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When it comes to choosing the right SUV for your family, safety and convenience top the list. That’s why it’s no surprise the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder has once again been named one of Cars.com’s Best Cars for Car Seats, its second consecutive year earning this honor. Out of 51 vehicles tested, the Pathfinder was one of only seven to earn straight A’s in every category, making it a standout choice for parents who want peace of mind and a vehicle designed with family life in mind. Built for Families, Backed by Safety Installing car seats doesn’t have to be a headache, and the Pathfinder proves it. From its second row with removable head restraints that allow car seats to fit snugly, to clearly marked LATCH anchors, Nissan makes securing your little ones simple and stress-free. Parents will especially appreciate the one-touch second-row release for easy third-row access, perfect when juggling kids, strollers, and backpacks. Add in rear climate controls, and even the smallest passengers get comfort tailored to them. Safety is where the Pathfinder continues to shine. For the fourth year in a row, it’s earned the IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation, the organization’s highest rating. Combined with its available advanced driver-assist features and Nissan Safety Shield® 360, the Pathfinder gives families confidence on every drive, whether it’s the daily school run or a Vermont weekend getaway. Rogue Earns Recognition Too The Pathfinder isn’t the only Nissan making headlines. The 2025 Nissan Rogue was recognized as a Top Finisher in Cars.com’s Car Seat Check evaluations. With easy-to-find LATCH anchors, generous space for multiple car seats, and even an extra middle-seat anchor, the Rogue delivers flexibility for growing families who need safety and versatility in a smaller SUV. Comfort, Power, and Adventure-Ready Versatility Of course, the Pathfinder isn’t only about practicality, it’s built for adventure, too. Seating for up to 8, up to 80.5 cubic feet of cargo space, and an available 6,000 lbs. of towing capacity make it ready for road trips, camping excursions, or hauling gear. Under the hood, its 284-horsepower engine and available Intelligent 4x4 ensure you can take on New England winters with confidence. And with trims like the bold Rock Creek® edition, style doesn’t take a back seat. Discover the Pathfinder at Nissan of Bennington At Nissan of Bennington, we’re proud to offer family-focused vehicles like the 2025 Pathfinder and brand new Rogue, SUVs that combine safety, innovation, and everyday usability. If you’re searching for a vehicle that makes car seat installation simple while delivering the power and comfort your family needs, the Pathfinder is the name you’ll keep seeing for all the right reasons. Visit us in Bennington, VT, to explore our latest Nissan inventory, test drive the Pathfinder, and see why so many families across Southern Vermont, Eastern New York, and beyond choose Nissan of Bennington.

A New Benchmark in SUV Safety: The 2025 Nissan Armada Secures IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ When it comes to protecting your loved ones, nothing matters more than a vehicle that’s proven to go above and beyond. That’s why the all-new 2025 Nissan Armada is making waves here at Bennington Nissan —not just for its bold redesign and off-road chops, but for earning the IIHS 2025 TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating, the highest honor a vehicle can receive from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. This award isn’t handed out easily. It’s earned under some of the toughest new crash testing protocols yet —and the 2025 Armada passed with flying colors. What Makes This Award So Impressive? IIHS made its safety requirements stricter than ever in 2024. To win the coveted TOP SAFETY PICK+, the 2025 Armada had to ace several intense evaluations, including: Moderate overlap front crash test with a second dummy behind the driver—representing a 12-year-old child or small adult. Small overlap front and updated side impact tests, simulating real-world accident conditions. Pedestrian crash prevention tests, measuring how well the vehicle detects and reacts to people in its path. Headlight safety ratings that ensure clear visibility for all drivers, in all conditions. In every category, the Armada either met or exceeded expectations, proving itself as one of the safest full-size SUVs on the market. Premium Safety with a Side of Power and Capability Safety may be front and center, but the 2025 Nissan Armada is more than just a crash-test all-star. It’s a full-size SUV designed for families who demand performance, space, and adventure-ready features: Standard Nissan Safety Shield® 360 keeps a watchful eye with automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning, and more. Available Invisible Hood View and Front Wide View provide unmatched driver visibility—especially helpful in tight spots or tricky terrain. The new PRO-4X grade takes off-roading seriously with: All-terrain tires Underbody skid plates Adaptive air suspension Electronic locking rear differential Rugged, premium style inside and out Whether you’re commuting through North Adams or hitting the back roads near Manchester, the Armada is built to take you there—with confidence. Explore the Award-Winning 2025 Armada at Bennington Nissan Come see why the 2025 Nissan Armada is redefining what a full-size SUV should be. At Bennington Nissan, located at 24 Performance Drive in Bennington, VT, we’re proud to offer a vehicle that prioritizes both family safety and rugged capability. Stop in today for a test drive, and let our team help you find the Armada that fits your lifestyle—whether you're hauling gear for a weekend adventure or just making the morning school run with peace of mind. Safety, power, and premium comfort—this is the new standard.

Safety is a top priority for families looking for a reliable and capable SUV, and the all new 2025 Nissan Pathfinder has once again proven itself as a leader in the segment. The Pathfinder has been awarded the 2025 TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) —the organization’s highest distinction. This marks the fourth consecutive year that the Pathfinder has received this prestigious safety award, reinforcing its reputation as a dependable choice for families in Bennington, VT, and beyond. Uncompromising Safety for Vermont Drivers The IIHS has continued to enhance its testing standards to better reflect real-world crash scenarios, and the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder has met and exceeded these rigorous requirements. Notably, the IIHS updated its moderate overlap front crash test in 2024 to include an additional dummy representing a small adult or a 12-year-old child seated in the second row. This test evaluates injury risks for rear-seat passengers—an important factor for families who prioritize the safety of all occupants. To achieve the TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation, vehicles must: Earn a "Good" rating in the updated moderate overlap front crash test. Score "Good" ratings in the small overlap front and updated side impact tests. Have standard pedestrian front crash prevention technology rated as "Acceptable" or "Good". Come equipped with headlights rated as "Acceptable" or "Good" as standard across all trims. The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder met or exceeded these criteria, demonstrating its comprehensive suite of advanced safety features designed to protect drivers and passengers in Vermont’s diverse driving conditions. Pathfinder: Engineered for Safety & Adventure In addition to its exceptional safety performance, the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder is built for families who demand both security and versatility. With seating for up to eight passengers, a rugged Rock Creek edition, and the premium Platinum grade, the Pathfinder is ready for Vermont road trips, mountain adventures, and daily commutes in Bennington. Every 2025 Pathfinder comes standard with Nissan Safety Shield® 360, which includes: Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection Rear Automatic Braking Blind Spot Warning Rear Cross Traffic Alert Lane Departure Warning High Beam Assist Additionally, the Pathfinder features class-exclusive Intelligent Forward Collision Warning and available Intelligent Around View® Monitor, making parking and navigating tight spaces easier. For long highway drives across Vermont’s scenic routes, ProPILOT Assist (available on SV and Rock Creek trims) and ProPILOT Assist with Navi-link (offered on SL and Platinum trims) provide advanced driver assistance for a stress-free ride. Test Drive the Award-Winning Pathfinder at Bennington Nissan The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder offers unmatched safety, comfort, and performance—making it an ideal SUV for families in Bennington, VT, Dorset, Stratton, and the surrounding areas. If you're searching for a vehicle that prioritizes safety while delivering powerful performance and modern technology, visit Bennington Nissan at 24 Performance Drive, Bennington, VT 05201. Schedule a test drive today and experience firsthand why this year’s Nissan Pathfinder continues to lead the way in safety and reliability.

Bennington Nissan wants to make things as easy as possible for you, so today we thought we’d share a guide to your ride post! What is brake fluid and why is it important? Well, brake fluid, also called hydraulic fluid, is a liquid chemical solution that pumps through your hydraulic braking system when you press down on the break. The fluid amplifies the force you use to press down and uses it to apply pressure onto your car’s brakes, allowing you to come to a complete stop with minimal exertion on your part. Braking fluid has to have a high boiling point because friction from the brake pads can create a lot of heat and threaten to evaporate surrounding liquids into gas, decreasing hydraulic pressure and your ability to effectively brake. You also have to be wary of your brake fluid’s viscosity as it needs to remain constant across wide ranges of temperature to properly relay the right amount of pressure to your brakes. Thankfully, Bennington Nissan offers a comprehensive brake service where our dedicated service professionals not only check your brake fluid but diligently go over the entirety of your braking system to be sure there are no issues.  So, stay safe and schedule your next service appointment with a Bennington Nissan service team member. 3 Signs You Need to Get Your Brake Fluid Checked: “Soft”/“squishy” feeling brake pedal. This means there is less fluid in your lines to compress and create that pressure needed to fully brake Oily puddles forming under your car. This could be brake fluid leaking from any number of place within your hydraulic system The ABS warning light on your dashboard has come on. Those lights aren’t just there for decoration. They turn on to indicate your vehicle is in need or service in one way or the other.

While the perils of driving under the influence or while distracted are well-known, there is another significant risk factor often overlooked: drowsiness. Drowsy driving can profoundly impact both your physical and mental abilities behind the wheel. When fatigue sets in, your reflexes become sluggish, your vision may blur, and maintaining focus becomes challenging. Let's delve into some of the detrimental effects, both physically and mentally, that drowsy driving can entail: Reduced reaction times. When you're tired, it takes longer for your brain to process information, which can lead to slower reaction times. Blurred vision. When you're tired, your eyes can become dry and strained, which can cause blurry vision. Decreased focus. When you're tired, it's harder to concentrate on the road and your surroundings. Impaired judgment. When you're tired, your ability to make good decisions can be impaired. Microsleep. Microsleep is when your brain falls asleep for a few seconds at a time, even when your eyes are open. This can be extremely dangerous when driving.

Spring is in bloom and all sorts of critters and crawlers will be out and about to enjoy the warmer weather! Rabbits, groundhogs, robins and, of course, deer will be more active meaning that drivers have to be more vigilant when out on the road! Deer crossings can pose a serious risk to drivers, particularly in areas with high deer populations. These animals can dart out onto the road without warning, leading to accidents that can cause significant property damage and even injuries to drivers and passengers. To stay safe on the road, it's essential to be more vigilant when driving near deer crossings. Here are some tips to help you reduce the risk of accidents: Slow down. When you're driving through areas known for deer crossings, reduce your speed to give yourself more time to react if a deer appears. Use your high beams. When driving at night, use your high beams to increase your visibility. However, be sure to dim your headlights when other vehicles are approaching. Scan the road ahead. Keep your eyes on the road and scan ahead for any signs of deer activity, such as deer crossing signs or other animals on the side of the road. Be prepared to brake. If you see a deer crossing the road ahead, slow down and be prepared to brake if necessary. Use your horn. If you see a deer on the side of the road, honk your horn to scare it away. Stay in your lane. If you encounter a deer on the road, do not swerve to avoid it. This can cause you to lose control of your vehicle or collide with other objects. Instead, brake firmly and try to avoid the deer if possible.

For this week's blog, the Bennington Nissan team wants to make sure that your little bundles of joys are safely secured in their car seats whenever and wherever you travel! So, below we have compiled a list of all the DOs when dealing with your child’s car seat. Take a look at our tips below and if you have any questions we will do our best to help answer them. And when installing or turning your child to front-facing, be sure to check out your seat’s instructions and your vehicle’s owners manual to see what they suggest is best for your vehicle’s make and model! Bennington Nissan’s Car Seat Do’s: Take your car-seat to a local inspection site so a professional can ensure the installation is correct. Choose a car-seat with a five-point harness. Make sure the harness-retainer clip is level with your child’s armpits. If they are in the wrong place, the straps could end up sliding off. Tighten the harness straps so they are tight enough for you to only fit one finger underneath. Safety-belts should be tightened enough so the seat is only able to wiggle less than one inch from side to side. If you have a forward-facing seat, place the harness straps on your child’s shoulders to ensure the most protection in the event of a collision. If your child has outgrown a car-seat, try using a high-back booster seat. Studies have shown these are safer than backless ones in the event of side-impact collisions.