With your recent purchase or lease of a Nissan vehicle, whether a car, truck or SUV/CUV, comes the responsibility to properly maintain it. As leasing gains in popularity, the onus, more than ever, is being placed on the lessee to properly maintain it. To that end, manufacturers are specifying, via a service schedule, what services should occur, and when.

But these service schedules don’t just apply to lessees. Buyers should be equally keen to maintain their vehicles, especially if they plan to keep it for more than three years. Which is why KBB.com recommends following the service schedules in the owner’s manual.

Nissan Maintenance Guidelines

Every 5,000 miles or 6 Months:

Like clockwork, your Nissan should have its motor oil and oil filter changed every 5,000 miles or six months, whichever comes first. You should also rotate the tires, which enable them to maintain equalized road wear that theoretically allows them to wear out at the same time, hopefully in the 35-to 40,000 miles range. Synthetic motor oil has become mainstream to the point where most manufacturers will allow and even recommend its usage. It generally has the ability to last longer than 5,000 miles and is able to withstand high heat and thermal breakdown. Still, defer to the owner’s manual recommendations.

10,000 miles:

As previously stated, change the oil, oil filter and rotate the tires, once again. Beginning at the 10,000-mile mark, you should have the brake pads and rotors inspected to insure proper stopping power. Inspect and top off (if needed) the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) fluid and inspect the front driveshaft boots for tears that can allow dust, dirt and debris inside. Replace windshield wiper blades every year or 10,000 miles, whichever comes first. Also check the vehicle’s alignment; it should be realigned at least once a year, after the tires have been rotated, of course.

20,000 miles:

The mechanics at your local Nissan dealership will replace the engine oil and oil filter and replace the brake fluid as well as inspect the brake system, pads and rotors. They will also examine the exhaust system to insure against leaks or damage. Your Nissan mechanic will also go over the steering gear and linkage as well as axle and suspension parts. Rotate the tires once again and inspect and refill (if necessary) all of the vehicle’s fluid levels.

30,000 miles:

Slightly more extensive, this service starts with a replacement of the engine air filter. Its job is to trap dirt and debris before it has a chance to be ingested into the engine. At the same mileage mark, the mechanic will perform an oil and oil filter change, and tire rotation. The brake pads and rotors will be given the once-over, too. Finally, it’s time to replace the in-cabin air filter and the Nissan Intelligent Key battery.

40,000 miles:

At 40,000 miles, it’s recommended to inspect your Nissan’s drive belts, and to replace the motor oil and filter with fresh versions of each. Inspect the EVAP vapor lines and fuel lines at the same time. Replace the brake fluid and inspect the CVT fluid for topping off if needed. Rotate the tires, inspect windshield wiper blades, and visually inspect the brake pads, and rotors, once again.

How and where you drive may accelerate the need for service sooner than listed in your manual. For example, if most of your driving occurs in dusty, desert-like surroundings, or involves high-speed driving or travel along mountainous grades, Nissan recommends more frequent oil and filter changes than listed above. As always, your mileage may vary.

Extended Service/Extended Warranty

Security+Plus and Security+Plus Extended Protection Prepaid Maintenance Plans

For buyers planning to keep their Nissan vehicles for extended periods of time, the company offers the prepaid Security+Plus Prepaid Maintenance program that ranges in length from 12 months / 10,000 miles to 96 months / 80,000 miles. It provides basic servicing like oil changes and rotations, at pricing today that protects you from future increases. Nissan also offers their Security+Plus Extended Protection Plans, which cover more than 2,140 components (less deductible) and includes trip interruption insurance up to $500 per incident, and car rental coverage up to $35 per day for five days, along with other features. Durations are from 24 months/40,000 miles, to 96 months/120,000 miles. Not to be confused with third-party extended warranty plans, service can be received at any Nissan dealership.

The plans cover many parts included in the original warranty plan, for a longer time. It is transferable, but pricing varies.