Understand the conditions of your warranty
Why are multiple warranty periods listed?
Are used vehicles still covered under factory warranty?
How does one maintain the warranty?
What is the driver's job?
Will a warranty pay for all expenses?
Engine oil
Engine coolant
Spark plugs
Air filter
Battery
Hoses/belts/general pathways
Windshield wipers
Tires
Brakes
Other issues
Additional advice
More seasonal precautions
Tip!
All new and many used vehicles arrive with a warranty covering unexpected repairs. Be sure to understand the duration and covered components of the warranty. A typical warranty might be written "36/36,000" meaning that coverage lasts either 36 months from the initial purchase or until the vehicle has 36,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Depending on what is being repaired, the length of a factory warranty varies. Often a comprehensive "bumper-to-bumper" warranty covers everything outside of schedule maintenance. This is generally the shortest warranty period. A usually longer powertrain warranty covers engine and transmission defects. Anti-corrosion protection often lasts even longer. Finally, some manufacturers offer roadside assistance for a limited time.
Warranties are often transferable, meaning that a vehicle inside its mileage and duration caps will maintain its factory warranty.
By performing required service at the proper intervals and responding if something clearly goes wrong. Your owner's manual explicitly lists service intervals, although cars are often equipped with "check engine" dashboard lights that signal needed maintenance.
You just need to take the vehicle in for service when the time arrives. Factory-authorized technicians must perform service and any other outside maintenance can potentially void a warranty.
Many warranties cover the parts and labor costs involved in fixing unexpected repairs but place the burden of expected maintenance on the customer. Certain repairs may be covered by some manufacturers and not by others.
Changing your engine's oil and filter is one of the most vital maintenance procedures possible. Oil keeps friction down in the engine and prevents the motor from seizing up. Typical intervals for new cars are between 3,000 to 6,000 miles.
Water and antifreeze keep your engine from overheating and freezing during extreme temperatures. Intervals for flushing the system and replacing coolant vary, as some manufacturers promise long lasting antifreeze good past 100,000 miles. A general timeframe would be every few years or 30,000 to 40,000 miles.
Older vehicles required the replacement or adjustment of spark plugs much more often than new vehicles do. Manufacturers today promise over 100,000 miles before a tune-up that includes changing the plugs. Still, checking the plugs at 50,000 to 60,000 miles is not a bad idea.
The interval for changing the filter depends on the quality of filter, type of vehicle and environment in which most driving occurs. Traveling on dirt roads will surely clog a filter faster than paved highways. Also, local pollution can determine filter life.
Again, the interval of changing a battery depends on the type of battery, type of vehicle and local climate. Super cold or hot regions may require a more powerful battery for starting. Also, rechargeable batteries that have completely lost their charge at some point often never reach full potential again.
During scheduled maintenance it's a good idea to inspect all hoses, belts and other connections under the hood to be sure everything is in good shape and properly attached.
Nissan recommends that Wipers need to be replaced once a year, or at least every 15,000 miles.
The type of vehicle, specific tire and driving style determine the life of a tire. Many are rated to last 30,000 to 70,000 miles, but an aggressive style can wear out tires in 15,000 miles. Customers may deviate from OEM specification in the interest of better looks or performance.
Like tires, brake life depends heavily on driving style. Lots of stressful braking will significantly shorten the life. Replacement requires new pads and sometimes, new rotors.
Anything required for an annual inspection can also need replacing. Light bulbs, exhaust components and emission controls may require fixing.