How can you keep the exterior of the Nissan 1200 free from scratches, rust, and dirt? Care to share some proven maintenance tips?

Make sure that the car exterior is given a thorough wash using some car shampoo or special cleaner. Dishwashing detergent can keep the vehicle squeaky clean but doesn't offer much protection to the finish. It can actually strip off the protective wax coat of the car, which makes the finish easily scratched or nicked. With a specially formulated cleaning solution, the car's finish will be given another shield against dirt and stains. Remove any mineral residue and dirt. Use a microfiber cloth or rubber blade squeegee to absorb moisture and remove water spots.

To keep the surface smooth and shiny, you may use several detailing products. Paint cleaner, for instance, can be used for removing swirl marks and minor scratches. This can also be a good treatment for chemicals and particles that have settled deep into the layers of the paint. The clear of the car may eventual wear off. This is why you should apply some car wax to protect the finish against scratches and stains. Waxing may be done every season or even once or twice a year. This will depend on the recommendations of the manufacturer. Aside from wax, you can use some protectant.

The brake pedal of my Nissan is too firm such that I'm already having a hard time stepping on the pedal. What are the possible brake issues here?

If there's a vacuum leak, the brake booster can't make it easy for you to apply the brakes with minimal effort. A broken brake booster should be replaced or repaired to bring back the comfort of braking and good brake performance. Other than a vacuum leak in the system, the pedal can be difficult to depress because of clog or obstruction in the brake line. With a clogged brake line, the brake fluid won't flow freely and may not reach its destination easily, resulting in less responsive brakes and the pedal getting too firm. A chunk of rust or some small particles could be lodged into the brake line or the line is pinched. Whatever the case here is, the clog should be removed and the damaged brake line should be replaced.

The coolant looks foamy. The color of the fluid has turned brownish. I've already searched for obvious leaks and checked if there's smoke from the exhaust, but there's none. What does it mean? Aside from the unusual color and texture, I've noticed lately that the vehicle seems to be guzzling more fuel.

Chances are, the vehicle has a blown head gasket or a cracked cylinder head. The blown gasket must be replaced immediately to prevent more serious problems. If you're dealing with a fractured cylinder head, head repair can be an option, although most would still recommend head replacement. A leak along the oil lines allows the oil to combine with coolant, which could explain why the coolant appears foamy and looks brownish.

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