One way to save money on quality tires is to buy them online – but to avoid a negative experience, here’s some guidelines:
Yume Cars – Beware!
After nearly two decades at the helm of this big automotive social group we call The NICOclub Network, we’ve weathered the worst: Rival forums (all of whom we’ve outlasted), continuous onslaughts from spammers and hackers, technical difficulties, staff turnover, and the impact of lazy, halfhearted social media on legitimate automotive resources. I’m always awed and […]
Driver-to-driver communication – A relic from a bygone era?
Let’s talk about the nearly-forgotten art of communicating with your fellow motorists. Maybe we can all start to bring back some of these skills, and in doing so, be more courteous and safe.
Infiniti is preparing to change… again.
by: Larz / AZhitman Peyman Kargar was appointed Chairman of the Infiniti lineup in May 2020. This is my personal commentary in response to his recent interview with Business Insider International two months ago: Kargar acknowledged the series of mistakes made in the last decade that led to a whopping 50% reduction in sales since […]
5 Things to Consider Before Buying a Classic Car
Classic automobiles have unique qualities that make them great for people who enjoy driving around in style. If you have seen the movies that glamorize the power and look of classic cars (such as the fast and furious films), then I assure you, they are not wrong in the beauty that many classics have! However, […]
My Airbag Light is On – What Do I Do?
by VStar650CL and AZhitmanA quick introduction and history lesson: Airbags are ubiquitous in new cars, with several having as many as 10 separate bags. The technology has existed for decades, and – trivia alert – the 1972 Chevrolet Impala was among the first airbag-equipped vehicles manufactured by GM, but these were government fleet vehicles. The […]
Nissan CVT Transmissions: Coolers, Warranty, and Over-Cooling
by VStar650CL For those of you who own a Nissan CVT-equipped vehicle, you’ve probably heard the horror stories about premature failures, warranty runarounds, and the massive expense of replacing one. Our Nissan Master Techs and factory engineers have provided some helpful information that should be ‘required reading’ if you’ve got a CVT-equipped car in the […]
JPCtrade.com – JDM Importation and More!
Those of you who have been regular visitors here at NICOclub might recall the company JPCtrade. Recently, JPC rejoined us as a Preferred Vendor, and they’d like to update fans of JDM imported cars about what they’re up to! JPCtrade.com was established in 2003 and currently it is one of Japan’s fastest-growing Japanese used cars […]
Understanding Starter Issues in Four Simple Tests!
by VStar650CL Since we get lots of questions from NICOclub members with a mystery starter issue, it seems like a good time to shed a little light on diagnosing them. It’s surprisingly straightforward. So, here are four simple checks that tell you everything you need to know for a proper diagnosis.Unless you own a hybrid, […]
Adding Foglights to Your Nissan, OR Removing the Mystery From Combination Switches
…another remarkably helpful article from VStar650L! So you want to add fog lights to your Nissan, but you don’t want to spring for a brand new Combination Switch to use the factory control on the headlight stalk. Or maybe you bought an Auto Headlight sensor and want to wire your regular headlights to work on […]
2021 Nissan Altima: Everything you need to know
The 2021 Nissan Altima is in kind of a sticky spot when it comes to its sedan segment. The Ford Focus has officially bowed out and other rival manufacturers like Honda and Toyota are emphasizing more compact body styles like a hatchback or crossover. The affordable sedan class gets thinner year after year while the […]
6 Ways to Prepare your Car for Spring and Summer
Driving is a huge responsibility that is given to kids at a very young age. When you are on the road, making a mistake can be the difference between someone’s life and death. Driving can be even more challenging when transitioning your vehicle from driving in the winter to driving in the spring and summer, […]
Help! My Nissan is stuck in ‘Park’ – Here’s the fix.
by: VStar650CL …wouldn’t happen if you had a manual transmission, but let’s leave that for another article. One day you start your L33 Altima or R52 Pathfinder and find yourself stuck in Park. You get a screwdriver and use the mechanical release, and for days or weeks it’s fine again. Then it does it a […]
Important Info for 2002-2018 Nissan Altima Owners
by VStar650CL Would it surprise you if I say the leading cause of dead ECM’s (or ECU for you older folks) on Altimas from ’02 to ’18 is… the serpentine belt? It’s true. Not just for QR engines either. The VQ’s have a similar problem for an identical reason. First, understand that when a serpentine belt […]
D21 Hardbody Rehab and Restoration
One of Nissan’s most-loved and enduring vehicles is the D21-series Hardbody pickup, a staple of the lineup from 1985 to 1997 (and remaining in production up through 2008 in Mexico, just a few hours south of us). I recall the first ones showing up in town in mid-1985, and actually got to tinker with one […]
Audew Power Station Jump Starter Review
Last year at AAPEX / SEMA, I met up with the staff from Audew who were unveiling and promoting their newest line of products for automotive enthusiasts. I already owned one of their mini jump-starters, which has served me well for a couple years now. They asked me to check out their newest product, give […]
Protect Your Shop During the Pandemic…
…by doing something you’re probably already doing! If your shop or garage is like mine, there’s people in and out. Grubby buddies (who no doubt don’t wash their hands very often) are using your tools, your paper towels, your sink, even your shop restroom. While the shop here at Datsun Ranch isn’t always sanitary, I […]
The New Nissan Z Proto
Looking to the future, but inspired by the past. I count myself among the fortunate people who have had the opportunity to have owned, modified, restored and driven several examples of nearly every generation of Z car. I was present for the ‘aborted’ New Z concept campaign of 1999, and again was fortunate enough to […]
What Should I Do if I Can’t Make My Car Payment?
Your car is probably your lifeline. For many people, it is not a luxury but an essential item. You use it to get to work, do the shopping, take the children where they need to go, and other simple but important tasks. Unfortunately, COVID-19 has turned the world on its head. You still need your […]