Ask A Technician: How Can I Protect My Car In The Heat?

Heat affects many automotive systems both under the hood and inside the cabin, but drivers can win the battle against heat by following a few simple tips from our skilled technicians at Sheehy Nissan of Mechanicsville.

Engines

Engines create a lot of heat because of their moving parts and the friction they create. Although engine oil and coolant help keep heat manageable, summer heat can drive engine temperatures to dangerous levels. Car owners should have the coolant systems in their cars flushed according to the service interval recommended by the auto manufacturer. Drivers can find this information inside the owner’s manual that came with their cars or by calling our service department. Between coolant flushes, car owners should periodically check the coolant level in the engine of their car.

Heat contributes to the breakdown of engine oil. Drivers should learn about proper oil-change intervals by checking the owner's manuals that came with their cars. Drivers who live in exceptionally hot areas should ask for advice about changing to a different type of oil for summer driving. Meanwhile, drivers should periodically check all engine fluid levels in their car including transmission, power steering, and brake fluids.

Batteries

Many drivers breathe a sigh of relief when they survive cold winter weather without having to buy a car battery. Those drivers do not realize that hot weather also affects the performance of batteries. Heat causes the fluid inside car batteries to evaporate, which contributes to the corrosion of battery terminals and makes them more susceptible to vibration. Bring your car to the dealer periodically to have your batteries checked. Our technicians have special tools that help determine when cars need new ones.

Tires

Hot weather and hot roads heat the air inside tires, causing over-inflated tires and potentially hazardous conditions. Under-inflated tires also cause heat-related problems that can affect braking and cause blowouts. Drivers should routinely check tire pressure and inflate or deflate them so they match the specifications recommended by the manufacturer.

Interior Heat

Heat builds up inside parked cars on hot summer days, often surpassing 200 degrees and making conditions deadly for people and pets. Make sure everyone gets out of the car on hot days. Intense heat can also crack windshields and dry seat covers and upholstery. Whenever possible, park your car in the shade, use a removable windshield sunshade, and leave the windows slightly lowered. Visit our service center to have your air conditioning systems checked as well.

2014 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid

The SUV market has grown to become one of the most competitive on the road today, with a new generation of Americans loving the safety, comfort and practicality that these vehicles can bring. The Nissan Pathfinder has been in production since 1986, and is one of the longest running SUVs on the North American market. The Pathfinder saw a complete redesign in 2012 for the 2013 production year, and for 2014, a new hybrid model has now been added to the range. Our team at Sheehy Nissan of Mechanicsville has the details.

The 2014 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid is the first Nissan model to utilize the manufacturer's brand new V6-comparable hybrid engine. The 2014 Pathfinder Hybrid caters to a niche in the market that is not yet fully realized, so it is a bold and confident move from the Japanese manufacturer to launch its hybrid engine in this model. The system includes a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, an electric motor, a lithium-ion battery pack, and Nissan's continuously variable transmission (or CVT). What that means to the driver is that the Pathfinder Hybrid looks set to offer the best possible balance of performance and efficiency.

 

Nissan has yet to publish performance data for the new Pathfinder Hybrid, but the 16-valve, supercharged engine looks set to push the boundaries of what a hybrid model can achieve. In the SUV market, balancing the needs of performance against those of efficiency is a crucial step but with 27 mpg* on the highway, Pathfinder Hybrid drivers should be pleasantly pleased with what the new model can achieve.

Of course, aside from the powertrain, the Pathfinder Hybrid will boast the same specification as its gasoline counterpart. The new body shape is simple and easy on the eye, commanding a strong driving position on the road. The interior is stylish and simple, too, with luxury features throughout and a comfortable driving experience for driver and passengers alike. Nissan has introduced a host of new features to the Pathfinder model, including a new Drive-Assist™ display, which aids the driver via a 4.2-inch color 3D-effect screen.

 

The Pathfinder is stuffed full of the features that SUV drivers need. The car comfortably seats seven passengers, with top-of-class leg and headroom.** The Pathfinder Hybrid will share the same innovative seating as the rest of the Pathfinder range, including second row tip-up seats and a third row of seats, which still includes a child safety seat. All 2014 Pathfinder models will also benefit from an optional SL Tech package with Bose® premier audio, voice-activated controls, a new navigation system, an 8-inch touch screen display, and more.

Nissan announced the pricing for the main Pathfinder range in June 2013, with an announcement on the Pathfinder Hybrid due to follow soon. Customers can expect to be able take delivery of the 2014 Pathfinder Hybrid from fall 2013, and with anticipation high, this looks set to continue the Pathfinder success story.

 

*Pathfinder Hybrid estimated 27 Hwy MPG (Nissan testing results, subject to EPA confirmation). Actual mileage may vary. Use for comparison only.

**Ward's Large Cross/Utility Market Segmentation. MY13 Pathfinder vs. 2012 Large Cross/ Utility Class.