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You don’t have to go and find yourself a dealer.

There’s no reason to rely yourself on a dealership for maintenance, reason for this is that they might charge more than an independent shop. To change the oil or flushing a cooling system, rarely it takes a lot of equipment.

Needed services are to be specified

In determining which services need to be performed at specific mileage intervals, it is best to use your owner’s manual. Inform the shops those services you want performed.

Do some canvassing

You may be thinking that there’s not much difference in terms of the costs of maintenance, especially with dealers. Truth is, the difference really varies much. Set for example, seven Nissan dealers in an area quoted prices for 60,000 mile service from $269 - $1,078. Some Nissan dealers offer extra services too like, putting an additive in oil and fuel.

Repairs: Where Should You Go

For those under warranty

If your car is covered by the original warranty and you wish for the manufacturer to pay, go to a dealer. Also, if your car has been recalled or is the subject of a “service campaign”, use a dealer too. But remember that, you don’t have to use the dealer that sold you the car.

For others

If you wish your car to be repaired, any independent shops that are reputable or dependable could handle those repairs. Remember that, a good technician will tell you if the problem of your car needs to go to a dealer or a specialty shop.

Hare are some simple maintenance items you can do yourself

Air Filters

The main function of the air filter is that it stops airborne contaminants from getting into your car’s engine. Air filters are used where air quality is important, notably engines, internal combustion engines and gas compressors. You should have this service done when it is recommended for reasons that your air filter will get plugged up eventually.

Brakes

There are two kinds of brake system, namely disc brakes and drum brakes. Disc breaks resembles much of those hand breaks on a bicycle. The brake pads squeeze a spinning disc rotor which is attached to the wheel when you step on the car’s pedal which then results into friction and eventually slows the car. The second type called the drum brakes involve brake shoes that force out against a spinning brake drum which then causes friction and slows down the car.

Coolant

It is the fluid that function as the engines heat absorber and then dissipates it through the radiator. It is also called antifreeze, and is usually in a 50/50 ratio and is a mixture of ethylene or propylene glycol and distilled water.

Drive Axle Boots

An axle that is driven by an engine, this is the inspection of the rubber cover that protects the axle joint.

Drive Belts

Each car has water pump and different accessories all are which are powered by rubber drive belts.

Oil Changes

An oil and filter change basically involves draining out the old motor oil and replacing it with clean, new motor oil. The oil filter also gets renewed at the same time.

Power Steering Fluid

Power steering fluid is the hydraulic fluid that transmits the power in power steering. Servicing it involves the draining or flushing out of your car's old power-steering fluid and then adding fresh power steering fluid.

Rotating Tires

All cars rotate, but this is from different kind of rotation; rotating tires to different corners of the car and reversing the direction in which they turn.

Spark Plugs

Spark plugs are small devices inside the cylinder that take in high voltage of electricity at one end and create a spark at the other end. There, the spark ignites the gas and air mixture, and the resulting combustion is what ultimately runs the car. This service includes removing the old spark plugs and replacing them with newer ones.

Timing Belts

The timing belt is the notched rubber belt which is sometimes called a Gilmer belt. This belt allows the crankshaft to drive the camshaft, which in turn opens and closes the valves. Without this belt, the engine can't power up.

Tire Pressure

Tire pressure is a measurement of the amount of air in an automobile's tires, in pounds per square inch. The required service involves checking the tires' pressure with a pressure gauge, at least monthly, if not more frequently.

Transmission Fluid

This fluid serves as a coolant and a viscous fluid that transfers power from the engine to the transmission, if it is in an automatic transmission. Also, transmission fluid that acts as a lubricant for the different moving parts inside your transmission.