Spring has arrived and although many of us breathe a sigh of relief that winter driving is over (hopefully), the truth is spring driving can be just as dangerous. It’s important to realize that each season brings different driving conditions and that just because there isn’t snow on the ground, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t practice safe driving. In order to help keep you and your family safe on the roads this spring, check out our helpful tips below.

1. Be On The Lookout For Potholes: Winter weather takes a big toll on our roadways, which leads to some pretty nasty potholes. If your speeding down the road and don’t slow down in time and hit a pothole, then chances are that your vehicle is gonna have some damage, serious damage. Damage can include a punctured tire, bent rim, suspension damage, poor alignment, and exhaust system damage.
2. Slow Down For Spring Showers: Did you know that roads are most slippery when it first starts to rain? This is caused by the rainwater mixing with contaminants on the road, such as oil and grease. Make sure to increase your following distance to allow for proper braking.
3. Watch For Animals On The Move: Animal activity is up when the weather starts getting nicer. That means keep an eye out and drive slow especially for animals like deer that are known to be out at dusk and dawn.
4. Watch For Pedestrians: Similar to animals, people tend to be out and about more when the weather starts getting warmer. Whether that means there are more walkers, cyclists or kids play hopscotch. Be sure to slow down especially in residential neighborhoods and busy streets.
5. Share The Road With Motorcycles: Spring is when the motorcycle riders come out, and because of their speed and size, they may come in and out of your blind spots quickly. Be sure to listen to the sound of their bike and take a few extra seconds before switching lanes. If you are following a motorcycle, remember to leave a good amount of space in between.
6. Maintain Proper Tire Pressure: During the winter months, your tires lose air due to the cold temperatures, this cause your tire to be under-deflated. Vice-versa, warm weather will cause them to be over-inflated. Each situation can lead to increased wear and poor handling.
7. Inspect Your Tires: Spring will bring the showers and when that happens making sure your tire tread is in shape is important to the quality of your driving. Just like snow, rain makes the road slippery and having good tires will make or break your driving experience. Remember to use easy tricks the penny test to check your tire tread and regularly check your tire pressure if your vehicle doesn’t display it for you.
8. Pay Attention In Construction Zones: When the snow washes away and the spring days are here to stay, construction will start up again. One thing to keep in mind is that construction zones ask you to slow down for a reason, do it. Remember to…

• Be attentive. Construction workers and equipment may suddenly enter the roadway. Traffic patterns can change daily to accommodate the work being done.
• Understand and follow the signs
• Make safe lane changes. Solid lines in construction zones mean that you should stay in your lane.
• Slow down. Fines may be doubled in construction zones. In addition, slowing down can save a life

We’ve got deals, yes we, do, we’ve got deal we want to share with you! If you’re in the market for a new Nissan vehicle then there has never been a better time to stop into Loughead Nissan! We have an impressive lineup of Nissan offers that include Nissan cars, SUVs, and trucks! So whatever Nissan you’re looking for you can rest assured you can find it here at Loughead Nissan for your dream price! Take a peek at all of our offers below and if you see something that you might be interested in, we’re confident that you will, then just schedule your appointment or stop into Loughead today, it’s that simple! Don’t wait any longer, you dream Nissan is waiting for you!

Cars:

The 2019 Nissan Sentra S

• Lease for $139/mo*

Or

• Buy for only$16,733*

The 2019 Nissan Altima 2.5 S

• Lease for $152/mo*

Or

• Buy for only$21,371*

The 2019 Nissan AWD Altima 2.5 S

• Lease for $191/mo*

Or

• Buy for only$22,453*

The 2019 Nissan Maxima S

• Lease for $298/mo*

Or

• Buy for only$31,373*

SUVs:

The 2019 Nissan Rogue Sport S

• Lease for $148/mo*

Or

• Buy for only$22,114*

The 2019 Nissan Rogue S

• Lease for $189/mo*

Or

• Buy for only$23,630*

The 2019 Nissan Murano S

• Lease for $264/mo*

Or

• Buy for only $29,847*

Trucks:

The 2019 Nissan Frontier SV

• Lease for $297/mo*

Or

• Buy for only$30,141*

*All offers expire 3/31/2019. For more information check out our specials page!

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!

Getting out and adventuring is important and one of the main reasons we invest in a reliable and strong vehicle. But sometimes we run into weather issues or accidents that we didn’t expect. Now we hope that this doesn’t happen to you, but if it does, then the best thing to do is be prepared But how can you be prepared for something you don’t know is going to happen? Well, when you create your own DIY Emergency Kit to have in your car, you and your passengers will have the tools you need to get out of whatever situation you might find yourself in. So if you don’t currently have an Emergency Kit in your vehicle it might be a great idea to take a look at our DIY kit list below! If you have any question feel free to give us a call and if you have to tailor your kit to fit your needs we suggest doing so! Happy traveling!

What to Pack in Your Kit:

• First aid (For more minor accidents)
  • Band-Aids
  • Hand sanitizer.
  • Antiseptic.
  • Antibiotic ointment.
  • Bug spray.
  • Aspirin (or similar).
  • Cotton balls.
  • Gauze pads.
  • Tweezers.
  • Bandana.
  • Ace bandage.

*This one might be best kept inside the vehicle in a place like a glove compartment*

• Fire extinguisher (For more serious accidents)
  • Choose a smaller one that is easy to store
• Jumper cables.
• Rain Ponchos.
• Flashlight and extra batteries.
• Scent-free baby wipes.
• Drinking water and non-perishable snacks.
• Multipurpose tool.
• Cell Phone Charger

Weather-based items:

• Ice scraper.
• Cat litter for slick roads.
• Small battery-powered fan.
• Blankets and/or warm clothing.

Fluids to keep in your car:

• Oil
• Antifreeze
• Brake fluid

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.

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!

1. What is the term (duration) of the loan and what is the interest rate?
2. Had the car been used previously as a demo?
3. Is this an authorized repair center?
4. What are the “mandatory” fees?
5. Am I happy with this vehicle?
6. Can I take the vehicle for a test drive?
7. Does the vehicle have any damage?
8. Is there a warranty? What are the perks?
9. Is this the best deal you have to offer?
10. What is the total after fees and licensing?

Are you in the market for a new vehicle? Then don’t look much further because here at Loughead Nissan we have an impressive line-up of Nissan cars, trucks, and SUVs that we think would be perfect for you! With ten offers this month we are confident that we can help you get behind the wheel of a vehicle you’ll love! We even have Nissan favorites like the new 2019 Nissan Altima, 2019 Nissan Maxima, and the Nissan Rogue available for AMAZING deals you won’t find anywhere else!

So whether you’re looking for your dream Nissan or you’re looking for the perfect gift for that special someone, there has never been a better time to stop into Loughead Nissan! Check out all of our specials below and once you find the perfect ride for you schedule a test drive or stop on in, we can’t wait to see you!

Car Specials:

The 2019 Nissan Sentra S:

• Lease for only $139/mo*

Or

• Buy for only $16,733*

The 2019 Nissan Altima 2.5 S:

• Lease for only $154/mo*

Or

• Buy for only $21,371*

The 2019 Nissan LEAF S:

• Lease for only $211/mo*

Or

• Buy for only $31,244*

The 2019 Nissan Maxima S:

• Lease for only $298/mo*

Or

• Buy for only $31,373*

SUV Specials:

The 2019 Nissan Rogue Sport S:

• Lease for only $155/mo*

Or

• Buy for only $22,749*

The 2019 Nissan Rogue S:

• Lease for only $229/mo*

Or

• Buy for only $23,630*

The 2019 Nissan Pathfinder S:

• Lease for only $242/mo*

Or

• Buy for only $28,832*

The 2019 Nissan Murano S:

• Lease for only $264/mo*

Or

• Buy for only $29,847*

Truck Specials:

The 2019 Nissan Frontier SV:

• Lease for only $297/mo*

Or

• Buy for only $30,141*

The 2019 Nissan TITAN SV:

• Lease for only $354/mo*

Or

• Buy for only $41,233*

*All offers expire 2/28/2019. For more information check out our specials page!

Being a safe driver should always be our #1 priority as drivers. And although we all vow to be safe drivers, we sometimes fall short. Whether it’s answering that phone call, looking at our texts, fumbling around with the radio instead of keeping our eyes on the road, even something as crazy as applying makeup! Now if I asked you if those were safe things to do while driving, regardless if they are things you do, I think we could all agree that they are unsafe to do while driving. However, one thing many of us might forget to add to that list is road rage. Now it’s easy to get annoyed by other drivers, especially when they cut you off,  when they are driving really close, or when they are driving really slow when you’ve got places to be! But the truth is, many of us can’t roll with the punches. In fact, many of us have pretty short fuzes and tend to jump to yelling and road rage pretty quickly. But the truth is, road rage is just as dangerous as all the other things we listed before.

Road rage is an act of aggression and stress, which leads to dangerous driving situations. When we drive aggressively, we tend to forget about everything we learned when it comes to defensive driving. So staying calm, even when you’re really annoyed, is really important to the safety of you, your passengers, and other drivers around you. This week I wanted to help give you some tips to keeping come and carrying on safe driving. Check them out below and for more information on defensive driving, be sure to check out your local DMV website.

Steps:

• Take Time and Be Prepared

• Safe driving starts the night before. Morning rushes increase the chance of accidents. Not only can driving drowsy be as dangerous as driving under the influence, but it makes for raw nerves that quickly flare.
• Breakfast in bed is romantic. Breakfast in the car is a recipe for disaster.
• Take your time! After drunk driving, speeding is the second leading cause of fatalities.

• Be Your Best Neighbor

• Give that driver who suddenly changed lanes the benefit of the doubt
• When aggravated, take a few deep, slow breaths. Your daily drive is a great time to practice patience and find your inner Zen.
• Mind your manners, no tailgating, yield to the right-away, leave the left lane for passing only, respect traffic rules, be polite, and understanding

• Tune Into Calm Sounds Of Bliss:

• Research has shown that listening to some types of music or conversational sounds can reduce stress
• Keep audio and passenger volume low to medium.

• Scents of Sensibility

• Certain scents produce blissfully calming effects and increase focus.
• Lavender promotes healthy relaxation to reduce stress and anxiety and energizes focus
• Citrus boosts alertness while inspiring positive, stress-reducing feelings
• Vanilla promotes calm, comfortable feelings of happiness to elevate mood, making smiling away aggression that much easier
• Peppermint or cinnamon reduce frustration and promote driver alertness without the jittery hazards of caffeine

It’s no secret how important a car seat is to the safety of your little bundle of joy. It will be one of the most important purchases you make in your child’s first year. However, car seats tend to be a little tricky to understand and figure out. Because car seats don’t tend to be ‘click it in and go’ like a regular seatbelt, a lot of mistakes tend to happen. And even if it is a tiny mistake, the outcome can be a big one. If your baby’s car seat isn’t properly installed they could fall out, tip over, stay strapped in but the seat could roll around, all leading to your baby injured or worse.

This week we wanted help new and veteran mom and dads finally conquer the car seat, the correct way. Below we have outlined the top car seat mistakes and how to fix these mistakes. If you find that you have fallen victim to the car seat, be sure to fix the issue before putting your child back in the seat. Also be sure to have the car seat instruction manual near you. Every seat has variations and you want to make sure that you install properly for your specific car seat.

Car Seat Do’s and Don’ts

The child is turned face-forward too early:

• Babies must ride facing the rear until they are at least 1 year old or weigh 20 pounds or longer!

The seat isn’t installed tightly enough:

• When jiggled in the area where the safety belt is pulled through, the chair should not move more than 1 inch in any direction.

Harness straps are too loose:

• The strap should be so tight that an adult’s thumb and forefinger can’t fit in between

Infant seat angled incorrectly

• The seat should not be reclined more than 45 degrees from vertical to ensure that the child does not flip over

Harness straps are in the wrong strap

• In rear-facing position, straps should be in slots at or below the shoulder. In a forward facing position, straps should come through the uppermost slots

The harness retainer clip is out of place

• The clip should ALWAYS be at armpit level

The locking clip is out of place

• If needed, it should be positioned no more than an inch from the safety-belt latch.

The safety belt isn’t in lock mode

• Check vehicle’s owner manual to determine what type of belts you have. Then follow directions regarding how they must be used with a child-safety restraint.

We’ve all had a bad day where everything just seems to fall apart, I know I have. If you seem to fall into back luck and find yourself locked out your vehicle, don’t panic, don’t start anxiety crying…Just me? Just take a deep breath and remember these tips I’m about to tell you!

Locking yourself out of your vehicle is really annoying and it’s a very common mistake a lot of us have made. However, there are a handful of tip and tricks that could get you out of this sticky situation. However, if you cannot successfully get your vehicle unlocked, we suggest calling the police or a family member that might have a spare key.

Troubleshoot your locks:

• Simply check all of the doors. Sometimes we are so frantic we forget to check all of our options. Try ALL of the doors, the trunk, even the sunroof if you have one!

Phone a friend:

• Don’t hesitate to give a friend or family member a call – being locked out of your car can put you in a vulnerable position, even if it does not seem like a full-blown  emergency
• Best case scenario,  one of the people you contact has a spare key you can use to get the car open without further incident
• Even if they do not have a key, they may be able to bring you some supplies to help you manually unlock the door.

Use your shoelace:

• This method requires your car to have post locks
• Eyeball around 5 inches from the middle of the lace, and tie a slip knot at that point
• Work the shoelace between the door and the doorframe of the car at the midpoint
• Holding one end of the lace at the top of the window, and the other end on the side where the door would open
• Using a flossing motion, you should be able to loop the slip knot around the post lock. Then pull on both ends of the shoelace to grip the post and pull upward!

Reach tool inside:

• Don’t have post locks, no problem I have a DIY trick for you too!
• You will need a wedge-shaped object (a rubber door stop will suffice), and a thin, strong, rod-like tool
• Create a gap between your door and the door frame with the wedge and then insert the long-reach tool into the gap to try and manipulate the lock
• You’ll want to place a small piece of fabric over the wedge so that inserting it does not scuff any part of the car. Also, do not make the gap too wide or hold it open too long, as this could damage the door or the window glass

Get professional help:

• If you have roadside assistance it might be time to give them a call
• Call the police. They can usually help in this situation
• Call a locksmith