Tuesday, July 31, 2012

How To Change A Car's Air Filter


A basic filter change on a regular basis can have a significant impact on engine life and performance. It doesn't take long, saves you money, and sends your car down the road refreshed and renewed. A clogged air filter can cause poor performance and reduced engine life. This simple procedure guards against that and should be done every 12 months or 12,00 miles. According to Edmunds.com here is the step-by-step process to change your air filter. 
First,  find the right size or model air filter for your Nissan, visit Auto Parts Warehouse. 
Then, park your car in the shade and pop the hood. Prop it up so it doesn't bang you in the head, then let the engine cool for a few minutes. While it's cooling, go get your tools. You'll need very few for this procedure — grab a butter knife, two medium-sized screwdrivers, one standard and one Phillips. 
The air filter is typically enclosed in a black plastic casing near the center-top of the engine (sometimes, however, it will be off to the side). It should be the largest non-metal assembly you see, about the size of a breadbox.  Now, open it.
Since it is usually held together by a couple of large metal clips on the side, slide the butter knife or flat-headed screwdriver between the casing and the clip and then pry the clip away. Continue around the case's perimeter, loosening all the retaining clips which should allow you to open the case up. Occasionally you'll find an air filter housing that's held together with several long screws, in which case you'll have to unscrew them to get at the filter. You'll find the air filter inside. It's usually white, bright yellow, orange or red, the better to see the collected dirt.
Pull out the filter — it's typically flat and/or elongated but some vehicles have oval air filters, it's made of a paper element with rubber edges to seal it against the casing.
Next, check it for cleanliness. Hold it up to the sunlight and (while keeping it at arm's length from your face) bend it back, so the paper ridges of the filter flutter like the pages of a book, and look inside the crevices. Do you see a lot of accumulated dirt and grime? Now look at it straight on. Is the orange or yellow paper mostly dirty in the center? If so, then you should replace it. 
Close up the casing and put the old air filter in a plastic grocery bag. Place the new filter in, seal it up and you're done. 

Monday, July 30, 2012

Mom, Dad, Meet your Backup -- The Nissan Quest

2012 Nissan Quest

Truly innovation for family: The Nissan Quest minivan is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 making 260 horsepower, put to the ground through a slick CVT. The Quest is available in four trim levels: S, SV, SL and LE.

Featuring a Tire Pressure Monitoring System with Easy Fill Tire Alert, fold-flat second-row captain’s chairs and fold-flat third-row bench seat, 7-passenger seating capacity and permanent rear storage (behind third-row), second-row power windows. Inside, the Quest's has Push Button Ignition, six standard air bags, a dash that has easily navigable controls with a center AM/FM/in-dash 6-CD audio system and auxiliary audio input jack. 

Overall, the Quest is the perfect assistant to any busy family. It combines safety, utility and technology to provide drivers with smooth and reliable vehicle to handle the whatever life has in store.

Friday, July 27, 2012

Next-Generation XTRONIC CVT


Nissan first adopted the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) in 1992, then refreshed and modernized it a decade later, becoming one of the world’s first automotive manufacturers to include the CVT on passenger cars. Now, 10 years on again, they’ve taken it to another level. 
The 2013 Nissan Altima is the first Nissan with the next-generation XTRONIC CVT. The dramatically improved technology achieves a significant 15% increase in fuel efficiency, accelerates faster, runs quieter and offers an even more seamless shifting experience.
According to Nissan's innovation article, the next-generation XTRONIC CVT has the world’s highest transmission ratio and also reducing the transmission’s weight, length, friction, and even the amount of transmission fluid needed. The transmission ratio is 7.3:1, which is a broader ratio than you’ll find in an average automatic, and far superior to the 6.0:1 you’d find in a similar model vehicle.


Intelligent CVT Logic ensures that the transmission is always in the right gear, which eliminates any wasteful gear hunting. The expanded gear ratio also reduces engine revolutions drastically, allowing the Altima to cruise at 60 miles per hour at fewer than 1500 RPMs. The benefits of lower RPMs are obvious – better fuel efficiency and a noticeably quieter ride.

So what's this all mean for the driver? Improved performance and fuel economy. The XTRONIC CVT delivers absolutely seamless performance and alleviates many of the concerns that drivers held about earlier generation CVT's. In addition the higher-efficiency and 40% reduction in friction allows the car to perform at higher speeds with low RPMs and have a 15% increase in fuel efficiency. 

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Travel Songs

One of my most cherished childhood memories was singing road trip songs on our family's infamous summer vacation to visit my grandparents and all those uncles and aunts who'd pinch my checks and reminisce on how much I'd grown. I decided to include the lyrics of my two favorite travel songs, or as my father used to call it, Car-aoke songs.

Backseat Blues 

(sung to This Land is Your Land)
This side is my side; that side is your side.
Let's get along now; this is a long ride.
You see this line here - please don't cross over.
One side for you and one for me.

I had my eyes closed - faked I was sleeping.
So you got greedy and started creeping.
Try that again, Bub, and you'll be weeping.
One side for you and one for me.

Just like I warned you - now you are crying.
And Dad is angry - now you are lying.
You had it coming, there's no denying.
One side for you and one for me.

Don't Get Out of the Fast Lane

(sung to Take Me out to the Ballgame)
Don't get out of the fast lane. Don't let up on the gas.
I can't believe all the cars we've passed -
Wherever we're going, we're going there fast!
And it's zoom, zoom, zoom, down the freeway,
But don't break the speed limit please ...
Or the friend -ly Highway Patrol will request your keys!


What car songs do you remember singing as a child? We'd love for you share with us! 

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Nissan Summer Savin' Days

It’s Nissan’s Summer Savin’ Days. Stop by the dealership today, for amazing deals on our innovative lineup. Like our fuel-efficient sedans, perfect for a summer road trip. Versatile crossovers, with plenty of room for beach gear. Durable trucks, ideal for hauling all your toys. Or capable SUVs, to take you off road and on an adventure. Hurry in today and find the best deals under the sun in our inventory. Nissan’s Summer Savin’ Days ends soon.

Monday, July 23, 2012

Cowboy Approved: Nissan GT-R


As we mentioned in an earlier post, USA Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte drives a Nissan 370Z. Now we are here to inform you of another celebrity using Twitter to reveal his ride of choice, this time it was Dallas Cowboys star lineman DeMarcus Ware. On Sunday, Ware answered a followers question of what car he drives now, tweeting "Nissan GTR" along with the photo below.


















The Nissan GT-R is a supercar. Handcrafted 545 hp twin-turbo V6 engine with dual clutch 6-speed transmission, 4-wheel independent suspension with Bilstein® DampTronic® system, Nissan/Brembo® 15.4" front rotors and 15.0" rear rotors with diamond-pattern internal ventilation and 6-piston front/4-piston rear monoblock calipers, 20" super-lightweight forged-alloy RAYS® wheels with knurled bead area, integrated LED running lights, driver-configurable Multi-Function Display system, RearView Monitor, developed in collaboration with Sony® Polyphony Digital and Clarion Co., Ltd. and Bose® audio system with 11 speakers, including dual subwoofers.
2013 Nissan GT-R Premium at Orr Nissan of Greenville Dealership

For more information about the Nissan GT-R or to test drive the 2013 GT-R we have in stock visit us at Orr Nissan of Greenville!

Friday, July 20, 2012

Revealing the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder



DESIGNED FOR THE EVERYDAY MOUNTAINS YOU NEED TO CONQUER

For over 25 years, the reliable, capable Nissan Pathfinder has defined adventure. Now, this legendary SUV is tackling adventure in a whole new way. With innovative features, modern style, comfort and unprecedented efficiency. It’s more than a new Pathfinder - it’s The Next Generation SUV. 

The arrival of the 2013 Pathfinder announces to the world that the next generation of the Sport Utility Vehicle is here. It seamlessly blends SUV utility with advanced technology, and interior versatility with premium comfort. Tackle your every adventure in the new SUV - there really is nothing like it on the road today.

Monday, July 16, 2012

When Should You Retire Your Tires?



 
For years, people have relied on a tire's tread depth to determine its condition. But the rubber compounds in a tire deteriorate with time, regardless of the condition of the tread. An old tire poses a safety hazard.
In finding the age of tires on your vehicle, you must look at the sidewall of a tire. The sidewall is littered with numbers and letters, they all mean something, but deciphering them can be a challenge. For determining the age of a tire, you'll need to know its U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) number: DOT XXXX-XXX-XXXX which tells the manufacturer plant code, size, brand, week and year of the tire. 


For determining the age of a tire look at the last digits of the DOT. The first two numbers represent the week in which the tire was made. The second two represent the year. A tire with a DOT code of 0812 was made in the 8th week of 2012.
After checking out a tire's birth date, give the rubber a visual inspection. Check tires regularly for any sign of aging, such as tread distortion or large or small hairline cracks in the sidewall. Vibrations or a change in the dynamic properties of the tire could also be an indicator of aging problems, and the tire should be replaced immediately. 
It's too bad that tires don't have a "sell by" date, like cartons of milk. Since there's no consensus from government or industry sources, we'll just say that if your tire has plenty of tread left but is nearing the five-year mark, it's time to get it inspected for signs of aging and look into investing in a replacement.

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Traveling Kits for Kids



This is too great of an idea for me not to share it with y'all! Before you buckle up for your next road trip-- create a DIY travel kit for your kids! For a "Travel Snack Kit" fill a tackle box up by raiding the kitchen and assemble this food kit before your next trip. Use the items in this box to turn a simple snack into entertaining fun. 


Since nothing passes the time like playing games—"The Game Kit" is a must have! Once again fill a tackle box with things you find around the house, including your favorite small toys and games, and let the games begin.
 
In addition you can add detailed instructions for how to play games for the items in the box, like Yhatzi, Old Maid, War, Pick Up Sticks, Tic-Tac-Toe, Spades, Texas Hold 'em, and the list goes on and on. Feel free to improvise the contents of either of the kits with what you can find around the house or any of your favorite things! 



Friday, July 6, 2012

Nissan Supports Team USA

Ryan Lochte Tweeted photo with his new Nissan 370Z
As the countdown until the 2012 summer Olympics steadily approaches, everyone is paying close attention to all of this years Olympians. One swimmer Ryan Lochte, has earned quite the buzz amongst the ladies for his looks and the world for his sheer talent, he beat 16 time Olympic medalist Michael Phelps in their first race during the Team USA Trials.  Nissan's very own Innovation4Endurance took notice of this swim star and gifted him with a brand new Nissan 370Z as a symbol of support. Ryan Lochte was so excited about his new wheels he tweeted about it, saying "Came home today to this big surprise from @NissanIFE sitting in my driveway!!" We can't wait for the Olympics to open later this month in London!
Good Luck Ryan! 

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Happy 4th of July!


Today marks our favorite holiday. It symbolizes all that America is-- family barbecues, time spent playing in the pool, lighting sparklers, watching fireworks and all while wearing red, white and blue! The fourth of July celebrates America's Independence and declares that this is indeed the land of the free and the home of the brave. We hope that y'all have a very happy independence day! 

Monday, July 2, 2012

Find Cheap Gas with GasBuddy Application!


As we are all well aware, filling up at the pump these days breaks the bank....and your heart. Yet on a recent road trip I used the GasBuddy smart phone application, which helps you find the cheapest gas on the go!  The GasBuddy mobile application is available for the Android, iPhone, and Blackberry-- for FREE! 
With it you can locate gas stations near you, get directions and compare current prices on different gas types. GasBuddy is a community of users working together to update gas prices, for every gas price reported you'll earn points towards prize give-aways. This App is brilliant and I highly recommend it! While there is no telling when gas prices will go down, there is some joy in beating the system and getting gas for the cheapest price around!