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(404) 794-7700
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Automobile Shocks

February 20, 2016 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

Thanks to an automotive technology called shocks, we enjoy a more comfortable and controlled ride. It wasn’t always like that, because back when cars were still relatively new machines the ride was bouncy and rough.

Automobile Shocks: How They Work

The common misconception is that car shock absorbers actually support the vehicle’s weight, but that’s far from the truth. What they really do is control any movement in the suspension and springs. To get a little scientific, shocks do this by taking Automobile Shocks - T3 Atlantathe movement or kinetic energy and converting it into heat. That energy is stored inside the shocks’ hydraulic fluid, before escaping into the surrounding air.

If you were to cut a car shock in half lengthwise, you’d see a cross section of how it works. There’s a long piston rod with a piston on one end, which sits flush with the walls of the shock cylinder or pressure tube. Hydraulic fluid sits inside as well.

When the car drivers over a pothole or bump, the piston is forced up and down in the pressure tube. Small holes in the piston, called orifices, allow the hydraulic fluid to pass through. Because the flow is only slight, thanks to the size of the orifices, the shocks are able to absorb the energy transferred from the suspension and vehicle springs.

All shocks provide greater resistance the faster the suspension bounces. This allows for adjustments based on different surfaces, making for a more comfortable ride quality on rough pavement Of course, not all shock absorbers are made equal. Some provide more resistance than others, thanks to factors like the size and number of piston orifices.

Automobile Shocks: Recognizing Trouble

Now that you have a basic understanding of what shocks are and how they work, you’re ready to learn the different warning signs that they need to be replaced. Failure to replace worn shock absorbers not only means you’ll be enduring a rougher ride; it can also lead to damage as the undercarriage comes into contact with the road. That’s why you should always be watching for these warning signs, the taking action as soon as they crop up.

You should know that shocks don’t just suddenly wear out. It happens gradually over time, so you might not realize what’s going on until they’re pretty far gone. That’s why when you’re in doubt, have a trained auto tech take a look to see if the shocks are bad enough to justify swapping them out, preventing serious damage.

Automobile Shocks - T3 AtlantaAlso, know that you can’t just replace your shocks after a set number of miles. How quickly they wear depends on how you drive your car, what the roads are like where you live, etc.

One of the telltale signs of worn shock absorbers is a bouncier ride. If you notice that when you go over bumps in the road, your car dives up and down wildly, that means you need to have the shocks inspected. The problem could also manifest when you drive over a series of small bumps or ripples in a road, with the traction control system light flickering on in the instrument cluster as one or more wheels literally bounces up and down while struggling to attain enough grip.

Most people realize that bottoming-out is a bad thing, so that’s perhaps the most obvious sign of worn shocks. The problem usually first manifests when you go over railroad tracks or have trouble with steep driveway skirts.

If you hear a strange sound whenever the car goes over a bump, that also can signal trouble. As the shocks age and reach the end of their life, they can begin creaking, popping or making other noises that let you know it’s time to have them replaced.

When you hit the brakes hard, like during a panic stop, your car might lean forward slightly before coming to a complete stop. If the front end dives down hard, that can be a sign of worn shocks. The same is true with what’s called acceleration squat. If when you accelerate hard, the back end of the vehicle sinks down, that’s not a good sign.

Too much body lean is another indication something’s wrong. When they’re in good condition, a vehicle’s shocks regulate at least some of the body lean, which boosts handling ability and comfort when navigating through turns.

Perform This Simple Test

You can perform a simple test at home to tell if the shocks on your vehicle are worn enough that they need to be replaced. Push down as hard as you can at each corner of the car, then let go abruptly. If after you release the vehicle it keeps bouncing, you likely need new shocks.

T3 Atlanta

The only way to tell for sure if a vehicle’s shock need to be replaced is to have a highly skilled technician look at them. At T3 Atlanta we have all of the necessary equipment and training to take great care of your car.

Filed Under: Auto Repair

Windshield Wipers: How They Work

February 10, 2016 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

With windshield wipers, you barely need to think. All it takes is turning a switch or flipping a stalk on the steering column, and they just work. While many drivers feel they don’t need to know more about wipers, the truth is that such knowledge will help you spot potential problems early, which in turn can help save you money on bigger and more complex repairs.

Windshield Wipers: How They Work

The wipers are powered by an electric motor, which is hidden from view underneath the dash of your car. Also included in the setup is a worm gear reduction, which has the ability to increase the torque output from the motor by as much as 50 times, or reduce it by 50 times. That’s how you’re able to select so many settings for your wipers, from slow to incredibly fast.

Windshield Wipers - T3 AtlantaConnected to the gear reduction is a linkage, which is what actually moves the wipers back and forth across the windshield. A short cam is the piece that’s attached to the motor’s output shaft. As it spins while the motor runs, a long rod attached to the other end of the cam shifts back and forth. Attached to the other end of the long rod is a short rod, which is what turns the wiper blade on one side of the car (usually the driver’s side). Another long rod connects to the other wiper.

The actual wiper arms are attached to the ends of the linkages with a single bolt. On modern cars, that bolt is covered with a cap made of plastic or sometimes metal. This keeps snow, ice, salt and other debris out of the connection, avoiding corrosion as the car ages. This is the first thing to check if one or both of the wipers is flopping while operating, or won’t move at all. If tightening the bolt doesn’t do the trick, then the problem is with the linkages or the electric motor itself.

There’s also an electronic sensor that detects whenever the wipers are sitting down. In the event you switch off the wipers when they’re still in the up position, this sensor keeps the power on until the wipers are folded down, completely out of your line of sight. It’s this same sensor that makes it so the wipers stay at the bottom of the windshield between swipes when you’re using the intermittent setting. Obviously, if your wipers don’t sit at the bottom of the windshield when you turn them off, this sensor is likely broken.

Windshield Wiper Blades

Most people know a thing or two about wiper blades, because they’re parts that have to be replaced on a pretty regular basis. Windshield Wipers - T3 AtlantaBasically, they’re made of rubber, with metal strips that help them maintain a constant shape. This is so the thin rubber edge that sits against the windshield swipes off water evenly. As the rubber ages, it starts to chip and crack, causing the wipers to leave streaks. Sometimes this streaking is caused by dirt buildup on the wipers, which is why it’s a good idea to clean them when washing your car.

Having your car sit out in the hot sun during the daytime in the summer, or out in the bitter cold of the winter night can accelerate the aging of the wiper blades. In other words, garaging your car as often as possible will extend the life, saving you money. The most common problem with wipers comes from not replacing the blades as they age out.

The windshield wiper fluid helps with clearing debris off the windshield, like when there are a lot of bugs in the air. Little nozzles that sit on the hood, or at the edge between the hood and bottom of the windshield, actually spray the fluid out. From time to time these nozzles can become partially or completely clogged by dirt, salt or other debris. If that happens, you can clear it yourself by inserting a thin needle into the nozzle. Also, if it snows or there’s ice on your car, you have to clear that completely from the nozzles for them to work properly.

T3 Atlanta Can Replace Windshield Wipers

Wiper problems can be serious, since they affect your ability to see the road and other vehicles. The trained technicians at T3 Atlanta can quickly take care of any situation, ensuring you stay safe and happy.

 

Filed Under: Auto Repair, Car Tips

How Do Transmissions Work?

January 23, 2016 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

Without a transmission, vehicles literally wouldn’t go anywhere. Since you can’t really see the transmission in your car, it’s often misunderstood. Knowledge is power, and knowing how your transmission works will help you maintain it better.  

How Do Transmissions Work?

You likely know that there are two main types of transmissions: manual and automatic. Without getting How Do Transmissions Work? - T3 Atlantatoo technical, there are several gears fixed on two shafts. As the car is shifted into different gears by the driver or a computer, the gears from one shaft engage with the ones on the other.

In manual transmissions, drivers must push down the clutch pedal to break the connection between the engine and transmission. The gears can then be moved, then the driver releases the clutch pedal and the connection is established again. It’s essentially the same process with an automatic, only the computer uses a torque converter instead of a clutch, at least in most setups.

Dual-clutches sit somewhere in the middle between manuals and automatics.  Continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) have been increasing in popularity recently, and they eliminate individual gears completely.

Toyota Recommended Transmission Service

Toyota recommends specific service schedules for its vehicles, and that includes making sure the transmission is maintained. In general, you should have the clutch components inspected and the transmission fluid replaced every 30,000 miles. Doing this will help avoid larger problems later. The service schedule for individual Toyota models can vary, so it’s always a good idea to consult the owner’s manual or speak with a trained technician.

Signs of Transmission Trouble

There are many signs that your transmission needs to be looked at. One is if it just won’t go into gear. This can include the stick on a manual not moving, or an automatic skipping a certain gear. Several potential problems could trigger this, including low transmission fluid, the wrong fluid being used and even maladjustments for the clutch linkage or shifter cables.

Another common problem is slipping gears. That means the car starts to travel or is even going down the road, but the transmission slips, making the engine race while slowing down your momentum. This is a potentially dangerous situation. You need to have the car checked over ASAP, because several issues could be the culprit.

Sometimes transmissions make noise. If that happens when it’s in neutral, there are a few possible How Do Transmissions Work? - T3 Atlantacauses. Low fluid or the wrong type can cause some bumping sounds. If the transmission is particularly noisy, it could be from serious mechanical damage, such as worn bearings or gears. If the problem includes grinding or shaking, that can be from a worn clutch, maladjustments or other worn components.

Finding bright red, sticky fluid where your car’s been parked indicated a transmission fluid leak. The source could be in one of a number of locations. A technician can usually pinpoint it fairly quickly with the vehicle on a lift. From there, it’s just a matter of figuring out the best way to patch the leak, which may or may not involve replacing some parts.

If you smell burning coming from the transmission, that’s not something to ignore. It could indicate that there’s a problem with overheating. As the fluid burns, it can’t lubricate the gears and other components properly. The problem can be triggered by dirty fluid that needs to be swapped out, or a leak caused by a bad seal.

Vehicles with a manual transmission can experience a dragging clutch. You push on the clutch pedal, but the engine and transmission are still connected, and the transmission makes a horrendous grinding noise. Often the problem is with too much slack in the linkage between the pedal and the clutch disc.

Despite the name, your check engine light coming on can indicate a problem with the transmission. Modern vehicles have sensors that trigger the warning, like unusual vibrations you can’t even feel. When you see the check engine light turn on, it’s best to bring the car in and have the code read, avoiding bigger problems later.

T3 Atlanta For Transmission Serivce

If you hear the transmission whining or humming, that can spell trouble. At the first sign of these unusual sounds, you need to have the transmission checked over. The same goes for transmissions that don’t engage immediately after you push on the accelerator pedal.

When you experience any of the above symptoms, that’s the time to contact T3 Atlanta or stop by for an inspection. Our highly trained, professional technicians can quickly and accurately diagnose the problem.  

 

Filed Under: Auto Repair, Car Tips

Brake Maintenance Simplified

January 13, 2016 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

For most people vehicle braking systems are a mystery. They step on a pedal, and the things under the wheels slow down the forward (or backward) momentum. It’s something few think about too much, until there’s a problem. By knowing a thing or two about how brakes work, you can actually spot potential problems early, which in turn reduces the size of the repair bill.

How Do Modern Brake Systems Work?

Modern brake systems actually use hydraulics. The force you apply on the pedal is transmitted to the actual brakes through a special fluid. If you open up the hood on your vehicle, you can check the brake fluid reservoir to see if it’s low. Too little fluid means the brakes won’t work as well, so it’s critical to monitor the level on a regular basis (usually once a month is sufficient).

Brake Maintenance Simplified - T3 AtlantaOf course, the brake system is actually set up to multiply the force you apply with your foot. After all, it would be pretty difficult to use sheer physical strength to stop the progression of a 4,000-plus pound vehicle traveling 65 mph. The actual pedal is designed as a lever, which multiplies the force you exert. The hydraulic force also multiplies your effort, routing through the brake lines and a master cylinder before winding its way to the wheels.

If you look at cars with fairly large gaps between the wheel spokes, you can see the brake disc underneath. When the hydraulic force is applied through the system, it squeezes a caliper that sits over one part of the disc. Attached to the caliper are brake pads, which are soft enough to not damage the discs. They create friction, slowing down the vehicle.

When everything is working fine, your car will slow down predictably time and again. There are some signs of trouble you should always be on the lookout for, because having your brakes go out or even work in a diminished way is never an enjoyable experience.

Brake Fade

You might notice that it’s necessary to push down on the brake pedal further than usual to get the car to slow down or stop. This is called brake fade, and it can happen gradually, so you might not even realize what’s going on for some time. When you do, that’s a sign that something could be wrong. The brake fluid might be low, making it necessary to push the pedal further, the brake pads could be worn down, or both.

Check Your Brake Fluid Levels

Checking the brake fluid is easy enough to do by yourself, if you’re so inclined, or our technicians can look over all your fluids at once to be safe. They also can read the thickness of your brake pads quickly, telling you if they need to be replaced, or are getting close to the point that they will need to be swapped in the near future.

Brake Maintenance Simplified - T3 AtlantaOne possible reason for low brake fluid is a leak. It could be present anywhere in the system, which runs throughout the undercarriage. Tracking down a leak can be tricky for someone who doesn’t have the right equipment, experience or training, which is where our techs come in. Ignoring the problem can make it worse, putting you and anyone riding in the car at risk.

Turn Down Your Music and Listen To Your Brakes

You should regularly turn down your music and maybe even roll down the windows while driving. Pay attention to any noise coming from the wheels when you apply the brakes. A squealing sound might be the indicator or a metal shim in the pads. Its job is to warn you when the pads have become thin enough they need to be changed. Hearing the squealing once in a while can be normal, thanks to temporary rust or road debris buildup, but if you notice it regularly that’s a sign to have the brakes checked.

Grinding and Growling Sounds

Grinding or growling when you push on the brake pedal is even worse. This can indicate the pads are completely worn, with the discs and calipers rubbing against each other. If that’s the case, you might need new discs and pads.

Brake Pedal Vibrations

Vibrations when you push on the brake pedal can indicate that you need new discs. The heat generated by braking can warp the metal. It’s possible the sensation is from unbalanced tires or other symptoms, which is why it’s a good idea to have a tech look at the car.

Pulling To One Side

Finally, your car might pull to one side or the other when you brake. This can be from the pads wearing unevenly, which might indicate other problems that should be addressed immediately. The problem can also be triggered by debris in the brake fluid, making it necessary to have the system drained and refilled.

T3 Atlanta For Brake Maintenance and Repairs

If you have concerns about your brakes, or any other part of your car, remember that T3 Atlanta is here to help. Our technicians are highly trained professionals that can quickly and accurately pinpoint the cause of problems, saving you time and money. Contact us today or stop by so we can get started.

Filed Under: Auto Repair, Car Tips

Replacing Your Vehicle’s Battery

November 11, 2015 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

You get into your car, turn the key and…nothing. Your car has no power and won’t start. Chances are that your battery is no longer holding a charge and that you will be replacing your vehicle’s battery.

Replacing Your Vehicle’s Battery

Replacing Your Vehicle’s Battery - T3 AtlantaYour car’s battery is located under the hood of the car. It contains sulfuric acid and water. There are two metal terminals on top of the battery. One is for the positive terminal and the other is for the negative terminal. The positive terminal can be identified by a “+” sign or the word “positive”.

The battery contains metal plates that store current from the car’s alternator. Your car battery stores electrical current. It passes electricity through the car to make the engine run. The battery will send current to the starter and is what makes the engine turn on.

The cruddy deposits that can form on top of your car’s battery terminals come from the acid inside the battery. You can brush the deposits off with a wire battery brush which can be purchased at an auto parts store. Or, you do it yourself by mixing one tablespoon of baking soda in a cup of water. Just wipe the solution around the terminals and it should easily fall off.

Avoid getting these powdery deposits on your hands or clothes. If you do, be sure to wash it off right away. A tip to keep these deposits from forming in the first place is to grease the terminals and stick two pennies nearby.

Do’s and Don’ts of Replacing Your Vehicle’s Battery

If you are an experienced mechanic you can replace your car’s battery yourself: 

  • While the engine is off and the hood is popped locate the battery.
  • Detach the black or negative cable first from the battery. You should be able to loosen the nut with a wrench.
  • Try to pull the end of the cable with your hand.  If you find it difficult you may want to purchase a battery terminal puller. Most auto parts stores sell tools especially for this task.

Tip: Do not use a screwdriver to remove it. This could break your battery terminal and cause damage.

  • Detach the positive or red battery cable using the same method as you did for the black or negative cable. Use a wrench to remove the battery from its clamp.
  • Next, remove the battery from its tray. You should use both hands for this since most batteries heavy. If you are lucky, your battery type will be one with a handle on top.
  • Once the old battery is removed, clean the area before installing a new battery. Use a wire brush to clean the cable connectors. There could be heavy corrosion on these. Use a premixed solution of baking soda and water combination to clean the whole area well.
  • Place the new battery in the tray.
  • Secure it with the hold-down clamp. Spray both terminals with your cleaning solution.
  • Attach the red or positive battery cable and then do the negative or black cable.
  • Make sure everything is secure and tight. The battery should not be able to move back and forth.
  • Crank the engine of the car to see if everything is working correctly.

Replacing Your Vehicle’s Battery - T3 AtlantaMost car batteries can be recycled. If your battery cannot be recycled, you need to dispose of it correctly since it contains hazardous materials. There are ways to make a few bucks off of recycling your old battery.

  • Contact your local scrap yard and see if they will offer you anything for your old battery.
  • Many auto parts stores will take a deposit on a new battery when it is purchased so you may be able to get a pay-out when you turn it back in to them.
  • Several retailers offer you a free gift card if you turn your old battery into to them. Even if they do not offer anything of value most stores that sell batteries collect old batteries for recycling. Check with your local auto parts store for all the details.
  • Contact your local recycling center. Many centers will pay you for turning your old battery in.
  • If your car is a hybrid those batteries are designed to last longer but they will still need to be replaced. Many hybrid car batteries have the recycle instructions listed on them. If you are confused about disposing of this type of battery you can always contact the car’s manufacturer for more details.

Remember, if you are going to change the battery in your car yourself, that you are going to be exposing yourself to hazardous materials. Safety should be your uttermost priority. There is no need in harming yourself or others just trying to be thrifty.

Let T3 Atlanta Replace Your Vehicle Battery

Avoid the hassle of installing a new battery and disposing of the old one by trusting your Lexus, Infiniti, Toyota, or Nissan vehicle to T3 Atlanta.  T3 Atlanta will make replacing your auto battery hassle-free. 

Filed Under: Auto Repair

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T3 Atlanta

Lexus, Infiniti, Toyota, and Nissan Maintenance

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



T3 Atlanta
Smyrna Auto Repair
Located at 5322 South Cobb Drive,
Smyrna, GA 30080
Phone: (404) 794-7700
Website: www.t3atlanta.com
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