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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.

When your teen first gets their license it's a day of celebration, and also nerves. As happy as you are for them, more than anything, you want them to be safe when they venture out on the road without you. One way to keep them safe is to invest in a solid vehicle for them to drive. One, for example, is the 2016 Nissan Rogue. The Rogue makes a great vehicle for new drivers with its high crash test scores and high-tech safety features. Safety features include: Blind-spot warning system Lane-departure warning system Forward-collision warning system with automatic emergency braking AroundView camera system NissanConnect services with geo-fencing, automatic collision notification, emergency assistance, and stolen vehicle locating But along with a safe vehicle, it's important for your teen to learn how to be a safe driver. Here are some tips to help your teen learn to be smart behind the wheel. Be Confident The first few times you're behind the wheel of a car, you'll probably feel a bit nervous. In fact, it's totally normal to feel this way. Being allowed to drive allows a certain level of freedom, but it is also a dangerous activity and a huge responsibility. But being too nervous can lead to unsafe driving. This being said, you will need to keep your emotions under control when in the driver's seat. The more driving practice you get, the more confident you'll become. Become Comfortable with Your Vehicle All vehicles are different, which is one thing that consumers love about them. However, this also means they run and handle differently which can impair driving ability. This is why it is a good idea to become comfortable with a vehicle before driving it. Familiarize yourself with all controls, including seat adjustability, radio, A/C and heater, windows, locks, windshield wipers, headlights, speedometer and other gauges, etc. Knowing where and how to use these things before actually driving will eliminate distractions and keep you safer on the road. Don't Worry About Other Drivers There are a lot of other drivers on the road besides yourself, which means you're going to run into some that are just not good at it. Some will drive too slow, others won't use blinkers, and a large handful will tailgate. When you run into these drivers, it's important to continue to drive safely no matter what. For example, if you are driving the speed limit and look in your rearview mirror to find a car tailgating you, don't feel the need to speed up to suit their needs. Just because they are driving aggressively, doesn't mean you should follow their lead. Instead, continue to drive safely Avoid Distractions Distractions are one of the leading causes of collisions; they also come in many forms. Talking and texting on a cell phone, eating and drinking, and tending to a child or pet are all things that take your eyes off the road and into harms way. As dangerous as driving is, it's vital to avoid distractions at all costs to ensure the safety of your passengers, yourself and others on the road. Use Your Senses You may never stop to consider this, but when driving, it's important to use all of your senses. The most obvious is the sense of sight, which you need in order to see where you are driving. But other senses are just as useful. The sense of smell, for example, is important in order to know if your car may be having a problem like burning oil or brakes. Being able to hear is also necessary when in the driver's seat because it enables you to listen for vehicle problems as well as sirens from emergency vehicles. For more information on the 2016 Nissan Rogue and safe driving tips, visit Faulkner Nissan in Harrisburg, PA.

So you're in the market for a new car. You've done all of the necessary online research, located a dealership, and are now ready to experience the 2016 Nissan Sentra first hand. You've already learned that it offers high fuel economy and loads of features inside an attractive exterior, but there is much, much more to know. Before you grab the keys and take it for that first crucial test drive, here are some important things to consider. How is the overall appearance? Do the exterior and interior colors look good together? Does the trunk and cargo area provide enough space for your needs? Is the driver's seat comfortable and easy to adjust? Are controls easy to use and understand? Does the steering wheel feel good in your hands? It is also important to check out the vehicle characteristics that are most important to you. For instance, if you intend to tote around a lot of passengers, it's a good idea to check out the rear seats, seat belts and overall vibe of the backseat. You may be the one actually purchasing the vehicle, but you'll want everyone on board to have an enjoyable experience. Now that you've inspected the exterior and interior, you can take the vehicle for a test drive. This is a major step in the car-buying process, and depending on the results, you will be able to make a final decision on whether to purchase or walk away. Remember that when you go on a test drive, you should take your time and drive on both city streets and the highway. Doing so will give you a better understanding of how the vehicle performs and if you feel comfortable behind the wheel. Here is a list of some key things to keep in mind during your test drive. Noise The sound system may be one of the top things on your new-car checklist, but once you've checked it to make sure it is working to your expectations, be sure to turn the volume down so you can listen to the car itself. Do you hear excessive engine noise coming through the cockpit? Do you hear wind coming through the windows? Are there any other squeaks or rattles present? While new cars are typically quiet, noise level is still important to listen out for during your test drive – so be sure to keep your ears tuned. Power/Acceleration Depending on what you're looking for in terms of power and acceleration, the best time to pay serious attention to these things is during a test drive. Here are some things to consider. How does the vehicle respond when you press the accelerator? Does it hesitate or lurch forward? Does the engine feel strong and smooth? Braking The braking system is one of, if not the most important safety systems in a vehicle. This being said, it is crucial to make sure it works as it should. When you apply the brakes, the vehicle should come to a smooth stop with no vibrations present. Steering should also not be affected by braking and the vehicle should stop in a straight line. If the steering wheel pulls left or right while stopping, this is a sign of a problem. Handling Another important thing to take note of during your test drive is the vehicle's overall handling. Is it easy to park? Is it easy to maneuver? When the steering wheel is turned, does the vehicle respond as expected? Are there any blind spots that decrease visibility? If all of these things pass the test, you are one step closer to purchasing a new car. However, if all tests were not passed or not up to your expectations, you will know to walk away and continue shopping. For more information on the 2016 Nissan Sentra and to take it for a spin, visit our Faulkner Nissan dealership in Harrisburg, PA.

When you opt for a truck like the 2016 Nissan Titan, you expect a lot. Attractive and functional interior, serious towing potential, and substantial payload capabilities – to name a few. But to keep a half-ton truck like the Titan in optimal condition, oil changes are key. You've probably heard hundreds of times how important oil changes are to the well-being of a vehicle, but you may not know why. Continue reading to learn the importance of oil changes, how to check your oil level, and ways know if your vehicle's oil needs to be changed. Importance of Engine Oil As you already know, engine oil is vital to a vehicle's engine, and regular oil changes and oil level checks must be performed in order to keep your vehicle running smoothly. But why is it so crucial? Engine oil works to lubricate the moving parts inside your truck's engine. It also works to clean, cool and protect these parts and prevent the engine from seizing up. Unfortunately, engine oil gets dirty and its chemical makeup changes and becomes less effective over time. This causes it to lose its lubricating properties. As a result, engine oil must be changed regularly in order to keep your engine and vehicle running efficiently. How to Check Your Oil Level Checking your engine oil level is one of the easiest automotive maintenance services you can perform yourself. Just follow these steps: Pop the hood. Locate the dipstick. Pull the dipstick all the way out. Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth. Reinsert the dipstick back into the engine. Remove the dipstick once more. Look at the tip of the dipstick. An engine with a proper oil level will reach the Full line on the dipstick. Replace the dipstick and close the hood. How to Tell if Your Truck Needs an Oil Change By now, you are probably wondering how to tell if your truck is in need of an oil change. Here are some ways to know. Color When you check your oil level, be sure to inspect its color. Good oil is a transparent light brown. Oil that is no longer good will appear darker, even black. If your oil loses its transparency and turns black, it is most likely loaded with particles and gunk and needs to be changed. Consistency Along with color, it is also important to check the consistency of your oil. To do this, take a little bit of oil off the end of your dipstick and rub it between your thumb and forefinger. If the oil feels coarse or gritty, this is a sign that the oil contains contaminants and needs to be replaced. Increased Engine Noise Does your truck's engine seem to be noisier than usual? If so, this could be a sign that your oil is in need of replacing. The longer engine oil goes without being replaced, the less efficient it becomes, losing its lubricating properties. This causes moving engine parts to grind against each other and become damaged. If this issue is not addressed, you are looking at serious engine repairs and costs. Oil Level Continues to Drop Has your oil level continued to drop below the minimum indicator on your dipstick – even after topping it off? If so, this could mean there's a problem. As engine oil loses its lubricating properties over time, your truck's engine will end up using more oil to ensure it's working parts continue to run smoothly. If an oil change or topping off your oil doesn't help to keep the correct amount of oil in your engine, this could be a sign of a leak. Visit our dealership in Harrisburg, PA to learn more about the 2016 Nissan Titan and engine oil tips.

As you drive around in your 2016 Nissan Altima, you are probably rolling over all of the fallen leaves that are changing colors and littering the roadways as the fall season comes swooshing in. But before you get too comfortable with the color-changing leaves and so on, don't forget that just as quick as fall appears, the harsh, cold months of winter come flying in. This being said, it's a good idea to go ahead and prepare yourself for the winter driving that's ahead. Driving in winter can be very dangerous. A main reason for this is due to a lack of tire traction when enduring wet, icy and snowy roads. One way to prepare your car for the winter months ahead is by making sure your tires are in good shape. If you live in snowy areas, you will also want to invest in snow tires for ultimate winter-road traction. When inspecting your tires, there are a number of things to do. Inspect tread depth. If driving in wet and snowy conditions, your tires should have a tread depth of at least 1/8 inch. Check tire pressure. Cold, winter temperatures can cause tire pressure to drop. Tires that are under-inflated (do not have enough air) are prone to safety risks. Look for uneven tread wear. Tires with uneven treads suffer from a lack of traction with the road, a serious safety risk when driving in wet, icy and snowy conditions. Once you ensure your car's tires are in good winter condition, you can focus on the task at hand, which is driving. The following is a list of important tips to keep yourself safe when driving in winter. Clear Car of Snow and Ice Before you even climb into your car, it's important to take the time to clear off any snow or ice that has fallen onto it since it was last driven. Clearing a small spot on your windshield that creates just enough space for you to see the road while driving is a risky decision and can lead to dangerous situations. For optimal safety, thoroughly brush snow off of your vehicle, including the roof, and scrape all ice from the windows. Accelerate Slowly In warm weather, you can pretty much stomp on the gas pedal when you're ready to go and you won't experience any problems. In icy, wet or snowy conditions, this is simply not the case. Making your car accelerate quickly from a standstill can cause your wheels to spin from a lack of adequate traction, and as a result, your car goes nowhere. When on slick ice or snow, it's a good idea to put your car into second gear before pressing the gas pedal. Doing so will reduce the chances of having your wheels spin. Reduce Speed When driving in slippery conditions, your car's tires are more likely to lose their grip. When this occurs, all areas of your driving are affected, including braking, turning and accelerating. By reducing your speed, you will allow yourself more time to react to situations like slipping or a potential collision. Having more time to react will lessen the damage if something does go wrong. Allow a Longer Stopping Distance Winter roads require a longer stopping distance than roadways during dryer, warmer seasons. So prepare to stop sooner. Give yourself more time to stop and use gentle pressure when pressing the brake pedal. Braking that is too abrupt can lead to skidding and a failure to stop.   For more information on the 2016 Nissan Altima and other safety tips, just ask our professionals at our dealership in Harrisburg, PA.

Whether trucks are your first vehicle of choice or not, everyone can agree that a pickup truck is very useful. In fact, this useful quality trucks have is what will keep them on the market for decades to come. If you're in the market for a useful truck, one worth noting is the 2016 Nissan Frontier. With a brawny V6 engine, excellent ride quality, impressive off-road capability and overall fun-to-drive demeanor, there is a lot to enjoy in the Frontier. But there are many more reasons to invest in a truck like the Frontier. Continue reading to learn more sought-after qualities trucks provide. Versatility If there's one quality that trucks provide that many vehicles can't its versatility. From daily errands to loading lumber on the job site and hitting rugged terrain off-road, all of it is made possible with a pickup truck. Ability to Tow One of the main reasons people love trucks is that they are able to tow. Whether you want to pull a boat to the lake, a snowmobile to the mountains or a trailer full of furniture to a new home, owning a truck makes all of these things possible. The 2016 Nissan Frontier, for example, is powered by one of two engines: the standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder or the optional 4.0-liter V6. When properly equipped, the Frontier can tow up to 3,500 pounds with the four-cylinder and 6,500 pounds with the V6. Safety With their higher ride height which increases visibility behind the wheel and their solid safety equipment, trucks provide consumers with safety. Plus, new trucks like the 2016 Nissan Frontier feature safety systems that help boost driver awareness and, in turn, increase on-road safety. The Frontier comes with items, such as: Automatic collision notification Emergency call button Stolen vehicle locator Remote alarm notification Rearview camera Improved Fuel Efficiency The newer the truck, the better the fuel economy. Okay, so this may not be the case for every single truck on the market, but for most, it's the truth. Today's trucks are not only lighter, but they are also equipped with technology that makes them more fuel efficient in specific driving conditions, like active fuel management, which deactivates engine cylinders when possible so less fuel is burned. Full of Features Just like other vehicles on the market, pickup trucks offer loads of features that make the overall truck-owning experience excellent – even upscale. Depending on trim level, the 2016 Nissan Frontier comes with a number of sought-after features, such as: Keyless entry Foglights Dual-automatic climate control Heated front seats Auto-dimming rearview mirror High-performance shock absorbers Off-road tires Rear parking sensors Adjustable cargo tie-downs Spray-on bedliner NissanConnect system with 5” touchscreen Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity Media player interface 12-volt power outlet For more on the 2016 Nissan Frontier and even more reasons to opt for a pickup truck, visit our dealership in Harrisburg, PA.