Parking brakes are essential for manual vehicles, and can also be helpful for their automatic counterparts by preventing needless wear and tear on the transmission. A stuck parking brake may not be a common occurrence, but it’s a massive inconvenience when it does happen. Knowing what to do if your parking brake gets stuck will save you time and hassle.

What to Do if Your Parking Brake Gets Stuck

Parking brakes are a separate system from your main driving brakes, and there are many reasons that they can become stuck. It’s not always possible to know the exact cause of the problem. Try these solutions and see what works for you.

Engaged Too Hard or Engaged Too Long

It’s possible that an overly enthusiastic pull on your parking brake can cause it to become stuck. In this case, the parking brake has become clamped against the brake shoes too hard and may actually require a professional to unstick.

Similarly, a parking brake that has been engaged for too long – such as if the vehicle has been placed into storage or hasn’t been used for a season – can become stuck in place and require professional intervention.

The Parking Brake Line is Corroded

Corrosion is the most common cause of parking brakes sticking. The bottom of your vehicle is always exposed to the road, road salts, debris, potholes, and other potential causes of damage. Your parking brake line can become corroded from exposure, which in turn leads to a brake that is difficult to engage or disengage.

• Start your car and shift the vehicle into drive and reverse, ‘rocking’ your vehicle. The movement can help loosen some rust and free up your parking brake.
• Engage and disengage your parking brake a few times. Like the previous step, the movement could dislodge some rust.
• Inspect the parking brake cable to see if rust is present. If you have the tools to do so, you can manually pull on the cable and potentially loosen the line enough to be able to disengage the brake from the cabin.

Rust can cause a lot of problems in your vehicle, and if rust is present on one part, there’s a good chance that it’s present on other parts of your vehicle as well. You may want to have your vehicle inspected to make sure that rust doesn’t start corroding the bottom of your vehicle.

Your Parking Brake is Frozen

Ice can actually freeze your parking brake in place. While this isn’t a common problem in the Atlanta area, it’s a possibility to keep in mind if you’re traveling out of town during cold weather.

If you think your parking brake might be frozen, turn on your engine and let the car warm for 10 – 15 minutes. The heat from your vehicle should melt any ice encasing your parking brake line, which will in turn let you disengage the hand brake.

What to Do if Your Parking Brake Gets Stuck? Call T3 Atlanta!

Whether your parking brake is stuck or your vehicle is having another mechanical issue, T3 Atlanta is your metro-area resource for Toyota, Lexus, Infiniti, and Nissan vehicle repairs. We can help you unstick your brakes, perform annual inspections, and help keep your car in top shape for years to come.

Routine oil changes are a preventive maintenance item that’s usually performed several times throughout a year depending on how often you drive. Whether you are brand new at DIY oil changes or a veteran, accidents happen and an excess amount of oil could be poured into the car. You may be wondering: ‘What happens if you overfill auto oil?’

What Happens if You Overfill Auto Oil?

Automotive oil reservoirs are designed to hold a bit of extra oil to compensate for fluid expansion in warm conditions, and to help prevent damage to the engine in case excessive oil is added to the engine. As a result, half a quart may not cause any damage to your engine, but much more than that could lead to engine damage.

When too much oil is poured into the reservoir, the excess oil can be pulled into the crankshaft as it spins. The oil is mixed with air and aerates – also known as ‘foaming’ – like what you might find on your morning latte. The combination of oil and air results in decreased oil pressure as the oil pump is unable to continue pumping the oil effectively.

Can Too Much Oil Damage Your Engine?

In a word, yes. There are several things that might happen if a significant amount of excess oil is added to your engine. Your engine relies on consistent oil pressure to keep the moving parts running smoothly. Changes in the oil pressure and overall lubrication of the engine can lead to:

• Engine damage such as bent rods in the engine or collapsed valve pipes.
• Catastrophic engine failure where the engine sustains enough damage that it cannot be repaired, but must instead be replaced.
• Excess engine wear from inconsistent oil pressure over time.
• Spark plug fouling, resulting in the need to replace spark plugs more frequently.
• Excess oil deposits in the catalytic converter.

As you can see adding too much oil to your engine can cause a variety of problems. But if there’s already an excess amount of oil in the reservoir, what do you do?

My Car is Overfilled with Oil – Now What?

The most important thing to do when your car has been overfilled with oil is to drain the excess amount in the reservoir before you drive the vehicle again.

Overfilling your car with oil is a relatively easy problem to fix as long as you have the right tools. You’ll need to drain oil out of your car or have someone do it for you.

If you haven’t filled your oil yourself, you may not immediately realize that your car has been overfilled. It’s a good rule of thumb to check your dipstick after leaving your mechanic or oil change shop. If the level of oil on the dipstick is an inch or more above the recommended fill level, then your car has been overfilled and should not be driven again until oil has been drained from the vehicle; otherwise, you could cause serious damage to your engine.

Engine Oil Overfill Symptoms

It’s one thing to correct the problem if you’ve performed the oil change yourself and know you’ve accidentally added too much. But what if you took your car to a mechanic or oil change shop? Knowing the most common engine oil overfill symptoms will help you prevent damage to your vehicle.

Common signs of engine oil overfill include:

• Oil leaking from your car
• Smell of burning engine oil
• Smoke from the engine compartment
• Smoke or black exhaust from the tailpipe
• Unusual noises coming from the engine

These symptoms can overlap with other engine issues so it’s a good idea to visit T3 Atlanta if you notice any of these symptoms. We are full-service mechanics for Lexus, Toyota, Nissan, and Infiniti vehicles in the metro Atlanta area. We’ll diagnose your vehicle’s issues and get you back on the road in no time.

Most people develop a unique bond with their car. Trips are taken in, sunrises shared with, and names are given to many of these cars. Yet, not all car owners consider getting a second opinion when it’s time for maintenance on their trusty steed. With the options available to the average car owner, they really should. Here’s how to know when to get a second opinion for car maintenance.

When to Get a Second Opinion for Car Maintenance

Maybe you’ve moved away and can no longer take your car to your trusted mechanic. Maybe you have recently purchased a brand that your mechanic does not service. Whatever the reason, you’re needing repairs and not sure about the quote you received. Perhaps it’s time to get a second opinion for car maintenance.

If that odd buzzing sound or vibration has led to that dreaded high price tag repair you’ve been dreading, you shouldn’t always take that first recommendation you get from your mechanic. Newer cars are highly complicated pieces of machinery. Depending on the make and model, it’s commonplace for there to be multiple causes for a single issue, leading to confusion.

For instance, if one mechanic has recommended a new radiator, it’s worth your while to take it to another mechanic, as the source issue could be as simple as a faulty temperature sensor.

Once you have a quote from your mechanic, don’t hesitate to call around to other mechanics. Tell them what you need done and ask how much to expect to pay. This way, you’ll get a much better idea of what to expect to pay.

When it’s time to take your car in for that Second Opinion from a mechanic, it’s best to keep in mind that this recommendation isn’t just about pricing. The second opinion may end up the costlier, yet correct one in the end.

What it all boils down to is expertise and the general impression you get from these service professionals. You haven’t spent any additional money to gain the added information, and now you’re more equipped to make the decision on what’s needed next for your beloved car.

Tips for Getting a Second Opinion

You can ask for a second opinion at a doctor, so why be hesitant to ask for a second opinion about your car’s health? Getting a second opinion isn’t going to hurt anyone’s feelings. It’s all part of the profession. These tips will help you identify how to approach getting a second opinion.

• Listen to your instinct. If you aren’t getting a good feeling about what you’re hearing, then don’t hesitate; listen to that feeling! There’s a good chance that you have that feeling for a reason. Move on to another mechanic.
• Be familiar with your vehicle. With all of the resources available on the internet today, all it takes is a quick online search to get some ideas on what the problem might be. If what you’re hearing doesn’t sound right, then don’t hesitate to look for another mechanic.
• Sound like you know what you are talking about. Much like being familiar with your vehicle, sounding like you are knowledgeable about your car will help prevent you from being taken advantage of. Unfortunately, some mechanics take advantage of customers instead of guiding them to the most economical path.
• Be straightforward. Establish good boundaries early, and don’t hesitate. Know what you want, and don’t hesitate to take your business elsewhere if you feel like you are being pushed.
• Don’t hesitate to call other mechanics. Let your fingers do the walking and call around town to find out what other mechanics are charging for the quote you received. And, who knows? They might find that the problem is different than the one you were quoted for.

A lot of the customer-mechanic relationship is based on trust. Think of it like going to the doctor. You aren’t going to visit a doctor who keeps pushing medications on you and doesn’t respect your wishes. Likewise, you shouldn’t feel obligated to choose a mechanic who doesn’t respect you or your car.

Servicing Your Vehicle at T3 Atlanta

No one is looking forward to the next time they need to take their car into the mechanic for service. That said, when that time does arrive, you can be assured that the team at T3 Atlanta are comprised of award-winning experts who are prepared for any customer’s vehicle problem.

From large scale issues to regular maintenance and oil changes, T3 Atlanta offers discounted services 365 days a year for Nissan, Infiniti, Toyota, and Lexus vehicles. With two locations in the Atlanta metro area, T3 has you and your car’s best interest in mind.

Common electrical problems in cars are varied. While everyone always thinks of the battery first – and it’s true that the battery is most often the culprit – your electrical system is much bigger than that. In fact, in newer cars, the electrical system is larger and more complex. This introduces more ways for something to go wrong.

Causes of Electrical Problems in Cars

The reasons for car electrical problems can be many. Your vehicle might have a loose electrical connection. A blown fuse will cause problems. Sometimes, it’s that one part of the system is constantly drawing power, even when the engine is shut off, and it slowly drains the battery.

Perhaps the most common cause of car electrical problems is that the battery is failing. Most car batteries only last about five years. Cold weather can also shorten the life of your battery.

Checking for Electrical System Problems

Many things can indicate you have an electrical problem with your car. Some of the following signs could be caused by other factors, but if you find multiple symptoms it’s usually a pretty solid indication your car has electrical issues.

• Blown fuses: When you constantly must replace blown fuses, this indicates something in the electrical system is sending too much current through those fuses.
• Dim headlights/taillights/dome lights: If you notice any of the lights on your car are dim as you’re driving, this can indicate a problem with the electrical system, usually that the alternator is failing. Ignoring it could leave you stranded somewhere.
• Engine struggles to crank: To start, your engine needs electricity flowing to the spark plugs. Without a strong flow, the engine will struggle to get going, or it might not start at all.
• Smell of melting plastic: Never ignore this sign, because it can indicate you have wiring that’s heating up so much, it’s melting the insulation around it. If not taken care of, this could result in a car fire, maybe even as you’re driving down the road.
• Sputtering engine: If the spark plugs aren’t getting enough electrical charge, the fuel won’t combust fully in the cylinders. Sometimes, the issue might be with only one or two spark plugs, causing the engine to run rough or sputter.
• Lights/horn/radio won’t work: These problems can be caused by something as simple as a blown fuse, which is easy to fix. If you have multiple electrical systems failing, however, it might indicate the alternator or another component needs to be replaced.

Many of these common electrical problems in cars are fairly easy to fix. Your local auto supply store will have replacement fuses and spark plugs. For trickier electrical issues, you may need to visit a mechanic to get the problem repaired correctly.

Diagnosing Common Electrical Problems in Cars

If you can’t turn on anything electrical in your car when it’s sitting with the engine off, that means the battery is dead. Your battery may be low if you turn on the headlights with the engine shut down, and they’re dim. Before you jump to the conclusion that the battery is bad, have it tested by a shop. It could be that the battery is fine, but the alternator is going out. It’s also possible that something is constantly drawing power as the car is sitting, draining the battery.

Troubleshooting common electrical problems in cars:

• Pop the hood and inspect the battery. If the terminals have any white gunk or other debris on them, clean them thoroughly with a wire brush. Corrosion can bring your car’s electrical system to its knees. If that isn’t the cause, wiggle the battery cables to see if they’re loose.
• While you have the hood up, inspect the alternator belt. If it’s loose, or you see signs of cracking or fraying, have it replaced immediately. A bad belt can make even the best of alternators run poorly.
• Another easy potential cause to diagnose is the spark plugs and wires. Check that the wires are seated firmly at both ends. Using an extension on your socket wrench, ensure the spark plugs are also tightened all the way.
• When you experience electrical problems while driving, like your headlights dimming, that’s usually a sign the alternator is going out.

Ultimately, diagnosing a vehicle’s electrical problems can be pretty complex. There comes a point when you need specialized equipment and training to be accurate in your diagnosis, which is where a quality repair shop such as T3 Atlanta comes in handy. We can pinpoint where a loose connection, unusual power draw or other issues are causing trouble, and fix the problem for you.

Plenty of people wonder about airbag maintenance, or maybe even worry about it. After all, you regularly service other parts of your car, so why not the airbags? They are one of the most critical safety items, so having them not work properly in a crash could have serious consequences. At the same time, airbags haven’t been around as long as seat belts, so knowledge about maintaining them isn’t as widespread.

How Airbags Work

To understand why airbag maintenance is necessary, you need to have at least a basic understanding of how they work.

Your car has sensors embedded in different areas, like the bumpers, which are connected to the airbag inflator with wiring. When enough force is exerted against those sensors, a signal tells the inflator to do its job. In most setups, potassium nitrate mixes with sodium azide, which makes nitrogen gas. That sudden creation of nitrogen gas fills the airbag.

Airbags are made of a thin nylon fabric. It’s folded up compactly, with a cover designed to tear when the bag inflates. This is why airbags pop out so quickly.

Do Airbags Need to Be Replaced?

The answer to this question is that it depends. Some owner’s manuals suggest that they do after a certain period of time. Others don’t say, and still others mention getting the airbags inspected. Read the manual that came with your car to see what the manufacturer recommends. Just remember that when manuals for older cars were written, airbags were pretty new and manufacturers themselves weren’t too sure about how they would age.

Some airbags will last as long as the car they are in. Airbag maintenance is sufficient for some, while others may need to be replaced entirely. If your car is over ten years old, it might be a good idea to have the airbags checked out. The worst way to find out is for a crash to inform you of how everything works. Airbags are something you don’t really want to take a chance on because they may save your life.

If you are concerned, it’s best to err on the side of caution and get an inspection. Have a professional inspect your airbags and give you a recommendation about what to do. The worst thing you can do is wait and see.

Airbag Maintenance and Replacement

Most vehicles have a diagnostic system for the airbags. If you see an SRS light come on, that means the airbag system is experiencing trouble and airbag maintenance may be required. You should have it inspected professionally right away, because the consequences of not following through could be severe.

Always use a reputable shop to have airbags serviced, especially if you need replacement bags. Some unscrupulous businesses have used knock-off airbags that have come into the country illegally. Even though they look legit, these airbags can be downright deadly, so any cost savings comes at a steep price.

Repacking airbags is also dangerous and not legitimate. No good shop will engage in this practice, because the potential for getting the setup wrong is too high. If you get a vehicle with funny bulges in the airbag areas, that’s usually a sign of a repacked airbag.

Costs of Replacement Airbags

How much replacement airbags cost really depends on the make, model and year of your vehicle. They can be quite expensive, but that’s not necessarily the case.

Even if an airbag costs a considerable amount, it’s a good idea to stick with Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) bags, instead of aftermarket options. Buying OEM parts may drive the price up, but at the same time you will not need to worry about the quality. Since a quality airbag could literally mean the difference between a minor injury or loss of life, it’s better to invest in your safety.

T3 Atlanta

If you’re in need of a quality shop that has extensive experience with inspecting, maintaining and even replacing airbags, give T3 Atlanta a try. We only use reputable practices and parts, ensuring your airbag system works just as it was designed, so you can rest easy knowing if you ever need the airbags to work, they’ll do their job properly.