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We might not like it, and most of us don’t, but the truth is, it gets dark before most of us leave work in Albany, Schenectady, Latham, Saratoga, and Clifton Park, NY this time of year. And with that change comes a new set of road hazards and smart driving practices. Check them out below and stay safe this winter!

  1. Turn down your interior lights to avoid compromising your forward vision. Also, don’t look directly into the lights of oncoming vehicles.
  2. Avoid staring in one direction for too long. Your depth perception isn’t as strong in the dark, making your eyes work harder. If you stare for too long your eyes will get dry and tired which is dangerous.
  3. Check that your headlights are aimed right. If they’re not, you won’t get the most out of them.
  4. Leave some extra room between you and the other drivers. Remember you can only control your actions, not other people’s. You never know when they’re going to stop short, so leave some more space than usual.
  5. Clean your windshield before driving at night. It might look fine in the daylight, but we promise, when oncoming headlights hit it, you’ll see streaks and smudges you didn’t know were there.
  6. Drive when you’re tired is like driving under the influence. If you need to, rest your eyes before heading out, or even take a cat nap on your lunch break.

30125225_49ef10e012_bSkiing in Albany is a favorite pastime of New Yorkers and visitors alike. If you’re looking to get your ski on this winter, the following are some awesome locations you should check out in Albany this year.

West Mountain Ski Area

Just 40 minutes north of Albany you will find the West Mountain Ski Area, which is perfect for the whole family. This area has 27 trails and 126 acres, with beginner slopes, expert terrain, and everything in between. Even when snowfall isn’t promised, the team at West Mountain ensures that at least 80 percent of their acreage remains skiable.

Gore Mountain Ski Resort

With 109 trails and 15 lifts, you can trust that Gore Mountain Ski Resort will suit all of your skiing desires. Some even believe that this area is the most skiable in New York, and it is only an hour outside of Albany. Gore Mountain also features on-mountain dining, so you can fuel back up in order to keep skiing. Their staff also offers mountain services to help keep you safe and happy.

Hunter Mountain

No, this mountain isn’t for hunting, it’s for skiing! Hunter Mountain has skiing, tubing, snowboarding, and so much more at this beautiful and diverse resort. You can make a weekend of it and stay at their gorgeous lodge, dine on delectable dinners, and of course, enjoy skiing on beginner, advanced, and expert slopes.

If you’ve got an itch to go skiing, the Albany area has a number of great places to satisfy your slope cravings.

Image via Flickr by Kris Arnold

9460454176_33f2d09ab7_bYou’re probably used to seeing certain lights on your dashboard, but what happens when an unordinary light pops on? Well, fret not because most of these illuminated signs are actually quite common, and here’s what you need to know.

Check Engine Light

While many will tell you that this is the doomsday symbol for all cars and it always equals large dollar signs in terms of repairs, that’s not necessarily true. This commonly seen light illuminates a small engine icon on your car’s dash. Because your engine is arguably the most important part of the vehicle, you will need to take your car in to your professional mechanic as soon as possible when this light comes on.

Battery Charge Alert

This symbol looks like a small battery and indicates that your vehicle’s battery is not charging properly. So that your car doesn’t die on you, leaving you stranded, take it to your professional mechanic to have the problem diagnosed.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System

If you see what looks like an exclamation point in wavy parenthesis, this is your tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) indicator. When this light turns on, it means that one or more of your tires is in need of air.

Antilock Braking System

Your antilock braking system (ABS) has an indicator that is a circle around the letters ‘ABS’. When you see this light, it usually means that there is something operating improperly with this system. ABS can be complex, so once again it’s best to take it to your mechanic.

Now that you know the most common maintenance lights in your vehicle, you can be better prepared when one illuminates.

Image via Flickr by Chris Isherwood

24062419944_270528c2e2_bTest drives are arguably the most important part of the car-buying process, because it gives you the chance to really understand if a car is right for you or not. If you’ve been looking at purchasing a new vehicle, here is how you can maximize the effectiveness of your test drive.

Put the Acceleration and Braking to the Test

When you’re test driving a car, focus on the car’s handling. Don’t be afraid to test out the acceleration by getting up to the speed limit in a more efficient, yet still safe, fashion. When it comes to the car’s brakes, see how the system responds when you brake slowly and more quickly. Both the acceleration and braking should be smooth and take no effort for you to get used to.

Pay Attention to the Steering

Some cars have a lot of “play” in their steering, which means you can wiggle the wheel back and forth and the car doesn’t deviate from a straight path. Other cars, however, respond much more sensitively as you handle the steering wheel. Take note of this during your car’s test drive to help decide if the vehicle’s steering is right for you.

Play With the Bells and Whistles

Beyond the car’s handling, the interior of the car should be just as comfortable. Controls should be within your reach and easy to maneuver. Seats should adjust to your liking, and you shouldn’t have to strain to sit comfortably.

If you use these tips when test driving a car, you are more likely to find the perfect car for you.

Image via Flickr by Yahya S.

9773953092_f0bff107e9_bIf you love the Nissan Rogue and you are looking to invest in a newer vehicle, you are probably wondering what the biggest differences between the 2016 and 2017 models are. The latest version of the Rogue promises some pretty stark changes from the 2016 model, and here’s what you need to know.

Interior and Exterior Design

The 2017 Nissan Rogue has been given an all-new look, with everything from LED headlights to three new color choices, new wheel options and much more. On the inside, you’ll find updated trim finishers, seat materials, and available memory seats and mirrors.

Changes in the Engine

While the 2016 only offers one powertrain, the 2017 Rogue has a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine with more horsepower than its predecessor. Nissan also has introduced a gasoline-electric hybrid engine option to the Rogue’s lineup. This means you can now drive your favorite Nissan and reap the benefits of driving an uber-fuel-efficient vehicle.

Upgrades in Packages

The latest Rogue is seemingly perfect, but Nissan took it all a step further and updated the packages you can add to these vehicles. Now, you can choose from a Sun and Sound Touring package, the Platinum Package, and the Platinum Reserve Interior Package. With these additions to your Rogue, you can further improve the aesthetics and sound of your beloved vehicle.

These are just a few of the updates you will find in the 2017 Nissan Rogue. The latest Rogue is sure to fit nearly any driver, so you can be sure to benefit from driving such a great car.

Image via Flickr by THE SMADE JOURNAL

New11223461865_1b5f08c1d7_b York City during the holidays is truly magical, and there are some sights this year that you won’t want to miss. If you’re planning a trip into the city this winter, the following is what you should take the time for.

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting

Many families have made this tree-lighting part of their holiday tradition, and you should too. Thousands of New Yorkers crowd their way around this magnificent, 78-foot tree to witness the lighting ceremony of more than 45,000 LED lights. Your little ones will be consumed in the magic of the moment, making for a fun family outing.

Bryant Park Winter Village 2016

If you’ve never been to the Bryant Park Winter Village, put it on your 2016 bucket list. This 17,000-square foot ice-skating rink brings the surrounding shopping center to life. You and your loved ones can make some new memories this year, busting out your best skating moves. Grab a hot beverage to warm up, and enjoy some holiday shopping while you’re in the area.

The Radio City Christmas Spectacular

This year will be the 88th year that Radio City Music Hall has put on their Christmas Spectacular, and it is a Christmas event you can’t miss when you visit NYC this winter. The Rockettes will be there, putting on an exciting holiday performance.

If you live in the area or are just passing through, these celebrations are all holiday events that everyone can enjoy. Gather your family, bundle up, and get into the holiday spirit in NYC this winter.

Image via Flickr by Anthony Quintano

 

3769896407_f8d00f350c_bAre you looking to spend a little time outside of Albany this year before the holiday madness begins? Gather your belongings, grab your significant other, and head out to enjoy a getaway in one of these incredible upstate spots.

Whiteface Lodge near Lake Placid

Whiteface Lodge is a gorgeous Lake Placid resort known for their authentic Adirondack ambiance. You can wander up to this fairytale setting and relax your worries away at the lodge spa or restaurant. Their accommodations are award-winning, and as soon as you set eyes on the beautiful grounds and buildings you’ll understand why.

Winter Clove Inn at Round Top

To enjoy a little bit of everything, indoor and outdoor activities, romantic and family settings, the Winter Clove Inn is the perfect spot for you. You and your loved ones can can enjoy swimming as well as skiing here, as they have a large heated swimming pool. To make this place even more unique, they also have an antique bowling alley that’s sure to put a smile on anyone’s face.

Pine Grove Family Resort and Dude Ranch in Kerhonkson

At this winter resort in upstate New York, you can horseback ride through a winter wonderland. The resort has over 100 horses, and the surrounding scenery is enough to melt your heart. You and your SO are sure to make some lasting and wonderful memories here.

These are just a few of the unique and amazing resorts in upstate New York that you can stay at this winter. Pack a bag and hit the open road.

Image via Flickr by Bryan Dougherty

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Destination Nissan would like to thank the servicemen and women of Albany, Schenectady, Latham, Saratoga, and Clifton Park, NY for their service. Your sacrifice has made an impact on more lives than you could possibly know.

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Albany, Schenectady, Latham, Saratoga, and Clifton Park, NY drivers interested in the 2017 Sentra will be happy to know that it is now available at Destination Nissan. Soon, we will also have a Research & Review page featuring this model, under the Research tab on our website. The page will highlight useful information like trim level options, estimated MPG, and safety features, that way when you come in for a test drive, you’ll already feel informed. Stay tuned to our blog, we will announce here when the 2017 Nissan Sentra Research & Review page is live.