If you own a recent Nissan vehicle, there’s a good chance that it comes with the NissanConnect infotainment system. This system is an integrated audio, communication, and navigation system that works with your smartphone to provide a more pleasant and safer driving experience. It enables hands-free calling and texting, audio streaming, navigation, access to mobile apps, and a lot more. If you’re using NissanConnect for the first time, the first thing you need to do is connect your phone to it. Here’s how.

Connecting Your Phone to NissanConnect

First of all, you have to switch on both your smartphone and NissanConnect system. On your phone, go to “Settings” and select “Bluetooth.” If the infotainment system is equipped with navigation, press the “phone” button on it, select “Connect,” and then choose “Connect New Device.” If it doesn’t have navigation, push the “Setting” button on the system, press “Bluetooth,” and then select “Add Phone.”  After that, connect to “MY-CAR” on your smartphone. You’ll then see a PIN on the NissanConnect display and your phone. If the numbers match, press “OK.”

The NissanConnect infotainment system can be a very useful tool if you know how to make the most of it. It offers an extensive selection of features and apps to make traveling more fun and efficient, including Google, Facebook, Twitter, Pandora, iHeartRadioTripAdvisorSiriusXM Travel Link, Nissan Navigation System, and others.

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Black goes with everything and always looks sleek. Nissan creates a bumper to bumper black-out look with a special edition, available on most of their vehicles. The Midnight Edition is a package that offers upgrades and a truly beautiful car with a mysterious style. Find this edition available on the Sentra, Maxima, Rogue, AltimaMurano, and Pathfinder, and Nissan has extended this package to its trucks for 2018.

Color Options

Every vehicle comes with three color options to accentuate the midnight styling. Choose from Super Black, Magnetic Black, or Gun Metallic, and Pearl White or Glacier White. Color names vary depending on the model, but a monochromatic mystery look is the goal with each option.

Accents to Match

Midnight Edition styling runs throughout the exterior accents for a completely distinguished style. Alloy wheels are painted black in various sizes depending on the vehicle. Midnight badging featured on the exterior showcases this special-edition package.

Other accents include a painted black grille with a dark insert, rearview mirrors, with signaling on SUV and truck models, along with the door handles. Get black-accented LED headlights available on some models. SUV editions come with black painted roof rails, cross bars, splash guards, and step rails or illuminated kick plates depending on the model. Keep the style going on the interior with available Midnight Edition floor mats.

Head to Destination Nissan to experience the full package the Midnight Edition has to offer in person, and even take one for a test drive.

Image via Flickr by Jakub Kajdaniuk

The Nissan Pathfinder is the perfect mid-size SUV offering all the power, space, and capability you need with the available perks you want. With only four trim levels to choose from, finding the right fit for you is easy. Here are some features to keep in mind when deciding on your ideal trim level.

S Trim

Each level comes standard with a 3.5L V6 engine that creates 284 horsepower and averages 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. An 8-inch touch screen infotainment system offers hands-free Bluetooth capability. Choose between 2WD4WD, and automatic modes for the control you want in every condition. Keep the cabin comfortable with three-zone climate control and reclining second-row seating.

SV Trim

Add a remote start system, and increased visibility with fog lights and intelligent headlights. Have your vehicle exactly the way you want it when you enter with the Intelligent key system that will start climate control remotely. The rear sonar system adds ease to parking situations.

SL Trim

Get all the perks of the lower trims plus a hands-free liftgate and leather interior accents. Add to the safety package with smart cruise control and blind spot monitoring systems.

Platinum Trim

For all the top-of-the-line features, go with the Platinum trim level. Aluminum-alloy 20-inch wheels add style, while a Bose 13-speaker premium audio system adds superior sound. Also enjoy heated and cooled driver and front passenger seats plus LED headlights.

Stop by Destination Nissan to view these trim options in person and see which one fits your needs.

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Raise your hand if you’ve ever played the game. If you hear the words “The game” and that doesn’t stir in you a guttural reaction, perhaps even vague panic, you have not played the game. The game is very simple. Your car’s fuel indicator light on your dashboard flickers to life by way of a glowing orange E, and thus the game begins. How far can you go before completely and utterly running out of gas? In this game, there really are no winners…just losers and people who were lucky enough to find a gas station. Aside from the sheer humiliation of having to push your vehicle to the side of the road because your little car used up its last fumes of gas during morning traffic, there are a number of reasons to not let your vehicle’s fuel get so low. Here are three reasons why you shouldn’t drive around on empty – or close to it:

 

1. Wearing out the fuel pump

The gas in your car “acts like a coolant for the electric fuel-pump motor, so when you run very low, this allows the pump to suck in air, which creates heat and can cause the fuel pump to wear prematurely and potentially fail. This may not be an instant problem, but over time it is something that could have a costly, negative outcome, such as a couple hundred dollar repair.

 

2. Fuel gauge isn’t always accurate

Your fuel gauge is not an exact science. It’s more of a rough estimate of what’s going on in there. For example, E in your car could mean you’ve got 35 miles before you can’t drive anymore or it could mean game over buddy. The reality is, running on low puts you at risk of getting stranded or being in an accident when the car suddenly stops running on the road.

 

3. Sediment

Sediment from gasoline settles at the bottom of every gas tank. The lower you let your gas levels dip, the more the dirt gets stirred up from the bottom of the tank. This causes your car to use the dirtiest fuel in its tank. You also risk the dirt getting into your car’s fuel line and engine. If the engine clogs up with dirt, the entire fuel engine system will need to be flushed, which could rack up another hundred dollar bill.

 

So the next time you’re dipping below a quarter of a tank, choose life and fill up your tank. Don’t play the game. Better still, if you’re tired of having to fill up your car so frequently, stop by Destination Nissan and check out our wide selection of fuel-efficient vehicles.

Albany doesn’t only have excellent commuter biking infrastructure; it also provides easy access to some of the best recreational biking spots in upstate New York. From city parks to mountain outcroppings, it offers a wide range of challenges for bikers of all skill levels. Here are three great mountain biking spots around Albany.

Mohawk Hudson Hike-Bike Trail

The Mohawk Hudson Hike-Bike Trail stretches for 86 miles from the banks of the Hudson River in Albany to Rotterdam. This popular bike trail has about 50 access points, including parking lots and roadside parking. It runs along local roads and a former railroad bed. Most parts of the trail are easy, with a paved or stone-dust surface.

Erie Canalway Trail

This multipurpose trail covers a distance of 39 miles from Albany to Schenectady. It’s mostly flat but has a few hills and inclines in the Capital region. There are many places along this trail that are worth exploring.

Thatcher Park Trail

The Thatcher Park Trail is located 15 miles southwest of Albany in the Thatcher State Park. Measuring about 25 miles long, it’s a preferred destination for nature-loving bikers. Along the trail, you’ll get stunning views of the Catskills, Adirondacks, and Green Mountains, as well as beautiful waterfalls. The trail has both easy and challenging parts.

There are many other good mountain biking trails in and around Albany. You may discover a few on your own as you explore the region. Put on your helmet, and head out to enjoy some beautiful scenery and fresh air.

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If you’re residing or vacationing in New York, you should consider going upstate to have some fun in the snow this winter. Home to some of the best ski fields in the country, Albany offers a wide range of exciting skiing opportunities for both beginners and experts. Here are three ski fields in the area that are worth visiting.

Whiteface Mountain

Located about 140 miles north of Albany, Whiteface Mountain is one of the most preferred destinations for advanced skiing in Upstate New York. It’s a regular venue for national and international skiing events. However, it also offers lessons to beginner skiers. This ski field features 87 trails, 11 lifts, glades skiing, terrain parks, and six restaurants.

McCauley Mountain

With a vertical drop of 633 feet, McCauley Mountain is situated about 140 miles northwest of Albany. Despite its small size, this mountain offers a diversity of skiing opportunities that’s usually only available on mountains three times its size, from long cruisers to double-back diamond challenges. It has 21 slopes and trails, two T-bar lifts, a double-chair lift, and rope tows.

Gore Mountain

Gore Mountain is a great destination for a family skiing trip. Located about 84 miles north of Albany, this resort offers 108 trails, 14 lifts, and six dining options. It also has advanced snow-making equipment spanning 98 percent of its total area to create the ideal skiing conditions.

Whether you’re interested in downhill or cross-country skiing or snowboarding, you’ll have no trouble finding a suitable ski resort near Albany. The city’s proximity to the Catskills, Adirondacks, and Green Mountains make it a perfect base for winter activities.

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Whether you’re a resident or tourist in Albany, you should take some time to explore the diverse food options available in the city. Besides having a sumptuous dining experience in a popular restaurant, you can also grab a quick bite at a deli the locals favor. Here are three great sandwich shops in Albany.

Maurice’s Pearl Street Delicatessen

Located in downtown Albany, Maurice’s Pearl Street Delicatessen is a family-owned sandwich shop that provides an authentic New-York-style deli experience. It makes its sandwiches with traditionally-cooked deli meats, made-from-scratch dressings, and locally baked fresh bread. Patrons recommend that you try its roast beef, corned beef, and pastrami sandwiches, which are prepared with perfectly-cooked top-grade beef.

Cardona’s Market

Cardona’s Market has a deli that offers cold cuts, sandwiches, and salads. There are 20 different types of cold cuts for you to choose from, including Boars Head quality cold cut meats and homemade roast beef and turkey. In addition, this deli has 17 signature sandwiches, baked ciabatta sandwiches, hot and cold subs, and a great selection of ingredients for building your own sandwich.

Genoa Importing

This Italian deli is situated about five miles north of Albany in Loudonville. Besides sandwiches and subs, it also serves stuffed focaccias, pasta, pizzas, salads, and soups. Its sandwich menu comprises 30 items, from the regular roast beef and ham-and-cheese sandwiches to Italian deli fare such as bologna and mortadella sandwiches.

Other than these three sandwich shops, there are many other places in and around Albany that offer fresh, delicious sandwiches. You may discover a few hidden gems on your own while you’re exploring the city.

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Image via Flickr by Eric Hossinger

 

If you need a truck for work or for life, then you will want to consider the Nissan Frontier. It is a great truck for getting things done quickly, efficiently, and safely. It can also make work a bit more fun. Here’s how the 2018 Nissan Frontier gets the job done.

Secure Hauling

While most trucks are capable of hauling heavy loads, doing so may not always be safe. That is because it can be difficult to secure heavy loads. The 2018 Nissan Frontier has an optional Utili-Track channel system designed with multiple channels and connection points to help you secure heavy loads. That way, you can feel comfortable driving with whatever you need to haul.

High-Powered Engine

The 2018 Nissan Frontier is capable of towing up to 6,710 pounds thanks to its 4-liter V-6 engine. This means you can tow recreational vehicles and midsized trailers. You can even take them off-road since the Frontier can handle rough terrain without losing power.

Off-Road Capabilities

The 2018 Nissan Frontier is capable of going off-road easily. It is equipped with a V-6 engine, five-speed automatic transmission, and Bilstein off-road shocks. The Frontier also comes with all-terrain tires that can handle dirt and snow easily.

Nissan’s 2018 models are going to bring some significant changes to the market. If you need a working vehicle that is great for your personal life too, then the Nissan Frontier is a great option. Visit Destination Nissan to see how the 2018 Nissan Frontier can make next year more productive.

The Nissan Sentra has been a leading sedan for years. It is praised for its design, style, safety, and affordability. The 2018 model year is quickly approaching, and the Sentra has a new version coming out. Here are three things you’ll love about the 2018 Nissan Sentra.

Sensor Technology

Cars are getting sensor technologies to help you drive more effectively. The 2018 Nissan Sentra comes with a standard sensor technology package, which includes lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic warning, blind spot warning, and automatic emergency braking systems. These systems give you an advantage in avoiding accidents.

New Style

The Sentra is getting a new style with unique design features. One of the most notable features is the headlight design that is only available on the Sentra. The grille has been redesigned as well, giving the Sentra a more aggressive, sporty design. Combined with 17-inch alloy wheels, the 2018 Nissan Sentry is changing the overall Nissan style.

Customizable Features

There is a wide range of customizations you can choose for your Sentra. Fog lights, spoilers, and floor mats are common customizations. However, you can add features like a remote engine start system, Siri Eyes Free, and a Bose premium audio system.

The 2018 Nissan Sentra is going to be a big step forward for Nissan next year. Visit Destination Nissan to find out more about the upcoming 2018 models, including the 2018 Nissan Sentra, and how they can make your driving experience safer, more affordable, and more enjoyable.

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Keeping your car clean is important, but it can be challenging. It is very easy to get dirt and other debris trapped in your car, and the only way to get it out is to use a vacuum. There is a process that makes it easier. Here’s how to vacuum your car like a pro.

Use the Right Vacuum

You can vacuum your car with any type of vacuum, but using the right vacuum makes it much easier. You want one that has enough suction power to pick up debris, can use bristle attachments, and can easily reach deep into your car. Shop-Vacs work very well for this purpose, since they have long hoses and are flexible. You can even get the right attachments from places like Walmart.

Start From the Top

It is important to start from the highest surface and work your way down. That way, any loose debris that is knocked down will be vacuumed up later. The dashboard is a good place to start, followed by the armrests, seats, and then the floor.

Start Big, Then Go for the Small

Another good tip is to start with large open areas, then go for the small places that need other attachments or flexibility. This will let you see the most progress in the shortest amount of time. This also keeps debris from falling into crevices and hidden spots after you vacuumed them.

Vacuuming your car is important for maintaining its value over time. The service team at Destination Nissan can help you find better ways of vacuuming your car and keeping it clean.

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