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Have you ever wondered why some cars last hundreds of thousands of miles in decent shape while others give up the ghost after just 150,000 or even 100,000 miles? Routine preventative maintenance plays a massive role in vehicle longevity, just as healthy living and regular checkups at the doctor's keep our bodies alive and kicking for longer. With this in mind, here's a guide to the most important Mitsubishi maintenance services never to miss at your local Mitsubishi dealer. Check Tire Air Pressure and Rotate Often As the only components in direct contact with the road, your tires undergo plenty of wear and tear. It's therefore essential to check tire air pressure at least once a month and adjust the air to maintain the optimal PSI. Tires also need to be rotated at least twice a year to combat uneven tire wear and aligned to ensure better steering and handling. Finally, every three to five years, you'll usually need to replace your tires; do so as soon as your tires show signs of damage or become worn out. Change Your Motor Oil Twice a Year The pressure, friction, and heat inside your car's engine are kept under control with the aid of sophisticated motor oil. If motor oil deteriorates, leaks, or becomes too old, it stops lubricating properly, and the engine can rapidly break down. For most drivers, biannual oil changes are enough to keep the oil in excellent condition. Have Your Brakes Inspected Twice a Year While having your oil changed and tires rotated every six months, you can also ask the technician to inspect your car's brakes. They'll need to raise your car to remove the wheels, calipers, rotors, and brake pads. Each component can then be examined and repaired or replaced as required. The brake lines also need to be checked for leaks, and the brake fluid topped up or flushed. Replenish or Refresh All Your Car's Fluids We've mentioned the motor oil and brake fluid, and there are several other important fluids that must be properly maintained with regular servicing. These fluids are coolant, transmission fluid, differential fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid. Check your owner's manual or ask a trusted technician for guidance on how often to check and change these fluids. Book Routine Services at Your Mitsubishi Dealer Maximize your vehicle's performance and longevity by scheduling essential routine services at your local dealership. With a suitable schedule and the help of a team of professionals, you can easily stay on top of all the tasks required for optimal preventative maintenance, thereby boosting your car's performance, and extending its lifespan. Book routine maintenance services today at San Jose Mitsubishi in San Jose, CA. We provide a one-stop shop for all automobile purchasing and servicing requirements to the drivers of San Jose and the surrounding region.

Your alternator has a very important job in your car. It charges up your battery while you drive. Because your battery helps get your car started and powers all of your electrical accessories, you'll notice some serious problems with your car if your alternator isn't charging it. When these problems arise, you need to head to the Mitsubishi dealer for an alternator repair. 1. Your Headlights Are Too Bright or Too Dim When your battery isn't being charged by your alternator, it won't have enough power to keep your headlights as bright as they should be. Because of this, your headlights will be dim, and they might even flicker. Your headlights may also get brighter when you rev your engine. This is a sign that your alternator is producing some current, but it can't keep the battery fully charged at all times. 2. Your Electric Accessories Malfunction Most accessories in your car are powered by the battery and, therefore, may malfunction if the alternator isn't keeping your battery charged. Pay attention to how quickly your windows move up and down and how hot your heated seats get. Keep an eye on how fast your phone charges when plugged into a USB port in the car and look for signs of your infotainment system slowing down. If any of these parts are malfunctioning, then you may have a problem with your alternator. 3. You're Having Trouble Starting the Car You may have trouble starting your car if your battery isn't fully charged. Sometimes it may just take a little extra time for the engine to turn over when you turn on the ignition, but you might also be completely unable to start your car. You'll hear a clicking noise, but it'll seem like the battery is completely dead. Take a friend with a running vehicle, grab a pair of jumper cables, and jump-start your car. Observe: if your car stays on, it likely signals a healthy alternator, pointing to a faulty battery. However, if your car turns off again after it's jumpstarted, then your alternator isn't charging the battery, and therefore, your alternator is malfunctioning. 4. Your Alternator Starts Making Noises Cars make many different noises, and you get used to these noises over time. This makes it easy to notice when the car starts making a new noise. Your alternator belt can become misaligned, and this can cause your car to make a whining or groaning sound. So, when you hear this noise, you know it's time to head to the dealer to get the alternator fixed. Come to San Jose Mitsubishi in San Jose, CA if you're having problems with your alternator or other parts of your electrical system. We also handle repairs and maintenance on all the other systems in your car.

Tire failure is a significant cause of road accidents. You can dramatically reduce your risk of experiencing a blowout or skid by paying close attention to the condition of your tires. If you notice the following indications of trouble, head straight to your local Mitsubishi dealership for a set of new tires. Worn-Down Tire Treads Tires need sufficient tread depth to displace water on wet patches of the road and maintain firm traction at all times. For this reason, always stay aware of the depth of your tire treads. When your tire treads near 2/32 of an inch in depth, it's time for replacements. You can use a tire tread gauge to measure tread depth. Alternatively, you can insert a penny coin into the deepest area of a tire's treads. If the top of Lincoln's head remains visible, the tread depth has fallen below 2/32 of an inch, and it's time for the tire to go. Sudden Loss of Traction While driving, never ignore any momentary losses of traction, even if your tires appear to be in good condition. You need to feel confident that your tires can maintain a strong grip on any road surface. If you start to doubt how well your tires hold to the road, have a technician take a look without delay. Uneven Tire Wear Car tires inevitably wear down unevenly to some degree. This is due to unevenly distributed weight and pressure at every corner of the vehicle. You can have your tires rotated twice or thrice yearly to rectify this issue. But if your tires become too uneven in size, you'll probably need to replace all four. Bulges and Other Damage Anything more than very minor damage can ruin the structural integrity of a car tire. If you notice a strange bulge in the rubber, that tire might have become internally damaged by an impact with a pothole or curb. This usually spells the end of the road for the tire. Likewise, large cuts and gashes might be irreparable. Serious punctures, embedded objects, and excessive cracks can also make the tire no longer safe to use. Plummeting Tire Pressure If you notice the tire pressure gauge on your dashboard light up repeatedly, one of your tires may have a slow leak of air. This might point to a hidden puncture or some other defect with the leaking tire. It's dangerous to drive on a tire that's losing air pressure, as this increases friction and raises the risk of a blowout. Visit San Jose Mitsubishi in San Jose, CA, today to have your worn-out tires promptly repaired or replaced. Our local full-service dealership serves the area's drivers with excellent vehicles, deals, and customer service.

Keeping your Mitsubishi's brakes working properly is about more than just a smooth ride, it's about staying safe out there. Not sure if it's time for brake repair? Here are five tell-tale signs that you need to schedule service at the Mitsubishi dealer. 1. That Annoying Squealing Sound Ever hit the brakes and hear that high-pitched squeal? That annoying sound is actually a sign of danger. It means that your brake pads are getting too thin. Brake pads have wear indicators designed to squeal to grab your attention when they start wearing out. Ignore them, and you'll start hearing a grinding noise next. Grinding means that you're causing damage to your rotors, which is a much more expensive fix. 2. A Shaky Brake Pedal Does your brake pedal feel like it's got the jitters? That shaky pedal is likely a sign that your rotors are warped. This can happen after a lot of intense driving, like on mountain roads or towing something heavy. Besides making your pedal feel strange, it messes with how well your car can stop, especially if the road's wet. 3. Long Stopping Distances If your Mitsubishi is taking its own sweet time to stop after you apply the brake, that's a red flag. Longer stopping distances can mean anything from low brake fluid to worn-out pads or even issues with the brake hydraulics. It's a safety risk, making it more likely you'll be in a situation where you can't stop in time. 4. Brake Warning Light When your dashboard lights up with the brake warning light, you need to pay attention. This light is your heads up that something's wrong with your brakes. It could be anything from low brake fluid to a hiccup in the ABS system. Either way, it's your cue to get things checked out right away. 5. Soft or Mushy Brake Pedal If stepping on your brake pedal feels more like a marshmallow than a mechanism that stops a few tons of metal, you've got an issue. A soft, spongy pedal can mean there's air in the brake lines or an issue with the master cylinder. You don't want to be left wondering if your car will stop when you hit the brakes, so you need to have them checked. Check Your Brakes at the Mitsubishi Dealer If you've noticed any of these signs, it's time to give your brakes some TLC. A quick check-up at the dealership can save you a lot of hassle and help ensure your rides are safe and smooth. Ignoring signs of brake trouble is like playing with fire with your safety. Call San Jose Mitsubishi in San Jose, CA, to schedule a brake inspection today.

For optimal performance and durability, it's advisable to consistently utilize OEM parts for maintaining your Mitsubishi. Your Mitsubishi dealer stocks superior Mitsubishi parts at affordable prices and makes it easy and convenient to find the correct component for your model. The certified Mitsubishi technicians will perform an expert installation to ensure your Mitsubishi continues to run at its best. 1. Superior Mitsubishi Parts When installing Mitsubishi parts, you can rest assured that they have been designed to factory specifications and meet the highest OEM standards for precision and accuracy. These parts will provide a precise fit, are durable, reliable, and offer outstanding performance. 2. Mitsubishi Parts Warranties To guarantee the replacement of any defective parts and maximize the longevity of your investment, you should opt for parts warranties. With Mitsubishi parts installed by our certified technicians, you benefit from the Mitsubishi New Vehicle Limited Warranty, covering most parts for up to 60,000 miles or five years, whichever comes first. 3. Assistance from Mitsubishi Parts Specialists If you need a replacement part for your Mitsubishi, our team of parts specialists is here to help. They are knowledgeable and experienced and will make the process of finding the correct component for your vehicle easy and stress-free. All you need to do is provide them with your vehicle's 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and the part code, and they'll take care of the rest in no time. 4. Convenient Online Mitsubishi Parts Orders You can browse our website and place an order online for the required parts directly from your home or office. Once you complete the order form, one of our helpful team will contact you to confirm the details. While on our website, you can also set up a service appointment and have one of our certified Mitsubishi technicians install the part. 5. Expert Parts Installations Our certified Mitsubishi technicians are factory-trained and have an in-depth understanding of every aspect of your car. They have extensive knowledge of every component in your Mitsubishi, only use Mitsubishi parts, and perform expert parts installations to keep your vehicle dependable and safe on the road. 6. Parts Specials and Discounts We offer some fantastic part specials to help you save on repairs and replacement parts. You can visit our website to see the latest money-saving deals, or if you have any questions, feel free to speak to one of our service specialists for more information. Rely on the people who know your Mitsubishi and understand the importance of using genuine Mitsubishi parts to ensure reliability and optimal vehicle performance. If your vehicle needs replacement parts, stop at San Jose Mitsubishi, San Jose, CA, today, and we will assist you in finding the right part for your Mitsubishi and perform a professional installation.

We're all about educating our customers on routine maintenance at San Jose Mitsubishi, and one of the most frequent questions we get is: how often should I change my car's fluids? The answer to that question isn't always straightforward, though. Some fluids require more frequent changes than others, and can even vary between different models. It can even depend on the driver and how the vehicle is used; for example, if you only drive short distances or are in stop-and-go traffic often, you might need fluid flushes more often. Because the answer can vary so often, we've made this easy guide to understanding your car's fluids and how to determine how often they need changed. Which vehicle fluids need to be changed? Most drivers know that they need to change their engine oil on a regular basis, but that's not the only fluid your car depends on to run. There are many fluids made for specific parts of your vehicle, from the transmission to the brakes. Like we mentioned before, the maintenance schedule can vary, so it's always a good idea to consult your vehicle's manual or one of our technicians for more precise numbers. Engine Oil The motor oil lubricates and regulates the temperature of your engine. While the old rule might be to change your oil between 3,000 and 5,000 miles, most modern Mitsubishi vehicles can go up to 10,000 miles. Transmission Fluid Transmission fluid keeps gears and pistons running smoothly in your car's transmission. Depending on if you own or lease your vehicle, you might never need to worry about the transmission fluid since some vehicles can go up to 100,000 miles without needing a change. As always, consult your manual or schedule an inspection if you aren't sure. Coolant Engine coolant works with motor oil to keep the engine from overheating. Many vehicles can go between 50,000-100,000 miles before needing a coolant flush and replacement. Power Steering Fluid Like other components, your power steering will quickly deteriorate without the proper fluid. Depending on your vehicle, you'll need to change the fluid every few years to keep the system running smoothly. Brake Fluid Your brake system may be complicated, but the brake fluid will keep everything in check. Since your brakes are essential to safe driving, have the fluid checked frequently and replace every few years, or at least by 50,000 miles. Other There are many other fluids in your vehicle, like antifreeze, hydraulic fluid, and windshield washer fluid. You can replace the washer fluid yourself, but the other fluids can be checked and replaced during other regular maintenance. Fluid Flush Services in San Jose, CA When you need your car's fluids changed in the San Jose area, you can bring your vehicle to the service station at San Jose Mitsubishi. Our factory-trained technicians specialize in Mitsubishi vehicles of all ages and types. Schedule online or visit us today for fast, professional service in the Bay Area!

Five Years/Unlimited Miles 24/7 Every new Mitsubishi purchased at San Jose Mitsubishi comes with Mitsubishi Roadside Assistance. After your purchase, you'll receive a membership card in the mail that fits in your wallet that includes your VIN and the roadside assistance phone number. You're covered for five years after the date of purchase regardless of miles (3 years/36,000 for Mitsubishi i-MiEV) as well as any family members who drive or are passengers in your Mitsubishi. Services include: Towing to the nearest Mitsubishi Motors Retailer or approved service station Battery jump starts Flat tire changes Fuel and fluid delivery Lockout assistance Minor roadside repairs and adjustments Simply call 1-888-MITSU2021 (1-888-648-7820) any day at any time for your emergency assistance. Other Mitsubishi Roadside Assistance Services In addition to 24/7 emergency assistance, you receive even more perks that can make an emergency just a little less stressful. Concierge Service When you need roadside assistance, there's a lot more on your mind than cancelling appointments or informing colleagues. That's why the Mitsubishi Roadside Assistance team will do it for you. At your request, a member of Mitsubishi Motors can call a family member, your work, or a business associate to inform them of your situation. They can even contact a local hotel or tourist bureau to make arrangements when you're far from home. From finding the nearest ATM to making reservations, you'll have one less thing to worry about. Trip Interruption Breakdowns are never convenient, but when you're over 150 miles from home, it can feel even less so. When your vehicle is inoperable due to a warrantable event and it must be kept overnight for service or repairs, you're covered for up to $175 a day for three days. That can cover food, transportation, lodging, and other documented expenses while your vehicle is being repaired. Road Assist + App Download the Road Assist + app for 24/7 access to roadside assistance in a few taps. You can also access exclusive discounts, get insurance quotes, and make a safe driving competition with friends and family. Find Your Mitsubishi at San Jose Mitsubishi All of the new Mitsubishi vehicles available at San Jose Mitsubishi include Mitsubishi Roadside Assistance. View our full inventory of new cars, crossovers, and SUVs to find your next new vehicle. Contact us today to learn more!

Keeping up with maintenance for your new or used vehicle is crucial. Routine maintenance is important both for the longevity of your car and your own safety, but it can be hard to remember to do so. Between the engine, various fluids, and electrical components, there's a lot that goes into keeping your vehicle running smoothly. So to help you keep up, you can follow our guide to vehicle service. Vehicle Service Checklist Most new Mitsubishi vehicles are easier to maintain than ever before; however, that's not to say that they'll never require service. Things like oil, brakes, and tires are all components that need regular checkups and service. Each car is different, so you should refer to your user manual for specifics. Below are some of the most common reasons for vehicle service. Oil: Most Mitsubishi vehicles need an oil change between 7,500 and 10,000 miles. It can depend on how often you drive and whether your Mitsubishi uses synthetic or conventional oil, so be sure to ask a technician if you have any questions. Even if you don't drive often, you should still change your oil since it can separate. Battery: Your car's battery is important, to say the least. During oil changes, it's important to ask about the connections and battery life, where a technician will look for signs of corrosion and ensure that the connections are secure. Brakes: Bring in your vehicle for brake service at least once a year, where we'll check the entire brake system: rotors, brake pads, fluid, and other components. Tires: Again, your tire life depends on how often you drive and road conditions. Your tires can benefit from twice-a-year rotations, and be sure that the tread depth is adequate. Inspection: Bring your vehicle in for inspection once a year. Our technicians will check all the above and more, including your emissions, battery, fluids and filters, and more to ensure you stay safe on the road. Signs Your Vehicle Needs Maintenance Of course, there are always times when your car will need service outside of routine maintenance. In those cases, it can be helpful to know the signs to look for so you can have the problem addressed before it gets worse. Check Engine Light Vibrations or Shaking Trouble Starting Leaking Fluid Sounds or Squeals During Braking Vehicle Service at San Jose Mitsubishi While the frequency of service can change depending on the vehicle and your circumstances, you can always be sure you’re getting the best service at San Jose Mitsubishi. Visit our service center or contact us today to schedule maintenance.

For most drivers, a vehicle protection plan can prove to come in handy. Between other distracted drivers and unplanned maintenance, new cars benefit from the added protection. Plans can come in a lot of forms, from extended warranties to pre-paid maintenance plans. Before you purchase your new car, take a look at the protection plans offered at San Jose Mitsubishi to make the most out of your new purchase. Maintenance Plans A prepaid maintenance plan is a great way take care of your vehicle without worry. Most maintenance plans cover a set amount of time or miles on your vehicle and include services like oil changes, brakes, batteries, and more. There are basic maintenance plans that will only cover scheduled maintenance, but you can also add on other plans like Select Care to cover extras like fuses and windshield wipers. There's also tire and wheel coverage if you drive a route that's hard on your vehicle, like on some city streets or country roads. Some plans also include extra perks like 24/7 Roadside Assistance. Extended Warranties While new Mitsubishi vehicles come with the Mitsubishi warranty, you might want some extra protection on top of it. For example, a Vehicle Service Contract is there for you once the warranty expires while offering similar benefits, like powertrain coverage and rental reimbursement. GAP plans are there when your vehicle is a total loss, like when you're a victim of theft or a major auto collision. In the event that your auto insurance doesn't cover the remaining cost on your loan, GAP will cover the remaining balance for you. There's also Universal Security Guard, which acts as an theft deterrent. It will cover additional expenses if your vehicle is stolen, like paying your insurance deductible. Customizable Plans Sometimes, you want a plan that's tailor-made for your needs. That's where a customizable plan comes in; it lets you pick the exact coverage you want without any extras. Customizable plans are made to fit your budget, too, since you aren't paying for more than what you want. Do you get frequent flats? Maybe you drive on a road with lots of gravel. These plans are great when you know you'll require a specific type of service. Protect Your New Car from San Jose Mitsubishi Do you need help picking the best extra coverage for your new Mitsubishi? Contact the team at San Jose Mitsubishi for personalized service to get the extra care that you need. We can help you pick the right plans on top of our Paint & Fabric protection that's included with every new and used vehicle.

Over time, every vehicle will require new parts and service. If you're wondering where is the best place to find genuine Mitsubishi parts in San Jose, you're in the right place! At San Jose Mitsubishi, we offer a full range of genuine parts for all Mitsubishi vehicles. Genuine vs. Aftermarket: What's the Difference? When it's time to replace a part or accessory in your Mitsubishi, you're faced with two options. You can opt for genuine, Mitsubishi-made parts, or aftermarket third-party parts. Both claim to be made specifically for your vehicle, so what's the difference? First of all, a genuine part is the only one truly made for your car or SUV because it's made directly by the manufacturer. They have the exact measurements and specifications, plus they'll thoroughly test each part before release. On the other hand, aftermarket parts can be made and sold by any company. Often, they're made to be used on a range of different vehicles from different automakers. That means that they might not fit just right, and are probably not tested. Additionally, there are no standards for material quality or performance, so although they'll save you money up front, they could end up costing a lot more in additional repairs. Buying a genuine part is the better option for a few reasons. As already stated, you can guarantee that the part you need will be a precise fit. More importantly, the part often comes with a manufacturer warranty. It's guaranteed to work with your vehicle, and due to the rigorous testing requirements, won't immediately fail. The part will also be made from quality materials with a high standard in mind. Depending on the part you're replacing, it might add an additional warranty to your entire vehicle, typically within a specific mile or time frame. That way, you can drive with the assurance of a well-made part that won't break and put you in a dangerous situation. 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage Find Genuine Mitsubishi Parts at San Jose Mitsubishi If you need genuine Mitsubishi parts, you can find them right here at San Jose Mitsubishi. Our trained technicians can assist you in ordering the correct part if you're planning to do it yourself. Of course, they're always glad to help install and service your part for a proper fit. We only sell genuine parts and accessories, and we guarantee quality materials directly from Mitsubishi. Contact our service department today for personalized assistance with your Mitsubishi.

If you're looking for a reliable tire rotation service in the San Jose area, you're in the right place! At San Jose Mitsubishi, we do more than sell and trade vehicles. Our service department provides fast tire rotations, oil changes, and more right here at our Bay Area dealership. We have a full team of experienced automotive technicians ready to rotate your tires, along with any other vehicle maintenance you might need. The Importance of Tire Rotation We all know that tires need to be changed eventually, but do they really need to be rotated? Just like any other type of regular vehicle maintenance, tire rotation is essential in helping your vehicle last longer and perform its best. New tires can be expensive, so you want to do what you can to make sure they last as long as possible. When you drive, each tire develops a specific wear pattern. Tread may wear differently depending on its position on your vehicle, and alignment can also affect the wear. By rotating the tires, the tread wear is more spread out, so instead of wearing down in just one area, it can spread more evenly across the tire. That means that you have better control and more tread in slippery conditions as well as more reliable braking. Regular tire rotation can even make an impact on steering and acceleration, making your vehicle easier to handle. How can you tell that your tires need rotation? Look at the tread on your tires. If the wear is uneven from one tire to the next, it's time for a rotation. Additionally, uneven wear on each individual tire - like from front to back or side to side - is another sign. Next time you drive, if you notice shaking or vibrating, that could be another sign of uneven tire wear. Tire Rotation Frequency So, how often should you rotate your tires? Like any car maintenance question, that often depends on your specific vehicle. We recommend tire rotation every 5,000 miles for optimal wear and performance. A simple and easy trick to remember tire rotation frequency is to do it every time you have your oil changed. That way, you have one less maintenance task to remember and one less trip to the service department. Again, though, it could depend on your vehicle, so you can always consult your owner's manual or a member of our service department with all your car maintenance questions. We look forward to helping you keep your vehicle maintained!

Whether you're a first-time car owner or not, knowing what kind of regular maintenance your vehicle requires is a must. Not everything needs service at the same time, but learning more about your vehicle will increase its performance and life. The best way to know how frequently you need which service is to either check your owner's manual or consult a technician. From there, you'll be able to determine how often to perform different types of maintenance. Oil, Filters, and Coolant Your vehicle uses several different types of fluids to run properly. One of the most important is your motor oil since it needs to be changed most frequently. Depending on your car's age, you'll typically need to change the oil between 3,000 and 5,000 miles, or at least twice a year. This service includes changing your oil and air filters to keep dirt and debris out of your engine. Tires Old, bald, or low-pressure tires are dangerous and the cause of countless accidents on the road. Routinely check your tread depth and air pressure, replace tires when necessary, and have them rotated so they wear evenly. Don't forget to check your spare while you're at it. Alignment Alignment keeps your car running safely. Poor alignment makes your vehicle rough to handle and wears your tires unevenly, which could cost you more down the line. Have your alignment checked as often as you'd change your oil. Transmission Transmission fluid works like the oil in your engine to keep things lubricated and operating smoothly. Like motor oil, transmission fluid can get sludgy and full of debris, which affects your transmission's efficiency. While it doesn't need to be changed as often, keep record and have it changed every few years. Spark Plugs Spark plugs are what keep electrical power running throughout your vehicle. If you feel that your engine isn't as powerful as usual, the solution could be as simple as replacing a spark plug. Battery If you've ever tried to start your car and nothing happens, it's probably the battery. Frequently testing your battery's performance can prevent that from happening and can help you ensure that your vehicle will start when you need it to. Other Since every car is different, yours might require different types of maintenance. For example, hybrid vehicles require the same type and frequency of maintenance as gas vehicles, but electric cars usually need it less frequently. Or maybe you have an older vehicle that burns through oil faster than a newer one would. When in doubt, read over your owner's manual thoroughly and consult an expert with any questions. Car Maintenance and Service at San Jose Mitsubishi San Jose Mitsubishi provides regular vehicle maintenance and service for our customers in Sacramento, Roseville, San Jose, and all the surrounding areas. Contact us for your vehicle maintenance Monday-Friday at your convenience.