Take care of those lingering issues from winter because it may not feel like it today, but the winter driving season is coming to a close.
It may not feel like it today, but the winter driving season is coming to a close. There are some easy things you can do to prepare your vehicle for your spring travels.

The first thing to do is make sure factory-specified maintenance is up to date. Look at your mileage, then check the recommended service schedule in your owner’s manual. You may be due for service or an oil and filter change. Any problems you’re currently encountering – hard starting, rough running, stalling, unevenly worn tires, for example – are reasons to take your vehicle in, as well. A lit “check engine” light is another sure motivator to head for our service department.

Even if you’re not suffering from any gremlins at the moment, nobody wants problems to pop up unexpectedly. Here are a few items to take care of as the winter breaks:

• Flush and refill the cooling system – Cooling system health is often neglected, and system failures can cost big money and require major engine repairs. Keeping tabs on the coolant level, its condition and concentration (the level of freeze protection it will offer) is crucial to the longevity and proper performance of your engine. As always, follow your vehicle’s maintenance schedule and have the system serviced at the recommended intervals.
• Check the tires – If you run dedicated winter tires, early spring is a great time to change back to your three-season tires. If you run the same tires and wheels year-round, check their condition now, and don’t forget the spare. Obvious damage, including cuts in the tread or bulges in the sidewalls, need immediate attention. Also check the tread for even wear and safe tread-depth. Make sure they’re aired up to the proper pressure listed in your owner’s manual.
• Check and adjust belts and hoses – Most modern vehicles use a single “serpentine” belt to drive the charging system, power steering, air conditioning, and water pump. It’s all that stands between getting there and going nowhere. If you see cracks in the serpentine belt, get it replaced. Hoses don’t move much, but they can chafe against other underhood parts, and years of heating and cooling will cause them to break down. Like belts, hoses typically work right up until they don’t. Common signs of old hoses are bulging around fittings and obvious fatigue. If you
  don’t know what you’re looking for, our technicians at the dealership will be able to help.
• Fix your air conditioner – While its primary function is to create a comfortable atmosphere inside the car, it’s a safety issue, too. The air conditioner is engaged when you de-fog your windshield, since it effectively removes humidity from the cabin air. The temperature swings and rainy weather of springtime are prime window-fogging weather, and you’re at greater risk for an accident if your windows are fogged and impairing your visibility. Make sure the system is fully charged and have it inspected for leaks.
• Make sure all the lights work – Being seen is as important as being able to see. It’s as easy as walking around the vehicle with the lights on and making sure the blinkers work. Have a helper step on the brake pedal so you can check the brake lights. If you aren’t sure how to replace any bulbs that have burned out, take your vehicle to our service department for assistance.
• Change the oil – Winter weather can be hard on engine oil. Temperatures are low, which means it takes the engine longer to warm up and that can lead to extra condensation and acid buildup in the oil. Get that old stuff out of there and start the spring with fresh protection.
• Replace your wiper blades – Winter does a number on windshield wipers. Being able to see is worth the small amount of money a good set of wiper blades costs.

Following these basic steps will help ensure a trouble-free driving season ahead, without any nasty surprises. Check with our service department to see if there are any specials or coupons that may apply to a comprehensive spring service. We know your vehicle best, too, so be sure to ask for recommendations to keep your car in tip-top condition for the warmer season.

Winner for this year’s QX60 District Walkaround Competition!

Did you know? Each year, INFINITI hosts a friendly competition for the best walkaround video for upcoming models. Filming a short 360 degree video that showcases the sleek exterior of an INFINITI model might sound like a simple task, but you would be surprised at how easy it is to forget details or show the wrong features. The competition begins at the district level – representatives from each INFINITI dealership within the district will have 15 minutes to present their walkaround presentation. In this case, our contestant focused on the all-new QX60.

The challenge is furthered by having our contestants cater their videos to an invisible client – they were given a customer who happened to be looking for certain specifications and necessities within their vehicle shopping. Once the district winner is chosen, they will be moved into the Area Competition before going on to the National, should they succeed.

This year, our very own Justin Walker, INFINITI of South Atlanta Brand Specialist, took home the win for the district level competition! Walker was awarded $500 for his video presentation and will represent our entire district within the Area Competition taking place this month. This competition is a great way for our Specialists to showcase their skills, product knowledge and showmanship, and we couldn’t be more proud of our district winner.

While all of us here at INFINITI of South Atlanta are anxiously awaiting delivery of the all-new QX60, it seems that everyone else is too. In today’s market, the SUV is the most popular line of vehicles – and the most competitive. That’s why this year, INFINITI decided to jump to the top of the list.

The QX60 itself is not a new vehicle to the INFINITI lineup, but the redesigned 2022 model brings a brand new look that includes our popular ‘floating roof’ design, 20-inch wheels, and LED lights to bring this vehicle to life at any time of the day or night. The tinted back windows and upgraded color selection is just the cherry on top.

Within the QX60 is an assortment of amenities that will make every driver wonder how they enjoyed the road without them. Both driver and front passenger can enjoy heated, ventilated, and optional massage seats, with the second row of passengers finding themselves in captain’s chairs with space for a center console. On the dashboard is a 12.3-inch Interactive Touchscreen Display that can feature navigation, real-time traffic information, and integrated Apple CarPlay and Android OS. We’ve even added the option of turning your QX60 into a Wifi hotspot.

Of course, it wouldn’t be an INFINITI if it didn’t have top-notch safety features. Stay safe with features such as Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Automatic High Beams, Blind Spot Monitor with Lane Assist, and a full 360 degree camera system. Take away the stress of driving with family and friends or adventuring on your own.

Already in-love with the QX60? Click here
to pre-order your own!

The end of 2021 saw the debut of the newly redesigned INFINITI QX60 – a long-time favorite updated to fit the modern lifestyle that includes anything from school runs, to meetings on the go, to effortless family road trips. In an effort to build a three-row luxury SUV fit to conquer life in style, INFINITI released a four-part short film series – “The Voices of QX60: Meet the Women Who Powered the All-New QX60.” This film series brings to life the women behind the QX60 redesign.

INFINITI Senior Design Manager Michelle Christensen talks through her role as lead designer for the QX60 Monograph concept – the 2022 QX60’s inspiration. Christensen discusses the confidence found in the QX60 proportions and stance that bring together the overall signature QX60 aesthetic.

Director for Pricing and Incentives and Model Line Management Trisha Jung shares her busy career and need for a vehicle such as the QX60. Producing an intuitive vehicle that meets owners’ demands such as herself became the driving force behind the QX60 production.

In Japan, INFINITI Color Designer Sayuri Nakashima goes over her color and material selection – chosen to help enhance the QX60’s serene cabin. In a perfect compliment to the stunning QX60 exterior, Nakashima was inspired by both nature and Japanese design, pulled together with organic shapes to project confidence and poise anywhere on the road.

In the U.S., Durability Test Engineer Heather Kniep discusses her role in testing the QX60’s confident and new all-wheel-drive system. Not only was thorough attention to detail critical in the QX60’s development, Kniep says her passion for engineering and cars shines through in the product that she’s proud to be a part of.

Click here to watch all four parts of The Voices of QX60 and discover to process behind the redesigned 2022 QX60.

Four ways you can fight back against SAD.
When the weather grows colder and the days get shorter, you may notice a sudden and jarring decline in energy, concentration and mood. If you find yourself changing in an undesired way when winter weather arrives, you may be one of the 4 – 6 percent of Americans who the American Academy of Family Physicians associate with suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). According to MayoClinic.org, SAD is brought about by reduced exposure to sunlight, which can disrupt the body’s circadian rhythm and lead to imbalances of serotonin and melatonin. These factors can lead to issues
with the sleep cycle, which creates fatigue, and can create chemical imbalances that can lead to irritability, anxiety and depression. Fortunately, there are steps that one can take to aid in the fight against Seasonal Affective Disorder. If your mood tends to change in the winter, then consider the following remedies.

1. Dietary
   A great means to getting your mood back on track is to be more meticulous about the foods you eat during the winter. According to Prevention.com, SAD may trigger cravings for sweet and simple carbohydrates, but giving into those cravings can create energy spikes that ultimately only worsen energy and mood issues. To combat this, it is recommended that those affected by SAD eat balanced meals that include proteins and colorful vegetables. Specifically, foods with omega-3 and vitamin D are surefire ways to battle off seasonal depression. WebMD.com also recommends checking your
   coffee intake. While caffeine provides a necessary boost to get through the day, it is also a natural serotonin suppressant. To ensure that you feel refreshed all day long, save coffee for after meals and drink plenty of water throughout the day.
2. Dawn simulators
   Time.com lists dawn simulators as one of the top methods for combatting SAD. Operating in the place of a traditional alarm clock, a dawn simulator or wake-up light gradually increases its light’s intensity in the morning in a manner that simulates the sunrise. Rather than jarring you awake, this method allows your body to prepare itself to wake up more steadily, which helps to provide an internal balance and ensure that you wake up feeling rested.
3. Exercise
   Working hand-in-hand with the idea of treating your body better is the concept of exercise. RealSimple.com cites a 2005 Harvard University study that revealed the effectiveness of exercising consistently in fighting symptoms of depression. Whether you enjoy walking, jogging, yoga, martial arts or lifting weights, exercising for a cumulative three hours a week is a great way to get in better shape and boost your brain’s production of mood-boosting neurotransmitters.
4. Take a break
   If you have vacation days to use, there is no better time to get away than in the dreary winter months. Time.com recommends planning a trip to a warmer climate in order to boost your vitamin D levels and improve mood with the natural excitement of being in a new place. Doing so will not only help motivate you in the days prior to leaving, but it will also create a hangover effect that can stick with you long after you have returned to your routine.

Seasonal Affective Disorder is a real issue that plagues many people, but it does not have to control your mood. If you believe that you suffer from SAD, consider taking the aforementioned steps and other appropriate measures to fight back and reclaim your happiness.

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

See why the QX80 is luxury on wheels.

Have you ever stopped to think just how far the car key has come? While it’s something we’re all familiar with (mostly tracking down the lost car keys), it’s changed more than you may realize.

A design and engineering triumph, the QX80 exudes luxury from every angle. It’s generously equipped with thoughtful touches, with plenty of room to grow in. QX80 is designed to handle all of life’s roads, so you can make memories with style and grace.

It is lavishly harnessed with accommodating touches, starting with rich textures and intuitive controls. The interior uses the finest materials, posh appearance, and intuitive tech for luxury and efficiency. The new model flaunts a striking 12.3-inch touchscreen with appealing attributes like wireless Apple CarPlay. A remodeled HVAC control panel is rife with knobs and buttons that strike as sophisticated and are more user-friendly than before. Equipped with standard second-row captain’s chairs, the QX80 can easily be exchanged for a three-seat bench. The plentiful interior cubicle
space can hold ample luggage behind the third row compared to identically sized competitors.

While luxury is a must with an INFINITI, your safety comes first. The QX80 is designed with next-gen safety technology, including a 360° approach. Tech-friendly safety features like blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and an all-around-view camera will help you stay safe as you drive. Available INFINITI All-Mode 4WD® automatically adjusts QX80’s traction to adapt to unpredictable weather and rough roads.

Click to explore our extensive 2022 QX80 inventory today to see if this model is the right INFINITI for you.

For decades, mechanical car keys dominated the industry. Now they’re nearly extinct.

Have you ever stopped to think just how far the car key has come? While it’s something we’re all familiar with (mostly tracking down the lost car keys), it’s changed more than you may realize.

In 1949, Chrysler unveiled the first car key that could start the engine all on its own. Before this, the key was merely used as a lock of sorts to control the electrical circuit. Now, people could use their key to start the entire vehicle all at once. Shortly after in 1965, Ford became the first to introduce double-sided keys, allowing the key to be inserted while facing either way. While this seems like the basic form today, it was quite the revolutionary moment for a while. This was also around the time that locking a vehicle’s doors with the key became available – prior to
this, vehicles required two sets of keys.

The 1990’s became the largest evolution point, allowing for the key fob to come into play. Now, not only could you start and lock your doors with one key, you could unlock your vehicle from a distance using a receiver. As the technology developed, we started seeing new capabilities, such as opening the trunk and starting the engine remotely.

Now, the mechanical key is starting to fade from the narrative, allowing for the keyless entry and push-button start system. In fact, according to consumer auto research firm Edmunds, 91% of 2019 model-year vehicles had keyless ignitions. That’s up from 72% in 2014. Some drivers now have the option to store a digital key on their wireless devices, eliminating the need for a physical key at all.

What are your thoughts on the idea of car keys today? Do you prefer the mechanical key or the current digital trend?

How to create and keep the right motivation all year long.

The time has come again to talk about New Year’s resolutions. While they may seem trivial, creating these types of goals can be a great way to center yourself, especially during a time when everything seems a little off balance. Even without the added stress of the coronavirus pandemic, it’s easy to feel pressured at the start of the year to fulfill a list of resolutions. To combat that pressure, we’ve collected a list of things to keep in mind as we go into 2022.

1. The right state of mind.
   Sometimes, you just have to talk to yourself. Researchers at the University of Toronto found that self-control comes a lot easier to those who have a good connection with their inner voice. People with muted or limited self-talk were less able to manage their own behavior within the study. Use your self-talk to remind yourself of the “why” behind your goals, and to reassure yourself of your own confidence and capabilities. You can also use this to help your stress balance; when you’re able to destress, you’ll find it much easier to manage your goals.

2. Get seriously specific with your goals.
   It’s easy to throw out big resolutions like getting a promotion, saving more, or losing weight, but sometimes being too broad can cost you the goal. The key is zeroing in on one very specific goal – answer the question, how will I achieve this? The more specific you can be, the better your chances are at keeping up with it. For example, if your main goal is to save more, how will you achieve that goal? Instead of simply “saving”, set the goal of “I’m going to save $30 a week by ordering in less.” Each time you meet this goal, it gives you a reason to celebrate your progress in real time rather than waiting until the end of the year.
3. Enlist technology & social media.
   These days, there’s at least 24 apps for everything, including mental health. Take a look at any goal-setting, productivity, or stress related apps to see what might work best in your routine. For example, MindShift teaches you to tackle negative thought patterns and how to form new habits. You can even sift through any journaling apps to keep a more personal record of your progress. Another trick could be utilizing your social channels as a way to hold yourself accountable to your friends and family. This may not be for everyone, but going public can be another method of staying on track.

4. Celebrate, even when you slip-up.
   The hardest part of setting new goals is definitely the need for patience. As the saying goes: Rome wasn’t built in a day. It can be hard to stay on track long enough to see the end result, so it’s important to celebrate along the way. Instead of waiting until you can finally run that half-marathon you’ve been training for, celebrate yourself after each new victory with a new book, your favorite coffee, or any other small reward to keep you motivated.

Patience can also be hard to come by if you find yourself getting off track with your goals. It’s easy to punish yourself or feel guilty over not sticking to the plan, but your setbacks shouldn’t keep you from moving forward. Be kind to yourself and stay away from the regret – it’s not necessary. Whenever you fall off, all you have to do is get right back on.