Driving at night, or in adverse conditions can be pretty uncomfortable. You may be tempted to flick on your high beams on a foggy road or activate your hazard lights in heavy rain, but that isn’t always the best option. The INFINITI Of South Bay  team is here to take the guesswork out of using these features to keep you safe on the road.

When to Use Your High Beams

It seems like a no-brainer to use your high beams any time you can’t see well. On a dark, clear night when you’re away from traffic or populated areas, that’s true. Your high beams can illuminate the road ahead of you, up to 500 feet. However, those high beams can also be overkill when there are streetlights to aid your visibility. When there are other motorists around, it’s best to avoid your high beams, since the light is aimed higher, and could affect their ability to see.

In rain, snow, and fog, your high beams might make it more difficult to see. Since the light is aimed higher and will cause the particles in the air to reflect towards your vehicle, it can limit your visibility. Low beams will aim the light downward, better illuminating the road.

If the light of oncoming traffic is making it difficult for you to see, high beams won’t help. Try focusing on the white line on the right side of the road until the driver passes. The line will guide you and be the easiest thing to see. Flashing your lights to get the other driver to turn off their high beams might not be properly interpreted and could do more harm than good.

When to Use Your Hazard Lights

Many drivers overuse their hazard lights. It can be unsafe to use them when they are not needed, such as in a heavy rain downpour. In inclement weather, most drivers are traveling at a similar, reduced speed. If you turn on your hazards, other drivers and law enforcement may misinterpret your hazards as a signal that your vehicle is stopped. A police officer may interpret that you need assistance. The hazard lights also disable your turn signals, which can create a dangerous situation, especially in adverse weather. The best thing to do in this situation is to maintain a safe speed and turn on your headlights and taillights.

Other drivers may use hazards when parking illegally, in heavy traffic, or as an alternative to a turn signal. All of these situations can be confusing and problematic for other drivers. Again, it’s best to drive defensively and observe the laws of your area while navigating.

There are two instances when you should use hazard lights: in a funeral procession and when stopped on or near the roadway. Using your hazards in a funeral procession communicates to other drivers that they should adjust their speed. When stopped because your vehicle has broken down, an officer has pulled you over, or in an emergency situation, drivers know that they should reduce their speed, and move over if possible. Hazards increase visibility and warn other drivers to pay attention as they approach.

We hope this helps clear up when you should use these lights. Of course, this is a guideline and you should use your best judgment in any situation to be as safe as possible. If you’ve noticed that one of your lights isn’t working correctly, or as bright as it should be, contact the INFINITI Of South Bay service team today. We can make sure your lights are working properly and replace any bulbs that aren’t working.

More people than ever now work on the move, thanks to mobile phones, laptops, and tablet devices. But if you're regularly using your vehicle as a workstation, how can you keep track of everything and keep it all neat, organized, and tidy? Here are 5 tips from INFINITI Of South Bay.

1) Paper

Although technology companies would rather you didn't mention it, there's still a lot of paper in business. Whether you've printed a hard copy of a document for proofreading purposes or just amassed a pile of receipts for an expense claim, paper will build up. There are two steps to managing paper in your on-the-road office.

First, make sure you have a hole punch and ring binder, and file away every single scrap of paper neatly, keeping it all in one place. Second, when you finish with a piece of paper, scan it if it's important, and then recycle it. Nothing clutters an office faster than scraps of paper, and this is doubly true if your office is a car. Lose the trash.

2) Storage

Keep your car tidy by keeping your on-the-road office in one of the storage compartments. Whether that's in the glove compartment, the trunk, or the front passenger seat footwell is up to you, but get into the habit of putting your office away when you're not actively working. Out of sight, out of mind, and it will help prevent you from losing important items in the interior of your car.

3) Charging

Pay careful attention to the battery life instructions on your laptop, tablet, and smartphone. Keep their charge levels topped up at every opportunity, and think about investing in portable power packs and car chargers (if your vehicle doesn't have a USB port or wireless charging station already).

4) Stationery

When working on paper, you will need a pen, a pencil, an eraser, possibly a ruler, and a highlighter pen. That's it. Buy one of each item, and a case to put them in. If you give into the temptation of buying dozens of different colored pens and a pencil for every grade of hardness, you'll end up losing items left and right and still won’t be able to find a pen when you need one. Buy a small amount of equipment and concentrate on keeping it in a desginated place in your vehicle.

5) Prioritize

The best way to keep your on-the-road office tidy and organized is to do the bare minimum of work on the move. When you begin to do any task in the car, take a moment to think about whether it could wait until you're back in your regular office or at your desk at home. And if it can wait, ask yourself whether you would be likely to do the task better with a more dedicated working environment, perhaps with colleagues who you can ask for advice and support.

There are more ways than these to keep yourself organized while out on the road, but we hope you found these top five tips helpful. if there's anything else we can do to make your automotive life easier, don't hesitate to contact us today.

A new year is a great time to begin new money saving practices. Instead of planning on winning the lottery, plan to make small manageable changes that can save you money in the long run. Here are three simple money-saving ideas to help ensure that this is the year that you save money.

Budget

One of the best ways to save money is to create (and stick to) a budget. By creating categories for all of your purchasing needs and allotting money to each one, you're less likely to overspend. Giving every dollar you spend an assigned category also ensures that you're spending money efficiently. The first step to planning a good budget is deciding how often your budget will reset based on what works for you, whether it's at every paycheck or every week, or somewhere in between. Then, create your categories for all of your normal expenses. Don't forget to allot money to the "free" category to cover any spontaneous purchases. This ensures that other money stays within its category and you still have the freedom to spend money.

Don't Be Afraid to Adjust

Creating a budget is hard work and if it isn't exactly right the first time, don't be afraid to adapt and adjust. If your first budget attempt doesn't have enough money for groceries or gas, but you overestimated your coffee category, then consider re-allotting. It may take several attempts to fine-tune your budget and it might be helpful to keep basic notes of how much you spend or don't spend in each category. Once your budget accommodates your most efficient spending habits, you'll be able to regularly save any leftover money!

But also, don't be afraid to adapt and adjust your lifestyle to help save money. If your morning cup of coffee from your favorite coffee shop is important to you, then keep it! Everyone deserves little pleasures. But if you don't mind substituting name brand products for cheaper generic store brands at the grocery store, then save your money there. Small changes can help you save money, so don't be afraid to branch out.

Automatically Save

Automatically factoring in money to save is a good way to accumulate wealth. By automatically depositing a specified amount of money at each paycheck, you'll adjust your spending habits to function without it. Putting away money from each paycheck can be difficult, but every little bit can help to build up your savings. Consider your automatic saving another category for your budget in order to manage your spending. This will also be beneficial in thinking about the future, having accumulated savings can take the pressure off of unexpected costs and expenses.

If you need a great way to save money on your next vehicle, INFINITI of South Bay can help you find a great deal on a remarkable vehicle that's gonna help you meet your goals for the year. Contact us today

The initial investment in an electric vehicle can seem high. However, there are so many unseen savings with EV models, and we’re not just talking about possible government incentives. Service costs associated with electric vehicles are much lower than those for gasoline-powered models.

Brakes Pads & Rotors

Because EVs employ regenerative braking technology, less brake application is needed to bring your vehicle to a stop. That means longer life for brake pads and rotors!

Oil Changes

Many EV motors do have lubricants. However, that lubricant doesn’t need to be changed for the longevity of the vehicle. That’s right, no more oil changes every 3 months!

Coolant

While the battery system does have cooling, it also doesn’t require service. Some batteries are air-cooled while others are liquid-cooled, but either way, when you choose an EV, coolant flushes are a thing of the past.

Spark Plugs

EV motors don’t use traditional ignition systems so items like spark plugs, coil packs, and ignition coils aren’t a concern.

Fuel Components

No fuel? No fuel lines. No fuel filters. No fuel injectors. No fuel pumps. That eliminates so many common issues as vehicles age. Sometimes even gas tanks need to be replaced. These are all concerns you won’t have to think about when you go electric.

Air Filters

Yes, you will still need to replace your cabin air filter, but the air intake filters won’t be an issue. Gasoline-powered engines require a lot of air to work properly, and they suck air in through the air intake. EV motors don’t need to do this, so the intake filter isn’t something you’ll need to remember to replace.

Service needs and schedules vary from vehicle to vehicle and that’s true for electric vehicles too. To learn about the exact needs of an electric vehicle you’re contemplating, contact the INFINITI of South Bay FIAT service team. Our technicians are keeping up with the evolving service of gasoline and EV models and we’re here to answer any questions you need.

A clear view from your front windshield is essential for safe driving. Your windshield wiper blades remove rain, snow…even dirt and ice to improve your driving visibility. They’re ready to work quickly and smoothly; they endure extremes of temperature and operate for hours at a time—without fail, as long as they’re maintained properly. Made out of thin, flexible rubber, your hard-working wiper blades just need a little attention to ensure they’re not cracking, warping, or losing their flexibility.

If your wiper blades aren’t doing a good job (or even if you think they could be doing better), it’s probably time to replace them. Many experts say that wiper blades need to be changed every year, more often depending on weather conditions in your area and on the quality of blade materials. Standard rubber blades have a shorter lifespan than halogen-hardened and silicone blades, but many people buy rubber blades to save a few bucks. However, is that temporary savings worth it if you end up needing to replace them sooner?

Streaking is a solid indicator that your wiper blades need to be replaced; you might notice large gaps where no water is being removed each time the blades wipe. The wipers might also start making squeaking or staccato sounds, which is also a sign they need attention. Left for too long without replacing, the rubber of the of the wiper blade can shred or break loose from the arm, which means the  metal or hard plastic of the arm scrapes across the glass and can damage your windshield.

Check your wiper blades for these signs of wear and tear:

• Scratching sounds
• Cracked or peeling blades
• Windshield streaks
• Bad windshield contact
• Skipping wipers

Most wipers will accept rubber refills, giving you the option of replacing only the part that’s damaged, rather than having to replace the entire wiper mechanism. Wiper arms can warp and bend, so inspect the arm as well to ensure that replacing the blade is the only problem you need to address.

Spring is a great time to install new wipers. Even if your blades appear to be functioning fine, the ice and snow in winter can cause tiny tears in your rubber wiper blades. Remember, wiper blades deteriorate due to many environmental factors, like sun, airborne debris, road salt, and hard rain. Multiply those factors in more extreme weather areas, and your wiper blades will need maintenance on a more frequent basis.

Conclusion

Windshield wipers are one of the easiest parts of your car to maintain, and efficient wiper blades are as important to automotive safety as clean oil and good tires. Inspect your wiper blades frequently for wear and tear, and check your owner’s manual to ensure you’re replacing any parts that are the right fit for your car.

And of course, the INFINITI of South Bay Service Department is ready to to help check, repair, or replace your wipers as needed. Contact us online to schedule any service or give us a shout to answer your automotive questions!

A clear view from your front windshield is essential for safe driving. Your windshield wiper blades remove rain, snow…even dirt and ice to improve your driving visibility. They’re ready to work quickly and smoothly; they endure extremes of temperature and operate for hours at a time—without fail, as long as they’re maintained properly. Made out of thin, flexible rubber, your hard-working wiper blades just need a little attention to ensure they’re not cracking, warping, or losing their flexibility.

If your wiper blades aren’t doing a good job (or even if you think they could be doing better), it’s probably time to replace them. Many experts say that wiper blades need to be changed every year, more often depending on weather conditions in your area and on the quality of blade materials. Standard rubber blades have a shorter lifespan than halogen-hardened and silicone blades, but many people buy rubber blades to save a few bucks. However, is that temporary savings worth it if you end up needing to replace them sooner?

Streaking is a solid indicator that your wiper blades need to be replaced; you might notice large gaps where no water is being removed each time the blades wipe. The wipers might also start making squeaking or staccato sounds, which is also a sign they need attention. Left for too long without replacing, the rubber of the of the wiper blade can shred or break loose from the arm, which means the  metal or hard plastic of the arm scrapes across the glass and can damage your windshield.

Check your wiper blades for these signs of wear and tear:

• Scratching sounds
• Cracked or peeling blades
• Windshield streaks
• Bad windshield contact
• Skipping wipers

Most wipers will accept rubber refills, giving you the option of replacing only the part that’s damaged, rather than having to replace the entire wiper mechanism. Wiper arms can warp and bend, so inspect the arm as well to ensure that replacing the blade is the only problem you need to address.

Spring is a great time to install new wipers. Even if your blades appear to be functioning fine, the ice and snow in winter can cause tiny tears in your rubber wiper blades. Remember, wiper blades deteriorate due to many environmental factors, like sun, airborne debris, road salt, and hard rain. Multiply those factors in more extreme weather areas, and your wiper blades will need maintenance on a more frequent basis.

Conclusion

Windshield wipers are one of the easiest parts of your car to maintain, and efficient wiper blades are as important to automotive safety as clean oil and good tires. Inspect your wiper blades frequently for wear and tear, and check your owner’s manual to ensure you’re replacing any parts that are the right fit for your car.

And of course, the INFINITI of South Bay Service Department is ready to to help check, repair, or replace your wipers as needed. Contact us online to schedule any service or give us a shout to answer your automotive questions!

Sometimes it can feel incredibly daunting to make lifestyle changes, especially when it comes to sustainability. Switching to an electric vehicle, alternative power (like solar), and changing your entire diet can be expensive, time consuming, and uncomfortable. However, there are some easy, inexpensive ways to start reducing your impact on the environment without breaking the bank or changing your whole life.

Buy Less

It might seem like you need to go out and buy all new things to be more sustainable, but there's nothing more sustainable than the things you already have. Replacing your washer and dryer with energy efficient options would definitely help reduce your water and electricity consumption. However, if your appliances work perfectly as they are, replacing them creates more waste. Speaking of waste, clothing is one of the biggest contributors to climate change. Consider buying clothing only when you need it and buy styles that are more timeless to avoid needing new clothing every season. Bonus! Buying and consuming less will save you money too.

Shop Used

Need to decorate your new home, replace something that broke, or want new clothing, consider buying used. Check out local thrift shops, online secondhand sales, and things that friends are trying to get rid of. Not only will this save you money, but you'll be giving a new life to things that might have otherwise ended up in the landfill. You can usually get great deals on furniture that needs small repairs and your home will have a unique character that no one else's does.

Choose Reusable

Things like sandwich bags, shopping bags, water bottles, mesh produce bags, straws, baking cups, makeup remover pads, coffee k-cups, food wrap, and so much more can be swapped out for reusable alternatives. Next time you run out of bottled water, considering purchasing a single reusable bottle. Skip things that only offer a single use, like paper plates, plastic cutlery, and cleaning wipes. By switching to reusable, you can reduce your trash generation, as well as save money by not needing to buy mroe each week.

Go Digital

Opt out of paper bills where possible. Many times we have our bills on autopay anyway, and the bills are just wasted paper. Instead of buying physical copies of books, consider buying the digital versions. Same for movies, music, and video games. Sometimes it can be fun to have physical copies, but they often take up more space than necessary.

Borrow or Rent

If you just love the feeling of a physical book, or can't get a digital copy of a video game you want to play, try borrowing from a friend or library. Renting also helps you spend less while still enjoying the things you want. Many auto parts stores loan out tools, some stores rent out appliances, and many places will let you rent sports equipment so you don't have to buy and store something you only use once a year.

These small steps can help you make a big difference. If it's time to upgrade your vehicle to a more fuel-efficient model, or give a pre-owned model a new life, contact the INFINITI of South Bay team today. We'll pair you with a vehicle that helps you reduce your impact and save you money at the pump.

Summer temperatures are especially rough on tires. As the pavement heats up, it can wear down your tires even faster than usual. Tires with little or no tread can be slippery and dangerous even when road conditions are at their best. In rain, snow, or mud, they could become even more unsafe. Luckily, INFINITI of South Bay team knows how to keep your tires spinning the right way.

Tires are the only part of our car that connects us to the road, making it extremely important to keep them in top shape. When tires aren't maintained properly, they lose the properties that help them retain traction, so it’s not surprising that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports 11,000 tire-related crashes each year, with hundreds of those ending in tragic fatalities. The most tragic part is that many of those accidents could have been avoided with proper tire maintenance.

Not sure if your tires are unsafe? The minimum amount of tire tread you need to safely operate your car is 2/32 of an inch. To check, insert a penny into the grooves of your tire, with Lincoln's head pointing down. If you can see all of Lincoln's head, it's time to have your tires replaced. If you notice any uneven wear, you may also need an alignment.

Don’t wait to discover these problems while you're out on the road. Schedule a quick and easy tire service at INFINITI of South Bay before you get out there this fall!

You're driving to work one morning and you look down at your dashboard only to notice that the Check Engine Light or CEL is illuminated. Seeing any warning lights on your dashboard can be concerning but what does this mean? Should you pull over and call your mechanic? Should you ignore it? The answer is somewhere in the middle. We asked our factory-trained technicians what our clients should do when their check engine light comes on and the answer may give you some relief. To understand what you should do, it's important to understand what this common light means.

What is a Check Engine Light?

While it may be very concerning to have any warning light on your dashboard, the Check Engine Light isn't always as scary as it sounds. The light can come on for a whole host of reasons. Something as simple as a loose fuel cap can trigger the light. In many cases, the light is an indicator that some component that affects the vehicle's efficiency and emissions has an issue. Things like cylinder misfires (often caused by old spark plugs or coil packs), o2 sensors, or Evaporative Emission Control Systems can trigger this light. Many times, you may not even notice drivability issues.

What do I do when it comes on?

There's no need to panic, pull over, have your vehicle towed, or cancel your day to deal with a check engine light if your vehicle doesn't have any other symptoms. Avoid taking long trips and if you notice any other issues, prioritize taking your car into the INFINITI of South Bay Service Center as soon as possible. Take note of any odd things your vehicle may be doing like idling poorly, not accelerating smoothly, or strange sounds. Communicate these with your service advisor to help your technicians better diagnose your vehicle. Arrange to have your vehicle repaired as soon as possible because prolonged issues can cause damage to your vehicle's engine, exhaust, fuel system, and ignition system. It will also likely affect your fuel mileage, costing you more money in the long run.

The best way to prevent a warning light from ever coming on is to keep up with recommended maintenance. Each time you bring your vehicle in for oil changes, tire rotations, and alignments, our technicians look over the entire vehicle to head off any potential issues before they begin. Contact us online today to schedule your next service appointment. 

Fall is right around the corner and there are so many things to look forward to: pulling out your favorite sweaters, drinking warm coffee, and cooler weather. It doesn't take much for us to get into the autumn spirit, but these fun activities are a great way for you and your whole family to celebrate one of the best seasons of the year.

Decorate Your Home

The best way to get into the spirit of any season is to decorate your home. Create a wreath, put out some ceramic pumpkins, add cozy throw blankets and light some candles with your favorite fall scents. Even if it's still quite warm outside, these decorations can put you in the fall mindset.

Bake Your Favorite Fall Treats

Flavors like apple, cinnamon, pumpkin, and roasted pecan can teleport you into the holidays. These flavors are associated with cooler weather, coy nights, and time with family. Bake some cookies or your favorite pie with the kids or prepare a tasty treat to share with your extended family.

Get Outside

Fall offers a reprieve from the extreme heat of summer and it'd be a shame to waste the more mild temperatures by staying indoors. Hiking, biking, and visiting outdoor historic landmarks are all great ways to get some light exercise while spending time with loved ones. For avid outdoors enthusiasts, camping and backpacking trips can be even more exciting during the fall months.

Have a Bonfire

Whether you want to build a fire in the woods or your own backyard, it can be a great way to share time with loved ones and make some tasty s'mores. Just make sure to follow local guidelines and have a safe way to snuff out the flames if you need to.

Visit a Farm

Fall harvests make farms a fun place to visit during the fall. Many farms that allow visitors have attractions like corn mazes, hayrides, pumpkin patches, apple picking, and more. Ask around to find one that will be perfect for your next autumn day trip.

Go for a Drive

Once the leaves start changing colors, go for a drive with your family. You can drink hot coffee or cocoa, and check out the changing landscape. You could even venture into the mountains and enjoy how picturesque they look as the foliage begins to change. Need the perfect vehicle for a fall adventure? The INFINITI of South Bay team can pair you with the perfect vehicle for your family. Contact us online today or visit our showroom.

Summer is perfect for road trips to the beach, mountains, or just the park. Unfortunately, those trips mean more mess for your car’s upholstery. From food crumbs to spilled drinks and sand, summer is rough on your car, and it’s important to keep it clean. There are many different chemical cleaners on the market, but there are a few simple options that may be available right in your kitchen to try first. Baking soda, for instance, can absorb odors and clean at the same time. All you need is a toothbrush and a little elbow grease.

Club soda is another inexpensive way to clean up a spill, especially ink, and fruit juices and sports drinks that include some kind of dye. As soon as possible, use paper or cloth towels to sop up the liquid, and then apply the club soda to dissolve the stain with effervescence. The sooner you get to the stain, the less likely it is to leave a permanent mark that becomes an eyesore that decreases the value of your car.

Summer is sunscreen city (don’t forget your SPF!) but you and your kids may leave a greasy residue on your seats if you apply before you go or as you’re leaving the beach. If a dollop of sunscreen falls on the upholstery, don’t reach for that cloth yet! Rubbing the seat will only push it deeper into the layers of fabric. Quickly grab a flat piece of card stock, a business card, or a spoon to lift the sunscreen away from the seat. Even that valet ticket from three days ago will lift the lotion away.

Next, you can get to work. First, always clean a test area first; all upholstery is not equal. If one doesn’t work for you, check with a service professional for a commercial cleaner recommendation that works best for your vehicle.

Try mixing a solution of one teaspoon liquid dishwashing detergent with one cup warm water. If you have hard and not soft water in your home, use bottled distilled water to clean. Start with a white cloth, toothbrush (not yours, of course), or soft-bristled brush in the soapy liquid and blot with a dry light or white cloth. Repeat as necessary. And don’t forget to rinse with a clean cloth and water, because the soap residue will attract more dirt. Let it dry in the shade, and then hit it with a vacuum to pull out any remaining flakes and stain.

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Conclusion

With a little love and care, your vehicle will make it through the summer looking and smelling as clean and fresh as the spring.

If you have a stubborn spill that is driving you crazy, try visiting a professional detailer to get your vehicle deep cleaned. If you want to start with a clean slate and a newer vehicle,