Blog

While you’re thinking about hopping in the pool, taking trips to the lake, and hitting the beach with the family, we’re here to remind you that as quick as summer came, it’s going to be gone! And that means it’s time to start thinking about where and how you are going to store those summer tires of yours! This week, we have your easy-to-follow guide, and we want to help you get the most out of your tires. So, take a look and put this plan to good use. If you’re ready to upgrade your tires, stop in to see our team! We will be more than happy to help you get a new set of tires onto your Nissan and back on the road in no time! Schedule your service appointment with us today! Bennington Nissan’s Guide To Storing Your Summer Tires: Keep them clean. This is probably the best advice that you can receive when it comes to storing tires. During use, your tires accumulate brake dust, dirt, road grime, and all sorts of other nasty gunk which can cause tire damage if it sits on your tires for a long period of time (aka fall & winter months!) So, grab some soap, a tire brush, and a bucket of water and get to cleaning before storing these bad boys away for the winter. We recommend using an approved wheel cleaner, avoid using tire gloss or dressing, and allow your tires to completely dry before moving on to the next step. Airtight is right. Once your tires are clean and properly dried, you want to place them into a large, dark, airtight plastic bag. Lawn and garden bags work perfectly or you can choose to purchase tire storing bags online. Your choice! Secure the bag with a zip tie or tape after removing as much air as possible. This will keep oil compounds from escaping. Upright is important. Next, choose to store your tires upright and avoid stacking them if possible. If you keep your wheels mounted, you will want to stack them. If you choose not to use bags, store tires white to white and black to black. This will keep your tires clean! Store your tires like a pro. Keeping your tires out of direct sunlight and away from ozone sources is a MUST. Intense heat can damage your tires. So keep out of direct sunlight (yes, even in the winter), away from electric motors, furnaces, or basement sump pumps. Tires like it cool and dry. So places like basements, climate-controlled garages or workshops are the best places to store your tires. Anywhere that is exposed to extreme temperatures cold or hot and wet, is a no-go. Not going to be using your vehicle for the winter? Well, it’s still important to move that vehicle to ensure that your tire’s rubber compounds are lubricated and supple. This will help relieve stress on the tires and keep them healthy!

Servicing your vehicle is something every car owner has to do to ensure that your vehicle stays running in tip-top shape. We understand that not every car owner is a car expert, in fact, many of us just schedule a service appointment, drop off our vehicle, and pick it up when it’s done without really understanding what goes into maintaining it. But this week, Bennington Nissan is here to help you learn more about your vehicle’s fluid levels and why it is so important to ensure that they remain at the recommended levels. So, check out your vehicle's levels, and be sure to schedule your service appointment with us if your Nissan is in need of a tune-up and a top off! Bennington Nissan’s Vehicle Fluid Guide: Oil What it does: cools your engine, lubricates moving parts, keeps moving parts clean What to do: change it regularly (dealer recommendation) and check it monthly Coolant What it does: regulates your vehicle’s temperature. Where to find it: in a reservoir near the radiator. What to do: if the level is low (level is indicated on the reservoir) take the vehicle to the shop to get coolant topped up. Power Steering Fluid What it does: helps you steer the vehicle Where to find it: a reservoir at the base if windshield. What to do: same as above, if the level is low take your vehicle to the shop to get the fluid topped up. Brake Fluid What it does: helps braking mechanisms work properly What to do: if the level is chronically low, your brakes could be wearing out. Windshield Washer Fluid What it does: helps clean windshields of dust, debris, bug guts, etc. What to do: if you run out, get more at your local gas station and just refill the clearly labeled tank.

Regular maintenance is key to keeping your car in optimal condition and ensuring a smooth and safe ride wherever your travels take you! Among the various components of your vehicle, Your tires play a vital role in providing traction and stability on the road. That's why it's crucial to prioritize servicing your tires regularly. By periodically rotating and balancing your tires, you can promote even wear and tear, prolong tire life, enhance fuel efficiency, thus improving overall vehicle performance. This June, Bennington Nissan is offering an incredible opportunity to save big on your tires services! By taking advantage of this promotion, you not only ensure your tires receive the necessary care they deserve but also enjoy the benefits of a smoother and safer driving experience. Claim your offer today and schedule your tire service at the Bennington Nissan Service Center! Bennington Nissan June Special: Tire Rotation And Balance Rotate and balance 4 tires. Check and adjust tire pressure. Complimentary multi-point inspection. ALL for 10% OFF!* *Offer expires 06/30/2023. See our Service Specials Page for full offer details!

Preparing your vehicle for the upcoming hot and sunny summer months is a very important part of vehicle maintenance. And this week we want to focus on four ways to keep your vehicle’s exterior paint happy, healthy, and shining all year long. So, check out these tips, get to washing, and let our team know if we can be of assistance to you or your Nissan. Or if you’re ready to ditch your old ride altogether and start fresh, come see your favorite Nissan team right here at Bennington Nissan and let us help you upgrade into a Brand-New Nissan that fits your needs and budget best! Bennington Nissan’s 4 Paint Job Care Tips: Decontaminate with a clay bar. Our vehicles are often contaminated with things like tree sap, road debris, and iron filings that can hurt our paint and bond to the surface of the clear coat. While these things can’t be washed away, using a clay bar will get rid of these contaminants and give your vehicle a better clean. Polish out those swirls. Regular washing combined with dirt, dust, road debris, and ice, can create a ‘spider-web’ appearance in your clear coat. Luckily, these are easy to remove with the right polish. Protect and seal. A freshly polished vehicle will need a layer of protective wax to ensure complete and total protection. Some waxes will give you a deeper shine but won’t last as long. So be careful which you are selecting especially if you live in cold climates. But either way, this protective barrier is super important in keeping your vehicle looking shiny and healthy! Wash your vehicle regularly. It’s very important to keep your vehicle on a schedule for regular washes, especially in the fall and winter months when sand, ice, dirt, and more road debris are present. Be sure to spend a little extra and get your vehicle’s undercarriage washed as well. And be sure to wash your vehicle when temperatures are at their warmest in colder months to ensure that your windows and doors do not freeze.

Changing your vehicle's oil is a vital part of regular car maintenance, but it can be an intimidating task if you've never done it before. But, Bennington Nissan wants you to know that you don’t have to be a professional to give your vehicle a fresh start this Spring! We’ve compiled a DIY guide to make changing your car's oil easier than ever! Follow the steps below: Bennington Nissan’s Guide To Changing Your Vehicle's Oil: Gather the Necessary Tools and Materials Before you get started, you'll need to gather some tools and materials, including a jack and jack stands, an oil filter wrench, a drain pan, a funnel, and the correct type and amount of oil for your vehicle. Locate the Oil Filter and Drain Plug The oil filter and drain plug are typically located on the bottom of the engine. Consult your owner's manual or a repair manual to locate these components. Drain the Old Oil Place the drain pan under the drain plug and remove the plug using a wrench. Allow the old oil to drain out completely. Replace the Oil Filter Using the oil filter wrench, remove the old oil filter and replace it with a new one. Be sure to lubricate the new filter's gasket with some fresh oil before installing it. Refill with New Oil Use the funnel to refill the engine with the correct amount and type of oil specified in your owner's manual. Start the Engine and Check for Leaks Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes. Check for any leaks or other issues. Dispose of the Old Oil Properly Be sure to dispose of the old oil in an environmentally friendly way, such as taking it to a recycling center or an oil change shop that offers oil recycling services. By following these steps, you can change your vehicle's oil with confidence and keep your car running smoothly.

Maintaining your car is essential to ensuring it stays in top condition and runs smoothly on the road. One of the most critical components of your car is its tires, which provide the necessary traction and stability to keep you safe while driving. As such, it's essential to have your vehicle's tires rotated and balanced regularly. Tire rotation and balancing are crucial maintenance procedures that involve shifting the position of the tires and adjusting their balance to ensure even wear and tear. These procedures help to extend the life of your tires, increase fuel efficiency, and improve overall vehicle performance. And if you choose to have your tires rotated and balanced at Bennington Nissan this April you could save big! Don’t miss out on this awesome service offer! Claim yours today! Bennington Nissan April Special: Tire Rotation And Balance Rotate and balance 4 tires. Check and adjust tire pressure. Complimentary multi-point inspection. ALL for 10% OFF!* *Offer expires 04/30/2023. See our Service Specials Page for full offer details!

Spring is coming and fresh starts will be all around! Give your vehicle one by adding it to your spring cleaning checklist! We know it may not seem as though your car should be ranked among the other spring cleaning jobs you may have to do, but most people use their car every day. Take one afternoon to thoroughly tidy your vehicle up and every trip will feel so much better! Take a look at Bennington Nissan’s spring cleaning tips below and if your vehicle is in need of some seasonal maintenance, be sure to schedule your service appointment at Bennington Nissan’s Service Center in Bennington, VT today! Bennington Nissan’s Spring Cleaning Tips: Take a look under the hood. Under the hood is where the heart of your vehicle lives. Make sure that it is clear of debris and dead leaves! A clean engine prolongs the life of your vehicle as well as prevents any further mechanical issues. Clean the interior. It’s dangerous to have your floors covered in clutter! Roll up your sleeves and take out any items that don’t belong! You should also check under the seats and vacuum all the dirt and dried salt. Don’t ignore your vehicle’s seats! Vacuum the cracks and whip down the seats as best you can! Wash your car’s exterior. Wash and wax your vehicle’s exterior to get rid of dust, dirt, and salt that has built up during the winter. If left unprotected from the elements your car could be susceptible to fading paint, scratches, and rust! Clean out your trunk. Our truck is basically our closet on the go. We tend to throw a lot of useless stuff in there. Well, it’s time to rip off the bandaid and take everything out. Keep only the most important items, make some space for new things, and don’t forget to shake out the trunk carpet liner. Change out your winter tires. Leaving your winter tires on during all four seasons can actually cause a lot of damage and even be dangerous. Once it looks like the coast is clear and we won’t be getting any more snow, set a day aside to change out your tire.

Your vehicle’s tires are your first defense against all road hazards. So, you've got to make sure you take the utmost care of them. But, Bennington Nissan understands that vehicle maintenance can be an expensive endeavor! That’s why this month we’re offering service savings on your vehicle’s tire rotation and balance! Take a look at our offer below and be sure to schedule your service appointment online today! We can't wait to get your ride back on the road for longer! Bennington Nissan March Special: Tire Rotation And Balance Rotate and balance 4 tires. Check and adjust tire pressure. Complimentary multi-point inspection. ALL for 10% OFF!* *Offer expires 03/31/2023. See our Service Specials Page for full offer details!

With salty winter roads behind us and sleek rainy roads ahead, your tires have got a lot to take on in the months ahead. Is your ride up to snuff? Well if you’re not quite sure, not to worry! Bennington Nissan has come up with a guide for checking your tire treads, all by using common household items! So, take a look at our guide below and if your ride is in need of a new set of wheels, be sure to schedule a service appointment here at the Bennington Service Center and we’ll get your car back on the road in no time! Bennington Nissan’s Tips For Checking Your Tire Tread: The Penny Test: Insert a penny right into the tread groove with Lincoln’s head facing upside down in the tread facing toward you. Once the penny is inserted, if you can see the entire head, your tread depth is less than 2/32” and that means you need to replace your tires ASAP. The Quarter Test: As we did before, place the quarter upside down into the tread groove with Washington’s head facing toward you. If the tread reaches Washington’s head, you have at least 4/32” of tread remaining, AKA your tires are still in good shape and there’s nothing to worry about! Tread Wear Indicator No coins? No worries! Take a look at your tread wear indicator bar that is molded onto the tread of your tires. These bars are found at the bottom of the tread grooves in multiple spots. When these bars are visibly flush with the adjacent ribs, your tire has no more than 2/32” of tread left. This is a visible indication that you need new tires for your vehicle!

February is the month of love, and oftentimes when we think of the things we love, our vehicle slips our mind! But, it’s not too late to show your ride some TLC here at Bennington Nissan! All month long you can get your tires inspected, rotated, and balanced all for less right here at our Nissan Service Center! Our team of talented factory-trained technicians is ready to show your ride some love! So, don’t wait! Schedule your service appointment today using this special offer below! Bennington Nissan February Special: Tire Rotation And Balance Rotate and balance 4 tires. Check and adjust tire pressure. Complimentary multi-point inspection. ALL for 10% OFF!* *Offer expires 02/28/2023. See our Service Specials Page for full offer details!