A gallon of gas won’t get you far and doesn’t come cheap these days. That said, we all have a schedule to keep and things that need to get done. With gas prices constantly escalating, it’s safe to assume most of us could use pointers to avoid that next dreaded stop at the station for a fill-up. Here are a few convenient measures to help that full tank of gas take you further down the road.

Helpful tips to keep your gas tank full

1. Take a Pass on ‘Premium’ Gas

Save yourself the extra cash and skip the premium gas unless it is listed as required inside your gas tank door or within the owner’s manual. Unless premium fuel is required by the manufacturer of your car, it won’t contribute any added benefit. High-octane gasoline is primarily designed for high-end vehicles; 87-octane gas does a splendid job for the rest of us without the additional cost.

2. Keep your Need for Speed in check

Paying attention to how fast you are going remains one of the most basic and valuable lessons one can learn when trying to save money on the road and at the pumps. Dropping those miles per hour and keeping to the posted speed limit can easily extend the miles in your gas tank.

3. Keep an even-balanced approach with those pedals

A lead foot costs more at the station than a calculated, measured step. Try a slow and steady acceleration instead of putting the pedal to the metal, keeping in mind that you burn up more fuel with jackrabbit starts and hard accelerations. The heat and pressure of slamming on the brakes squander the gas you consume to get up to speed and can cause severe wear and damage to the brakes themselves.

4. Be aware of your aerodynamics

Keep your usage of carriers and roof racks to a minimum when they aren’t in use and needed. A loaded bike rack or car-top container will significantly impact your gas mileage, with empty racks or carriers harming fuel economy, especially on the highway.

Clear out any large and heavy items from your car that aren’t deemed necessary for your upcoming trip. You will use more fuel when accelerating and braking with a heavier vehicle.

5. Keep cool naturally

That ultra-convenient air conditioner can keep you cool, but that refreshingly cool blast comes with a price. Air conditioning can consume quite a bit of gas, so crack open the windows to let in the fresh air when conditions are mild.

Even when cruising on the highway, opening your windows will have less effect on fuel economy than the engine power needed to run the air conditioning compressor.

6. Repair and maintenance

Make sure you are up to date on those necessary maintenance trips. Vehicles running with healthy engines consume less gas and require less work and upkeep. Regularly scheduled checkups on your car allow one to address any potential repair issues before resulting in untimely breakdowns or safety concerns.

Keep Your Car In Top Shape At T3 Atlanta

Our experienced technicians utilize cutting-edge diagnostic equipment to quickly determine and resolve any issues your car may be experiencing. Regular maintenance on well-worn car parts is an essential step towards extending the safety and longevity of your vehicle. Our team can keep your engine humming and can help prolong the lifespan of your full tank of gas in a trustworthy and affordable fashion.

Staffed with the most experienced and knowledgeable Infiniti, Lexus, Nissan, and Toyota technicians in the state, T3 Atlanta has the knowledge to keep you moving and feeling safe on the road. If you believe your car needs service or repair, contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Are you thinking of buying a used car? In this article, we will show you five things you need to check before making your purchase.

Why Buy A Used Car?

There are several reasons why people might prefer to buy a used car rather than a brand new one. Used vehicles are often significantly cheaper than new cars and may come with additional features that would be expensive to add to a new car. For example, a used car might already have GPS installed, while a new car would require the purchase of an aftermarket GPS. In addition, used vehicles may have been broken in by their previous owners, which can make them more comfortable to drive.

On the other hand, used cars may also come with hidden problems that their previous owners were unaware of or unwilling to disclose. These problems range from cosmetic damage to serious mechanical issues and can be expensive to repair. As a result, buying a used car is often a gamble, and it is essential to do your research before making a purchase.

But you don’t have to take this gamble. We’ve listed five things you should check before buying a used car. We hope that you will have a good idea of what to look out for when purchasing a new car when you are through this piece.

5 Things to Check Before Buying A Used Car

Before you buy a used car, you must do your homework and inspect the vehicle carefully. Here are five things you need to check:

1. Title Issues

The first thing you need to do is check for any title issues. A clean title means that the car has not been in any major accidents and has no outstanding liens against the vehicle. If the car has a salvage title, it has been damaged in an accident or flood and declared a total loss by the insurance company. Salvage cars can be dangerous and may not be worth buying, even if sold at a discount.

2. Accident History

You should also check the car’s accident history. Even if the car has a clean title, this does not mean that it has never been in an accident. Many accidents are not reported to the DMV, so you will need to do a little digging to find out if the car you are interested in has been involved in any accidents.

The best way to do this is to request a vehicle history report from a company like CarFax or AutoCheck. These reports will show you any accidents that have been reported to the DMV, as well as any other significant events in the car’s history.

3. Recall Notices

Another thing to check for is recall notices. Sometimes, cars are recalled by the manufacturer due to safety concerns. If a vehicle you are interested in buying has been recalled, this does not mean that it is necessarily unsafe, but it is something you will need to be aware of. You can check for recall notices on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website.

4. Maintenance Records

It is also a good idea to ask for maintenance records from the previous owner. These records will show you how well the car has been maintained and can give you an idea of what repairs or maintenance may be needed in the future.

If the previous owner does not have any records, you should try to get in touch with the dealership or service center where the car was last serviced.

5. A Professional Inspection

Finally, we recommend you have a professional inspection before buying a used car. An assessment will give you peace of mind and help you spot any potential problems you may not have noticed on your own. Many dealerships offer free inspections, or you can hire a qualified mechanic to inspect for you.

Car Inspections And Repairs In Atlanta

These are just a few of the things you need to check before buying a used car. With a little bit of research, you can avoid buying a lemon and end up with a car that will serve you well for many years to come. And if you’re ever in doubt, remember that you can always ask for a professional opinion before making a final decision.

If you are in the market for a used car, T3 Atlanta has an inspection service where you can have one of our mechanics look at the car you want to buy to ensure it’s not a lemon. Having a trusted mechanic from T3 Atlanta check the car before purchasing it reduces the chances of you wasting your money. Contact T3 Atlanta today and get the used car of your dreams.

There are a lot of parts in your car that you need to take care of as they can easily break or crack. One part is the windshield. While not typical, many car owners have had the experience of having their windshields crack at random moments. Why do windshield cracks crack? What can car owners do to prevent their windshields from cracking? Let’s talk about windshield cracks in this article.

Why Do Windshields Crack?

Only a few things can make your windshield crack, and for a good reason. Your windshield protects passengers from anything on the road, so windshields take a beating. They are also not built to last forever. Here are some things that can damage and crack your car’s windshield.

Collision With Small Rocks or Debris While Driving

A windshield is designed to protect you from the elements while driving but can also be easily damaged by small rocks or debris. When these objects hit your windshield, they can cause the glass to crack or chip.

The damage may seem minor at first, but over time it can weaken the windshield’s structure and make it more likely to shatter in a collision. In some cases, the damage may even obstruct your view of the road.

Extreme Weather Conditions, Such as Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

Your car’s windshield is designed to withstand a certain amount of wear and tear. However, extreme temperature changes can cause the glass to crack or shatter. In freezing weather, the glass can contract faster than the plastic components of the windshield, causing it to become weaker and more susceptible to impact. Conversely, in scorching weather, the glass can expand faster than the plastic, leading to stress fractures.

In either case, it’s important to have any cracks or damage repaired as soon as possible, as they can weaken the windshield and lead to further problems.

Accidents or Collision

When you get into a car accident or collide with something while driving, the impact can cause your windshield to crack. Cracks usually form when the glass is hit with a lot of force, causing it to shatter. Once a crack forms, it will continue to spread until the entire windshield is shattered. However, even a small impact can cause a crack if the glass is already weakened from another event, such as a change in temperature.

Regular Wear and Tear

Over time, your windshield will endure a lot of wear and tear. Between exposure to the elements, small rocks and debris kicked up by other vehicles, and the occasional crack or chip, it’s no wonder that windshields need to be replaced from time to time. However, did you know regular wear and tear can cause your windshield to crack? As the glass is repeatedly exposed to changes in temperature (from the hot sun to frigid cold), it begins to weaken.

In addition, the constant vibration from driving can also contribute to glass breakage. As a result, it’s essential to take care not only of chips and cracks but also to keep an eye on the overall condition of your windshield. Taking care of your windshield can help prevent expensive repairs or replacements down the road.

What Can You Do To Prevent Your Windshield From Cracking?

Now that we know what can cause windshields to crack, let’s talk about how you can prevent it.

Check for Chips and Cracks Regularly

The best way to protect your windshield is to check it regularly for chips and cracks. If you see any damage, no matter how small, it’s essential to have it repaired as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the greater the chance that the damage will spread and the windshield will need to be replaced.

Avoid Extreme Temperature Changes

As we mentioned, extreme temperature changes can cause your windshield to crack or shatter. So if you live in an area with extreme weather conditions, it’s important to take extra care of your windshield. In winter, clean any snow or ice off your windshield before driving, and in summer, try to avoid parking in direct sunlight.

Be Careful When Driving

Of course, you can’t always avoid accidents, but there are certain things you can do to help prevent them. First, ensure you’re always wearing your seatbelt to protect yourself in a collision. Second, be aware of your surroundings and drive defensively. And finally, avoid driving on rough roads or through construction zones whenever possible. Following these simple tips can help keep yourself and your windshield safe while on the road.

What Should You Do If Your Windshield Cracks?

If your windshield cracks, it’s important to take action right away. First, if the crack is small, you may be able to have it repaired. However, if the crack is more significant than a dollar bill, or if it’s in your line of sight, you’ll need to have the windshield replaced.

Windshield replacement can be expensive, so choosing a reputable company that offers a warranty on their work is crucial. In addition, make sure to get an estimate before having any work done, as some companies may try to take advantage of unsuspecting customers. Taking these precautions can help ensure that your windshield is repaired or replaced correctly and that you don’t end up paying more than you have to.

Windshields are designed to protect drivers and passengers from the elements, but they can only do their job if they’re in good condition. So, if you want to keep your windshield in top shape, it’s important to know what can cause it to crack or shatter. Taking care of your glass and being aware of your surroundings can help prevent expensive repairs or replacements down the road. And if your windshield does develop a crack, make sure to take action right away to avoid further damage.

Get Your Next Car Checkup At T3 Atlanta

While T3 Atlanta does not have any windshield repair or replacement services, the team can help you identify easily missed cracks through inspection. Bring in your car for general repair service, and we can have our expert mechanics thoroughly check your windshield for chips or cracks. Contact T3 Atlanta today to schedule an appointment.