T3 Atlanta

Auto Repair Shop in the Atlanta Metro Area

Premier Lexus, Infiniti, Nissan, and Toyota
Auto Repair Shop in the Atlanta Metro Area!

Call Today!

(404) 794-7700
4000 Atlanta Road SE, Smyrna, GA 30080

  • Home
  • About us
  • Repairs & Service
  • T3 vs The Dealer
  • FAQs
  • Blog
  • Testimonials
  • Locations
    • Smyrna
  • Message Us

Do Airbags Need Maintenance?

February 14, 2017 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

Plenty of people wonder about airbag maintenance, or maybe even worry about it. After all, you regularly service other parts of your car, so why not the airbags? They are one of the most critical safety items, so having them not work properly in a crash could have serious consequences. At the same time, airbags haven’t been around as long as seat belts, so knowledge about maintaining them isn’t as widespread.

How Airbags Work

Airbag maintenanceTo understand why airbag maintenance is necessary, you need to have at least a basic understanding of how they work.

Your car has sensors embedded in different areas, like the bumpers, which are connected to the airbag inflator with wiring. When enough force is exerted against those sensors, a signal tells the inflator to do its job. In most setups, potassium nitrate mixes with sodium azide, which makes nitrogen gas. That sudden creation of nitrogen gas fills the airbag.

Airbags are made of a thin nylon fabric. It’s folded up compactly, with a cover designed to tear when the bag inflates. This is why airbags pop out so quickly.

Do Airbags Need to Be Replaced?

The answer to this question is that it depends. Some owner’s manuals suggest that they do after a certain period of time. Others don’t say, and still others mention getting the airbags inspected. Read the manual that came with your car to see what the manufacturer recommends. Just remember that when manuals for older cars were written, airbags were pretty new and manufacturers themselves weren’t too sure about how they would age.

Some airbags will last as long as the car they are in. Airbag maintenance is sufficient for some, while others may need to be replaced entirely. If your car is over ten years old, it might be a good idea to have the airbags checked out. The worst way to find out is for a crash to inform you of how everything works. Airbags are something you don’t really want to take a chance on because they may save your life.

If you are concerned, it’s best to err on the side of caution and get an inspection. Have a professional inspect your airbags and give you a recommendation about what to do. The worst thing you can do is wait and see.

Airbag Maintenance and Replacement

Airbag maintenanceMost vehicles have a diagnostic system for the airbags. If you see an SRS light come on, that means the airbag system is experiencing trouble and airbag maintenance may be required. You should have it inspected professionally right away, because the consequences of not following through could be severe.

Always use a reputable shop to have airbags serviced, especially if you need replacement bags. Some unscrupulous businesses have used knock-off airbags that have come into the country illegally. Even though they look legit, these airbags can be downright deadly, so any cost savings comes at a steep price.

Repacking airbags is also dangerous and not legitimate. No good shop will engage in this practice, because the potential for getting the setup wrong is too high. If you get a vehicle with funny bulges in the airbag areas, that’s usually a sign of a repacked airbag.

Costs of Replacement Airbags

How much replacement airbags cost really depends on the make, model and year of your vehicle. They can be quite expensive, but that’s not necessarily the case.

Even if an airbag costs a considerable amount, it’s a good idea to stick with Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) bags, instead of aftermarket options. Buying OEM parts may drive the price up, but at the same time you will not need to worry about the quality. Since a quality airbag could literally mean the difference between a minor injury or loss of life, it’s better to invest in your safety.

T3 Atlanta

If you’re in need of a quality shop that has extensive experience with inspecting, maintaining and even replacing airbags, give T3 Atlanta a try. We only use reputable practices and parts, ensuring your airbag system works just as it was designed, so you can rest easy knowing if you ever need the airbags to work, they’ll do their job properly.

Filed Under: Auto Repair, Car Tips

Exciting New Hybrid Cars in 2017

December 20, 2016 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

These are exciting times to be living in. Vehicle technology is absolutely exploding, meaning you can get cars that offer up extreme comfort, convenience and fuel economy. Of course, leading the way in efficiency are hybrid vehicles for 2017. Several amazing hybrid models are launching soon, and you should know all about what makes them special.

Toyota Prius Prime

Hybrid vehicles for 2017You may know the Toyota Prius, which is the car that started the hybrid vehicles revolution, but you probably don’t have a clue about the Toyota Prius Prime. It pushes the efficiency level of this beloved vehicle to heights we’ve never seen before, with an EPA-estimated 133 MPGe, or miles per gallon equivalent. No other hybrid vehicles for 2017, much less another vehicle in the automotive industry has hit that figure, making the Prius Prime a true standout.

Even better, you can run errands in town without burning any gas. The powertrain is a plug-in hybrid, so you can plug in whenever possible, and gas up when convenient. Total range is amazing at 640 miles.

There’s more to love about the Toyota Prius Prime than just how efficiently it runs. The car has some pretty amazing tech, like an 11.6-inch HD infotainment screen and a full-color head-up display which puts important info on the lower part of the windshield. Other standard features like rear cross traffic alert and pedestrian detection address safety concerns.

On top of all that, the Prius Prime has a sleeker look. It’s also loaded with more luxuries. Needless to say, there are plenty of reasons to check this more premium option out.

Nissan Rogue Hybrid

Nissan has been turning heads with the new Rogue Hybrid, which is a finalist for the 2017 Green SUV of the Year award from Green Car Journal. Considering how popular the three-row SUV has become, plenty of people should be interested in the new Hybrid version.

You can expect about 33 mpg city, 35 mpg highway and 34 mpg combined with the Rogue Hybrid front-wheel-drive model. Adding all-wheel drive changes those numbers slightly to 31 mpg city, 34 mpg highway and 33 mpg combined.

One of the best parts of the new Nissan Rogue Hybrid is that the interior space, including the cargo area, is identical in size to the regular version of the SUV. That means the same level of everyday, practical utility people have grown to love.

Drivers will love that performance isn’t negatively affected by the addition of an electric motor and battery pack. Net system output is rated at a decent 176 horsepower. Part of the setup is a unique Intelligent Dual Clutch Control system. One dry clutch is between the gas engine and electric motor. The second sits between the motor and transmission.

Infiniti Q50 Hybrid

Hybrid vehicles for 2017One of the changes being made to the Infiniti Q50 for 2017 is the addition of two 3.5-liter Hybrid models, called the Q50 Hybrid Premium and Q50 Hybrid Premium AWD. The sedans look great and ride on premium 19-inch alloy wheels, so they’re sure to turn plenty of heads.

Both cars promise a sporty experience, combined with quite a few luxuries and onboard conveniences. Of course, the main feature is the 3.5-liter V-6 engine, mated to a 50kW electric motor and a lithium-ion battery. The result is pretty amazing, with a peak system 360 horsepower. The gasoline engine produces up to 258 lb.-ft. of torque, while the motor can twist out up to 214 lb.-ft. A sport-tuned suspension helps with powering through turns precisely, something you might not have thought was possible with a hybrid.

Passengers and drivers alike will love the interior appointments. Soft leather upholstery, front seat heaters, a power-adjustable steering wheel and other goodies are loaded in. There’s also the Around View Monitor and predictive forward collision warning to help prevent accidents.

Lexus CT 200h

If a compact luxury hatchback is more your style, the new Lexus CT 200h could be a tremendous option. Unlike other options, this one has always been designed as a hybrid, which makes it unusually well-composed.

Quite a few changes come with the 2017 model. Among them is an updated look, which matches the rest of the Lexus lineup and gives the car a bolder persona. That combines with some serious engineering chops, namely the hybrid powertrain. The EPA estimates fuel economy at 43 mpg city, 40 mpg highway and 42 mpg combined, which bests just about every plug-free hybrid luxury vehicle on the market today.

Hybrid Car Repairs in Atlanta

When it’s time to bring your car in for routine maintenance or something more in-depth, come to T3 Atlanta, your hybrid repair specialist. Whether an older model or hybrid vehicles for 2017, we know these advanced technologies well, unlike some places that could end up costing you extra time and money. Skip the frustration and come to us first.

Filed Under: Auto Repair, Infiniti, Lexus, Nissan, Toyota

Repairing Your Car Heater This Winter 

November 29, 2016 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

Most people just don’t think about their car’s heater until they’re in need of auto heating repair. After all, you basically flip a switch and hot air comes out of the vents. It’s a great feature everyone takes for granted, which is why having problems with it can be infuriating – especially during the winter!

The good news is you can turn to car heater repair shops and have the problem fixed. Depending on what’s wrong, you might be on your way in a short while. Trying to repair the heater yourself, unless it’s an incredibly basic problem, isn’t advisable. The level of difficult for those kinds of repairs is well beyond the mechanical skills or expendable time on most people’s hands.

How do Car Heaters Work?

Auto heating repairThe hot air you feel blowing through the air vents originates in something called the heater core. It’s basically like a small radiator embedded under the dash. Hot coolant is transported from the engine to the heater core, where a fan helps extract some of the heat, blowing it into the cabin. This is why people say if your engine is overheating, you should roll down the windows and turn the heater all the way to full blast.

When you first get into your car on a cold winter morning, the air coming out of the vents isn’t hot. This is because there literally is no coolant running to the heater core. As you drive, the engine heats up, which increases the coolant’s temperature to the point it’s ready to be sent to the heater core. As it does, the air coming through the vents heats up as well.

Do Heaters do Anything Besides Heat?

Auto heating repairYour car’s heater system also affects the defroster. Vents aimed at the windshield (and on some models the back window) blow hot air directly onto the glass. Their purpose is to remove any fog, snow, or ice buildup. Without the defroster, you might have a hard time seeing, especially at night.

Since the defroster is also dependent on the heater core working properly, you should get any heater system issues fixed immediately. Losing the defroster because of a problem with the heater system can actually cause a wreck, putting you and fellow drivers in serious danger.

Common Car Heater Problems

Because the heater works by using coolant that’s been heated up by the engine, a coolant level that’s too low can cause serious issues. Sometimes, fixing the problem might simply require topping off the coolant to a normal operating level. You need to be careful about doing this yourself.

Opening up the radiator or pressurized overflow reservoirs when the car is even a little hot can be catastrophic. The coolant can be incredibly hot, spewing out and burning you. Always heed any warnings printed on the cap of whatever you intend to open. If you’re not sure what you’re doing, it’s best to not risk serious injury and call a professional for auto heating repair.

Other problems could have to do with the heater core, or the hoses that transport coolant to and from the car’s coolant system. Replacing old, cracked hoses should only be done when the engine is cold. There’s a slight chance the fuse your car’s heater runs on could be blown. Checking the fuse is a quick and easy solution for auto heating repair, as is replacing it, if needed.

What About Plug-In Heaters?

Auto heating repairYou might be considering a plug-in heater for your car instead of repairing problems with the built-in heater. One factor to consider is that plug-in heater can put an extra drain on your car’s battery during the time of the year when cold weather puts a strain on them. You’ll also need to find a spot to place the plug-in heater, which can be tricky depending on the car’s interior layout.

Just as important is the fact that the hot air from this type of heater might not reach the backseat quickly, especially if your car has rear air vents, making trips uncomfortable for your backseat passengers.

Most importantly, plug-in heaters don’t defrost windows, so you could still suffer from serious visibility issues.

Auto Heating Repair at T3 Atlanta

If you’re in need of auto heating repair in the Atlanta area, come by T3 Atlanta today and we’ll gladly take a look at your car’s heater. Our highly trained technicians know how to pinpoint problems and repair problems quickly, so you’ll be on your way quickly.

Filed Under: Auto Repair

How do Car Transmissions Work? 

November 15, 2016 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

Maybe you’ve heard people talking about transmissions before, but are too afraid to ask: what is a car transmission? That’s understandable because you don’t want to seem ignorant, be made fun of, and so on. Instead or continuing to live with this fear, read on to find out not only what transmissions are, but how they work.

This information will enrich your life. First, it will make you more aware of how your car’s transmission works and how you can care for it better. Also, if you have problems with the transmission later, you’ll have a better idea of what’s going on. When you go shopping for a new car, knowing what a transmission is and how it works will help you make a better decision on which vehicle to buy, depending partly on the included transmission.

How do Car Transmissions Work?

What is a car transmission?First off, you should know the transmission connects to the engine through the torque converter. It transfers the energy generated to the engine through the transmission’s gears. That energy is then sent to either two or all four wheels, which makes the vehicle move forward. The torque converter takes the place of a clutch, and it works using hydraulic pressure.

More specifically, there’s an impeller which is the first part to receive energy from the engine. A clutch is between that and the turbine, which works with the gearbox input shaft. Hydraulic force transfers the torque from one part to the next.

Inside the transmission are planetary gears. The gears are sized differently, like the ones on a bicycle, with the smaller or lower gears making it possible to get going. The larger or higher gears require less effort to keep the car moving forward, conserving fuel. A computer decides when the gears should be changed and in which direction. Driver input with the accelerator pedal and other information might go into this process.

Car Transmission Problems

What is a car transmission?Automatic transmissions often run into problems with gear changes, which can actually make transmission repair for qualified shops a little easier to manage. One of the most common is when it makes a clunking, whining or humming sound at different times. This can be caused by a variety of transmission issues which a technician can then diagnose and repair.

Hesitation is another common automatic transmission problem. When you shift from park to drive or reverse, there’s a delay before the car’s ready to move. Usually, this means there’s a problem with the torque converter or clutch assembly. It’s possible an even deeper problem exists, although that’s not as likely.

Your transmission might also grind or shake, which is signaling there’s a problem. This could be accompanied by the feeling of a clunk or knock when the transmission shifts from one gear to the next. Your transmission has been designed to run smoothly, so a problem like this shouldn’t be ignored. Possible explanations for this problem can often include worn gears, although low transmission fluid and even a leak could be the culprit. Again, a qualified technician can usually pinpoint the cause of such a problem quickly, working on a solution and possibly saving the transmission before a full replacement is necessary.

Check Engine Lights and Transmissions

What is a car transmission?Believe it or not, another common problem with transmissions is when the check engine light comes on. The light on your dash might look like an engine or it could simply say “check engine.” Despite the name, this light doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a problem with the car’s engine. There are sensors in critical parts of your car which can measure early on if there’s a problem.

Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, you could have one or more that monitor the transmission’s operation specifically. Once they detect an issue, the dash light is triggered. Certified technicians can read the error code for your car and know immediately why the light is on, then take appropriate action to fix the situation.

Repairing Your Transmission at T3 Atlanta

Of course, there are a number of other things that can go wrong with an automatic transmission. No matter what problems you’re experiencing, know that T3 Atlanta is your transmission repair specialist. Our technicians are trained on the latest techniques to diagnose and fix your transmission, so you can get back to your busy life.

Filed Under: Auto Repair

What to do if Your Car is Leaking Oil 

November 1, 2016 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

When your car is leaking oil, it’s almost like the machine is bleeding. Oil isn’t too dissimilar to blood. Lose enough, and the engine can be severely damaged. Being careless about the oil can end up costing you thousands of dollars in damages, maybe even making a completely new engine necessary.

Oil leaks are caused oftentimes by worn engine gaskets or seals. Depending on the design of your engine, it could also be from an oil line, which transports the liquid from one component to another. The repair involves replacing the defective seal, gasket or line. Sometimes, a leak can signal a bigger problem.

Identifying When Your Car is Leaking Oil

Car is leaking oilThe big question you always need to be asking is how to tell if you have an oil leak or not. In all honesty, some cars (especially older ones) might burn some oil. Because of that fact, you can’t just judge based on the oil level. But you should be checking the oil at least once a month, if not sooner. On vehicles with a lot of miles, checking the oil every time you fill up the fuel tank is ideal.

You have an engine oil leak if you find brown, greasy liquid anywhere you’ve parked it. Even a small leak can be a big deal because it could quickly turn into a much larger one. Depending on the design of your engine, it could drop the oil level just low enough to cause problems with certain components. If your vehicle has a turbocharger, the leak could be from the oil line running to the turbo itself, and a small dribble of oil leaking out might cause serious damage to the turbocharger. In other words, ignoring any size oil leak is a bad idea.

Additives and Oil Leaks

There are a number of additives you can put into your car’s oil to repair leaks. You need to be extremely careful of such products, though, because they could have serious negative effects on your vehicle’s performance. Even if the additive doesn’t hurt your engine, it may not repair the leak.

Finding an Oil Leak

Finding an oil leak can be tricky. Just because the oil likes to pool at one point under the car doesn’t mean the oil is coming out at a spot directly above. It’s entirely possible the oil could be hitting other components such as tie rods, running along them for a while, then falling to the ground. This means you have to do some investigative work to figure out the exact location of the leak. Following the trail of motor oil can lead you to the right spot, unless the oil is hitting a hot component like the exhaust manifold and splashing everywhere.

Car is leaking oilSometimes, you may think your car is leaking oil but the problem is actually caused by oil filters that aren’t screwed on all the way. If you change your own oil, always apply some oil to the seal on the filter around the opening, and tighten it as much as possible by hand. If the filter is the source of a leak, you’ll see it’s soaked with oil just by climbing under the car. This is an easy fix.

There’s also the off chance that damage to the oil pan could be the source of a leak. If there’s severe damage, so much oil would be running out you’d probably see the oil pressure warning light before noticing a puddle under the car. A pinhole leak from corrosion, rock damage, etc. might be enough to only leave a small amount of oil under the vehicle. If this is the source, you’ll need to get a new oil pan and swap it out with the old one, which is a pretty straightforward process.

When You’ve Found an Oil Leak

Car is leaking oilOnce you’ve pinpointed the source of an engine oil leak, you can take steps to replace the faulty part that’s the source. Exactly how you go about this really depends on the component, your mechanical skills/experience and what vehicle you drive.

Many oil lines are fairly easy to replace, but some can be tricky. Most gaskets and seals require some advanced skills to replace, because you’ll need to open up part of the engine and replace everything according to the manufacturer’s specifications, including the amount of torque applied to each bolt.

When You Can’t Find an Oil Leak

If your car is leaking oil, it’s important to find and repair the leak as soon as possible to prevent severe long-term damage. In some cases, however, finding or repairing an engine oil leak is too difficult. If you find yourself in that position, it’s time to hand the car off to a professional.

At T3 Atlanta, our technicians have sophisticated training and specialized methods for tracking down and fixing oil leaks. You’ll love the way you’re treated so much, you’ll actually look forward to coming back.

Filed Under: Auto Repair, Car Tips

Apps to Keep Your Car on its Maintenance Schedule

September 6, 2016 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

Keeping up with vehicle maintenance is actually a great way to prevent big problems down the road. Back in the day, you had to keep a log in the owner’s manual or use a separate piece of paper, and hope you didn’t forget when you were supposed to do what. Fortunately, today we can manage things much easier with car maintenance apps.

You likely keep your phone, tablet, or other mobile device nearby most of the time. By installing one of these apps, there literally will be no excuse for not taking better care of your car. The old-school paper service logs were hard to use, mostly because you inevitably forgot to enter different items. With your phone or tablet pushing out alerts on a regular basis, it’s basically impossible to forget taking care of your vehicle.

Each of the car maintenance apps listed below is available for both Apple iOS and Android, which covers virtually all of the smartphones in existence today. That means there’s no feeling like you need to buy a new device just to take better care of your ride.

MyCarFax

Car maintenance appsCheck out the MyCarFax app. It can help you track the maintenance needs of up to five vehicles at a time, which is great for households with multiple drivers. Adding a vehicle can be done by entering the VIN or license plate number. If you prefer an easier method, you can also scan the bar code next to the VIN. This app tracks not only upcoming maintenance items needed such as tire rotations and oil changes, but also open recalls.

When you take your vehicle to a service shop, the maintenance log is updated automatically, so there’s no having to type in all of the information manually. The big advantage of this app is that it draws on the 12 billion records available through the CarFax database. Another unique aspect is that it can recommend local service shops, showing user ratings, so if you’re in an unfamiliar region you can make a more educated decision.

AutoCare

Car maintenance appsAlso available for Android and Apple users is AutoCare. Although it’s not free, the app can help you manage multiple vehicles with customizable service reminders, making it a useful auto maintenance app. The ability to customize alerts is actually a truly great feature, because say if you use synthetic oil and can stretch out oil changes further, the app will accommodate that instead of bugging you to change the oil too early.

AutoSprite

For the financially-minded, AutoSprite is an ideal car maintenance app. Like other options, it helps track when your vehicles need servicing and exactly what kind, providing easy-to-read reminders. You can use the app to even book an appointment at a compatible service center.

Where this option really shines is that it allows you to see a list of expenses you’ve paid during a defined period of time for vehicle maintenance, making it easier to track trends. It also can help with shopping for good insurance rates, something you can do periodically to save money.

RepairPal

Car maintenance appsNot only can you track vehicle maintenance records and needs with RepairPal, you can also be better prepared to fix your car. Everyone knows that accidents and unexpected thing happen in life, but this app helps you take it in stride with a one-touch option for roadside assistance. You can also use it to locate a quality local mechanic, plus it provides fair pricing for different jobs so you don’t end up paying too much.

T3 Atlanta

In case you aren’t aware, every vehicle comes with a maintenance schedule. It’s created by the manufacturer and shows when certain items need to be checked and possibly fixed. The schedule can include items such as changing the oil, swapping out an air filter, or inspecting shock boots. Vehicle manufacturers set specific times that the various items should be check over.

While it might seem like a simple thing, keeping the maintenance schedule on a car actually provides a huge benefit. Automakers know the vehicles they designed and built incredibly well. When it’s time to address the various items on the schedule at the designated times, come to T3 Atlanta. You can avoid maintenance problems down the road, saving money and grief with big repairs.

Filed Under: Auto Repair, Car Tips

Guide to Maintaining an Electric or Hybrid Car

May 10, 2016 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

Many people are attracted to hybrid and electric cars for a variety of reasons. Cutting down on tailpipe emissions, fewer to no stops at gas stations, and other advantages can be enjoyed by anyone willing to take the plunge. One area of concern that quite a few shoppers have is what kind of maintenance hybrids and electrics require. After all, maintaining hybrid cars and fully-electric vehicles can seem daunting, considering how technologically advanced they are. This guide to maintaining an electric or hybrid car will help you feel less intimidated!

Guide to Maintaining an Electric or Hybrid Car

Electric and hybrid cars have many of the same components as standard gasoline automobiles, so most areas which need repair are similar to your typical vehicle.

Engines

guide to maintaining an electric or hybrid carRemember that hybrid cars still have a gasoline engine, which works in tandem at least part of the time with one or more electric motors. That means the usual maintenance items you would expect with a traditional vehicle will be required on electric hybrid vehicles, such as oil changes, timing belt replacements, valve adjustments, etc. Of course, the amount of maintenance required and the cost varies from one model to the next, so it’s a good idea to check out how different options compare before you make a final purchase decision.

The owner’s manual in your vehicle, or the manufacturer’s website, should offer detailed instructions on how to care for the engine. A maintenance schedule should be part of the instructions, taking the guesswork out of when you should have certain items addressed by a technician.

There are also diesel electric hybrid car models on the market. Like the gasoline versions, these require the same kinds of maintenance items as the traditional version of the same vehicle.

One big advantage of hybrid cars is that the gasoline or diesel engine isn’t put under as much strain, when compared to non-hybrid versions of the same model. This means wear and tear on the engine is less, so if maintained properly it should continue running without any major problems far longer.

Motors

Both hybrid and electric vehicles come with at least one electric motor. There are few moving parts in them, a stark contrast with gasoline engines. That means less can break or go wrong, so little maintenance is required. When components do wear out, it’s far easier for a technician to replace them, so the cost is quite a bit lower.

Hybrid-Specific Components

guide to maintaining an electric or hybrid carWhen looking at hybrid car repair, you might be surprised to find there’s really nothing beyond what you’d do with a traditional vehicle. The manufacturer has a checklist of items that should be inspected at certain mileage intervals, with many of them matching what you’d do with any other car. A qualified technician who’s familiar with your specific vehicle make will know exactly what to look for in terms of potential problems, catching them before they can develop into something serious.

Little of the regular maintenance items involve hybrid-specific components, although how much this is true depends on the exact hybrid model you own. Unlike gasoline engines, batteries and electric motors don’t need oil changes, valve adjustments, or even new timing belts on a regular basis. In other words, you’ll actually need to spend less to maintain the hybrid system on your car, making it a wise financial move.

Coolant

Hybrid and electric cars for the most part use coolant, just like traditional vehicles. Not only do hybrid cars have an internal combustion engine to keep below dangerous temperatures, it also must regulate the temperature of the battery pack. This means sending the coolant over a larger area of the car, which requires a more complex setup.

You must maintain the liquid at an ideal level, otherwise the car won’t run correctly. In some extreme cases, a vehicle could suffer serious damage from overheating because of a lack of coolant. It’s a good idea to check the coolant level once a week, or more if you’re driving in especially hot weather.

Just like other vehicles, hybrid and electric cars need coolant changes at regular intervals. Because of the more complex nature of the cooling system, this particular maintenance item can be more involved. That translates into more expensive, because techs must perform more work each time. The good news is the coolant usually doesn’t have to be replaced any more often than in other vehicles.

Batteries

Some people have been concerned about buying a hybrid or electric car because of the potential cost of replacing batteries. It’s an honest worry, considering that with traditional cars an owner will replace the battery multiple times.

Unlike the batteries in traditional cars, the batteries in electric hybrid vehicles are large, complex and quite expensive. It’s understandable that anyone would be worried about replacing such a costly component, especially if it needs to be replaced every few years.

The fact is that may hybrids and electric vehicles run for well over 150,000 miles on the original battery pack. There are electrified taxis in cities such as New York and San Francisco that have been able to go well over the 200,000-mile mark without replacing the battery. In other words, you don’t really need to worry about this any more than you need to worry about replacing the engine in a traditional car.

T3 Atlanta

Are you the proud owner of an electric or hybrid car and want to keep your vehicle in tip-top shape? T3 Atlanta services all Infiniti, Toyota, Nissan, and Lexus vehicles. Call us at our Smyrna (404 794-7700) or Decatur ( 404) 633-7722) locations, and we’ll get you back on the road in no time.

 

Filed Under: Auto Repair

Automobile Shocks

February 20, 2016 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

Thanks to an automotive technology called shocks, we enjoy a more comfortable and controlled ride. It wasn’t always like that, because back when cars were still relatively new machines the ride was bouncy and rough.

Automobile Shocks: How They Work

The common misconception is that car shock absorbers actually support the vehicle’s weight, but that’s far from the truth. What they really do is control any movement in the suspension and springs. To get a little scientific, shocks do this by taking Automobile Shocks - T3 Atlantathe movement or kinetic energy and converting it into heat. That energy is stored inside the shocks’ hydraulic fluid, before escaping into the surrounding air.

If you were to cut a car shock in half lengthwise, you’d see a cross section of how it works. There’s a long piston rod with a piston on one end, which sits flush with the walls of the shock cylinder or pressure tube. Hydraulic fluid sits inside as well.

When the car drivers over a pothole or bump, the piston is forced up and down in the pressure tube. Small holes in the piston, called orifices, allow the hydraulic fluid to pass through. Because the flow is only slight, thanks to the size of the orifices, the shocks are able to absorb the energy transferred from the suspension and vehicle springs.

All shocks provide greater resistance the faster the suspension bounces. This allows for adjustments based on different surfaces, making for a more comfortable ride quality on rough pavement Of course, not all shock absorbers are made equal. Some provide more resistance than others, thanks to factors like the size and number of piston orifices.

Automobile Shocks: Recognizing Trouble

Now that you have a basic understanding of what shocks are and how they work, you’re ready to learn the different warning signs that they need to be replaced. Failure to replace worn shock absorbers not only means you’ll be enduring a rougher ride; it can also lead to damage as the undercarriage comes into contact with the road. That’s why you should always be watching for these warning signs, the taking action as soon as they crop up.

You should know that shocks don’t just suddenly wear out. It happens gradually over time, so you might not realize what’s going on until they’re pretty far gone. That’s why when you’re in doubt, have a trained auto tech take a look to see if the shocks are bad enough to justify swapping them out, preventing serious damage.

Automobile Shocks - T3 AtlantaAlso, know that you can’t just replace your shocks after a set number of miles. How quickly they wear depends on how you drive your car, what the roads are like where you live, etc.

One of the telltale signs of worn shock absorbers is a bouncier ride. If you notice that when you go over bumps in the road, your car dives up and down wildly, that means you need to have the shocks inspected. The problem could also manifest when you drive over a series of small bumps or ripples in a road, with the traction control system light flickering on in the instrument cluster as one or more wheels literally bounces up and down while struggling to attain enough grip.

Most people realize that bottoming-out is a bad thing, so that’s perhaps the most obvious sign of worn shocks. The problem usually first manifests when you go over railroad tracks or have trouble with steep driveway skirts.

If you hear a strange sound whenever the car goes over a bump, that also can signal trouble. As the shocks age and reach the end of their life, they can begin creaking, popping or making other noises that let you know it’s time to have them replaced.

When you hit the brakes hard, like during a panic stop, your car might lean forward slightly before coming to a complete stop. If the front end dives down hard, that can be a sign of worn shocks. The same is true with what’s called acceleration squat. If when you accelerate hard, the back end of the vehicle sinks down, that’s not a good sign.

Too much body lean is another indication something’s wrong. When they’re in good condition, a vehicle’s shocks regulate at least some of the body lean, which boosts handling ability and comfort when navigating through turns.

Perform This Simple Test

You can perform a simple test at home to tell if the shocks on your vehicle are worn enough that they need to be replaced. Push down as hard as you can at each corner of the car, then let go abruptly. If after you release the vehicle it keeps bouncing, you likely need new shocks.

T3 Atlanta

The only way to tell for sure if a vehicle’s shock need to be replaced is to have a highly skilled technician look at them. At T3 Atlanta we have all of the necessary equipment and training to take great care of your car.

Filed Under: Auto Repair

Windshield Wipers: How They Work

February 10, 2016 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

With windshield wipers, you barely need to think. All it takes is turning a switch or flipping a stalk on the steering column, and they just work. While many drivers feel they don’t need to know more about wipers, the truth is that such knowledge will help you spot potential problems early, which in turn can help save you money on bigger and more complex repairs.

Windshield Wipers: How They Work

The wipers are powered by an electric motor, which is hidden from view underneath the dash of your car. Also included in the setup is a worm gear reduction, which has the ability to increase the torque output from the motor by as much as 50 times, or reduce it by 50 times. That’s how you’re able to select so many settings for your wipers, from slow to incredibly fast.

Windshield Wipers - T3 AtlantaConnected to the gear reduction is a linkage, which is what actually moves the wipers back and forth across the windshield. A short cam is the piece that’s attached to the motor’s output shaft. As it spins while the motor runs, a long rod attached to the other end of the cam shifts back and forth. Attached to the other end of the long rod is a short rod, which is what turns the wiper blade on one side of the car (usually the driver’s side). Another long rod connects to the other wiper.

The actual wiper arms are attached to the ends of the linkages with a single bolt. On modern cars, that bolt is covered with a cap made of plastic or sometimes metal. This keeps snow, ice, salt and other debris out of the connection, avoiding corrosion as the car ages. This is the first thing to check if one or both of the wipers is flopping while operating, or won’t move at all. If tightening the bolt doesn’t do the trick, then the problem is with the linkages or the electric motor itself.

There’s also an electronic sensor that detects whenever the wipers are sitting down. In the event you switch off the wipers when they’re still in the up position, this sensor keeps the power on until the wipers are folded down, completely out of your line of sight. It’s this same sensor that makes it so the wipers stay at the bottom of the windshield between swipes when you’re using the intermittent setting. Obviously, if your wipers don’t sit at the bottom of the windshield when you turn them off, this sensor is likely broken.

Windshield Wiper Blades

Most people know a thing or two about wiper blades, because they’re parts that have to be replaced on a pretty regular basis. Windshield Wipers - T3 AtlantaBasically, they’re made of rubber, with metal strips that help them maintain a constant shape. This is so the thin rubber edge that sits against the windshield swipes off water evenly. As the rubber ages, it starts to chip and crack, causing the wipers to leave streaks. Sometimes this streaking is caused by dirt buildup on the wipers, which is why it’s a good idea to clean them when washing your car.

Having your car sit out in the hot sun during the daytime in the summer, or out in the bitter cold of the winter night can accelerate the aging of the wiper blades. In other words, garaging your car as often as possible will extend the life, saving you money. The most common problem with wipers comes from not replacing the blades as they age out.

The windshield wiper fluid helps with clearing debris off the windshield, like when there are a lot of bugs in the air. Little nozzles that sit on the hood, or at the edge between the hood and bottom of the windshield, actually spray the fluid out. From time to time these nozzles can become partially or completely clogged by dirt, salt or other debris. If that happens, you can clear it yourself by inserting a thin needle into the nozzle. Also, if it snows or there’s ice on your car, you have to clear that completely from the nozzles for them to work properly.

T3 Atlanta Can Replace Windshield Wipers

Wiper problems can be serious, since they affect your ability to see the road and other vehicles. The trained technicians at T3 Atlanta can quickly take care of any situation, ensuring you stay safe and happy.

 

Filed Under: Auto Repair, Car Tips

How Do Transmissions Work?

January 23, 2016 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

Without a transmission, vehicles literally wouldn’t go anywhere. Since you can’t really see the transmission in your car, it’s often misunderstood. Knowledge is power, and knowing how your transmission works will help you maintain it better.  

How Do Transmissions Work?

You likely know that there are two main types of transmissions: manual and automatic. Without getting How Do Transmissions Work? - T3 Atlantatoo technical, there are several gears fixed on two shafts. As the car is shifted into different gears by the driver or a computer, the gears from one shaft engage with the ones on the other.

In manual transmissions, drivers must push down the clutch pedal to break the connection between the engine and transmission. The gears can then be moved, then the driver releases the clutch pedal and the connection is established again. It’s essentially the same process with an automatic, only the computer uses a torque converter instead of a clutch, at least in most setups.

Dual-clutches sit somewhere in the middle between manuals and automatics.  Continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) have been increasing in popularity recently, and they eliminate individual gears completely.

Toyota Recommended Transmission Service

Toyota recommends specific service schedules for its vehicles, and that includes making sure the transmission is maintained. In general, you should have the clutch components inspected and the transmission fluid replaced every 30,000 miles. Doing this will help avoid larger problems later. The service schedule for individual Toyota models can vary, so it’s always a good idea to consult the owner’s manual or speak with a trained technician.

Signs of Transmission Trouble

There are many signs that your transmission needs to be looked at. One is if it just won’t go into gear. This can include the stick on a manual not moving, or an automatic skipping a certain gear. Several potential problems could trigger this, including low transmission fluid, the wrong fluid being used and even maladjustments for the clutch linkage or shifter cables.

Another common problem is slipping gears. That means the car starts to travel or is even going down the road, but the transmission slips, making the engine race while slowing down your momentum. This is a potentially dangerous situation. You need to have the car checked over ASAP, because several issues could be the culprit.

Sometimes transmissions make noise. If that happens when it’s in neutral, there are a few possible How Do Transmissions Work? - T3 Atlantacauses. Low fluid or the wrong type can cause some bumping sounds. If the transmission is particularly noisy, it could be from serious mechanical damage, such as worn bearings or gears. If the problem includes grinding or shaking, that can be from a worn clutch, maladjustments or other worn components.

Finding bright red, sticky fluid where your car’s been parked indicated a transmission fluid leak. The source could be in one of a number of locations. A technician can usually pinpoint it fairly quickly with the vehicle on a lift. From there, it’s just a matter of figuring out the best way to patch the leak, which may or may not involve replacing some parts.

If you smell burning coming from the transmission, that’s not something to ignore. It could indicate that there’s a problem with overheating. As the fluid burns, it can’t lubricate the gears and other components properly. The problem can be triggered by dirty fluid that needs to be swapped out, or a leak caused by a bad seal.

Vehicles with a manual transmission can experience a dragging clutch. You push on the clutch pedal, but the engine and transmission are still connected, and the transmission makes a horrendous grinding noise. Often the problem is with too much slack in the linkage between the pedal and the clutch disc.

Despite the name, your check engine light coming on can indicate a problem with the transmission. Modern vehicles have sensors that trigger the warning, like unusual vibrations you can’t even feel. When you see the check engine light turn on, it’s best to bring the car in and have the code read, avoiding bigger problems later.

T3 Atlanta For Transmission Serivce

If you hear the transmission whining or humming, that can spell trouble. At the first sign of these unusual sounds, you need to have the transmission checked over. The same goes for transmissions that don’t engage immediately after you push on the accelerator pedal.

When you experience any of the above symptoms, that’s the time to contact T3 Atlanta or stop by for an inspection. Our highly trained, professional technicians can quickly and accurately diagnose the problem.  

 

Filed Under: Auto Repair, Car Tips

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • …
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • Next Page »

Repairs and Services

  • Lexus
  • Infiniti
  • Toyota
  • Nissan

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. 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.



T3 Atlanta
Smyrna Auto Repair
4000 Atlanta Road SE,
Smyrna, GA 30080
Phone: (404) 794-7700
© 2019 All Rights Reserved.

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • Google+

Like us on Facebook

Menu

  • Home
  • About us
  • Repairs & Service
  • T3 vs The Dealer
  • FAQs
  • Blog
  • Testimonials
  • Locations
    • Smyrna
  • Message Us
T3 Atlanta Ltd. Is not affiliated with Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., nor Toyota Motor Co., Ltd.

Blog Categories

  • Auto Repair
  • Car Tips
  • Featured
  • Infiniti
  • Lexus
  • Nissan
  • Toyota
  • Travel Tips
  • Uncategorized
Mechanic Advisor
Visit Mechanic Advisor
© 2015 All Rights Reserved. T3 Atlanta.