warning lights:

• Red Lights: Critical issues that need urgent attention (e.g., brake system, engine temperature).
• Yellow/Orange Lights: Warning signs that indicate a potential issue (e.g., tire pressure, check engine).
• Green/Blue Lights: Informational lights (e.g., headlights on, cruise control active).

The Three Most Important Lights on Your Dashboard

While all warning lights deserve attention, these three are considered the most critical:

1. Check Engine Light (CEL)

• What it means: A problem in your engine or emission system.
• What to do: If it’s steady, schedule a service visit soon. If flashing, pull over and contact a professional—this indicates a serious issue.

2. Oil Pressure Warning Light

• What it means: Low oil pressure, which can damage your engine quickly.
• What to do: Pull over and check your oil level. Add oil if needed, and call for service immediately.

3. Brake Warning Light

• What it means: There could be an issue with your brake fluid, brake system, or parking brake.
• What to do: Make sure the parking brake is released. If the light stays on, have your brakes inspected immediately.

Other Common Dashboard Warning Lights

Battery Alert

• Signals a charging system issue. You may have a bad battery or alternator.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

• Indicates low tire pressure in one or more tires.

Engine Temperature Warning

• Your engine may be overheating. Pull over and allow it to cool before checking coolant levels.

ABS Light (Anti-lock Braking System)

• Indicates a malfunction in the ABS system, which helps with safe braking in slippery conditions.

Traction Control Light

• Lets you know your traction control system is active or may have a fault.

Airbag Warning Light

• Signals an issue with the airbag system—critical for your safety in a collision.

Why Dashboard Lights Matter

Ignoring dashboard warning lights can lead to bigger problems, breakdowns, or even safety risks. Staying alert and responding quickly can help extend your vehicle’s life and keep you safer on the road.

Need Help Decoding Your Dashboard?

Don’t stress over warning lights, let the experts at Nissan of Marietta help. Our trained technicians can quickly diagnose and fix the issue to get you back on the road with peace of mind. Schedule your service appointment today or stop by our service center. We’re here to keep you driving confidently!

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How to Prepare Your Nissan for a Road Trip

While planning a long road trip can be exciting, it can also be stressful once you consider everything you must do before departing. You may be asking yourself if you’ve packed everything. Have sleeping arrangements been made? Do I have a quality route planned that's scenic and efficient in getting to the desired destination? However, perhaps the most critical question you should ask yourself is if your vehicle is in a road trip-ready condition. Fortunately, we have done the work for you. Read below as we break down the top six things you should check on your Nissan before taking a road trip.

Top Six To-Do’s Before Taking a Road Trip in Your Nissan

1. Check Your Oil and Fluids

Ensuring your oil and other critical fluids are at the correct levels is vital. The oil keeps the engine parts in your Nissan lubricated, reducing friction and helping you keep the engine cool. Keeping your engine cool minimizes the risk of overheating, which can cause a breakdown and force you to the side of the road. Before setting off on your next adventure, change your oil, especially if you’re getting close to the recommended time for the next service. You should also check the brake fluid, transmission fluid, coolant, and windshield washer fluid while you are there.

Schedule an oil change at Nissan of Marietta!

2. Tires 

Tires play a critical role in the overall safety of your road trip. Ensure you check the pressure of all tires, including the spare, on your Nissan. Take the time to adjust the air pressure according to the manufacturer’s specifications and inspect the tires for any signs of wear, cracking, or other potential damage. If one of your tires looks damaged, it may warrant a replacement, which can be taken care of at our tire center. 

3. Brakes

While brakes might sound like a prominent component to check on your vehicle, they are still often overlooked. Brakes, for obvious reasons, are also paramount to the safety of your road trip. Before taking off on your adventure, check for any signs of brake deterioration, such as squeaking, grinding, or an increased time to stop. You should also check your brake pads, rotors, and fluid to ensure they are in good condition. If you think that your brakes might need servicing, schedule service with us!

4. Emergency Kit

It’s always a good idea to be prepared for any situation, especially on a road trip. Packing an emergency kit that includes items such as a flashlight, jumper cables, a first-aid kit, a blanket, and water is an excellent first step to ensure you and your passengers are equipped to handle difficult situations out of your control. It’s also a good idea to ensure that your Nissans roadside assistance information is up to date and easily accessible.

5. Battery Check

It’s never a good time when your battery dies and you are stranded in unfamiliar territory. The good news is that it is possible to avoid this situation. Before leaving for a trip, test your battery at Nissan of Marietta to ensure ultimate safety and peace of mind.

6. Entertainment and Navigation

Once you have completed all of the necessary safety checks on your Nissan, it is time to plan for the long hours ahead. Ensure that your Nissans entertainment system is up to date and working properly. Have your favorite playlists, audiobooks, and podcasts loaded up to keep you and your passengers entertained on the road. Before backing out of your driveway, ensure your vehicle or smartphone's GPS is loaded up with your directions so you can arrive at your first stop on time.

Take Your Next Road Trip in a New Vehicle from Nissan of Marietta

Whether you are venturing northwest to Nashville, east to Savannah, or south to Florida, we want to ensure you get there safely. By following our recommended vehicle checks before your departure, you can drive with the peace of mind of knowing you are fully prepared for your journey. If you would like to schedule a comprehensive check-up before your next trip, use the link below!

Schedule Comprehensive Check-Up

FAQs

How can I make sure my battery won’t die on the road?
To make sure that your car battery doesn’t die on the road, it’s essential that you regularly drive your car for at least 20-30 minutes to keep it active. It’s also important to have your battery components checked for corrosion and turn off all lights and accessories when leaving your car parked.

How can I avoid car troubles in hot or cold weather?
When it is hotter, it is important to park in the shade, check your coolant levels, use the air conditioning, and monitor your tire pressure.

In colder weather, you should check your battery, utilize the proper oil viscosity for cold weather, keep your gas tank at least half full, and let your car run for a few minutes before driving.

Should I consider a professional vehicle check-up before my road trip?
Yes, you should definitely consider getting a professional vehicle check-up before long road trips. A check-up can help to identify potential issues with your car that could lead to a breakdown while traveling.

24/7 roadside assistance is available with Nissan Security Plus+ Warranty!

Signs You Need a Brake Replacement

Although brakes are a crucial component of cars, they are often overlooked until a significant issue arises. Since brakes and brake pads are vital to you and your vehicle’s safety, waiting until they stop working can put you and your family in extremely dangerous situations. Staying alert to potential brake wear and tear signs can ensure a safer drive. Below, we will dive into the top seven indicators for which you may need your brakes serviced. 

Top 7 Signs You Need Your Brakes Serviced

1. Leaking Fluid

One of the best ways to monitor your vehicle's brake condition is to spot brake fluid leaks. The hydraulic system, comprised of numerous interconnected components, relies on a healthy amount of fluid for efficient braking. Even minor brake fluid leaks can diminish your vehicle’s braking ability. Common areas for leaks include near the wheels and the junctions where rubber flex lines attach to brake calipers. 

2. Soft Brake Pedal

If the brake pedal feels soft or spongy when you press down on it, this usually means that there are issues with the vehicle’s hydraulic system. Common causes of soft brakes are air trapped in the brake lines, malfunctioning calipers, a compromised flex line, or a deteriorating master cylinder. Lower-than-normal brake fluid levels in the master cylinder reservoir can also be a culprit in air infiltrating the system.

3. Hard Brake Pedal

If you experience a stiff or hard brake pedal, it usually means there is trouble with the power assist mechanism. Most vehicles use various systems to aid braking, such as vacuum, hydraulic, and electric. When these systems aren’t working properly, the brake pedal can become more challenging to push down fully. Typically, the root cause is a damaged connection or an obstructed master cylinder, which can be resolved entirely when diagnosed early enough.

4. Car Pulling One Way

If your vehicle pulls to one side while braking, this may indicate an imbalance in your brake system’s application. Possible reasons include uneven wear of brake components or even malfunctioning hardware. To ensure a safe braking experience, symmetrically addressing and replacing the necessary brake components is a great place to start.

5. Vibrations

Vibrations felt through the brake pedal or steering wheel during braking are often from warped rotors. While there are many reasons rotors may warp over time, the most common cause is usually overheating, which leads to uneven surfaces if not addressed promptly. Service professionals may machine the rotors to smooth or replace them if the warping is too extensive.

6. It Takes Longer to Brake

If your vehicle begins taking a noticeably long distance to brake or halt, you might be experiencing brake fade. Temporary brake fade can arise after continuous braking on declines, which can cause the brake pads and rotors to overheat. Once in a while, this overheating isn’t detrimental to your brakes; however, if this issue persists, more advanced wear could require replacements.

7. Grinding Noise While Braking

A rough grinding sound while braking may indicate that your brake pads or shoes are worn down to their metal base. Driving under these conditions may compromise the brake’s efficiency and further damage the rotors or drums. If you hear these noises, you should seek immediate professional inspection. 

Have Your Vehicle Serviced at Nissan of Marietta

At Nissan of Marietta, we understand that servicing your car can feel like just another chore, so we aim to make the process as simple and streamlined as possible. Our factory-trained and certified TechXperts in our state-of-the-art service center will get your brakes, or whatever else your car needs, working right so you can get back on the road. If your vehicle needs servicing, schedule an appointment with us below:

How to Maintain Your Nissan

Nissan owners everywhere know they drive a meticulously designed, good-looking driving machine. To ensure you can keep your Nissan looking good and running well, it’s essential to have some Nissan maintenance tips in your back pocket. Below, we will run through six maintenance tips for your vehicle's look and performance so you can continue to drive your Nissan for years to come.

1.  Regular Oil Changes

While this tip may seem obvious, shockingly, many vehicle owners forget to regularly change their vehicles' oil. Fresh oil keeps your vehicle well-lubricated, reducing friction and protecting your engine from excessive heat issues. Generally, it is recommended that the oil be changed every 5,000 to 6,500 miles or every six months for most Nissan vehicles. To be sure, you should check your vehicle's owner's manual for the most accurate oil change intervals. 

Schedule a full-synthetic oil change with Nissan of Marietta today!

2. Ensuring Optimal Tire Care

Tires play a huge role in your Nissan’s performance and safety, and maintaining proper tire care ensures a longer-lasting vehicle and a safer drive for you and your passengers. First, you will want to check your car's tire pressure at least once a month. Underinflated tires can lead to poor fuel economy and reduced driving abilities. Conversely, overinflated tires can lead to decreased ride comfort and increased blowout risk. 

It’s also critical to receive regular tire rotations, which help promote improved vehicle performance and increase maximum tire life. Similar to the oil change, rotating your tires every 5,000 to 6,500 miles is recommended. 

3. Routine Inspections

Regular inspections of your vehicle are critical to its longevity and performance. When one of our expert mechanics inspects the various components of your vehicle, they can catch issues before they escalate into serious and expensive repairs. Our mechanics will check components such as belts, hoses, brakes, lights, and other essential parts. Plus, regularly inspecting your vehicles gives you peace of mind whenever you’re on the road.

4. Wash and Wax

Now that we’ve gone over some tips to maintain your vehicle's performance, it’s also worth noting tips to keep up the look and feel of your Nissan. After all, with such a superior vehicle, you want to ensure it's running and looking its best. Regularly washing and waxing your Nissan ensures that it looks its best and continues to have a slick and impressive exterior. Without regular washes and waxes, your vehicle risks losing its exterior shine and may even rust if left alone for too long. 

5. Be Prepared for Weather Conditions

Much like it is never ideal to be stuck in a rainstorm without a raincoat, the same can be said for your Nissan. Ensuring your vehicle is optimally prepared for any potential weather conditions is vital to maintaining its quality. If you are venturing into the snow, make sure you have the correct snow tires, and when heading into the stormy season, check your windshield wipers for efficiency and overall effectiveness. 

6. Avoid Automatic Car Washes

While automatic car washes may be convenient, they may also harm your vehicle's exterior. These carwashes often use stiff brushes and strong chemicals that are harsh on your car's paint and can even strip off wax and protective sealants. Additionally, they do not usually fully dry your vehicle, leaving pools of water that can leave stains.

Maintenance Options for Vehicles Purchased from Nissan of Marietta

For vehicles purchased at Nissan of Marietta, we offer various benefits that help maintain your Nissan's longevity. For example, we offer nitro for slower pressure loss and better gas mileage in your tires. We also provide PermaPlate interior and exterior protection, all-weather floor mats, tinted windows, and LoJack to reduce your chances of car theft. If desired, our customers can also purchase our 3/3 Oil and Rotate Package, which includes three oil changes and three tire rotations for $199 (buy two get one free for a value of $350).

Use Nissan of Marietta for Your Maintenance Needs

At Nissan of Marietta, we pride ourselves on the quality of service we provide to our loyal customers. Our easy, hassle-free online scheduler allows you to schedule an appointment with our service team in minutes! If your vehicle needs an oil change, tire rotation, or a multi-point inspection, we are the team for you. Reach out to us below; we will happily see you for your next appointment.

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