New or Used? Which one to buy?
New:
Latest technology features and customization: Many new vehicles are now coming standard with high-tech features including back-up camera, blind spot monitors and more. When purchasing a new vehicle, you’re getting some of the latest technology that the industry has to offer. With a new vehicle, you can also customize features and order any packages you want on your new car.
Warranty coverage: Warranty can be extremely beneficial when it comes to making sure your vehicle is running properly. Warranty covers any defects or faults that may have occurred during production, and oftentimes automotive brands will add complimentary maintenance visits to provide free oil changes and other services to keep your vehicle healthy.
Used:
Good Investment, Price : When buying a used car, the depreciation value has already been considered since it has already been driven for months or years. We can also help you find Certified Pre-Owned vehicles that come with warranty and have been Certified by the brand.
Many choices: With so many used vehicles coming in and out of our dealership every week, there is always a diverse selection. On our used vehicle lot, you can find great sedans, heavy duty trucks, fuel-efficient compact cars and much more. When you’re searching on a budget, looking for a used vehicle broadens your search with availability for many budgets.
Ready to Shop?
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.
How to Replace Your Flat Tire with a Spare
Got a Flat? Here’s a quick guide to successfully replacing your flat tire with a spare.
You’ll need: * Spare Tire:
It’s extremely important that the spare you have stored is the correct size for your vehicle, and to check the condition of your spare tire periodically. If you have a spare that has been stored away for a while, always thoroughly inspect the rubber for any cracks or anything that is out of the ordinary. If you need assistance, our service team here at Speck Nissan can help.
* Lug Wrench
Ensure the lug wrench is a good fit with your vehicle, and keep it stored somewhere with easy access, such as your glove box, center console, or with your spare tire.
* Car Jack & Stand
If you have not invested in a car jack yet, it’s always a great time to do so. This tool is not only handy for changing your tire, but for many other repairs, replacements and inspections.
1. After ensuring that your spare tire is perfect for your vehicle, loosen the lug nuts, but do not remove them.
2. Jack up your vehicle. Look to your car manual, ask our service team, or use online resources to find out the best areas to place a jack for your particular vehicle. This way you can ensure that your car is lifted properly and securely. It’s important that the vehicle’s parking brake is at this time to prevent roll away, as well as being parked on level ground.
3. After you know that your car is securely lifted, remove the lug nuts.
4. Take off your original tire and put the spare on. Keep your old one, as it may be able to be repaired.
5. Put the lug nuts back on, but do not screw them in fully. You’ll want to wait until the full weight of the vehicle is back on the tire before you do so.
6. Lower and take out the car jack (slowly and safely!). After the jack is removed from under the vehicle, it’s time to tighten the lug nuts.
7. Time to get back out there! Keep in mind that your spare tire is not meant for long-term driving or high speeds. Look at what the tire’s speed limit is, and head to your closest auto shop.
If you’re stuck and may need some help, you can always call our service department for advice, a talk-through, and to get your car into our shop. Call Speck Nissan at 509-837-5501!
Need a service? Schedule online here!
Hot Weather Driving Tips
Hot Weather Driving & Car Service Tips
Maintenance:
- Make sure your engine’s fluids are all at proper levels. Engine fluids include engine oil, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, brake fluid and coolant.
- Check your engine’s cooling system, including hoses and connections. Our service team here at Speck Nissan can thoroughly inspect your cooling system and perform any needed maintenance to ensure your engine is getting cooled properly this Summer season. We can also perform an HVAC inspection so you’re getting the most out of your air conditioning.
- Tires are crucial to your everyday drive. They are going to come in contact with much more heat compared to the rest of the seasons so it’s important to double-check their treads and integrity.
Schedule your Summer maintenance here at Speck Nissan.
Driving:
- According to the EPA, rolling down the windows is more fuel efficient when driving at slow speeds. Use the air conditioning when traveling at highway speeds.
- Parking in the shade or investing in a sun shade for your windshield can help keep your cabin cool while running your errands or off to work. This way, your system won’t need as much energy to cool down the interior when turned back on.
- Reminder: With a sun shade or not, the temperature inside will still get extremely warm and unsafe to stay in without a way to cool. Do not leave pets or children inside of the vehicle.
- Along with your important tools like jumper cables, jacks, tire kits and more, have water with you – especially on long drives. You never know what can happen on the road, so it’s best to always be prepared for a breakdown.
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.
Tips for Driving with Your Dog
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.
Green Driving Tips with Speck Nissan
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.
Tips to Make the Car Buying Process Easier
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.
5 Things You Should Keep in Your Car
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.
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!
Car Waxing Tips
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!
What is Nissan’s Intelligent All Wheel Drive?
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!


