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Summer is the time of year when the winter chill is squarely in the rearview mirror. It's also time to get your car ready for different driving conditions. These are some of the items that need checking as part of ​your Nissan's essential summer car maintenance. Your Summer Vehicle Maintenance Services Get Your AC Checked During a Maryland winter, the last thing on any driver's mind is their AC. When it’s summer, efficient AC can be essential. Whether you're stuck in gridlock or driving on the highway, cool air through the vents is a necessity. The best way to ensure that your AC is always in good condition is an AC service at your dealer. During an AC service, our technicians examine the condenser, compressor, dryer, and other components. We test the level of refrigerant in the system​​​​​​​​​​​​ and also check to ensure the system is airtight. The AC operates under high pressure as it takes in warm air and converts it to cool air for your cabin. Even a tiny hole in the system can cause a leak and your AC won't cool. Once your AC has been serviced, your AC will work as it's designed to. more Check Tire Pressure The correct tire pressure is important for your safety and the tire's health. Tires that are over or under-inflated will suffer greater wear. An under-inflated tire has a larger surface area due to the reduced pressure, which causes increased wear on the tire. An over-inflated tire, by contrast, becomes more likely to blow out. The air inside a tire will heat up as the tire experiences friction with the surface. A hot Maryland day will increase the heat inside the tire even further. We recommend visiting our service department for a tire pressure check. Our technicians will test each of your tires and ensure they're set to the correct pressure. We'll also examine the tires for any signs of wear or damage. Check the Oil Oil is your engine's most essential fluid. It protects all the engine components from friction damage by coating them in a friction-resistant covering. As the oil is pumped through the engine, it also helps to reduce the heat from the components. Oil is consumed by your engine as it works, and the oil quality gradually degrades as time passes. Older oil moves more slowly, which reduces the oil's benefits. Debris absorbed by old oil can gradually block the oil filter. A blocked oil filter prevents oil from circulating, and your engine components will begin experiencing friction damage. We'll check the condition of your oil, then drain and replace it. We'll also remove and replace the oil filter to prevent a blockage. Need to Schedule Your Nissan Summer Service Visit in Rockville, MD? For more tips on preparing for summer, or to schedule a service, call us today at DARCARS Nissan of Rockville.

Keeping your car looking sleek and shiny is not only a matter of aesthetics but also an important part of car maintenance. One of the best ways to protect your car's paintwork as you drive in Rockville, MD is by waxing it regularly. Waxing not only adds a shine to your car's exterior but also acts as a protective barrier against harsh weather conditions, dirt, and UV rays. If you're a car enthusiast looking to wax your car, here are some tips to help get you started! Driving in Rockville, MD: Car Waxing Tips 1. Choose the Right Wax Not all waxes are created equal, so it's important to pick the right one for your car. Consider its durability, ease of application, and the level of shine you want. Be sure to invest in a high-quality wax for long-lasting results. more 2. Clean and Prepare Your Car Before applying wax, make sure your car is thoroughly cleaned, and free from dirt, dust, and debris. Use a soap made specifically for cars and a soft sponge or microfiber cloth to clean every inch of the exterior. Pay special attention to areas like the wheels, fenders, and lower body panels where dirt tends to accumulate. Dry the car completely with a clean microfiber towel to avoid leaving water spots. 3. Apply Wax in Small Sections For best results, apply wax in small sections rather than attempting to wax the entire car at once. Start with one panel, such as the hood or door, and work your way around the vehicle. Apply a thin, even coat of wax using a foam applicator pad or microfiber cloth. 4. Use Circular Motions When applying wax, use gentle circular motions to spread the product evenly on the surface. This helps to ensure complete coverage and avoids streaks or uneven application. Take your time, giving each section your full attention. 5. Let the Wax Dry After applying the wax, allow it to dry to a haze. The drying time will depend on the type of wax you use, so pay attention to the instructions. Avoid direct sunlight or high temperatures, as they can cause the wax to dry too quickly or become hard to remove. 6. Buff and Shine Once the wax has dried, it's time to buff and shine your car to reveal its radiant glow. Use a clean microfiber cloth or a dedicated buffing towel to gently remove the dried wax in circular motions. Take care not to use too much pressure and damage the paint. 7. Maintain a Regular Schedule to Wax Your Car To keep your car looking its best, it's important to establish a regular waxing schedule. Depending on the conditions your car is exposed to, aim to wax it every three to six months. Regular waxing helps to maintain the protective layer and helps to keep your car's paint in beautiful condition. Visit Our Rockville, MD Nissan Dealership for Car Maintenance Remember, waxing is not only about making your car look good, but also about preserving it for years to come. By following these simple tips, you can ensure your car's paint stays in good condition no matter where you go. Take a trip to DARCARS Nissan of Rockville for all your maintenance needs, and trust us to help you keep your car in top condition.

The transmission is one of your car's most complex and hardest-working parts. The average modern transmission is made up of over 800 different components, most of which are in continuous pressurized motion as they transmit the power of the engine to your wheels. Technicians at your local dealership keep your entire gearbox in good working order with regular transmission service. Let's look at how often to have this done in Rockville, MD, or anywhere else in the state. Every 30,000 Miles for the Average Driver Over time, transmission fluid thickens into sludge from the continual heat, pressure, and buildup of debris and contaminants. Full transmission servicing requires a special cleaning product and process that dissolves all the sludge, allowing for deep internal cleaning of the gearbox. It takes a trained technician to perform this task properly. It's generally advised to have your transmission inspected and serviced once every 30,000 miles or every two years, whichever comes first. But if you usually use your car in more severe driving conditions, you should consider more frequent servicing visits. more Extreme Driving Conditions Various terrains and driving habits put a great deal more pressure on a car's transmission. Some examples of severe conditions are heavy urban stop-and-go traffic, rough terrain, hilly terrain, and dusty roads. Starting your car in freezing temperatures also puts extra strain on a transmission, as do prolonged periods of idling, long-distance trips at lower speeds, and frequent short-distance trips where the transmission doesn't have time to warm up properly. And the more weight your car is hauling, the more pressure the gearbox is under, so towing a trailer or loading up your roof rack can also count as more severe conditions. If your regular driving conditions tick any of these boxes, consider having your transmission cleaned every 15,000 miles or once per year. Typical Driving Conditions in Rockville, MD Fortunately, you may not experience those heavy traffic conditions in Rockville. So, it's unlikely that you're spending much time stuck in stop-and-go traffic each day, unless you're continually driving in the very heart of town. Nor is it a very hilly city. Rockville isn't the hottest town either during summer, which is good for your gearbox. But it can get rather chilly during winter, which might put a strain on transmissions in the morning. Overall, Rockville doesn't pose much severity for the average transmission in terms of terrain and environment. Another factor can be your driving habits: are you idling a lot, driving on highways at slower speeds, using your car mostly for short trips, or carrying especially heavy loads? If so, it might be wise to have your transmission checked and serviced more frequently. You can always ask a trusted technician at your local Nissan dealership for more guidance on this. Book a Transmission Service in Rockville, MD Visit DARCARS Nissan of Rockville today to have your transmission examined and serviced by experienced technicians. We believe in going the extra mile for all our customers so their cars can keep going for hundreds of thousands of miles more, trouble-free.

Ignition coils boost the electrical voltage coming from your car's battery, providing enough power for the spark plugs to fire the engine's cylinders. Despite how hard ignition coils work, you can expect them to last for 100,000 miles or more. But all ignition coils eventually falter. The following six signs of a faulty ignition coil should prompt you to visit your trusted Nissan service center in Rockville, MD. Your Engine Loses Power When an ignition coil is on its last legs, the corresponding spark plug will also run into trouble. It won't be sparking as often as it should. As a result, your engine will lose power. more You Lose Acceleration With your engine losing power, you won't be able to accelerate as quickly. A loss in acceleration is dangerous at times when you need a rapid burst in speed, such as when crossing a busy intersection. You're Idling Roughly If your cylinders aren't firing effectively, you'll hear the engine sputtering and coughing while resting in idle. The struggling engine will also cause your car to tremble and shake. This is noticeably different from the smooth, quiet idle of a healthy Nissan engine. Your Car Won't Start If one or more ignition coils aren't providing enough consistent voltage, the engine might fail to start at all. At the very least, you might find it difficult to start up in the morning, which is usually the first sign of trouble. Your Fuel Economy Drops With at least one problematic ignition coil and spark plug, some of the fuel being pumped into the combustion chambers is going unburned. This reduces your gas mileage, which means you'll be traveling less far for each gallon of gas in the tank. Your Exhaust Fumes Thicken The unburned fuel left behind by failing spark plugs starts to force its way out through the exhaust system. Eventually, this fuel will emerge from the tailpipe through thick, dark smoke. As the unburned fuel passes through the catalytic converter, it can cause damage to the cat's delicate ceramic meshwork. The immense heat inside a cat can even cause the fuel to ignite, melting the cat's interior. If this happens, you'll see flames in the smoke behind your car. How a Nissan Dealer Inspects Your Coils A good technician will use a variety of tools to test your ignition coils. These tools include an OBD scanner, a spark tester, and a multimeter. When a faulty coil is identified, it can sometimes be cleaned. But more commonly, you'll need to install a new one. Have an experienced technician inspect your ignition coils and engine today at DARCARS Nissan of Rockville. We hope this blog has helped you further understand your vehicle’s engineering. We encourage you to browse our similar blogs to discover more ways to maintain your Nissan.   Image by Pixabay

A first aid kit is an important addition to your car. It's not something that's used very frequently, but it acts as reassurance. If you have a problem that needs a quick medical fix, you'll be glad you have a kit handy. These are some of the items that you should have in your kit when you're traveling through Rockville, MD. Antiseptic Cleaner If you need to deal with a fresh wound, it's essential to prevent any infection. In many cases, an infection can cause far more harm than most wounds. The best way to clean a wound is with liquid soap and water. Since these aren't available in your car, antiseptic cleaner or wipes are a great substitute. They're designed to kill bacteria fast and prevent infection. more Disposable Gloves If you're administering first aid, it's important not to contaminate a wound. It's just as important to protect yourself against blood or other bodily fluids. Disposable gloves are an excellent way to help and keep yourself safe at the same time. When choosing gloves, look for nitrile rather than latex. Some people are allergic to latex. Scissors Whether you're cutting bandage or cutting off clothing, a good pair of scissors should be part of your kit. Choose a small pair of medical-style scissors. The blunt tips and curved blades make them easy to handle and they're safer than regular scissors. Tweezers Tweezers are incredibly handy for anything from removing a splinter from a finger to manipulating a small object. There are many different ones available. We recommend a needle-nose, fine-point pair made from surgical steel. These should work perfectly for anything you need. Elastic Bandages These bandages have numerous uses, including holding cold packs in place, double wrapping around a limb to support it, or helping reduce swelling. It is also advisable to keep several different sizes in your kit. Look for bandages with velcro straps or metal clasps to keep them together. Adhesive Bandages Every kit needs a box of these bandages. There are many different types of bandages available, including butterfly bandages that can hold a wound together. A good option is to choose waterproof adhesive bandages. If you get a box with mixed bandages, you'll have a variety for all occasions. Antibiotic Ointment It's one thing to bandage a scrape or cut. To increase healing, you need ointment. There are numerous types of topical antibiotic ointment. We recommend getting a generic ointment with polymyxin, bacitracin, and neomycin. There are other items you can include in a kit, and each kit is very personal. The best kit is one that’s tailored to meet your specific requirements. If you'd like to know more, we have plenty of similar blogs that will help you prepare for anything you might encounter out on the roads, or feel free to discover posts about how to maintain your Nissan today! Image by Pixabay

If you notice a pool of amber or tan-colored fluid on the ground where your car was parked, your Nissan might be leaking motor oil. With your engine leaking, it's unwise to drive anywhere except directly to your local Nissan dealer to have it fixed. Without sufficient lubrication, the engine will rapidly overheat and break down. Here are five signs that your engine's leaking oil and five common causes of leaks. Oily Puddles Under Your Car Pooling motor oil is the surest sign of a leak. But if you don't have your own regular parking space, this might be hard to notice. When you suspect a leak, glance at the ground under your engine from time to time. You can also leave a piece of cardboard there overnight and check it in the morning. more Motor Oil Light on Your Dashboard The monitors in a modern Nissan will quickly pick up a drop in oil pressure caused by a leak. You'll then be warned by your oil light flashing on. Always pay heed to that light and have a technician investigate further. Loud Ticking, Knocking Noises Without enough oil, your engine will rapidly overheat. With its pistons and other mechanical parts starting to grind against each other, you'll hear ticking and knocking sounds. You'll also see the engine temperature gauge on your dashboard shoot up. Smoke From Under the Hood When leaking oil drips onto super-heated parts of the engine, it instantly burns up. This creates smoke that you'll see seeping out from under your hood. Sizzling Sounds You might also hear the oil burning. This makes a sizzling sound, not unlike the sound of oil burning in a frying pan. 5 Common Sources of Leaking Engine Oil The source of a leak will have to be identified and repaired quickly. You might be able to do this yourself if you know what you're looking for. Oil Filter When the filter isn't regularly changed, it can spring a leak. An oil filter can sometimes be improperly installed by an inexperienced driver, which will also cause it to leak. Oil Pan As it sits beneath your car, the oil pan can occasionally be damaged by a pothole or obstacle in the road. This will cause oil to leak out directly onto the road. Gasket There are various gaskets acting as seals between different parts under your hood. If any one of these gaskets wears down too much, it can start to leak. Crankshaft Seal The crankshaft seal keeps oil inside the engine. As such, it's a weak point and can sometimes fail to do its job. With enough wear and tear, the camshaft seal might also leak oil. Drain Plug The drain plug allows quick drainage of oil during your regular oil changes. A leak might mean that your drain plug is loose or worn out. Have an experienced technician examine your engine and fix any leaks today at DARCARS Nissan of Rockville. Additionally, you can keep learning ways to maintain your car by visiting our blog today!

Having a safety inspection every year is important because it keeps your car in good shape and helps prevent dangerous conditions on the road. In Rockville, MD, you can come to your local Nissan dealership to have your car inspected.   Most drivers understand the importance of keeping the car in good shape. But despite this, it can be hard to stay on top of Nissan maintenance, especially with everything else people have going on in their lives. If you haven't been to the dealership for over 12 months, it's likely that your car is due for a safety inspection. more Don't skip this service because it helps to keep you and your family safe while you're on the road. What's more, regular inspections decrease the chance of big issues with your car, so it's likely to hold its value better and fetch a higher price when you sell it. What Inspections Are Legally Required in Maryland? Many states have laws that govern how often cars need to be inspected. In Maryland, there is no legal requirement to have your vehicle seen by a mechanic every year. However, you have to have an emissions test every second year. The purpose of this is to check whether there are any issues that are leading to extraordinarily high emissions, which pollute the environment.   You'll also need to get a comprehensive inspection when you sell your car or transfer its title to another person. To make sure there are no surprises at this time, it's important to keep your car in good shape and to visit your service center regularly. Can I Inspect My Own Car? Since there's no law that states you have to see a qualified mechanic every year, some drivers believe that they can perform the necessary safety checks on their own. While it's important that you keep a close eye on how your car drives, you might not be able to pick up on hidden issues. Sometimes, problems don't become apparent until later on, when they've already caused damage to the car or put you and your passengers at risk.   However, the advanced diagnostic tools used by professional mechanics can find even the smallest flaws, so they can be fixed before they spiral out of control. For this reason, it's important to see a qualified technician at least once every 12 months.   If it's been more than a year since your last car inspection, it's time to book an appointment. Schedule a service with us at DARCARS Nissan of Rockville now. Our experienced mechanics will be happy to inspect your Nissan, and they will always use genuine tools and spare parts when working on it. If this blog has made you eager to discover more ways to maintain your car, then click here to discover more today!

Electrical problems can be a serious headache for any driver. They can seemingly appear out of nowhere and cause anything from a nuisance to major trouble. In Rockville, MD, your friendly Nissan dealer is here to help. These are some of the problems you might encounter. Starting Problems If your car won't start, it's an electrical issue. The problem is which component is responsible. The starter, the battery, and the alternator are all automatically suspects. The battery provides the charge to the starter. Once the starter is powered, it turns the crank, which turns over your engine. Finally, the alternator is responsible for keeping the battery charged. more Your car battery could be weak due to age, but it could also be weak due to an alternator problem. If your alternator is failing, it may not produce enough power for all your systems. This will reduce the power available to recharge your battery. Finally, a worn starter won't send the necessary signal to the crank to begin working. Our technicians will work to find the problem and replace the worn component. Blown Fuses All your car's electrical systems have fuses, and these fuses protect their attached component against electrical fluctuations. An electrical spike or a short in the system could damage a component. The fuse will detect the problem and then blow out to protect the component from damage.   Fuses can also blow due to age or damage. Once a fuse is replaced, this should fix the problem. If you have frequent cases of blown fuses, this suggests a deeper problem with the electrical system. Our technicians will investigate the problem and can help repair the cause. Random Electrical Glitches If your car shows strange, random behavior in the electrical system, this is a sign of trouble. One of the main causes of this problem is a worn or damaged alternator. The alternator generates all of your car's electrical power, and it recharges your battery. An alternator has an average lifespan of eight years, but as it ages, its electrical production will gradually slow down.   This slowdown isn't immediately noticeable, as your alternator produces surplus power. As it weakens, the lack of power will likely become a problem as your electrical systems have fixed power demands. The reduced power will produce strange electrical behavior as your car's computer tries to balance the competing demands of the various electrical systems. Once we replace the worn alternator, these problems should stop.   If you are experiencing any of these issues with your electrical systems, feel free to schedule a service at DARCARS Nissan of Rockville. Our technicians will inspect and repair your car accordingly. If you wish to continue learning about maintaining your vehicle, discover more of our related blog posts now!

A car overheating is a nightmare situation for any driver. If your engine temperature rises too high, components like the cylinders, pistons, and head gasket can fail. Damage to these components could wreck your engine. Fortunately, this doesn't have to happen. Your Nissan will always show signs it's overheating, and your local Nissan service & repair center in Rockville, MD, can fix it for you. Below you’ll find some examples of problems that can cause overheating. White Streaks on the Radiator Cap The radiator cap controls the pressure in your radiator. The liquid coolant moving through the system travels at high speed and under high pressure. Coolant that's already absorbed heat can easily reach 280° F, and this heat increases the pressure in the system. If the pressure rises too high, the radiator cap will open to release the excess pressure and then close again. more White streaks on the radiator are a sign that coolant is escaping from your radiator. This could be due to a damaged radiator cap, or the seals on the cap may have failed. Hot coolant will leak out from the radiator and leave behind tell-tale white streaks when it dries. Our technicians will check the cap and the seals for damage and fit replacements. Failed Water Pump As we've seen, coolant moves through your system at high-speed. To do this, it requires a pump capable of pushing the liquid through your engine to the radiator and drawing it back again. The pump must also run continually from the time your engine temperature gets too hot till the temperature drops below a preset point. Your water pump is responsible for moving the coolant. Like any pump, the water pump can fail due to wear, age, or damage. If the water pump fails, coolant will be released, but it won't be able to move. The lack of flowing coolant will cause a heat buildup in your engine, and the temperature will rapidly rise. We can test your water pump and replace a failed or damaged one. Leaking Coolant The main cause of an overheating engine is leaking coolant. Coolant is essential for controlling the temperature, as it's the only way heat can be removed from the engine. Age and damage can lead to worn parts. Radiator hoses, for example, can become less flexible and crack. These cracks can increase and create leaks. Coolant can also leak from the radiator cap, a damaged radiator, or worn pipes. Once a leak is detected, it's essential to repair it ASAP. Our technicians will investigate and repair the cause of the leak. We'll then refill the coolant, and your cooling system should return to normal. If your Nissan is showing any signs of overheating, call us immediately at DARCARS Nissan of Rockville or schedule a service online now!

Keeping your brake pads in good condition won't just ensure that your car stops when it's supposed to, it'll also improve the handling, help to ensure peak fuel efficiency, and protect more expensive components of your car. But how often do they need replacing? There are lots of variables when it comes to planning the intervals between brake services at your Nissan dealer, so we've compiled a list of things to take into consideration. Signs That You Should Head to Your Nissan Dealer Straightaway If the situation is critical, your vehicle will give you signals that you should never ignore. Arrange a brake service immediately if you notice any of the following when the brakes are applied: more A squealing or squeaking noise A low-pitched rumbling sound A soggy brake pedal An unusually high or low brake pedal A sluggish response These are all signs of serious pad wear, so your vehicle and your safety could be at risk until you get them fixed. Planning the Intervals Between Brake Checks Pads should last between 25,000 and 65,000 miles, although this wide range is easier to navigate if you take some key factors into account. They're a wearing part, and no matter how carefully you look after them, they won't last forever.   However, there are some factors that will shorten their lifespan, so if you're looking to pencil in your next brake service, it's worth considering how and where you drive your car. If your car's brakes are having to work harder, they won't last as long, and it's better to change them nearer to the 25,000-mile mark. Consider Your Driving Habits Heavier braking will wear through your pads more quickly, so your driving habits play a role in their deterioration. "Riding the brakes" means that you use them more often, increasing the rate of wear, while late, heavy braking puts them under more pressure. Consider the Terrain Some environments are harder on your brakes than others, so think about where you drive. Heavy traffic means for stop-start driving, and steep hills mean more braking on the downhill stretches. Driving through dust, grit, or sand will also speed up corrosion of the system. Consider the Conditions Towing heavy loads or carrying more in the car will make it heavier, and the pads will have to work harder when you bring your car to a halt. Wet conditions lessen the friction on the brakes, but this actually causes more erosion as you have to press them harder. Your brakes are one of the most fundamental safety systems of your car, and the pads and shoes are there to protect more expensive components of the braking system from harm. If you think that it's time for a checkup, schedule a brake service at DARCARS Nissan of Rockville. Our certified Nissan service center in Rockville, MD, will ensure that your vehicle is safe and reliable for you.

The catalytic converter in your Nissan is designed to remove dangerous and toxic chemicals from the combustion process. The converter is attached to your exhaust system. It uses heat, pressure, and chemical reactions in its conversion process. In time, your converter can get blocked or damaged. As your Nissan dealer, we'd like you to know the signs you need a repair or replacement. Starting Problems Most drivers think starting problems are caused only by malfunctions with the alternator, battery, or starter motor. A blocked converter, however, can also cause starting issues. If your engine starts and then dies in a few seconds, the most likely cause is a blocked converter. When your engine is running, it produces gases and waste products that need to be vented through the exhaust. more Your converter's job is to remove carbon and change dangerous chemicals into harmless ones. A carbon buildup in your engine can block the converter. This blockage will cause the engine gases to flow back into your engine. The surplus gases and fuel vapor in your engine can choke the engine and cause it to fail. Rattling Noises Whenever you hear a rattling noise, this means that something is loose somewhere. If the sound seems to be coming from your exhaust system, your converter has probably been damaged. The converter needs a large area for conversion, and a honeycomb structure provides a large amount of surface in a small area.   The honeycomb is a strong, stable shape, but it's weak if it's disturbed. If part of the structure is damaged and breaks, this creates instability in the rest of the converter. The rattling sounds you hear could be from broken pieces of the converter moving around as you drive. We can't fix the converter if the internal structure is broken, but we can easily replace it. Lower Fuel Economy Your Nissan is a very economical vehicle. If you notice that you have to make more trips to the gas station, your fuel economy is likely dropping. A blocked converter could be the cause of the problem. As we saw, combustion gases are forced into the converter. If the converter is blocked, these gases will be drawn back into your engine.   The extra fuel in the engine creates starting issues, but it also upsets the fuel-air ratio. Combustion requires a 14:1 ratio of air to fuel. The presence of this extra fuel will make combustion inefficient. Much of the fuel injected into the cylinders will be wasted. When we unblock your converter, your fuel economy should improve.   If you think you might have any problems with your converter, schedule a service appointment with DARCARS Nissan of Rockville. Want to learn more? Continue advancing your vehicle knowledge with more related blog posts today!

Your car's air conditioner is essential for keeping you comfortable in the summer heat. If your AC isn't working properly, the hot days can really take a toll on your health and your wallet. Here are some signs that you should visit your trusted DARCARS Nissan service center for AC service. You Don't Have Cold Air If you notice that your air conditioning is not working as well as it used to, or if it is blowing warm air when it should be cooling, there are a few things that could be causing this problem. The most common problem with an AC system is a refrigerant leak. Leaking refrigerant dramatically reduces the AC's ability to cool down the car and can be caused by a faulty hose, connection, or compressor. Leaks can be difficult to pinpoint, but we have access to advanced tools to diagnose and fix the problem. more Wear and tear on system parts or a breakdown in older components also causes problems with the air conditioner. If you live in a snowy climate, you may also have corrosion caused by road salt in the winter. You Smell Something Odd When You Turn On Your AC Common with older cars or air conditioners that aren't used often, the smell of mildew or mold is usually a sign that you have bacteria in the AC system. You can often correct the problem with a new air filter. Clogged air filters restrict airflow and lower efficiency while also letting dirt into your vents.   Odd smells may also have other causes. One of our technicians can diagnose and address the problem right away. Your Car Takes a Long Time To Cool Down If your vehicle is taking longer than usual to cool down, there could be a leak, a clog in a hose, or a filter that needs replacing. Low refrigerant levels almost always will cause a slow down in cooling. If your car's warmer than expected, you may also have a weak compressor or a late engaging radiator fan. No Air From The Vents If you're not getting air from your vents, it could be due to a blown fuse or bad relay. No air can also be caused by a faulty blower motor or damaged belts and hoses. Don't panic if you're not getting air. Bring your car in right away, and we'll check the components and determine what needs to be replaced. Your AC Is Making Strange Noises If you hear humming, rattling, or hissing noises, it can also point to an AC problem. Noises can be caused by many things, including a loose bolt or faulty compressor. Summertime is no time for your air conditioner to fail. Schedule a service appointment with DARCARS Nissan of Rockville. We'll be happy to inspect your vehicle, diagnose the problem, and get you back on the road right away!