You see, the Altima is a great car for summer because it’s economical. It offers plenty of fuel efficiency. In particular, the Nissan Altima hybrid can make an amazing impact on your summer gas budget. Unlike smaller hybrids, the Altima hybrid lets you save money on gas while having plenty of room for your family.

That brings up the next reason why the Altima is great for summer: the 2008 Nissan Altima is comfortable. It features a world-class suspension system, and has lots of passenger room as well as storage capacity. It can carry a family of four in plenty of comfort, no matter where it is they are driving. And, they can look good doing it.

You see, that’s another great thing about the 2008 Altima. The 2008 Altima has plenty of style to go around. The exterior is just plain sharp, and the interior has an exceptional fit and finish. There are even several configurations to choose from that will suit your style perfectly. While style isn’t the first thing you think about with a family sedan, you definitely notice it once you’ve taken a look at the Altima.

If you’re interested in getting your 2008 Nissan Altima, come see us at your local Nissan dealer in New Jersey today, while you’ve still got a little bit of summer left.

Road trips can be straining on your vehicle if you’re not prepared. A long drive, combined with the often severe conditions of the environment at many popular summer road trip destinations can create a number of problems for your car.

Some of the most basic things you can do to prepare your 2008 Nissan Altima for your road trip are the basic sorts of maintenance tasks you normally do anyway. Making sure that your oil is changed, that your tires are inflated properly, and that your coolant system is working as it should are all part of preparing your Altima for that road trip.

In addition, your choice of destination and route also determine the kinds of preparations you should make. For example, if you’re going to go to the beach, you’ll want to wash your Altima and wax it with a protective wax. Clean your car’s inside with a UV protector to help keep your vinyl and your plastic surfaces safe from the rays of the sun. These measures help protect your car from the salty air of the sea, as well as the sun itself.

If you will be driving your Nissan Altima through the mountains, there are some different things you should do to prepare. You can check your brakes, and make sure you replace worn pads. Have your drive train checked, to make sure that it is functioning correctly. Inspect your wiper blades, and check your battery for corrosion.

Desert driving has its own unique preparations, as well. When getting ready to drive through the desert, check your coolant system. Make sure your serpentine belt isn’t cracked. Test your Air Conditioning, or even have it professionally tested. Check your tire treads, and replace them if necessary.

Wherever you take your 2008 Nissan Altima on a road trip, make sure you take the time to prepare your car in order to have a safe and worry-free trip.

Price

The MSRP for the Nissan Alitma is right around $18,000 for the base model. Depending on the package and options you choose, the Altima can be as much $30,000.

Trim Levels

The 2008 Nissan Altima comes in four trim levels: 2.5, 2.5S, 3.5SE, and 3.5SL. The base 2.5 model is generally only available via special order, and it includes cruise control and keyless entry as standard features. The 2.5S adds air conditioning and an MP3 player input jack. The 3.5SE adds wood toned accents in the interior and a leather wrapped steering wheel. At the top of the heap is the 3.5SL. It has a Bose audio system, heated seats, leather seating, moonroof, and Bluetooth connectivity.  There are, of course, packages you can add to these trim levels.

Safety Features

All Nissan Altima models have six airbags, standard. The 2.5 models have antilock brakes as optional equipment, and the 3.5 models have them as standard. The 2008 Altima received a five star rating for front impact crash safety by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Interior

The bench back seat makes the Nissan Altima sedan ideal for a family with children. The interior design is stylish, and has some especially attractive accents.

Performance

The 2008 Nissan Altima comes in a four cylinder or a six cylinder option. Steering is excellent, and it handles well. Buyers can get an optional six-speed manual transmission, too.

Overall, the Nissan Altima is an excellent value for the money. If you’re looking for a sporty car for the family, or for a coupe that has plenty of room and trunk space, the 2008 Nissan Altima is the car for you. Visit your Nissan dealer today and give one a look.

Philadelphia

If you’re looking for somewhere to take your family on a weekend holiday in your Nissan car, consider Philadelphia.

Philadelphia, of course, is famous as the birthplace of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, More than cobblestone streets and historical landmarks, however, Philadelphia features a wide variety of cultural, culinary, artistic and ethnic treasures abound in the city and its surrounding countryside.

One of the things that makes Philadelphia so memorable is its unique blend of experiences that you have to discover in person. By day, you can explore four centuries of history and architecture. There are dozens of beautiful neighborhoods and a variety of remarkable museum collections, and even endless shopping opportunities. At night, the city offers critically acclaimed performing arts, spectacular candlelight tours, delicious dining opportunities, and an exciting nightlife.

Here are some of the places to go and things to do in Philadelphia

Breweries

A century ago, Philadelphia was considered one of the greatest brewing cities in the United States. Today, a number of microbreweries strive to help reclaim the region’s reputation.

Architecture

There are architectural landmarks from  famous architects like Frank Furness, George Howe, and Frank Lloyd Wright. Nearly 100 buildings are designated as Historic landmarks and provide extensive opportunities for learning and enjoyment.

Historical attractions

Philadelphia is home to a huge number of museums and other historical attractions. From the Liberty Bell to William Penn’s estate, there are plenty of ways to immerse yourself in the city’s history, as well as our national history.

Theater

Philadelphia has underwent a rapid growth in its theater offerings, as well. There are now more than 125 productions offered in Philadelphia during a theater season, with more than 20 professional theater companies.

Art

Philadelphia features a stunning array of art galleries, as well. As a city of firsts, Philadelphia holds the oldest art museum in the country. It was founded by Charles Wilson Peale in 1805.
 
Your 2008 Nissan Altima is the perfect car to take on your trip to Philadelphia. Come and see us at your local Nissan dealer today to find the right car for your family

Check your fluids. Change your oil before you leave for your trip. Remember that oils get thinner the hotter it is outside, and this can keep your engine from being lubricated properly. Consider a thicker oil if you’re going to be putting a lot of miles on your Nissan Altima.

Put together an emergency kit. If you don’t already have an emergency kit in your 2008 Nissan Altima, you need one. It should include, at a minimum, jumper cables, a flashlight, a first aid kit, and basic tools. Other things you might add would include a mat to lay on the ground if you have to change a tire, paper towels, extra clothes, gloves, extra windshield wiper fluid, and nonperishable food.

Load your Altima carefully. Don’t pack your car so high that you can’t see out of your back windows. Also, don’t bury important items that you might need to get to when you stop, such as medications. And, while it’s not likely to happen on a family trip, don’t exceed your car’s payload limit.

Avoid fatigued driving. One of the leading causes of highway accidents is drowsy or fatigued driving. Make sure you get enough sleep at night. Be careful of using caffeine to keep yourself alert, because you can wind up with a long period of drowsiness once it wears off. If you feel drowsy, switch drivers. If you can’t, pull over somewhere safe and rest for a few minutes.

Enjoy your trip. Consider taking some time off the highway for a while to take in some of the countryside. If your Nissan Altima has a GPS or navigation system, be a little adventurous and see how far you can go without having to get back on the highway. Visit some local shops or restaurants along the way, and soak in some of the local culture.

Unfortunately, summer will come to an end. However, following these tips can help make sure your memories of the summer trip in your 2008 Nissan Altima are good ones. Don’t have a Nissan Altima? Schedule a test drive today.

Plan ahead. Be realistic about what to expect from yourself and your family. Don’t expect that you’re going to be able to drive for 10 to 12 hours each day if you have toddlers. You’re probably not going to be able to get more than 6 hours at a time. If you have a toddler, you should consider making your trip somewhere closer to home, or breaking up your travel over several days.

Pack effectively. You should probably start packing your 2008 Nissan Altima a few days before you leave. At the very least, you should put together a packing list for each member of the family. Work with your kids on the packing process. This helps in a couple of ways. First, you can be sure they get everything packed. Second, when the time comes for them to get something out of their suitcase, they may remember exactly where they packed it.

Bring the right gear. Make sure you’ve got safety equipment. If you’re going to the beach, make sure you’ve got sunscreen, beach chairs, towels and swimsuits. Wherever it is you’re going, make sure you’ve got all of the things that you’re going to need.

Bring something for the kids to do. Car games like “I Spy” can get very old, very fast. Consider bringing some portable or travel games for the family to enjoy during the trip.

Bring snacks and drinks. Buying beverages and food at gas stations can become expensive very quickly. Bring your own snacks and drinks in order to save a few dollars along the way.

When you load up your 2008 Nissan Altima, make sure you’ve got some of these must-have beach items:

Sunscreen

Sunscreen is not only important to have with you when you go to the beach, it’s a necessity. You’ll want a sunscreen that has at least 15 SPF. For children, you should use sunscreen that is at least 30 SPF. You should follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, too, about how often to reapply the sunscreen. This is especially true if you or your family are going to be in and out of the water.

Keep in mind, also, that the sun’s rays are at their peak between 10 AM and 4 PM. Also, you’ll want to make sure you cover every part of your body, including the nose, ears and back of the neck. You should even bring protective lip balm, as well.

Sunglasses and Hats

One of the things that can really detract from your ability to enjoy your day at the beach is the constant brightness of the sun. Bring sunglasses, sun hats or even beach umbrellas for everyone.

First Aid Kit

Boo-Boos happen sometimes, and you want to be ready when they do. Make sure that you’ve got some aloe sunburn lotion in your first aid kit, in addition to anything else in the kit.

Beach Toys

From blocks used to make sand castles to squirt guns and floating dinosaurs, your kids will probably want to bring a few toys with them. Pack them into your 2008 Nissan Altima and get ready for a great trip, just make sure those toys are appropriate for beach play.

Something to sit on

Finally, you’ll want your beach chairs or towels. There may be picnic tables at your beach, but if it’s a hot summer day they might all be claimed by the time you pull up. It’s best to be prepared.

First of all, when you’re planning your trip, make sure you understand the theme park ticket policies. Make sure you know what options are available and which you bought. You’ll also want to keep your kids’ ages in mind. Many theme parks offer a variety of attractions for children (and adults, for that matter) of all ages. Finally, make sure you choose the time of year for your travel carefully. Some times of the year are busier than others, and some may have worse weather than others.

When you travel, make sure to travel safely and comfortably. Take a break every couple of hours to stretch. Consider packing a picnic lunch, rather than buying meals. Bring along some games that the kids can play in the car.

Once you get to the theme park, consider arriving early in the day. This will help you get a good parking spot. It’ll also help you get onto the rides that you want on early in the day. You’ll also want to take a break in the afternoon. If possible, go back to your hotel or resort, and come back to the theme park in the evening. Many theme parks feature fireworks or other special programs and attractions after dark.

Finally, make sure that you keep cool when you’re at the theme park. Wear cool clothes. Use comfortable and cool walking shoes. Bring or purchase plenty of water to avoid dehydration. If the theme park has a water park component, visit it during the 10 AM to 4 PM period, when the sun is at its hottest.

Anyways, we compared notes about gas mileage. We noticed that I was getting about two to three miles a gallon better mileage than he was. We talked about our driving habits (he does more long distance driving than I do, for example) and about our driving styles, as well.

I pointed out that I tend to drive right at 50 miles an hour most of the time. I set my cruise to that speed. I knew it sounded very much like Jimmy Carter, 1970s energy-crisis talk, but then I pointed out that you have twice as much drag on your car at 70 as you do at 50. That alone is bound to affect mileage.

We got curious and did some research, too. We found out that you can also improve mileage by stopping in a slower manner. Something about the way the electric engine interacts with the brakes makes this more efficient than stopping quickly. We also discovered that driving a consistent speed is better for your mileage, because you aren’t forcing the engine to do extra work to speed up and slow down.

Save money with Matinees. The difference between a regular admission and matinee price is usually around $2 or more. For a family of 5, that can really add up. Watch out also for special feature pricing, as some theatres will have a free kids’ movie day or discount “twilight” pricing during the early evening.

Get the kids pack for the kids. Generally speaking, the concession stand should have a kids’ pack. The kids’ pack comes with everything they need: a beverage, popcorn and candy. Depending on how many kids you have, however, it might be less expensive to buy one huge bag or tub of popcorn and let them share it. By the time you add in the beverages, however, you may still be better off with the kids’ packs.

Be courteous to other viewers. The fact of the matter is that, sometimes, kids get fussy or loud. When your kids are being loud, correct them. If they can’t quiet down or if they’re making a fuss, take them out of the theater until they calm down. It’s better to miss part of a movie so that you can get the child to settle down than it is to miss the movie because the child is screaming.

Know what you’re watching. Finally, take a few minutes to check out some of the reviews at parent web sites or in parent magazines to make sure the movie is appropriate for your child. Even cartoons can, sometimes, contain scenes you might feel are offensive, so you’ll want to do your homework.