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As we get ready to say goodbye to March, we get ready to say hello to April and we all know the saying “April showers bring May flowers,” so it’s pretty safe that some rain storms are coming our way. Whether the storms you run into are crazy or just light, traveling in the rain can become very dangerous. In fact, the first ten minutes of light rain can be the most dangerous, because when light rain mixes with oil and residue on the road’s surface it creates a slippery condition that can cause your vehicle to slide. Yes, traveling in a storm where the rain is coming down so hard you can’t see is dangerous, but traveling in light rain can be just as dangerous. With that in mind, we are talking about hydroplaning and how to avoid it. What is Hydroplaning? Well, hydroplaning is the skidding or sliding of your vehicle’s tires across a wet surface...similar to sliding on ice. The same idea is that it’s hard to get control of your vehicle because your tires don’t have anything to grip. Pretty scary, right? That’s why we want you to take a few minutes to read our helpful tips for avoiding hydroplaning below! How To Avoid Hydroplaning: Keep your tires properly inflated Rotate and replace tires when necessary Slow down when roads are wet: the faster you drive, the harder it is for your tires to scatter the water Stay away from puddles and standing water Avoid driving in outer lanes where water tends to accumulate Try to drive in the tire tracks left by the cars in front of you Turn off cruise control Drive in a lower gear Avoid hard braking Try not to make sharp or quick turns Get Your New Tires Here!

We are not too far from spring and you know what that means...April showers bring May flowers. I know what you’re thinking. April sounds so long away, but the reality is it is only a month and a half away, and even if we don’t get spring weather, we are sure getting winter snow right now. So making sure that your vehicle wipers are fresh and ready to take on whatever mother nature has to throw at them. In this week’s blog, we have set out to help decide if it’s time to replace your wipers or not. Many of us know how important wipers are to our visibility when driving, but a lot of the time wipers are left behind when it comes to maintenance. So this week are determined to help give your wipers the love they deserve. Check out our tips below and stop by if you realize it’s time for a replacing! When inspecting your blades, look for the following: Broken frame – detachment of frame arms at joints or connection points. Metal Corrosion – especially at joints and claws. Visible cracks, tears, and missing pieces on the rubber squeegees’ edge. Flex 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 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 wiper blade has been securely installed on the wiper arm. Check that squeegee is secure in the wiper frame. If you’re looking for a few tips and tricks that can extend the life of your wiper blades then lucky you because I’ve got those too! 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. Get New Wipers Here!

Purchasing a new vehicle is a very exciting time and when you choose to drive home a new Nissan, that excitement doubles. Whether you are in the market for a new SUV, pickup truck or sedan, we have an extensive inventory that will allow you to choose your dream Nissan with ease! If you’re looking for amazing savings, be sure to check out last week’s blog on our February offers and how you can sign and drive while keeping that cash in your wallet. This week, we are bringing you our top 10 questions you should be asking when it comes time for you to stop into our dealership to purchase your next new Nissan! Below, you’ll find questions that are both helpful and informational to ensure you know exactly what you are signing and paying for. Also, don’t forget to ask or bring up any additional questions you may have. We are here to helping you select the best vehicle for your needs and no question is a silly one. So, check out those questions below and hurry on over to see the team here at Loughead Nissan to find your dream Nissan! We hope to see you soon! What is the term (duration) of the loan and what is the interest rate? Had the car been used previously as a demo? Is this an authorized repair center? What are the “mandatory” fees? Am I happy with this vehicle? Can I take the vehicle for a test drive? Does the vehicle have any damage? Is there a warranty? What are the perks? Is this the best deal you have to offer? What is the total after fees and licensing? Find Your Dream Nissan Right Here!

When you’re in the market for a new vehicle you might have a lot of questions, especially in the beginning. What brand are you looking to shop? What type of model are you interested in? Which dealership should I go to? Is this even a good deal?  And many, many more. But one of the most important question you should ask yourself is should you lease or buy. Now there are some of you who are die-hard lease fans and others that will never think about leasing, but if this is your first time getting a vehicle or maybe you’re looking to switch, then this week’s blog is for you. There is no right or wrong answer. In fact, there isn’t one better than the other. Buying and leasing are very different but depending on your lifestyle you’ll find one of them will work a lot better than the other. If you are a city goer and use public transportation more often than not, leasing might be the best option for you. If you’re a free soul who likes to jump in your vehicle and hit the open road, buying might be best for you. There are a lot of factors that go into your decision and we want to help make it easier. We listed out the pros of leaving verse the pros of buying, check the lists out below. If you find yourself leaning one-way or another then that is probably the way to go. If you are still unsure what to do, talk to your sales consultant and ask what they think would be best for your lifestyle! The benefits of leasing a new vehicle: Drive the newest models with the newest technology Lower monthly payments & little to no down payment Lower out-of-pocket costs upfront & no upfront taxes/ fees to worry about Never worry about becoming upside-down on a loan Selling your vehicle is a thing of the past Many leases are covered under warranties The benefits of buying a new vehicle: No mileage restrictions holding you back After your final payment, the vehicle it totally yours Don’t worry about excessive wear/ tear fees No fixed ownership over the vehicle, sell when you want The vehicle is customizable to how you want Your credit doesn’t need to be spectacular Find The Perfect Ride For You Here!

Are you in the market for a new ride? Then once you find your dream vehicle you have to take it for a test drive! Test driving your vehicle is an important step in the car buying process, if you don’t test drive if you don’t know if it’s comfortable to you, you don’t know how it drives, and you don’t know a lot of the functions that come in the car! Test driving isn't just important when you’re purchasing a used vehicle, it is just as important to test drive a new vehicle. Many people feel they need to test drive a used vehicle to make sure it is running properly, but you need to do the same for a new vehicle! So this week we want to help your test drive go smoother by giving you some tips to look out for. You’ll want to test the comfort, design, smoothness of the ride during the test drive. And no matter what anyone one says, go into a test drive with an open mind and allow yourself to form your own opinions. When you have decided on a vehicle test drive be sure to bring your driver's license and proof of insurance. In order to take a test drive, we will need to know that you are a licensed and insured driver. Don’t forget these or you may have to wait to take a spin around the block! 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. Test Drive A New Nissan Here!

If you love Nissan as much as we do you might have heard that the new 2019 Nissan Altima is finally here and it has been completely redone! We are so excited to tell you about the amazing features you can find inside, but what is really impressing us is the technology you can find inside the 2019 Nissan. From Innovative safety technologies to advanced connective technologies the 2019 Altima has everything you could think of jam-packed into your vehicle! If you’re in the market for a new vehicle and you want to learn more about the Altima, continue reading and find everything you need to know about the amazing technology you’ll find! Convenient Technologies: NissanConnect® - A suite of customizable alerts and emergency response. Nissan Door to Door Navigation - For seamless routing to your destination. Available NissanConnect Services Skill with Amazon Alexa™ - You can actually communicate with your Altima by the sound of your voice Nissan Intelligent Mobility - Suit of technologies that puts your world at your fingertips, responsibly. Bluetooth® Bose® Premium Audio System USBs Available Intelligent Climate Control Heated seats Dual Zone Automatic Temperature Control and vents Google Assistant - Just say, "Hey Google, talk to NissanConnect Services" on a compatible smartphone and you'll be able to lock and unlock your doors, flash your lights, start your engine, and more Parked Car Finder - Let your Nissan help you find it with this convenient feature Remote Horn & Light - Where did you park? Your Nissan will flash its lights and sound the horn to help you find it Connected Search - Search nearby places and the connected search will return points of interest Journey Planner - Get routes with four waypoints and a destination directly to your Altima via the owner’s portal Destination Assistant - use voice response to search by name or category and have results sent to your Nissan Navigation system Speed/Valet/Boundary alert - alert you when you might be going too fast if the valet Safety Technologies Automatic Collison  Notification - If you’re in an accident or if the airbags deploy, Nissan can send help Emergency Call - The touch of a button can connect you to a live person to assist Roadside Assistance - Flat tire or out of gas? Roadside assistance can call for help right to your location Advanced Driver Assist® Display - Safety features, directions, fuel economy, and more conveniently on your digital cockpit! Vehicle Dynamic Control - Detects when oversteer or understeer happens and reduce engine power and apply brake pressure Traction Control - Sense wheelspin and responds by instantly reducing throttle to regain traction Get your new Altima here!

Who doesn’t love fall? It is the perfect weather for getting out and enjoying some fresh air! It’s never too hot or too cold it’s a perfect medium! And let's be honest there is no better time than now to get down and dirty and do some fun off-roading with your friends! But sometimes, even the best of times get derailed when you find yourself in a sticky situation….or a muddy one, whichever you prefer to call it! If you find yourself stuck in the mud don’t get stressed out, instead, check out our tips and tricks below and save yourself the head and cost of calling a tow truck! Check it out below! Keep Calm and Drive On: The first thing to remember is not to panic. Don’t try to accelerate your way out of it. Patience is really key here, because the faster your wheels spin, the less likely they are to grab anything and the more likely they are to dig you in deeper. Wiggle, Wiggle: After you’ve asked everyone to leave the vehicle, try to turn your tires left and right a couple of time to clear out space. Take it a step further and dig out the tire with whatever you have to make it as flat as possible so the wheel can just roll out. A little Back and Forth: inching back and forth a little, make sure that all of your passengers are out of the car to reduce the weight. Reverse and then put it into drive. Shifting rapidly between forward and reverse is bad business for your transmission, so keep it to an absolute minimum. Opting to drive a little, then let off, allowing yourself to rock a bit is the best practice. DIY Time: Mud slippage occurs because you can’t gain traction, so do what you can to add some. Put an old blanket or towel, sticks or floor mats directly in front of the tires on the drive axle. Figure out which tire is spinning and give that tire the attention. Phone a Friend: If none of these options are working, you might want to call a friend for help, or a tow truck if there is no one. Try flagging down another car and see if the can help pull you out. Find The Perfect Vehicle For Your Next Adventure!

Although the 2019 Nissan Altima isn’t here yet, it’s arrival is just around the corner and we wanted to give you a heads up on what amazing feature the sedan offers! At a glimpse, the 2019 Nissan Altima is the world’s first VC-Turbo engine*, Nissan’s first sedan with intelligent all-wheel drive, and is standard Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™! The 2019 Nissan Altima has a bold and modern style that is sure to turn heads. Who decided that a sedan couldn’t awaken something inside of you? Blow past complacency with Altima’s exciting, forward-thinking design. Deep, cutting lines flow from front to back, blending seamlessly into the new muscular hood. While an available premium leather-appointed interior puts comfort and convenience at your fingertips. Power will be no problem when you're behind the wheel of the 2019 Nissan Altima. Imagine a sedan that anticipates what you want. With the world's first Variable Compression Turbo engine* the Altima does just that! Whether it's turbocharged power or fuel-sipping economy, Altima's all-new VC-Turbo engine responds to your input instantaneously. It literally changes shape as it adjusts the compression ratio to maximize output or MPG. The 2019 Nissan Altima is jam-packed with safety features to help ensure you and your passengers are safer than ever before. With Nissan Intelligent Mobility we’re rethinking driving, technology, and the road ahead. Now the most advanced tech you own is in your driveway. You drive with greater awareness and an assist when you need it most. And you connect like never before – from a compatible smartphone, to house, driveway to the car, it’s all one. Ready for what’s next? Nissan Intelligent Mobility is changing the way you drive forever, and it’s here for everyone right now. Driver assist technologies like the available ProPILOT Assist can help with your daily driving, responding in traffic – or the open road – at the push of a button. Imagine a sedan that gives you the kind of all-weather capability you usually expect from an SUV. Altima's Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system continuously monitors road conditions and responds to changes in an instant. Snow or rain-covered pavement, this system automatically sends power to the wheels with the best traction for a more confident drive. So, are you ready to get behind the wheel of the brand new 2019 Nissan Altima? Unfortunately, the new Altima is not out yet, but that doesn’t mean we can’t get excited, right? The arrival is right around the corner, with its release date being early fall, so get ready and keep updated on all things Loughead so you can hear exactly when we get this beauty on our lot! * World's first production variable compression engine launched by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. in 2018. Check out our available inventory here!

Hard work pays off, and Nissan wants to be the one to reward you! If you're a recent graduate, you could score major savings with the Nissan college grad program. Graduates can get up to $1000 cash back on top of existing offers! It’s time to celebrate your hard work and is there really any better way than saving $1000 on a brand new Nissan? I didn’t think so! Want to learn more about how to score big with Nissan? Check out all the details below! How does it work? If you’ve graduated within the past 24 months or have written confirmation of upcoming graduation within the next six months, as well as proof of current or future employment that begins within 90 days, you could qualify for a major discount on your very own Nissan All you have to do is visit a dealer, choose your vehicle, and drive off for less Want a discount on the Nissan LEAF? Same rules apply for the cash back discount, you must have graduated in the past 24 months, or are graduating within the next 6 months, as well as proof of current or future employment What you'll need… A valid driver's license Proof of insurance Valid college student ID at any of the participating colleges If you want to learn more about the Nissan college grad program check out nissan.com or contact your local participating Nissan dealership for more information! Want to save even more? Check out our specials!

Do you ever go to clean out your car and find that your whole life has moved into your car's trunk? Well, same. When it comes time clean your trunk, aka get a box and throw everything into it, there might be a couple of things you should keep in there! I know, I know, you’re probably confused as to why I’m telling you to leave things in your trunk that you probably don’t even know what they do. But, hold tight because you will and you’ll thank yourself for having them later! Mounted LED Light: These are small but powerful (1,000-lumen lights) lights that work with a mount. You're probably asking why you need a mounted flashlight in your trunk right? Well, this one is a whole lot more powerful than your cellphone light and it’s hands-free! Which means you can stick it to the side of your car to light up a campsite, change a tire, or work under the hood! And the cool thing about these lights are that the light runs off your car’s battery or an external battery pack so you don't have to worry about it dying! Emergency Jump-Starter You should always carry jumper cables, but what if you’re alone and have no cell service? That where having this guy is very handy! An emergency jump-starter kit comes equipped with its own cables and has enough juice on a full charge to jump most cars up to 20 times. Tire Gauge Airing down your tires is one of the best ways to get better traction in rough terrain or even snow. If you find yourself stuck pull out this tire gauge and air down, then after your out use it to re-inflate your tires to proper pavement pressure! Handheld Radio If you find yourself going for a joy ride in your Nissan and find yourself needing assistance but not having service this handheld radio will be your lifesaver! Use the radio to make contact and have someone come assist you! Synthetic Shackle In the case that your car goes off the road and needs to be pulled out you’ll find yourself needing one of these. It loops through the recovery hooks under your car or around your frame, creating a place to attach the tow rope. So next time you’re cleaning out your trunk remember to leave these few items in there! Don’t want them rolling around freely in your trunk? I wouldn’t either! I would recommend getting a small organizer for your trunk to help store all your necessary goods! Check accessories for your trunk here!

Have you ever wanted to know what all those esoteric tire-related terms in your owner’s manual mean? Well, today’s your lucky day! We’ve made a list of all the terms you might need to know and exactly what they mean. Check it out! 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 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 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. Study Up On New Nissans!

When you’re out shopping for a new vehicle, there’s one step that you absolutely can’t say no to: the test drive. This is crucial for making sure the vehicle you want is actually a good vehicle for you. Sure, you can go off of pictures or just by looking at the vehicle, but you’ll never know if you actually like driving it or if it feels the way you want it to without taking the test drive first. When you’re on the test drive, there are a few questions that you should be asking yourself, and some things that you should test for in the vehicle. A good idea is to bring a friend along to prompt you with these questions, just because it’s easy for thoughts to fly out of your head when you’re enjoying the drive (and focusing on the road). Check out our suggestions for essential test drive questions you should be asking before buying a new car! How much do you like sitting in the vehicle? Adjust the seat and steering wheel to a comfortable position, then think about these questions: can you see out of all the windows? Check for blind spots and make sure you have the visibility you need. As you drive, think about the ride in this vehicle. Is it bumpy? Loud? Do you feel like you’re driving on a cloud or like you’re separated from the road by flimsy plywood? Every vehicle has a different ride but make sure that this vehicle meets or exceeds your personal expectations. Test the acceleration. Can you get up to speed in a reasonable amount of time? Always make sure that you are obeying speed limits and driving safely when you are testing the acceleration. Now it’s time for the handling test. Ask your sales professional to test out a curved road with some hills so that you can really put the handling to the test. How well does the vehicle handle the hills and curves? Finally, put the brakes through their paces. Try out slow stops, fast stops, stops on hills, and any other types of stops you can think of. Every vehicle brakes differently, so make sure that the brakes work the way they should. With these questions, you’re equipped with what you need to be able to have the best test drive ever! Have fun! Schedule Your Test Drive Online!