They get you going, day in and day out, and nobody gives them a second thought until there’s a problem; however, there are some distinct signs of battery distress if you know what to look for. Here are some pointers to help prevent you from breaking down this winter.

Slow starts: Starting an engine when it’s sub-zero outside takes a lot of energy. To achieve reliable cold starts in freezing weather, your battery must supply a lot of electrical current. When you notice yourself crossing your fingers as your lights dim and your engine’s rhythm gets slower and slower, it’s time to be concerned.

One cause of this may be the battery itself. Before you condemn it, though, your service department can perform some checks. Electricity flows best through clean, tight connections, and that’s the first thing your mechanic will check. Over time, corrosion can build up on cables where the battery connects to the electrical system. Instead of conducting the juice, this corrosion acts as an insulator, meaning power can’t flow. When power can’t flow, you can’t go. Starts will be slow and nerve-wracking, and the battery itself may not charge back up.

It may not be the battery: A low battery might not be the cause of your problems, but a symptom. If the charging system can’t top up the battery , you’ll be stuck. Alternator problems sometimes show up as noticeable flickers from the lights. If your car has a voltmeter, you may notice the needle hanging lower than usual. It’s easy for a service professional to check that your charging system is putting out the proper voltage. And if it’s not, they’ll know what to do to get it back to its old energetic self.

Even if you don’t suspect any problems with your battery, it’s worth checking the next time your car is in for service. Our expert technicians will let you know if you need a new battery, or just a repair to your current one. Just a few minutes during a routine oil change can save you several hours of aggravation caused by a lackluster battery.

This article is presented by INFINITI of South Atlanta in Union City, GA.

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• The world’s first production variable compression ratio engine – INFINITI’s VC-Turbo – received the Driveline Technology of the Year Shift Award from Roadshow by CNET, selected for its ability to optimize engine compression for both power and fuel efficiency.
• Available on the all-new INFINITI QX50, the VC-Turbo engine’s versatility provides the power and strength of a sprinter with the efficiency and endurance of a marathon runner.
• The VC-Turbo’s powerful-yet-compact footprint allows for more interior space, making the 2019 QX50 one of few vehicles in its segment to offer sliding and reclining rear seating.

The world’s first production variable compression ratio engine – INFINITI’s VC-Turbo – received the Driveline Technology of the Year Shift Award from Roadshow by CNET, selected for its ability to optimize engine compression for both power and fuel efficiency.

“This 2.5-liter powerplant is a peach, delivering strong real-world fuel efficiency and ample power on demand,” Chris Paukert, executive editor, Roadshow by CNET. “Its new motor-driven, multi-link system, which varies piston reach, is an elegant solution only made possible by sophisticated electronic controls.”

The Roadshow Shift awards recognize the best in innovative, disruptive technologies and products in the automotive world. The VC-Turbo engine was selected for this award because of its ability to provide excellent efficiency and strong performance in an environmentally responsible package.

“We are honored to receive this recognition from Roadshow by CNET for the INFINITI VC-Turbo, which debuted on the all-new 2019 QX50 last year,” said Mike Colleran, vice president and managing director, INFINITI Americas. “The VC-Turbo offers drivers an engine that continuously transforms based on their driving behavior, and we believe it establishes new benchmarks for future engine technology.

In operation, the QX50’s VC-Turbo engine offers any compression ratio between 8:1 (for high performance) and 14:1 (for high efficiency). The engine delivers 268 hp at 5,600 rpm and 280 lb ft at 1,600 – 4,800 rpm. The VC-Turbo’s specific power output is higher than many competing turbocharged gasoline engines, and it comes close to the performance of some V6 gasoline engines. The unit’s single-scroll turbo ensures immediate accelerator responses on demand.

The VC-Turbo’s powerful-yet-compact footprint allows the entire cabin to move forward, revealing more interior space and making the 2019 QX50 one of few vehicles in its segment to offer sliding and reclining rear seating. The QX50 also boasts rear legroom of up to 38.7 inches and a trunk that can accommodate a stroller situated length-wise without letting down the back seats, with space for additional cargo.

Available at INFINITI retailers nationwide, the 2019 QX50 is the brand’s most advanced vehicle to date and embodies everything INFINITI stands for: Beautiful design, advanced technology and empowering performance features. Additionally, INFINITI’s available ProPILOT Assist technologies can offer support when needed and add to the enjoyment and confidence of the driver.

More information on the VC-Turbo engine and the 2019 INFINITI QX50 is available at www.infinitinews.com.

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• INFINITI achieved a Customer Satisfaction Index score of 876, a 48-point increase over the industry average and 14 points above the premium segment average.
• In every category within the study, INFINITI ranked in the top tier among premium brands.
• INFINITI’s largest improvement over 2017 was seen in the Service Advisor category.

INFINITI earned top honors, taking the No. 1 spot industry-wide in the J.D. Power 2018 Customer Service Index (CSI) Study. Overall, INFINITI achieved a CSI score of 876 on a 1,000-point scale, 48 points above the industry average and 14 points above the premium segment average.

“We know that time is a valuable currency, which is why our retailers make it a priority to deliver an exceptional experience from the moment customers walk in the door and throughout the entire ownership cycle,” said Randy Parker, vice president, INFINITI Americas. “We want to make the most of every second our owners spend in our store, from the greeting from our service advisors in a welcoming environment-complete with premium amenities-to the moment they drive away with the same level of comfort and optimal performance they enjoyed the first time they drove their INFINITI vehicle.”

The 2018 CSI Study includes ratings on five service-related factors to customer satisfaction: service advisor, vehicle pick-up, service facility, service quality and service initiation. INFINITI ranked in the top tier among premium brands in each category, with the largest improvement seen in the Service Advisor category.

INFINITI attributes its success to a variety of factors including a strong network of retailers and a comprehensive mix of policies and programs such as multiple touchpoint reviews, high hospitality standards and a variety of training programs available both in-person and via online.

The 2018 CSI Study measures customer satisfaction with service at a franchised retailer or independent service facility for maintenance or repair work among owners and lessees of 1-to 5-year-old vehicles. INFINITI in the past has earned top marks in the J.D. Power CSI Study in 1990, 1994, 1996 and 2003.

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Increase your Vitamin D intake with these super foods

When the winter months roll in, the days inevitably begin to shorten. With shorter days, there is less time to soak up the much-needed Vitamin D from the sunlight hours. According to a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association, “The sun is not strong enough for the body to make vitamin D from October to May.” To help compensate for that deficiency, here are five Vitamin D rich foods for you to enjoy this winter.

Orange juice
Known for its high Vitamin D content, orange juice is a great way to start your day. The National Institute of Health (NIH) recommends approximately 400 International Units (IU) of Vitamin D per day; one cup of orange juice contains 137 IU of Vitamin D, which marks nearly 35 percent of your entire daily intake. Pour a glass with your breakfast and begin your day the right way.

Egg yolks
As the air cools, try switching your egg-white omelets to regular omelets with yolks. Including the yolk in your eggs will allow you to take in a bit of extra Vitamin D. Eggs can be used in many ways; whether you make a quiche, scrambled eggs or top off your burger with a fried egg, there’s a way for everyone to enjoy them. Keep in mind, the Vitamin D is located in the yolk of the egg, not the egg white.

Cheese
If you ever needed another reason to enjoy cheese, this is it. One slice of Swiss cheese provides the body with 40 IU of Vitamin D, making it tastier than ever to get your daily vitamins. The next time you take a sandwich to work, swap out your traditional American cheese for a slice of Swiss to effortlessly up your Vitamin D intake.

Salmon
Perfect for any meal of the day, salmon is chock-full of Vitamin D to keep you energized during the winter months. In fact, three ounces of salmon exceeds your needs with 566 IU of Vitamin D; that’s 142 percent of your recommended daily intake. You can make salmon alongside a traditional English breakfast, slice it up on a salad for lunch or filet it with some vegetables for a delicious dinner.

Breakfast cereal with milk
Nowadays, many pre-packaged breakfast cereals are fortified with additional Vitamin D. You don’t have to feel as guilty indulging in your favorite cereal; in fact, if you eat your cereal with a cup of milk, you’re adding an extra 115 to 124 IU of Vitamin D to your breakfast. Some cereals are more heavily fortified than others, so if you’re looking to maximize your intake, check the label on the side of the box.

Medical professionals recommend safe sun exposure as the primary and most efficient way of soaking up your daily dose of Vitamin D. However, if you work indoors or the sun is hibernating for the colder months, try a few of these nutrient-rich foods to reach your recommended intake.

This article is presented by INFINITI of South Atlanta in Union City, Georgia.

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It may seem simple, but it plays an important part in keeping you safe.

With winter on its way, daylight is getting shorter and shorter each day. Short days mean more hours spent driving in low- or no-light conditions. That’s bad enough on its own, but add the extra complication of nasty weather to the already gloomy season, and you’ve got a driving challenge.
When it’s snowing, sleeting, or even just raining, you need every system working at its best. Often it’s the simplest things that can turn out to have the biggest impact. Here’s an example: when was the last time you even thought about your wiper blades?

Now, even if you don’t live in an area that sees frosty conditions, it’s all too easy to forget about those little things until they become big problems. There are no rest stops in the middle of a sudden downpour or a freak storm. If it seems like an unnecessary additional expense, a quick review of your insurance deductible or some body shop quotes for repairing relatively minor damage will make this seem like the bargain of the century.

Being able to see is the number one safety feature any vehicle can offer the driver, and it’s also one of the easiest things to ensure is up to snuff. Wiper blades, headlight bulbs, and clean windows are pretty much all it takes. Don’t neglect the inside surface of windows, either. Environmental contamination floats around in the air, and the plastics in your car’s interior give off gases that build up on the glass and attract other gunk. A quick once-over every few weeks with some glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth makes a huge difference, especially at night. Another benefit to clean windows is that they don’t fog as easily.

If your car has been using the same wiper blades for a year, it’s probably time to change them. Your dealer’s service department will know exactly what fits, and can install them quickly.

Head lamps are, surprisingly, often neglected. In winter weather, make it a point to stop and clean the lenses occasionally to keep built-up frozen gunk from reducing the illumination in a gradual way that sneaks up on you. Some cars have headlamp washers, and just as it’s important to make sure the windshield washer nozzles spray correctly and the reservoir is full of fluid, take the time to verify your head lamp washer system is working. All you have to do is look.

If you’ve got a headlamp bulb out, you’re probably required by law to get it repaired, though many drivers suffer along, instead. Many bulbs are easy and inexpensive to change yourself, while some other lighting systems can be much more involved. If you’re unsure, you can be certain it’s nothing your service department hasn’t seen, so they’ll know exactly what it takes to fix it.

While we spend the dark, winter months waiting for the return of spring, a few quick checks and simple, inexpensive repairs will better your chances of making it through winter unscathed.

This article is presented by INFINITI of South Atlanta in Union City, Georgia.

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We would like to thank you for making INFINITI of South Atlanta what it is today and allowing us to provide all your automotive needs. You have made it possible for us to build such a close and loving INFINITI family, and we are so happy that you are a part of it here in South Fulton. We have great plans for 2019 and cannot wait to share them with you.

Most importantly, we would like to continue to show you our commitment to the community that we serve. We will continue our commitment to the community and to establishing a great sales and service experience that goes beyond your expectations.

Thank you again for your loyalty to INFINITI of South Atlanta.

Love being in the know about INFINITI of South Atlanta events? Click here to ‘Like’ us on Facebook and stay current on all our upcoming events.

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It’s time to start thinking about it. Winter. Even as we enjoy the onset of autumn’s splendor, we know winter is not far behind. Is your vehicle ready? While the weather is pleasant, take a few minutes to do some simple checks.

Lights

Do all the lights on your car or truck work properly? It’s easy to tell if a headlight has failed, but burned out brake lights, blinkers, and marker lamps aren’t always apparent. Don’t worry if you don’t know how to replace the bulbs yourself; especially now, with so many vehicles using LED lighting elements, fixing a problem may require the help of a dealer technician, but you can spot the lights that are out yourself.

Make sure the headlights, both low and high-beam, are operating correctly. To check the other lights, turning the vehicle on to its “accessory” position might be necessary. Make sure the blinkers all work, left and right, front and rear. Many vehicles now have additional blinkers in the mirrors or sides of the vehicle, so be sure to check those if your car or truck has them. Get an assistant to step on the brake pedal while you make sure all your brake lights – left, right and center high-mounted – are working. Remember to check license plate lights, position lights, reverse lights, running lights and parking lights.

Wipers and Windshield

Is it hard to see out your windshield at night or in the rain? If the answer is yes, you’ll want to correct the situation. Wipers that smear, chatter, or otherwise fail to clear the windshield are a big danger you can fix quickly and inexpensively. If you don’t remember the last time the wiper blades were changed, now is a good time to replace them. Check the operation of your windshield washer system, too. Do the nozzles spray a strong stream on the windshield? If you can’t see, you’re more likely to hit things.

The windshield itself can pick up rock chips and other damage that reduces visibility. Keep the windshield clean, inside and out; physical damage to the windshield glass can sometimes be repaired, and windshield replacement, if necessary, may be covered by your car insurance, depending on your coverage.

Tires

Even if you’re not in a region where winter tires are necessary, you need good tires for maximum safety. Look for uneven wear patterns or low tread depth. Worn tires are more likely to hydroplane, and they give up dry traction, too. Any obvious damage– including chunks missing, nails or screws in the tread, bubbles or cuts in the sidewalls, suspicious bulges or flat spots in the tread, etc.–can be an immediate hazard and should be addressed right away.

Fluids

This one is possibly the simplest. Make sure all the fluids are at the proper levels, especially the windshield washer fluid. It’s a good idea to carry an extra bottle or two of washer fluid, as well, because it’s easy to go through a lot of it when you need to keep salt spray off the windshield. Power steering fluid, engine coolant and brake fluid are vital to safe driving, as well; if you don’t feel comfortable checking these fluids yourself, your service department will happily take a look.

Most of these checks are included with a routine vehicle maintenance visit, so you could make it easy by heading in for an oil and filter change and multi-point inspection. Then you can head into the winter months confident that your car won’t let you down when you need it the most.

This article is presented by INFINITI of South Atlanta in Union City, Georgia.

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A World’s First Technology, INFINITI’s Direct Adaptive Steering® (DAS) removes the mechanical connection between the steering wheel and tires, allowing for instantaneous driver input that can be digitally processed and adjusted up to 1,000 times per second. The DAS is unaffected by the kickback and forced movement of conventional steering but still gradually requires more effort with increased speed and G-forces like a conventional system.

The confidence-inspiring system allows the driver to choose Sport and Sport+ modes for quicker steering and more driving pleasure.

In 2013 INFINITI introduced Directive Adaptive Steering®- the world’s first digital steering system. Now just three years later the second generation of this ground-breaking technology is available on select INFINITI models like the thrilling Q60 Coupe and the sophisticated Q50 Sedan.
Direct Adaptive Steering®

THE DRIVE MODE SELECTOR

Personalized Steering
Drivers can choose from several modes to customize steering performance using the Drive Mode Selector.

Less Effort
In the Standard mode, steering requires less effort at lower speeds for easy maneuverability.

Quicker Steering
Compared to Standard mode, at a speed of 60 mph the steering ratio for Sport is four per cent quicker, and 12 per cent quicker for Sport+.

THE NEXT GENERATION OF A WORLD’S FIRST

Control. Precision. Adaptability.

Handling’s triple-crown. Now, after more than ten years of research and development and three years of real-world testing, the second-generation of this world’s-first system is here. Directive Adaptive Steering® uses electronics for a more precise feeling behind the wheel. Over uneven roads, this moderates the need for constant, subtle adjustment, imparting a commanding feeling while helping shield the driver from excessive road vibrations.

Standard Steering
While driving on uneven roads, drivers typically make constant, subtle adjustments to maintain control.

Direct Adaptive Steering®
Direct Adaptive Steering® helps shield the driver from excessive road vibrations, giving you a stronger feeling of control.

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For many across the U.S., winter weather means snow, ice and whistling wind. As the weather gets colder, it is likely your children will want to stay inside most of the time. When children are stuck indoors, however, cabin fever can set in quickly. To keep your children from being bored or glued to the television on a cold winter’s day, consider these five indoor activities you can do as a family.

Bake cookies
Most kids love cookies, especially when they have helped bake them. Including children in this fun activity is easy. Keep your child away from the hot oven by asking him or her to mix the cookie dough together. If there are multiple children lending a helping hand, give each one an ingredient to add. An added benefit is that the hot oven will make the kitchen toasty, creating a great atmosphere for snow day fun.

Play board games
Pull out the family’s favorite board games and have a fun family bonding experience. According to Parenting.com, educational board games, such as Uno and Connect Four, are a great way to bring the family together and help children learn regardless of their age. Letting the children pick from a pile of educational games makes it easy to show how fun learning can be.

Finger paint masterpieces
Finger painting is fun for children of all ages. After all, what child doesn’t like to get a bit messy? PopSugar suggests adding a few puffy stickers to the child’s paper before he or she starts to paint. This helps boost the child’s fine-motor skills, especially when the paint has dried and it is time to take the puffy stickers off. Tailor the stickers to reflect the season, too, using snowflakes and snowmen.

Build a fort
Blanket forts give children the opportunity to use their imaginations. Use sheets and pillows to build a castle your child must defend from a dragon or build a spaceship to take to Mars. A fort encourages children to use logic when building, while also allowing them to flex their creative side, making it a great indoor activity for a cold day.

Make your own play dough
Making homemade play dough is surprisingly easy. It requires only a few household ingredients and takes 10 minutes to make. Here’s an easy recipe from Living Well Mom to follow:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of flour
• 1 cup of water
• 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
• 1/3 cup salt
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Food coloring

Directions:
Combine the flour, cream of tartar and salt into a 2-quart saucepan. Then, add the water and vegetable oil. Place this on your stove and turn your stove’s burner on medium/low and stir. Add the food coloring of your choice as soon as the mixture begins to solidify. Keep stirring until the dough starts gathering together around the spoon. Then, set the finished product on waxed paper or a plate to cool. Once it is thoroughly cooled, the dough is ready to play with.

If it is cold outside, don’t worry about sending the kids outdoors to play. Instead, keep them entertained with these great indoor activities. Share an experience that is fun and educational with any of these terrific ways to spend a cold day.

This article is presented by INFINITI of South Atlanta in Union City, Georgia.

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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and, according to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the second leading cause of death among women in the United States. Regular screenings could help detect breast cancer before you even notice it.

In 2012, breast cancer was the cause of an estimated 783,000 years of potential life lost, making it a serious concern.

Thankfully, with our constantly improving medical technology and outstanding physicians, deaths caused by breast cancer have reduced drastically over the last 30 years. On top of improved treatment options, these leaps in breast cancer survival rates are also based on early detection of the cancer itself. Those early detections often happen during annual breast cancer screenings.

Catching it early
Science has proven, time and time again, the time at which the cancer cells are discovered plays a huge role in a patient’s chances of survival. With annual screenings, breast cancer cells can be detected before patients are even symptomatic. Cecilia M. Brennecke, M.D. and an expert for BreastCancer.org explains that research spanning back to the 1960s proves that mammograms are the only proven way to detect breast cancer before symptoms emerge.

Self-exams
In addition to annual mammograms, individuals can perform self-exams, checking for irregularity in their breast tissue. During your next appointment, ask your doctor about the process of self-exams and what you can do to best detect abnormalities during your self-exams.

Many doctor’s offices, including obstetrician-gynecologists (OB-GYN), have small pamphlets that will walk you through the steps of performing a self-examination. If you’re not as comfortable asking for one in person, the National Breast Cancer Foundation will send you self-exam instructions directly to your email, free of charge.

Self-exams can be performed as often as you feel necessary, but doctors recommend these self-exams at least once per month or 12 times per year. If you notice any changes or abnormalities, consult with your physician. Even if it turns out to be nothing, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

When you should begin
The American Cancer Society recommends women begin annual breast cancer screenings at the age of 45. However, those with pre-dispositions for certain cancers or a family history of breast cancer may need to begin these exams earlier in life.

As you age, you may be recommended by a physician to have breast cancer screenings two or three times per year, depending on your personal health and history. If you are concerned about your risk, talk to your doctor about the frequency of your screenings.

Talk to your doctor
Speaking with your personal physician, regardless of your age, will help you make an informed decision about your health care. It’s never too early to start asking questions and be prepared.

Breast cancer can be a scary, life-threatening disease. But annual breast cancer screenings can help detect the disease early on, increasing survival rates exponentially.

This article is presented by INFINITI of South Atlanta, in Union City, GA.

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