Keep your dog attended to at all times.

This means to ensure that they are not alone in a hot car, and their well-being is attended to at all times. Even when the temperature is 70 degrees outside, the inside temperature of the vehicle can reach above 90 degrees inside in just the first 10 minutes, and over 110 in 30 minutes. Please take your best friend with you when leaving the car!

Be sure your dog has proper identification.

Traveling can lead to new, never-been-explored places for your dog! It’s important to make sure they have an identification tag that can easily be tracked back to you. It’s also a great idea to consider getting a microchip for your dog.

Don’t let your dog ride loose in your truck bed. This can be very dangerous as you never know what may happen when you’re on the road. If you are involved in an accident, your dog has a high risk of serious injury in the truck bed. Keeping your dog inside the cabin is the safest place for your dog to ride. If you cannot keep them in the cabin, keep a secured kennel in the back of the truck.

Always have extra pet supplies.

From a water bowl and water, to rolls of waste bags, it’s important to make sure you’ll have everything you’ll need to keep your pet happy, healthy and safe when traveling.

Pet accessories can make their ride more comfortable.

There are so many accessories out there designed to keep your pet safe when in the car! These include pet nets to prevent your pet from entering the driver’s area or front of the cabin, backseat extenders to increase your seat space for your pet, seat belt leashes and more! Our Speck Nissan parts department can help you find the vehicle accessories you need.

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.

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Get on the right track to saving time, saving fuel, and saving the planet! Earth Day is coming up, and we want to provide some great tips on reducing your carbon footprint while driving:

Avoid Aggressive Driving: Braking hard and accelerating with a lead foot causes your engine to work harder than necessary. Taking it slower and more gradually will save you from expending too much fuel during your normal drive.

Clear Out the Unnecessary Items: The weight adds up, even if your extra items are small. Having that weight added to the car creates more work for the engine when driving – using more fuel and energy! Keep your vehicle free and clear!

Consolidate Your Trips: Those small errands completed on different days throughout the week cause many small and unnecessary trips for your vehicle. Whether you’re getting a haircut, grabbing groceries or sending a package, taking the time to complete them in all one trip will save time and fuel.

Carpool: Talk with your friends, coworkers or classmates about carpooling! Carpooling saves everyone fuel and takes traffic off the road! When taking turns driving in a carpooling group, each person will also be driving less throughout the week. You might even save time trying to find a parking spot by having less cars headed to the same destination.

Public Transportation: Using your local public transportation system just a few times a week can greatly save your fuel and reduce your overall emission output. Public transportation is an accessible resource to use and can reduce your carbon footprint over time.

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.

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Take Advantage of Our Online Tools and Services Speck Nissan has great online tools available such as our car payment calculator and Kelley Blue Book trade value estimator that give you a better understanding of what you may be able to afford. Our online services like our easy finance application and help our team to assist you in finding the right vehicle for the right budget.

Nissan Research

Speck Nissan has a wide selection of used vehicles and new Nissan cars, trucks, SUVs – and even vans! Knowing what you are looking for within your budget can make finding your next purchase much easier. Interested in a new Nissan? If you need a great commuter sedan with plenty of style, check out the fuel-saving models like the Nissan Sentra. If a family adventure SUV is something you’re on the hunt for, check out SUV models like the Nissan Pathfinder.

Have Your Paperwork Ready

Making sure you have all the paperwork with you makes the process much easier when all the information we both need at hand! This paperwork includes:

• Information on your current vehicle
• proof of income
• proof of residency
• proof of identity
• and proof of insurance
• If you’ve received a pre-approval from your bank or credit union for an auto loan, have that information ready as well.

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.

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Toolkit:

Your vehicle may need a quick repair or jump when on the road! Your toolkit should include tools to replace your tires, duct tape, WD-40, tire pressure gauge, flashlight and more.

Spare Tire:

You never know when it could happen, but when your tire goes out, your day could get a lot worse if you don’t have a spare handy!

Jumper Cables:

Battery dead? Jumper cables are an emergency staple for your vehicle, no matter where you’re going!

Owner’s Manual & Documentation:

The owner’s manual is the key to helping you find any issues in your car. An unknown light appears on your dash? Your vehicle’s specified owner’s manual can help you save the day. If certain driver technology assistants or other vehicle systems, troubleshooting can be much easier with the owner’s manual in tow. Documentation to also keep in your glove box:

• Registration
• Insurance Information
• Emergency Contact Information
• Car Maintenance Information

First Aid Kit:

Aside from your vehicle’s first-aid kit (aka your toolbox), you need one for you and others’ safety. Bandages, gauze, medical tape and scissors are all great additions to your emergency kit.

Our parts department here at Speck Nissan can get you the staples you need to keep in your vehicle from big first-aid kits to the little extra lug nuts! Get your car stocked and ready to go today!

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.

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The Spring season is a great time to change out your cabin air filter, as the cabin air filter prevents dust, pollen, bugs and more from entering the air or clogging up your system. Here are a few great tips on why you should replace your cabin air filter for this Spring season.

Pollen

We all love the Spring season for a new change of season and growth outdoors! But with this fresh growth comes fresh pollen and allergens! These particles fill the air, so a new cabin air filter will help ensure you’re not breathing it in. It is recommended to change the air filter before and after the pollen-filled season, especially if you are prone to allergies.

Winter

With the tough cold, Winter invited the heavy use of our vehicle heaters. Now as the season changes and the temperatures rise, it’s time to wake up our air conditioners. Start the season fresh with a new cabin air filter to get that Winter grime out of the air.

Stay Efficient

A clogged filter full of grime can reduce airflow, HVAC efficiency, and even produce an odor. Without a clean cabin air filter, the power of air decreases as well as interior air quality. Dirty interior air can also increase the amount of condensation inside of your vehicle. With the HVAC system working harder behind a dirty air filter, it is possible it could become overworked.

Do you need to schedule your cabin air filter replacement? Schedule here! Ask our Speck Nissan service experts about our new CN95 cabin air filters as well!

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Waxing your vehicle can not only make your car look nice, but protects your exterior finish and paint from weather damage and wear. It makes it much easier to wash, too! Check out these quick tips to get you on your way to waxing your car like a pro.

Make sure your car is clean.

A clean and dry car exterior is very important! Any dirt or grime that gets trapped in your waxing movements can result in scratches to your paint.

Get a great wax and invest in microfiber towels.

There are waxes like the high-shining carnauba wax and the polymer-based sealant waxes that not only leave a high shine, but great protection too. Get a hold of plenty of microfiber towels, as they are soft and leave no lint behind.

Read the instructions on the wax label.

It’s important to read the wax’s label so you know how the wax is best applied, and how long you should wait to apply another coat.

Apply thin layers in small sections.

Only use a small amount in small sections! A little can go a long way with wax, and apply using small, circular movements. Working smaller ensures the best results and full coverage. Use a fresh, microfiber towel to remove the wax with the same circular movements. Once the wax is gone, you can use a buffer or a clean towel to really buff that shine out.

Don’t have the time or ability to wax your Nissan yourself? Contact the experts at Speck Nissan to set up a car detail

Talk to our parts department today to learn about different waxes and waxing kits for your vehicle!

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What is Nissan’s Intelligent All Wheel Drive?

Intelligent All Wheel Drive is a high-tech feature that keeps track of the road conditions and, with the help of the Vehicle Dynamic Control system, will distribute torque between the axles when more traction is needed.

Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) is a system of sensors that continuously monitors the vehicle and works with other features of the Nissan to distribute power to different wheels and even apply brakes individually if necessary according to the demands of these systems. In this case, that system is Intelligent All Wheel Drive.

On a Nissan with Intelligent AWD, the drive train is normally operated in Front Wheel Drive, and 100% of the torque is on the front axles. This gives the vehicle better fuel efficiency. When this system detects a change in traction or road conditions, up to 50% of the available torque will be transferred to the rear, providing All Wheel Drive. When the vehicle is first turned on, it will operate in All Wheel Drive until cruising speeds are reached.

Learn more about Nissan’s Intelligent all-wheel drive. See our AWD inventory online today!

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What is Nissan Standard Safety Shield® 360?

Nissan’s Standard Safety Shield® 360 is a team of six driver’s assistance systems that provide drivers with extra confidence behind the wheel – all part of Nissan’s Intelligent Mobility. This suite includes the six following systems:

Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection

With a radar mounted on the front of the Nissan, the Automatic Emergency Braking system can monitor the speed and distance of a vehicle ahead. If an imminent collision is detected, the system will first provide a visual and audible warning. If the driver does not brake in time, the system will apply the brakes to stop the vehicle. This system can also detect any pedestrians crossing the street.

High Beam Assist

Forgetting to turn off your brights becomes a thing of the past with High Beam Assist. This assistant detects traffic and lighting conditions to automatically switch between the low and high beams.

Lane Departure Warning with Haptic Steering Wheel

Activated when driving at least 37 miles-per-hour, the Lane Departure Warning will warn when approaching too close to the sides of the lane. This system uses a camera located above the rear-view mirror to detect the lane lines (the system will only be active when it can clearly detect lane lines). If it senses a lane drift while the turn signal is off, the steering wheel will vibrate for up to 1.5 seconds along with a visual warning.

Blind Spot Warning

This system detects oncoming traffic in your blind spots, providing a visual warning. Once the turn signal is on and there is a vehicle in the blind spot, this system with sound an audible alert as well.

Rear Cross Traffic Alert

This system is great for those busy parking lots we all experience in our daily lives! When going in reverse, this assistant will provide an audible and visual alert if an oncoming car is detected behind the Nissan.

Rear Automatic Braking

The RAB system uses sonar technology to detect any stationary objects that are in the way of the path of the Nissan when in reverse. When an object is detected, the system will sound an audible alert and will apply the brakes if necessary.

These features are found standard in many new Nissan models today. View our new Nissan selection here! Visit Speck Nissan of Sunnyside to learn more about these high-tech features available from Nissan.

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.

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The last few days of our Drive For A Cure event are here!

We’ve had so much fun meeting new people and painting our world pink for the month. With every new vehicle sold this October, a potentially life-saving mammogram is donated to an uninsured or underinsured member of our community.

As we reach the end of this event, we want to thank our amazing customers for choosing Speck Nissan to have the opportunity to get you into the vehicle of your dreams

while supporting the health of the people and peers of our area!

Drive For A Cure is all in partnership with the self-less and dedicated team at the Tri-Cities Cancer Center. Since 1994, they’ve been providing world-class cancer treatment, education and support for the community.

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.

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Fall Maintenance Tips

The leaves are changing, and the weather is cooler. As we get closer and closer to the cold of Winter, Speck Nissan wants to make sure your vehicle is running at its best this Autumn season. Here is a quick list of maintenance that we recommend for the changing of the season:

Check Your Fluids!

With any new season, its always a great time to check your fluids. This is the most basic yet very crucial part of car maintenance. Fluids lubricate the moving parts in your vehicle to keep them running smoothly and safely. Depending on the fluid, the engine must be warm or cold when checked, and ensure your car is on a level surface.

Fluids include*:

Engine Oil – Check when engine is cold. Coolant – Check when engine is cold. Brake Fluid – Check when engine is cold. Automatic Transmission Fluid – Check when engine is warm. Power Steering Fluid – Usually checked when engine is cold, although some vehicles require engine to be warm. Refer to owner’s manual.

*Please refer to your vehicle’s owner manual to find the correct type of fluids you need.

Tires and Brakes!

Tires are the only contact your vehicle has with the road. With the Autumn season comes unpredictable weather, so it important that your tires have enough tread to take on the different textures of precipitation on the road. As the temperature gets cooler, the air pressure in your tires can decrease, so always ensure there is enough air in your tires, especially during a sudden drop in outside temperatures. Tires can not only affect the handling of your vehicle, but your braking too. Brakes should be inspected, especially after those long Summer road trips. Your brakes should be inspected a couple times throughout the year. If you are experiencing prolonged braking times or squealing, this may indicate its time for a check-up.

Lights and Wipers!

Your lights and wipers are your essential tools for proper visibility when driving through the night or in precipitation.

Did you know your visibility can be reduced up to 80% when your headlights are clouded? Consider keeping a headlight restoration kit in your garage to keep your lights nice and bright. If your headlights need to be replaced, refer to your vehicle’s owner manual to ensure you get compatible lights and get do-it-yourself instructions if you prefer replace your lights on your own.

Wipers can easily be replaced on your own, and any streaking, splitting, squeaking may indicate its time for new wipers. Since the weather is getting colder and eventually frostier, invest in a winter blend windshield fluid. Many winter blends boast protection from freezing conditions and removal of light ice and snow.

Heater and Battery!

Once the cold of winter sets, your car’s heater becomes your best friend. Ensure your heater and defroster system work properly, and blow hot air. Some common issues if your heater is blowing cold air: Faulty water pump Clogged heater core Heating control faults Low coolant levels If you’re experience any heating issues, be sure to talk to a mechanic here at Speck Nissan so we can get you back on the road, nice and warm.

Another important thing to check before winter sets in is your battery. Car batteries do need to be replaced over time as they can lose power. The last thing you’ll want is being stranded in the middle of the Winter season with a dead battery! We offer complimentary battery checks here at Speck Nissan, so be sure to stop in so we can take a look.

For more maintenance tips, reach out to our service team here at Speck Nissan to see what our mechanics recommend for your vehicle!

Schedule your service online here.

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.

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