When to start checking oil, air in tires etc? 2010 Versa

[tib75]

I just got a 2010 Nissan Versa Hatchback (lucky me!) I brought it home last week from the dealership. I have had the car about 8 days. It has been very cold and snowy here in the Northeast. I now have about 250 miles on it. I do not drive a far distance to go to work, but I was off last week, driving all over the place with it. I have the 3 month appt. set for the end February, but when do I start checking the oil level? Also, when is it a good idea to check the air pressure on the tires? No lights are on for it, but I am a strong believer in proper maintenace for a vehicle. I had a Chevrolet chevette for 15 years, and a Buick Skylark for 13 years. This is my first foreign car. Any advisement would be welcome! Thank you!

[Promise Land]

If you kept a Chevette going for 15 years, I think the Versa will never stop running! What maintenance schedule did you use to get all the years from those cars?

I normally try to check the oil every 2-3 weeks (every couple tanks of gas) and the tires about once per month. Tires usually lose about 1 psi per month.

[iluvmyVersa08]

If you kept a Chevette going for 15 years, I think the Versa will never stop running! What maintenance schedule did you use to get all the years from those cars?

I normally try to check the oil every 2-3 weeks (every couple tanks of gas) and the tires about once per month. Tires usually lose about 1 psi per month.

I agree

When you open your driver's door do you see a sticker? I have one that says to check the tire pressure monthly. It is a constant reminder for me to check them I will be checking my winter tires this weekend and filling them up as they are filled w/ regular air.

My stock tires have not lost any nitrogen out of them since I got them in April 08.

[tib75]

Thank you both for your posts, I really appreciate that you took the time to answer me! I kept the Chevette and the Skylark going all those years because I am a bit obsessive when it comes to cars. I drive by myself most of the time, so I do not wish to get stuck! Also, I try to get the most out of each car, and the most value I can because I cannot afford to change them too often. Now here is my next question: I see in the manual that the owner is advised to check the oil when the car is cold, not when it has been running. Does that mean not to ever have the gas station check oil even if you're buying gas? Please answer. I am not being stupid, strange or illiterate --- I need to know, since Nissan cars are built somewhat differently from GM cars, and in the past I usually had the attendant check the oil when I purchased gas. Does it make a difference? Any feedback or insight is very much appreciated!

[Bubs daddy]

Continue what you're doing and read the manual to the end.

[steed77]

Congrats on the new car...

Oil: I check mine warm almost every time. The difference between checking hot or cold will not make any large changes. The important thing here is that the oil is filled enough for a good reading. Hot or Cold it does not matter, just keep it in the proper range. I check mine ~1000 miles.

Air: those pesky TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitor Systems) in each wheel will keep you in check. That said, I do check mine about monthly.

Good luck! you should be fine. This car should take less maintenance than the last 2 cars you had.

[led hed]

when checking oil level on a warm engine just make sure the oil has enough time to settle back down into the oil pan before checking or you MAY overfill.

[tib75]

Thank you all for your insights! I really appreciate it!

[tib75]

I did it!! I took the Versa to the dealership today, and they were kind enough to check the oil, tires etc. All levels are good, tire pressure good, etc. I figure I'll just do this every two to three weeks, since they would know best about how much fluids should be in the car, and how much air the tires should have!

[Promise Land]

tib,

That's awesome that you have a local dealer that will take care of you. Do you feel comfortable doing all the work yourself? If you don't, what can we do to get you the info to make you confident in doing it yourself? We will be launching a technical site soon, and that information would be a great addition.

[tib75]

Thank you for your reply. I read the page in the 2010 Manual about checking oil, etc, but I really don't feel confident enough to do it, because the manual seems a little...confusing. I guess if there were simple step by step instructions, I would try to do it myself. Maybe in the Spring, when the weather is a little more warmer.... :