Blog

We are only one week away from Halloween and before we know it the jingle bells will be ringing and the snow will be falling. If you haven’t taken the time to service your vehicle for the winter months ahead, then it’s time to get started! As we know the winter weather won’t wait for anyone, so the sooner you service the better! If your vehicle is in need of some well deserved TLC, be sure to schedule a service appointment with us so you can skip the line later! This week we want to inform you about some tips and tricks on how to keep up with your tire maintenance. Your tires are extremely important to the way your vehicle drives during the winter months. If your tire’s PSI is low, if your tire’s tread is low, or the condition/age of your tires is bad/older, you could have issues on the road when the snowy and icy weather hit. Making sure that your tires are in tip-top shape for the winter is not only important for your performance, but also for the safety of you and your passengers. So please take a few minutes to look over the checklist below and be sure to give your tires an inspection. If you’re not sure what you’re looking for or how to check you can find that information below or our team could do it for you. Give yourself peace of mind this winter and service your tires today! Checking Your Tire Pressure: Use a tire pressure gauge to make sure your tires are properly inflated and then fill your tires with air as needed Your owners manual will have the proper PSI for your tires To check your pressure, remove the valve stem cap, press the gauge head evenly onto the valve stem, use firm pressure so that the hissing sound stops Remove the gauge and read the pressure adjust as needed Checking Your Tire’s Condition & Age: Look at the tread and sidewalls for any cuts, scrapes, punctures, bulges, bumps or cracks. If you see anything suspicious, have a tire service professional take a closer look. You also want to keep an eye on your tire’s age. Depending on how much you drive, your tire’s tread may last for years but just because the tread is not worn out does not mean that your tires don’t need to be replaced To determine your tire’s age just look at the DOT stamping on the sidewall At the end of the DOT stamp, there is a four-digit code that will tell you when the tire was manufactured. Example: A code that looks like 4719 means the tire was manufactured in the 47th week of 2019. Checking Your Tire Depth: Evaluate the tread depth of your tires to make sure you have enough traction to grip the road An easy way to check you tire depth is with the Penny Test Just place a penny upside down in your tread. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, it may be time for new tires. Get Your Nissan New Tires and Service Here!

Hello Fall! It’s officially fall, and we are freaking out! For one, we can’t believe that it is already fall and almost October for that! But fall is here, which means it’s a pretty exciting time to get your vehicle ready for the winter months ahead! Now, if your vehicle isn’t in space to get you through the winter months safely, there is still time to SAVE BIG on our September specials. All you have to do is head over to our specials page and schedule a test drive now! However, if you already have a beloved vehicle and you’ve been driving it around town all summer, it might be a good idea to check out our fall car care tips below! We know that your fall to-do list is pretty extensive, so the sooner you start, the better! But where should you start? Lucky for you we’ve got all the information you’ll need below to do some DIY fall car care! Not a DIY person? No problem! Our certified service technicians are here to help make your service experience seamless and simple! So head over to our site to schedule your service appointment and get your vehicle back into tip-top shape in no time! Have Your Brakes Checked: It’s no secret your breaks are important, but in the winter months, it’s important they’re in shape to take on the winter weather. Make sure the brake pads/rotors don’t need to be replaced and have the brake line checked as well. Our team is more than qualified to help give you peace of mind and repair any issues we may find Inspect The Battery: Check the battery connections to make sure they’re tight, clean and free of corrosion Harsh winter weather can be hard on a vehicle battery, so you want to check the battery and charging system before the cold sets in Check Your Tires: Check tire tread depth Look for any signs of wear and tear such as bulges and bald spots Check the tire pressure, and adjust it accordingly using the PSI listed in your owner’s manual or driver’s side doorjamb Tire pressure drops when the temperatures drop, so keep a regular schedule of tire pressure maintenance Check Wiper Blades, Defrosters, and Heater: Checking your cooling and heating system is important for your comfort, but it’s also important for your safety, too. Visibility could be hindered in the winter month due to frost, ice, snow, and other elements. Making sure your defroster is working, your wiper blades don’t have any cracks or are leaving streaks across your windshield Generally, wiper blades should be replaced every 6 months Don’t forget the windshield wiper fluid! Most vehicles will warn you you’re running low but it is always a good idea to keep it recommended levels Check Your Lights: Your vehicle’s lights tend to be overlooked, but as the days begin to grow darker sooner, your lights become extremely important Think about the last time you changed your headlights and taillights, if you can’t remember, chances are it’s time to change them! If they’re still running smoothly, give them a good cleaning to create better visibility Schedule Your Service Appointment Today!

The summer heat is hot, hot, hot! If you’re feeling the heat, know that your vehicle is also feeling it, and if you don’t give your vehicle the TLC it deserves you might find yourself broken down and paying so big bills to get it fixed! We sure you have some big summer plans still in motion and serious maintenance might not fit in the budget. To avoid that headache, getting your vehicle serviced could be a simple fix! The professionals here at Destination Nissan have the skill and expertise to get your vehicle back into tip-top shape in no time! Plus, when you shop using our service specials you can SAVE BIG on whatever your vehicle might need! Are you more of a DIY person? Lucky for you this week’s blog is for you then! We have a list of services that should be checked off for the summer and almost all of them can be done from the comfort of your home! Don’t know much about your vehicle’s insides? No problem!   your service and stop in today! Coolant: keeping your vehicle cool is super important during the summer, not just for us but for your vehicle as well! Making sure the coolant level is correct is super important, this makes sure that your engine doesn’t overheat. Go the extra mile and check the state of the hoses and coolant reservoir, look for leaks or damage. If you find any make sure you get it fixed as soon as possible! Engine Belts: There is usually a serpentine belt that runs between the alternator, the fan, and several other components. It can deteriorate, become loose, start to squeal, and sometimes just break for no apparent reason. It needs to be in good condition and at the right amount of tension. If you see cracks in the belt or small pieces missing, it's time to replace the belt. Wipers: With hot summer days, come those summer storms we love to watch...even if we don’t want to be stuck in the middle of them. Things happen though and when it does you want to make sure your wipers are working properly so you can stay safe through any type of weather. Other Essential Fluids: Check oil, brake, power-steering and windshield-washer fluids regularly. These liquids never stop being used and consumed. Speaking of brake fluid, how do the brakes on your car feel in general? Are they lacking in a bit? Feeling a bit spongy? If so, new pads and a system bleed might be required. Air-Conditioning System: A summer essential is your car’s AC! If the system isn’t working properly, check for leaks. If the AC is leaking when on that is not good, there are plenty of sealing products you can use to fix this issue. IF this doesn’t resolve the issue bring your car to a mechanic to be serviced. Air Filter: The winter's decomposing leaves may be clogging up drainage points, windshield-washer nozzles or your car's air filter. Now might be a good time to buy a new one or take the current one out and give it a cleaning. Tires: Tires really need to be checked all year long. Your tire pressure needs to be correct (check the owner's manual) in order to work properly and not cause damage to your vehicle. And since summer is the time for road trips you want your tire to be in tip-top shape! Dashboard Sunshade: For those times when you're not driving, but the car is still out in the sun, a cover that goes in the windshield will protect the dashboard against ultraviolet rays and help the cabin stay a little cooler. Some even have solar panels to keep the battery charged. Clean the Car: Now that the sun stays out longer you might catch yourself gazing at the orange orb hanging low in a pinky-blue sky, but if your windshield is dirty you could find this to very dangerous! Even from the inside, that haze will diffuse the light and make things hard to see. That grime has a tendency to build up over a long period, so we don't really notice it. Things look much sharper after your car has had a good wash, though Driver and Passengers: Prepare your car for road trips and adventures with passengers. If a scheduled service is coming up, think about getting it done before a long drive. It's also wise to make sure your insurance and driving license are up to date. Have a great summer, enjoy the roads, and take care of yourself and your car. And in the case that you find yourself in an emergency make sure your car has an emergency flashlight and Service Your Ride For Summer!

Spring has sprung and it’s time to get your ride back into tip-top shape. Many of us might not know too much about what’s under the hood of our vehicle but, when it comes to simple DIY maintenance but with the help of our owners manual and maybe Google, we can figure it out. And although we all love DIY and most importantly saving a couple of extra bucks, there are some services that we should leave to the professionals, even if that means spending a little more than we hoped. So what should we leave to the pros? Great question! Below we have listed out the services that many of us non-mechanic drivers shouldn’t perform on our own. Check them out below and if you have any questions, feel free to give us a call! Don’t touch the transmission. Don’t even change the fluid. If you make a mistake with the transmission you can end up shelling out much more cash that you intended. Your windshield is clearly important, don’t goof with those glass repair kits that say they will fix cracks. You’ll be left with unsatisfactory results, leave it to the pros and skip the hassle of having to do it yourself. Anything electrical, stay away. Definitely leave anything that deals with wiring are off limits! Electrical wiring is delicate and should be handled with care, even if you’re installing a new stereo system. Fuel pump? This guy is very precise, and require a very precise installation. Even the tiniest goof can leave you with a totaled engine, inside and out. Engine diagnostics is a no-brainer, let the professionals take care of your check engine lights and save the money that you would’ve spent on the code reader that doesn’t actually fix anything! Let Us Service Your Ride!

Spring has sprung and that means that it’s time to start your spring cleaning! But as the Capital Region’s go-to for Nissan vehicles, it is only fitting that we remind you not to forget about your vehicle when you start your spring cleaning. I think we’ve all heard the saying, look good, feel good, and it’s true! When you’re cruising down the road, with the windows down and the breeze on your face, you don’t want to get a whiff of last week’s lunch that has been living in your backseat. Plus, warmer weather means more road trips with your friends, but if there isn’t enough room for them to get in, your trip could take a quick detour to lame-ville. So, take a few minutes and check out our helpful checklist below! The main console - Wipe down your console with a damp rag. Make sure to show some love to the cupholders, the change holders, and any other opening, but make sure to steer clear of any electrical connections on the console. Windows and mirrors - It wouldn’t be a huge surprise if your windows and mirrors have accumulated dirt and debris over the winter months. Oh, and if you have children we’re sure their little fingerprints are everywhere! But it’s okay, just use some window cleaner and clean both the inside and outside of the best visibility. Windshield wipers - Spring is known for its impressive rain storms, so making sure that your rides wipers are in tip-top shape is important! Wipers should be changed out every six months, so spring is the perfect time to change them. Carpeting and upholstery - Mud and salt from the winter months are your interior’s biggest enemies. If the back of your seats and doors have muddy footprints or your once gray carpeting is now black, then an interior detailing might be a good idea. Vacuum the carpet and use a carpet cleaning solution to remove any stubborn stains. Use a damp towel to wash the seats of your car. The trunk - We tend to throw everything we’ve ever brought into our vehicles into our trunk. It doesn’t seem like a problem until you need to use your trunk, right? Well, with more adventures in your future it might be time to clean out your trunk. Remove any unnecessary items that may have piled up there during the winter. Vacuum the trunk, tending to the cracks and crevices. Then check the spare tire to make sure that it is properly inflated. The exterior - Feel free to splurge on a full-service cleaning for your vehicle's exterior. The snow, salt, and everything else thrown at it this winter have probably taken a toll on your vehicle’s exterior. Sending it through a car wash is a simple and pretty cost-effective way to get your ride clean fast! If you want to wash the car yourself, use a soft sponge and a mild detergent designed especially for cars. Rinse and wipe the vehicle down with a gentle towel. Follow up with a wax treatment for your car. Engine - The heart of your vehicle is the most critical component and deserves some TLC. Pop open the door and remove any excess grime. If the engine looks significantly dirty, bring it into Destination Nissan and we will professionally clean it! Get Your Ride Ready For Spring!

Caring for the paint job on your vehicle is important and one of the best ways to keeping your vehicle looking brand new, and who doesn’t want that?! Regular Washing and cleaning, followed by drying, polishing, and waxing, adds a protective coating to your vehicle and provides your paint with extra protection to its exterior! In four easy steps, you can keep your vehicle looking brand new and keep the value of your vehicle higher than it would be without this maintenance. Step 1: Wash your car You’ll need  a bucket, car wash solution, microfiber towel (or mitt), soft-bristled brush, and a water hose Washing a car on a regular basis helps keep it free of dirt, debris, and gritty residue that can accumulate over time tart washing your car from the roof of the vehicle and work your way down to the bottom of the vehicle Use a soft-bristled brush, in small, circular motions, to remove more stubborn stains and grease. Use a microfiber cloth to clean less dirty areas. Step 2: Dry your vehicle Rinse your car as you go to prevent the soap and water from drying on your car. The ideal car-washing method is to soap up and wash an area, followed by a quick rinse, before moving on. After drying your car to remove the majority of the moisture, allow it to air dry completely before proceeding to the detailing phase Part 3: Detail your car You’ll need a clay bar, compound, glaze, microfiber towels, and polish Use a microfiber towel or mitt when working with any detailing compound, glaze, or polish. On the surface of your vehicle, you can still find dirt, even after washing it! A microfiber towel should help it lift dirt away from the surface Don't forget to clean and shine your tires, which are one of the most overlooked areas of a vehicle. Part 4: Wax your vehicle: You’ll need car buffer, car wax, polisher, microfiber towels. Paint conditioner Apply wax using a microfiber towel or a clean buffing pad using the car buffer. Proceed with applying the wax a section at a time, allowing the wax to set before removal. Take a microfiber cloth and use circular motions with the buffer to rub in the wax. Repeat this process until you have waxed the entire surface of the vehicle. Let us service your vehicle for you!

Has one of those shiny lights popped-up on your dashboard? If so, that means it’s time to service your car! If you have never had to service your car, don’t worry it isn’t as bad as you think but it is important to know what you should expect. Mechanics tend to use jargon that you have no idea what they’re saying which could leave you feeling confused and to think you had no idea what was going on, to begin with! Well, I’ll get you fully prepared to ensure a smooth and easy car servicing! Get to know your car: Just because a light hasn’t gone off in your car doesn’t mean your car shouldn't be serviced. Check the manufacturer’s manual to see what is advised in terms of how often your car should be serviced. Before heading to the shop you should also know your mileage and the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). You will need to present this when meeting with the service advisor. Choosing a service Center You Trust: A good service center won’t overcharge you or try to upsell you on unnecessary services. So do some homework beforehand, get some quotes, and see if they seem trustworthy. Make sure you write down all of the information you are given and ask for names so that you have a name for future reference. The Waiting Game: Grab the essentials out of your car and grab a seat, depending on what your car is being serviced for you might be there a while. Remember to pack a book, phone, laptop, etc to keep you entertained and less antsy. Once you get your keys back don’t just run right out the door, take a minute and ask the technician if there were any extensive wear and tear and if there is anything to help combat the issue your car was experiencing. Once all of your questions have been answered you’re free to go and you will no longer need to be stressed about servicing your car ever again! Let Us Service Your Vehicle!

Do you consider yourself to be a handy person? Great news! We love when people take the initiative to get familiar with the inner workings of their vehicles’ engines. However, no matter how handy you are, there are some essential maintenance functions that you should 100% leave to the professionals. I don’t care how many socket wrenches you have, if you need to take care of any of the following issues, take your vehicle to the shop here at Destination Nissan to have Nissan-certified experts take care of your vehicle! Don’t touch the transmission. Don’t even change the fluid. If you make a mistake with the transmission you’re in for a much more expensive repair than you had on your hands before you decided to try and repair it. Your windshield is another thing that you need to bring to glass professionals. Even those store bought kits that say they fix cracks, well. A professional will get the job done seamlessly, and the kit won’t provide satisfactory results. Just get a pro in there and you’ll be set. Anything to do with wiring should be off-limits; trying to tinker with anything in the car that has a lot of delicate electronics is a bad idea. So no putting in a new sound system on your own! Do you know how bad electrical fires are? Stay away! Don’t think about touching the fuel pump, either. This is not only a very precise part, but it requires precise installation and even the smallest mixup can total your engine from the inside out. Don’t try your hand at engine diagnostics. This should be a no-brainer. The little code reader you can get that turns off the check engine light doesn’t actually fix anything, so why waste money that you could spend on getting what’s making the light come on repaired? Take A Look At Our Service Department