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Fall is on the horizon, and with the fluctuations in weather recently, your tire’s pressure could be a bit off. Did you know outside temperatures can cause tire pressure to vary by as much as 1 psi per 10 degrees? And if you choose to ignore your tire pressure you could run into some issues that can cause serious damage to your vehicle and put your safety in danger. So, to avoid any issues down the road, be sure to check out the information below or schedule a service appointment today at the Loughead Nissan Service Center! Loughead Nissan’s Guide To Checking Your Tire’s PSI: If you do not have air at home, most gas stations have an air pump for you to use. Remove dust caps from the tires’ valve stems. Insert your tire gauge into the tire valve and leave it in for a few seconds When you remove it, the gauge will provide a PSI reading If the tire gauge’s recorded reading is higher than the manufacturer-recommended rating, press the gauge tip on the valve stem until you hear air leak out. Check the tire pressure again. If the reading is lower than recommended, you will need to fill the tire with air. When filling the tire, firmly press the air-hose into the valve, as you did with the tire gauge When you think you’ve added or let out enough air, check the pressure a few times with the gauge. Return the valve dust caps.

We all love spring right?! Fresh starts and blooming buds chase away the dreary winter! But, one thing about spring that may not be as much fun is the pollen that’s in the air. Irritating your eyes, nose, throat, and more, people who are sensitive to allergens may really have a hard time in the months ahead! Well, fear not! Loughead Nissan has put together a guide on how to allergy-proof your vehicle this Spring! Check that out below, and if you don’t have the time or tools to take on this job alone, schedule a service appointment at our Nissan Service Center and let our team get your ride sparkling clean! Loughead Nissan’s Guide For Allergy-Proofing Your Ride: Scrub It Down (Inside & Out) Starting by wiping down your dashboard, seating, and vents as often as possible with a damp microfiber cloth. This’ll help contain the pollen on the cloth instead of just spreading it around or reintroducing it to the air. Next, vacuum your carpeting and be sure to clean and let your floor mats dry completely in a covered space. Finally, be sure to stop by the car wash to hose down your car’s exterior so as to clear it of any pollen that may accumulate. Be Conscious Of What You Bring In Oftentimes your clothing and shoes are the way allergens get carried into your ride. While we can’t avoid this completely, removing the top layer of clothing you may have had on– like a jacket, scarf, or hat– could help keep allergens out of your ride. Try storing them in a separate area like a plastic bin in your trunk or a bag in the back seat. And while we know it’s tempting to roll them down to feel the spring breeze, be sure to keep your windows closed during peak pollen times to keep allergens out. Replace Your Filters And Floor Mats If you can’t remember the last time you changed your air filters, then now is the perfect time to get some new ones. All-weather floor mats are a great way to cut back on the number of allergens that make your carpeting their home. In fact it’d probably be a good idea to wrap all of the cloth surfaces in your car with washable covers as it makes it easier to clean them.

The new year is bright on the horizon and with it comes resolutions and goals that you’d like to meet in the months ahead! Maybe one of those goals is to finally upgrade to your dream Nissan model! Well, you’re a practical shopper and aren’t going to commit to such a big purchase without taking it out for a spin first! But, even when you do take a vehicle out for a test drive, what should you even be looking for? Well let us give you a couple of tips! Take a look at Loughead Nissan’s list below and take your next test drive with confidence! Loughead Nissan’s Test Drive Tips: Entering the vehicle: Is the vehicle easy to get into? Do you have enough room to enter and exit the vehicle without bumping your head? Can you maneuver easily? - These are important things to note. If you are having a difficult time, you may want to look at a vehicle with a little more space. Sometimes comparing two different sized vehicles can help you decide which is a better option to fit your lifestyle. The Ride: How does the vehicle ride? Is it easy to steer? Is there any cabin noise or blind spots that hinder your sight? How does the vehicle brake– do you feel comfortable with the vehicle’s ability to come to a stop? - The ride is one of the most important things to look at during a test drive. You want to feel comfortable and confident in the vehicle you take home, it is important to test for features that will enhance this. After The Test Drive: What is the maintenance schedule and how much are those services? Does the vehicle have a warranty? - Asking questions after the test drive will give you a better feel for the vehicle and how much maintenance the vehicle needs and what you may need to pay for. Your salesperson can answer all and any questions that may come up during the car buying process. Don’t be afraid to ask, you need to know all the details about the vehicle that you are purchasing. Take Time: There is no rush when it comes to buying a vehicle, our goal is to sell you a vehicle you love for a price your wallet will appreciate! If you need to take a second test drive, by all means, take one! We are here to help you get into the perfect vehicle. Ready to take a brand-new Nissan out for a test drive?! Stop by our dealership at 755 S. Chester RD, RT 320, Swarthmore, Pa 19081, or schedule your test drive appointment online today!

If you don’t know a lot about vehicles, buying a brand-new Nissan can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be! With so many options for you to choose from, plus terms that you don’t understand, you can find yourself getting more frustrated. Here at Loughead Nissan, we think that shopping for a new vehicle should be easy and fun! To help you out, we have compiled some of the most used automotive terms and defined them for you! So, next time you're shopping or interested in a vehicle you can have a better understanding of the dealership lingo! Before you stop in to slip behind the wheel of a 2022 or 2023 Nissan, check out our terms below and stress less when you get here! Loughead Nissan’s List Of Vehicle Terms: Air Pressure: The amount of air inside the tire pressing outward on each square inch of the tire. Air pressure is expressed in kPa (kilopascal) or psi (pounds per square inch). Accessory Weight: The combined weight of optional accessories. Some examples of optional accessories are an automatic transmission, power windows, power seats, and air conditioning. Aspect Ratio: The relationship of a tire's height to its width. Belt: A rubber-coated layer of cords between the plies and the tread. Cords may be made from steel or other reinforcing materials. Bead: The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped by steel cords that hold the tire onto the rim. Bias Ply Tire: A pneumatic tire in which the plies are laid at alternate angles less than 90 degrees to the centerline of the tread. Cold Tire Pressure: The amount of air pressure in a tire, measured in kPa (kilopascal) or psi pounds per square inch) before a tire has built up heat from driving. Curb Weight: The weight of a motor vehicle with standard and optional equipment including the maximum capacity of fuel, oil, and coolant, but without passengers and cargo. DOT Markings: A code molded into the sidewall of a tire signifying that the tire is in compliance with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. The DOT code includes the Tire Identification Number (TIN), an alphanumeric designator which can also identify the tire manufacturer, production plant, brand, and the date of production. GVWR: Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. GAWR FRT: Gross Axle Weight Rating for the front axle. GAWR RR: Gross Axle Weight Rating for the rear axle. Intended Outboard Sidewall: The side of an asymmetrical tire that must always face outward when mounted on a vehicle. Kilopascal (kPa): The metric unit for air pressure. Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire: A tire used on light duty trucks and some multipurpose passenger vehicles. Load Index: An assigned number ranging from 1 to 279 that corresponds to the load carrying capacity of a tire. Maximum Inflation Pressure: The maximum air pressure to which a cold tire can be inflated. The maximum air pressure is molded onto the sidewall. Maximum Load Rating: The load rating for a tire at the maximum permissible inflation pressure for that tire. Maximum Loaded Vehicle Weight: The sum of curb weight, accessory weight, vehicle capacity weight, and production options weight. Normal Occupant Weight: The number of occupants a vehicle is designed to seat multiplied by 68 kg (150 lb). Occupant Distribution: Designated seating positions. Outward Facing Sidewall: The side of an asymmetrical tire that has a particular side that faces outward when mounted on a vehicle. The side of the tire that contains a whitewall, bears white lettering, or bears manufacturer, brand, and/or model name molding that is higher or deeper than the same moldings on the other sidewall of the tire. Passenger (P-Metric) Tire: A tire used on passenger cars and some light duty trucks and multipurpose vehicles. Recommended Inflation Pressure: Vehicle manufacturer's recommended tire inflation pressure as shown on the tire placard. Radial Ply Tire: A pneumatic tire in which the ply cords that extend to the beads are laid at 90 degrees to the centerline of the tread. Rim: A metal support for a tire and upon which the tire beads are seated. Sidewall: The portion of a tire between the tread and the bead. Speed Rating: An alphanumeric code assigned to a tire indicating the maximum speed at which a tire can operate. Traction: The friction between the tire and the road surface. The amount of grip provided. Tread: The portion of a tire that comes into contact with the road. Treadwear Indicators: Narrow bands, sometimes called wear bars, that show across the tread of a tire when only 1.6 mm (1/16 in) of tread remains. UTQGS (Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards): A tire information system that provides consumers with ratings for a tire's traction, temperature, and treadwear. Ratings are determined by tire manufacturers using government testing procedures. The ratings are molded into the sidewall of the tire. Vehicle Capacity Weight: The number of designated seating positions multiplied by 68 kg (150  lb) plus the rated cargo load. Vehicle Maximum Load on the Tire: Load on an individual tire due to curb weight, accessory weight, occupant weight, and cargo weight. Vehicle Placard: A label permanently attached to a vehicle showing the vehicle capacity weight and the original equipment tire size and recommended inflation pressure.

Going on a road trip this summer? Make sure you have everything you’ll need for the journey using a list! I am the worst when it comes to packing, I swear that I have everything I need and then I find myself running up and down the stairs at least ten more times before I actually leave the house! Don’t do that to yourself and use the reminder list below to save you the hassle and stress that comes with packing for vacation! In The Car Blankets and pillows Music Folding chairs Reading material Camera Cash for toll roads GPS Binoculars Wet wipes Puzzle books and quiet toys for kids Pen, pencil, notepad Tissues, paper towels, toilet paper Small bags for garbage Vehicle Emergency Kit Flashlight, roadside signal flares or reflective cones/warning signs First aid kit Booster cables, wrenches, screwdrivers (basic toolkit) A gallon jug of water Extra washer fluid, oil, transmission oil, brake fluid Rags, workshop towels, old blanket Gloves Spare belts (alternator, fan and air conditioner belts) Candle, warm clothes, a heavy blanket (for winter travel) Duct tape and WD40 And, there you have it! A complete list of everything to pack before you’re heading out the door on all your summer road trip adventures! Going On Vacation? Service With Us!

The windshield wipers that rest at the base of your windshield are one of the hidden heroes of your vehicle. Seriously, without them you wouldn’t be able to drive in the rain, get bug splatters off, clean dirt and dust and pollen off the glass, and you certainly wouldn’t be able to drive in winter. But how much do you actually think about your windshield wipers? I’m going to hazard a guess that it’s not a lot, unless something gets stuck in them or you run out of washer fluid. Well, I feel like it’s important to tell you about how to maintain your windshield wipers properly and how to tell when it’s time to replace them. Check it out! You should take a look at your wipers at least every time you get gas. When you’re inspecting your wiper blades, look for the following: Broken frame, which is detachment of frame arms at joints or connection points. Metal corrosion, especially at joints and claws. Visible cracks, tears, and missing pieces in the rubber squeegee’s edge. Flex the rubber squeegee back and forth to see if it is still flexible. Aged squeegees will have difficulty conforming to the shape of your windshield and create streaks. Check the squeegee wiping edge for rounded edges which can prevent the wiper blade from making strong contact with the windshield and reduces wipe quality. Tug to ensure that the wiper blade has been securely installed on the wiper arm. Check to make sure that the squeegee is secure in the wiper frame. As we (should) know, the materials that your windshield wipers are made of are not ones that will last until the end of time. There are a lot of ways that the world around you can degrade your wipers: Sun: Ultraviolet light and ozone deterioration Oil: Car waxes and exhaust hold rubber-deteriorating oil Airborne debris: Sand, mud, and dust carried in the wind Moisture: Acid rain and salt water (in moist air both near the shore and inland) Now to the signs that your wipers need a change. There are a few to look out for, and if you experience multiple items on this list at once then it’s definitely time to head over to the auto store to buy new wipers. Streaking: occurs when the rubber squeegee dries, hardens and cracks. It can also be caused by tree sap, road tar and other foreign substances collected on either the glass or the blade. Skipping: occurs when the blade develops a curvature from lack of use (e.g. left in the ‘parked position’ for an extended length of time). Wearing: occurs with extensive use and is when the rubber edges are rounded instead of squared. Splitting: caused when the sun’s ultraviolet rays penetrate the rubber squeegee, causing it to break down and separate from the frame. Bent refill vertebra and bent frames: cause inconsistent contact with the glass surface, creating streaking or skipping. If you’re wondering how to take care of your wipers throughout their life - i.e. before it’s time to replace them - here’s how you can do that! Clean your windshield every time you fill your gas tank. Gently wipe the rubber squeegee with a damp paper towel to remove any loose dirt or oil. Never use your windshield wipers to de-ice your windshield. Instead, either use an ice scraper or use your defroster to melt snow and ice. Pull your wiper blades away from the windshield during winter months to prevent ice build up on the rubber squeegee and to prevent them from sticking to the windshield. Need Service Elsewhere? Call Us!

Washing your car is one of the go-to activities for a warm, nice weather weekend. You can do it solo or with the whole family, and it’s a great way to care for your car and get outside at the same time! However, there are definitely some tips and tricks for making sure that you’re washing your car the way it deserves to be washed - preserving your paint job and guarding against future damage. There are some supplies that you’ll need for washing your car. These are: Automotive soap/shampoo Microfiber cloths (yes, multiple) Wash Mitt Wheel brush Buckets Water The first thing you should do is park your car in the shade and then give it a good rinse with a strong blast from the hose. If you have a pressure washer, you can also use it. Just make sure you’re standing a few feet away from your vehicle… but it’s a great way to literally blast off dirt, mud, grime, and other things that might stick to your paint. It’s important to get as much junk off your car before you start washing so that you don’t scratch the paint with anything that stuck to the surface of your vehicle. Next, start soaping up your vehicle. Use long straight strokes with the washing mitt or designated washing cloth and wash your vehicle panel by panel. Let the soap hang out for a minute and tackle the wheels with the wheel brush and another cloth. After you’ve soaped the whole thing up, give your vehicle a final rinse. Do not let it air dry! After you’ve rinsed off all of the soap, dry your vehicle panel by panel with a clean, dry microfiber cloth. The last step, if you want to, is to apply a protectant spray or wax to your vehicle to maintain the good work you’ve just done and to prevent future damage between this wash and the next. You’re done! Check out your great work and let your car be the envy of everyone on your street. You earned a little praise, don’t you think? New Cars Start Off Clean

The weather is warming up and that means you’ve got more time (and probably motivation) to clean out your vehicle. A great place to start, if we may say, is your air vents. There’s nothing to make your vehicle feel a little cleaner than a sweet smell blowing through the air vents! And especially if you have allergies or overheat easily or just prefer the air conditioning, you’re going to be using those vents all through the spring and summer. So, without further ado, here is our easy guide to getting your air vents clean and your entire air system smelling fresh as a daisy! The first things you need to tackle are the vents in your car, the ones that blow air onto your face and feet that you probably adjust either all the time or never let anyone touch because you’ve got the perfect angle. You’ll need cleaning solution, white vinegar, a vacuum, and some Q-tips. Give your vents a vacuum to get any loose dust out. Then you want to take a Q-tip that’s been dipped in a cleaning solution and really work it into the crevices and hard-to-reach spots. When the Q-tips you’re using come back clean, you know you’ve gotten all the grime. Then, take another Q-tip dipped in white vinegar and go over everything again to get rid of any lingering odors. The vinegar smell doesn’t last long, and when it disappears it takes gross odors with it. Give the vents one last vacuum and you’re done! Make sure you’ve gotten them ALL, including the one that’s right up next to your windshield and the ones at your feet. Don’t forget the back seat! The next step is to take a look at your cabin air filter. Your owner’s manual should cover how to access it, and if not there’s always YouTube. The cabin air filter is your barrier against everything that’s floating through the air that you drive your car through - pollen, dust, smells, odors - and it’s often a forgotten part of the vehicle. Take a look, and if you think it needs changing then schedule an appointment with us to have our service department take care of it! Finally, if you still smell something reminiscent of dirty socks in the car when you run the air, you might have mildew in your A/C evaporator. It’s easy to dry that up! Just drive about a mile away from home (that’s enough time to warm up your engine, you see) and then roll down all your windows and turn the air on full blast. Don’t use the A/C! Just regular old air will do. Keep it running for a minute or two, and that should be enough time to circulate air through the evaporator and dry up any residual moisture. Clean Rogues = A Happy You!

Spring is springing and that means it’s time to get your car in shape again after the winter we’ve just had. It’s easy - check out this great guide to spring car maintenance that you can do yourself! Start with your tires, even if you drive on “all season” tires. Heavy, consistent snow and ice require snow tires, which absolutely should be replaced with the non-snow variety. If you drive on all season radials, this is the time to rotate them. By rotating tires seasonally, you extend the life of the set. Windshield wiper blades also take a beating during winter weather. Cold temperatures are hard on rubber compounds, and they are assailed with slush kicked up by traffic. This slush often carries with it corrosive salt used to melt road ice, which can do a number on your blades. Early spring is a good time to check and replace them if necessary. Check your windshield fluid as well since there’s a good chance winter’s dirt has exhausted the reservoir. Next, clean your vehicle’s underbody. There’s no magic solution to getting rid of the corrosive salt build-up but the best tool is a high-pressure sprayer. Pay special attention to the area around the front and rear bumpers. Once you’ve thoroughly sprayed the underbody, check for signs of rust and take the necessary steps to stop any small rust spots from eating away at your vehicle. We’ve all seen those pillars of snow that form around bumpers and wheel wells. That’s the most likely place for road salt to begin the erosion process. While you’re at it, you might as well wash the whole car. Winter is not conducive to leisurely afternoons spent hosing off your vehicle and chances are it’s been a while. Examine your brakes. Like wipers, brakes take on a bigger role during wintertime and should be checked to ensure that they’ve survived. Listen for brake noises such as grinding, chatter, or squeals. Even if your brakes aren’t making any distinctive noises, it’s still a good idea for you or your mechanic to determine the amount of wear on the pads or drums. We often become accustomed to the feel of worn brakes, without realizing that what we’re used to is a deteriorated ability to stop. Check all automotive fluids and top off as necessary. Winter driving conditions require your engine to work harder and condensation can cause moisture buildup in the engine that creates wear. If your car is due for scheduled maintenance, have the oil changes and be sure to use the proper formulation and viscosity recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. Many automakers now require special, fuel-conserving low-viscosity semi- or full-synthetic engine oils for year-round use. Go over the interior of your vehicle. This includes taking out and washing floor liners. Vacuum and clean the carpets, and make sure they are dry before you put the liners back in. Source: https://exchange.aaa.com/car-care/repair-maintenance/seasonal-car-maintenance/#.WpXIAZPwZTY Schedule Your Service Online Now!

Do you have blind spots in your vehicle? It’s common - and easy to remedy! One way to get rid of those blind spots is to stick convex mirrors on to your wing mirrors in the outer corners. You can find these small mirrors at your local auto parts store. Make sure your mirrors are clean first! Note: you should not do this to a leased vehicle. If you’re hesitant about using an adhesive solution, you can also adjust your mirrors in a way that eliminates holes in your vision. Here’s how: Adjust your rearview mirror to give you a view directly to the rear. Make it so that it best covers your rear window view. Don’t tilt it to get side views - just straight back through your window. Lean your head until it almost touches your driver’s side window. Adjust your left side mirror so you can just barely see the side of your car - no more. Lean your head to the passenger side as far as you can comfortably while still sitting up and adjust the right mirror so you can barely see the right side of your car. You shouldn’t be able to see the side of your car when your head is all the way upright! This is an easy way to make sure you’ve got the full range of vision that you need to stay safe in your vehicle. The final way is to find an aftermarket clip-on rearview mirror that has convex edges and a larger field of view that will allow you to be able to see more of what’s behind you. Ask us for recommendations! New Nissan Specials Are Easy To See

One of the most annoying things in the world is having to renew your driver’s license… unfortunately, it’s one of those things that’s gotta be done in order to stay street legal. However, renewing your license in Pennsylvania isn’t as hard as you might think! Check out how to get it done fast and easy in no time at all! Your PA license is valid for four years and expires the day after your birthday, and the PennDOT will automatically send you an Invitation to Renew three months before your license expires. If you’re over 65, you have the option to renew your license every two years (instead of the standard four). First, you need the Invitation to Renew. Return your completed application with a check or money order (instructions will be on the Invitation to Renew) You’ll get a camera card in the mail, and after you get that, go into your local Photo Center with your appropriate ID to get your new driver’s license. The appropriate forms of ID include: Pennsylvania: Driver's License or Photo ID Card; Documents: Passport, Citizenship or Naturalization or Weapons Permit Photographic ID: Military, Bank, Employee, School or Out-of-State License; or Non-Photo: We may be able to serve you when providing a Voter's Registration, Medicare Card, PA Learner's Permit or Temporary Driver's License or Vehicle Registration. *Information from http://www.dmv.pa.gov/driver-services/driver-licensing/pages/renewal.aspx See Us For A Car To Drive!

Do you find that either one or both of your headlights is looking a bit dimmer than normal? It’s totally okay - though we’ve gone over the hump of the longest night of the year, it’s still dark out much earlier than in the summer and we’re bound to notice any headlight issues quite easily! So, if you do see that you’ve got a problem developing, check out why it might be happening! If one headlight isn’t working, then you probably have a burned out bulb or other component relating to your headlight operation. This is an easy fix that your dealer can do for you. If neither of the headlights are working, it’s likely a bad component (i.e. a fuse, relay, or module) or the wiring. Have your dealer check your bulbs anyway! If your high or low beams aren’t working, it could be the bulb(s), but it could also be because of a bad relay or control switch that’s stopped working properly. If both of your headlights work, but are dim, then the lenses could be foggy or dirty or your headlights could just be nearing the ends of their natural lives. However, if they’re only dim in certain situations it could be a problem with your charging system. Before you take your vehicle to your dealer for diagnosis and repair, clean your headlights with cleaning solution or soap and water and a clean cloth to make sure that your headlights aren’t just dirty! Come See Us For All Your Repair Needs!