Summer Car Care Tips Every Driver Should Know
Summer is the perfect time for vacations, road trips, and spending more time on the road. But while warmer weather makes driving more enjoyable, it can also put additional stress on your vehicle. High temperatures, increased travel, and sudden summer storms can all impact your vehicle’s performance if it’s not properly maintained.
Before you hit the road this season, here are a few important summer car care tips to help keep your vehicle running safely and efficiently.
1. Check Your Tire Pressure
Summer heat causes the air inside your tires to expand, which can lead to overinflation. At the same time, improperly inflated tires can affect handling, fuel economy, and tire life.
Make it a habit to check your tire pressure at least once a month and before any long road trips. Be sure to inspect your tread depth and don’t forget to check your spare tire as well.
Proper tire maintenance helps improve safety, extend tire life, and maximize fuel efficiency.
2. Monitor Your Coolant System
Your vehicle’s cooling system plays a critical role in preventing engine overheating during hot summer months.
Check your coolant levels regularly and inspect for any visible leaks under your vehicle. If your vehicle hasn’t had a cooling system inspection recently, summer is an excellent time to schedule one.
A properly functioning cooling system helps protect your engine from costly overheating repairs.
3. Test Your Battery
Many drivers associate battery problems with winter weather, but extreme heat can actually be just as damaging.
High temperatures can cause battery fluid to evaporate and accelerate internal wear. If your battery is more than a few years old, or you’ve noticed slower starts, it’s a good idea to have it tested.
A quick battery inspection can help prevent unexpected breakdowns and keep you moving throughout the summer.
4. Replace Worn Wiper Blades
Summer weather can change quickly. Thunderstorms, heavy rain, and road spray can make visibility a challenge if your wiper blades aren’t performing properly.
Inspect your blades for cracks, tears, or streaking. Replacing worn wiper blades is an inexpensive way to improve visibility and driving safety.
While you’re at it, top off your windshield washer fluid to ensure you’re prepared for whatever summer weather brings.
5. Prepare Your Vehicle for Road Trips
Before heading out on a summer adventure, take a few minutes to inspect your vehicle.
Check your:
- Tire pressure and tread
- Engine oil and fluid levels
- Battery condition
- Headlights and brake lights
- Windshield wipers
Addressing small maintenance items before a trip can help avoid delays and unexpected repair costs while you’re away from home.
6. Protect Your Interior from Sun Damage
Extended exposure to sunlight can cause your vehicle’s interior surfaces to fade, crack, and deteriorate over time.
Using a windshield sunshade, parking in shaded areas when available, and applying protectant products to leather, vinyl, and dashboard surfaces can help preserve your vehicle’s appearance.
Taking a few preventative measures now can help maintain your vehicle’s value and comfort for years to come.
7. Don’t Ignore Warning Lights
Warning lights are your vehicle’s way of alerting you to potential problems. Ignoring them can often turn a minor issue into a major repair.
Common warning lights to watch for include:
- Check Engine Light
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Light
- Battery Warning Light
- Brake System Warning Light
If a warning light appears, have your vehicle inspected as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
8. Replace Your Cabin Air Filter
Your cabin air filter helps remove dust, pollen, and airborne debris from the air entering your vehicle’s interior.
A clogged filter can reduce airflow from your air conditioning system and impact cabin comfort.
Replacing your cabin air filter regularly can improve air quality, increase airflow, and help your air conditioning system operate more efficiently during the hottest months of the year.
Stay Road-Trip Ready This Summer
Routine maintenance is one of the easiest ways to keep your vehicle performing its best during the summer months. By paying attention to tires, fluids, batteries, filters, and other key components, you can help avoid costly repairs and enjoy a safer, more reliable driving experience.
Whether you’re planning a cross-country vacation or simply commuting around town, a little preventative maintenance can go a long way toward keeping your vehicle road-trip ready all season long.
The all-new 2026 Nissan Rogue Plug-In Hybrid is coming to the U.S., offering Nissan’s first-ever plug-in hybrid. This SUV combines electric driving with the convenience of a gas engine, giving drivers the best of both worlds.
The Rogue PHEV offers an estimated 38 miles of electric-only range, perfect for daily commuting and errands, while the total range reaches up to 420 miles. Its 2.4-liter gas engine paired with two electric motors delivers 248 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, with all-wheel drive included for confidence in any conditions. Drivers can choose between EV, Save, and Charge modes and enjoy regenerative braking with an e-Step one-pedal feature.
Inside, the Rogue PHEV seats up to seven passengers across three rows. It features a 12.3-inch digital driver display, a 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, and on higher trims, leather seats, a 10-inch head-up display, and a nine-speaker Bose audio system. Two 120V power outlets allow charging for devices or camping gear, and a motion-activated power liftgate adds convenience.
Safety is built in with Nissan Safety Shield 360 and ProPILOT Assist, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera. Home charging with a Level 2 charger takes about 7.5 hours, giving you easy access to electric driving without sacrificing long-range flexibility.
The 2026 Rogue Plug-In Hybrid is designed for families and drivers who want efficiency, performance, and modern technology in one SUV. Briggs Nissan of Manhattan will offer these vehicles once they become available. Contact us to learn more or reserve your Rogue PHEV.
Celebrating 22 Years of Briggs Nissan of Manhattan!
This October marks a major milestone, 22 years since we first opened the doors to our Nissan Sales and Service Departments right here in Manhattan, Kansas! From day one, our goal has been simple: to provide our community with exceptional vehicles, trustworthy service, and a dealership experience built on integrity and care.
Over the past two decades, we’ve had the privilege of helping thousands of drivers find their perfect Nissan, from first-time buyers to families upgrading for more space and comfort. We’ve also had the honor of maintaining those vehicles for years to come, ensuring each one continues to perform at its best.
This anniversary isn’t just about us; it’s about you, our amazing customers, and our dedicated team members who make everything possible. Your loyalty, trust, and hard work have shaped who we are today, and we couldn’t be more grateful.
Here’s to 22 years of memories, milestones, and miles on the road ahead. Thank you, Manhattan, for making Briggs Nissan a part of your community and your journeys!
Briggs Nissan of Manhattan is proud to celebrate Nissan’s incredible achievement as the Most Awarded Brand of 2025! This honor reflects Nissan’s commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction across every vehicle they build.
From cutting-edge technology to award-winning safety features, Nissan continues to set the standard in the automotive industry. At Briggs Nissan of Manhattan, we’re thrilled to offer our customers access to these exceptional vehicles and provide the same award-winning experience in sales and service.
Whether you’re looking for a reliable sedan, a family-friendly SUV, or a powerful truck, our team is here to help you find the perfect Nissan that fits your lifestyle. Come visit us at Briggs Nissan of Manhattan and see why Nissan continues to lead the way in 2025.
At Briggs Nissan, we know how important it is to have tires you can count on, whether you’re tackling your daily commute or planning a weekend escape. That’s why for a limited time, we’re offering up to $120 off an eligible set of tires.
This special offer applies to a wide selection of trusted brands including Bridgestone, Continental, Hankook, Michelin, Yokohama, and more, when installed at a participating Nissan dealer.
Now is the perfect time to replace worn tires and ensure your vehicle is road-trip ready. Not only will new tires enhance your safety and handling, but you’ll also save big with this exclusive Briggs Nissan deal.
To take advantage of the offer, tires must be installed by September 2, 2025. The offer is valid only at participating Nissan dealers, and restrictions may apply depending on the brand and model. Be sure to check with the dealer for full eligibility and details.
Don’t wait. This offer expires August 31, 2025. Visit Briggs Nissan today and drive with confidence on a brand-new set of tires at an unbeatable price. Click Here to Schedule Service
“NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today unveiled the all-new 2026 LEAF. Completely reimagined with clean, dynamic body lines, the third-generation LEAF combines a sleek profile with an SUV-like stance. Inside, a refined, minimalist cabin is optimized for roominess, comfort and wellbeing to accommodate all of life’s journeys.
With over 15 years of proven dependability and the customer insights of almost 700,000 global sales, the all-new LEAF builds on the model’s DNA of reliable, affordable and attractive EV ownership, delivering strong value for the mass-market.
Beyond appealing to EV customers, the all-new LEAF is a compelling option for internal combustion engine buyers. With a substantially increased driving range, faster charging speeds and an array of drive-enhancing technologies, it makes EV ownership easier and more enjoyable.
The all-new LEAF will reach U.S. Nissan dealerships in the Fall, with other markets to follow.” – Nissan Motor Company
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