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What’s The Difference Between Drive Types?

March 23, 2021 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

There are four types of drivetrains that a vehicle can have: front, rear, 4-wheel, and all wheel. Each type has its own set of benefits and drawbacks that may be all the difference in what you decide to purchase, depending on your driving habits. Here, we discuss the difference between drive types and the pros and cons of each.

The difference between drive types

Put simply, your engine’s drivetrain is a system that connects your car’s transmission to its axles, delivering engine power to the wheels. The terms ‘front’, ‘rear’, ‘4-wheel’, and ‘all-wheel’ refer to which wheels are receiving the power.

Front

Most cars on the road these days are front-wheel drive vehicles. This type of car features a drivetrain that powers the two wheels at the front of the vehicle. There are several benefits of this type of drive train, including:

  • Fuel efficiency: The drive axles in a front-wheel drive vehicle are shorter than their siblings since they don’t need to connect to the rear of the vehicle. This makes for lighter weight vehicles and fewer trips to the gas station.
  • Less costly: This type of drive is less complicated compared to others and is less expensive to produce for manufacturers. It’s also less expensive for consumers to maintain over the life of the vehicle.
  • Performs well in many types of weather: Front-wheel drive vehicles maintain good traction on wet surfaces, snow, sand, gravel, and more. This type of drive also reduces the likelihood of your vehicle ‘fishtailing’, a problem that is more common in rear-wheel drive cars.

Despite these advantages, there are several drawbacks to a front-wheel drive vehicle.

  • Torque steer can cause the car to pull to one side or the other when accelerating quickly.
  • The vehicle’s turning radius is much larger than other types of drives because there isn’t as much room under the front of the vehicle.
  • Your front tires may wear out faster than other types of drives since they are carrying the combined weight of the engine, transmission, and drivetrain, and also have to absorb everyday braking, acceleration, and steering.
  • Front-wheel drive systems may not last as long as other types of drives.

Rear

In a rear-wheel drive vehicle, the engine is positioned at the front of the vehicle and provides power to the wheels at the back of the car or truck. There are several benefits to a rear-wheel drive vehicle, including:

  • Excellent acceleration from a standstill: Rear-wheel drive vehicles are not impacted by torque steer like their front-wheel drive siblings, offering superior handling when accelerating from a complete stop. This aspect makes rear-wheel drive vehicles the drive of choice for performance vehicles.
  • Better turning radius: Because the vehicle’s drive wheels are in the back and do not have to share space with the engine and front suspension, they can turn more sharply than front-wheel drive cars.
  • Better payload capacity: Extra weight over the rear wheels increases the towing capacity of the vehicle, which is ideal for pickup trucks.

There are some drawbacks to consider when it comes to rear-wheel drive vehicles.

  • These vehicles do not perform as well in inclement conditions, especially snow, as they are more likely to get stuck. They are also more likely to fishtail on wet surfaces.
  • They are not as fuel efficient as front-wheel drive vehicles.

4-wheel

As the name suggests, 4-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles feature a drivetrain that is designed to deliver power to all four wheels. The vehicle may be designed to have a full or part-time system; part-time offers the additional choice for the driver to switch between rear and 4WD depending on their needs. There are several advantages of 4WD vehicles, including:

  • Superior off-road capability: These vehicles are unmatched in off-road conditions.
  • Superior towing capacity: 4WD vehicles are equipped with heavy-duty suspensions that are ideal for towing, whether on or off-road.
  • Superior performance in inclement weather: 4WD vehicles are excellent in all types of driving conditions, especially snowy and wet conditions.

That said, there are several disadvantages to consider about 4WD vehicles.

  • The weight of the vehicle decreases fuel economy.
  • 4WD vehicles require more frequent service than two-wheel drive vehicles due to the number of components in the vehicle.
  • 4WD vehicles are more costly than two-wheel drive cars.

All wheel

Although all-wheel and 4-wheel drive types may sound like different terms for the same thing, they work a little differently and are distinct enough to be considered their own category.

All-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles work with the onboard computer to continuously transfer power between the wheels depending on where it’s needed most, whether that’s accelerating quickly or in response to wet or snowy conditions. There are several advantages to AWD vehicles, including:

  • Excellent performance in inclement weather: Since power is being directed where it’s needed most, AWD vehicles offer great performance in poor driving conditions.
  • Versatile: AWD vehicles perform equally well off-road as they do on city streets, which is ideal for drivers who regularly do both types of driving.

There are some drawbacks to consider, though, about AWD cars.

  • Like 4WD vehicles, AWD cars are heavier and require more fuel to operate.
  • AWD vehicles may require more frequent service than two-wheel drive cars.
  • AWD vehicles are more costly than front or rear-wheel drive vehicles.

Drivetrain Repair And More At T3 Atlanta

Whether you need work on your vehicle’s drivetrain or want to get preventive maintenance to keep your car in top shape, T3 Atlanta is here and ready to provide the service your vehicle deserves. Give us a call at our convenient Smyrna or Decatur location and we’ll book you in for fast and friendly service today.

Filed Under: Auto Repair

3 Signs It’s Time To Replace Your Car

March 16, 2021 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

Knowing when it’s time to get a new car isn’t always as obvious as the steering wheel coming off or the engine falling out. Although there’s no universal rule as to when it’s time to replace your car, there are three major signs it’s time to upgrade your vehicle, which we discuss below.

1. Your car is more expensive to repair than it’s worth

Regardless of how much or how little you drive your vehicle, car owners are eventually going to need to drop money on maintenance and repairs. After all, keeping your car on its maintenance schedule will prolong the lifespan of your vehicle and help prevent you from getting stranded on the side of the road.

There comes a point for many car owners, however, where the cost of repairs in an aging vehicle starts to outweigh the vehicle’s value. (This factor may not be important to some people, who simply want to keep their beloved car.)

For those who are trying to stay on a budget, or who don’t want to be paying more than their car is worth on keeping it going, it may be time to look at the free vehicle value estimators from Kelly Blue Book or NADA. You’ll then want to get a quote from your mechanic to assess both current and upcoming maintenance items.

If your car’s value is less than your combined maintenance quote, then you may want to consider trading it in for something that will cost you less money overall.

2. Your needs have changed

Maybe you’re about to welcome a new member to your family and your two-seater won’t cut it anymore. Maybe you’re about to pick up off-roading as a new hobby and your minivan just isn’t up for the task. Perhaps you’ve decided to start driving for a ride-share service and you need a vehicle that’s more suited to transport passengers around town.

Whatever the factors in your life may be, honestly assess whether your current vehicle is still right to match your needs. Sometimes, a change in what you’re driving can make a significant impact in your quality of life.

3. You are earning more money – or less

A change in employment – for better or for worse – can significantly impact whether it’s time to replace your car. A promotion or raise may mean you can comfortably afford that car which has been on your wish list, while a job loss may mean you need to trade your vehicle in for something more affordable.

You’ll want to consider whether your change in income is temporary and weigh the associated likelihood of further changes to your earnings into whether or not you want to make the commitment to a new ride.

Complete Auto Care At T3 Atlanta

As you can see, there are many potential signs it’s time to replace your vehicle, but only you can make the final call. If you’ve decided that it isn’t yet time to replace your car but you need repairs, T3 Atlanta can help extend the lifespan of your car and keep it in top condition.

We provide fast and friendly service for Nissan, Lexus, Infiniti, and Toyota vehicles at our convenient Smyrna and Decatur locations. Give us a call and we’ll book you in for a prompt appointment!

Filed Under: Auto Repair

Top Tips For Drive-In Theatres

March 9, 2021 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

The drive-in theatre was a mainstay of the mid-20th century, and many have gone the way of the dodo. However, some drive-ins do still exist, including one here in Atlanta. With many theatres still closed or running with limited capacity, and spring bringing warmer weather to our city, it’s the perfect time to go to a drive-in theatre. If you’ve never been to a drive-in and want to give it a try, here are our top tips for drive-in theatres to make your night out a success.

1. Look at the weather report

Drive-ins don’t just operate in perfect weather; they’ll be open rain or shine. All the same, it’s a good idea to look at the weather report before you go and plan accordingly.

If there’s a cold night ahead, pack some hand warmers, hot cocoa, and a blanket or two. If it’s going to be raining, you may want to bring a towel to combat condensation forming on the windows. (Alternately, you can always stick an umbrella outside of your window so you can keep the windows open and yourself dry.)

2. Bring a radio

Your movie’s sound is broadcast through FM radio. You can always rely on your vehicle’s battery to get you through the film (just make sure to run your car during intermission so you don’t completely drain your battery). However, you can also bring your own radio and tune in to the indicated channel, saving your car’s battery and the need to get a jump start after the show.

3. Pack snacks and drinks

You can get concessions at the drive-in, but to save costs and also enjoy your favorite treats, you can also bring your own. Since you can’t have your car’s cabin lights on during the show, it’s best to pack food and drink that you can easily grab in the dark.

Candies, chips, and bagged popcorn are always perfect movie-watching snacks. For the health-conscious, hummus or veggies and chips are great alternatives.

4. Bring a spare battery pack

Although your drive-in theatre will have someone on hand ready to jump-start your car, you can also do it yourself with a portable battery pack. This option saves you some time as the person doing jump-start rounds may not begin until all other cars have left the drive-in.

5. Practice drive-in etiquette

You and your fellow drivers are at the drive-in for one purpose: to enjoy a movie. Since you’re in your car and not in a theatre, it’s important to practice drive-in etiquette and not distract others from their viewing experience.

Some basic tips include:

  • Turn off your headlights
  • Turn off your engine
  • Park at least 10 feet away from other cars
  • Don’t sit on top of or outside of your car during the movie
  • If you’re using your car battery for audio, run your car during the intermission
  • If you’re in an SUV or truck, park near the back of the lot to avoid obstructing other patrons’ view

Complete Auto Care At T3 Atlanta

Whether you need a battery replaced, want to keep your car on its maintenance schedule, or require more comprehensive repairs on your vehicle, T3 Atlanta can help. We provide fast and friendly service Nissan, Lexus, Infiniti, and Toyota vehicles at our two convenient metro Atlanta locations. Give us a call and let us book you in for an appointment today!

Filed Under: Car Tips, Travel Tips

The Top 5 Car Maintenance Myths

February 23, 2021 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

It often seems like everyone has a different opinion about how you should care for your car. Although all of these tips are meant to help preserve the lifespan of your vehicle and save you money, some of them actually aren’t all that helpful for your vehicle. Today, we talk about 5 common car maintenance myths that you can safely leave in the past.

1. Premium fuel is better for your car and its gas mileage

The reasoning behind this myth is that there are fewer impurities in premium gas, so your car can run cleaner and more efficiently with a tank full of the expensive stuff.

As we discuss in the difference between fuel grades, premium gas is worth every penny for cars that are designed for this type of fuel. However, your average engine doesn’t need the higher octane because it isn’t designed to burn premium fuel efficiently. Average engines are actually designed to perform their best with lower-grade gas.

It won’t hurt your vehicle to put premium fuel in an engine that’s designed for low or mid-grade gas, but it also won’t impact your gas mileage or performance. If you have a car where premium fuel is required, DO NOT put lower grade gasoline into it. You may save some money now, but you could shorten the lifespan of your car and see a lower miles per gallon with long-term use.

2. You can wash your car with dish or laundry soap

The train of thinking here is that you already have all the tools you need on hand to wash your car – assuming you have dish or laundry soap, of course. You save yourself cash and a trip to the auto supply store, all while getting the same results as a specially-formulated car washing solution, right?

Not quite. Dish or laundry soap may be effective at cleaning dirt and grime off of your vehicle, but that’s all it can do. Car wash solutions are designed to do more than make your car shiny; these formulas remove dirt and grime that can eat away at your paint job, protect the paint, and improve visibility while it’s raining with a thin layer of wax.

3. Rolling down the windows while driving will improve fuel economy

Whether your car’s air conditioning wastes gas actually depends on where you’re driving.

If you’re driving in the city, using your air conditioning can use extra gas in conjunction with frequent stops, starts, and sitting traffic. As long as it’s nice weather out, you can save yourself some gas – and get some fresh air – with the windows rolled down.

However, if you’re driving on the freeway, it’s a different story. The drag caused by open windows makes your car work harder to maintain cruising speed, which in turn burns more gas.

4. Refueling in the morning will save you money at the pump

The idea behind this myth is that gasoline, like other liquids, expands in warmer temperatures so pumping warm gas in the middle of the day means you’re getting less – literally – bang for your buck.

However, the gasoline reservoirs at gas stations are stored underground for a reason. Underground, fuel stays at a more consistent temperature throughout the day. The temperature would have to get quite warm – or cold – to significantly impact the temperature of the fuel going into your gas tank regardless of the time of day.

5. You should get all 4 tires replaced at the same time

One of the most common car maintenance myths is that you need to get all of your tires replaced at the same time. This isn’t necessarily true. For front and rear-wheel drive vehicles, you can replace one, two, or even three tires at once. Just make sure they’re the same type as the remaining tires on your vehicle.

If you have an all-wheel drive vehicle, however, you’ll typically need to replace AWD tires in pairs, if not all at once. This will depend on the amount of wear on them.

Preventive Car Maintenance And More At T3 Atlanta

Whether you have questions about car maintenance myths, need routine maintenance, or  require comprehensive repairs on your vehicle, T3 Atlanta can help. We provide fast and friendly service for Nissan, Infiniti, Lexus, and Toyota vehicles at our convenient Smyrna and Decatur locations. Give us a call and we’ll book you in for repairs so you can drive with the confidence and peace of mind that your vehicle is in top condition.

Filed Under: Car Tips

How To Detect A Carbon Monoxide Leak In Your Car

February 16, 2021 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

Carbon monoxide is usually associated with homes and furnaces, so you may be surprised to learn that it’s just as possible to have a carbon monoxide leak in your car. Since this problem can have potentially dangerous consequences, here’s how to detect a carbon monoxide leak in your car.

How can carbon monoxide enter your vehicle?

Carbon monoxide is a natural byproduct of your engine’s operations, and the designers of your vehicle have gone to great lengths to make sure your exhaust system keeps harmful fumes out of the cabin.

Despite this, carbon monoxide can enter your vehicle when there’s a problem in your exhaust system, such as a leak.

What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?

Carbon monoxide is odorless, invisible, and tasteless, so you may not know there’s a problem until you start to notice lightheadedness, dizziness, or headaches when you’re on the road. In worst case scenarios, you can even pass out while driving.

According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:

  • Blurry vision
  • Confusion
  • Dizziness
  • Dull headache
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Shortness of breath
  • Weakness

As mentioned, carbon monoxide is designed to be diverted away from your vehicle’s cabin by the exhaust system. If you’ve recently had work on your exhaust and started noticing symptoms after the repairs were done, and also notice that your symptoms go away after you’ve arrived at your destination, there’s a good chance carbon monoxide may be leaking into your car.

If you need to continue driving your car even though you think there is a carbon monoxide leak, roll down all of your windows while driving to help prevent gases from getting trapped in the cabin.

How can you detect a carbon monoxide leak in your vehicle?

Aside from noticing the symptoms mentioned above, there are two ways to detect a carbon monoxide leak in your vehicle.

  • CO2 detector: A carbon monoxide detector is a handheld device that’s designed to detect how much of this gas is present in the air. If you plan to use it in your vehicle, DO NOT sit in the car when you run your test. Instead, turn on the sensor and leave it in your idling vehicle for at least 10 minutes (this gives enough time for the gas to build up). After 10 minutes, check your sensor and consult the instruction manual to interpret your results. If your results are high, it’s time to make an appointment with your mechanic.
  • Fire or carbon monoxide alarm: This may seem like a strange solution, but there’s no reason a fire or carbon monoxide alarm won’t work in your vehicle, even if it may be quite loud if it goes off. You’ll want to put it somewhere within easy reach of you so that you can turn it off if needed. As above, you need to make an appointment with your mechanic as soon as possible if your fire alarm does go off while you’re driving.

Fast And Friendly Auto Service At T3 Atlanta

Carbon monoxide poisoning from your car is very dangerous and is important to fix promptly. T3 Atlanta can help detect the location of the leak and make repairs so you can get back on the road with confidence and peace of mind. Give us a call and we’ll book you in straight away for a diagnostic and repairs.

Filed Under: Car Tips

The 5 Most Common Car Problems

February 9, 2021 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

There’s a good chance that your car is an integral part of your daily life, helping you get to and from the store, work, school, and more. Keeping your car in good shape is the best way to minimize the inevitable trip to the repair shop, so what are the most common car problems and how can you prevent them?

The 5 Most Common Car Problems

1. Dashboard warning lights

common dashboard warning lightsAs we’ve discussed previously, there are quite a lot of reasons that your dashboard warning lights come on, ranging from minor issues to critical problems. The best way to prevent an unexpected warning light is to keep your car on its maintenance schedule so it’s always in top shape.

Although some dashboard warning lights may not indicate an urgent issue, they can sometimes lead to larger problems – such as whether your car passes or fails an emissions test – so it’s always a good idea to get any dashboard warning light checked out for your peace of mind.

2. A dead battery

There’s nothing quite like the surprise of hearing your engine struggle to turn over when your battery doesn’t have enough juice to get it started. Car batteries can last anywhere from 2 – 5 years, depending on your driving habits, the temperature of where you live (batteries drain faster in very hot and very cold climates), and other factors.

You can maintain your battery life by limiting the number of short trips you take, regularly cleaning any corrosion off the battery terminals, and avoid using electronics when the car is off.

The best way to prevent a dead battery is to get a car battery tester and check the voltage levels in the battery at least twice a year to know when it’s time to get a replacement. Otherwise, if you haven’t already packed a pair of jumper cables in your car emergency kit, make sure to do so.

3. Flat tires

Flat tires are, unfortunately, one of those car problems that always seems to happen at the most inconvenient time. It’s also very difficult to completely prevent a flat tire, as there’s simply no way to know when and where there are nails or other sharp debris on the road.

However, you can go a long way towards preventing a flat tire. Regular rotations, replacing your tires when they get old, and not overfilling – or underfilling – them can help keep your tires in good shape. Check your tires at least once a month for any bulges or loose rubber that might indicate poor tire health, and replace your tires when necessary.

You can also prepare your vehicle in case you do have a flat tire on the road. Make sure your spare tire is filled properly (and, of course, in the vehicle at all!) and that you have all the tools necessary to make a repair. If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of replacing a tire on your own, you can also keep a tire repair kit on hand, although these may not work depending on how big the hole in your tire is.

4. Overheating

Overheating is among the common car problems that can be the most dangerous for your vehicle. Your car can overheat for several reasons, including low coolant levels, problems in the water pumping system, a broken thermostat, and fan problems, to name a few. Getting your car checked regularly can help ensure that all of these components are in working order.

It’s important that you pull over as soon as possible if your car overheats, turn off the engine, and call a tow truck. If you continue to run your vehicle when it’s overheating, your engine can lock up or fail, leading to costly repairs – and potentially the need for a replacement engine.

5. Failed emissions tests

Failed emissions tests are one of the most common car problems, and it can be a frustrating problem to address since there are many reasons your car can fail an emissions test.

Like many of the other items on this list, the best way to prevent your car from failing an emissions test is to keep your vehicle on its maintenance schedule.

Comprehensive Car Care At T3 Atlanta

Whether your car needs significant repairs or routine maintenance, T3 Atlanta is your metro area solution. We offer fast and friendly service for Nissan, Infiniti, Lexus, and Toyota vehicles at both our Smyrna and Decatur locations. Give us a call and book an appointment for your car care needs today!

Filed Under: Car Tips

4 Signs Your Car Needs An Alignment

February 6, 2021 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

A wheel alignment is the process of adjusting your vehicle’s wheels to the manufacturer’s standards for a safe, smooth ride. Alignments help prevent your tires from wearing down poorly, meaning you’ll have to replace your tires less frequently over the lifespan of the vehicle. How do you know when it’s time to take your vehicle in for maintenance? Today, let’s talk about the top signs your car needs an alignment.

5 Signs Your Car Needs An Alignment

1. Your steering wheel sits at an angle when you are parked, stopped, or while you’re driving

Your steering wheel is designed to return back to a neutral, level center when you let go of the wheel. When your car is aligned properly, your steering wheel should be sitting evenly, and the emblem in the center of your steering wheel should be level whether you’re parked or in motion.

A tilt a couple of degrees in either direction is normal, but if your steering wheel is noticeably crooked, you should visit your mechanic to see if it’s time for an alignment.

2. Your car is pulling to one side of the road – and the road is flat

A car that pulls to one side or the other on a straight road very likely has an alignment problem. Your vehicle is designed to coast down straight roads with minimal input from the driver.

Since this sign can impact how your car handles, especially in situations where you have to react quickly, it’s best to get this problem addressed as quickly as possible.

3. Your tires are wearing down unevenly

When your wheels are aligned properly, your tires will wear down at an even rate. Misaligned wheels, on the other hand, can cause unusual wear marks such as worn sides, centers, or even patches around your tire.

It’s a good idea to check the depth of the tread on your tires on a regular basis. This may be when you refill your tires with air or when you do your fall or spring maintenance. While you’re at it, make sure the tread on your tires is wearing down evenly and visit your mechanic if the wear marks look off.

4. Your vehicle’s handling isn’t what it used to be

Your wheel alignment doesn’t just impact how your car rides or the way your tires wear down; it also changes the way your vehicle handles. Misaligned wheels can cause your vehicle to handle in a ‘loose’ or ‘sloppy’ way.

There are several potential reasons for your vehicle’s handling to change, such as worn out shock absorbers or trouble with your suspension system. In any case, since responsive steering and handling is important for your safety and the safety of others, it’s important to get this issue diagnosed promptly.

Is there a difference between a ‘wheel alignment’ and a ‘front end alignment’?

‘Wheel alignment’ is a blanket term that may refer to two or all four wheels, while ‘front end alignment’ specifically addresses the two front wheels on your car. Regardless of the term, the process remains the same.

Wheel Alignment And More At T3 Atlanta

Unlike routine maintenance items such as oil changes, there isn’t an exact mileage at which you need to get your wheels realigned. Factors such as road conditions, driving habits, potholes, speed bumps, and others can throw your wheels out of alignment. T3 Atlanta can help determine if your vehicle needs a wheel alignment and straighten out your wheels if needed. Give us a call and we’ll book you in for fast and friendly service!

Filed Under: Car Tips

What To Look For In A Child Safety Seat

January 12, 2021 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

If you’re expecting your first child, you’ve no doubt realized there are many questions to answer, not the least of which is how to transport your kid safely around town. We’ve collected some tips on what to look for in a child safety seat to help you make the most informed decision for your family.

What are the rules and regulations about child safety seats in Georgia?

Before we discuss what to look for in a child safety seat, let’s talk about the rules and regulations about these seats in Georgia since a safety seat may not be necessary for your child.

Georgia law requires:

  • All children younger than 8 years old are required to be in a car seat that is suitable for their age and height as determined by the NHTSA.
  • Children who weigh at least 40 pounds may be secured by a lap belt in the back seat of the vehicle if the vehicle does not have shoulder belts or if other belts are occupied by other children.
  • If there is not a back seat in the vehicle or if there are other children in the back seat, children weighing at least 40 pounds may sit in the passenger’s seat.

What should you look for in a child safety seat?

The answer to this question depends on the age and size of your child and will change over time as your child grows. You can find a comprehensive seat check guide and the closest seat inspection station near you at the NHTSA website.

In general, though, you can expect the following timeline for your child’s car seat journey:

  • Use a rear-facing car seat for infancy up until 2–4 years old
  • When your child outgrows the rear-facing seat, transition to a forward-facing car seat
  • When your child outgrows the forward-facing car seat, use a booster seat until the seat belts fit properly (when the lap belt lays across the upper thighs and the shoulder belt lays across the chest)
  • Once seat belts fit properly, Georgia law requires that all passengers use a seat belt

Using a car seat incorrectly can be just as dangerous as not using a car seat at all, but how do you know when you’ve misstepped? The Mayo Clinic also offers these tips on common – but easily avoidable – car seat mistakes, which we’ve summarized below.

Avoid…

  • Getting a used car seat without doing research
  • Setting up your car seat in the wrong spot or incorrectly installing it
  • Changing to a forward-facing car seat or booster seat when your child is too young
  • Changing to seatbelt use when your child is too young

Keep Your Child Safe With A Car That’s In Top Condition

A properly installed car seat that is correctly sized for your child will go a long way towards keeping them safe. Making sure your car is in top condition is another way to keep both you and your child safe, as you can avoid unexpected mechanical issues on the road. T3 Atlanta can help make sure your car is in good condition with preventive maintenance and more in-depth repairs as needed. Give us a call at one of our two convenient locations and we’ll pen you in for an appointment!

Filed Under: Travel Tips

6 Essentials You Should Always Have In Your Car

January 5, 2021 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

There is unfortunately no way to completely eliminate the possibility of getting stuck on the side of the road, whether that’s due to an accident, a car breakdown, or severe weather. That’s why we’ve put together 6 essentials you should always have in your car to help your wait be as safe – and comfortable – as possible.

1. Flashlight

Every smartphone has a flashlight app these days, but it’s still important to have a dedicated flashlight on hand in your vehicle. If you’re stuck on the side of the road, it’s best to reserve your phone’s battery life for calls.

Before your trip, it’s a good idea to check to make sure the batteries are still working. Better yet, keep some spare batteries on hand for peace of mind that your flashlight won’t run out of juice.

2. Water and snacks

If you’re going on a road trip, there’s a good chance you’ve already packed snacks and beverages for your journey.

However, it’s important to keep water and snacks on hand even if you’re planning to stick to city driving. You never know when you might wind up getting stuck in traffic due to a road closure, or on the side of the road after your car breaks down. If you’re going to be waiting in your car for a while, it’s best to do so comfortably!

3. Cell phone charger (that isn’t attached to your vehicle)

A dedicated cell phone charger is one of those often-overlooked essentials you should always have in your car since most people charge their phones via USB ports.

However, if your car’s battery is dead or you can’t access the USB ports for any reason (such as after an accident), a handheld battery pack will ensure you can keep using your phone when you need it most.

4. Car jack and emergency tire

Many vehicles come with a car jack and emergency tire. If you don’t have one, it may be a good idea to keep one on hand – especially if you have a long commute or regularly drive long distances.

You’ll want to check the air pressure in your spare tire every time you get your tires rotated to help ensure that you don’t wind up stuck on the side of the road with a busted tire and a flat spare.

Alternately, you can always keep a tire repair kit in your vehicle. Just keep in mind that these only work on small punctures and won’t work on tire blowouts.

5. First aid kit

First aid kits often come in handy at the least expected moments – whether at a kids’ sporting event, after a hike in the woods, after getting scraped on rocks at the beach, and more. A first aid kit is invaluable to have and can, of course, be customized with spare medications specific to your family’s needs.

You’ll want to check the contents of your kit every year and replace any medications or ointments that have expired.

6. Emergency escape tool

We hope you never have to use one of these, but an emergency escape tool is an affordable, lifesaving device designed to quickly cut seatbelts and break windows.

Unlike the rest of your kit, you’ll want to make sure this tool is within easy reach so you aren’t scrambling to find it during an emergency.

Specific Travel Considerations

If you’re planning to travel into the mountains during the winter or across the desert in the middle of summer, you may want to take a few minutes to gather some situation-specific supplies for your trip.

If you’re planning to travel through a snowy area, the following essentials you should always have in your car include:

  • Sand or kitty litter
  • Shovel
  • Blankets
  • Hand warmers
  • Snow scraper
  • Jumper cables

Some regions in the western US have extremely long distances between gas stations, so it may be a good idea to pack the following (in addition to the essentials above) just in case:

  • Sunscreen
  • Extra water (a sports drink with electrolytes is even better)
  • A broad-brimmed hat

Avoid Getting Stuck On The Side Of The Road With T3 Atlanta

These top essentials you should always have in your car are meant to be emergency backups to help keep you comfortable – and hydrated – in case your vehicle breaks down. The best way to prevent your car from breaking down in the first place is to ensure your vehicle is on its regular maintenance schedule. T3 Atlanta can help. With our two convenient metro Atlanta locations, we’ll keep your car in top condition for years to come. Give us a call today, and we’ll book you in for prompt service!

Filed Under: Car Tips, Travel Tips

Electric Car Myths

December 22, 2020 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

It wasn’t long ago that electric cars sounded like a thing of the future, but their popularity has only continued to grow since they first set tires on the market. Many of the misconceptions about electric cars that started back then are still lingering today. So, we’re here today to bust five electric car myths.

Myth #1: Electric cars are expensive to buy

Electric cars aren’t always the cheapest, with lower-end prices ranging from $30,000 – $40,000 in 2021. Like gas-powered cars, the price of an electric car changes depending on brand, accessories, and add-ons. Many luxury electric cars, such as the Porsche Taycan, can be as expensive as their gas-powered siblings.

However, don’t forget that by purchasing an electric car, you’ll be saving thousands in dollars at the fuel pump – something that isn’t reflected in the price tag on purchase day.

Myth #2: Their range is very short

It’s true that electric cars currently have a shorter range than their gas-powered counterparts. However, there is always room for improvement when it comes to range, which Tesla has already proved with its S model’s range of 400 miles.

Many other manufacturers are offering vehicles that aren’t limited to city use, such as Hyundai’s Kona SUV (258 miles) and Chevrolet’s Bolt (259 miles).

You can read more about the ranges of electric vehicles in 2021 here.

Myth #3: They aren’t good for long trips because there aren’t enough charging stations

Are electric cars a bad choice for road trips since there aren’t enough places to charge them? In short, no. There are now 26,000 charging stations and 84,000 plugs in cities across the US, with the number only set to continue growing as more and more car companies are adding electric vehicle options to their fleet.

Taking a road trip in your electric vehicle may take a little bit of extra planning, but it isn’t impossible. You can find charging stations along your route here.

Myth #4: Battery life in an electric car is short and batteries can’t be replaced

It’s true that early electric cars had shorter ranges and lifespans than more recent models. Advances in electric car batteries mean that their lifespan is much longer than they used to be — often as long as the life of the vehicle. They’re also replaceable.

These days, the batteries in most electric cars have a 10 year or 100,000 mile warranty, just in case your battery can’t keep up with the demands of your driving habits.

Myth #5: Electric car batteries are bad for the environment

Once an electric car battery is dead, it’s tossed into a landfill, and hundreds of thousands of batteries piling up in a landfill somewhere can’t be good for the environment, right?

Actually, electric car batteries still have up to 70% of usable energy after they’ve been removed from vehicles. They can either be recycled or turned into new devices and components to be used again.

Comprehensive Car Care Is At Hand With T3 Atlanta

Whether you drive an electric, hybrid, or traditional vehicle, T3 Atlanta can keep your car in top condition. We’ve been offering fast and friendly service for Nissan, Lexus, Infiniti, and Toyota vehicles in the metro Atlanta area for over 20 years. Give us a call and we’ll pen you in for an appointment today!

Filed Under: Car Tips

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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
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