Friday Festivities

Alright it's that time again. TGIF! It's time to see what we can get into this weekend.

I'll start off with the release of what is to be expected as this summer's blockbuster movie, Ironman 2, with Robert Downey Jr. returning in the role of Tony Stark. IM2 will see the introduction of War Machine (Don Cheadle) and Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) and the villian Whiplash (Mickey Rourke). Viewing it in all its 3D glory on IMAX is highly recommended.

In music:

8th Annual PANorama Caribbean Music Festival - 24th Street Stage
Porgy & Bess - CNU's Ferguson Center for the Arts (NN)

Other festivities:
4th Annual AT&T Spring Town Point Wine Festival - Town Point Park

And, of course, don't forget all the special mothers out there! Mother's Day is Sunday, May 9th, 2010.

May everyone have a great weekend :)

Summer Tire Maintenance

Welcome to Wired Wednesday! Try saying that five times fast!

In this edition we're going to talk Summer Tire Maintenance. With Mother's Day this Sunday and Memorial Day weekend fast approaching, family trips are expected. It is incredibly important to make sure your tires are prepared to endure a long summer of extended family getaways!

Let's face it. Hot temperatures, heavy loads, road hazards, etc can and will stress your tires! We need to make sure we are checking tire pressure and tire tread wear before every trip, especially lengthy ones.

Tire Pressure:

1. Make sure to check tire pressure for all FIVE of your tires. What's that you say? You only have four? Believe it or not, there's another tire your missing ... your SPARE! Make sure it's taken care of too. You never know when you'll need it.

2. Use your manufacturer's Recommended Tire Pressure (found in your Owner's Manual, Glove Compartment, or Side Door) as the guideline for your tire pressure rather than the Maximum Tire Pressure on the tire. Make sure to compensate for Heavy Loads if necessary.

3. Remember that tire pressure increases as the outside air temperature rises! Hello, high school physics. Nice to know you can put that knowledge to good use huh? Check pressure regularly as you may lose considerable amounts on those really hot summer days.

4. Remember FRICTION! Friction causes heat and heat causes increased tire pressure! Tire pressure should always be checked for accuracy BEFORE driving.

Tire Tread:

1. Minimum acceptable tread depth is 3/32 inch or approximately from the tip of the penny to the top of President Abe's head. Anything less than this doesn't even pass State Inspection standards.

2. Look for uneven wear. If the tires are more worn on one side than the other you may need a wheel alignment.

3. Check for lumps. This may be a sign of needed wheel balancing.

Tires are an extremely important aspect of your vehicle and should be checked regularly so you can enjoy your summer safely! Happy travels :)

Around View Monitor (AVM) Feature

For today's Technology Tuesday, we'll explore Infiniti's Around View Monitor system features on the EX and FX models.

Many people assume that the AVM feature is merely a rear-view camera option; however, it is much more than that. It uses four exterior cameras on every side of the vehicle which allows for a virtual 360-degree view.

This perspective allows for a bird's-eye view which is displayed on the in-dash monitor. Should you be getting too close to an object, a warning will show on the monitor. In addition, an audible warning sound will also go off.

Just think of all the ways this feature can assist you daily!

Tight parking spaces seen at the mall, in parking garages, or even parallel parking become a breeze!

You can read more about the AVM feature and all of Infiniti's progressive techonology on their website at: http://www.infinitiusa.com/technology.html.

Be sure to watch the instructional video to see how it works!

Infiniti 2011 M in Consumer Reports Blog!

In this weeks Media Monday post we find that our brand new 2011 Infiniti M is featured in a blog by Consumer Reports.

In it they highlight several features of the 2011 M37 sedan such as:

**Compliments to the exterior and interior design of the sedan
**Extended list of electronic features
**Technology Package Safety Features - Lane Departure Prevention and Blind Spot Prevention
**Improved fuel economy with the with the new 7-speed Automatic Transmission

You can access Consumer Reports blog on the 2011 Infiniti M via this link:

http://blogs.consumerreports.org/cars/2010/05/just-in-2011-infiniti-m37.html

Stay tuned to here results of Consumer Report's full test on the new 2011 M sedan ...