Neil Huffman Nissan's Guide to Summer Vehicle Readiness

Cross-country road trips, weekends at the lake with a boat in tow, and daily commutes under the summer sun can all make a vehicle work harder this season. 

At Neil Huffman Nissan of Frankfort, we know that proper preparation can prevent car troubles from cropping up when you least expect. 

Nissan Vehicles' Summer Versatility

Spacious cargo area, good towing capacity, fuel efficiency, and other features of Nissan vehicles are perfect for summer experiences.

We cover some of the key features that make Nissan vehicles ready for summer, and what maintenance is necessary for optimal performance. 

Tech-Savvy Travels: Maximizing Your Nissan's Infotainment Features

NissanConnect® system integrates your smartphone with either Apple Carplay or Android Auto. 

Newer vehicles like the 2024 Nissan Rogue SL and Platinum trims have built-in Google features like Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play that put the "info" in infotainment. 

Use the MyNISSAN app to access features like remote door lock and unlock, remote engine stop and start, and My Car finder (useful after a long day at the beach or hiking trail). 

Neil Huffman Nissan's service technicians can check your vehicle's infotainment system to see whether things are working well. We can even check for heat faults in the electrical wiring, which can be a cause of infotainment centers that don't turn on. 

Powering Through Summer: Towing and Hauling Excellence

Watercraft, trailers, or even another vehicle sometimes is in tow (literally) on a summer trip. 

To prepare for a summer trip, inspect your hitch system, electrical connections, and safety chains. Make sure the trailer's brakes function properly and that tire pressure is correct on both your vehicle and trailer.

Safe towing depends on sensible weight distribution. Heavier items should be at the front of the trailer and tongue weight needs to be between 10-15% of the total trailer weight.

Towing affects stopping distance, acceleration, and fuel economy. That means longer travel times and more frequent fuel stops. So, do not expect the time on your phone's GPS to accurately reflect your actual E.T.A. 

During extended towing sessions, regularly monitor the temperature gauge.

Another preparation tip is to do a "practice" day of driving around town before embarking on the actual vacation or road trip. This can help you get a sense of any issues that your vehicle may be having while towing. 

Chill Out: Climate Control During the Summer

If you bring your Nissan vehicle to Neil Huffman Nissan for summer service, we will perform a thorough inspection of the air-conditioning system.

We may need to replace air filters. Clogged filters restrict airflow, so if you are not feeling much air even on full blast, that can be a cause. 

We also check refrigerant levels, as low refrigerant levels reduce cooling efficiency and can overwork your compressor, which in turn may lead to damage that is expensive to repair.

Use "recirculate" mode when first entering a hot vehicle to cool the interior, then once temperatures drop switch to fresh-air mode to prevent stuffiness and keep air quality at a good level.

Use sunshades to reduce heat buildup when parked. This puts less stress on the air-conditioning system when you restart the car. It can also prevent interior damages like cracked dashboards and faded upholstery. 

Professional Summer Service: Great Preparation for Long Drives

Our service checks can identify and resolve potential issues, preventing roadside emergencies.

Our summer service check places a particular emphasis on coolant systems, battery testing (heat can corrode batteries), brake inspection, and tire condition.

Neil Huffman Nissan's technicians also check all fluid levels, as heat-related degradation of oil and coolant can be an issue.

Schedule service well ahead of any major trip, as a thorough inspection can identify any necessary repairs that could be done in a window before your trip.

Diagnostic scans can identify developing issues with your vehicle's computer systems. Modern vehicles rely heavily on electronic systems, so detecting problems early in this area can save your summer trips, especially if you heavily rely on your Nissan vehicle's NissanConnect® features.

Ultimate Summer Travel Kit

  • Emergency kit: jumper cables, tire-pressure gauge and repair kit, emergency flares and reflective triangles, toolkit, water and food that won't spoil in the sun.

  • Phone chargers, entertainment options for passengers, small cooler to keep drinks and snacks fresh.

  • First-aid supplies: bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, prescription medications (if applicable).

  • Activity-specific items: sunscreen, aloe vera, insect repellent, and extra towels.

  • Paper towels, wet wipes, trash bags, a small vacuum or dustpan for maintaining the interior.

Schedule summer service at Neil Huffman Nissan to get your vehicle road-ready!