McKie Nissan Blog

With November on the near horizon, the last days of autumn weather slip away as we approach a new season. Like it or not, snow, ice, and chilly temps will be nipping at our door before we can get our long johns on and our space heaters out. That’s why it’s essential to make sure your vehicle is ready for the climate change. By checking off a couple of easy tasks, you and your vehicle will have a jolly, safe season.

Change that oil! If another 30,000 miles is about to make the odometer, don’t procrastinate. Oil thickens as temperatures drop, and if it gets too thick it won’t keep your engine lubricated. A quick trip to the McKie Service Department will keep your engine running smoothly!

Pay attention to your battery. Are your battery’s posts and connections corrosion-free? If your battery is more than 3 years old, it needs to be tested to make sure it will hold a charge. You’ll be thankful you did when you have no use for jumper cables during a bitter blizzard.

Check your wiper blades. This is one item that often goes forgotten…until you’re struggling to peer through a grimy windshield. Wiper blades work properly for roughly 1 year, so invest in new ones if it’s time. Also, be sure that your washer fluid is full. 

Don’t forget the belts and hoses. We can examine belts and hoses for wear and tear to make sure they’re working in tip-top condition. 

Tire pressure can’t be ignored. In snowy or icy conditions traction can be severely compromised. As weather gets colder, air pressure in your tires will drop. Our service department can make sure that tires are properly inflated. 

Consider snow tires. If you live in a hilly landscape like ours, snow tires can greatly improve traction and safety.

Four-wheel drive duty. Do you have a four-wheel drive vehicle? If so, check the status of the system to be sure it’s functioning properly. This includes making sure it engages and disengages easily, and that you know when and how to activate the system. 

Antifreeze mixture matters. Your vehicle should have a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water inside your radiator. This prevents the mixture from freezing at cold temperatures. If the mix is not correct, it’s easy to drain the cooling system and refill or flush it.

Be prepared for an emergency. In the event that you do become stranded in the icy cold, stock your vehicle with emergency items including a blanket, extra apparel, water and food, a flashlight, a shovel, flares, jumper cables, tire chains, a tool kit, a first-aid kit, paper towels, a bag of sand and tire-changing equipment. 

Stranded strategy. As well as having the proper emergency items, know the do’s and don’ts of being stranded. Don’t wander away from your vehicle, and make sure to put on extra clothes. Run your engine and heater for roughly 10 minutes for each hour that you’re waiting, and leave at least one window open a bit so that snow and ice do not seal your vehicle shut. Lastly, light two flares and place them at each end of your vehicle to attract attention. 

By taking a couple of simple steps, you can make sure that wintertime travels are safe and enjoyable. With the help of the McKie Automotive Service Department, your vehicle will thank you for the extra TLC, and keep you headed on your way!

At McKie Automotive we value each and every member of our United States Military for their dedication, sacrifice, and commitment. Without them, this great country would not be what it is. In an effort to honor their service, McKie Automotive offers Military Discounts for active and reserve military members.

If you are a member of the US Military, you are eligible to save thousands of dollars on your next vehicle purchase. In some of the best pricing we’ve seen in years, you can drive a new car, truck, or SUV off the lot at a cost that will leave you with thousands of dollars left in the bank.

Thank you to all of the men and women who serve our country. Helping you find the perfect vehicle for your needs is our pleasure, and we look forward to working with you!

Summertime brings many good things: toasty temps, hiking, boating…and sometimes hail. Ok, so Summer may have a few faults. Especially when those faults pummel your vehicle, leaving you with transportation that looks more like a golf ball than the vehicle of your dreams. If it’s time to part ways with your wheels and find something with a smoother exterior, McKie Automotive is your destination. We’ve got the biggest selection of new and pre-owned cars, trucks, suvs, and hybrids than anywhere else in the Hills. So stop by and let us get you into a vehicle that’s less “golf ball” and more “glamorous.”

Our last blog post was all about prepping your vehicle for the open road. So now that you’ve checked your air pressure, replaced wiper blades, and packed enough nonperishable food items for a small European country, where the heck do you go?? Our great nation is chock full of breathtaking destinations. Check out these top 10 recommendations and no matter where the road may lead, we know that you’ll enjoy the trip because you’re in a McKie.

10. Big Sur, California
Iconic Route 1 extends almost the entire length of California, but many agree that the best stretch is through Big Sur, which comprises approximately 90 miles along the central coast from San Simeon to Carmel. Sandwiched between the Santa Lucia Mountains and the Pacific, it’s remarkably unspoiled.

9. Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina and Virginia
The rolling hills and wildflowers of old-time Appalachia can be hard to locate nowadays. That’s why you won’t want to miss the Blue Ridge Parkway which stretches 469 miles along the southern Appalachian Mountains, linking two national parks.

8. Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana
In majestic northern Montana, the awe-inspiring beauty of stately glaciers awaits you. In Glacier National Park, the Going-to-the-Sun Road runs east to west for 50 miles and promises unforgettable views of nature at its finest.

7. Hana Highway, Hawaii
Located on the rural east side of Maui, the island provides a feel for Hawaii’s early days when sleepy surf towns ruled. Beginning in the town of Paia, the road curves east along the coast for more than 60 miles and boasts a striking rain forest setting.

6. Million Dollar Highway, Colorado
Near Telluride, a 24-mile stretch of U.S. 550 takes us back to a time when the West was untamed. Connecting the aged mining towns of Silverton and Ouray in the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado, the highway showcases stomach-churning vertical drops and hairpin turns. Gorgeous, but not a journey for the faint of heart.

5. Red Rock Scenic Byway, Arizona
Also known as Route 179, the mystifying rock formations just outside of Sedona will captivate on a 7.5 mile journey. Stop along the way and take advantage of numerous off-road biking and hiking paths, and be sure to pack your camera. The red rock formations seem to change shape and color with every shift of light.

4. Seward Highway, Alaska
If you want to take in a diverse sampling of Alaska’s beauty, one way to do so is by traveling the 127-mile Seward Highway which links Anchorage to the tiny portside town of Seward on Resurrection Bay. You’ll travel past forests, glaciers, and fjords. Dall sheep, beluga whales and eagles can all be easily spotted.

3. Sonoma and Napa Valleys, California
Combine a trip of luxury and nature when you travel U.S. 101, beginning in San Francisco. Head north to Lake Sonoma, then take Route 128 southeast into Napa Valley where you can stop in Calistoga and check out the Old Faithful Geyser of California. It’s truly a road trip with something for everyone.

2. U.S. Route 1, Maine
In early summer and fall, a road trip through this area will offer an unobstructed front-row seat to the state’s coastal splendor. Start in the town of Kittery and onto Kennebunkport, with its towering seaside mansions and plentiful history.

1.Black Hills of South Dakota
Who are we kidding here? No list of remarkable road trips would be complete without our very own Black Hills. Don’t want to venture far from home? Perfect…explore all that the area has to offer, whether it be Hill City and Custer, Deadwood, Rockerville, the four faces of Mount Rushmore…your possibilities are endless, and stunning.

Safe travels in your McKie, from McKie!

Some information taken from America’s Top 10 Road Trips, Becca Bergman

With warm summer days right around the corner and open roads that beckon winter-worn families, road trip season is upon us. And while hitting the highway with a cooler full of sandwiches and a crumpled road map may seem like ideal family bonding time, there are precautions to take. Proper vehicle maintenance is essential in order to achieve your number one goal – reaching your destination and returning safe and sound.

Before You Go
Regular maintenance such as oil changes, battery checks, tune-ups and tire rotations can help you avoid a breakdown on the road. You should also take some time to perform a few safety checks beforehand:

• Tires. Check the air pressure, tread wear, and spare tire. If the tread is worn to 1/16 of an inch, you’re due for a replacement.
• Belts and hoses. Pop that hood and thoroughly inspect all belts and hoses, as warm summer temps accelerate wear.
• Fluid levels. Check oil, brake, transmission, power steering, coolant, and windshield fluids.
• Cooling system. Take a look at your coolant level.
• Wiper blades. Check for wear and tear after the strain placed on wiper blades during a long winter.
• Lights. Check headlights, brake lights, turn signals, emergency flashers, interior lights and trailer lights if you’re towing one.
• Lastly, be sure to carefully plan your route in advance. Getting lost can spoil any family’s cheerful mood faster than a closed theme park, so plan ahead!

Despite your best efforts, there’s always the chance that your vehicle could break down. Here are some things you should have prepared in an Emergency Roadside Kit:

• First aid kit;
• Flashlight;
• Flares and a white flag;
• Jumper cables;
• Jack and ground mat;
• Basic tools and duct tape for temporary repairs;
• Water and paper towels;
• Nonperishable food and medicine;
• Extra windshield washer fluid;
• Maps.

Remember: getting there is half the fun, so embrace the open road and the sights you’ll see…after prepping for a safe trip, of course!

Some information taken from “Network of Employers for Traffic Safety, Summer Road Safety Tips”

Say goodbye to frantically fumbling with climate controls, distracting cell phones and audio settings. With the industry’s most comprehensive and affordable Bluetooth and music player system, Ford Sync and MyFord Touch offer the ultimate driving experience.

The rollout of MyFord Touch, an 8-inch LCD touch screen standard in many Ford and Lincoln vehicles, has been revolutionary to the automobile industry. MyFord Touch offers consumers an intuitive, four quadrant display that not only makes driving vastly safer, but also a heck of a lot of fun. Simply press one of the screen’s four corners to utilize a function, including phone, navigation, audio and climate control. Once a corner is selected, the button will expand into a full screen, making use fast and simple. In fact, many consumers have marveled at the intuitive nature of the touch screen, and the lack of shuffling in frustration through pages of user manuals and instructions. (That never gets you anywhere, does it?)

And this hands-free version of Sync is even easier than before. When using the first generation of Sync, a user would first have to say “Phone” and then state the command. Now, you can simply say “Call John Smith” in one sentence, without the extra step. The 10,000 word vocabulary includes synonyms such as “Dial” and “Call” which work just as well. Sync’s one-shot commands aim to make the experience more natural – for instance, “cooler” “temperature down” and “decrease temperature” will all lower cabin temperature. Staying in control of your vehicle while making adjustments has never been safer, or easier.

In regards to technology, Ford truly is the automobile industry’s leader in “more bang for your buck.” And we expect that Sync and MyFord Touch will only improve from here.

For everything automotive, visit McKie.

So, you’ve started shopping around for a new vehicle. As you slowly make your way through endless rows of new and used models, you quickly realize that deciding on a vehicle is much more complicated than “car” “truck” “SUV” or “van”. Deciphering the pros and cons can present a whole Rubix Cube worth of frustrations. Fortunately, the days of ruling out a particular vehicle because your neighbor’s boyfriend’s half-sister had a bad experience has given way to the Internet and a lifetime’s worth of research available with the click of a mouse.

The Consumer Reports recently released their 2011 Top Picks in a range of categories, and we are proud to carry several of the acclaimed vehicles. To make your buying experience a little less perplexing, here are the best of the best by Consumer Reports:

Small Car – Hyundai Elantra

Redesigned for 2011, the stylish Elantra provides an engaging ride, and a modest price tag. With a smooth, responsive powertrain, a refined interior, and a roomy rear seat, it redefines its “small car” label. And at 29 mpg overall and 39 mpg on the highway, those features are just icing on top of the upgraded cake.

Family Sedan – Nissan Altima

The Altima has been receiving a hefty portion of praise since its initial debut, and this year is no exception. With an impressive balance of comfort and performance, the Altima is also comfy on the wallet. Boasting 26 mpg overall for four-cylinder and 24 mpg with a V6, you’re left with more miles to cruise, and money in your pocket. With its secure handling, perky acceleration and a well-finished, quiet interior, you’ll be impressed with the reliable Altima.

Sporty Car – Ford Mustang

It may be an iconic sports car, but the Mustang offers much more than a flashy design. Agile handling, comfortable front seats, and strong acceleration with the improved V6 mean that the Mustang is good not only for show, but for the daily driver. Plus, a great exhaust sound and good fuel economy for its class make that daily commute less drag and more brag.

With an overwhelming amount of options available to the modern consumer, the search for your next vehicle can tempt a person to stick with their current gas-guzzling rust bucket. That’s why at McKie, we aim to do everything possible to make your buying experience easy and enjoyable. Visit our Ford/Lincoln, Buick/GMC, and Nissan/Hyundai locations for a highly knowledgeable and friendly sales staff, and the biggest selection of new and used vehicles in Rapid City, South Dakota.

For everything automotive, visit McKie.

Buying a vehicle can seem like an overwhelming process. Trust us, we know. Working with customers every day to find the best vehicle for their needs can be tricky. But having an idea of what you want beforehand will make the process significantly easier, and more enjoyable. And because we like to make life as simple as possible for our customers, we have listed a couple of tips below…That way, you’ll roll off the lot in a vehicle that is both suitable to your needs, and a heck of a lotta’ fun to drive.

Before embarking on your search, there are a variety of questions you should ask yourself. For instance:

• First and foremost, how much can you afford to spend? (Be honest with yourself.) Always take into consideration costs such as the title, tax, registration, and insurance. In cases when you are planning to finance the vehicle, it is best to get preapproved so that you know your budget before you hit the pavement.

• How many people will you be transporting? A family of five, or yourself + iPhone? Space matters, unless you’re planning on strapping someone to the luggage rack, or tossing them in the trunk. (Don’t do that – you’ll end up in a lot of trouble.)

• How long is your commute? If you’re traveling 45 minutes each way, you may be in need of something more economical than an F-450.

• What kind of conditions will you be driving in? Dry pavement? Three feet of snow? A showy sports car might seem like a good idea in the heat of summer, but come wintertime, that soft top won’t be of much assistance on ice.

• What safety features are most important to you? Vehicles come with a range of safety components, so it’s a good idea to have a basic knowledge of what’s available.

• Lastly, decide which vehicles you wish to test drive. Answering the above questions should make this process easier. Then you can start to research specific makes and models that fit your needs…And that look pretty sharp, too.

Purchasing a vehicle is a big commitment. That’s why at McKie Automotive, we aim to find the best fit for our customer’s priorities. For over thirty years, we’ve been selling new and used automobiles with that goal in mind, and we don’t intend to quit. So whether you’re searching for that flashy sports car to cruise the Hills in, looking for an SUV to take the kids to swim class, or something with better gas mileage, we can help. For everything automotive, visit McKie.