Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Nissan LEAF Works For Orlando Couple and their "eBaby"

Car Tip of the Week: 10 Things Teens Should Know About Cars and Driving

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When a teenager gets a driver license, it signifies freedom and the lure of the open road. But with this newfound freedom comes a host of new situations and possible problems that most teen drivers have never encountered before. It's a good idea to review these scenarios with new drivers in your family, and discuss how to handle them before they happen for real.

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From traffic stops to road rage, here's a primer on what you need to tell teen drivers as they take to the roads.

1. What to do when you're stopped by a police officer
Safely pull to the side of the road, turn off your car, roll down the window and keep your hands visible. Don't make any sudden moves or argue with the officer. Do your arguing in traffic court.

2. How to deal with a flat tire
Pull completely off the road, even if it means destroying the tire. Call roadside assistance and let that person change the tire. If you have a spare (many cars now only have an inflation kit) and know how to change the tire, make sure you are out of traffic and in plain sight of oncoming traffic before changing it yourself.

3. What to do when the "check engine" light comes on
If there is any change in the car's performance, any mechanical noises, smoke from the tailpipe or electrical smells, stop the car and call for assistance. If there are none of these symptoms, take the car to a dealer and let them diagnose the problem. However, if you just bought gas, the light might just be indicating that the gas cap is loose. Tighten the cap and continue driving. The light should go off on its own.

4. How to deal with a friend who is about to drive under the influence
Don't get in the car. Do anything not to drive with an intoxicated person, and that includes calling your parents for a lift or paying for a taxi. Your next move is to try to prevent your drunken friend from hurting themselves or someone else.

5. How to drive safely while talking on a cell phone
Most states ban all cell phone use by novice drivers, so be sure you know if these provisions apply where you live. If it's permissible to use a cell, always use a hands-free device so you can keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. Learn how to pair your phone with the car's Bluetooth system. Don't even think about texting while driving (no, not even at stoplights).

6. How to get an honest quote for an automotive repair
Search Edmunds.com's Car Maintenance Guide or the Web to get an estimate for how much the repair should cost. Search online for garages with high customer ratings and ask friends for recommended garages. Call the garage and ask for a ballpark estimate and let the garage know you are contacting other places for their best quote. Use your intuition to make the final decision on whom to trust.

7. How to buy a new car
Don't just wander onto a dealership's car lot. Instead, contact the Internet department of several dealerships to get multiple quotes and compare these with Edmunds.com's True Market Value® price for any car you're interested in. Make sure you check incentives and rebates. Follow up with phone calls to the Internet managers of these dealerships to verify the terms of their offers. Finally, ask the dealership to deliver the car to your home or office to avoid the hard sell in the finance and insurance office.

8. What to do after an auto accident
If the car is drivable and there are no serious injuries, turn on your flashers and pull safely out of traffic. Call the police to report the accident. Exchange insurance information with the other driver but refrain from discussing the accident and who is at fault. Make notes and use your cell phone's camera to take pictures of the cars involved.

9. How to drive in rain and snow
Reduce your speed and leave more room between your vehicle and those in front of you. Understand how to handle skids. If possible, practice reacting to skidding in safe conditions, such as a snow-covered empty parking lot. Understand that a car might hydroplane on a rain puddle on the road and learn how to react to driving with reduced traction and visibility.

10. How to avoid road rage situations
Understand the severe consequences to you, your car and your driving record when minor disagreements escalate to life-threatening situations. When someone offends you, take a deep breath and know that your anger will dissolve in minutes. Don't anger other drivers by cutting them off or tailgating. If you've inadvertently angered another driver, don't get drawn into interacting with them. Ignore them or, if necessary, change your route. Finally, repeat this phrase: It's just not worth it.

Source: Edmunds.com

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Nissan Juke NISMO to bow at Paris Motor Show

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The Juke NISMO is set to launch the NISMO road car program, which takes standard Nissan models and injects some sporty attributes into them. Using a modified version of the 1.6-litre direct injection turbocharged engine found in regular Juke, Nissan will also include a new aerodynamics package as well as a revised chassis for the Juke.

Also coming to the Paris Motor Show is the Juke Ministry of Sound, and Juke Box, both of which are fitted with massive stereo systems and upgraded interiors to show off the Juke’s potential as a stylish car.

The TeRRA concept will also be on display in Paris, showcasing Nissan’s newest innovation in emissions free vehicles. Powered by a hydrogen fuel cell, the TeRRA concept provides four-wheel-drive capability along with the ground clearance of an SUV.

Also on display will be the NV200 New York City Taxi, along side the newly refreshed 370Z Coupe and Roadster.

Source: AutoGuide.com

Monday, September 17, 2012

Monday Maintenance Tip: Rotating Your Tires

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What is this?

We know that all tires rotate. But we're talking about another kind of rotation -- rotating tires to different corners of the car and maybe even reversing the direction in which they turn.

Many tires are rotated front-to-back and side-to-side, but some tires are directional, which means they're only supposed to turn in one direction. They have to stay on the same side of the car. Directional tires often have arrows on the tire's sidewall to show you the direction in which they should turn.

If you're not sure which kind of tires you have, check with your mechanic.

Should I do this service when it's recommended?

You should do this service only if you can do it for $20 or less, in our opinion.

The financial benefit of rotating tires is that you'll increase the useful life of the tire. But if you pay more than about $20, you'll probably wipe out any savings you might have gained.

Instead, ask your mechanic to rotate your tires when they're already off your car for another service, such as a brake repair. That way, you won't have to pay extra -- unless your mechanic is a jerk.

Why do I have to do this?

You don't have to rotate your tires. But by rotating them, you will increase your tires' life because they'll wear more evenly.

What happens if I don't do this?

Nothing bad will happen, but you'll get fewer miles out of your tires.

Is there any maintenance required between intervals?

No.

Car Talk Tip: Don't forget Newton's Seventh Law: Tires in balance tend to stay in balance. If you're having your tires rotated, don't pay extra to have them rebalanced. You probably won't need it. Have your tires rebalanced only if you feel a shimmy or vibration.

Courtesy: CarTalk.com

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Nissan Encourages Proper Vehicle Maintenance With End of Summer Sweepstakes

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Emphasizing the importance of proper vehicle maintenance, Nissan recently launched its "Keep Summer Rolling" vehicle giveaway and service sweepstakes to reconnect with current vehicle owners and encourage them to keep their vehicle in top condition. Through the end of September, current Nissan owners will be eligible to win one of three new Nissan vehicles or hundreds of service options that will extend not only the fun of summer but the life of their vehicles.

"As the end of summer draws near, Nissan is educating customers about the importance of properly maintaining their vehicles," said John Spoon, vice president, Parts & Service Division, Nissan North America.  "With so many competing priorities during the summer, families often put off servicing their vehicle, and this sweepstakes presents two great opportunities for our customers – a reminder to have Nissan-trained experts care for and prepare their vehicles for the fall and winter months ahead as well as the chance to win a 2013 Nissan Altima, Pathfinder or 370Z."

With this sweepstakes, Nissan hopes to foster relationships with its customers by extending and celebrating summer. Additionally, the program encourages owners to keep their vehicles running in prime condition by using Nissan's advanced diagnostics, factory-trained technicians and genuine parts available at their dealerships.

Existing customers receiving vehicle service at Nissan dealerships through September 30 are eligible and entered in the sweepstakes by having their VIN and/or repair order submitted online at www.keepsummerrolling.com. By entering the sweepstakes, customers have a chance to win one of three 2013 Nissan vehicle models including the Altima, Pathfinder and 370Z. Contestants are eligible to win various service prizes, as well. Some of these vehicle service and maintenance prizes include a one- or two-year maintenance+plus service contract, accessory vouchers and One-To-One Rewards Points – a customer loyalty program.

Promotional service incentives included in the Keep Summer Rolling Sweepstakes will be sent to Nissan customers via direct mail and email. These offers may include oil and filter changes and other parts and service offers for discounted tires, brake service, parts and labor or super-saver packages.

The sweepstakes, which began in August, will run through September 30 with online entries accepted through October 31.

Source: Nissan News

Monday, September 10, 2012

Mossy Nissan's "Car Tip of the Week"

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Hey fans, we’re here to make everyone’s Monday a little bit better with your “Car Tip of the Week”!

One cost-effective way to keep your vehicle looking great is to use rubber floor mats to protect the carpeting. They are rugged, waterproof, and easy to maintain unlike carpeting. Having to clean or replace the carpeting in your car is not something you want to be up against but invest in a set of floor mats and you’ll never have to worry about it again.

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Nissan Sentra Wins Best in Class Combined Fuel Economy and More

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Nissan's march toward 8 percent market share advanced last weekend in Dallas, Texas. That's where media and fans got a first look at the all-new 2013 Nissan Sentra.

This is the third of five new vehicles that Nissan said it would deliver during a 15 month period. The Sentra continues the best-in-class fuel efficiency drumbeat heard from Nissan recently. The car gets a best-in-class 34 MPG* for combined highway and city driving.

The 2013 Sentra is completely changed. Outside, there are improved proportions. The car is more than 150 pounds leaner. The company's engineers made changes inside to create more room in the car and in the trunk. The new Sentra has one of the largest interiors and rear-seat leg room. It's equipped with class-above technology and has new styling more similar to an Altima.

"The 2013 Nissan Sentra is the most revolutionary design in the nameplate's 30-year history, a worthy addition to what is without question the most innovative, highest quality, highest value sedan lineup in Nissan history," said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc.

The other drumbeat heard last weekend came from bands celebrating the start of U.S. college football during the Alabama versus Michigan game. Nissan, and the all-new Sentra, had a major presence at the event. The company has a partnership with the Heisman Trophy Trust that runs through 2016.

This new 2013 Nissan Sentra will be at U.S., Mexico and Canada dealerships in October.

*2013 EPA Fuel Economy Estimate 34 MPG combined 50-state emissions and CVT transmission; 33 MPG combined CA state emissions. Actual mileage may vary - use for comparison only. Ward's Light Vehicle Market Segmentation. MY13 Sentra vs. 2012 Upper Small Class excluding Hybrid and Diesel models.

 

**  Courtesy of NissanNews.com

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Monday Maintenance Tip: Checking Your Coolant

What is it?

Coolant is the fluid that absorbs heat from the engine and then dissipates it through the radiator. It is also dissipated through the heat exchanger in the passenger compartment when you crank your heat in the winter.

Coolant, which is commonly called antifreeze, is a mixture of ethylene or propylene glycol and water, usually in a 50/50 ratio.

Servicing the coolant involves draining and/or flushing your car's cooling system and then replacing the old coolant with fresh coolant.

Should I do this service when it's recommended?

Yes. Draining out the coolant and refilling the system removes dirt and rust particles that can clog up the cooling system and cause problems in winter and summer.

Why do I have to do this?

Because it is operating in a hot, hostile environment, coolant will break down over time. Most importantly, the coolant's rust inhibitors get used up, leaving the small cooling passages in your engine and radiator vulnerable to corrosion. Even with these rust inhibitors, some corrosion will inevitably take place, contaminating the coolant with debris.

What happens if I don't do this?

If the rust inhibitors stop working, the cooling system will rust from the inside out. The biggest source of rust in a car's cooling system is the engine block.

In time, these bits of rust will also clog the tiny passages within the radiator and heater, causing your engine to overheat. When an engine overheats, the result is a bonus yacht payment to your mechanic that someone else should be making.

Is there any maintenance required between intervals?

Check your coolant level periodically. Your owner's manual will have a recommended interval in which to check the coolant level.

If you check your coolant level when the engine is cold, the coolant should be at or above the "minimum" or "fill" line on the transparent refill container. If you check your coolant level when the engine is hot, the coolant should be at or just below the "max" line.

Disappearance of coolant could be caused by either an external or internal leak, the latter being more expensive. Either one should be addressed quickly, since running low or out of coolant can lead to catastrophic engine failure and many boat payments to your mechanic.

If you live where the temperature dips below freezing, we suggest that you ask your mechanic to check the concentration of the coolant. Coolant that's diluted or weak can freeze when the temperature drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

Check your owner's manual to see if your car uses "long-life" coolant. For the first 100,000 miles, it is necessary to check the coolant level simply to be sure you're not leaking or burning coolant.

Car Talk Tip: Antifreeze has a sweet aroma and taste, which pets find particularly appealing. As little as a half teaspoon of the stuff can kill an average-size cat, and eight ounces will do in a 75-pound dog. There's no substance that you can add to antifreeze to make it less appealing to animals, but antifreeze made with propylene glycol instead of the usual ethylene glycol is about a third as toxic. Propylene glycol is sold under the brand names Sierra, Prestone Low Tox and Texaco PG.

Courtesy: CarTalk.com

Monday Maintenance Tip: Checking Your Coolant

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What is it?

Coolant is the fluid that absorbs heat from the engine and then dissipates it through the radiator. It is also dissipated through the heat exchanger in the passenger compartment when you crank your heat in the winter.

Coolant, which is commonly called antifreeze, is a mixture of ethylene or propylene glycol and water, usually in a 50/50 ratio.

Servicing the coolant involves draining and/or flushing your car's cooling system and then replacing the old coolant with fresh coolant.

Should I do this service when it's recommended?

Yes. Draining out the coolant and refilling the system removes dirt and rust particles that can clog up the cooling system and cause problems in winter and summer.

Why do I have to do this?

Because it is operating in a hot, hostile environment, coolant will break down over time. Most importantly, the coolant's rust inhibitors get used up, leaving the small cooling passages in your engine and radiator vulnerable to corrosion. Even with these rust inhibitors, some corrosion will inevitably take place, contaminating the coolant with debris.

What happens if I don't do this?

If the rust inhibitors stop working, the cooling system will rust from the inside out. The biggest source of rust in a car's cooling system is the engine block.

In time, these bits of rust will also clog the tiny passages within the radiator and heater, causing your engine to overheat. When an engine overheats, the result is a bonus yacht payment to your mechanic that someone else should be making.

Is there any maintenance required between intervals?

Check your coolant level periodically. Your owner's manual will have a recommended interval in which to check the coolant level.

If you check your coolant level when the engine is cold, the coolant should be at or above the "minimum" or "fill" line on the transparent refill container. If you check your coolant level when the engine is hot, the coolant should be at or just below the "max" line.

Disappearance of coolant could be caused by either an external or internal leak, the latter being more expensive. Either one should be addressed quickly, since running low or out of coolant can lead to catastrophic engine failure and many boat payments to your mechanic.

If you live where the temperature dips below freezing, we suggest that you ask your mechanic to check the concentration of the coolant. Coolant that's diluted or weak can freeze when the temperature drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

Check your owner's manual to see if your car uses "long-life" coolant. For the first 100,000 miles, it is necessary to check the coolant level simply to be sure you're not leaking or burning coolant.

Car Talk Tip: Antifreeze has a sweet aroma and taste, which pets find particularly appealing. As little as a half teaspoon of the stuff can kill an average-size cat, and eight ounces will do in a 75-pound dog. There's no substance that you can add to antifreeze to make it less appealing to animals, but antifreeze made with propylene glycol instead of the usual ethylene glycol is about a third as toxic. Propylene glycol is sold under the brand names Sierra, Prestone Low Tox and Texaco PG.

Courtesy: CarTalk.com