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Car Care: Buffing and Waxing Your Car
To keep your car’s paint job looking shiny and new, it’s a good idea to buff and wax it regularly. Doing this will also preserve the value of your car and save you money by reducing the need for more serious maintenance later on.
What’s the difference between buffing and waxing?
Buffing and waxing are often discussed together, but they accomplish different things for a car. Buffing generally comes first and only needs to be done once a year or so, while waxing should be done more often – about every three months, according to Ben Murphy of Popular Mechanics. Murphy also writes that buffing helps restore lightly scratched or weathered surfaces by removing a thin layer of damaged paint. Meanwhile, waxing protects a car’s paint job and helps restore the initial clear coat, resulting in a smooth, gleaming look.
Buffing your car
Before you buff your car, The News Wheel suggests washing, rinsing and drying it thoroughly with a chamois cloth. Cover lights, moldings, badges and other elements with masking tape so they don’t get scuffed in the process. Now you’re ready to buff your car.
Murphy recommends using an electric orbital buffer. You’ll also need buffing pads and buffing compound. Working one small area at a time, evenly apply compound with a pad. Then, apply the electric buffer in steady circles to the area until it turns gleaming and smooth. Be careful to hold the buffer flat so it doesn’t hurt the paint surface. Continue this process until the entire car has been buffed. If this is your first time buffing a car, try practicing on a small, less noticeable spot until you get the hang of it.
If your paint coat is in decent shape, you can use the same process to polish it instead – just use car polish in place of buffing compound.
Waxing your car
To wax your car, you’ll need car wax, an applicator pad and some microfiber cloths. With the pad, use circular motions to evenly apply the wax to the car’s surface. Work in small areas like you did while buffing. Once you’ve applied the wax to an area, wait for it to dry – the recommended time is often printed on the wax container. Then, remove the wax with a microfiber cloth, again using circular motions.
Once you’ve finished waxing your car, remove the masking tape from non-painted surfaces. Then, The News Wheel recommends cleaning the windows and any other areas that may have buffing compound or car wax splattered on them.
If you don’t feel comfortable buffing or waxing your car yourself, you can have these tasks done by a professional. Learning how to do it yourself will save you money in the long run, and you’ll come away with a greater sense of accomplishment. Either way, incorporating buffing and waxing into your normal car maintenance routine is a great way to preserve your car’s looks and improve its lifespan.
This article is presented by INFINITI of South Atlanta in Union City, GA.
- ‘Sign-off’ track testing carried out by Renault F1 Team star Nico Hülkenberg
- INFINITI evaluating if Project Black S can enter limited production; final decision due later in 2019
INFINITI and Renault F1 Team have completed the track-focused development of the unique high-performance, dual-hybrid powertrain created for the INFINITI Project Black S prototype. The development work was signed off at Salzburgring in Austria by Renault F1 Team star Nico Hülkenberg, where two prototypes were put through their paces.
INFINITI will continue to test and validate elements of the Q60 Project Black S prototype and will take a decision on the production potential for the car and its technologies by the end of 2019.
An evolving collaboration between INFINITI and Renault F1 Team, the Project Black S prototype has served as a test-bed for development of the new Formula One™ -inspired powertrain technology. The latest version of the Project Black S was revealed in Paris in fall 2018. Since then, powertrain engineers from Renault F1 Team and INFINITI have developed the unique technology further, exploring whether it could be deployed in a high-performance road car. Furthermore, the program has provided an insight into how INFINITI can work hand-in-hand with partners on developing new projects and technologies.
Mike Colleran, Deputy Chairman, INFINITI Motor Company, comments: “The work that has gone into Project Black S represents a milestone in INFINITI’s road to electrification. This test-bed for new ideas, and rapid development, represents everything INFINITI hopes to achieve with its electrified cars in future, such as smart energy management from advanced high-performance powertrains, a thrilling drive, and a performance aesthetic.”
Cyril Abiteboul, Managing Director of Renault F1 Team, said “A technical partner to the Renault F1 team, INFINITI’s experience of working with homologated hybrid powertrain technology was instrumental in the co-development of our dual-hybrid system. The Black S project now gives us a rare opportunity for the direct transfer of genuine F1-honed technology back into a road car. Making this leap, from circuit to road, is something we are incredibly excited to be involved in”.
New ways of working and production potential
A key aim of the Project Black S program was to explore the potential for new motorsport-inspired electrification technologies and development processes. Project Black S fuses expertise from road and race track, with its dual-hybrid powertrain, all-new, purpose built brakes, and optimized suspensions, all complemented by the use of advanced lightweight materials throughout the purposeful new bodywork and a motorsport-inspired interior.
INFINITI’s Mike Colleran comments: “Working with Renault F1 Team has opened our eyes to new ways of working. Outside of the traditional process in which we engineer cars and technologies, this collaboration has shown us what can be achieved with a small, dedicated team. We will learn from this to enhance the way we create other cars in future.”
Dual-hybrid powertrain technology
The Project Black S dual-hybrid powertrain technology is derived from Formula One and engineered specifically for road use. A focused, agile team of designers and engineers from the two technology partners has enabled the rapid development of testing prototypes. A test-bed based on the INFINITI Q60 sports coupe and its 400 hp VR30 twin-turbo V6 engine, the dual-hybrid system combines supercar performance with smart energy management.
The VR30 engine has been transformed with the creation of two heat-energy harvesting systems (MGU-H: motor generator unit – heat), which develop electricity under acceleration. Paired with a kinetic harvesting system (MGU-K: motor generator unit – kinetic) that generates electricity under braking and an all-new energy management system, Project Black S is a unique and exciting electrified performance hybrid prototype.
In a similar manner to Renault F1 Team’s R.S.19 racecar, the Project Black S’ smart powertrain stores this energy and discharges it as the driver requires, spooling up the turbochargers instantaneously as the driver opens the throttle, boosting power sent to the rear wheels via the MGU-K over continued periods of acceleration.
Currently, the dual-hybrid powertrain is capable of producing up to 418 kW (568 ps, 563 hp) – 40 percent more than the prototype’s donor car, the INFINITI Q60 Red Sport 400. Uniquely, it provides sustained and sustainable hybrid performance, delivering electrically assisted acceleration, lap after lap.
The prototype offers drivers complete control over how the powertrain uses this energy, with three Formula One-inspired drive modes – Road, Quali and Race – each altering the way in which the powertrain harvests and discharges power.
INFINITI’s Mike Colleran added: “There is still work to be done. Now we have two completed prototypes we will fully evaluate the production potential of Project Black S. It is still too early to predict the outcome as we need a solid business case, but the latest rounds of testing have proved its unique performance and underlines our pursuit of electrified performance. This is an exciting phase of the process. We will consider every element of the development prototypes to establish the feasibility of volume or limited production in future.”
Car Care: Back to School Checklist
The summer driving season is nearly over and stores are full of back to school merchandise.
Now that you’re starting to stock up on new pencils and notebooks, make sure you don’t miss forget about prepping your car. Your car has worked hard in the summer heat, so give it a head start on the new school year with some service.
Review the basics
Start with an oil and filter change. This summer has been hot. Through it all, your vehicle’s engine has been working in an enclosed space that is hotter still. Even at a comfortable 80 degrees outside temperature, it could be more than 200 degrees in your vehicle’s engine compartment. That heat puts a lot of stress on the engine’s oil, causing breakdown that can lead to reduced protection and possibly even the formation of sludge. Fresh lubrication will ensure smooth sailing on your travels.
Changing the rest of your vehicle’s filters when have the oil changed, if necessary, is a good practice. Remember the engine’s air filter, fuel filter, and the commonly-overlooked cabin air filter, if your car or truck has one. A new cabin filter will more effectively keep particulates and irritants such as pollen out of your cabin’s airflow. Change it up and breathe easy.
Small but crucial, the often-overlooked crankcase ventilation system filters should be checked and replaced at regular intervals, as well. If you don’t, you could be headed for a more expensive problem down the road. Your engine’s ventilation system traps vapor and directs it through the engine’s intake system instead of letting it seep out into the atmosphere. A failed or plugged system will allow the buildup of excess pressure inside your engine. When that happens, the pressure can squeeze out an oil seal, leading to a serious leak. No doubt your engine will breathe easier.
Don’t forget the details
While you’re under the hood, make sure everything else checks out, too. What kind of shape is the serpentine belt in? How about the coolant that’s in the reservoir? Not only should it be brought to the proper level, but the coolant should be just a few years old. Let it circulate too long and it loses the additives that help protect your engine from corrosion; not only that, it will no longer offer the same level of freeze and boil-over protection.
Batteries also hate the heat, so make sure you’re not making its job harder with corroded or excessively dirty electrical connections. If there is obvious green corrosion at the battery terminal connects, first neutralize the acid, then clean and re-seat all the connections. If your battery is not of the maintenance free variety, it should also be checked for the proper fluid levels. If you’re not comfortable doing these jobs, your dealer’s service department will know how.
Last, because the days are getting shorter fast, do a walk-around to make sure all the lights are working. From running lamps to blinkers and even license plate lamps, check them all. It’s obvious when a headlamp is out, but not everybody takes notice of just how many bulbs there can be on an automobile. Take a look, and if you’re unsure of which replacement bulbs to get, consult your owner’s manual. Or simply stop by and let the expert technicians do it for you.
A quick check of these items will help you stay on course. Check your owner’s manual for recommended maintenance items and make an appointment with your service department.
This article is presented by INFINITI of South Atlanta in Union City, GA.
World’s first variable compression ratio engine named in The International Engine + Powertrain of the Year Awards
The VC-Turbo, the world’s first variable compression ratio engine, was recognized with high scores at The International Engine + Powertrain of the Year Awards this month.
The 272PS (268 horsepower) VC-Turbo was named in two key categories: 250PS to 350PS and Best New Engine, competing with other engines and powertrains the automotive industry has launched this year.
The VC-Turbo engine is able to intelligently switch between compression ratios of 8:1 (for power) and 14:1 (for efficiency) in just over a second. It can also operate at any ratio between the two to suit the demands of the driver and road conditions.
“Aside from gaining a big advantage over rival brands with this technology, INFINITI and Nissan might just have saved the internal combustion engine as we know it,” said Dean Slavnich, co-chairman of the awards. “And in doing so, it has secured their own future too, because innovation brings success.”
The awards jury is made up of 70 automotive journalists representing 31 countries and many more
publications, highlighting the global impact VC-Turbo has made.
“Variable compression ratio technology represents a breakthrough in powertrain development,” said Michael
Colleran, deputy chairman of INFINITI Motor Company. “The QX50, powered by the VC-Turbo, is the first production vehicle ever to give drivers an engine that transforms on demand, setting a new benchmark for powertrain capability and refinement, so customers can have the best combination of power and efficiency.” The QX50 is a stunning midsize SUV with technology and utility that customers around the world appreciate.”
The engine was first introduced in the 2019 INFINITI QX50 midsize luxury SUV, which also features standout
design and unrivaled interior space, all on an entirely new platform. The VC-Turbo engine is seen as a bridge to electrification for INFINITI, as the company moves to revealing an electrified product portfolio within the next few years.
A 2.0-liter turbocharged and inter-cooled engine, the VC-Turbo is the result of more than 20 years of ingenuity and passion within Nissan Motor Co. More than 100 development engines were created in the
development process and, at one point, the highly advanced work came to a halt as the computer power needed to finalize the design was not available. When computers caught up with the engineering dream, VC-Turbo became a reality.
Facts and figures about the VC-Turbo:
1996 – The year work began on developing the variable compression ratio engine
2016 – The year when the VC-Turbo was first revealed, at the Paris Motor Show
2018 – The year VC-Turbo went on sale in the INFINITI QX50 premium SUV
8:1 to 14:1 – The VC-Turbo is capable of any compression ratio in this range
-20dB – Compared with a conventional 4-cylinder engine, the VC-Turbo produces 20dB less vibration noise due to the unique engine layout
+100 – Number of engines built in the development process
30,000 – Number of running hours on the test bed
3,000,000 – Number of kilometers of real-world road testing
More information on the VC-Turbo engine and the 2019 QX50 are available at www.infinitiusa.com.
Summer Road Trip Car Games
Planning a road trip with the family? Summer vacations are the best – but hours of traveling by car aren’t always the most enjoyable. At least, not without some entertainment. But when the iPad battery dies or your child is tired of watching the same movie again and again, it’s time to think of something new. And by new, we mean old-school road trip car games.
Not sure what to play? Here’s a list of top favorites among families:
A-Z
In this game, everyone in the vehicle has to be on the lookout for things as they pass outside – street signs, exit signs, license plates – that will eventually create the entire alphabet. The game will start with everyone looking for an “A.” The person who sees it first will call out what it is, for example, “Alabama license!” Now they are looking for something that begins with a B, but everyone else still needs to find an A. The person who completes the whole alphabet first wins. You’ll be surprised at how fast the trip will go once you get through the entire alphabet! Unfortunately the driver has to sit out of this one, as taking their eyes off the road to look for objects and signs would be dangerous.
20 Questions
For the inquisitive folk, the player who goes first thinks of anything in the world – an object, a food a landmark, etc. The first question should always be something along the lines of, “Animal, vegetable or mineral?” to narrow the thought down. The next 19 questions can be anything the other players in the car would like. For example, “What color is it?” or “What’s the texture?” Avoid questions that can be answered “yes” or “no” unless you know that will help you narrow down what the word is. Award points to the person who guesses the correct answer before the 20 questions are up. If no one guesses it, the person who thought of the object gets the points.
Name That Tune
Have a talented musician in the car? You don’t necessarily need to be an award-winning singer for this game. Someone in the car will begin humming to the beat of a popular song while other people take guesses at what it is. Whoever guesses the correct song is next in line to be the hummer. To make it more interesting (and a bit easier), choose at theme for the game – anything from nursery rhymes to Brittany Spears.
I’m Going On a Picnic…
This is a game that not only will help kill time, but will also boost your memory. One player starts off by stating, “I’m going on a picnic and I’m going to bring…” then states a picnic-related item or food that begins with an A. The next player will then state, “I’m going on a picnic and I’m going to bring…” and repeats the “A” word and adds a word that starts with B. The next player will repeat the phrase as well as the “A” and “B” words, and add a word that begins with a “C” and so on until the end of the alphabet. The game starts off fairly simple but as you go on, you’ll realize how difficult it can be to remember all the items – but that’s just the fun of the game. Also, props to anyone who comes up with a picnic favorite that starts with an X!
Team Storytelling
If anyone in the car loves telling creative stories, then this game will be a hit. The first player will begin by starting to tell a story with an opening line – anything from “Once upon a time…” to a more suspenseful line like, “They opened the door and…” To make the game more challenging, make a type of rule – for instance, that each line has to rhyme. The game could go on for however long you want.
Planning ahead can make traveling with kids a breeze and these games are sure to be a hit.
This article is presented by INFINITI of South Atlanta in Union City, GA.
2019 INFINITI QX50 earns 5-star overall safety rating from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
The 2019 INFINITI QX50 received a 5-star overall vehicle safety rating as part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s New Car Assessment Program.
ProPILOT Assist, available on the luxury mid-size SUV, is a core driver-assist feature designed to offer support for the driver when needed and to further enhance the overall driving experience.
The 2019 INFINITI QX50 is the company’s most advanced vehicle to date and embodies everything INFINITI stands for: beautiful design, advanced technology and performance features
Late last month, the 2019 INFINITI QX50 luxury mid-size SUV received a 5-star overall vehicle safety rating as part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Both the Intelligent All-Wheel drive and front-wheel drive versions of the INFINITI QX50 were recognized by NHTSA for their safety performance.
Safety Recognition
“The safety of our customers and their passengers is one of our top priorities. With the 2019 INFINITI QX50, we introduced a suite of new driver assistance features, including ProPILOT Assist, which offer support when needed and further enhance the overall driving experience,” said Jeff Pope, Group Vice President, INFINITI Americas. “We are pleased with NHTSA’s recognition of our efforts to develop some of the safest cars on the road.”
The 2019 INFINITI QX50, is the company’s most advanced vehicle to date and embodies everything INFINITI stands for: beautiful design, advanced technology and performance features. The QX50 offers world-first technologies, standout design, enhanced interior space and an entirely new platform that provides a new level of versatility, efficiency and performance in luxury mid-size crossovers.
ProPILOT Assist Technology
Available on the 2019 QX50 is ProPILOT Assist, which is designed to help with single-lane highway driving and primarily leverages two technologies: Lane Keep Assist, which helps to center the QX50 in the lane; and Advanced Intelligent Cruise Control that monitors speed and distance to the vehicle to automatically adjust the speed and adapt to a full speed range in traffic.
Additional available technologies include:
Forward Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection looks for potential frontal collisions with pedestrians ahead or the vehicle in front of you. It can help brake in an emergency to help avoid a frontal collision.
Lane Departure Warning and Prevention lets the driver focus on the road by providing warnings, and potentially intervention, should the vehicle start to drift out of your lane.
Distance Control Assist keeps an eye on what is in front and helps to maintain distances set by the driver by pushing back the accelerator pedal when the vehicle ahead is closer than the preset distance.
Innovative Engine Technology
The luxury mid-size SUV also features the world’s first production variable compression engine, the VC-Turbo, which provides the power and strength of a sprinter with the efficiency and endurance of a marathon runner. It combines the power of a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with the torque and efficiency of an advanced four-cylinder engine.
More information on the 2019 INFINITI QX50 is available at www.infinitiusa.com, and details on NCAP safety ratings can be found at www.safercar.gov.
Car Care: Importance of Summer Car Maintenance
The lazy days of summer do not give you permission to neglect your vehicle.
In fact, after a long, harsh winter and tumultuous spring, your car desperately needs your attention to get ready to handle summer’s unique challenges of sun and heat as well as the demands of summer travel. According to AutoTrader.com writer Colin Ryan, the car maintenance tips below will help you and your car get ready for the open road quicker than you can say flip-flop.
-
Keep it clean
A dirty windshield can compromise visibility when the sun hits it, so you should regularly clean your windshield as well as the entire car. Nothing beats up a car’s paintjob than hot sun rays, and the yuck from birds and insects will damage your vehicle’s exterior, too. After a thorough washing, a good-quality wax will help your car sparkle even more in the sun. -
Stock summer essentials
Road trips and summer are best friends, so make sure your vehicle is stocked with summer essentials like water, snacks, sunglasses, sunscreen, hats, entertainment for the children, phone and tablet chargers, weather information, an emergency triangle, small tool kit and flashlight. A sunshade for the dash and/or shades for the rear windows will help keep the interior a little cooler in between activities. -
Kick the tires
Tires should be on your radar all year long, but especially in summer make sure your tires are properly inflated, are not showing uneven wear or cracks and the tread is at the right depth. It’s also a good time to check the condition of the spare. -
Check the air
Your car air filter takes a beating from the weather, and summer is a great opportunity to check its condition, clean it or replace it if necessary. Same goes for your windshield wipers-after surviving April’s showers, your wipers are probably due to be replaced. -
Keep it cool
The last thing you probably worried about this winter and spring was the working order of your car’s air conditioning. But summer heats up fast, and if your air conditioner is lacking in cooling power, it’s time for a check-up; it might have a leak which definitely requires the expertise of a mechanic. While thinking cool thoughts, take a second to check the coolant reservoir and how your car’s hoses are holding up-if they feel soft, it’s time for a change or fix. -
Test levels
Make sure your car’s fluids are at the right levels-windshield-washer, power-steering, brake and oil fluids are constantly being drained, and without the correct amount, your car is at risk for damage.
By performing these suggested maintenance tips on your car, you will be on the right path for a summer of fun.
This article is presented by INFINITI of South Atlanta in Union City, GA.
Car Care: Why You Need To Service Your Vehicle
As passenger cars and trucks have become more sophisticated and advanced, they’ve also become more reliable. This leaves some drivers wondering if their vehicles even need service at all. The answer is yes, and it’s more important than ever to get your vehicle serviced by qualified professionals familiar with your make and model.
First, while modern cars and trucks carry multiple computers all networked together, computers can’t magically fix problems. They’re better at pointing to the possible source of an issue. Many times, a vehicle’s computer can even tell the driver where it senses trouble and what to do – such as stopping immediately if the problem is serious enough, but a technician is still necessary to identify internal computer codes and verify the actual source of any problems.
It’s also true that modern vehicles can’t be tinkered with by anyone with a set of tools. It’s important to have service, and even most maintenance, performed by properly-trained technicians with the right tools and software. That’s right, software. All automakers use their own computer programs to connect to your car, run diagnostic checks, update the software in your car’s computers and test and re-calibrate systems. Your dealer has the proper tools, diagnostic equipment and factory-trained staff to keep your car performing at its best. Your dealer also has the most up-to-date information, including service bulletins, updated parts and specific training.
Even though your vehicle may be more trouble-free than ever, it still needs regular maintenance. How often should be determined by the service schedule in your owner’s manual. Even if you don’t drive many miles, oil changes, tire rotations and other service is advised. Regardless of how many miles per year you drive, your owner’s manual or dealer’s service department will have the recommended service intervals appropriate for you.
When you take your car to your dealer’s service department, you’re getting it in front of the people who know it best. They have the most up-to-date information about what may be ailing it. Routine service also includes a multi-point inspection, which is handy for catching small issues before they become larger problems.
So, it’s still important to bring your car or truck in for regular service. It’s easier than you think, and there are often service specials and packaged offerings you can take advantage of, as well. With the change of the seasons coming soon, now is a great time to head in.
This article is presented by INFINITI of South Atlanta in Union City, GA.
New sports sedan concept previews a future electrified INFINITI model.
INFINITI partners with renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma to design its new exhibition stand – the first in a series of design projects.
First new-generation INFINITI electrified model to be built in China, for China.
The INFINITI Qs Inspiration is a sports sedan concept developed for the electrified era. Revealed for the first time at Auto Shanghai 2019, it offers a new perspective on sports sedans with an elevated driving position and high-performance electrified all-wheel drive power.
Representing INFINITI’s desire to challenge tradition, the Qs Inspiration previews a forthcoming production model and hints at the company’s electrified future, in which the brand will offer electric and e-POWER powertrains across its lineup. The concept’s flexible architecture has been developed to accommodate high-performance electrified powertrains. It has also enabled INFINITI’s designers to reinterpret traditional “three-box” sedan design, with new exterior proportions and a spacious, lounge-like interior.
With its creation led by a team of designers working under Karim Habib, executive design director for INFINITI, the Qs Inspiration Concept confirms INFINITI’s new form language for its forthcoming electrified vehicles. The concept draws on INFINITI’s Japanese DNA for inspiration, and is revealed in a newly-designed exhibition space, created in partnership with renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma. The exhibition space has been designed in harmony with the new Qs Inspiration concept and INFINITI’s design direction for its electrified models, and will be featured at other major auto shows in future.
“As designers, we are constantly inspired by the technology of our engineers and the Japanese design influences which are part of our DNA,” said Alfonso Albaisa, senior vice president for Global Design, Nissan Motor Company. “Here in Shanghai, we have not been alone on this journey. I am very honored to have had Kengo Kuma as a ‘sensei,’ helping us evolve and express a new language in our company architecture. In Shanghai, we reveal our Kuma-san-designed INFINITI booth, expressing a new visual poetry, harmony and innovation.”
INFINITI to produce its first new-generation electrified vehicle in China, for China
The Qs Inspiration is revealed as INFINITI announces that the first of its new-generation electrified vehicles will be built in China, for the Chinese market.
“China has the most growth potential for electric vehicles globally, especially in the premium segment,” said Christian Meunier, chairman of INFINITI Motor Company. “The age of electrification presents us with an opportunity to renew our credentials as an innovative challenger brand, ready to move quickly and decisively in this growing and exciting area of the market.”
The Qs Inspiration Concept precedes a new-generation electrified production model from INFINITI, one of a series of advanced-powertrain road cars to be launched by the brand in the years ahead. Electrification presents an opportunity to reinvent the INFINITI brand globally through high-performance, low-emissions models which offer a thrilling driving experience and total range confidence.
Games to Play at Your Next Backyard Barbecue
Your grill is fired up and ready to go and your refrigerator is full of enough food and drinks to satisfy a crowd. There’s just one last thing you need for your backyard barbecue: games to entertain your guests. Here are a few ideas that are sure to make your summer party a success your friends will be talking about all year long.
Backyard classics
What first comes to mind when you think of backyard games? For many people, it’s croquet, the classic game that involves smacking a ball through a hoop with a mallet. Other backyard classics include lawn bowling and its close relative, bocce. You don’t need a huge yard to play these games, but they’re definitely more fun with additional space.
If your backyard is especially large, your guests might enjoy splitting into teams and playing more active sports like soccer, flag football or softball. If you do end up playing one of these games, keep in mind that it will probably be more fun – and less painful – to fit it in before everyone stuffs themselves with burgers, potato chips and grilled corn.
Horseshoes and more
Two all-time favorite backyard barbecue games are horseshoes and cornhole. In horseshoes, two people alternate attempts to toss horseshoes around stakes in the ground. Cornhole is similar, except players try to toss beanbags through a hole in a raised platform. Depending on how many people are at your event, these games can easily be adapted to team play.
You’ll also find plenty of similar games out there if you want to play something a bit different. With washer pitching, players try to score points by tossing large metal washers into a hole or a cup. Another variation is KanJam, a game where players amass points by throwing or deflecting a flying disc into a pair of large metal cans.
From the tabletop to the yard
Setting up an oversized board game is a good way to make your next barbecue an especially memorable one. Make a list of some of your favorite tabletop games, like checkers or Yahtzee. Now, imagine how these games could be scaled up for backyard play.
Many oversized backyard board games are available to purchase, but if you’re especially creative or handy, you could try building your own version of Jenga with two-by-fours, making an oversized Scrabble game with stencils and plywood or by crafting an outdoor domino set.
It might get wet
It’s summer, so the odds are good that the weather will be warm or hot on the day of your barbecue. Why not set up some water-based games to help your guests cool off? One backyard favorite is a Slip ‘n’ Slide, which you can either buy or make yourself with some heavy plastic, a running hose and a few other items. You could also organize a game of water-balloon dodgeball, which is exactly as fun as it sounds. If you do this, just make sure that all your guests are enjoying themselves and nobody is being pelted unwillingly.
If water balloons and water slides sound a little intense, you could encourage a more relaxed water-based vibe at your party instead. Try filling a few wading pools so guests can pull up a lawn chair and cool off their feet while enjoying a refreshing beverage.
Equipped with these ideas, you’re well on your way to hosting a backyard barbecue that will be the highlight of your guests’ summer.
This article is presented by INFINITI of South Atlanta in Union City, GA.
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