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Brake Bleed Or Brake Flush – Which Do You Need?

May 18, 2021 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

It should go without saying that your brakes are the most important safety component on your car. Replacing brake pads and rotors is par for the course to ensure your vehicle stops when you want it to, but what’s this you’ve recently heard about a brake bleed or brake flush? Today, we talk about the differences between these maintenance items and which you need.

First, an overview of your brake system

car brake replacementTo understand why you might need a brake bleed or flush, you first need to have a basic understanding about how your brake system works.

Your brakes work on a hydraulic system. When you press the brake pedal, the system transfers the pressure of your foot to your vehicle’s brakes. The lines that connect your brake pedal to the brakes themselves are filled with brake fluid. This fluid also keeps the hydraulic system lubricated and corrosion-free.

The lifespan of brake fluid varies from vehicle to vehicle, with some manufacturers recommending that you replace it every 3 years, others saying that it should be checked every 40 – 60,000 miles, and others yet saying that brake fluid will last the life of the vehicle. You’ll want to check your maintenance schedule to learn the exact recommendations for your car.

Regardless of interval, your brakes may be either bled or flushed at the time of service.

Does brake fluid need replacing between services?

For the most part, you shouldn’t need to touch your brakes between services. However, it’s still important to check your brake fluid as part of your maintenance schedule.

Ensuring that your vehicle has the right amount of brake fluid helps them work their best, so top off the reservoir if your levels are running low (just make sure to use the type recommended by the manufacturer in your owner’s manual).

What is the difference between a brake bleed and flush?

Now that you know how your brake system works and how brake fluid is a part of it, what does a brake bleed or brake flush have to do with it?

Brake bleed

A brake bleed involves pumping new brake fluid into the system in order to eliminate air that might be in the lines. Air bubbles can decrease the braking power of your vehicle, so a bleed may be recommended if you’ve noticed that your brakes aren’t as effective as they used to be.

Brake flush

A brake flush involves draining all of the old fluid out of your brake lines and replacing it with new fluid. This service may be valuable if your brake fluid has gone bad.

How does brake fluid go bad?

Even though your brake fluid is designed to last several years, it’s possible for it to go bad. Brake fluid that has gone bad will reduce the effectiveness of your brakes, making it harder to stop.

Your brake fluid can go bad when:

  • The fluid has absorbed moisture, which can cause corrosion and damage in the braking system
  • The fluid has been contaminated with dirt and/or debris from components in the braking system
  • The fluid starts breaking down due to frequent exposure to high heat, such as hard stops from high speeds

Which should you choose, a brake bleed or brake flush?

A brake bleed is often all your vehicle needs to top off the fluids in your brake system and make sure that your brakes respond like they should when you press the pedal.

Whether your vehicle needs a brake flush or not depends on the performance of your vehicle and the manufacturer’s recommendations. If your brakes are still working normally and your manual doesn’t recommend a brake flush, there is likely no need to get this service performed.

If you’ve noticed any change in the way brakes handle, it’s important to get your vehicle serviced.

Talk to your mechanic if:

  • You’ve noticed problems with braking
  • Your vehicle is needing longer and longer distances to stop
  • You’ve noticed that your brake pedal feels squishy
  • Your brake fluid looks dark or has particles/debris floating in it

Brake Repairs And More At T3 Atlanta

If you need a brake bleed or brake flush, want to keep your car on its maintenance schedule, or require more intensive repairs, T3 Atlanta can help. We provide fast and friendly service for Nissan, Infiniti, Lexus, and Toyota vehicles. Give us a call and we’ll pen you in for an appointment today!

Filed Under: Auto Repair, Car Tips

What Is A Car Tune Up And When Do You Need One?

May 11, 2021 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

We’ve all heard about the value of a car tune up for its performance and lifespan, but fewer people know what this type of maintenance entails. Let’s talk about what a tune up is and when to know if you need to get one.

Tune ups then and now

Tune ups as we know them today are completely different than they were when the term was first coined. A tune up in an early car was routine maintenance work on the vehicle’s ignition system to ensure that ignition and fueling worked in perfect tandem with each other.

A tune up was a complicated, precise process that might include replacing spark plugs, resetting the ignition timing, adjusting the vehicle’s carburetor, and more. More than that, old vehicles required tune ups on a regular basis to ensure the vehicle worked properly.

With so many improvements in technology, modern vehicles no longer have the need for regular recalibrations to ensure the ignition and fuel systems work in tandem. New cars do still need regular maintenance to perform their best. The term ‘tune up’ has carried over from those early models even though the items in a modern tune up are different than they used to be.

A ‘car maintenance schedule’: a car tune-up by any other name

Every modern vehicle comes with what’s known as a ‘maintenance schedule’. This schedule consists of routine work that is required after a certain amount of miles have been driven. A modern tune up is another way to refer to this routine maintenance.

What does a modern tune-up include? Let’s take a look.

Checking filters, belts, and hoses

Belts and hoses are essential parts of your engine, ensuring that your drive system can power components such as water pumps and timing belts. Although they last longer than they used to, belts and hoses don’t last forever. They can wear down, crack, or break, potentially leading to expensive repairs.

Replacing oil and other fluids

You may not think of an oil change as part of a ‘tune up’, but replacing your oil and other fluids help keep your engine lubricated and cool. Your car will still function with old fluids in it, but it’s still important to get these changed regularly as debris, build-up, and deposits can decrease the lifespan of your engine.

Checking/replacing spark plugs

Modern spark plugs can last most of the life of the vehicle, depending on the type of material they are made of. Since spark plugs are key to combusting the fuel needed to make your car move, it’s important to ensure that they are in top condition. Dirty or worn spark plugs don’t combust fuel as effectively and can decrease your gas mileage, ultimately costing you more at the pump.

How do you know if your car needs a tune up?

Back in the day, old vehicles might need a tune up every 10,000 miles or so. Newer vehicles are designed to last longer and may go 20 – 30,000 miles between maintenance items. Depending on the condition of your vehicle and driving habits, you may need to get a car tune up earlier than this.

Signs your car may need a tune up include:

  • Your car has begun to stall or is having difficulty starting
  • Your engine operates or idles roughly
  • Your check engine light is on

Time For A Car Tune Up? Routine Maintenance And More At T3 Atlanta

Whether you are diligent about keeping your vehicle on its maintenance schedule or you want to get onto a good routine, preventive maintenance can reduce the chance that you will need extensive repairs in the future.

T3 Atlanta is here and ready to help. With our friendly service and two convenient Metro Atlanta locations in Smyrna and Decatur, we make it easy to get the service your car needs to perform its best. Give us a call and we’ll book you in for a prompt appointment!

Filed Under: Auto Repair, Car Tips

Should You Warm Up Your Car Before You Drive?

May 4, 2021 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

You’ve probably heard that you should always warm up your car for several minutes before you start driving. For those who have started driving immediately while in a rush to get to work or to an appointment, we have good news for you: you probably didn’t need to warm it up in the first place. The truth will actually depend on what type of vehicle you are driving – and how old it is.

Where the wisdom of warming up your car came from

Like all stories, there’s a reason that letting your car come to operating temperature became common knowledge.

We’ll need to step back to a time when cars had carburetors to explain why. These vehicles had a choke that controlled how much air could get into the fuel combustion chamber. This, in turn, warmed up the engine oil and prevented damage to the engine from running too rich (too much air) or too lean (not enough air).

In early models, you would have to switch off the choke manually once the engine had gotten to operating temperature, but later models had electronic chokes that took care of this for you. Even with the addition of automatic chokes, engines still needed to be warmed before driving since the technology had yet to optimize the air-to-fuel ratio for the vehicle to perform well from a cold temperature.

Similarly, early fuel-injected engines, like their automatic choke predecessors, didn’t have sensors inside the engine to measure how much air was coming into the engine.

Modern vehicles, modern solutions

Modern vehicles are equipped with complex electronic systems that monitor how much air and fuel can enter the combustion chambers and make adjustments as needed. These sensors are as fast as they are accurate, and they ensure that your engine gets the correct amount of fuel regardless of whether you immediately put your car into ‘drive’ or not.

In short, modern vehicles do not need to be warmed up before you begin driving. Older vehicles, especially those with early fuel-injection systems or carburetors, will need to get to operating temperature before you put the car into gear.

Should you warm up your car in cold weather?

Modern vehicle or otherwise, it’s always a good idea to let your car warm up for several minutes during colder months. This is more for comfort and safety than actual operation or performance.

Letting your car warm up in the winter will give your vehicle time to heat the cabin, defrost the windows, and let your fingers thaw if you’ve been digging your vehicle out of the snow!

Routine Maintenance And More At T3 Atlanta

Whether you need routine maintenance or more intensive repairs, T3 Atlanta can help. We provide fast and friendly service for Infiniti, Nissan, Lexus, and Toyota vehicles in the metro Atlanta area. Give us a call at our Smyrna or Decatur location and we’ll book you in for an appointment today!

Filed Under: Auto Repair, Car Tips

How To Prevent Sun Damage To Your Car This Summer

April 13, 2021 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

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!

Filed Under: Auto Repair

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

What’s The Difference Between Cheap And Expensive Brake Pads?

October 6, 2020 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

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!

Filed Under: Auto Repair

How To Spot An Engine Sludge Problem In Your Car

September 8, 2020 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

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

What is a car transmission?

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.

Photo credit: Brad Topar on Flickr.com

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!

Filed Under: Auto Repair

How To Know If You Have A Bad or Failing Catalytic Converter

June 9, 2020 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

Your vehicle’s catalytic converter is an important component located in your car’s exhaust system. It is designed to reduce vehicle emissions by converting the emissions your engine produces into non-harmful gases, helping protect the environment. Modern catalytic converters have a long lifespan, generally lasting between 70,000 – 100,000 miles. However, the component may need to be replaced after this duration. So, how do you know if you have a bad or failing catalytic converter?

Symptoms Of A Bad Or Failing Catalytic Converter

1. Your car fails its emissions test

A bad or failing catalytic converter doesn’t always cause noticeable symptoms or trigger the ‘check engine light’. In fact, some people may not realize this component is on its way out until they take their car in for their emissions test.

In older vehicles, emissions tests are done with a wand that clips onto or sits inside the exhaust pipe. Since there are many potential reasons your car can fail an emissions test, a failing catalytic converter may or may not be the culprit. You’ll need to take your car to a mechanic to diagnose the exact problems.

Modern vehicles, on the other hand, are plugged directly into a computer that analyzes the codes stored in your vehicle’s computer. There is a specific code that indicates your vehicle has a faulty catalytic converter, so you can be certain of the culprit when you leave the emissions testing facility.

2. Your engine doesn’t perform like it used to

From your transmission to your spark plugs, reduced engine performance can stem from many potential issues, one of which is a bad or failing catalytic converter.

Why does this happen? When your exhaust system gets clogged, it changes the flow of your exhaust and prevents your engine from working as efficiently as it normally does. A clogged catalytic converter can impact your engine’s performance, especially on hills. It can also impact your car’s fuel economy.

3. You smell… eggs?

The smell of rotten eggs is the farthest thing from that coveted ‘new car smell’, and it’s also a symptom of a bad or failing catalytic converter. Unless you have actually left eggs in your car and they’ve gone bad, you’re actually smelling sulfur.

What causes this smell? When gasoline combusts during an engine cycle, it produces hydrogen sulfide – the source of the sulfurous smell. The catalytic converter’s job is to convert this into sulfur dioxide, which is odorless. A catalytic converter that isn’t working at 100% won’t convert all of the hydrogen sulfide into an odorless gas, allowing that ‘rotten egg’ smell through.

4. Shake, rattle, and… rattle

There are few car problems that are harder to miss than the sound of something rattling. Rattles can come from anywhere in your car, from under the hood, inside the cabin, in the trunk, and everywhere in-between.

If your rattle is coming from beneath your vehicle, it’s possible your catalytic converter is in trouble. Why is this? The internal workings of your catalytic converter can become damaged from age, excessive heat, or even from road debris. This damage can cause part of the structure inside your catalytic converter to break off, causing that rattle.

4. Your check engine light is on

There are dozens of reasons your check engine light might be illuminated, one of which is a bad or failing catalytic converter. Your vehicle’s computer monitors your catalytic converter’s efficiency, so if it detects that the component is not processing the gases properly or operating correctly, it can trigger the check engine light.

If your check engine light is on in addition to any of the symptoms we have discussed, there’s a greater chance your catalytic converter may be the culprit. However, the only way to be certain of the cause – and to turn the check engine light off – is by having your car assessed by your mechanic.

Keep Your Car In Top Condition With T3 Atlanta

Your catalytic converter is important to keep your car working properly and prevent excessive amounts of emissions from harming the environment. If you’ve noticed any of the symptoms above and want to make sure your car is in top condition, give T3 Atlanta a call. Our service centers are open and practicing recommended social distancing and cleaning guidelines to protect both our staff and our guests. With over 25 years of experience servicing Lexus, Toyota, Nissan, and Infiniti vehicles, we will be sure to get you back on the road quickly.

Filed Under: Auto Repair, Car Tips

The Signs of a Failing Drive Belt

March 24, 2020 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

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.

Filed Under: Auto Repair

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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!

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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. By offering discounted services to every customer 365 days a year, we do not need to offer specials to increase our clientele. Find out more About Us.



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