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There are choices to be made before anyone ever gets into a vehicle and starts the ignition. One of the decisions to be made is how prepared that individual will be for the possibility of an emergency while out on the road. It is a distinct possibility that could happen at any time. It is best to be ready for such an event and to pretend like it will definitely happen no matter what. That will put you in the best possible situation to handle it if it does arise.

You will require a flashlight, a set of jumper cables…

Under normal conditions, brake pads and associated parts will last for 30,000 to 50,000 miles. If you hear a squeaking noise when you press on the pedal, it is likely that the pads need to be replaced. The same could be true if the vehicle needs more room to stop on dry roads.

There are many factors that could influence how well your vehicle's brakes work. For example, a car that has improperly inflated tires could have a harder time stopping. The same is true if a car is too heavy or was loaded incorrectly.

Ideally, you…

Many a vehicle owner has experienced the unpleasantness of encountering a dead battery. Jump starting the vehicle is not difficult, but requires specific steps for success. Begin by ensuring that the vehicles are nose to nose or side by side in the same direction. Turn the vehicles off and put them in park or neutral depending on whether they have automatic or manual transmissions.

Distinguish between positive and negative battery terminals. Do the same with the jumper cables. Attach the positive 

Do you need to schedule an alignment for your vehicle? If you start to notice that your car pulls from one side to another without steering input from you, it may be time to schedule an alignment. Of course, there could be another issue causing your vehicle to pull to one side, and we invite you to let the Lithia Nissan of Ames team help you enjoy your driving experience with regular auto maintenance.

How can you tell that your car is out of alignment, besides the obvious pulling sensation? 

Your car, truck or SUV guides you through the Ames, IA region as you move from one task to the next. However, your Nissan vehicle requires maintenance and repairs from time to time to keep it in working condition. Perhaps you've just noticed a squeaking sound coming from your engine or small drops of fluid collecting on your driveway. Could this be an indication of an impending service issue?

It sounds like you may need to replace a belt or hose in your vehicle. Your belts and hoses serve an important function, helping to transfer fluids, pressure and power…

Here at our Nissan parts and repair facility in Ames, Iowa, we have trained personnel qualified to complete all of your car repairs. It makes it easier to troubleshoot issues and carry out repairs when you know that the right people are using the right tools to get the job done. We here at Lithia Nissan of Ames also have access to proper tools and equipment required to service your car. There are also many service bays within our premises equipped with enough staff that ensures that they can handle a lot of jobs in the shortest time possible.

Most technology failures are a result of human error. The biggest errors humans often make is assuming that technology doesn't have errors. That's why you should stop by Lithia Nissan of Ames as soon as you get a warning light on your dashboard. Our Nissan service professionals can test your car's safety technology and give you peace of mind that all your vehicle's warning lights are properly functioning.

You need to know when things like the anti-lock brake systems go out, or the check engine light comes on. 

It's good advice these days to keep your cool while driving in and around Ames, IA. Our team of friendly service technicians at Lithia Nissan of Ames want to remind you that keeping your engine's cooling and radiator in good working condition can also help you avoid expensive engine repairs.

Your vehicle cooling system is designed to prevent high heat levels from damaging your engine and other car components. That's why it's a smart idea to make an appointment for our Nissan service department to replace your coolant on a regular basis. 

When the frigid temperatures make their way into your neighborhood, there's a lot of things you need to be cautious of. One of the most important things to remember is maintaining your own car. When the temperatures drop, it is important to make sure your gas tank is either full or has more than half a tank of gas in it.

Cold and constantly fluctuating temperatures create condensation that can develop on the inside of your gas tank. 

The term for horsepower came from an engineer named James Watt, whom developed the idea of horsepower. The aim was to improve the performance of steam engines when he invented the term. In working with ponies at a coal mine, he found that an average pony could pull 22,000 lbs. of weight in a minute, but he increased it to 33,000 lbs. when he developed the unit. Engines use nothing more than a block and tackle system to replicate the comparison.