Compared to 30 years ago, cars are a bit easier to understand these days. Manufacturers made it a point to include as many warning lights on your dashboard as possible. This means no more guessing what’s wrong with the vehicle. Well, as long as you know each one of the lights and what they mean.

We get it, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. You may have as many as 10 lights on your dashboard and newer cars even have more. Don’t worry, unless you are the unluckiest person alive, you won’t be worrying about multiple warning lights on your dashboard. The idea is, when you see one warning light stay on, you should go to the mechanic right away.

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Let us first discuss the most important lights on your dashboard, what they mean, and what you need to do when they light up.

Understanding Your Dashboard Lights

Before we go and discuss the symbols, let’s first talk about the colors of the lights on your dashboard. Not all symbols in your car denote a warning when they light up. You just have to follow this simple light color code:

• White – When the symbol is colored white then you should not worry about anything. White just means it’s currently in use or the symbol is active.
• Green or Blue – While white is the universal “don’t worry symbol”. Green or blue also means that the system is currently active and in use.
• Yellow or Orange – These colors denote a “warning something might go wrong within the next few kilometers”. This means your car needs to be serviced soon. A yellow or orange light gives you enough warning to take your car to your favorite mechanic.
• Red – Red means danger. When something in your dashboard lights up in color red then you might want to find a safe place to stop. Call your mechanic or try to diagnose the problem before deciding to go back on the road.

What Do The Symbols on Your Dashboard Mean

Now we know what the colors mean, let’s not discuss what each symbol on your dashboard mean. We will be discussing the more important ones that can affect your driving or your own safety.

1. Brake System/Brake Fluid Warning Light – This symbol covers everything related to the braking system of your car. When this light ups, this can mean something as tame as your parking brake is engaged or something scary like your whole braking system is busted. When you notice this light going on even after disengaging your parking brake, you need to get off the road right away. A faulty brake system can cause accidents so you shouldn’t risk it.
2. Engine Warning Light – This is the symbol that most of us see light up that means there are problems with your car. The thing with this symbol is that it can mean a lot of things. When the Engine Warning Light goes on, it is usually accompanied by different symptoms. For example, the engine might stutter as you step on the accelerator signifying a misfire. Your engine might also feel like it’s losing power which means the engine has gone into a “safe mode” to protect itself from further damage. The engine warning light can light up from something as simple as a damaged sensor to something big and mechanical in nature. You can buy an OBD Diagnostic tool if you have enough know-how to find out what’s wrong. However, just to be on the safe side, you should always take your car to the mechanic to solve the problem properly.
3. Airbag Warning Light – Depending on your car, the airbag warning light might also be called the SRS light. This light basically covers the inside safety system of your car. If the SRS or airbag warning light is on, this means something is wrong with the system. As a result, the airbag might not engage when an accident happens. There are also times that a faulty airbag system causes the airbag to go off while driving normally which can cause quite a shock and result in an accident. Usually, the fix is quite easy if you take your car to a mechanic and they can reset the light within minutes.
4. Coolant Warning Light – Nobody wants their car to overheat in the middle of the road. It’s such a bother and you will be causing a traffic jam. Your coolant warning light basically exists to tell you that you need to top off your coolant. When you see your coolant warning light on and your temperature gauge going up, this means your car is overheating. When these two coincide, this can mean serious things like a leak or a gasket failure. Take your car to a repair shop right away because the damage will get more expensive if you disregard it.
5. Oil Warning Light – Oil is one of the more important liquids in your car engine. Without oil, your engine won’t work. When the oil warning light goes on, it means you either have low oil pressure or the oil level is low. When either of the two happens, this can spell disaster for your car. With low oil levels or oil pressure, your car engine won’t get the lubrication it needs. The result can be piles and piles of repair bills if no addressed right away.

If you see any of the warning lights stay on while driving then it is best to go to a repair shop right away. T3Atlanta is the leading name in repairs and maintenance for Infiniti, Lexus, Toyota, and Nissan cars in Atlanta. Our team of experts can help you diagnose the problem and fix it in no time.

In the past, brake pads were made of one type of material – asbestos. At that time, it was the perfect material considering it has great heat absorption and dissipation properties.

As we already know by now, asbestos becomes a carcinogen when it gets released into the air, so manufacturers had to find an alternative right away. First came the non-asbestos organic brake pads, then ceramic and semi-metallic. Let’s talk about each one and let’s see which brake pad type is the best for your needs.

Non-Asbestos Organic

Due to the health issues presented by asbestos, manufacturers had to look for an alternative. They first turned their attention on other organic materials such as rubber, resin, kevlar, or fiber. While these materials are much safer than asbestos, they did not have the same heat absorption and dissipation properties. Not to mention they produced a lot of dust and was not as durable.

Newer variations added a little bit of metal to the mix but it only produced more dust, more noise, and didn’t solve the issue of durability. The best type of NAO material is kevlar but it’s too costly for everyday use.

NAO brake pads are suitable only for small-to-medium sized cars for city driving. Due to the limitations of NAOs, they are not recommended for heavy braking.

Ceramic Pads

On the other end of the durability and price spectrum from NAOs are Ceramic brake pads. Ceramic pads are made out of ceramic with some copper fibers. Compared to the others, ceramic pads are quieter, produce less dust, and causes less stress on the rotors. In almost all categories, ceramic pads are better than others. The only issues are that they cost a whole lot more than the others and their stopping power are much less compared to semi-metallic pads.

Due to their price, ceramic brake pads are usually used by individuals who are really passionate about their cars. These are the people who want only the best on their automobiles. While better in almost every way, ceramic pads lose much of their grip during colder climates.

Semi-Metallic Pads

If you bought your car sometime within the past few years, there’s a big chance you might be using semi-metallic brake pads on your car. The main benefit of semi-metallic pads is its durability. Depending on the type of pad you have, it might have from 35-65 percent metal in it. The type of metal can either be steel wool or iron/copper wire.

If you bought your car sometime within the past few years, there’s a big chance you might be using semi-metallic brake pads on your car. The main benefit of semi-metallic pads is its durability. Depending on the type of pad you have, it might have from 35-65 percent metal in it. The type of metal can either be steel wool or iron/copper wire.

In terms of stopping power, semi-metallic pads rank second to none. However, semi-metallic pads produce more dust and can be noisier. Semi-metallic pads also fare better in different climates.

Semi-metallic pads are usually installed in SUVs and bigger cars that need more stopping power. It’s also great for car owners who need all the braking power they need without breaking the bank.

Another thing worth noting with semi-metallic pads is that it needs to be properly installed in order to mitigate any damage it can cause to the rotors. While they last longer than the competition, they can cause more damage to your car if not installed by a professional.

Need help with picking out the right brake pad for your car? T3 Atlanta is a professional in everything car-related in Atlanta. Give us a visit today and we will show you how true professionals handle your concerns.

In life, it’s always nice to be prepared for anything. That’s why we keep a rainy day fund when things get tough. Or we keep a few canned goods in the pantry when you aren’t in the mood for cooking and you need food right away. But it’s hard to be prepared for everything. Especially when it’s terribly unexpected things like, let’s say, finding a nail in your tire. So, what to do if you find a nail in your tire? Let’s take a look.

Small but Terrible

It’s amazing how a little nail can instantly turn our day around. You might be going home after a long day at work or just about to start a day and the effect is the same.

And rightfully so! A nail, screw, or piece of sharp metal embedded in tires have left thousands of people stranded. Nobody really wants to be part of the statistics so let’s try to find out how we can prevent getting random nails in our tires.

First off, you need to stay away from areas where nails are being used on a normal basis. This may sound like an obvious suggestion, but it’s easy to forget on your daily commute. Areas with ongoing construction, road repair, or downed poles or trees are hotspots for random sharp metal objects. If you can’t help but go through such areas, take extra precaution and watch where you are going. Avoiding random blocks of wood or piles of trash helps as there might be nails embedded in the wood or among the trash.

You can also make it a habit to check your tires every now and then for any embedded metal objects. It will take you 5-10 seconds per tire and it will save you a lot of trouble.

What to Do if You Find a Nail in Your Tire

Now, if you already have a nail in your tire then you first have to relax and check the affected tire. It’s a possibility that your tire may not be flat after getting a hit. If it only lost some air pressure, it’s best to fill it up again and then rush directly to a repair shop. If the tire is already flat, better replace it with your spare then take the punctured wheel to the repair shop.

In the repair shop, the nail can easily be extracted and you might be given two choices in repairing the tire; a plug or a patch. Depending on the diameter of the hole left behind (from the inside and outside), the expert might suggest doing a combo solution of a plug then a patch. This will ensure that the tire will not lose any air while driving and will also protect the steel belt in your car tire from getting corroded.

However, not all punctured tires can be saved. Sometimes, the hole gets too big or the affected area is located in a sensitive area of the tire. The latter can result in weakening the overall integrity of the car. In cases like these, replacing the tire is necessary. This will save you a lot of money and trouble because a weakened tire can result in accidents.

Precautions and Preventive Measures

No matter how careful we are with how we drive and where we drive to, at one point a nail will definitely puncture your tire. So aside from trying your best to avoid getting nails stuck in your tire, here are several other suggestions that can help.

• Consider using a tire sealant. While there are still debates going on whether a tire sealant is worth the trouble or not, it can actually help you in a pinch. Basically, tire sealants plug any holes created by nails or other sharp objects so that you don’t lose air as you run with a punctured tire. However, it can be quite messy and repairing your tire might harder for the repair guys.
• Look at puncture resistant strips if you have older tires. Most older tires (considering they are still road worthy) weren’t created to be puncture resistant. Adding puncture resistant strips on the inside tread of the tire increases its durability which means a nail might not penetrate the tire.
• Invest in puncture resistant tires if you are in the market. They cost extra and might be harder to find but they will save you a lot of time and effort in going to the repair shop.

Surprises often come at the most unexpected places, such as seeing a mouse sleeping soundly inside your car. It’s not a great surprise but a surprise nonetheless. Seeing a rodent inside your car should not only shock you but also worry you. While there’s a possibility you are just looking at a transient mouse, it can also mean they are calling your car home. Knowing how to prevent rodents from causing damage to your car can save you a lot of hassle and headache in the future.

Do Rodents Really Live in Cars?

When looking for a home, rodents are pretty much straightforward. They look for homes that can keep them warm, safe, and full. They are more likely to seek refuge in your car during the winter or spring when its colder. Your car is a perfect candidate especially when you don’t like to clean up after food messes in the back seat.

They can look gross but the real damage they can inflict to your car can be alarming. They will chew on just about anything from insulation to wires. They also tend to hoard and stuff food on different parts of your car like the glove compartment or your air conditioner vents. If you’ve left your car unchecked for weeks or months, they might even have a nest somewhere within your car.

How Do I Know If There Are Rodents in My Car?

Thankfully, rodents aren’t very good with hygiene so it’s quite easy to know if there are any in your car. If you spy droppings or weird odor, that’s usually a tell-tale sign that mice actually live inside your car. If you also hear rumbling noises coming from your heater fan, this might mean mice have made a nest in your heater motor.

Another way of finding out rodents live in your car, albeit too late, is to see the damage they have caused to your wirings, linings, insulation, and upholstery. They don’t exactly eat what they chew but they usually use whatever they can to build a nest. The damage they cause ranges from bothersome to dangerous especially when they start gnawing on the delicate electrical wiring of your car.

How Do You Prevent Rodents From Causing Damage to Your Car?

When talking about trying to stop rats from taking over your car and causing damage, cleanliness is always the best answer. Here are our top tips to prevent rodents from causing damage to your car:

• Inspect your garage – If you keep your car in your garage, make sure you check any hole that rodents can use as an entrance.
• Contain your food – Keep anything that can be considered food for rats in containers that they can’t get into. This ensures that they consider your garage a bad place to look for food.
• Use your car often – Mice, rats, squirrels, and chipmunks can only build nests and “live” in your car if it hasn’t been used for some time as it gives them time to gather all they need to create a nest. Take your car out for a drive every now and then.
• Make your car smell bad for rodents – Rodents rely more on their sense of smell than their eyesight. This adaptation gave them very sensitive noses. Using peppermint oil, cat hair or red pepper on certain entry points of your car will deter rodents from even trying to go near.
• Open your hood – Rodents look for areas that are dark and cozy, by simply opening up your hood you are making your car an unlikely candidate for a home for rats.

Damage caused by rodents may not always be catastrophically destructive, but they can certainly cause you problems if the right wiring is chewed or damaged. If you suspect rodents are living in your car, go to T3 Atlanta to have your car checked for nests and damage.

Spring is here and while we say goodbye to icy roads and snow hazards, we are welcoming wet roads and hydroplaning. Hydroplaning? Oh, it’s just the term to describe when you “slip” on a puddle on the road. You know, when you seem to lose control for a few seconds while your whole life flashes before your eyes. While a second or two of hydroplaning at slow speeds can be surprising, it can be quite an experience when it happens at faster speeds.

But what exactly happens when you hydroplane? How do you regain control and save yourself while you hydroplane and how do you lessen chances of your car hydroplaning? Let’s answer each question one by one with this article. We believe all these things are important, especially the tips on what to do when you hydroplane. Let’s start.

What Happens When You Hydroplane

Normally, your car runs when your car tires propel your car forward by pushing on a solid and stationary plane which is usually the road. The constant push of the tire keeps us running. It’s the same way when we run, our feet pushes on the floor or road and propels us forward.

But have you seen one of those cartoon skits where the protagonist places a piece of banana peel on the floor and the poor antagonist steps on it while running and he/she slips?

It’s basically the same thing when you hydroplane. Water gets between your tires and the road and your tire can’t get enough traction to “push” your car forward so you lose control. Going at a faster speed only makes the situation worse.

Normally, small puddles of water won’t pose a problem to your car. However, when the tread of your car is thin then water can’t escape as fast and gets forced down instead of out. This is why checking your tire treads is always recommended by car mechanics.

What To Do When You Hydroplane

No control, fast speed. It’s easy to panic in such a situation. However, a stable presence of mind is necessary to save yourself when you hydroplane. So don’t panic.

The first thing you need to do is to stop yourself from hitting the brakes. When you hit the brakes, you are prone to spin out because you don’t have control on your front tires and the rear tires are now locked up. This also means you should not accelerate right away because nobody wants to go 60 to 120 with zero control over the front tires, right?

The next thing to do is to look for an open space. Maybe the shoulder? A drier part of the road? Find an open space and focus on that. Now, you can do one of two things depending on the car you have.

If you own a car with front-wheel drive, all wheel drive, or a car with ABS or traction control then accelerate slowly while steering towards the open space. The ABS or traction control can help you manage to wrestle control of your car while you hydroplane so it becomes easier for you.

However, if you own a car that has rear wheel drive with no ABS or traction control, don’t hit the accelerator and just steer the car towards the open space. You are practically at the mercy of physics here so don’t exacerbate the situation by accelerating or hitting the brakes.

How Not To Hydroplane

Hydroplaning is not a good experience. You may feel like you are part of the cast of The Fast and Furious but it can get pretty traumatic.

In this case, prevention is always better than cure. So let’s try to find out how we can prevent our cars from hydroplaning.

First off, make sure your tires are properly inflated and make sure they have proper tread depth. Your tire’s tread can spell the difference between hydroplaning and a safe drive.

Next, don’t use cruise control during wet conditions. Most cruise control setups are only good on optimal conditions and they don’t know how to adapt when your car hydroplanes.

Lastly, try to drive slower when it’s wet outside. Like what was mentioned above, hitting a wet patch at 30 miles an hour is much better than when you are going 90.

Car Maintenance at T3 Atlanta

Here in T3 Atlanta, we care about all our clients. That’s why we do our best to be thorough in all our checks. We also recommend constant checks on tire tread to lessen chances of accidents happening. If you want to know if your car is safe to drive during the wet season, visit us and let our experts check your car and give you pointers.

The snow has melted and the once white and barren landscape has transformed into that of life and joy. It’s almost spring, ladies and gentlemen, and we are back to love-hating this season once again. But before you go and head on out to enjoy the warmer weather, you should not forget about spring car maintenance.

Remember that due to the big difference in temperature and road conditions, you have to ensure that your car is up for the task. You did some adjustments and maintenance checks on your car before winter started and you should do the same for spring.

Spring and Your Car

Unlike winter, there’s really nothing much to “look out” for in spring. Spring maintenance is all about checking your car for any damages it has incurred during the winter and to revert any changes you have made to it. This is to make sure that your car performs at its best while on the road. Spring maintenance can help you save money and headaches in the long run especially when you have a lot planned for the spring and summer.

But where do you start?

We’re going to help you out with a guide on how to prepare your car for spring. While not all these suggestions can apply to all types of vehicles or for cars in different locations, they will serve as a guideline for everybody to use for spring car maintenance.

Spring Car Maintenance Checklist

1. Give your car a thorough wash – The term “spring cleaning” should not just apply to your home but also to your car. Just like spring cleaning, your spring carwash should be thorough. Getting an expert really helps but you can always do it yourself given you have the time and patience to do so. Make sure you get into every nook and cranny of your car. You can also go and add baking soda on your wash water to make sure you stop any form of salt buildup from the winter. Winter can do a number on your car exterior so this carwash is really important.
2. Have your tires checked – When checking your car tires, don’t just focus on whether it has enough air or not. Winter driving can be brutal to your cars. To make sure that they are in tip-top shape, go to a shop to have them rotate and align your tires. This will make sure you get even and safer wearing thus giving your tires a longer life. You also might want to change your tires in case you changed them for winter tires. But check if the replacement tire has enough tread. Spring is notorious for random showers so the road can get slippery when you least expect it.
3. Check the electrical wirings of your car – While most mechanics would just ask you to check your battery, it would be better for your car if you go the extra mile by checking the electrical wirings. First check would definitely be the battery but you also have to make sure that terminals and electrical components are in good shape. Nobody wants to have their car dying on them in the middle of the road, right?
4. Rehabilitate your windshield wipers – Your windshield wipers can easily get damaged during the winter. If you feel like your wipers are already streaking, replace them. New wipers don’t cost much and you can even replace it yourself. Spring also means rain so you still need a properly working windshield wiper for a safer drive.
5. Manage the fluids – Winter may require you to use specialized fluids for your car so that means you might have to change them for spring. You can start with your oil to make sure your engine enjoys a long and healthy life. Next up will be your wiper fluid which often gets used up during winter to wash off the grime from your windshield. Lastly, check your brake fluid for a safer drive.

Spring Car Maintenance at T3 Atlanta

Spring can get pretty exciting for everybody, but without preparation, this can result in problems. Spring maintenance will breathe a new life into your car and will lengthen its life. Visit T3 Atlanta today to have your spring car maintenance and checkup. Rest assured your car is in good hands every time with T3 Atlanta.

The holidays are coming up and everybody is in panic mode to look for gifts to give. You might have friends who got a new car, or a family member who might need a thing or two in their car. For these people, car gifts for Christmas make perfect sense. But what should you buy?

Do a quick search on Amazon and you will be swallowed by an ocean of products that promise to do this and that but are they really gift-worthy? So we’ll help you out by listing down the five best car gifts for Christmas. Note that we took into consideration a regular person’s budget when making this list so don’t expect anything that would break the bank. Plus, we added one more item that just amazed us we had to include it on the list. Let’s start the Christmas shopping!

The Best Car Gifts for Christmas

1. Phone mount/holder – According to statistics, around 88 out of 100 drivers use their phones while driving. This could either be to play music, check social media, answer texts, or take phone calls. Holding your phone while driving is distracting and can result in a number of accidents. A quick 4-second sequence of picking up your phone and checking it out can result in a gruesome accident. A phone mount can help lessen the distraction by holding your phone up for you. If placed in the right spot, it will take you a second to check who is calling or what a notification is all about. A phone holder/mount also allows you to check your phone easily for instructions or directions from your phone GPS. There are countless choices and they come rather cheap. Perfect giveaway gift for your employees or co-workers.
2. Dash Cam – No car should be without a dashcam nowadays. Nowadays, you can buy off-brand dash cams online for less than $100 and they work great. Some of them even have a rear camera that can help you while backing up. A dash cam is a perfect gift for someone who just got a new car and just started driving. The recording from the dash cam can help explain how they got dings and dents on their cars.
3. OBD 2 Scanner – Got a friend who really loves cars? They would probably love an OBD2 scanner. An OBD, or on-board diagnostics, scanner is a nifty tool that pretty much translates machine talk to something we can all understand. Is your check engine light lit up? An OBD 2 scanner can help tell you what’s wrong within seconds. This is great for people who can do minor repairs and maintennance in their cars. With an OBD 2 scanner, you can save your friend an unwanted trip or two to the shop.
4. Bluetooth adapter – Ask anybody who does long drives and the one thing that keeps them sane at all times and their answer would probably be music. If your car just rolled off the assembly line within the past 5 years, this would not be a problem. However, older cars only have a USB, 3.5mm jack, or cd interfaces for music input. Unless you have your high school CD stash of rad music with you, this can be quite a problem. Worry not though, a simple device is available to save you. A bluetooth adapter serves as a bridge between your phone (or any bluetooth capable music player) and your car sound system. Usually connected through the audio jack, the adapter receives and translates the music from your phone to your stereo. No more silent drives. Just feel good music from engine start until you reach your destination
5. Car Charger – Nothing could be worse than having a dead phone battery in the middle of a road trip, right? While you can always use a powerbank, those things can get quite heavy and clunky. Not to mention the fact that you are actually carrying a mini hand grenade. So how to solve this problem? By charging your phone with the help of your car. A car charger turns your cigarette lighter port into a 2 or even 3 port phone charger. Perfect for people who are always on the go who can’t afford to stop at a coffee shop just to charge. As long as your car is running, you can charge anywhere at anytime.

**BONUS!**

1. Handpresso – While doing research for this article, I was looking for the stuff that people might find necessary. I didn’t expect to see anything coffee related but that’s when I found the Handpresso. Basically, it’s a coffee maker that you can carry to your car. Yep. You heard me right. You can make a piping hot cup of joe in your car. Imagine sipping your favorite brew on a truck stop after driving for hours. Plus, the most basic model is priced at around $75.

While material things are the first things we consider when thinking of gifts, car care can also be a great gift to give your friend or family. Here in T3 Atlanta, we are the best place for Nissan, Infiniti, Toyota, and Lexus auto repairs. Take your friend/family member’s car to T3 Atlanta and we’ll get it to tip-top shape in no time.