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(404) 794-7700
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(404) 633-7722
375 Aldridge Ave.

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Airbag Warning Light: What It’s for, Why It’s on, and How to Fix It

March 13, 2019 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

Nobody wants to have their car breaking down in the middle of the road. While being unsure about the condition of our cars can be acceptable for older cars, modern cars are equipped with a myriad of lights and warnings that tell the car owner if something is wrong.

The idea is pretty simple. When the low fuel light goes on, it means you need to top off as soon as possible if you want to keep your car running. But what if something so random light up? Like let’s say, your airbag warning light. What should you do and what does it mean? We will be discussing what the airbag warning light is for, why it lights up, and what you can do to solve this problem.

Understanding the Airbag Warning Light

When your airbag warning light is on for more than 10 seconds – there’s no mistaking it. Something is wrong with the airbag mechanism. While it may not be quite clear why it’s on, you can assume that it may not work properly when you need it to.

airbag warning light

Depending on your car, the airbag light is the SRS (supplemental restraint system) light. Normally, the SRS light along with other dashboard lights light up for around 5 seconds when you start the car. This is some sort of “self-checking” diagnostic to make sure everything is working fine. However, if the light stays on for more than 10 seconds and persists as you drive then it might have failed the self-test and is showing an error.

There are two main reasons why the srs/airbag warning light stays on: a worn-out airbag clock spring, or a faulty module. Let’s discuss each and find out how we can address the issues.

Worn Out Airbag Spring

The airbag mechanism inside your car is made up of the airbag, a module, electrical wiring, and a clock spring. Somewhere between the electrical wiring and clock spring are circuit bands that get damaged over time. This damage can send an “error” to the module which ends up in the airbag warning light lighting up.

Faulty Control Module

Underneath the seat of your car, you can find the control module for the SRS. When this module gets exposed to water, it gets faulty and may send an error code to the central ECU.

Why and How To Fix Your Airbag Warning Light

When you have your airbag warning light one, you might not be automatically worried about anything. However, knowing that either the coil spring or module is damaged will make you realize one very important thing. That when an accident happens, your SRS/airbag may not work as intended. As we all know, the airbag/SRS exists to lessen any damage you might suffer in the event of an accident. When your module is faulty, the airbag might not deploy in time.

airbag warning light

If the airbag warning light on your car lights up even after the self-test and you feel like something is wrong, go and visit your trusted mechanic right away. Most of the time, the cost of fixing problems like these are nothing to the damage a faulty airbag/SRS system will cause.

If your car has similar problems in Atlanta, go and visit T3 Atlanta right away. T3 Atlanta services all Lexus, Toyota, Nissan, and Infinity cars. Our mechanics can do a thorough check of your car to eliminate any issues that can cause problems in the future.

Filed Under: Auto Repair, Car Tips

Signs You Might Need Car Suspension Repair

October 2, 2018 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

It’s easy to forget about your car’s suspension, much less your car suspension repair. After all, you can’t really see it at first glance and it’s not one of the first things you believe you should bother yourself within your car. I mean, you check the oil, lights, tires, fluids, and even the spare tire but we never really think “Hey, how’s my suspension doing?”

Don’t worry, It’s not just you. Hundreds of car owners forget about their suspension and don’t know somethings wrong until something actually breaks. Imagine going 60mph and the lower ball joint of your left front wheel decides to give up. While the possibility of this happening is slim to none, nobody really wants to be part of the statistics. Right?

Signs You Might Need Car Suspension Repair

car suspension repairWe always tell our clients that the suspension system in your car works similarly to the joints and to a certain extent your bones. It’s what keeps you upright and helps cushion your every step. Have you ever seen somebody with joint problems? It’s just like in cars. If your suspension has problems it becomes harder to move properly.

But how do you know if your suspension has problems? When is the right time to go to the service center? Don’t worry, if you experience any of the 8 signs we mention here, you should call T3 Atlanta right away for fast car suspension repair in Decatur and Smyrna.

1. Fluid Leaks

Check your shocks or struts. You may notice that they have become oily or greasy. This can mean that there are leaks present and a replacement might be necessary. Without the fluids in your suspension system, this can cause the metal parts to grind on each other. Also, check for fluid trails or pools of fluid underneath your suspension system in the morning.

2. Uneven Tire Wear

If your tire is balanced and your suspension is healthy, your tires should wear out evenly. If you see that there are balding spots on the inside or outside regions of your car tire then this means you need to get them adjusted or that the suspension is not holding up the car properly.

car suspension repair3. A Rough Drive

If you experience a significant increase in the amount of “bumps” than you normally do, then your suspension might be shot. This means the shock absorbers might need replacing and your struts are worn out.

4. Car Pulls to One Side

Try this simple test to check if your car is pulling to one side. Drive slowly (it’s preferable that you do this test on a safe location) and center the steering wheel. If the car consistently pulls to the left or right then there’s a problem. The reason can be a host of different issues, but in severe cases, it can mean a bad tie rod or steering rack.

5. Car is Uneven

If one corner of your car is sitting lower than the rest, this can mean a damaged spring. A damaged spring can cause your drive to be rougher and can even affect the cornering of your car because it can’t support the weight properly.

6. Changes in Momentum

Momentum causes your car to roll, lean back, and nose dive. Check if during driving you experience any of these things:

  • Car nose dives when you hit the brakes
  • Car leans back when you accelerate
  • Car rolls (leans side-to-side) when you hit a corner.

These things are a result of a busted suspension. While these things can occur during extreme situations, take note if you do experience them even in everyday situations.

car suspension repair7. Difficulty in Steering

This one can be quite dangerous and should be acted upon right away. When you feel like your car is not as responsive and there is difficulty in steering, you should go and take your car to the service center right away.

8. Noisy Underchassis

While this symptom usually comes out after all of the signs mentioned above, this is the most obvious one. Sounds of metal grinding on each other or weird noises when your car hits a bump is a good way of knowing that your suspension needs checking.

Finding The Right Service Center For Car Suspension Repair

If you experience any of the signs mentioned above, don’t hesitate to go to your trusted service center right away. T3 Atlanta is the number one name in repair, service, and maintenance of Toyota, Nissan, Lexus, and Infiniti cars in Atlanta. We have competitive pricing coupled with years of experience. Our team of experts will take your car and check the suspension for damage or signs of wear. T3 Atlanta also offers aftermarket parts for consideration if available in order to offer a number of choices to our customers.

Filed Under: Auto Repair, Car Tips, Infiniti, Lexus, Nissan, Toyota

Where to go to see Fall Colors in the Southeast in 2018

September 4, 2018 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

Forests in the South are filled with broadleaf trees that change colors in spectacular fashion every fall. The optimal time to see fall colors at their peak in the Southeast is during late October and early November, making now the perfect time to start planning your trip. Best of all, these destinations are within day-trip distance to Atlanta, so you don’t have to book a full week’s vacation to see some of the best natural beauty in the country. Here’s where to go to see fall colors in the Southeast in 2018.

The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest

where to go for fall foliage 2018Located in Northern Georgia, the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest is a must-see destination for sightseers, bird watchers, hikers, and fall foliage photographers alike.

With over 800,000 acres of trees in its boundaries, this forest is perfect for spontaneous travelers who like to freestyle their trip. Pick a direction and you’ll be sure to find some truly unique sights and vistas wherever the road takes you.

Grandfather Mountain

Grandfather Mountain is a state park located in North Carolina about a 6-hour drive away from downtown Atlanta. This park is unique for having the highest peak of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which means you’ll have a great vantage point to see the season’s changing leaves. Hikers and backpackers can enjoy the fall foliage up close with almost 2500 square miles of forest to explore.

Table Rock State Park

Nestled in South Carolina’s section of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Table Rock State Park is a 3-hour drive from downtown Atlanta. This park features 80 miles of interconnected trailways for a truly immersive fall foliage viewing experience. Enjoy the fall colors from your private cabin or on top of one of the park’s two mountains for a refreshing weekend trip.

Cherohala Skyway

where to go for fall foliage 2018

If you’re a driving enthusiast, the Cherohala Skyway deserves a spot on the top of your fall foliage routes. The Skyway is a wide two-lane road with plenty of expansive views and stop-offs for your photographing pleasure.

With 40 miles of road that winds up and down the sides of mountains for a diverse range of foliage and colors, this road is a true visual treat that is sure to delight drivers.

Cloudland Canyon State Park

Cloudland Canyon State Park in Northern Georgia is the perfect weekend getaway for people looking to experience fall foliage up close and personally. Located two and a half hours from Atlanta, this park features cabins, campsites, and hiking with close access to the park’s central canyon.

From the canyon’s ridge, you’ll have fantastic views of all kinds of broadleaf trees no matter what direction you look. With plenty of accessibility options, Cloudland Canyon is a must-visit for families and hiking enthusiasts alike.

Blue Ridge Parkway

where to go for fall foliage 2018No fall foliage list is complete without mentioning the Blue Ridge Parkway. This scenic road starts in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and winds 469 miles all the way to the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia.

There are plenty of quaint towns along the way to refill your gas tank, get something for lunch, or stop at an inn for the night. On top of that, there are plenty of stop-overs for hikers and backpackers along the road, making this route ideal for people with a diverse assortment of interests.

Road Trip Maintenance with T3 Atlanta

Whether you’re heading as far as the Northeast or enjoying the fall colors in the North Georgia mountains, you’ll want to make sure your vehicle is road-trip ready before you get started. The last thing you want on your weekend trip is to be stuck on the side of the road, after all!

Make the most of your fall foliage trip by making an appointment with T3 Atlanta. We’ll inspect your vehicle and make important maintenance recommendations so that you can take to the road with confidence this fall. Give us a call today!

Filed Under: Auto Repair, Travel Tips

Questions to Ask When You’re Choosing an Auto Shop for Your Vehicle

August 21, 2018 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

Choosing a mechanic is a lot like choosing a doctor. Instead of your physical health, though, you’re putting the long-term care and health of your vehicle in an expert’s care. Just like choosing a primary care doctor, it can take time to find the perfect fit for your family’s trusty vehicle. Here, we’ve compiled some questions to ask when you’re choosing an auto shop for your vehicle.

What to Ask When You’re Choosing an Auto Shop for Your Vehicle

Everyone is looking for something a little different out of their potential mechanic. You’ll want to consider everything from the location of the shop, the costs of services, the experience of the staff, and the cleanliness of the shop in addition to any personal preferences.

First, it’s important to consider the shop as a whole. Ask yourself these questions:

  • Is the shop clean and tidy, or is it messy and disorganized?
  • How well was I treated when I entered? (Was I greeted, welcomed, or acknowledged in a friendly way?)
  • Did the mechanics answer all of my questions in a professional and informative way?
  • Did the mechanics make me feel uninformed or belittled about what maintenance my vehicle needs?
  • Were all of my questions answered fully, or did it feel as though they were trying to evade significant questions?
  • How professionally did they treat me and other customers?

Next, here are some questions to ask your mechanic. You may not need to ask all of these, but they’ll get you started on the right track.

  • What certifications/training do your mechanics have? (And, is their training up-to-date?)
  • How much experience do your mechanics have?
  • How much does an inspection or diagnostic cost?
  • Can you help me keep my vehicle on its maintenance schedule?
  • How do you plan to communicate with me while the vehicle is being repaired?
  • What is your hourly rate?
  • What extra fees can I expect with standard services?
  • Can you show me what needs to be repaired?
  • Can you explain the reasons and process for the recommended service?
  • What are the long-term consequences of waiting to have the repairs performed?
  • How long will it take to complete the service?

Don’t be afraid to ask questions – even ones that you might feel are silly. A good mechanic will answer anything you ask respectfully and with a positive, informative attitude.

If you feel as though the mechanics are evading your questions or, just as bad, not treating you respectfully, then it’s important to listen to your gut instinct and keep looking. There are plenty of auto shops to choose from, and although the one that’s closest to home is convenient, it simply may not be a good fit.

You may find it helpful to look online for reviews to see what other customers have said about their experience with a shop. If you see a consistent thread of complaints (or compliments!) or repeated references to a specific issue, then you may want to weigh this more heavily than a one-off complaint.

Armed with these questions, you’ll be able to establish baselines about what you’re looking for out of a mechanic’s shop before ever stepping through the door.

A relationship with your mechanic, much like your primary care doctor, is ideally going to last for the life of your vehicle. Your mechanics will be familiar with your car and have access to your vehicle’s repair history so that they can make the best recommendations as to future maintenance.

T3 Atlanta: Your Atlanta-area Nissan, Lexus, Infiniti, and Toyota Mechanic

T3 Atlanta specializes in Nissan, Lexus, Infiniti, and Toyota repairs. All of our mechanics are certified and experienced so you can rest assured that your car is getting the care that it needs. We’re always happy to answer any questions that you may have. We want to ensure that you can bring your car to us with confidence for years to come.

Filed Under: Auto Repair

Can Car Airbags be Replaced?

June 19, 2018 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

Car airbags may only have one function – to keep you safe from harm during a car accident – but they are harder to replace than you might think. Airbag configuration and deployment vary not only from model to model, but from year to year. Manufacturers are always working to improve the safety in their cars and adjusting deployment sensitivity and force. So, can car airbags be replaced?

Can Car Airbags be Replaced?

can car airbags be replacedThe short answer about whether car airbags can be replaced is that it depends. Some vehicles have curtain or side airbags which further complicate the question. Some newer cars even have knee or rear airbags to reduce your chances of injury during a collision.

Airbag replacement, then, is a multi-layered question. While the component can be physically replaced, you’ll need to know whether or not the rest of the affected in addition to the installation makes the vehicle as safe to drive as it was prior to your car accident. After all, your airbag isn’t the only part that is damaged during a car accident. Damaged steering wheels, steering wheel covers, and other damage to the vehicle’s interior are just a few of the things to think about when your airbag has deployed during an accident. Your replacement airbag may also need to be reprogrammed depending on the year of your vehicle.

Add to all of this the complicated question of where the replacement airbag is coming from, and you’ve got even more variables to consider. If you have to purchase a replacement airbag, then make sure you’re buying a new component and not one from a salvage yard. Parts from used cars may not be in good condition and can be damaged during the removal process.

Whether your airbag can be safely replaced depends on a multitude of factors and should be considered on a case-by-case basis. T3 Atlanta recommends that you do not attempt to replace an airbag on your own, and that you should call a certified mechanic for your safety.

Do Car Airbags Expire?

The answer to whether car airbags expire or not is more complicated than it may seem. The short answer is yes: car airbags can expire. We discuss the longer answer below.

Car Airbags in Newer Vehicles
can car airbags be replacedNewer vehicles are equipped with airbags that do not expire, or at least, not quite. The airbags are designed to last for the life of the vehicle.

Vehicles manufactured after 1998 and after are equipped with dual front airbags, which are different than dual-stage airbags.

  • Dual front airbags: Two separate airbags for the driver and passenger.
  • Dual-stage airbag: A single airbag that deploys in two separate stages, improving safety for the vehicle’s occupants.

Whether your car has front, side, rear, or any other type of airbag, the airbags in newer vehicles generally won’t need to be replaced for as long as you have the vehicle.

Car Airbags in Older Vehicles
can car airbags be replacedOlder vehicles generally feature airbags that work on a different system – if they have airbags at all. The first airbags appeared in the 1970’s. With the technology being so new, manufacturers at the time were uncertain how long airbags could last and still be effective.

Standard recommendations at the time were to have the airbag inspected every few years to ensure that the component was still in good working order. Over time, manufacturers recommended that airbags be replaced every 10 – 15 years. Even this figure depends on the condition of the car, the type of airbag, and the components used during the manufacturing process.

Replacing airbags in older cars is tricky because replacement older airbags may have expired, been removed improperly from a salvage yard, or the component itself is faulty.

Car Airbag Repair at T3 Atlanta

If you have recently been in a car accident or have an older vehicle, you may be looking to have your airbag replaced. If you have a Lexus, Toyota, Nissan, or Infiniti, call T3 Atlanta! Your safety is our top priority. We’ll consult with you and advise the best course of action to replace an airbag for your specific situation.

Filed Under: Auto Repair, Car Tips

How to Avoid Buying a Lemon Vehicle

June 12, 2018 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

A lemon is a car that which has a defect that cannot be repaired no matter how many times you try. Lemons are estimated to affect 1% (150,000) of cars every year, according to NoLo, and can be either new or used. How can you avoid buying a lemon vehicle?

While there is no 100% guarantee that your new car isn’t a lemon, there are plenty of things you can do to avoid buying a bad used car. Here are our top recommendations.

Do Your Research

avoid buying a lemonBuying a car is an investment, so it’s important that you do your research before you buy. The more informed you are, the better equipped you are to spot problems with candidates.

When you’re shopping for a new or used car, always check:

  • Reliability of the vehicle line for the model year
  • Past and present recall notices
  • Known manufacturers’ defects
  • Types of warranties available and what these warranties cover
  • Quality control ratings
  • Safety ratings
  • Vehicle history and Carfax

By doing your research along the way, you can rule out bad fits and save yourself both time and money.

Check the Vehicle’s Repair History

avoid buying a lemonIn addition to these more general research points, you should also take an in-depth look at the specific vehicle you plan to purchase. A car that has a lot of repairs, especially if they appear to be for the same thing, is at an increased chance at being a potential lemon.

You should also take the vehicle’s mileage into consideration when looking at the repair history. Newer cars should need fewer repairs. Similarly, a car with lower mileage shouldn’t need a lot of repairs. If you see a newer car with low mileage that needs a lot of repairs for its age, you may want to have the car inspected by an independent mechanic to find out what other problems you might expect down the line.

Inspect the Car – Inside and Out

avoid buying a lemonWhile you may not be able to identify mechanical problems on your own, a visual inspection can still tell you a lot about the car. Check the inside and outside of the car to look for engine, structural, and water damage that can cause long-term problems. Of these, water damage is by far the worst from a long-term cost standpoint. After all, water and mechanical parts don’t mix!

Signs of vehicle water damage include:

  • A strange smell that doesn’t go away after leaving the windows open
  • Visible water lines in the floorboard or footwells
  • Unexplained electrical issues
  • Water stains on the upholstery
  • Rust on the undercarriage of the vehicle
  • Rust inside the engine

If you are uncertain whether the vehicle may have water damage, ask the dealer for a vehicle history report. You can also have the vehicle inspected by an independent mechanic like T3 Atlanta. We’ll be able to tell for certain if the vehicle has experienced water damage.

Avoid Cars with After-Market Accessories

avoid buying a lemonAfter-market accessories like mufflers, electronics, speakers, or other electrical system add-ons might sound attractive, but there are a lot of hidden dangers with these neat extras.

Problems of aftermarket accessories include:

  • Warranties: Few after-market accessories are covered under warranties. In some cases, they actually void the vehicle’s original warranty, leading to increased long-term costs for unrelated problems in other parts of the car.
  • Electrical system incompatibility: After-market accessories aren’t always compatible with your electrical system. Your vehicle is designed to disperse a certain electrical flow across all the onboard electronics. After-market accessories drain from this flow and put a greater strain on your electrical system that can cause electrical problems.
  • Poor Installation: Unfortunately, after-market accessories are not always installed correctly. Sometimes the problem is due to the user, and sometimes the fault lies with the compatibility with the device and your vehicle. Poor installation can cause power fluctuations, affect other electronic systems, and cost you a good deal of time, money, and frustration.

Have your Potential New Car Inspected at T3 Atlanta

avoid buying a lemonThere’s nothing like the excitement of new car ownership crashing to a stop because of an unexpected repair bill. T3 Atlanta recommends that you have any vehicle that you are strongly considering inspected before you buy. If the dealer you’re planning to shop with refuses to let the vehicle be inspected by an independent mechanic, that’s a red flag you should not ignore.

At T3 Atlanta, we can inspect your prospective Lexus, Toyota, Nissan, or Infiniti and let you know what repairs are needed. We’ll assess the vehicle’s condition and identify potential short-term and long-term problems, saving you time, money, and hassle down the road. Don’t saddle yourself with a lemon! Give us a call today.

Filed Under: Auto Repair, Car Tips, Infiniti, Lexus, Nissan, Toyota

What to Do if Your Parking Brake Gets Stuck

May 15, 2018 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

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

what to do when your parking brake gets stuckIt’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

what to do when your parking brake gets stuckIce 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.

Filed Under: Auto Repair, Car Tips

The Top Symptoms of Automatic Car Transmission Problems

May 8, 2018 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

Your vehicle’s transmission is easy to forget about when it’s working properly. The gears shift seamlessly up and down throughout the day, providing you with power and control to navigate Atlanta’s freeways without a second thought. Transmissions experience a considerable amount of wear and tear over time. Knowing the top symptoms of automatic car transmission problems will help you know when to visit your mechanic so you don’t wind up stranded on the side of the road.

The Top Symptoms of Automatic Car Transmission Problems

When a transmission starts to go, it’s a problem that will only get worse. There are many potential symptoms that indicate transmission problems. Some of these will overlap with other engine problems. If you notice any changes to the way your vehicle is performing or handling, visit T3 Atlanta for a fast, convenient fix in the metro Atlanta area.

Fluid Leakage

Automatic Car Transmission ProblemsThere are a lot of fluids in your car at a given time: transmission fluid, oil, brake fluid, and coolant, to name a few. Transmission fluid often appears dark, slick, and shiny like oil, but unlike oil, it usually has a burnt smell. Leaking transmission fluid generally appears around the front or middle of where your car is parked.

Whether or not the fluids leaking from your car are transmission fluid, oil, or something else, it’s important to have the problem looked at before it becomes significantly worse.

Strange Sounds

Unless you have a performance vehicle or a modified muffler, your car is designed to run quietly. Whining noises, humming from the engine compartment, and clunking noises are all possible signs of transmission problems. If you notice that your engine is noisy when in neutral, that’s another sign that your transmission may be on its way out.

A Burning Smell

A burning smell can be caused by many different potential problems from brakes to belts and more. You should never smell burning in your vehicle, so it’s important to have this problem inspected as soon as possible.

Gear Slippage and Changes in Vehicle Performance

Automatic Car Transmission ProblemsGear slippage refers to a few different possible symptoms. These directly impact how your car performs. In turn, they can lead to safety issues if your engine performance means you cannot respond promptly to changes in traffic.

  • Your car seems to have more trouble than usual shifting between gears
  • Gear shifts causes clunking, grinding, or whining noises
  • Changes in your vehicle’s responsiveness
  • A decrease in your vehicle’s overall power

Changes in your vehicle’s performance can also be an indicator of a bad transmission. Your car may shake or grind while driving, while the transmission is noisy or sluggish.

Repair Your Automatic Car Transmission Problems at T3 Atlanta

There are many potential causes of transmission failure. System leaks, broken or leaking lines, and the accumulation of wear and tear can all contribute to a failing transmission. If you think your transmission is going out – or if you just need a routine inspection as part of your preventive maintenance schedule – call T3 Atlanta. We are experts at repairing Toyota, Lexus, Nissan, and Infiniti vehicles. We’ll have your car back to normal in no time so you don’t have to worry about your transmission giving out at an inconvenient time.

Filed Under: Auto Repair, Car Tips, Infiniti, Lexus, Nissan, Toyota

Troubleshooting Car Exhaust Problems

March 20, 2018 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

Your car’s exhaust system is probably something you don’t think about when it’s working properly. In fact, you might barely even notice that it’s there. Your exhaust system helps your engine run smoothly, maintains optimal fuel efficiency, and regulates the emissions produced by the engine. Troubleshooting car exhaust problems is important so that you can know when it’s time to make repairs.

Troubleshooting Car Exhaust Problems

The exhaust system is comprised of connected piping that filters exhaust and emissions produced by the engine away from the vehicle’s cabin. This ensures that passengers aren’t inhaling harmful carbon monoxide. The exhaust also helps optimize your vehicle’s fuel economy and performance.

Considering that this particular system does so much work, there are a few things that could go wrong. Here are the main symptoms of car exhaust problems.

Noise, Noise, Noise

troubleshooting car exhaust problemsThe exhaust system filters emissions that are produced by the engine, but it also helps dampen the noise produced by the engine itself. If your engine is making a considerable amount of noise, or if your muffler doesn’t seem to be dampening noise like it used to, your exhaust system may be suspect.

Noise can also result from a tailpipe that is loose or, worse, dragging on the ground behind the vehicle. It’s important to get a loose muffler and tailpipe repaired as quickly as possible.

Vibrations

Your exhaust system can leak, leading to strange vibrations in your accelerator or brake pedal, your steering wheel, or even your car seat. Left unchecked, leaking exhaust systems can decrease your fuel efficiency, increase the strain on your engine, and cause major damage resulting in expensive repairs.

On top of that, various engine parts can become loose, which usually means that parts are touching that shouldn’t be. This, too, can lead to long-term damage because the friction can gradually wear parts down.

If you notice vibrations in your vehicle that weren’t there when you bought the car, you may want to have your car inspected.

Strange Smells

Troubleshooting car exhaust problemsWhen working properly, your exhaust system should prevent against a noticeable amount of exhaust smells.

If you notice strange smells such as smoke, burning oil, or Sulphur, it’s important to have your vehicle checked immediately. This could be a sign of a major malfunction.

Rust and External Damage

Troubleshooting car exhaust problemsThe exhaust system is constantly exposed to the road, making it vulnerable to external damage from rain, snow, potholes, debris, and salt corrosion. Unless you happen to have a car lift in your garage, it’s not always easy to detect when damage has happened to the bottom of your vehicle.

The surest sign of external damage to the exhaust system is rust. You’ll usually see rust forming on or around the tailpipe, which is usually a sign that there’s more damage beneath the vehicle. A muffler that has rust spots or a considerable amount of rust damage should be replaced before it causes larger problems in the exhaust system.

T3 Atlanta

Many of the signs of exhaust problems overlap with other possible engine issues. If you notice anything out of the ordinary with the way your car acts, feels, or sounds, you may want to consider making an appointment with T3 Atlanta. We are Atlanta-area experts at repairing Lexus, Toyota, Infiniti, and Nissan cars. With two convenient locations in Smyrna and Decatur, we can help you get back on the road promptly.

Filed Under: Auto Repair

What Happens if You Overfill Auto Oil?

January 2, 2018 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

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?

What Happens if You Overfill Auto OilAutomotive 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?

What Happens if You Overfill Auto OilThe 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.

Filed Under: Auto Repair, Car Tips

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In 1994, our founder, Charles Wright, wanted to leave the corporate/professional environment and start his own company. After months of reading business planning books, he decided to establish an auto service company. He recalled reading that auto repair people were the first or second least trusted group of people among service providers, and Charles wanted to provide Atlanta car owners with a trustworthy auto repair shop. He learned how the service business was structured, and opened T3 Atlanta to offer customers an affordable and efficient service company. To learn more about Lexus, Infiniti, Toyota, and Nissan auto repairs at T3 Atlanta, please contact our office!

Outstanding and Affordable Car Services in Atlanta

Our team consists of the best Lexus, Infiniti, Toyota, and Nissan technicians in the area. Every one of our award-winning, factory trained technicians can resolve a customer's vehicle problem. If you are experiencing problems with your vehicle, in most cases we can diagnose the issue free of charge. By offering discounted services to every customer 365 days a year, we do not need to offer specials to increase our clientele. We have an auto shop located in Smyrna, as well as Decatur/Scottdale, so owners can seek our mechanics’ assistance at one of our two convenient locations. Read More



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Smyrna Auto Repair
Located at 5322 South Cobb Drive,
Smyrna, GA 30080
Phone: (404) 794-7700
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