Fuel additives are pretty much what they sound like: a substance you add to your fuel. There are a lot of types of fuel additives at your local auto supply shop, some of which prevent problems while others improve performance. Fuel injector cleaners are an additive that sounds like a great way to keep your engine running smoothly, but do they work? Let’s find out.

But First, What’s A Fuel Injector?

A fuel injector is a small part that regulates how much fuel is sprayed into your car’s engine. In some cars, the fuel is sprayed into the engine’s inlet manifold or port. In other cars, fuel is injected directly into each cylinder.

Regardless of the exact setup, the basic function remains the same: the harder you press on the accelerator, the more fuel enters your engine, and vice versa.

Why Do They Need To Be Cleaned?

Fuel injectors are one of those ‘out of sight, out of mind’ car components. You never really see them, and as long as they’re working correctly, you don’t think about them.

The truth is, fuel injectors sometimes do need to be cleaned. Debris from the fuel system or the fuel itself can accumulate in your fuel injectors. Corrosion in your fuel system can also contribute to debris build-up. When enough carbon and debris deposits have built up, this can influence the efficiency of your vehicle, increase the emissions, and even affect the way your vehicle performs.

So, Do Fuel Injector Cleaners Work?

The idea behind fuel injector cleaners is that you add them to your gas tank, where they dissolve debris and restore your engine’s function to normal. Since fuel injectors cleaners are combustible, they are burnt off with normal engine use, meaning you’ll need to add more cleaner periodically. But do they work?

The short answer: Maybe.

The long answer: There haven’t been any scientific studies definitively proving that fuel injector cleaners work. That said, there’s a lot of anecdotal evidence that they can help. So, you can always try it and see for yourself.

There’s some debate about how frequently you need to add these cleaners to your engine. Some people suggest that you add a bottle with every fill-up. Others suggest adding a bottle with every oil change, about 3,000 – 5,000 miles depending on your vehicle’s recommended maintenance schedule.

Ultimately, if you’re set on trying a fuel injector cleaner, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and don’t expect magical results overnight. Just like it takes years for carbon to build up in your engine, it may take a few rounds for the cleaner to take full effect.

How To Prevent Carbon Buildup In Your Engine

There’s an old saying that goes, ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure’. The same goes for your engine – and your fuel injectors. Keeping your engine clean can help prevent carbon buildup and the decreased fuel efficiency and vehicle performance we mentioned earlier.

No, we’re not talking about disassembling your engine and giving every component a detailed cleaning with a toothbrush. All you need to do is purchase high-quality gasoline on a regular basis. You’ll usually see these referred to as ‘top tier’ gasolines. Top tier gasoline contains special additives and detergents in their formula with superior fuel system-cleaning properties.

It’s true that even the best gasoline can still contain some impurities, often picked up from transit or from the fuel holding tanks at the gas station itself. However, your fuel system’s filters should effectively filter these impurities out.

AAA recently conducted a study with an independent laboratory to evaluate, among other questions, whether top tier gasoline is better at preventing deposit build-up in your engine. The answer was an emphatic yes. The study found that non-top tier gasolines caused 19 times more engine deposits than top-tier fuels. You can read the full report here.

So, if you want to keep your engine clean and running great for years to come, make sure to purchase top-tier gasoline with every fill up.

My Fuel Injectors Need Cleaning – Now What?

If you’ve purchased an older or used vehicle, you may have discovered that your fuel injectors are clogged and aren’t operating like they should be. What now? Well, as discussed above, you could try a fuel injector cleaner. But that might take time, and it might not even work at all.

That’s where fuel injector cleaning comes in. For the intrepid, you can purchase a DIY kit and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to restore your engine’s performance and fuel efficiency.

For those of you who would prefer to let the professionals take care of it, T3 Atlanta can help. We’ll assess whether your fuel injectors are causing your engine woes or if something else might be awry and recommend the best solution for you and your vehicle. Give us a call or visit us at one of our two convenient metro Atlanta locations in Smyrna and Decatur for fast and friendly service on your Lexus, Infiniti, Toyota, or Nissan.

Your car ignition switch is one of the most important parts of your car: it starts your engine, after all! But did you know that just like other components on your vehicle, your ignition switch can wear out too? Today, we’re going to talk about the signs of a failing ignition switch to help you identify when it’s time to have this essential part replaced.

The Signs of a Failing Ignition Switch

Your ignition switch is generally located on the steering column, though the exact location does depend on what kind of car you have. You’ve probably noticed that there are three different positions your key can take. The first powers on your electronics, such as your interior lights and radio. The second powers on the fuel and ignition systems, so your fan may turn on when your key is at this position. The third position, of course, starts your car.

Wait. Why is this important? We promise it is. Now let’s talk about the first sign of a failing ignition switch.

Issues Powering On Your Car Accessories

The first key position on your ignition should turn on your radio, interior cabin lights, and other electronic accessories your vehicle has. If you turn your key to position #1 and nothing happens, that’s a strong sign that your ignition may have an issue.

However, this could also be a problem with the lock cylinder or fuse and wiring problems, so it’s important to have your car checked out to make sure there isn’t a larger problem going on.

Your Car Starts… And Then Stalls

Once you’ve turned the key and you hear your engine roar, that should be that until you’ve reached your destination, right? Well, yes, unless your ignition switch is faulty. Why does this happen?

The ignition switch works well enough to power up the ignition system and fuel pump, hence why your car starts. But if it’s faulty or failing, it cuts off power the moment you let go of your key.

Your Car Stalls While Driving

This is possibly the most frightening way to realize that your ignition switch may have a problem: you’re driving along, minding your own business, when all of a sudden your car shuts off. Your power steering and brake hydraulics stop working, and you unexpectedly find yourself at the center of an accident just waiting to happen. This may sound like a tale your uncle would tell, but it’s a real possibility if your ignition switch fails while you are on the road.

As you might have guessed, if your car stalls while you’re driving, you absolutely need to bring your car in for service as soon as you can!

Fix Your Failing Ignition Switch At T3 Atlanta

If you’ve noticed any of these three signs of a faulty ignition, T3 Atlanta can help. We can diagnose the exact cause of your ignition troubles and prescribe the best solution for your vehicle. Give us a call or make an appointment today at one of our two metro Atlanta area locations!

In the market for a new car? It’s very exciting, right? The idea that you will get a brand new car with all new features. But how much of the “new” do you want? Like, have you considered getting an electric car? The idea of driving a 100% electric-powered car is no longer a sci-fi trope. It’s here and it is taking the market by storm. But the big question is, should you even consider buying them?

That’s why we created this article to talk about the pros and cons of electric cars. Hopefully, by the end of the article you will have made up your mind on whether getting a brand-new electric car is for you or not.

Pros and Cons of Electric Cars

Before we list down the good and bad things about electric cars, I will have to remind you that this is not the penultimate list of pros and cons. I will try to limit them to the most important ones that can affect your decision as a new car buyer. Ready? Let’s start.

The Pros of Getting an Electric Car

1. Getting an electric car is in a way, helping the environment. Overall, the carbon footprint of an electric car is much smaller compared to a car that runs on gas. It has zero emissions and most electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers these days are focusing on the use of eco-friendly materials for production. Some manufacturers incorporate green or bio-based materials into the interior and bodywork of the cars.
2. An electric car is much cheaper to run and maintain. The energy required to cover a distance in an electric car costs much less than that of a similar car that runs on gas. An electric car also has less moving parts than regular gas or diesel cars. Because of this, you won’t need as much servicing and parts replacement as you use the vehicle. One thing to note is that a lot of electric cars need to have their batteries replaced as they wear out but most manufacturers give an 8-year warranty on their batteries so you should be covered.
3. It’s a good investment. Now, if you don’t consider yourself a gearhead or a gadget freak then you won’t really mind what goes on your car. All you would like to know is whether it is a good investment or not. Experts believe that the resale price of an electric car will be much higher compared to a gas-powered car purchased on the same date. This is because more and more people will be buying into the electric car craze so regular cars will lose their values. So assuming you don’t care about new technology, an electric car will give you more bang for your buck in the long run.

The Cons of Getting and Electric Car

1. Electric cars may be cheaper to run, but they are more expensive to buy. The upfront cost is one of the reasons why there aren’t as many people who are interested in getting an electric vehicle. For example, the cheapest Tesla electric car sits at around $35,000 without any add-ons. Compare that with the $23,000 average price of new regular midsize sedans in the US. It’s almost as if the electric vehicles were made for people with deeper pockets.
2. Due to the nature of the car’s technology, an electric car can’t go long distances without asking for a refuel. Most electric cars have ranges anywhere from 60 to 120 miles per charge while more expensive models can go 300 miles. Regular cars can go 300 miles on one full tank on average. More, fuel-efficient cars get more than that. If you like to go on the road for long trips, this might be quite a bummer.
3. Refueling can be such a pain. It’s fine if you live in a larger city with a couple charging stations available for you to use. But that is not the case in certain locations in the US. You might need to create a trip that revolves around the location of charging stations. Also, it is worth noting that electric cars take up to 8 hours to charge on regular chargers. Fast chargers take around 30 minutes to fill 80% of the battery’s capacity. So if you are always on the go, an electric car might not be for you.

So what do you think? Already made a choice? Just remember that day by day, the technology improves and this means the concerns you might have today might be solved tomorrow. However, for all your regular or electric vehicle concerns, you can call on T3 Atlanta to help you out. We service regular gas-powered vehicles and electric vehicles at our two convenient metro-area locations. Give us a call and we’ll be more than happy to pen you in for a quick check.

I guess it’s pretty normal for human beings to be skeptical of new things. That’s just our nature. I dare say it’s a survival mechanism that we distrust things that are new especially when we barely know anything about it. The good thing is that we also have the capability to learn. This allows us to find out what part is true and what part is make believe. Such is the case with electric cars. When the technology was introduced a few years ago, people were skeptical, and a lot of myths about electric cars were born. Sure, we had battery powered cars, but they were mere toys. How could we possibly take the toy and transform it into a real car?

Luckily for us, we are learning more and more about the technology, and manufacturers are creating electric cars that are showing the true potential of the tech. So, we have compiled the top 5 myths about electric cars with the hopes of debunking them. These myths may have come from discussions long ago or more recent ones. By the end of the article, the goal is to clear baseless myths regarding electric cars. Let’s start.

The Top 5 Myths About Electric Cars

1. Electric Cars are Expensive – True(ish)

Sure. Electric cars are more expensive the moment you buy them from the dealership compared to regular cars. However, manufacturers are projecting a drop in the prices in the future. How? By creating cheaper batteries. The batteries make up a third of the total cost of an electric vehicle. As car companies develop cheaper, longer running, and more dependable batteries in the future, the price of electric cars will surely drop.

Also, another thing to note is that although electric cars cost more to buy, using them is much cheaper compared to a regular car. Charging only costs a fraction of a gas fill up in gasoline stations. Most electric cars are designed with minimal moving parts so maintenance costs are lower. Buying an electric car might be expensive but owning one is much easier on the budget.

2. There’s A Limited Number of Choices – False

If this were 5 years ago, then I would definitely agree with you. Fortunately for us, a lot of manufacturers are now joining the EV craze and there are now a lot of options available for would-be electric car owners. There are cheaper models for people who just need a cute car to drive them to work daily and there are top shelf models perfect for car collectors looking for a car to use for the next gala.

To date, there are at least 40 different electric vehicles being sold in the US with 15 of them considered to be fully-electric.

3. It’s Hard to Find a Charger – False

Whenever people talk about owning electric cars, they usually mention that it is hard to drive an electric car because there are much fewer charging stations compared to gasoline stations. While this may rattle you a little bit, the truth is that 90% of electric car owners charge at home or work.

In states with a lot of public charging stations, people are still opting to charge at home. The reason behind this is simple: it’s much safer to charge at home, and you get to relax while you wait.

4. You Won’t Get Far – False

I will be honest, if you are looking for a car to use for road trips around the country, then an electric car should be the last thing you should consider – for now. This is because the range of electric cars is less than your average gas-powered automobile, with top-tier models hitting the 250 mile range. 250 miles is more than enough to drive you from Atlanta to Nashville with a few more miles to spare. Also, it is known that the average American drives about 40 miles a day so even the cheapest models (that have a 100 mile range) should be enough for short trips around town.

With careful planning, you could definitely take your electric car across the country – just make sure to double-check that your hotels have a place you can charge your car overnight!

5. Electric Cars are Not Really Green – False

Whenever naysayers hear that electric cars are green and environmentally friendly they usually shoot back with “It’s not really green because it is still coal-powered because our electricity comes from coal”. If we were in the 90’s then this would definitely be true. But nowadays, the nation-wide electric grid is only 25% coal and this number is falling every year.

We are seeing a surge in the demand for renewable energy while a large percentage (34%) comes from cleaner burning natural gas. Batteries are also replaced and their creation requires a lot of energy and results in some waste but modern batteries are recyclable. Electric cars may not be 100% green but their carbon footprint is much, much smaller compared to regular gas-powered cars.

Electric Car Repair at T3 Atlanta

Now that you know the truth and myths about electric cars, you may want to add one to your garage! If you are in the market for an electric car, you can contact T3 Atlanta and we can recommend the perfect one based on your needs and budget. If you already have an electric car you love, we also service electric cars from Nissan, Toyota, Lexus, and Infiniti at both of our Metro-area locations. Call us today and let us help keep your ride in top condition!

Spring is just around the corner, which means it’s almost time for the annual spring cleaning – for your car! That’s right, spring cleaning isn’t just for your house. Cars have a way of accumulating things, from gym clothes and shoes to extra charging cables, bottles of medicine, and maybe even that lost coffee mug you’ve been looking for. Make your car look and feel like new with our top car spring cleaning tips.

Top Car Spring Cleaning Tips

Interior Cabin

• Give your floor mats a deep clean. Pull out the floor mats, vacuum them, and shampoo them. Just make sure they’re very dry before you put them back into your car, otherwise you might discover your newly-cleaned car has a musky odor a few weeks later.
• Clean out your glove box and center console. Glove boxes and center consoles have a way of fitting the old ‘out of sight, out of mind’ adage perfectly. First, one receipt. Then, a handful of coins. Toss in an actual pair of gloves for the winter. Before you know it, your glove box and center console are stuffed with an assortment of things you may have forgotten about! Take the opportunity during your car spring cleaning to get rid of all the nonessential items that have accumulated over the last year.
• Check under your seats. Unlike gloves boxes and center consoles, where you deliberately store items for later, the space beneath your seats is often an accidental repository for things like loose coins, receipts, ticket stubs, crumbs, and more. Grab a flashlight and a vacuum hose and empty out this forgotten realm.
• Empty out your back seat. If you have one, of course! Back seats are notorious for collecting everything from fast food bags to pet and children toys. This spring, grab a trash bag and get rid of anything you don’t need that’s taking up space in your back seat.
• …and your trunk. Whether you have a sedan, a hatchback, or an SUV, your trunk is a large, empty space that is designed for storage. Right? Well, yes – but it’s still good to shed extra weight to help you save on fuel costs. Besides, you don’t really need snow chains or de-icer in the middle of summer, do you?
• Clean your seats. If you have leather seats, use specialized leather cleaner to condition and protect your seats from UV rays. Caring for leather seats is best to do several times per year, especially during the hot summer months, so why not get a jump on it this spring? If you have fabric seats, vacuum the seats with a hose attachment and apply fabric cleaner if needed, following the instructions on the package.
• Dust and vacuum everything. And we do mean everything! Every surface, seam, carpet, and wheel well deserves a nice dust and vacuum to kick off the new season.
• Glass cleaner is your new best friend. At least when it comes to cleaning your windows. Clean both the insides and outsides of your windows with glass cleaner and a lint-free cloth (eg. microfiber). That said, if you have a convertible top with plastic windows, don’t use glass cleaner, as it could harm the plastic. Use a specialized cleaner for plastic windows to prevent them from becoming hazy.

Exterior Body

• Wash and wax your car. Washing and waxing your car isn’t just for cosmetic purposes. Dirt, dust, bugs, and grime from the road can damage the finish on your vehicle. So can tree sap. Washing your car is especially important if you’ve been traveling in a place where salt was applied to the road, since salt can corrode the bottom of your vehicle. A wash and wax only takes a few minutes to help maintain your car’s paint finish for the life of the vehicle.
• Scrub your wheels. Brake dust has a way of accumulating – and sticking – to wheels, especially car wheels that have a lot of spokes. Grab a stiff-bristled brush, a bottle of tire and wheel cleaner, and scrub those wheels until they shine!
• Apply tire shine. Tire shine may not do much for the functionality of your vehicle, but it sure looks great! Nothing says ‘I’ve just been cleaned’ more than glossy black tires, after all.
• Check your engine. You’ve heard it time and time again – change your oil and check your car’s fluids twice annually – once in the spring once in the fall. As it turns out, this timing is perfect, as it coincides with winterization and de-winterization. It may be tempting to ignore the fluids in your car since your engine is still running perfectly fine. But postponing regular vehicle maintenance is more likely to cause long-term and costly damage down the road. That’s why we recommend keeping your vehicle on its maintenance schedule. Why not start this spring?

Spring Car Maintenance at T3 Atlanta

Whether you aren’t comfortable checking your vehicle’s fluids, need a vehicle checkup, or are looking for more comprehensive care, T3 Atlanta is your go-to solution for your annual spring car maintenance. With our two convenient metro Atlanta locations, we’ll help keep your car in great shape all year long. Give us a call!

Convertibles are perfect for those days you want to experience the world with a more panoramic view – the first days of spring, the warm days of summer, the changing of leaf colors during the fall. Your convertible top is made out of durable material, but that doesn’t mean it can go without TLC like the rest of your car. Here’s how to care for your convertible top to make sure it works and looks great for the life of your vehicle.

How to Care For Your Convertible Top

The first question you should ask when it comes to how to care for your convertible top is what material your top is made of. Convertible tops come in three main types: hardtops, vinyl, and fabric.

Hardtops

Some cars have hardtop convertible tops that can either fold down into the trunk or be removed and stored in your garage. For the most part, these types don’t need much special care. Hardtops that fold into your trunk can be treated just like the rest of your metal-bodied vehicle.

Removable hardtops require slightly more attention. The most important part about this type is to store them in a way that prevents scratches. Heavy-duty wall hangers, a padded shelf, or even a thick blanket on the garage floor are all potential options. You’ll also want to check the latches that secure the top to your vehicle for any signs of rust and apply WD-40 if needed.

Vinyl

Vinyl convertible tops are sturdy and great at keeping out water, but these types of tops are susceptible to fading, drying, and cracking when not cared for properly.

1. First, you will first want to rinse off any excess dirt or debris from your convertible top using a hose.
2. If needed, apply any standard car wash shampoo or specialized vinyl top cleaner with a sponge or microfiber towel to get rid of any dirt that doesn’t come off with the hose.
3. Rinse (and repeat, if necessary), then pat the vinyl dry with towels.
4. Follow up with a vinyl protectant spray, following the manufacturer’s direction on the package. This spray will condition the vinyl, protect it from UV rays, and keep it from drying out or cracking.

Fabric

Fabric convertible tops are generally made of heavy-duty canvas and are treated to resist staining and moisture. These treatments don’t last forever, though, meaning that you’ll need to reapply them as a part of your standard car care routine.

1. First, rinse off any excess dirt or debris using a hose.
2. If needed, use a shampoo designed specifically for fabric tops to remove stains and dirt. Use a sponge or stiff-bristled brush to work the soap into the fabric.
3. Rinse (and repeat, if necessary).
4. After rinsing the car, check to see whether water beads up on the surface. If water is beading up, this means that your fabric treatment is still working and you do not need to apply a new layer. If water doesn’t bead up, it’s time to apply more protectant – after the fabric has dried!
5. Let the top dry naturally in a shaded spot.
6. When your fabric convertible top has dried, apply a fabric protector if needed, following the manufacturer’s directions on the bottle. Mask off windows and paint using a low-tack tape before you apply the fabric protector.
7. Let the protectant dry in a shaded spot.

Some vinyl or fabric tops have plastic, not glass, rear windows. Don’t use glass cleaners on these, as the formulation can damage the plastic and cause it to become hazy. Your local auto supply store will have products designed specifically for plastic windows to help keep them clean and clear.

More Tips to Care For Your Convertible Top

Convertible tops may take a little extra work, but any convertible owner will tell you that those days of open skies and fresh air are more than worth the effort. Here are some more tips to help ensure your convertible top stays in top condition.

• When you’re getting ready to put your convertible top down, check around you to make sure there’s enough overhead clearance to prevent damage
• Don’t take a convertible vehicle through an automatic car wash
• Don’t put the convertible top down while it is still wet
• Don’t leave the convertible top down overnight – or put the vehicle into storage with the top down
• Avoid cleaning your convertible top with alcohol, vinegar-based products, bleach, or citrus-based products, as these can actually cause bleaching or damage

There’s nothing like the open road in a convertible – and T3 Atlanta wants to help you keep motoring for years. Whether you need a routine checkup or more in-depth maintenance on your vehicle, give us a call. We’ll be happy to inspect and repair your vehicle to get you back onto the road quickly.

Preventive maintenance is the best way to ensure your vehicle is in top condition for the life of your car. Keeping up with your vehicle’s maintenance schedule ensures you know exactly what needs to be fixed and when. But seasonal maintenance is just as important, so here’s your spring car maintenance checklist to prepare your car for 2020.

Your 2020 Spring Car Maintenance Checklist

Change Your Oil

Not sure when you last changed your vehicle’s oil? That’s a good sign that you need an oil change.

Since old oil collects debris and dirt, it isn’t a great way to provide this essential cushion between the parts inside your engine. Regularly changing your oil helps keep your engine’s parts from wearing against each other and causing premature damage. Or, worse, seizing up and causing your engine to lock up while you’re driving. Changing your oil this spring could help you prevent an expensive repair bill later.

Check Your Fluids

You may be thinking that you just checked your fluid as part of your fall or winter car maintenance. Ideally, you should check your vehicle’s essential fluids twice a year – once in the spring and once in the fall. Your essential fluids include transmission fluid, power steering fluid, brake fluid, oil, and coolant. If you don’t feel comfortable checking these, don’t worry. Call T3 Atlanta – we’ll check and top off your fluids for you.

Test Your Car’s Air Conditioner

If you’ve lived in Atlanta for any amount of time, you know that summer heat will be here before you know it. Test your car’s air conditioner to make sure that you aren’t caught off guard when the first hot day of 2020 arrives.

While you’re at it, it’s a good idea to check your air filter. Your air filter is essential to good engine performance and can get clogged with debris over the winter. Replace your air filter if needed.

Inspect Your Engine Compartment

Many people never open their engine compartment more than a couple of times per year, if ever. This spring, take a look inside your engine compartment and clear away any debris that may have accumulated from falling leaves or pine needles.

You’ll also want to check your battery to make sure that there is no corrosion on the terminals. If you do see corrosion, you apply a quick mix of baking soda and water with a toothbrush to clean it off.

Check Your Windshield Wipers

Maybe your windshield wipers were in good condition when you winterized your vehicle, or maybe you skipped over this part of winterizing your vehicle. Whatever your situation, ‘2020’ isn’t just for eyeglasses – the new decade is the perfect time to make sure you can see when it’s raining, too!

Check to make sure that your windshield wipers don’t smear or leave streaks. If they do, it’s time to replace them for this year’s spring showers.

Check Your Tires for Wear and Damage

Your tires are one of those very important but easy to forget about car parts. They undergo a lot of wear and tear even on short trips to the store. Having adequate tread on your tires isn’t just important for winter driving conditions; it’s essential for wet spring conditions.

Use the penny trick to check how much tread is left on your tires. To do this, insert a penny in the tread of your tire with Abraham Lincoln’s head facing you. If you can see the top of his hair, you will need to get new tires.

In addition to tread, check your tires and wheels for bulges or signs of damage and visit your local tire shop if needed. You don’t want your tire to blow out while you’re driving, after all!

Lastly, you likely deflated your tires for the winter months. It’s time to reinflate them in preparation for warmer weather. Your local auto shop can quickly take care of this for you.

Spring Car Maintenance at T3 Atlanta

T3 Atlanta has more than 20 years of experience servicing Nissan, Lexus, Infiniti, and Toyota vehicles. We’re happy to give your vehicle a full inspection to make sure your car is in top shape for the new season and new decade. With our two convenient metro area locations in Smyrna and Decatur, we make fast and friendly spring car maintenance easy.

Auto shocks are one of those invisible pieces of technology that make our lives more comfortable without us even realizing it. Shocks control the movement from your vehicle’s suspension to make your vehicle’s ride smoother, instead of rough or bouncy like older vehicles. When should you get auto shock maintenance? Let’s find out.

How To Know When To Get Auto Shock Maintenance

Most shocks last about 50,000 miles, depending on where you live and the type of driving you do. Cars that do a lot of offroading, for example, can expect a much shorter lifespan than cars that stick to city streets. Since the average car shocks take a while to wear out, it’s often hard to notice that they’re beginning to give out when you drive every day.

Unlike many other components in your car, auto shocks don’t directly affect your engine performance. It’s easy to put this piece of maintenance at the very bottom of your to-do list. Here’s how to tell when you need to get auto shock maintenance.

Your Ride Is Bouncy

…and we’re not talking about bouncing lowrider cars! The number one tell that your shocks are shot is a bouncy ride. When you drive over bumps in the road, your car shouldn’t be bouncing all over the place. Likewise, your traction control system (TCS) light shouldn’t flicker on when you drive over bumps. When your TCS turns on over rough terrain, this means that your vehicle’s wheels are having difficulty keeping enough grip while the wheels are bouncing off the road.

Your Shocks Are Singing

Well, not literally. But if you hear strange creaks, pops, or groans when your car goes over bumps in the road, that’s a good sign that your shocks need replacing. Your shocks start to squeak or creak when the lubrication in your suspension system wears out.

Your Car Starts Bottoming Out Regularly

Unless you have an extreme lowrider or your car has a very low profile, regularly bottoming out over speedbumps, railroad tracks, steep driveway skirts, or uneven terrain is another big sign that you need auto shock maintenance.

You can actually damage your vehicle’s undercarriage if the bounce in your car is extreme enough for it to touch the road. It’s important to get your shocks replaced in order to prevent potentially costly maintenance later.

Your Car Dives Forward When You Accelerate Or Brake

It’s normal for your car to lean slightly forward or back when you accelerate or brake quickly – that’s just physics at play. However, when your vehicle significantly dives forward (or backward) when you accelerate or brake, that can be a sign that your shocks need replacing. Remember that your shocks mitigate excessive motion, so this extreme movement means that your shocks can no longer do their job.

Similarly, it’s normal for your car to lean in the direction you are traveling when you are making turns. Healthy shocks will help minimize this lean while shocks in bad condition will result in an extreme lean. This may sound like a minor inconvenience, but it can actually impact the handling and safety of your vehicle.

Auto Shock Maintenance at T3 Atlanta

There’s an easy test you can perform at home to tell if auto shock maintenance is about to make its way to the top of your to-do list. Grab a friend and push down as hard as you can on each corner of the car, then let go. If the vehicle keeps bouncing after you let go, your shocks need to be replaced.

The best surefire way to tell if your vehicle needs new shocks is to have a trained mechanic inspect your suspension system. T3 Atlanta is here for you. We’ll inspect your vehicle and recommend the best course of action to ensure your ride is safe and comfortable. Give us a call or visit us at one of our convenient metro Atlanta locations in Smyrna or Decatur.

Car brakes are important for obvious reasons, but despite how crucial they are to keeping us safe on the road, they’re one of those maintenance items that’s easy to forget. As long as the car stops when we step on the brake, they’re working, right? Well, yes. But car brake maintenance is just as important as regular oil changes and essential to keeping you and others safe on the road.

Signs That You Need Car Brake Maintenance

Your Brakes Don’t Work As Well As They Used To

‘Brake fade’ is the technical term for ‘your brakes don’t’ work as well as they used to’. Brake fade is often difficult to identify because the gradual wear of your brake pads happens over time. In other words, you get used to needing to apply more and more pressure to the brakes to stop and just don’t notice it. Brake fade happens when your brake fluid is low, your brake pads are worn down, or both.

Your Car Pulls to the Side When You Brake

Your car shouldn’t be moving anywhere but straight forward when you press the brake pedal. When your car pulls to the side when you brake, that’s a good sign that you need car brake maintenance. Debris in the brake fluid, unevenly worn pads, suspension problems, and worn rotors are just a few potential reasons your car may pull when you brake. All of these issues can lead to larger and more costly issues down the line, so addressing them sooner can help you avoid expensive repairs later.

Your Brake Fluid Levels Are Low

Your brake fluid ensures that there’s enough pressure in the braking system to effectively apply force to stop the vehicle. A leak is one of the most common causes of low brake fluid levels, which means it’s especially important to bring your car to a mechanic like T3 Atlanta.

You can check your brake fluid yourself by opening your hood and, after consulting your owner’s manual to find out where the brake fluid reservoir is located, checking to see how much fluid is inside. If you aren’t comfortable with doing this, any mechanic can check your brake fluid.

Although it may be tempting while your brakes still work, don’t ignore the problem: when you run out of brake fluid, it’s just like you see in the movies – your brakes will no longer stop your vehicle. Since you want your brakes to stop your car when you press the brake pedal, it’s important to find and fix what’s causing low brake fluid in your car.

Your Brakes Are Making Strange Noises

When your brakes are working properly, they shouldn’t make any unusual noises unless you’re coming to a very sudden stop or the moisture from wet road conditions is making them squeal.

The rest of the time, any noise from your brakes should be a reason to get your brakes inspected. There’s a metal shim in your brake pads that is designed to notify you when your brake pads are getting thin. Regularly hearing this squeal is a sign that your brakes will need to be changed soon.

Once you start hearing grinding or growling noises, you need to take your car to your mechanic as quickly as possible for car brake maintenance. Grinding and growling noises indicate that your brake pads are completely worn out. Not changing your brake pads can lead to expensive rotor or caliper damage, which can, in turn, cause the brake system to overheat and fail.

Your Brake Pedal Vibrates When You Press Down

Your brake pedal should depress smoothly when you press it unless you’re braking very quickly and you feel your anti-lock system kick in. The rest of the time, a vibrating brake pedal means that you need car brake maintenance.

From debris in your brake pads to misaligned wheels, there are many possible reasons your brake pedal may vibrate. That’s why having an experienced mechanic inspect your car is important: the mechanic can identify exactly what’s causing the vibration and prevent costly long-term damage.

Visit T3 Atlanta For Car Brake Maintenance

Modern brake pads have a long life, generally lasting 50,000 miles or more depending on your driving habits. If you notice any of the signs we’ve outlined above, give T3 Atlanta a call. Our team is made of highly trained and experienced professionals who are dedicated to giving you the best quality service Atlanta’s auto shops have to offer.