Nissan donates $50,000 in support of American Red Cross disaster relief efforts

DALLAS – Nissan today announced a $50,000 cash donation to the American Red Cross in support of relief efforts after devastating floods and tornadoes ripped through communities in Texas and Oklahoma this month.  Areas affected include the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, together with the Irving, Denton, Weatherford, Cleburne, Corsicana, Terrell, Greenville and McKinney areas.

The funds will be used to assist the American Red Cross in providing food, shelter, relief supplies, emotional support, recovery planning and other assistance as well as supporting the vehicles, warehouses and people that make that help possible.

“We want to help those whose lives have been disrupted by the devastating storms that have hit the Texas region,” said José Muñoz, Chairman, Nissan North America. “The Red Cross is well respected as an organization that can act quickly to assess and react to disasters. We know they will help hundreds or perhaps thousands of people in the coming weeks, including our customers, dealers and employees who are dealing with the aftermath of these extreme weather conditions.”

Nissan Motor Acceptance Corporation (NMAC), Nissan’s financial services affiliate, is located in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, in Irving.  The company employs 1,000 people, who serve Nissan or Infiniti customers who have financed or leased a vehicle through a dealer and NMAC.

In addition to the donation, Nissan lease and retail customers residing in FEMA-designated disaster areas may be eligible to take advantage of payment relief options, including extensions and lease deferred payments.

Nissan has a long history of responding to humanitarian needs and providing disaster relief through organizations that include the American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, Salvation Army, and food banks in communities where Nissan has an operational presence.

5 Spring Maintenance Tips for Your Car

Here are Five Spring Car Maintenance Tips to Keep in Mind

1. Remove leftover salt

Salt, used on roads to melt ice and snow, can cause serious damage to cars, especially their undercarriages where metal can rust. Take your car to a highly rated car wash to eliminate salt, and check that the business has sprayers that clean the undercarriage.

2. Check alignment and suspension
Driving over potholes can damage your car’s alignment and suspension. You might have a problem if you notice that the car pulls to one side or the steering wheel vibrates as you drive. An alignment check typically costs $25 to $40.

3. Change oil and check fluids

“If your last oil change was before winter, then this is a great time to do it, spring is also an ideal time to flush your transmission fluid. It’s one of the most neglected services. Mechanics say spring is a good time to check your car's fluid levels. Waiting too long to change your fluids can lead to a costly repair. Mechanics recommend changing your car’s oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.Don’t forget to check window washing fluid levels, as well as your brake and cooling system fluids.

4. Rotate tires and check air pressure
You should check the tire pressure, including the spare should you ever need it. Your car’s tires affect the ride, handling, traction and safety.Mechanics recommend tire rotation every 5,000 miles to keep tread wear even.One of the biggest issues we see is the front tires wearing out prematurely.

5. Inspect brakes
Nothing, perhaps, is more important than having brakes that function properly. Have a technician check the pads and rotors to ensure there are no safety issues. Neglecting them can lead to a costlier repair down the line.