Plan your Nissan's pre-winter service for October. Indianapolis-area averages put the first freeze here in Central Indiana in late October and the first measurable snow in mid to late November, so a visit booked in October is ahead of both with room to spare.
Start with the battery, tire pressure and tread, and wiper blades. Summer heat or overcharging can weaken a battery before cold weather exposes the problem, and tires can lose pressure as temperatures fall. You can schedule service online.
In the Indianapolis area, the average first freeze comes several weeks before the first measurable snow:
Aim to book your Nissan service check in October. If you miss that window, try to come in by the middle of November.
| Winter Marker | Indianapolis-Area Average |
|---|---|
| First freeze | October 26 |
| First measurable snow | November 19 |
| Last measurable snow | March 30 |
| Annual snowfall | About 22 inches |
The damage that strands a battery in winter is often done before winter. Nissan's guidance explains that just as rough roads chip away at your tires, heat from summer weather or overcharging will chip away at your battery's ability to hold a lot of power. That leaves a battery that may not have enough to start your Nissan when winter strikes. The first cold morning is when you find out, not when the damage was done.
Batteries also wear out over time. Infrequent startup and prolonged exposure to excessive heat or cold may shorten their lifespan.
Typical modern batteries are maintenance-free, so there is no fluid to top off between services. Watch for warning signs and have the battery tested before cold weather arrives.
Nissan lists five signs of a dying battery:
You do not have to wait for one of them. Nissan describes its battery check as an evaluation of your battery's health, a visual assessment of your cable connections, and a recommendation of the exact fit for your Nissan if you need a new one. On Nissan's multi-point inspection the battery appears as terminals, cables and mounting, plus a capacity test. That is a test of where the battery stands rather than a hunt for a symptom.
We offer battery testing and replacement as a separate visit or alongside other services. You can also contact us about the symptoms before you come in.
If Nissan's Charge Warning Light comes on while the engine is running, the charging system may not be working properly. Have the system checked if the light stays on; Nissan recommends visiting a Nissan dealer for this service.
If you have already needed a jump start this season, Nissan's aftercare guidance is short. In most instances, normal driving will recharge the battery unless there is an issue with the vehicle. If your vehicle does not start after driving it, Nissan recommends taking it in to have a diagnosis performed.
Cold weather can lower tire pressure. Proper inflation helps prevent premature tire wear. Driving on under-inflated tires generates excessive heat that can weaken them to the point of failure. Over-inflated tires can cause a harsh ride and uneven wear.
Check pressure with a good-quality tire gauge. Tires can look fine even when they are under-inflated, so do not judge pressure by appearance.
Follow Nissan's guidance when checking pressure, tread and tire condition:
| What to check | Nissan's guidance |
|---|---|
| Pressure check frequency | Check tire pressure once a month. |
| When to check | Check tires when cold: after resting for at least three hours or being driven less than one mile. |
| Recommended pressure | Use the pressure listed in your Owner's Manual or on the driver's side door-sill label. |
| Spare tire | Check the spare as well, if your Nissan carries one. |
| Tread depth | Measure with a tread depth gauge. Start shopping for new tires at about 4/32 inch of remaining tread. |
| Wear bars | These narrow strips of smooth rubber across the tread appear when it is time to replace the tires. |
| Damage requiring replacement | Replace tires with exposed cord or fabric; cracks or cuts deep enough to expose either; bulges or splits; or damage that cannot be repaired correctly. |
| Tire rotation | Rotation helps tires wear evenly and maximizes tread life. Follow your Owner's Manual for the interval. |
We offer tire service and Nissan's tire program.
Uneven wear may point to improper inflation, poor alignment, road impact or a maintenance issue. Your Nissan may need adjustment or repair.
The low tire pressure warning light has two distinct patterns:
| What the light does | What it means |
|---|---|
| Comes on and stays on as you drive | The vehicle is being driven with low tire pressure. Stop driving and adjust the tire pressure of all four tires. |
| Flashes for one minute, then stays on | The Tire Pressure Monitoring System is not functioning properly. |
Tire Pressure Monitoring System is not a substitute for regular tire pressure checks. See Owner's Manual for safety information.
Use an ice scraper and defroster to clear windshield ice, not your wipers. Nissan also recommends pulling the wipers away from the windshield in winter.
Nissan recommends replacing wiper blades about every six months because their natural rubber deteriorates over time. Signs that blades need replacement include:
When one blade needs replacement, Nissan recommends replacing both to help keep the windshield clear. Between replacements, clean the windshield and the blades' rubber elements regularly.
Use this checklist to plan your visit with us:
| Item | Why check it before winter? | Service option |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | Summer heat and overcharging can reduce a battery's ability to hold power. | Battery service is available through Nissan Express Service. |
| Tires and tire pressure | Tire pressure affects wear and safety, and it can fall in cold weather. | We handle tire work; rotation and balance are routine Express Service items. |
| Wiper blades | Streaking, skipping or damaged rubber can signal that blades need replacement. | Wiper blades are a routine Express Service item. |
| Brakes | Wear indicators squeak when pads are nearly worn out. Have brake noise assessed as soon as possible because it may signal a problem. | Schedule an appointment. |
| Belts, hoses and fluids | Drive belts play an essential role in the operation of the engine, so on a gas Nissan a worn belt is better found before winter than during it. | Part of what our service side covers. |
| Filters | The engine air filter and in-cabin microfilter are on Nissan's inspection list. | Air and cabin filters are routine Express Service items. |
Nissan's multi-point inspection also covers coolant and windshield washer fluid under the hood.
Our Nissan-trained technicians at Ed Martin Nissan of Fishers handle all of these services. Nissan Express Service offers routine maintenance without an appointment, including oil and filter changes, air and cabin filters, tire rotation and balance, battery service and wipers.
For diagnosis, brake work or a more involved visit, book an appointment with our service department.
Not every Nissan needs every service on this list. Monthly pressure checks, the age of your wiper blades and any battery symptoms can help you decide what needs attention. Follow your Owner's Manual for scheduled maintenance.
For anything that is due, plan the visit for October rather than waiting for the first cold morning.
Here is how roadside assistance and corrosion perforation coverage apply to a new 2026 Nissan:
| Coverage | Term on a new 2026 Nissan | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Nissan Roadside Assistance | 36 months or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first | On most new 2026 Nissan models: flat-tire changes, vehicle lockouts, Trip Interruption benefits, emergency fuel delivery and jump starts |
| Corrosion perforation coverage | 60 months, unlimited miles | Corrosion perforation, as defined in your vehicle's Warranty Information Booklet |
Roadside assistance coverage period varies by model year and model. Includes Trip Interruption benefits. For complete information concerning warranty coverage, conditions and exclusions, see your Nissan dealer and read your vehicle's Warranty Information Booklet.
Our Nissan specials change monthly. Check the current service and parts specials before your visit. If you are considering a different vehicle for winter, you can also review our new Nissan offers.
Plan for October. The Indianapolis area's average first freeze is October 26, and its first measurable snow averages November 19. An October visit is a good time to check the battery, tires and wipers. If you miss October, aim for the middle of November.
A light that comes on and stays on while you drive indicates low tire pressure. Nissan says to stop driving and adjust the pressure of all four tires. A light that flashes for one minute and then stays on means the Tire Pressure Monitoring System is not working properly.
Nissan lists five signs: needing a jump start, clicking noises during startup, dimming interior lights, unusual behavior from electronics such as interior or dashboard lights, and a dashboard battery light that stays on. Any of these is a reason to have the battery checked. You can also have it tested before symptoms appear.
Routine battery service is available through Nissan Express Service without an appointment. For a planned visit or service alongside brake work, schedule the visit online.
In most instances, normal driving will recharge the battery after a jump start unless there is an issue with the vehicle. If your Nissan does not start after driving it, Nissan recommends bringing it in for diagnosis. Needing a jump start is also one of Nissan's signs of a dying battery.
On most new 2026 Nissan models, Nissan Roadside Assistance covers flat-tire changes, vehicle lockouts, Trip Interruption benefits, emergency fuel delivery and jump starts for 36 months or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. Coverage periods vary by model year and model. Read your vehicle's Warranty Information Booklet for the terms that apply to your Nissan.
