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Looking for a great New Year’s resolution for your vehicle? Don’t stress - we have you covered right here on this week’s blog from start to finish. We know your resolutions alone might be hard to tackle but we guarantee that these resolutions will keep you happy and your wallet fat thanks to routine maintenance for your Nissan! Let’s get started and be sure to schedule your service appointment online today! Oh, and don’t forget to snag a service special to help save a little cash when you stop in to see our team! Don’t Neglect Car Maintenance If you didn’t keep up with your regular car maintenance in 2019, your first new year’s resolution should be to call your mechanic! Yes, I know keeping up with car maintenance can be a pain, but when you don’t keep up with it bigger problems can arise. And it isn’t cheap. Schedule a service appointment today or stop into Loughead Nissan today for your service needs! Learn To Do Basic Maintenance Yourself 2020 is the year of DIY and if you’re tired scheduling maintenance and spending money on service, there is no better time than now to make it a new year’s resolution to learn how to do it yourself! Start with something small, like learning to replace your windshield wipers. It usually needs to be done twice a year and is important for road safety. It’s an easy goal for the new year to accomplish quickly. End Distracted Driving According to the DMV, on average 9 people are killed by distracted driving every day. Most people think that distracted driving means texting and driving but it actually refers to anything that can take your full attention away from the road. This includes reaching for something, changing the music, using an app, checking your GPS or map, taking a photo, checking email or posting to social media, eating and drinking, and even putting on makeup/grooming Make this resolution to drive less distracted to keep you and others on the road safer. Keep Your Car Clean For some of you keeping your car clean comes naturally, but for the rest of us, it is a daily challenge. If your car is a mess going into the new year learn how to declutter your car and prevent future clutter. First, remove everything from your car that you do not need. Second, organize those important papers in your car and rid of the papers you don’t need. Throw out old receipts, coupons, and other miscellaneous papers. Then find the important documents like your registration, insurance, and owner’s manual and put them in a safe spot. Third, give your car a deep clean after you’ve decluttered it. Vacuum the seats and floor, wipe down windows, and take it through a car wash.

Christmas is all about hanging with family and creating memories, oh yeah, and amazing food, and if you’ll be hosting the holidays this year, we are sure you have a ton of things to get done before the big day gets here! We understand with all of that stress if you’re not in the Christmas spirit, but we want to help get you excited for the holidays! Whether you're a gifting pro or you’re drowning in wrapping paper, we know one thing that will get you feeling the Christmas spirit!  Check out our ultimate Christmas playlist below and be sure to crank the volume all the way up to really feel the holly jolly Christmas vibes! All I Want For Christmas Is You - Mariah Carey Last Christmas - Wham! It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas - Michael Buble Santa Tell Me - Ariana Grande Rockin Around The Christmas Tree - Brenda Lee Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) - Mariah Carey Mistletoe - Justin Bieber Santa Baby - Ariana Grande Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! - Frank Sinatra What Christmas Means To Me  - Stevie Wonder Rudolph The Rednosed Reindeer - Dean Martin Last Christmas - Ariana Grande Thank God It’s Christmas - Queen Run Rudolph Run - Chuck Berry Frosty The Snowman - Ella Fitzgerald Shake Up Christmas - Train Blue Christmas - Elvis Presley I Still Believe In Santa Clause - LeAnn Rimes

With the weather warming up and vacation brain setting in, it’s time to start planning your next road trip! But, long hours in the car can get a bit boring if you don’t have anything to do between stops on your journey. That’s why this week we are bringing you a list of our top five favorite road trip activities that will help pass the time while keeping everyone from asking, “are we there, yet?” So, take a look at our list below, and be sure to not waste a minute of your next trip! Need a new Nissan to get your family on the road in the upcoming seasons? Take a look at our new available inventory online and schedule your test drive with a member of the Loughead Nissan team today! Loughead Nissan’s Top 5 Road Trip Activities: This one is a simple one that’s quick and easy! Bring a gaming device! Whether it’s a handheld console, an iPad, or even an iPhone to play your favorite games is a great way to help pass the time! Make a road trip playlist! Get together all the songs that you love to belt out while driving down the highway with the windows rolled down and rock out on the road! Bring lots of snacks! Vacation calories don’t count and snacking is a great way to combat boredom and make sure that you don’t forget to eat in all of the excitement of your travel! Download an audio book or true crime podcast and the hours will fly by! But make sure the book or podcast isn’t too melodic or calming as it could easily lull you into a dangerously drowsy state. Switch to the radio if you begin to feel too tired! Car games! Old fashioned but fun, car games are a great way to pass time while on road trips! 20 questions, ISpy, the Suitcase Game, whichever you prefer, whip up some easy entertainment with these simple games!

The snow is falling, winter is here, and we’re ready to conquer this winter with ease thanks to these five life hacks on this week’s blog. Whether you’re traveling or staying near this season, we encourage you to freshen up your winter skills and put them to good use. Need further assistance? Give us a call or schedule an appointment with our team online today. Ready to upgrade into a brand new Nissan?! Even better! We have plenty of brand new incentives happening right here at the dealership this winter. Check out those deals on our specials page and hurry on by to see our team for a test drive at your convenience! Emergency Kit: It’s always a good idea to be prepared in the event of an emergency, especially in the winter months. We encourage you to keep an extra coat, warm hat, gloves, and extra socks in your vehicle. It’s a good idea to keep a blanket, phone charger, flashlight, bottle of water, and a small non-perishable snack. Stop Foggy Windows: Foggy windows are no stranger in the winter season. And they can lead to potentially dangerous situations. Roll down your windows to quickly defog those windows or keep a clean chalkboard eraser in your vehicle to wipe away the fog. Keep Yourself From Getting Stuck: If your vehicle is a little on the lighter side, we encourage you to place a few bags of kitty litter in the back of your vehicle or trunk. This will aid in traction in the rear of your vehicle. And also keep a small shovel in the event you get stuck. Keep The Underside Of Your Vehicle Clean: It’s important to keep your vehicle clean all year long, but it’s especially important to keep the underside of your vehicle clean during the winter. Dirt, salt, and ice can accumulate underneath and cause erosion. Get a car wash on a warmer day and park your vehicle in the garage. Avoid Frozen Wiper Blades: Whether it’s a little snow or ice, no one likes frozen over wiper blades. We recommend leaving your wiper blades propped up when your vehicle is in park or place a pair of socks over the blades to keep them from freezing. Browse Our Inventory Here: https://www.lougheadnissan.com/searchnew.aspx

BRRRR! Temperatures are dropping and things are getting chilly this December! And nothing is worse than hopping into a cold car and waiting for it to warm up. So, how can we avoid the cold? Unfortunately, we can’t avoid it altogether but we do have some tips to help keep you warm this winter and into the new year! Take a look below and put these tips to good use! Park in the garage. Cover the windshield. Stock up on hand-warming packets. Buy a heater or seat cover that plugs into your car. Keep blankets in the back seat. Take along a warm beverage. Invest in a block heater to warm your engine faster Get in your vehicle & drive. Allowing your vehicle to warm up won’t actually make your vehicle warm up faster Make sure you dress warm, coat, gloves, and a hat! Purchase a heated steering wheel cover to keep your hands warm. Upgrade & Stay Warm This Winter: https://www.lougheadnissan.com/searchnew.aspx

Raise your hand if you’re ready for some fun in the sun this weekend with friends and family? I know I am, that’s for sure! However, if you’re hosting this weekend’s festivities and you're stressing about getting it all done in time and how much it’s all going to cost…you’ve come to the right place! This week we have 7 hacks for you that are sure to help turn your 4th of July party from average to amazing without breaking the bank! So, take a peek below and get started on your to-do list, trust us, you’re friends and family are going to love it! If you’ll be hitting the road this weekend, ask yourself if your current ride is the right vehicle for the job? If not, we invite you to browse our available inventory now! Once you find the perfect Nissan for you, be sure to schedule a test drive or stop in today! We can help you get behind the wheel and on the road in no time! Have a fun and safe holiday weekend! It’s All About The Game: Put out a variety of yard games, such as cornhole, ring toss, ladder ball, bocci ball, a football, baseball and gloves for playing catch, and frisbees. Slide Into Summer: The 4th of July marks a big milestone in summer, tell your guests to soak up the sun in their bathing suits while having some good old fun with a slip and slide! Perfect for the kids too! Keep The USA Theme Going: When the water fun wears off, keep your guests entertained with playful buckets filled with July-themed tattoos, stars and striped pinwheels, “snapper” fireworks, sparklers, themed candy, and glow bracelets for when the sun goes down Soak Up The Sun Safely: Keep guests safe with plenty of sunscreen and bug spray close at hand. Set out little buckets with sunscreen and bug spray in several different places on the deck, patio, and backyard, so guests never have to look far to find some and reapply. S’more Food The Better: If you have a fire pit in your backyard, consider setting up a fun s’mores buffet for your guests.  Think beyond the Hershey bar and include a variety of chocolate options including the traditional milk chocolate, Hershey’s Cookies & Cream bars, dark chocolate options, and even Reese’s peanut butter cups. DIY Decorating: Keep the budget low with fun DIY decorations! Look around your home to see what you already have on hand that could fit your Fourth of July party’s red, white, and blue theme. Mason jars, empty cans, plastic bottles, wine bottles, etc, can all be transformed into cheap and easy centerpieces, utensils holders, or candy displays! Teamwork Makes The Dream Work: Consider making your party a potluck.  When it comes to food, summer potlucks are a great option for large parties. Helps bring a variety of food to your party without having to break the bank and slave in the kitchen for days beforehand Take On The Weekend Behind The Wheel Of A New Nissan!

It’s getting hot in here!! The temperature is rising and regardless if you’ll be working from home or hitting the road this summer, having a sweet treat to get you through the summer heat is always a good idea! Do you like bananas? How about chocolate? Yeah, we thought so! This week we’re going to teach you how to make the refreshing frozen chocolate-covered banana bites, and trust us when we say you don’t need to be a culinary genius to make them! They’re so easy to make and super yummy! So what are you waiting for? Take a peek below and tell us what you think! Still in search of the perfect ride for your summer getaway? Loughead Nissan is the place to be! We’ve got an impressive inventory of new and used Nissan cars, trucks, and SUVs! So browse our inventory now and schedule an appointment today! We can’t wait to help upgrade your summer! What You’ll Need: 1 banana 1 heaping cup dark chocolate chips 2 Tbsp coconut oil Instructions Slice the banana and place the slices on a tray. Put the tray in the freezer until the bananas are frozen solid. About an hour. Place the chocolate chips and the coconut oil in a small microwave-safe bowl or measuring cup. Microwave for 30 seconds and then stir. Microwave for another 15 seconds and stir again, until all the chocolate is melted and smooth. Put it back in the microwave for another few seconds if necessary. Don't overheat. Set the chocolate aside to cool. When the bananas are frozen, dip them into the cooled chocolate and coat on all sides. Let any excess chocolate drip off before setting the slice down on parchment or waxed paper. Put the slices back in the freezer right away. You can store the slices in a zip lock freezer baggie once the chocolate has hardened. Find The Perfect Nissan For Your Road Trip

At Loughead Nissan, we offer impressive lease and financing offers on our Nissan inventory. If you’re looking to slip behind the wheel of a new Nissan you might be wondering if you should be leasing or financing your next vehicle. Well, lucky for you, this week’s blog is about the pros of both leasing and financing your vehicle. There is no right answer, but there could be a better choice for your situation. Take a peek below and see which sounds the best for you! Then browse our available inventory and schedule a test drive today to take the next step in your next adventure! Benefits of leasing: New vehicle model with top-of-the-line technology every few years Lower monthly payments Lower out-of-pocket costs upfront Never become upside-down in a loan payment Never worry about selling your old vehicle Vehicles are usually covered under warranty Benefits of buying: No mileage restrictions You own the vehicle when you make your final payment No excessive wear fees You can sell the vehicle whenever you choose to, no fixed ownership No customization fees Your credit doesn’t need to be outstanding Find Your Dream Nissan Here!

As March rolls in we have a glimpse at spring in the distance. It has been a pretty rough winter for most people and the roads can show for it. We all love spring, but it’s the time of the year where the roads finally clear and we see the damage that winter left behind. Yes, this week we're talking about those pesky potholes. Potholes can sometimes be unavoidable, especially in areas that have experienced a lot of snow, ice, etc. I’m sure we have all been there where you hit a pothole and it feels like you lost a piece of your vehicle so you find yourself looking in your rearview mirror to make sure you didn’t! If you’re lucky enough to hit a pothole and not experience damage, say a thank you for all the vehicle gods out there. But if you have been wronged by potholes before and you’re worried about what this year might bring, don’t stress, just take a peek at some of our helpful tips to getting around those pesky potholes! Potholes Tips & Tricks Slow down: if you hit a pothole at a fast speed, the damage is more likely to be worse than if you hit it at a slower speed. Give space where space is needed: leave some space between you and the vehicle that is in front of you. This will give you some time to react and avoid a pothole in the event that the driver in front of you fails to do so. Puddles mean danger: when you see a puddle, avoid it at all costs. Water does an excellent job of hiding the depth of the hole that lies beneath. Be cautious and avoid them if you can. Do not brake: if you do hit a pothole, do not hit the brakes once you hit the hole. Doing so can actually cause more damage to your vehicle. Full tires = happy tires: make sure your tires are properly inflated to the correct psi - this acts as an added protection from potholes. If the winter has gotten the best of your vehicle and you have exterior or tire damage to your vehicle due to potholes, don’t stress. The professionals at Loughead Nissan will work hard to get your vehicle back in tip-top shape in no time! Our certified technicians work hard for you whether your vehicle needs major or minor assistance. So, schedule your service appointment today and allow us to do the hard work for you! Pothole Damage? Let Us Fix It For You!

We are nearly halfway through the month of November and if you haven’t seen snow yet, we have a feeling that it won’t be much more time before you do. It is inevitable that you’ll have to drive in the snow, ice, or both before the summer weather comes back to us. That's why it is important to ensure that your vehicle is in tip-top shape, especially your vehicle’s tires. Your vehicle’s tires have a lifespan just like anything else, and once they’re gone it is extremely dangerous to drive on! When your vehicle stops and goes it is not just because of the brakes and gas. In fact, your vehicle’s tires play a big role in bringing your car to a halt and going. In order for your car to move and not slide everywhere, your tires must have tread. The thicker your tread is the better grip your tires will have. If your tread is almost gone or bald, this means you could experience extreme slipping and sliding. In the winter months, it is important to have a thick tread, especially since snow and ice cause you to slip anyway. If your tire tread is fresh, you have a much better chance of stopping and less chance of an accident. If you are unsure if your tire tread is in good condition, you can bring it into our service center and we can check your tires, rotate your tires, or replace your tires. If you are more of a DIY person, there are several ways to check your tire tread. One of the simplest, most common ways to check tread depth requires nothing more than a penny and a few moments of your time. Check out all you need to know below! About The Tread: In the United States, tire tread depth is measured in 32nds of an inch. New tires typically come with 10/32” or 11/32” tread depths, and some truck, SUV and winter tires may have deeper tread depths than other models The U.S. Department of Transportation recommends replacing tires when they reach 2/32” The Penny Test: The idea of the penny test is to check whether you’ve hit the 2/32” threshold Place a penny between the tread ribs on your tire. Turn the penny so that Lincoln’s head points down into the tread. See if the top of his head disappears between the ribs. If it does, your tread is still above 2/32” If you can see his entire head, it may be time to replace the tire because your tread is no longer deep enough. It’s that simple! If you have any question, feel free to give our service department a call. If you think it may be time to buy new tires, check out our service specials page and help keep some money in your pocket! Click Here And let Us Service Your Vehicle For You!

With winter right around the corner, it is important for us to get our vehicle ready for whatever mother nature might have in store. Unfortunately, we can’t know for sure when the snow will hit, it could be next month, next week, even tomorrow! We just don't know! So in order to get ahead of the winter months, it’s important to get your vehicle ready now! If you’re unsure what you should be checking for, check out our list below! If you don’t want to do the maintenance yourself, be sure to check out our service page on our website and schedule your service now! From low tire pressure to frozen fuel lines to road salt damage, winter can take its toll on your vehicle. Here are five car care tips to prevent long-term damage: Winter Tires If you haven't done so already, it’s time to swap out those summer tires for winter tires If you haven’t changed your tires in a while, it might be time to purchase a new set If you think you don’t need to change your tires just because your town doesn't snow a lot, you’re wrong! If your city drops below 45 degrees you need to change your tires because they’re made to give you better traction while turning or stopping on cold pavement. Check tire pressure: Making sure your tires are inflated to the proper PSI is important, especially in the winter Driving on underinflated tires can cause them to wear down prematurely and lose traction on icy or slippery surfaces PLus, it is important to regularly check them because your tires lose a pound of pressure with every 10-degree drop in temperature. Keep your fuel tank half full at least During winter weather, it's a good idea to keep at least half a tank of fuel in the vehicle in the event of an emergency or if you get stuck in the snow and need to wait for rescue. Also if your tank level gets too low it can actually freeze Add a protective layer Adding a coat of wax can help protect your vehicle from road salt, grime, snow, sleet and more. Protect your windshield wipers If you park outdoors, leave the wipers in the raised position to prevent them from freezing to the windshield Never use your wiper blades to remove ice, snow or frost from the windshield; use an ice scraper instead. Service your vehicle here!

Fall is finally here and that means America’s favorite game is back and in full swing! Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or just being dragged to the event by family or friends, there is always one part of the game everybody can get into, and that’s the tailgate! I mean who wouldn’t love enjoying quality time with friends and family while enjoying food and fun? So, to ensure that you dominate the tailgate and have the best time we have created a tailgate kit for your vehicle that will have you and your friends leaving the tailgate triumphant whether your team wins or not! Read on to discover five easy ways to turn your car into tailgating central. Don’t forget the basics, but don’t be basic: Don’t forget the basics like tables, chairs, coolers, food, drinks, grill, plates, napkins, utensils, ice, and anything else your group many need! Don’t just grab the plain old white napkins…make sure to get paper plates/napkins that are team themed! Paint your coolers or tables or get team themed tablecloths to decorate your area! Upgrade! You can’t dominate the tailgate if you stick to the same old, same old...take it up a few notches with a few easy upgrades Bringing portable phone chargers, wireless speakers and a portable satellite TV so that you and your guests can watch the pre-game action at the same time. Swag out your section: The best way to attract people and get some tailgate brownie points is decorating like never before! Bring a festive pop-up tent or canopy that is decorated with signs, balloons, posters Don’t forget to dress your vehicle in team apparel! Use erasable chalk, window marker, magnet, etc. Keep everyone entertained: The best tailgate is more than food and good conversation, be sure to bring games like cornehole (Painted with your team's logo of course), ladder ball, or bring a football to throw around and get in the game spirit! For all of our 21 and older fans, have a friendly game of beer bong, flip cup, and more! (drink responsibly)! Location, Location, Location! A good tailgating vehicle is only as good as its parking spot. Make sure that you arrive at the venue early for your pick of the parking spaces. Look for sheltered spots to keep sun, wind, and rain away. Plus the earlier you get there the closer you’ll be to the stadium so you can pack up and go without having to walk a mile to the stadium! Find The Perfect Vehicle For Your Tailgate!