Glendale Nissan Official Blog

Whether you’re planning a weekend escape to Starved Rock, a family visit to Naperville’s Riverwalk, or a scenic drive along Lake Michigan, getting your car road-trip ready is the key to keeping things stress-free. At Glendale Nissan, we want your summer adventures to not only be unforgettable, but safe too. Here’s your essential guide to Nissan road trip prep, with service tips, packing ideas, and even our picks for some of the best cars for a road trip.

Start with a Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection

Before you even start packing, it’s smart to have your Nissan checked out by certified technicians. A pre-trip inspection gives you peace of mind and helps avoid surprise breakdowns far from home. The technicians at our Nissan service center in Glendale Heights know what to look for and can catch small issues before they become big problems. 

• Oil change and filter replacement
• Tire inspection, rotation, and pressure check
• Brake inspection for safety and stopping power
• Battery check, especially important for older vehicles
• Fluid top-offs (coolant, wiper fluid, transmission, etc.)

Even something as simple as a windshield wiper replacement can make a huge difference when you’re navigating unexpected summer storms within DuPage County.

Pack Smart: What to Bring Along

Knowing how to prepare for a road trip goes beyond vehicle maintenance. Here’s what to bring to keep everyone happy and safe:

• Emergency kit (jumper cables, flashlight, first aid supplies)
• Phone chargers and power banks
• Paper maps (because cell service isn’t guaranteed in all areas)
• Snacks, water, and reusable utensils
• Sun protection (sunglasses, hats, sunscreen)
• Entertainment for kids: books, games, and downloaded shows

If you’re heading to places like Illinois Beach State Park or exploring downtown Naperville, don’t forget sunscreen and bug spray, too.

Make Sure Your Nissan is Ready for the Long Haul

If you’re planning some big road trips this summer—or hitting the highway regularly—you might be thinking about upgrading your current vehicle. Maybe your car’s starting to show its age, or the miles are piling up and reliability just isn’t what it used to be. When your vehicle struggles to keep up, especially on long drives, it might be time for something newer and more road-trip-ready.

At Glendale Nissan, we offer a wide range of dependable options that are built for comfort, safety, and the open road. The Nissan Altima is a smart pick for fuel-conscious travelers who still want tech and comfort. Need more space? The Nissan Rogue gives families room to stretch out and pack everything they need. For a little more luxury and power, the Nissan Murano offers a smooth ride with upscale features that make longer drives feel effortless. 

Want more information about the best cars for a road trip? Just ask the friendly team at Glendale Nissan!

Let Glendale Nissan Help You Hit the Road

At Glendale Nissan, we’re proud to serve communities across Glendale Heights, Naperville, Elgin, and beyond. If your Nissan needs a little TLC before your Chicago adventure—or you’re ready for an upgrade—we’re here to help. Schedule your service appointment today and start your road trip with confidence.

As the new year begins, it’s a perfect time to consider maintaining your vehicle. Our team at Glendale Nissan is here to help you prioritize those infrequent services that keep your car running smoothly. While regular checks like oil changes and tire rotations might be fresh in your mind, other, less frequent tasks are equally important.

Change Your Cabin Air Filter

A fresh cabin air filter improves the air quality inside your car and aids in the efficiency of your HVAC system. It’s a service that’s often overlooked but can make a world of difference. 

We recommend checking your vehicle’s owner manual for the specific replacement interval, but typically, this service should be done every 15,000 to 30,000 miles. If you haven’t recently replaced your cabin air filter, now is a great time to do so at our Nissan service center.

Inspect the Timing Belt

The timing belt plays a crucial role in the operation of your engine. Over time, it can wear out and break, leading to costly repairs. Check your manual for the recommended replacement cycle, often between 60,000 to 100,000 miles. If you’re nearing this mileage, schedule a service with us to inspect and potentially replace your timing belt.

Check Coolant and Brake Fluids

Fluids like coolant and brake fluid don’t need frequent changing, but they are vital for your car’s performance and safety. Our Nissan maintenance experts suggest checking these fluids as they can degrade over time, affecting your vehicle’s cooling and braking systems. You might not need a complete fluid flush, but a top-off or inspection could prevent future issues.

Rotate and Balance Tires

While tire rotation is likely part of your regular Nissan maintenance routine, balancing might not be. Uneven wear can lead to a rough ride and shorten your tires’ lifespan. To maximize the life of your tires and ensure safety, it’s important to balance them regularly. If it’s been a while, come see us at the Nissan service center.

Upgrade Your Windshield Wipers

Windshield wipers are critical for clear visibility and safety on the road, especially after the wear of winter weather. It’s wise to check them early in the year and replace them if they streak or skip. This small change can significantly improve driving safety during rain or snow.

Examine the Exhaust System

A winter of salt and moisture can lead to corrosion in the exhaust system. Early in the year is an excellent time to check for any leaks or rust that could interfere with performance. A quick inspection at our Nissan service center can save you from costly repairs down the road.

Take Advantage of Our Service Specials

At Glendale Nissan, we understand that maintaining your vehicle can be expensive. That’s why we offer various service specials throughout the year to help you save on essential services.

Head to the Glendale Nissan Service Center

For these services and more, call Glendale Nissan. Our experienced team is ready to help you make this new year the one where you get ahead of your Nissan maintenance. 

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. Schedule your service online to ensure your vehicle is in top condition.

The 2025 Nissan Frontier may only be a mid-size pickup, but it definitely punches above its weight on the road. It more than meets the needs of modern drivers and combines strength, innovation, and durability in equal measures. Also, this attractive vehicle has exceptional towing capacity for leisure or business use, while being packed with a variety of towing aids. 

So, what do you need to know about one of these new Nissan trucks?

Towing for the Serious Motorist

The Nissan Frontier’s towing capacity is one of the big plus points of this remarkable truck. After all, it has a 3.8-liter V6 engine under the hood, which gives 310 HP and 281 lbs./ft of torque. With available power like this, the Frontier is more than ready for serious hauling, with a towing capacity of up to 6,720 lbs. 

You’ll find that these figures make the Frontier one of the most capable trucks in this category and well worth your consideration.

Equipment to Take the Strain

The Frontier comes with a class 4 tow hitch receiver. It’s able to accommodate a variety of hitch-mounted accessories, such as a bike rack, cargo carrier, or ball mount. These pieces of equipment are made from heavy-duty steel and designed to withstand the stresses and strains associated with towing. 

You’ll certainly be able to make the most of this Nissan truck towing capacity, whether you use your rig for work, recreation, or long-distance travel.

Perfect for any Towing Needs

Many people need to be able to tow something these days, whether they’re professionals or not. For example, contractors may need to tow a utility trailer so they can access their tools and supplies at work. A landscaper may need to transport mowers or other gear in a single trip, to save them a lot of time and effort.

If you’re in charge of a family or simply an adventurer, towing capability gives you a world of options. You can hitch up your large camper for a road trip to Wisconsin or tow a pair of jet skis to Lake Michigan for fun.

Stability and Helpful Functionality

Nissan wants to make your towing experience as easy and as pleasurable as possible. To that end, the company has fitted an electronic stability program system to many models, including Frontier. Now, when you tow your boat or car, you can take advantage of the trailer sway control function. If the electronic brain detects any unwanted trailer sway through the sensors, it will automatically apply the brakes to individual wheels. This should smooth out the wobble and get you on your way again.

It’s also quite easy to get your journey underway as the Frontier has an intelligent around-view monitor. This gives you a clear, 360° view on your dashboard so you can perfectly align your trailer each and every time.

Buy Your 2025 Nissan Frontier at Glendale Nissan

The 2025 Nissan Frontier is a truck that can adapt to your lifestyle and prepare you for any adventure and at Glendale Nissan, we’ve got just the model that you need. 

Come down to our dealership to talk with one of our knowledgeable staff members and sample our exceptional car-buying experience. We’ll also introduce you to competitive financing options and our unmatched after-sales service, to help with all your automotive needs.

Remember that the 2025 Frontier is not just a truck, but a game changer. Check it out today at Glendale Nissan.

As 2024 winds down, we at Glendale Nissan understand the importance of starting the new year fresh. This includes ensuring that any vehicle we drive ourselves and our family in is safe, reliable, and will stand the test of time.

To help you achieve this, we’ve put together a quick end-of-year Nissan maintenance checklist so that you’ll be well-equipped to start the new year with a vehicle that’s in top condition. 

End-of-Year Vehicle Preparedness

Winter brings a host of challenges. Icy roads, heavy snowfall, and freezing temperatures all significantly impact your vehicle’s safety and performance. So, being proactive with your car maintenance is crucial for ensuring your vehicle is winter-ready:

Check Your Tires

Assess your tire treads. This is especially important when driving in snowy conditions because if your tire treads aren’t deep enough, you won’t get enough traction on the road. 

Tire treads should be at least 2/32 of an inch deep to be considered safe, but for winter driving, it’s recommended to have treads at least 4/32 of an inch deep to ensure adequate traction on snow and ice.

To assess the depth of your tire treads, you can use the simple penny test:

1. Insert a penny into the tread groove. The Lincoln’s head needs to be facing downward.
2. If the top of Lincoln’s head is visible above the tread, the tread is less than 2/32 of an inch, so the tire needs replacing.
3. For a more thorough check, especially in preparation for winter, use a quarter in the same way. Suppose the top of Washington’s head is visible. If that’s the case, the tread depth is less than 4/32 of an inch, which could suggest the tires don’t offer optimal safety for winter conditions.

Brake Inspection

You need to know you can stop your car, especially in winter conditions. The end of the year means brake pad inspection, replacing worn pads, and checking brake fluid levels are correct. 

Multipoint Inspection

This comprehensive check covers all the crucial areas of your vehicle. So, it goes a long way towards identifying potential issues before they become major problems. 

It includes checking the steering, drive belt, windshield wipers, suspension, engine performance, lights, heater/air conditioning, drive belt, and more, ensuring that your vehicle is in top condition for the year ahead. It’s also important to check that your muffler/exhaust fully functions and that your front end is aligned. 

A thorough end-of-year check will go a long way to keep your vehicle safe and running throughout the following year. This is essential for improving your Nissan’s safety, longevity, and performance. 

Nissan Repairs Now Mean Year-Round Performance

Here at our Nissan service center, we do our utmost to ensure that driving your vehicle is worry-free. We want you to know that your car is reliable, safe and withstands the test of time. We have our customers’ best interests at heart and are here to ensure your vehicle is fully prepared for the year ahead. 

Contact us today to schedule a Nissan maintenance check or any Nissan repairs. We look forward to meeting you at our Nissan service center serving Glendale Heights, Chicago, Elgin, Schaumburg, Downers Grove, Bartlett, Melrose Park, St Charles, Naperville, and surrounding areas!

We’ve all been there—those icy days when you have to hit the road, but the weather seems determined to make it a challenge. Snow can turn even a short drive into a nerve-wracking experience. So, to help you navigate winter’s worst with confidence, we’ve put together essential tips for staying safe on icy roads:

Prepare Your Vehicle

Book your vehicle for a winter Nissan maintenance check to get ahead of the season. Your technician will ensure your tires are properly inflated, the pressure is accurate, and the tread is deep enough for safe winter driving. 

It’s just as important to inspect your battery for corrosion and secure connection points. Also, check your brakes, including their pads and fluid levels. Double-check that everything is in top condition.

All this will be checked by our fully Nissan-qualified technicians. They’ll also review any other aspects of your vehicle that may need attention, such as transmission fluid and front-end wheel alignment. 

Drive With Caution

If it’s icy or snowy, drive with care. This includes gradual and slower acceleration and deceleration while driving in as low a gear as possible. If you go too fast, your tires may lose traction. Also, give yourself more distance to stop when there’s ice on the road. Brake earlier and slowly, leaving plenty of space between you and the vehicle in front of you. 

Remember to drive even slower around corners and on winding roads, and keep an eye out for snow plows ahead. If you’re unsure of your tire grip on icy surfaces, gently test it out in a quiet and safe place by braking. 

If you feel like your steering is off, that’s a warning sign. You may need to book your vehicle for a tire grip check or invest in some Nissan winter tires. 

Know Your Ice

There are different kinds of ice to be aware of while driving:

Wet Ice

This freezing rain can be slippery when driving because you have less grip on your tires, even when they are Nissan winter tires, so try to avoid roads that aren’t salted or sanded. 

Glaring Ice

This ice has a smooth, glassy, slippery surface and can be found in patches where the road is clear elsewhere. If you see it, don’t brake once you’re on it, and avoid sudden movements with the steering wheel. Instead, brake before you get to it.

Lastly, if you’re on an icy and potentially slippery road, do not use cruise control because this can result in your vehicle slipping or skidding. 

Prepare Yourself

Pack an emergency bag containing extra thermal layers, water, and non-perishable food. Make sure you have an ice scraper, de-icer spray, a flashlight, blankets, and a first-aid kit on hand, just in case. 

Are You And Your Nissan Prepared for Winter? 

You’re in the right place if you’ve searched for a “Nissan service center near me” and found us. Book your vehicle for Nissan maintenance. You can either pop in or contact us to schedule a time that suits you best. 

It’s official – winter is in full swing. With colder days and nights, it’s important to book your Nissan for some pre-winter care and attention.

We’ve put together a guide to some common winter problems that can be easily avoided by booking your car in for Nissan maintenance. 

Equip Nissan Winter Tires

Have you had your tires checked recently? It’s essential to ensure your tire tread is deep enough to drive in snowy on and off-road conditions. 

You could also think about replacing your regular tires with Nissan winter tires for the colder months for better grip and handling when you’re on the road. Whatever your decision, if your treads are too low, you’ll need to change them as soon as possible. 

If your tire treads are good as they are, then we’d advise you to get them rotated and balanced to keep them healthy for longer. Also, test the tire pressure simultaneously to ensure there are no air leaks. 

Check Your Brakes

This one’s a no-brainer. You need to get your brakes checked to ensure your vehicle stops in time every time. This is even more important when driving in winter conditions, with wet and slippery roads. 

When you come to Glendale Nissan for Nissan maintenance, we’ll check your brake pads and ensure you have enough brake fluid to keep you and your family safe when driving around during the holiday season. We’ll also examine your rotors and other parts to ensure they work together. 

Test the Battery

Cold temperatures can impact your Nissan’s battery life. It has to work extra hard when powering not only your vehicle but also lights, heaters, and so on. The last thing you need is to be stuck out in the cold trying to jump-start your car. It’s important that you check your battery terminals and cables to make sure they’re properly connected and corrosion-free. 

When you come in for Nissan maintenance, our trained technicians can test your battery life and its charging systems to ensure they’re in full working order. 

Nissan Maintenance for Winter

Aside from the big three above, other aspects of your Nissan need to be taken care of when you prepare it for the winter months:

• Front end alignment to adjust the front wheels to run parallel to your Nissan’s center.
• Filter replacement with genuine Nissan oil filters.
• Muffler/exhaust repair.
• Transmission flush (if your transmission fluid is dark and not bright in color).
• Overall vehicle checkup and inspection

Get Your Vehicle Ready for the Winter

Book your Nissan maintenance to ensure you’re fully set for the holiday season. 

Our team of fully qualified service center technicians is Nissan certified, ensuring they have the expertise to diagnose and repair any issues with your Nissan vehicle. If you’re searching for a “Nissan service center near me,” we’re here in Glendale Heights, and easy to find and contact. 

Whether you prefer to schedule a winter service or just drop by, we’re here to make it as convenient as possible for you. Either way, we’re ready and eager to assist you!

If you’re looking for reliability, safety, and performance in your next vehicle, consider the Nissan all-wheel-drive lineup available at Glendale Nissan. Our all-wheel-drive vehicles offer excellent control and stability, ideal for the ever-changing Illinois weather and driving conditions in areas such as Glendale Heights, Schaumburg, Downers Grove, and beyond.

Whether you’re commuting in Chicago or exploring around Naperville, all-wheel drive (AWD) provides you with the confidence of enhanced traction and control. Here’s why choosing a Nissan AWD car is a smart choice for families, commuters, and anyone seeking long-term value.

Nissan All-Wheel Drive for Year-Round Safety and Control

All-wheel-drive vehicles are designed to automatically distribute power to all four wheels, giving you added stability in slick or uneven conditions. This means that when driving on wet, icy, or gravel roads, you’ll have improved handling and reduced chances of slipping or losing control.

Models such as the Nissan Rogue, Nissan Kicks, Nissan Altima, and Nissan Murano come equipped with Nissan’s Intelligent AWD system, which senses changing conditions and adjusts power between the front and rear wheels to enhance stability. This feature is especially beneficial for families who like being adventurous but prioritize safety at the same time. The Nissan Intelligent AWD system offers peace of mind when driving in varied weather conditions and terrains. When your vehicle is equipped to handle diverse situations, it makes each journey safer for you and your passengers.

Popular Nissan All-Wheel-Drive Vehicles at Glendale Nissan

Our Glendale Heights Nissan dealership offers a variety of all-wheel-drive cars that fit different lifestyles, from SUVs to compact crossovers. Here are some of our top all-wheel-drive options:

Nissan Rogue

A family favorite, the Nissan Rogue combines fuel efficiency with a spacious interior and advanced semi-autonomous driving features, such as ProPILOT Assist. It provides both comfort and control, making it perfect for daily commutes or summer weekend adventures to Starved Rock State Park with the family.

Nissan Kicks

Compact and efficient, the Nissan Kicks is the perfect fit for city drivers who want a nimble vehicle with the added stability of all-wheel drive. It’s perfect for young adults and families who value a versatile SUV that doesn’t compromise on fuel economy. Standout features include a Bose® Personal Plus Sound System and advanced safety tech, such as Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Warning, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

Nissan Murano

The Nissan Murano is a mid-sized SUV that delivers luxury and innovation with standout features. It offers Zero Gravity Seats for ultimate comfort on long drives, NissanConnect® with an 8-inch touchscreen for easy access to navigation and entertainment, and Safety Shield® 360, a full suite of safety technologies that includes Automatic Emergency Braking and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

Nissan Altima

The Nissan Altima stands out as a sporty and innovative sedan. It features VC-Turbo™ engine technology—the world’s first variable compression turbo engine—delivering impressive power with excellent fuel efficiency. Inside, the Altima offers premium touches, such as the NissanConnect® 8-inch touchscreen and available Bose® premium audio system, creating a comfortable and connected driving experience.

Experience the Control and Confidence of a Nissan All-Wheel-Drive Vehicle

When you’re looking for a Nissan car dealership near you Glendale Nissan is the place to go. With a wide selection of all-wheel-drive models, our Nissan dealership serves drivers from Glendale Heights, Naperville, Elgin, Chicago, Schaumburg, Downers Grove, Melrose Park, Bartlett, and more. Our friendly team will help you find a vehicle that fits your lifestyle and provides value for generations to come. Visit us today to see how Nissan’s all-wheel-drive cars can enhance your drive!