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Ok, friends, we are officially in the week of Thanksgiving! This means MANY THINGS. Namely, a short work week (blessings upon blessings) and ending the week strong with Black Friday and Cyber Monday! So I can comfortably say that I will be fat and happy this weekend. Adding to those blessings, Destination Nissan has a number of AWESOME deals on vehicles that expire at the end of the month, so your time to take advantage of these savings is RUNNING OUT. With vehicles like the 2017 Nissan Sentra S for $0 down and $198 per month for a 36-month lease, and the 2017 Nissan Rogue Sport S AWD which can be leased for $0 due at inception and $258 a month you’ll be feeling all kinds of thankful! Other specials include 2017 Nissan Rogue S AWD and the 2017 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV! For more details on these incredible savings, check out our website and go to our New Vehicle Specials page! So if you want to feel truly #Blessed this year, stop by Destination Nissan, at 770 Central Ave, Albany, NY 12206! *All specials expire on 11/30/17 see specials page for full details. Check Out Our Specials Today

Your vehicle is a complex creature that, much like a human baby, needs a lot of attention and fluids to function. Fortunately, there are magical service centers like the one at Destination Nissan that can take care of your vehicle’s many needs for you. If you are the kind of person that likes to know what’s going on in your car and what it needs, this is a blog that will help you understand what some of the fluids that make your vehicle work and why they are important! Check it out! Brake Fluid Brake fluid ensures that you are able to stop when you want to stop. Check your brake fluid every time you have your oil changed and look to replace the fluid every 2 years. Your brake fluid can be checked by looking through the brake fluid reservoir on the driver side of the vehicle and should be a golden color. If the fluid looks brown, you need to change the fluid. Brake fluid should never get low, so if it looks low, or if your brakes don’t feel as responsive and you need to use more pressure to stop, check your fluid first. Coolant Coolant doesn’t just keep your engine cool. It actually keeps your engine the optimal temperature, preventing it from getting too cold or too hot. Your coolant should not get low, so if it does, you very likely have a leak. You can usually identify a coolant leak by a very distinct sweet maple syrup smell. Coolant can be checked by looking at the overflow reservoir (an opaque white container under the hood) and seeing if the fluid level is at or above the minimum line. If your coolant level is low, be sure to add the same type of coolant already in the vehicle. Check your coolant levels at least every 6 months, once before winter and once again before summer. Your coolant should be replaced every 2 to 3 years. Engine Oil Engine oil is probably the one fluid other than fuel that you know your vehicle needs. Engine oil lubricates the engine and absorbs heat to help your vehicle from overheating. Some experts recommend you check your oil every time you fill up with gas, but checking once a month should be fine for newer vehicles. Your oil can be checked by lifting the hood, removing the oil cap (it should be labeled, and if not consult your Owner’s Manual) to find the dipstick, taking the stick out and wiping it off, put it back in and then finally take it out one more time. The stick will show you what your oil level is. The color of the oil will tell you if it needs to be changed out. Make sure your car is off and has been off for at least 10 minutes before checking your engine oil. Power Steering Fluid Power steering fluid keeps your steering running smoothly. If you feel or hear a creaking as you steer, your power steering fluid may be running low. You can check the level by opening the hood and checking the reservoir. If you do notice the power steering fluid is low, it’s worth having your vehicle looked at by your friends at Destination Nissan. Checking your power steering fluid monthly will help avoid any leak based issues. It’s also important to note that your power steering fluid may never need replacing, but it doesn’t hurt to keep track. Transmission Fluid Your transmission fluid is a lubricant like your engine oil.  Instead of lubricating your engine, it keeps your vehicle’s gears moving. Checking your transmission fluid is a lot like checking your engine oil, except you will want your vehicle on when you check your transmission fluid. Transmission fluid should be checked at each oil change interval and replaced typically every 30,000 miles. The fluid should be red, so if you notice that it’s brown and smells vaguely burnt, you should replace the fluid. Your transmission fluid should not get low, so if it does, stop by Destination Nissan and we’ll check it out to see what’s going on. Keeping up with the needs of your vehicle can be a lot, but now that you have a better understanding of a few of the fluids your vehicle needs and how to check them, it’s not so scary! If your vehicle does need some maintenance your friends here at Destination Nissan are here to help, so stop by today. Get Your Vehicle Serviced Today

The Ford EcoSport is returning to the United States for the first time in more than a decade. As you can imagine, it's a more modern version than the last one seen in the U.S. In particular, there are two impressive technology features you should check out. Ford Sync 3 Ford Sync, the automaker's infotainment connectivity system, has been getting better with each iteration and update. For those unfamiliar, Ford Sync has all sorts of handy technology features, including serving as a Wi-Fi hot spot and accepting voice commands. The main attraction is the ability to use your mobile device through the central touchscreen, and the latest Ford Sync makes this easier than ever. Thanks to user-friendly design, the system is secure but also convenient if you need to switch to different devices. Floating Touchscreen Speaking of the central infotainment screen, Ford is ahead of the curve on the new trend in "no-touch" screens. This new user-friendly technology requires that you only place your finger near a part of the screen to register the touch, and also understands gestures like pinching to zoom in or out on a picture. Anyone interested in a compact SUV with the latest infotainment technology should give the 2018 EcoSport a chance. Ford plans to release the model to dealers in early 2018, so keep an eye out after the start of the new year. For the time being, we welcome you to take a look at our inventory and ask about any models that interest you. We hope to hear from you soon. Image via Flickr by Zytonits

The changing colors and breezy weather make weekend getaways in Connecticut the perfect way to relax during the fall season. If you are looking for a quick retreat in the Connecticut area, check out one of the fabulous fall weekend getaways listed below. The Mansion at Bald Hill Nestled in the South Woodstock area of Connecticut, in the area known as the Quiet Corner, The Mansion at Bald Hill is a bed and breakfast as well as a historic landmark. The B&B holds six rooms, three of which are outfitted as suites and an onsite fine dining restaurant owned by head chefs Joel Theriaque and Scott Plantier. During your visit to the Woodstock area, there is plenty to see and do including Mystic River Cruises, the Fitchburg Art Museum, or the Taylor Brooke Winery. Water's Edge Resort and Spa The Water's Edge Resort and Spa offers a wide range of amenities to complete the perfect package for your fall weekend getaway. For dining, the resort offers multiple options ranging from fine dining to bar and grill fare. No matter what way you like to unwind, the resort has something to offer. You can choose from a multitude of spa services and even attend various events throughout the year, such as concerts. During your stay, there are many area attractions to add to your must-see list including The Connecticut Wine Trail, Mystic Aquarium, The Ivoryton Playhouse, and The Essex Steam Train and Riverboat. If you like to shop, you can spend the day at one of the many local outlets. No matter what you are looking for, Connecticut has something for vacation goers of all ages. Make the most of the fall season in Connecticut by choosing a relaxing weekend excursion to one of the locations listed above. ib1987 deerfield ma massachusetts the berkshires colorful maple trees along the street in historic deerfield in the autumn Image via Flickr by Sangre-La.com

The changing fall colors can make for a beautiful scenic excursion in and around the Albany area. To make the most of this fall season and enjoy all nature has to offer, put one of the picturesque fall drives listed below on your itinerary. Black River Trail This scenic drive stretches over 100 miles from the Canadian border to the city of Rome. You can enjoy the foliage as you continue south along Route 26 through the rural country. The route provides for some fantastic photo opportunities along the ridge or in Whetstone Gulf State Park. "The Ridge" in New Platz The scenic route nicknamed " The Ridge " continues along Mountain Rest Road from New Platz to High Falls. The route includes wooded areas on both sides, giving excellent views of the changing foliage. You will also have exposure to some beautiful farmland scenery, as well as breathtaking views of the Catskill Mountains. Blue Ridge Roads Beginning in the north in the town of Hudson, the Blue Ride Road drive continues west past Fort Ticonderoga toward Newcomb and ending at Long Lake. This remote trip extends through a portion of Vanderwhacker Mountain Wild Forest, wherein one section you will drive through a golden tunnel of fall leaves. Whether you prefer scenic drives through rural farmland or winding mountain roads with beautiful color changes, the Albany area has a route for any traveler. On your next trip to the upstate New York area, take a drive on one or all of the routes listed above to enjoy the changing colors this fall season. Images via Flickr by KimonBerlin

The Nissan Leaf is the first and last car to consider if you're looking for an affordable but fun electric car. The question becomes, which of its three trim levels suits you best? Take a look at what's included with each model below. S All models feature a powertrain setup with 107 horsepower and a max travel length of 107 miles. The starting S trim includes heated front seats, a 5-inch central infotainment display with a rearview backup camera and Bluetooth, a USB port, and a 60/40-split folding rear seat. The S also offers an optional, more powerful charger and port. SV Step up to the mid-level SV to upgrade the wheels from plain steel to alloy. The infotainment screen is replaced with a more advanced 7-inch alternative with full navigation and the NissanConnect app system. The seats also get imitation-suede instead of cloth. The SV and top-tier SL both include the S model's optional faster charger and port as well. Both the SV and SL offer a Premium package with a 360-degree camera system and a premium speaker setup. SL Finally, we have the top-class Leaf SL, with fog lights, heated rear seats to go with the ones up front, LED headlights, and suave natural leather seat upholstery. As you can see, the 2017 LEAF SL is less of a jump in features from the SV than the SV is from the S. Consider the S if it's appropriate for your budget, and consider the SV or SL if these additional features and options look like something you and your passengers would appreciate. If you have any questions, contact us today and we'll happily answer them. Image via Flickr by automobileitalia

If Nissan's sports cars have you intrigued, but you're not sure where to start, no worries. Take a look at each of their three modern sports cars below, in order of price range and features. 370Z Coupe The 370Z coupe is a mix of advanced driver support and practicality. Standard features on the base model include automatic bi-xenon headlights, push button start, automatic climate control, Bluetooth, and a 3.7-liter V-6 that puts out either 332 horsepower in the base model or 350 on the NISMO. 370Z Roadster Nissan also offers a soft-top convertible 370Z at a slightly higher price, but the Roadster is still one of the most affordable options for anyone seeking a convertible. The model is fairly identical to the Coupe in terms of power and features, with a few light differences. For instance, the Coupe has a Sport Tech trim level, but the Convertible gets a Sport Roadster alternative, and only the Sport Roadster gets ventilated and heated seats. GT-R This is no budget sports car, and that fact is reflected in every jaw-dropping aspect of the GT-R. Standard features include almost everything seen on the 370Z, plus 20-inch wheels, an eight-inch touch screen infotainment and navigation screen with voice controls, an 11-speaker Bose Premium audio system with active noise cancellation, front and rear parking sensors, and a graceful adaptive suspension with fully customizable driving modes. This is to say nothing of the NISMO, which pushes the horsepower from 565 to a clean 600. Take a look at our inventory to see what kind of 370Z and GT-R models are available on our lot today, and feel free to ask us questions by phone or email. We're happy to help you pick one of these awesome Nissan machines. Image via Flickr by FotoSleuth

The 2018 Nissan Pathfinder is here, and families seeking a new SUV should not pass it up. Here are three things that this spacious Nissan family hauler has going for it, including a few brand new features added for 2018. Rear Door Alert Ever forgotten groceries in the backseat and ruined your frozen food? If you opened either of the rear doors, whether for passengers, pets, or anything else, the new Rear Door Alert system shines a warning on the instrument panel to look there before you leave the vehicle. If you do start to leave, it will play a chirping alarm. There's no way to forget if you left something in the rear seats. If you don't find that system necessary or just want the audio portion disabled, you can customize it and other safety features. Roomy But Light Perfectly situated between the compact Rogue and hefty Armada, the Pathfinder has plenty of room in both seat rows and a very solid 16 cubic feet of cargo space. The second row easily slides back to offer up to 47.8 cubic feet of total space when using only the front row. Automatic Emergency Braking Another awesome change for 2018 is that automatic emergency braking is now standard on all models. Forward collision warning is also standard across the board, as the features belong together. You don't have to worry about sacrificing fundamental collision-prevention technology when choosing the budget-friendly S trim level. The 2017 Pathfinder earned five out of five stars from the NHTSA and the IIHS Top Safety Pick award, and its even higher safety standard for 2018 will likely earn the same scores or better. Compare versions, take a look at our inventory, and contact us today if you're interested in a Pathfinder. Image via Flickr by Carsfera.com

It's important to take a break from the grind and enjoy an evening of laughs every so often. The best way is to skip the TV and go see someone funny in person, so here are three ways to do just that in Albany. Funny Bone This comedy club and restaurant at Crossgates Mall has all sorts of local and national stand-up comedians, plus the occasional event, such as Battle of the Comics. Funny Bone also has a higher standard of cuisine than the average comedy club and restaurant, with enticing dishes such as the pulled pork sandwich with blueberry Habanero sauce. The Upper Room This lounge has a mix of comedy events and live music. Its connected restaurant is the Pearl St. Pub, an eclectic and dark setting with pool tables, TVs, and other sports bar fair. Most of the Upper Room's events are live music, but check their schedule from time to time and you could catch a surprising visit from a world-renown comic. Zuzu's Wonderful Life Are you a fan of improv, whether watching or participating? This community venue with an adjacent cafe has tons of different local Albany events, and not necessarily all comedy. It's the chief place in the city for improv groups, belly dancers, and other meet-ups. It's a smaller, more intimate setting with about twelve tables, so be sure to book in advance for any events that interests you. We hope you unwind at one of these three places soon, because they're all worth checking out and we could all use a break from the stress and hassle of daily commutes, school, etc. You won't be sorry, so do yourself a favor and mark something down on your calendar today. Image via Flickr by p_a_h

It's the Halloween season, and that means there are all sorts of heart-pounding scares awaiting you. However, if you're more into the purportedly real haunted houses, and not the carnival scare-fests, check out these three real places and their disturbing histories. Hulbert House The subject of an episode of Haunted Collectors, the Hulbert house is a still-operating hotel built in 1812 that served famous individuals such as Horace Greeley and Ulysses S. Grant. According to some guests, there are multiple sightings of the same ghost: Wayne, a civil war soldier. People also claim to hear children playing upstairs in bizarre hours of the night. Cherry Hill Currently a museum, this home is now known as the scene of Albany's last public hanging in 1827. John Whipple, one of the estate's residents, was hung to death for murdering his wife's lover. It's a wild real-life love triangle story, and visitors claim to hear and see all sorts of confusing occurrences where it happened, perhaps by those involved in the drama centuries ago. Canfield Casino This old event venue (not actually an active casino) in Saratoga Springs has multiple claims of physical contact with paranormal phenomena. Outside of that draw, it's also a lovely spot used for weddings and other special events, thanks to its grand ballrooms and beautiful grounds. Take note that there are quite a few other options near Albany, including the many now-abandoned asylums and historic patches of road. You could plan quite the weekend tour exploring various haunted places in the area, but make sure to include at least one of these three places. Image via Flickr by Guru Sno Studios

I am a true Star Wars fanatic. I was the kid with the Star Wars lunch box and action figures at school. I spent a decent amount of my formative years waiting for the force to awaken within my soul, but alas, it, much like my letter to Hogwarts, never arrived. BUT, you know what did arrive this year? The Nissan Rogue: Rogue One Star Wars Limited Edition vehicle! Guys, I have been waiting my entire natural born life for something this wonderful to happen! There are only 5,400 Nissan Rogue: Rogue One Star Wars Limited Edition vehicles produced (5,000 in the U.S and 400 in Canada)! Each limited edition Rogue comes with an exclusive numbered, full-size replica collectible Death Trooper helmet (I already have one, but like… you can never have too many). Based on the 2017 Rogue SV grade level with Sun and Sound Touring Package (Panoramic Moonroof and Bose® audio) and offered in front-wheel and all-wheel drive, it features signature LED headlights, black grille and lower finisher, black rear door finisher, black roof rails and door handles, D-pillar “Rebel Alliance” and “Galactic Empire” logo decals, “Star Wars” logo clear rear bumper protector and Rogue One logo badging on the front doors. Inside, special features include logo carpeted floor mats, “Star Wars” logo illuminated kickplates, “Rebel Alliance” and “Galactic Empire” logos in cupholder inserts and interior accent lighting. It is offered in just two colors – Magnetic Black and Glacier White – and one interior color, charcoal. “The Nissan Rogue and the first Star Wars standalone movie share more than just a name. The Star Wars film franchise has pushed the boundaries of technology since the debut of the original episode nearly 40 years ago,” said Jeremy Tucker, vice president, Marketing Communications & Media, Nissan North America, Inc. “Nissan is doing the same with its industry-leading cars, trucks, and SUVs like the new Rogue – our most advanced Rogue to date – so it’s natural that the two join forces.” I may have an adult job and responsibilities, but I’m still just a small child dreaming of joining the ranks of Jedi masters. Just think about how amazing it would be to “use the force” every time you get behind the wheel of your Nissan crossover, and share a part of movie history with your children. To check out the Nissan Rogue, stop by Destination Nissan today! Check Out the Nissan Rogue Today

Football Season is in full swing! Have you planned to go to any of the big games yet? Is your jersey clean? Where are those blue socks you love? HAVE YOU RESTOCKED ON FACE PAINT?! You can literally never have too much face paint. More importantly though, are you ready to tailgate? Do you have everything you need? Have you tailgated before? It’s ok if you haven’t. We’ll walk you through what to do and how to do it. Check out these helpful tips that even the seasoned tailgater will find useful. 1. Create a Tailgating Toolkit First things first, assemble your tailgating emergency kit. This can be as simple as a large Tupperware container or a simple toolbox. I have made mine in a toolbox because it makes organizing my supplies WAY easier. Let’s talk about the essentials. You’re going to need spatulas, a basting brush, mini flashlight, and trash bags. It also won’t hurt to have toothpicks, wooden skewers, and plastic zip bags on hand. Your next tier of supplies will be your condiments, spices, and seasonings essential to your most delicious tailgate feast. The weather has been a touch temperamental lately, so it’ll be important to pack sunscreen and a plastic poncho so that you can enjoy yourself no matter what the weather is doing. I also strongly recommend hand wipes, hand sanitizer, and some paper towels. You know the food was good if you’re a mess, so you’re going to want to have these easy cleanup supplies around. 2. Maximize Your Space If you’re trying to turn your vehicle into tailgating central, you’ll want to maximize your space. Keep in mind that you’ll need to have space ready for preparing and serving your food, in addition to all of your team’s gear displayed proudly wherever you can. If you have an SUV like the Nissan Rogue or the Nissan Murano that has a trunk that lifts to open, you can set up a tarp off the back of your vehicle. This way you’ll have a shaded and dry area to set out the food and set up your gear. Don’t let any surfaces go to waste. Your car’s dashboard, roof, and tailgate can all be utilized. You can add more space by bringing along blankets and folding tables too. 3. Find the Right Parking Spot 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. Make sure you set out balloons or a banner or something so that your friends can find you. 4. Keep Everyone Entertained The best tailgating parties need more than food and good conversation. Hook up some sweet speakers and have music or play or perhaps even consider bringing along a large television so everyone can watch the pre-game action. Popular tailgating games will also create the right atmosphere. Cornhole, Kan Jam, and ladder ball are quality choices. Your car is easily the life of the party this sporting season with these easy tailgating tips. Now all you have to do is make sure you have the perfect car for the job! Stop by Destination Nissan today and find your perfect vehicle for tailgating and beyond! Tailgate Like A Pro Today