We’re sure you’ve heard the term ‘winterize’, which is when you get something (a car, boat, motorcycle) prepared to withstand the extreme conditions of winter. What some may not know, is that it is just as important to ‘summerize’ your vehicle. Especially if you’re planning on taking a road trip or two, the heat can be detrimental to a lot of significant parts on your vehicle. Check out the tips below to make sure your vehicle is ready for any trip, no matter the length, at any time, no matter the distance.

Radiator Flush: Coolant isn’t something that will last forever. After some time, it will begin to break down and start to corrode the inside of your radiator. This will result in cooling problems, which aren’t fun in the hottest months of the year.

Replace Your Air Filter: It is a good rule of thumb to have these replaced twice a year. It’s a five-minute job that can improve the air quality and give your friend who has seasonal allergies a bit of a break.    

Tire Check: Heat is just as rough on tires as cold. Under or over inflated tires can result in low MPG and you run a higher risk of getting a flat. Also, the tread on your tires needs to be adequate for rainy weather. If it doesn’t touch the road, you can end up hydroplaning.

Check Your Headlights and Taillights: Check every light and all their functions before leaving your driveway. You want to see and be seen at all times, and you don’t want a ticket for having one out. A good idea is to have spare bulbs on hand in your trunk kit for all your lights.

Of course, if you’re concerned about the state of your vehicle in the summer heat, stop into Destination Nissan. We will be happy to go over it with a fine-toothed comb and make sure you’re good to go!

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The Research and Review page featuring the 2016 Nissan Juke has officially been posted on our website. If you’re looking for a place to easily read up on the facts and features of this turbocharged crossover before your test drive, you’ll absolutely love this page. We’ll tell you all about the S, SV, SL, NISMO®, and NISMO® RS and their respective performance, safety, and standard features like the two turbocharged engine and transmission options, Automatic Headlights, Leather-Appointed Seats, Around View® Monitor with Moving Object Detection, and Heated Front Seats. Get the full specifications at the page right now before visiting us at 770 Central Ave in Albany, NY 12206.

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The 2017 Nissan Armada boasts new features inside and out, making it an exciting option for anyone shopping for an SUV. From an upgraded engine to exterior flourishes, the redesigned Armada is even more attractive than previous versions. Check out this list of what are sure to be the most exciting features of the 2017 Nissan Armada.

More Power to Get You Going

Lift the hood on the Armada and take a peek at the 5.6-liter V8 engine that kicks out 390 horsepower. That’s 73 horsepower more than the engine on the 2016 Armada. Drivers have access to this powerful beast of a machine through an automatic seven-speed transmission.

Better Performance on the Road

Design changes to the Armada’s body create an increase in twisted body stiffness. With a 20 percent improvement in stiffness, the 2017 model offers better handling and an improved ride.

High-Tech Safety Measures

Equipped with a variety of safety features, the 2017 Armada relies on technology to decrease the chances you’ll experience a crash. A monitoring system warns of a pending forward collision and objects in your blind spot when you’re about to change lanes. In addition, the Armada comes with a system to monitor all the way around the vehicle. It alerts the driver when it detects a moving object nearby.

Even with all the changes, one thing remains the same: The Armada still has a body-on-frame construction. While some SUVs and crossovers are going to the unibody design that’s more typical of sedans, the Armada retains the more rugged style of vehicle frame.

Image via Flickr by navets

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Whether you’re traveling to your favorite vacation spot or to soccer practice across town, you want to keep a comfortable temperature inside your Nissan Sentra or Murano. In warm weather, that means you need your car’s cooling system to perform correctly. Take a look at these signs that you need air conditioning service for your Nissan.

A Lack of Cool Air

When the air conditioner blows warm air, it’s time to get it checked. Take your Nissan to the dealership, and the mechanics will likely check to see if your refrigerant is low. Because your system needs this fluid to circulate it through the pressurized system, it may function poorly when it’s depleted.

In addition to replacing the refrigerant, the dealership will check for leaks in the compressor and hoses. Next, they’ll check for a bad O-ring seal and leaks in the evaporator and condenser.

Weak Air Flow from Vents

If your air conditioning is blowing at the right temperature, but only weakly, then you may need to change the air cabin filter. Anytime there’s a sudden loss, it may mean your cabin air filter is clogged. Skilled mechanics at your Nissan dealership can quickly change the filter for you.

Inconsistent Cooling

If the air goes from cool to warm and back again, the dealership can use a powerful vacuum to remove unnecessary moisture and air from the system. This process often solves the problem.

When you experience problems with the air conditioning on your Nissan, it’s best to get it checked right away. The problem won’t get better on its own.

Image via Flickr by JeepersMedia

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Whether you live in Albany or are just visiting the area, there are some cool oddities to see. These unusual sights and attractions create a sense of place and give you a taste of local flavor. Here’s a list of oddities and unusual sights in and near Albany, New York.

See Nipper the Dog

At 7 Tivoli Street in Albany, you’ll see the Nipper the RCA dog. Perched atop the former Arnoff Moving and Storage facility, this large dog statue is a well-known landmark. New owners recently took possession of the building, and plan to turn the structure into an apartment building. If they receive the historic tax credits for which they’ve applied, the building’s exterior, including Nipper, will remain unchanged. Nipper first appeared on the roof in 1958.

Eat and Be Merry at Jumpin’ Jack’s Drive-In

Located in nearby Scotia, Jumpin’ Jack’s Drive-In is an institution and a throwback to the 1950s. It’s a greasy spoon that people drive out of their way to visit because they want a burger or ice cream. The business and its building have evolved since it was first established in 1952. These days, there are plenty of covered picnic tables where you can eat.

Circle Museum: Junk or Art?

Visit Circle Museum, Bijan’s Junk Art in Austerlitz, a short drive from Albany. More than 100 scrap metal sculptures cover a grassy lawn where visitors can roam and appreciate the handiwork of artist Bijan Mahmoodi.

The Albany area is a great place to find memorable sights. You might even want to take a selfie or two at these locales.

Image via Flickr by Joelk75

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This is my plane luggage for my move to New Zealand. Not much because one is only allowed one suitcase instead of two since November 2009. As my carry-on is also a suitcase, that’s all I can carry anyway with 7-10 minutes for changing trains before boarding the plane.

A road trip sounds like so much fun until you remember the hassle that comes with packing your car. Fortunately, there are ways you can make the process a bit less painful. Check out these smart strategies for loading your car.

Big Items on the Bottom

Large suitcases and any other large items get first dibs on space in the trunk or cargo area. These often are the most challenging items because they take up so much space. By positioning them first, you’re ensuring they get the space they need.

Put a Small Overnight Bag in a Convenient Spot

If your road trip involves a night or two in a hotel on the way to your final destination, pack a small tote or suitcase with only the necessities: personal care items, pajamas, and one or two changes of clothes. Put this bag in an easily accessible spot such as the outer edge of the trunk. This prevents you from having to dig out a big suitcase for a one-night stay.

Keep Snacks and Drinks Handy

A soft-sided cooler is better than a bulky, hard-sided one for holding drinks. You want a container you can cram in between two passengers in the back seat or in the floorboard. When you pack snacks, put them in a soft-sided bag that you can keep within arm’s reach.

Don’t forget to pack an emergency kit. Medications, bandages, and any other first aid items need to go in a bag under the front passenger’s seat, inside a side pouch, or in the glove box.

Image via Flickr by 4nitsirk

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Before you head out of town for an epic road trip, make sure your car is ready to handle the strain of traveling so many miles. Here’s a list of essential car care tasks you need to accomplish to prepare your vehicle for its next big adventure.

Check the Oil

If it’s almost time to change the oil based on the interval specified in your car’s manual, go ahead and have it changed. Fresh oil helps your car’s engine to run more efficiently. Even though you can do it yourself, an oil change is a quick and affordable job your dealership can do for you. It’s worth avoiding the hassle and mess of doing at home right before your vacation.

Evaluate Your Tires

Check the treads and tread walls for signs of wear. When tires show signs of excessive wear, they’re too old to take you on a long road trip. Have your dealership replace tires that are at risk for a blow-out. If a visual inspection shows your tires are in good shape, check the pressure with an at-home gauge. If they’re low, head to your nearest filling station where you can inflate them yourself.

Get a Professional’s Opinion

Schedule time for your dealership to give your car an inspection. The mechanics can check for loose hoses, top off fluids, inspect your air conditioning, and make sure your timing belt is in good shape.

By taking these steps before you hit the road, you’re decreasing the chances that you’ll have a major car problem while you’re away from home.

Image via Flickr by badheartbull

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When you’re planning your next road trip, don’t forget to load up your phone with the best apps. Having access to a wide range of travel-related information will make your trip smoother and more enjoyable. Keep reading for a list of the three best apps to take along when you go road tripping.

1. Watch for Traffic Delays With Waze

Waze is an app for anyone who gets frustrated whenever traffic unexpectedly slows down or stops. Hands down one of the most handy apps for car trips, Waze provides updates on traffic conditions from actual users. That means drivers close to an accident report to Waze what they see, allowing drivers farther behind to decide whether they want to wait it out or exit off the highway and find a detour. Because it’s integrated with Google Maps, Waze also provides that data to alert you to road problems along your route.

2. Get Help From Yelp

When you want to know the best restaurant, walk-in clinic, or dealership in your location, Yelp has the answer. Like Waze, Yelp relies primarily on user-generated content. The app uses reviews from patrons to rank businesses across many categories. So if you pull off the road and want a great hamburger, Yelp can help.

3. Channel Surf With Tune In

The Tune In app gives you access to more than 100,000 radio stations across the U.S. With so many stations playing all kinds of music and news programming, you’re sure to find something to enjoy while you’re traveling.

All three of these apps are free to download.

Image via Flickr by ReneS

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After the release of the popular Nissan LEAF in North America in 2010, the public has been anxiously waiting for an electric version of the Juke or Rogue. It’s no secret that SUVs and mid-sized vehicles are among the preferred modes of transportation in the United States. Which is why the brand is looking to appease these customers while keeping efficiency as a top priority.   

While a refreshed version of the LEAF is expected sometime between 2017 and 2018, there has been no official release time for either the Juke or Rogue, it is noteworthy that the Juke is now over 7-years-old and due for a refresh. In the meantime, stay up to date on the Nissan LEAF, Juke, Rogue and all the newest models on the Destination Nissan website! We release new vehicle specials every month and Research and Review pages to give our Albany, Schenectady, Latham, Saratoga and Clifton Park, NY customers a much information on these models as possible.

“Electric Nissan Juke Or Rogue SUV On The Way?” CleanTechnica. N.p., 25 June 2016. Web. 06 July 2016.

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The 4th of July is a time to celebrate our freedom with friends and family. Be sure to take a moment to thank those who have served our country and to have plenty of fun this weekend!

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