Summer in Atlanta is just around the corner, bringing with it sunny days and hot temperatures. Although drivers can take a break from the sun by heading indoors, many cars don’t get the same luxury. You might think that your car will be perfectly fine sitting out in the heat, but your vehicle is just as vulnerable to the sun as drivers. Here, we discuss several ways you can prevent sun damage to your car this summer.

1. Protect your car from UV damage

The paint on the outside of your vehicle is very susceptible to sun damage, so it’s important to keep your vehicle out of sunlight as much as possible, especially during the sunny summer months. The easiest way to do this is park your car in a garage or carport when possible.

Park in the shade when a garage isn’t possible, although it’s good to keep in mind that trees can drip sap onto your vehicle that can damage the paint. You can easily counteract this by regularly washing your vehicle.

A car cover is another way to keep your car protected from the sun, as many of these covers are designed with UV protection in mind. They will also help keep the interior of your car cooler.

However, there are some considerations to keep in mind.

• Car covers should only be used on clean vehicles; dirt and dust can collect under the cover and scratch glass and paint.
• Covers shouldn’t be stored wet, as they can develop mold or mildew.
• Covers take some time to apply and remove, and may not be ideal for people with injuries or mobility issues.

2. Prevent sun damage by washing and waxing your car regularly

It’s important to wash and wax your car regardless of the time of year, but it’s especially important during the summer. Over time, sunlight can fade the paint on the exterior of your vehicle. Wax protects your paint from damage, dirt and debris, as well as sap bird droppings that result from parking under the shade.

Depending on where you’re parking and how much exposure to dirt, sap, and other
A good idea to wash your car once every week or two. If you plan to wash your own vehicle, make sure to use car wash soap, not dish or other types, because car wash soap contains protective wax that will help keep your paint in top condition. It’s also a good idea to finish with a special wax coating, which will further help protect your vehicle’s finish from UV rays.

3. Protect your convertible top, if you have one

You can generally treat hard-top convertibles the same as other vehicles when it comes to protecting them from the summer sun. If you own a soft-top convertible, though, it’s important to take extra care of your convertible top.

• Vinyl tops are susceptible to fading, drying, or cracking, so it’s important to wash and treat them with vinyl protectors specifically formulated for cars.
• Fabric convertible tops are treated to resist staining and UV rays, but these treatments don’t last forever. It’s important to wash and treat your fabric top with a protector formulated for fabric tops.

4. Protect the inside of your vehicle

The interior of your car can be affected by sun damage, too. Damage to these components can range from bleaching to cracking or warping. It may not impact the performance of your vehicle, but can affect its appearance and resale value.

Fortunately, you can prevent sun damage to your vehicle’s interior with a few easy steps.

• A windshield sun shade does more than keep your car cool: it can protect the interior of your vehicle from sun damage by shielding your dashboard, steering wheel, and front seats from intense UV rays.
• Treat leather seats with a specially formulated cleaner and conditioner. This helps keep the seats supple and sun damage from drying and cracking the leather.
• Treat your dashboard, steering wheel, and other surfaces with a protective spray designed for the material (eg. vinyl, wood, leather, etc,.).

If you know you’re going to park in the sun most of the time, you may want to consider tinting your windows to help keep UV rays out. Make sure to review Georgia’s latest window tinting laws to make sure you don’t get pulled over for windows that are too dark.

5. Protect your tires

It’s important to remember that your tires need protection, too. It’s natural for your tires to deteriorate with use and time, but regular exposure to UV rays can accelerate that process.

Tire protectants can help slow this process down, but you’ll still want to regularly check your tires for cracks, bumps, or other damage so that you know when it’s time to replace your tires.

It’s important to make sure your tires are properly inflated year-round, but especially during the summer since high temperatures, combined with under or over-inflated tires, can cause tire blowouts. It’s easy to check your tire pressure every couple of weeks, ideally before you’ve started driving for the day.

Alternately, you can take your car to your local tire shop and ask them to check the pressure for you. Many tire shops will refill your tires for free so you don’t have to worry about over or under-inflating them.

Year-Round Auto Repair At T3 Atlanta

If you need routine maintenance or more intensive repairs, T3 Atlanta can help. We service Infiniti, Nissan, Lexus, and Toyota vehicles in the metro Atlanta area. Our friendly and experienced technicians are ready to keep your car in top shape for years to come. Give us a call and we’ll book you in for an appointment today!

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.

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!

Your car’s brakes are one of the most important parts of your vehicle, helping you stay safe – and keep others safe too. Just like other components, they need replacing every now and then. If it’s time to buy brakes, you may notice that there’s a price difference between types. So, what’s the difference between cheap and expensive brake pads?

Material

One big factor behind the price difference in brake pads is the type of material the brake pads are made of – ceramic, semi-metallic, or organic.

• Organic brake pads are typically very inexpensive and put little wear on your brake system. However, the materials they are made of (fibers, fiberglass, Kevlar, and others, bound together with resin) means that they aren’t the most durable. This makes them good options for drivers with short commutes, or who don’t generally put a lot of miles on their car.
• Semi-metallic brake pads are made of metal and other materials and are generally in a mid-range price, offering good durability and effectiveness. These are great for urban commuters who sit in stop-and-go metro Atlanta traffic regularly.
• Ceramic brake pads are the most expensive type of brakes due to the materials used in their manufacturing, as well as their durability and effectiveness. This type of brake pad is great for high-performance vehicles.

Performance

Are you planning on taking your car to the track and racing it? Or are you more of a city driver who sits in a lot of stop-and-go traffic? Although all three types of brake pads will make sure your car stops, you’ll want to consider performance in conjunction with your driving habits as you make your decision.

• Organic brake pads offer the lowest performance, so you wouldn’t want to choose these if you’re a driver who needs to use your brakes heavily.
• Ceramic brake pads offer the best performance, so unless cost doesn’t bother you, you wouldn’t typically need this kind of brake pad for everyday driving.

Durability

When you press the brake pedal, you want your vehicle to slow down – especially if it’s urgent! Worn brake pads aren’t as effective at stopping your car when you need it, and durability refers to the lifespan of your brake pads and will be influenced by your driving needs. The more durable your brake pads, the more expensive they are, right? Well, not quite.

• Organic brake pads are the least durable of the three types.
• Ceramic brake pads may be quite effective, but they don’t last as long as semi-metallic brake pads.
• Semi-metallic brake pads offer the longest lifespan.

Noise and brake dust

The material of your brake pads will also influence how much noise you hear when you brake, as well as how much brake dust you can expect to see accumulating on your wheels.

• Ceramic pads are typically very quiet and produce little to no brake dust because of their materials.
• Organic brake pads are also very quiet and produce little brake dust. They also put less strain on your braking system as a whole.
• Metallic brake pads are the noisiest option of the three. They will also put out the most brake dust, meaning more frequent wheel washes in order to keep your wheels nice and shiny.

Which Should You Choose?

In the end, the difference between cheap and expensive brake pads isn’t all about cost, and unfortunately, there’s no such thing as a ‘perfect brake’. If you’re in the market for brake pads, your best bet as to which to choose is to assess your driving habits and choose the tradeoffs you’re most comfortable with.

Service Your Car At T3 Atlanta

Whether you need routine maintenance or more significant repairs, T3 Atlanta can help. With our two convenient metro Atlanta locations, we can help keep your car in top shape for the life of your vehicle. Give us a call to book an appointment today!

Sludge. The word sounds exactly like it looks – thick, dark, and gunky. But what is it? Engine sludge is a buildup of oxidized oil, dirt, and other substances that can have serious consequences for the lifespan of your vehicle. Fortunately, this problem is perfectly preventable. Let’s take a look at how to spot a sludge problem in your car.

Symptoms Of Engine Sludge

1. Your check engine light is on.

There are many possible reasons your check engine light might be on, as we’ve discussed in this article. Engine sludge is another possible reason.

This is because the thickening oil can impact the normal function of components inside your engine, impacting the oxygen sensor readings, causing misfires, and much more. Since there are so many reasons your check engine light is on, it’s best to visit your local mechanic to find the exact cause of the light.

2. Your fuel economy isn’t what it used to be

Your engine has to work harder when it’s being slowed down by sticky, thick sludge, which is why your fuel economy will take a hit. If you haven’t changed your driving habits recently, then a change in miles per gallon is a possible sign of engine sludge.

3. Your check oil light is on

Your check oil light is designed to warn you when your vehicle’s oil is running low. This light should never be ignored, as an insufficient amount of oil in your engine can cause it to overheat or lock up. Your check oil can also be triggered by engine sludge after enough oil in the engine has hardened and caked on to the metal.

Similarly, low oil pressure is another potential sign that your vehicle has an engine sludge problem. Low oil pressure can happen for many reasons, so it’s advisable to see your mechanic as soon as you can to prevent serious damage to your vehicle.

If you’re purchasing a used vehicle, especially one with high mileage, you’ll want to check that the vehicle had regular oil changes. Cars that have been regularly maintained are less likely to have engine sludge.

4. Your car is overheating

The whole purpose of oil is to provide lubrication between the parts inside your engine so that everything can run smoothly.

When your engine has a sludge problem, however, this sticky substance does exactly the opposite, increasing friction between vehicle components. The extra friction creates extra heat, which can make your car overheat.

How To Get Rid of Engine Sludge

There are a couple of ways to get rid of engine sludge.

1. Do an engine flush

This DIY method revolves around using what’s known as a ‘sludge remover’ – a liquid additive that’s designed to be added to your oil, where it helps break down the buildup inside your engine.

Typically, after the additive has been applied, you’ll let the car idle for a while so that the chemicals can reach every component inside the engine and do their magic. Afterwards, you’ll drain the ‘sludge remover’ oil, change the oil filter, and refill the vehicle with good quality oil. Depending on the extent of the sludge, you may need to repeat this process a few times.

An engine flush is not always a certain fix. In addition, as with all aftermarket products, you need to keep in mind that you’re taking some risk in using sludge remover in your engine.

2. Take your engine apart and clean it manually

The only surefire way to fully clear out engine sludge is to take the entire engine apart and clean it piece by piece.

This process is time consuming and expensive, which is why preventing engine sludge is the most effective way of avoiding this problem.

Prevent Engine Sludge With T3 Atlanta

You know how the old saying goes – ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure’. The same thing is true with engine sludge. Regular oil changes are the best way to keep your engine clean and sludge-free.

With our two convenient metro Atlanta locations and fast, friendly service, T3 Atlanta can help you prevent engine sludge buildup in your engine. Give us a call and we’ll pen you in for an appointment!

Your drive belt, also known as a serpentine belt, is an essential part of your car. This belt provides power for your power steering, air conditioning, water pump, and more. Although this belt is made of very durable rubber and can last up to 150,000 miles in modern vehicles, the wear and tear from heat, friction, and frequent use can cause this belt to fail. So, what are the signs of a failing drive belt? Let’s find out.

The Signs of a Failing Drive Belt

1. Noise, noise, noise

The only sound you should hear from your engine compartment is idling and acceleration. It’s time to open up your car’s hood when you hear squeaking or squealing noises. Sometimes, water from the road (especially when you’ve driven through an area with standing water) can get the drive belt wet. If you find this to be the case and the squeaking goes away when the weather dries, you’re fine.

If the weather and the belt are dry and you’re still hearing strange noises, however, this may be a sign that your drive belt is misaligned or worn and needs some attention. It’s especially important to visit your mechanic if you notice oil on your drive belt since this is likely a sign of a larger problem.

2. Changes in your power steering, air conditioner, or other components

Sometimes, the signs of a drive belt that’s on its way out are subtle. Perhaps your air conditioner isn’t working like it used to. Maybe turning your steering wheel isn’t as effortless as it once was. Or, maybe your air conditioning and power steering just don’t work at all. You guessed it – your drive belt might be the culprit!

3. Your drive belt is visibly worn

Drive belts are built to last, but they aren’t imperious to the wear and tear of tens of thousands of miles. When you see cracks, dry rot, and a significant number of missing ribs (the raised notches that help your drive belt wind its way through your engine), it’s time to get a new belt.

Additionally, you may notice that your belt is not wearing evenly and is thicker on one side than the other. This is a sign of a misalignment problem, so even if the belt looks otherwise fine, you may want to go ahead and bring your car in for service.

4. Your engine overheats

Your engine can overheat for a number of reasons, one of which is a broken drive belt. This belt powers the water pump, so if it goes, then your water pump can no longer cool down your engine as normal.

Your car shouldn’t overheat under normal circumstances, so whether it’s caused by your drive belt or another component, it’s time to bring your car in for service. Continuing to drive while your car is overheating is a recipe for a potentially catastrophic engine failure.

Fast and Convenient Drive Belt Repair at T3 Atlanta

Sometimes, your car may perform normally with a failing drive belt. Other times, it could lead to you being stranded on the side of the road. In either case, it’s important to get a worn or broken drive belt replaced as soon as possible, especially since a broken drive belt could damage other components in your vehicle.

T3 Atlanta can help. We provide top quality Nissan, Lexus, Toyota, and Infiniti service at our two convenient metro Atlanta locations. Give us a call and we’ll make sure your car is always in great condition wherever the road takes you.