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 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.
With spring finally here, you probably have all sorts of fun in the sun planned out over the next couple of months! But, do you have a reliable vehicle that can get you to your vacation destination? Well, if you want a vehicle you can depend on at a price that won’t take away from your vacation budget, then you’re in luck! Bennington Nissan has got incredible deals on pre-owned vehicles of all makes, models, and trims all April long! Take a look at some of our Pre-Owned Inventory below and if you see a ride that fits within your budget, don’t hesitate to schedule your test drive at Bennington Nissan today!

Bennington Nissan’s Pre-Owned Inventory:
2020 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA 1.4T SE
- Internet Price: $19,988*
- Mileage: 56,542
2016 CHEVROLET IMPALA LTZ 2LZ
- Internet Price: $18,988*
- Mileage: 77,073
2015 HONDA CR-V EX-L
- Internet Price: $19,488*
- Mileage: 84,398
2022 KIA SOUL LX
- Internet Price: $20,888*
- Mileage: 23,733
And MORE!!!
* See our Pre-Owned Inventory 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.
Winter is coming to a close and we’re all excited for warmer weather! And, while spring comes with sunshine and blooming buds, it also comes with a whole lot of pollen! Those who are sensitive to allergens experience itchy eyes, runny noses, scratchy throats, and more! But, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Bennington Nissan has put together a guide on how you can allergy proof your vehicle to fight off the pollen! Check out our guide below, and if you don’t have the time to take on this job by yourself, schedule a service appointment at our Nissan Service Center and let our team get your ride ready for the spring season!

Bennington Nissan’s Guide For Allergy-Proofing Your Ride:
Scrub It Down (Inside & Out)
- Whipping down your dashboard, steering wheel, vents, and seats with a cloth dampened with either water or a non-irritating clean can do wonders for picking up pollen and dirt! Plus washing your floor mats and interior upholstery can give you that spring fresh feeling without the accompanying allergens. And don’t forget to keep your exterior clean, the less contact with pollen you have the better! We recommend investing in a car wash membership and using it regularly!
Be Conscious Of What You Bring In
- You may not realize it, but you bring in a lot of pollen on your clothes and shoes. We know that stripping down everytime you get into your vehicle isn’t feasible, but removing the top layer of clothing– like a jacket, scarf, or hat– could help keep allergens out of your ride. Try storing them in separate areas like a plastic bin in your trunk or a bag in the back seat. And while we know it’s tempting to roll them down to feel the spring breeze, be sure to keep your windows closed during peak pollen times to keep allergens out.
Replace Your Filters And Floor Mats
- Your air filters are your first line of defense, and if they are old, or overused now is the perfect time to get yours replaced. All-weather floor mats are also a great way to cut back on the number of allergens that get trapped in your vehicles. In fact it’d probably be a good idea to wrap all of the cloth surfaces in your car with washable covers as it makes it easier to clean them.
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!
Bennington Nissan is proud to announce that the Insurance Institute For Highway safety has awarded the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder the title of 2023 TOP SAFETY PICK+!!!

Having strengthened their award requirements for this year, the IIHS list of safety necessities for this title include an updated side-impact test that subjects vehicles to 82% more energy than the original test; an additional nighttime vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention test; and stricter headlight requirements, with “acceptable” or “good”-rated headlights now required as standard. The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder come equipped with standard Nissan Safety Shield® 360, a suite of technologies that includes Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Assist and Rear Automatic Braking. It also features available ProPILOT Assist2 to help ease long drives on the open highway. Other available driver-assistance features include class-exclusive Intelligent Around View® Monitor3 and Blind Spot Intervention!
Are you ready to upgrade to your brand-new 2023 Nissan Pathfinder? Then explore our available inventory online, find the right ride for you, and be sure to schedule your test here at the Bennington Nissan dealership in Bennington, VT today! We can’t wait to watch you drive off into the sunset behind the wheel of a 2023 Nissan Pathfinder!
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!

