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Did you know dogs can be at risk of heatstroke and brain damage inside of a car within just 15 minutes? Regardless of whether or not you park in the shade, your car can become extremely hot - especially during these Spring and Summer months. So exactly how hot does your car get? Here's a quick chart: This chart indicates that even when it is only 70 degrees outside, the temperature on the inside of your vehicle can reach 113 degrees after an hour! With this said, it is of the utmost importance to ensure that when you leave the car, your furry friend does too. The only way a dog's body is able to cool off isn't through typical sweating like us, but by panting and distributing heat through their glands in their paws & nose. Before deciding to take your pet with you, ask yourself if you can run your errands without having to leave them in the car. If you can't, please leave your pet safe at home. Tips & Facts: * Washington state is one of 31 states (as of 2020) with a law in place concerning unattended animals left inside a vehicle. WA RCW 16.52.340 states: "An animal control officer or law enforcement officer who reasonably believes that an animal is suffering or is likely to suffer harm from exposure to excessive heat, cold, lack of ventilation, or lack of necessary water is authorized to enter a vehicle or enclosed space to remove an animal by any means reasonable under the circumstances if no other person is present in the immediate area who has access to the vehicle or enclosed space and who will immediately remove the animal." In this incident, the person who had left the animal in the vehicle could be charged with a Class 2 civil infraction, and this law does not prevent any further charges. * Leaving the windows cracked or parking in the shade has little to no effect on the interior temperature of your vehicle. * To keep an eye on your dogs' temperature, bring an animal thermometer with you. Dog's temperatures should not go over 104 degrees Fahrenheit. * Bring cold water to keep your pup cool inside and out. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of the information presented. Any action you take based on the context of this blog is strictly at your own risk. Always consult a qualified professional or specialist for advice specific to your situation. We are not responsible for any losses or damages arising from the use of this blog or its content.

One of the coolest things about a new Nissan is the Intelligent Key FOB. With integrated remote engine start, lockout protection and customization functions, there's a lot to be excited about. With a name like "Intelligent Key", it may take some learning to figure out how it completely works. Locking: Ensuring your Nissan is off and all doors are closed, press the lock button - your hazard lights should flash twice and your horn beeps once. After this, all doors should be locked. Unlocking: Like many, pressing the Unlock button once will unlock your driver's door, and when pressed twice it will unlock your rear and trunk doors. Want to let the fresh air in? If your Nissan is equipped and you've already unlocked your doors, hold the Unlock button for longer than 3 seconds and your windows will roll down! The windows must be closed from the vehicle, as the Intelligent Key does not roll them back up. Keep in mind: Your keyless remote will work at a distance up to 33-ft away from your Nissan. If you find that you are having some trouble you may be too far away, your doors may not be closed all the way or your key may have a low battery. Remote Engine Start: To use this function, press the lock button to ensure your doors are locked. Within 5 seconds, press and hold the remote start key. When the engine is turned on, your Nissan's parking lights will turn on, and if equipped, your climate control as well. Once started your engine will stay idle for up to 10 minutes, but if you repeat the remote start functions again, your Nissan will add an extra 10 minutes. Trunk: Hands are full? Press this quick button to open the trunk! This will only operate when the vehicle is off. Panic: Safety, even when you're not in the vehicle is extremely important. If you're near your Nissan and feel threatened, hold down the panic button and both the alarm and headlights will turn on. → Your Intelligent Key can also alert you if it needs attention with display warnings that can be seen in your information panel. Display warnings related to your Nissan Intelligent Key: No Key Detected If your Nissan Intelligent Key is outside of the vehicle when the vehicle is on, this warning will appear. Ensure your key is inside with you. Key ID Incorrect Your key must be registered to your Nissan in order for the vehicle to start. Key Battery Low This warning alert indicates it's time to change your Nissan key battery. Want to do it yourself? First remove the mechanical key (release the lock knob on the back of the key) and then insert a thin cloth-covered small screwdriver (A) into the slit (B) and twist to take apart the top and bottom pieces. Being careful not to touch the terminals or internal circuit, replace the battery with a CR2032 or equivalent. Close the lid as shown with (C) and (D), and operate the buttons to ensure a working key fob. Just like new! Key System Error If you see this message, it means there may be a malfunction to your Intelligent Key or the system. This warning will appear when the ignition is turned on. This light will display for a few moments and turn off. If it appears when your Nissan is off, you may be unable to start your vehicle. When you experience this warning, give Speck Nissan a call right away - or schedule online! Key Registration Complete Adding a new key? This alert lets you know when your key's registration is finalized. Engine start operation for Intelligent Key System This alert makes an appearance when your Intelligent key battery is low and your Nissan is not communicating with the key properly. Try touching your key to the ignition switch while pressing the brake pedal. Mechanical Key: On the back of your key, press the knob and a mechanical key will pop out. This is used to unlock doors and your glove-box. If you're using a valet service, be sure to keep your mechanical key with you to keep locked belongings safe. There is so much more information to learn about the Nissan Intelligent Mobility Key, you can refer to your owner's manual for more information, or talk to our team here at Speck Nissan of Sunnyside. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of the information presented. Any action you take based on the context of this blog is strictly at your own risk. Always consult a qualified professional or specialist for advice specific to your situation. We are not responsible for any losses or damages arising from the use of this blog or its content.

The purpose of an automotive battery is to generate enough electricity for various systems of a car. Under normal conditions, an average battery is designed to last for up to five years. If you're curious about the real-time state of your vehicle's battery, you could utilize a voltmeter to conduct some precise analysis. This handheld tool gauges the electrical output of a battery and other devices that generate current. A voltmeter must be connected to the corresponding terminals with wires that have specific color codes. For instance, the red section of a cable has to be in contact with the positive terminal of a battery pack. Visit us in Sunnyside today to have your vehicle's battery checked for any common problems. We carry a large selection of auto batteries from the top brands. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of the information presented. Any action you take based on the context of this blog is strictly at your own risk. Always consult a qualified professional or specialist for advice specific to your situation. We are not responsible for any losses or damages arising from the use of this blog or its content.

Using headlights at any time of day can make a vehicle more visible to others on the road. Therefore, it is important to make sure that your vehicle's headlights are always in proper working condition. If a light goes out, it can usually be replaced just by taking out the burnt bulb and putting in a fresh one. In some cases, wiping down the glass a bulb is cased in can make a headlight brighter. With just a few wipes with a clean cloth, you can remove dirt or other material that may be hindering its effectiveness. Dim lights could also be the result of a poorly operating starter or car battery. Taking your vehicle to our showroom at Speck Nissan can help to address any headlight issues that it is experiencing. A technician can either repair or replace a burnt-out light in a timely and professional manner. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of the information presented. Any action you take based on the context of this blog is strictly at your own risk. Always consult a qualified professional or specialist for advice specific to your situation. We are not responsible for any losses or damages arising from the use of this blog or its content.

A leaky exhaust can occur because of a number of different reasons. You may have run over some debris in the road that caused a problem or the issue may have come from just general wear and tear associated with daily driving. Regardless of the reason, there are a number of signs that there is an issue with your exhaust. These can include: Increased sound coming from your vehicle. It may sound louder while you are driving or the sound coming from your engine might just sound different in general. You may notice some damage on your exhaust pipe such as rust or chipping. This can indicate a bigger problem with your whole exhaust system. Condensation dripping from your exhaust pipe or from underneath your vehicle. Acceleration may cause some louder sounds or even smoke coming from your exhaust or from under your vehicle. If your vehicle is experiencing any of the above mentioned problems, give us a call at 509-837-5501 or schedule your maintenance appointment online. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of the information presented. Any action you take based on the context of this blog is strictly at your own risk. Always consult a qualified professional or specialist for advice specific to your situation. We are not responsible for any losses or damages arising from the use of this blog or its content.

You are ready for vacation with the family. What should you take into consideration when hauling the family's boat or trailer, though? Here are two important rules for towing. 1. Avoid sharp turns when towing You have more weight attached, which means that your vehicle's suspension is a bit compromised. You should not try to take sharp turns while hauling a trailer or boat. 2. Turn your truck in the opposite direction when backing up when there is an extra load attached Trailers are only attached to your truck via hitch. It is necessary, then, for you to pay attention to the direction that your additional carrier turns to ensure safety on the road. As a rule of thumb, a trailer will typically go in the direction you desire when you turn the vehicle's wheel in the opposite direction. You would steer your truck to the left, for instance, if you want your extra load to go to the right when backing up. Want to learn more about hauling? Stop by our car repair and maintenance destination in Sunnyside for a more in-depth session about towing! The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of the information presented. Any action you take based on the context of this blog is strictly at your own risk. Always consult a qualified professional or specialist for advice specific to your situation. We are not responsible for any losses or damages arising from the use of this blog or its content.