Summer Trip Tips

If you’re like many people, you’re looking forward to a trip or two in your Nissan vehicle this summer. Whether you’re traveling across the country, or whether you’re driving somewhere closer to home, here are some things that can make your summer trip safer, happier and less expensive:

First, make sure you keep up on some basic maintenance during the summer to prevent breakdowns. You should check your fluids, including oil, coolant, power steering and brake, before you take long trips. Check those tires, too, to make sure they’re inflated properly and not showing signs of wear.

More and more, its becoming popular for families to find local destinations - sometimes called “daycations” - rather than farther trips. Consider spending a day at the local zoo, or visit a strawberry farm to pick some fresh fruit.

Finally, when you are traveling, make sure your vehicle is well stocked. Have snacks and water, so you can avoid hunger and dehydration. Make sure you have an emergency kit, in case the unexpected happens.

One of the best ways to get the most from your summer trips is in a new Nissan vehicle. Come and see your local Nissan dealer and find the vehicle that’s right for you today.

The 2009 Nissan Maxima

The 2009 Nissan Maxima has been completely redesigned. The new version of this wonderful vehicle features a new commitment to luxury, as well as performance. The new Maxima is high quality, and can even beat out most of its competition in one area where it matters: cost.

The styling on the 2009 Nissan Maxima is sharp and unique. Under the hood, you will find the 3.5 liter V6 engine that you can often find in Nissan vehicles, this version producing 290 horsepower. Paired with Nissan’s CVT (continuously variable transmission) it performs much better than you ever might think a Nissan sedan would.

The materials used in the interior of the 2009 Nissan Maxima are high quality, and there is plenty to choose from in terms of technology. This vehicle actually has some of the best iPod integration tech available on the market today.

You can choose luxury, sport or premium packages for the vehicle, getting just about any option you’d like to have.

Safe Nissan Driving

Even if you’ve been driving a car for decades, it doesn’t hurt to take a few moments from time to time to review some of the most basic safe driving practices. When you’re out and about in your Nissan car, make sure to keep these things in mind.

First of all, make sure your vehicle is safe. Regularly inspect it to see if you’re leaking fluids, or if your tires are worn. If your brakes show signs of going, get them replaced.

Always come to a complete stop at a light or stop sign. A large number of accidents occur when people don’t come to a complete stop.

Be aware of your surroundings. If you’re making a left turn, make sure to look both directions before pulling out, even if you’ve been sitting waiting for a while.

Turn your lights on at dusk. Your lights are there, partially, to help other drivers see you. Keeping your lights on helps that happen.

Drive courteously. If you’re going slower than the other traffic, stay in the right hand lane. Don’t tailgate, and make sure you’ve got plenty of room before you try to pass.

Your Health and Safe Driving

Your safety and the safety of your passengers, as well as the safety of other drivers on the road, depends in part on your health. Being able to drive your Nissan vehicle is an important part of your daily life, whether it’s getting to work or just getting to the grocery store. Unfortunately, some health conditions can impair your ability to drive safely, either for a short time or permanently.

There are a number of specific problems that can cause you to drive in an unsafe manner. Blackouts, fainting and vision problems are some of the most common health related issues that can cause problems with safe driving. There are also other conditions, such as epilepsy, heart disease, sleep disorders, dabetes, psychiatric disorders and age-related decline that can also impair your ability to drive.

If you have any of these conditions, you should talk to your doctor. Your doctor might recommend that you restrict your driving to daytime, for example. If you have a condition that greatly affects your safety, you should consider not driving until the condition is resolved. Remeber that it isn’t only your safety at risk, but the safety of others, as well.

Nissan Summer Driving Tips - Part 2

Last week, we talked about some things you can do to get your Nissan car ready for summer. Today, we’ll continue that thought by looking at some more of the essential preparations you can make for summer.

Have a well-stocked emergency kit. You shoudl have a flashlight, first aid kit, jumper cables, gloves, a jug of water, and some basic tools. Make sure you also have the number handy for your roadside service program, if you have one.

Pack your vehicle wisely. If you’re going on a trip, make sure you bring only what’s necessary. Don’t pack your car so full that your visibility is obscured, either.

Avoid fatigue when you’re driving. If you’re on a long trip, make sure you get a good night’s rest. Change drivers every couple of hours if at all possible. If you do feel yourself getting tired, pull over and rest in a safe place.

Drive courteously. Be aware that you can have a short fuse when driving, and be considerate and kind to other drivers. Use your signals, and let faster drivers pass.

Your local Nissan dealer has a great summer car for your family. Come see us today.

Nissan Summer Driving Tips - Part 1

As we get ready for the summer driving season, you want to do everything you can to make sure your Nissan vehicle gets you where you want to go safely and effeciently. There are some specific things you can do to make sure your summer driving experience is a safe and happy one. From simple maintenance tasks to your driving habits, here are some things you can do:

Take care of your tires. If you have winter tires, switch out to summer tires or all-season tires. Winter tires will wear out quickly on the hot summer pavement. This will also improve your car’s handling on hot dry roads. You’ll also want to keep your tires inflated, both for safety’s sake and to save a few dollar at the gas pump.

Make sure to keep your fluids filled. Don’t get low on oil, and make sure to use whatever weight oil is recommended by your manufacturer. Make sure your antifreeze/coolant mix is correct, as well.

Visually inspect your Nissan once a month or so. Look for wear on tires. Look for loose belts or hoses, or cracking in those items. Watch for other signs of wear, as well.

Next week, we’ll take a look at some more summer driving tips for your Nissan. If you need a new Nissan vehicle, come and see your local Nissan dealer today.

Lease or Buy?

If you’re in the market for a new Nissan vehicle, one of the questions you have to ask yourself is how you’re going to pay for it. If you’re like most people, you’re going to have to finance your vehicle. There are a couple of ways you can do that, and your individual preferences and situation will help determine what way you should go.

One option is leasing. When you lease a vehicle, you don’t pay for the entire vehicle. You only pay for a portion. You may not have to make a down payment. You’ll likely need to pay a security deposit, interest on the lease, as well as the sales tax. At the end of the lease, you’ll have the choice of whether to buy the vehicle.

The other option is buying the car.You are going to own the entire car. You make a down payment, pay fees and taxes, and pay interest on your car loan. At the end, when all of your payments are made, you own the vehicle outright.

Whether you lease or buy depends on your needs and sitaution. Leasing means lower payments and full warranty coverage for as long as you have the vehicle. Buying means you have higher payments, but more ability to customize or sell your vehicle.

Saving Gas in your Nissan

As we get closer to the summer travel season, we’re all seeing gas prices climb. While you may not be ready to trade in your old vehicle for a new fuel-efficient Nissan car, there are some things you can do to improve your mileage and save a few bucks at the pump.

Here are some great ways to conserve on gas:

  • If possible, you should try to avoid peak traffic hours so that you’ll have less stopping and starting.
  • Look into using a credit card or a gas card that gives you rebates when you make purchases, and pay off the balance monthly to avoid interest.
  • Make good use of your vehicle’s cruise control when you’re on the highway. You use less gas at a constant speed.
  • Inflate your tires properly. If your tires have too much air or not enough, it can affect your gas mileage.
  • Keep up on your vehicle maintenance. Oil changes, tune-ups and checkups are an important part of getting good gas mileage.
  • Remove extra weight from the trunk of your vehicle.
  • Drive slower. You’ll use less gas. Braking and accelerating more slowly will also help.

One of the best ways to save on gas is to check out a new Nissan today. We’ve got plenty of fuel efficient vehicles to choose from.

Nissan Tests New Fuel Cell Tech

Nissan is one of those car companies that seems like it can do anything. From the Nissan GT-R, which was named the World Performance car of the year, to the commuter-friendly Nissan Altima, the lineup at Nissan has something for everyone. Nissan is even on the front lines when it comes to alternative fuels.

Nissan recently announced that its testing the X-Trail FCV. This vehicle uses the next generation of fuel cell technology. The cell units are 25% smaller than previous versions, and they put out almost one and a half times the power.

The testing started this year in February at the Hokkaido proving ground. This fuel cell technology is just one part of Nissan’ Green Program 2010, which aims to help reduce CO2 emissions and to expand the recycling of automotive resources.

If you want a reliable car and to know that the company you’re buying from is committed to your world, check out a Nissan vehicle today.

2009 Nissan GTR Named World Performance Car of the Year

The 2009 Nissan GTR, which aficionados recognize as one of the best performance vehicles in the entire world, has just won an award that helps to back up this opinion. The Nissan GTR recently earned the World Performance Car of the Year award. The award was given out at the 2009 New York International Auto Show.

A glowing reputation for excellent performance, great handling and awesome power have all contributed to this award. The GT-R won among a field of 23 contenders. The cars were selected by 59 World Car jurors. Candidates in this award class had to demonstrate an orientation for performance, and had to meet other specific criteria.

According to the judges, the GT-R is solidly at the head of the pack. Its 3.5 liter bi-turbo V6 gives the vehicle 480 horsepower, and the all wheel chassis is flexible and a hot performer. The vehicle goes from 0 to 60 in just 3.5 seconds.

If you want the best performing car in the world, take a look at the 2009 Nissan GT-R.