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Get an Oil Change If you've been putting off your oil change, then it's time to put an end to it. Oil is essential to your engine's smooth operation, and in order for the oil to move efficiently through your engine, then it must be changed regularly. Without a regular oil change, sludge can build up in your engine, and that sludge can require an expensive cleaning or even that some parts are replaced. Driving far when you need an oil change can significantly damage your engine. The last thing you need is for that damage to cause a breakdown hundreds of miles from home. Have Your Brakes Checked Safety is essential any time you enter your vehicle, and your brakes are central to ensuring a safe road trip. Over time, your brake pads can become thin and ineffective. Sometimes your brakes will warn you that they're becoming too thin when they screech or squeal. If you're hearing that sound, then you need to have your brakes checked and potentially replaced before your long journey. Most brakes should last between 25,000 and 70,000 miles. more Check Fluids Your vehicle's fluids are crucial to a smooth and safe operation. Before you hop on the road for your road trip, check these fluids, especially if you have passed the fluid's associated mileage marker: Radiator fluid: This fluid keeps your engine cool by pulling heat from your engine and releasing it through the radiator. Top off this fluid before your trip, and flush the entire system every 50,000 miles. Brake fluid: Every time you push your brake pedal, brake fluid forces the brake pads to clamp. You should top off brake fluid regularly and flush it every 36,000 miles. Power steering fluid: This fluid helps you easily turn your steering wheel. To keep this fluid from being contaminated and making it harder to turn your steering wheel, you should have this system checked every 24,000 miles. Inspect Your Tires Nothing will ruin your road trip like a blown tire. Before you leave, you should check both your tire pressure and your tire tread. If you haven't rotated your tires in the past 5,000 to 8,000 miles, then you should have them rotated to guarantee even wear. If you've had your tires for more than 50,000 miles, they may need to be replaced. Fresh tires will also improve your gas mileage and save you a few bucks in fuel costs. Test Your Vehicle's Battery If you don't want to have your car die at a rest stop in the middle of nowhere, then you should test your battery before you leave, especially if the battery is older than three years. If you're planning on taking your trip in the summer, testing your battery is even more important since the heat can evaporate battery fluid and lead to more battery damage. Don't let vehicle issues ruin this upcoming road trip. To guarantee your car is ready for your journey, come to Taylor's AutoMax. Image by Nissan.com

For those of us who spend a large chunk of our day behind the wheel, driving becomes second nature, and often we forget about safe practices along the way. By incorporating a few simple steps into your routine, you could save a life, be it your own or your passengers, in the event of a collision. Reduce your risk while out on the road with these four safety tips that every driver should know. Wear Your Seat Belt Ever since you can remember, mom and dad have told you to buckle your seat belt. Now that you're in the driver's seat, practicing this basic rule can mean the difference between an afternoon is cruising with friends or one spent in the hospital. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that buckling up is the most effective step you can take to protect yourself in a crash. While most states have passed laws mandating seat belt usage, the NHTSA reported that they saved an estimated 14,955 lives in 2017 alone. more Check Car Seats Young passengers need special protection when riding in the car. Routinely check child seats and boosters to ensure they are correctly installed to prevent injuries during a wreck. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a car seat reduces the risk of your child dying in a car accident by 71%. Most late-model vehicles include a set of upper and lower fasteners to buckle in car seats securely. Always use a seat that's appropriate for the child's age, height, and weight and replace them immediately as your child outgrows it. Buying a new car seat can seem overwhelming, as there are dozens of options on the shelves. Refer to WebMD's website for help choosing between rear- or forward-facing seat or a booster and consider having your local fire station install it for you. Don't Multitask From texting to eating on the run, multitasking takes your attention away from the task at hand. Even the use of in-vehicle technologies like navigation systems and the radio can divert your eyes long enough to cause an accident. Set your route and dial in your favorite station before you hit the gas. Only make calls or send texts once you've arrived, or pull over if you need to contact someone right away. If the kids are fighting, do your best to ignore them until you've come to a complete stop. Pack an Emergency Kit Emergencies happen when you least expect them, and safe drivers want to be prepared. A plastic bin stowed away in the trunk, filled with supplies, can aid in getting help, making minor repairs, and signaling your troubles to other drivers. Consider packing a spare cell phone and battery pack, a first aid kit, jumper cables, a flashlight, and a pair of work gloves. Pack additional items during the winter, such as a windshield scraper, a blanket, and a small folding shovel. No matter how skilled a driver you are, do your part to keep the roadways safe. Practice these steps to help stay safe on the road and arrive alive. Image by Pixabay @Free-Photos

The 2020 Nissan Maxima brings a new sedan style that breathes new life into its class. Sleek, well-equipped, and exciting to drive, the new Maxima is a worthy addition to any driveway. Here's a quick guide to some of the 2020 Maxima's most exhilarating features: Start Your Engines The 2020 Nissan Maxima is an oasis in a world of sluggish sedans. Rather than make you pay your way up through trim levels, the Maxima gives you what you're looking for from the get-go. more Standard on each Maxima trim is a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that packs 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque. This engine is matched with a continuously variable automatic transmission that smooths out your driving experience. If you want to enhance your drives, opt for the Maxima SR, which gives you paddle shifters, a sport-tuned suspensions system, and more to play with. Interior Allure What you get when you move up trim levels — the S, SV, SL, SR, Platinum, and Platinum Reserve — are more interior features and creature comforts to enjoy. These stepping stones let you pay for what's going to maximize your Maxima experience. On the SV, you'll find leather-appointed and heated front seats. The SL opens its cabin to the great outdoors through a dual-pane panoramic moonroof. At the Maxima's most luxurious level, you'll also get heated rear seats, diamond-quilted leather inserts for your front seats, and upgraded interior trim accents. With these options, it's easy to find a Maxima that fulfills your needs and wants in a sedan. Nissan Safety Shield 360 Each 2020 Maxima comes standard with six of the most sought-after driver-assist systems on the market. These technologies change the way we think about maneuvering through our busy lives and give us insight into what the near future of driving will look like. The six technologies are the automatic emergency braking system with pedestrian detection, rear automatic braking, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot warning, lane departure warning, and high beam assist. These are just a few of the ways Nissan aims to keep you and your passengers safer on the road ahead. Next-Level Tech The 2020 Maxima leads us into the next decade of top-notch sedans with the impressive technologies it hosts. Transform your Maxima into a concert hall with the available 11-speaker Bose premium audio system. With this upgrade, you'll also give an active noise cancellation technology that seals your cabin from the noise of the outside world. You'll be able to create the perfect soundtrack for your drives with the Maxima's 8-inch touch screen that performs an amazing number of functions. Connect your phone to your sedan through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Use the premium Nissan navigation system to always know where you are and where you're going. These technologies make the Maxima as smart as it is strong. When you're ready for a test drive of the 2020 Nissan Maxima, come see our team at Taylor's Auto Max in Great Falls, Montana. Let us show you why so many drivers return to the Maxima year after year. Image via Nissan.com

For decades, the Nissan Sentra has been at the forefront of the sedan world, thanks to its ability to stay ahead of the game when it comes to offering a balance between exciting features and capability. To make things better, the 2020 model has a complete redesign that aims to keep the Sentra at the head of its class. Here are a few reasons why you should be excited about the new Nissan Sentra: more Reimagined Style The 2020 Nissan Sentra brings a new sedan design to the streets that makes it as exciting to look at as it is to drive. On the outside, the Sentra has a presence that's reminiscent of modern muscle cars with its aggressively sporty front fascia, sculpted hood, and forward-learning stance. Inside, you'll find that Nissan's eye for design continues, especially in models equipped with the Sentra SV Premium Package, which adds quilted leather-appointed seats to an already luxurious cabin. Improved Tech The 2020 Sentra's upgraded technology enhances your drives in new ways, bring us confidently into the new decade of personal vehicles. The floating touchscreen display you'll find on each Sentra is compatible with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, which lets you connect your phone to your sedan for a personal-assistant-level smart device. These programs allow you to use many of your favorite phone apps directly through your Sentra, using only your voice to guide it. Lookup a new restaurant to try and directions to get there. Make phone calls back home and have your messages read back to you. Listen to your favorite podcasts and audiobooks. The list of the touch screen's impressive abilities continues. Standard Driver-Assist Features Each new Sentra now comes standard with the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite of driver-assist technologies. These systems use radars placed around your Sentra to help you stay safer on the road and quicker to react to its dangers. You'll be able to take advantage of Nissan's automatic emergency braking system with pedestrian detection, which looks for potential collisions ahead and helps you apply the brakes if you haven't done so in time. Rear automatic braking looks the other way, applying your Sentra's brakes if you're about to back into an obstacle. Rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and more — Nissan has your back with the 2020 Sentra. Greater Power The 2020 Nissan Sentra also has more entry-level power than ever. Its base engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that packs 149 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque, which is significantly stronger than last model year's entry-level offerings. The engine is paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission that's designed to deliver seamless shifts. If you're looking for a sedan that can reignite your excitement for compact cars, the 2020 Sentra will do the trick. When you're ready to take a tour around the Nissan Sentra, come see our team at Taylor's Auto Max in Great Falls, Montana. See for yourself why this classic sedan has been at the top of so many drivers' shopping lists for years. Image via Nissan USA

If you're looking for a truck that can handle all of your adventures and look good doing it, you need to get behind the wheel of a Nissan truck. Nissan has three awesome trucks available in its lineup. Learn more about the features you'll find in each truck so you can decide which one is right for you. Nissan Frontier The Nissan Frontier is a fun and rugged truck designed to keep up with all of your adventures. On the outside, the truck comes standard with a chrome grille, tailgate spoiler, and rear privacy glass for extra style. You can also get the Frontier with convenient available features that include heated side mirrors, fog lamps, and automatic headlights. Inside, you'll find all the features you want in a truck, including an infotainment system with a 7-inch touch-screen display, Siri Eyes Free, Bluetooth connectivity, rearview camera, available dual-zone automatic climate control, and available auto-dimming rearview mirror. more When you're ready to hit the road, the Frontier has two excellent engine options to give you all the power you need. It comes standard with a 2.5-liter engine that delivers 152 horsepower and 171 pound-feet of torque. It's also available with a 4.0-liter V-6 engine that pumps out 261 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque. Nissan Titan If you're searching for a new Nissan that delivers outstanding capabilities, you need the Nissan Titan. This bold and brawny truck comes with a 5.6-liter V-8 engine that combines with a seven-speed automatic transmission to generate 390 horsepower and 394 pound-feet of torque. Plus, whether you want to tow a trailer or haul lumber, the Titan offers a maximum towing capacity of up to 9,240 pounds and a maximum payload capacity of up to 1,620 pounds. Even though the Titan is all about delivering impressive power, that doesn't mean you won't enjoy a comfortable ride when you're on the road. In fact, the truck has a variety of comforts and conveniences inside, including available heated and ventilated front seats, an available heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel, and an infotainment system that comes standard with a 7-inch touch-screen display, Bluetooth wireless technology, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Nissan Titan XD When you play just as hard as you work, you need the incredible power offered by the Nissan Titan XD. This truck has two engines designed to deliver the strength you need. The 5.6-liter V-8 engine offers 390 horsepower and 394 pound-feet of torque, and the Cummins 5.0-liter V-8 turbo diesel engine produces an impressive 310 horsepower and 555 pound-feet of torque. Plus, not only is the Titan XD powerful, but it's also smart. With the available remote engine start system with intelligent climate control, you never have to worry about getting in a truck that's too hot or too cold. Plus, thanks to the available NissanConnect services, you can remotely lock and unlock your truck, find where you parked your vehicle, and more. When you're ready to get your next vehicle, take one of these Nissan trucks for a spin to discover even more features that you're sure to love. Image by Nissan USA

If you're shopping for your next car, you should look at what Nissan has to offer. Their engineering has produced some of the best vehicles on the road, each equipped with the features to take your drives to the next level. Here are a few reasons why you should consider buying a new Nissan for your next vehicle. A Nissan for Every Style Nissan has models to fit every need and lifestyle. Whether you're looking for a capable sedan or hatchback, a fuel-efficient hybrid, a powerful truck, or a family-friendly SUV, Nissan has you covered. For those who want to make every drive feel like a day at the track, Nissan's sports cars are reasonably priced and exciting. If you need to upgrade your business fleet, their cargo and passenger vans are unparalleled. Nissan's wide selection of options lets you choose your own adventure. more Take some time to explore each model to find the perfect fit for you, your family, and your driving style. From the worksite to busy city streets, you can choose the ideal Nissan for your needs. Nissan Intelligent Driving Nissan is constantly developing new ways to enhance the way you travel the world in your vehicle. The Nissan Intelligent Driving suite of driver-assist technologies is a strong example of what the future of driving looks like. These driver-assist technologies use radars to look out for what's happening on the road around your vehicle. The automatic emergency braking system detects vehicles ahead of yours to warn you if a possible collision is coming and apply your vehicle's brakes if you haven't done so in time. The blind spot intervention system lets you know if a vehicle is in the next lane before you make the move. Lane intervention helps keep you in your lane when you don't have your turn signal on but drifting is detected. These features of Nissan vehicles help you stay safer than ever on streets, highways, and parking lots. Better Tech Newer Nissan models feature some of the best vehicle technologies available today. These state-of-the-art features enhance your drive, keeping you more entertained and connected. The NissanConnect touchscreen displays you'll find on many models are compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay to let you stay on top of your busy schedule. These programs use many of your favorite phone features directly through your vehicle. Search for and find directions to a new restaurant, check your text messages, make phone calls, check the weather, and much more, all through voice commands. Download the NissanConnect app to perform tasks like remotely starting your car, locking and unlocking your doors, and finding your Nissan in a crowded parking lot. Upgrade to Nissan's premium navigation system to always know where you are and where you're going. The list of Nissan's impressive tech features is extensive. When you're ready to discover your next Nissan vehicle, come see our team at Taylor's AutoMax in Great Falls, Montana. Let us show you why Nissans are some of the most exciting vehicles on the market. Image by truckhardware via cc by 2.0

If you're shopping for a new sedan, you have plenty of great options; however, you might be hard-pressed to find one better than a Nissan Maxima. It's been rated the number-one large car in initial quality by J.D. Power for two years in a row. If you want specifics, here are a few more reasons you should consider buying a new Nissan Maxima: more Standard Muscle One of the greatest things about a Nissan Maxima is that you don't have to move up the ladder of trim levels to get a powerful sedan. Right out of the gate, the base-level Maxima S is equipped with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that produces 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque. This is standard for every model since the Maxima came back in 2016. So, no matter which year's Maxima you get, you can expect more power than competitors' base models. Top-Notch Tech As you move up those trim levels — S, SV, SL, SR, then Platinum — the features start flying. Some of the most impressive are the technologies that start showing up. For the 2019 Nissan Maxima, you'll already have remote engine start, dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless ignition, and more when you start with the S. It also comes with an 8-inch touch screen that's compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, features that other competitors make you work for. The SV comes with driver-assist technologies, a premium navigation system, and a Bose audio system. The SR adds even more driver-assist tech. Even the seats are full of tech. Heated and ventilated front seats keep you relaxed in any weather. The power-adjustable driver's seat lets you fit your Maxima to you — not the other way around. Performance SR For a Maxima that's more equipped than some muscle cars, you'll want the SR. The SR is the Maxima's sporty model, and it delivers an always-exciting driving experience. Punch the Drive Mode Selector to Sport Mode to experience the Maxima SR's full potential show. The sport-tuned suspension, large front stabilizer bar, and monotube shocks make for a comfortable, smooth ride. Take hold of the SR's steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters to give your Maxima a racing manual feel. If you're looking for the most exciting sedan out there, only the SR will do. Nissan Intelligent Mobility The Nissan Intelligent Mobility suite of driver-assist technologies will change the way you maneuver through the city streets and highways for the better. This suite includes the automatic emergency braking with a pedestrian detection system, which scans the road ahead for potential collisions and applies the brakes for you in close encounters. The rear automatic braking system stops your Maxima before you hit the parking garage wall, for example. Blind sport warning makes changing lanes easier than ever. These are just a few of the technologies in this suite that Nissan developed to keep you and your car out of harm's way. When you're ready to get behind the wheel of your new Nissan, come see us at Taylor's AutoMax in Great Falls, Montana. Image by M 93: „Dein Nordrhein-Westfalen“ via cc by 2.0