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Things to Know Before You Tow with Your 2017 Nissan

SUVs come with many worthwhile perks, like more space for passengers and cargo, and strong versatility. But some SUVs can be too big and hard to maneuver around busy streets and in and out of tight parking spaces. Luckily, there is one SUV that combats this problem. Any guesses as to which one? The answer is the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder. Not only is the latest Pathfinder less cumbersome to drive, but it also provides enough space to still make it versatile, which is what most want from an SUV. Not only that, but it is also a beast when it comes to towing, with a maximum towing capacity of 6,000 pounds – a higher-than-average figure in the three-row crossover SUV segment. But before you tow, there are some things to know. Continue reading for more!

Don't Overload It

A common misconception about a vehicle claiming it has the ability to tow is believing that it can tow anything. While this would be great, it is not accurate. In fact, towing too much weight can cause damage to your vehicle and unsafe conditions on the road. What kind of damage you ask? Damage to the engine, frame, suspension, braking system, and the transmission. Each and every vehicle comes with a specific towing capacity. Some are even made with a towing package designed for safe towing. To find out what your specific vehicle and model can handle, check your owner's manual or ask a professional.

Don't Overheat It

There are typically two types of towing strengths – those that can handle a small-medium weight capacity, and those that can handle a small-to-super-heavy weight load. If a vehicle is designed for heavy towing, it will typically come with a towing packing included, which means it will have a high coolant capacity radiator, and often times, a heavier water pump.

If you haul a heavy load with a vehicle that is not designed to do so, its engine will be pushed to the limit. This is a problem because the engine will heat up far beyond the radiator's ability to cool it down. The result is overheating, blown head gaskets, and cracked or warped cylinder heads. An excessive load can also cause the transmission to overheat. If this happens, the transmission fluid's temperature rises, compromising the soft internal parts of the transmission. Instead of being soft, they become hard and lose their internal hydraulic pressure. Yikes!

Don't Overstress It

Vehicles with high towing capacities are typically built with stronger frames to help endure the weight it is pulling. But if a vehicle does not have this more strongly-built structure, hauling too heavy of a load can lead to the frame bucking under the stress and becoming damaged.

Another thing that occurs when over-stressing your vehicle while towing too much weight is that its suspension will face problems. Suspension is designed to handle the weight of a vehicle, plus the specified maximum trailer-towing weight. No more. Overload your vehicle and important pieces break, your suspension suffers and your ride becomes unsafe.

 

For more on the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder, and for all your automotive needs, visit our dealership in Harrisburg, PA.

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The Best and Worst Times to Buy a New Car

The 2016 Nissan Pathfinder is known for its stylish looks inside and out, high-quality materials, good fuel economy, and seven-passenger seating. But, have you ever stopped to consider whether there is a certain time of year, or day, to get the best deals on a vehicle like this? Now's the time to stop and wonder. While a vast amount of your new-car search will be based around make, model and style, the time of year you invest in a car has a big impact on your wallet. If getting a new vehicle is not urgent, check out the best the times to purchase below. The End of the Month One of the best times to buy a new car is at the end of the month – any month! How come? When you head to the dealership at the end of the month with the intention of truly purchasing a vehicle, you may get a better deal if it helps push the manager over their quota. If you plan to make an appearance at the dealership at the end of the month, be sure to brush up on your negotiating skills to further aid you in a better deal. End-of-Model Year When a new vehicle model hits the dealership lot, dealers are eager to take them in. But they don't always have the space and cash for these newer, incoming models. This means they are typically very eager to sell end-of-year models. For the best deal, buy a car toward the end of the year (October, November, December). But do note that end-of-model year doesn't always mean the end of the calendar year. New models can come in at a variety of times, from late summer to early fall and even spring. The End of the Day At the end of a long day, sales and finance professionals are ready for quitting time – and an eager salesman won't let a serious customer leave empty handed. Keep this in mind when heading tot he dealership and plan your arrival just prior to closing time. Also, Sunday is noted as the best day of the week to purchase a vehicle with Friday car buyers paying as much as $2,000 more on the same vehicle. Black Friday The words Black Friday affect everyone differently with some running toward the sales and other running away from them. But while most shoppers are focused on holiday gift cards and toys, hitting the dealership may be the better choice. Black Friday at automotive dealerships means huge savings! Dealers are working hard to clear out older inventory for the new year. This means you can potentially save as much as $2,000 when purchasing a new car. Rebates You've heard of coupons. But what about rebates? Rebates can be a little slice of heaven for consumers – especially when buying a new car. Buying a car that comes with a rebate means a fixed amount of money will be returned to you after purchasing. Temporary rebates are sometimes offered at dealerships so they can clear out older models to make room for newer ones. This means you could see considerable savings during these times. Rebates can appear at any time of the year, so be sure to do some research first if you want to benefit for this type of savings. For more information on the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder and ways to save when shopping at a dealership, visit us, Faulkner Nissan in Harrisburg, PA.