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4000 Atlanta Road SE, Smyrna, GA 30080

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Brake Maintenance Simplified

January 13, 2016 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

For most people vehicle braking systems are a mystery. They step on a pedal, and the things under the wheels slow down the forward (or backward) momentum. It’s something few think about too much, until there’s a problem. By knowing a thing or two about how brakes work, you can actually spot potential problems early, which in turn reduces the size of the repair bill.

How Do Modern Brake Systems Work?

Modern brake systems actually use hydraulics. The force you apply on the pedal is transmitted to the actual brakes through a special fluid. If you open up the hood on your vehicle, you can check the brake fluid reservoir to see if it’s low. Too little fluid means the brakes won’t work as well, so it’s critical to monitor the level on a regular basis (usually once a month is sufficient).

Brake Maintenance Simplified - T3 AtlantaOf course, the brake system is actually set up to multiply the force you apply with your foot. After all, it would be pretty difficult to use sheer physical strength to stop the progression of a 4,000-plus pound vehicle traveling 65 mph. The actual pedal is designed as a lever, which multiplies the force you exert. The hydraulic force also multiplies your effort, routing through the brake lines and a master cylinder before winding its way to the wheels.

If you look at cars with fairly large gaps between the wheel spokes, you can see the brake disc underneath. When the hydraulic force is applied through the system, it squeezes a caliper that sits over one part of the disc. Attached to the caliper are brake pads, which are soft enough to not damage the discs. They create friction, slowing down the vehicle.

When everything is working fine, your car will slow down predictably time and again. There are some signs of trouble you should always be on the lookout for, because having your brakes go out or even work in a diminished way is never an enjoyable experience.

Brake Fade

You might notice that it’s necessary to push down on the brake pedal further than usual to get the car to slow down or stop. This is called brake fade, and it can happen gradually, so you might not even realize what’s going on for some time. When you do, that’s a sign that something could be wrong. The brake fluid might be low, making it necessary to push the pedal further, the brake pads could be worn down, or both.

Check Your Brake Fluid Levels

Checking the brake fluid is easy enough to do by yourself, if you’re so inclined, or our technicians can look over all your fluids at once to be safe. They also can read the thickness of your brake pads quickly, telling you if they need to be replaced, or are getting close to the point that they will need to be swapped in the near future.

Brake Maintenance Simplified - T3 AtlantaOne possible reason for low brake fluid is a leak. It could be present anywhere in the system, which runs throughout the undercarriage. Tracking down a leak can be tricky for someone who doesn’t have the right equipment, experience or training, which is where our techs come in. Ignoring the problem can make it worse, putting you and anyone riding in the car at risk.

Turn Down Your Music and Listen To Your Brakes

You should regularly turn down your music and maybe even roll down the windows while driving. Pay attention to any noise coming from the wheels when you apply the brakes. A squealing sound might be the indicator or a metal shim in the pads. Its job is to warn you when the pads have become thin enough they need to be changed. Hearing the squealing once in a while can be normal, thanks to temporary rust or road debris buildup, but if you notice it regularly that’s a sign to have the brakes checked.

Grinding and Growling Sounds

Grinding or growling when you push on the brake pedal is even worse. This can indicate the pads are completely worn, with the discs and calipers rubbing against each other. If that’s the case, you might need new discs and pads.

Brake Pedal Vibrations

Vibrations when you push on the brake pedal can indicate that you need new discs. The heat generated by braking can warp the metal. It’s possible the sensation is from unbalanced tires or other symptoms, which is why it’s a good idea to have a tech look at the car.

Pulling To One Side

Finally, your car might pull to one side or the other when you brake. This can be from the pads wearing unevenly, which might indicate other problems that should be addressed immediately. The problem can also be triggered by debris in the brake fluid, making it necessary to have the system drained and refilled.

T3 Atlanta For Brake Maintenance and Repairs

If you have concerns about your brakes, or any other part of your car, remember that T3 Atlanta is here to help. Our technicians are highly trained professionals that can quickly and accurately pinpoint the cause of problems, saving you time and money. Contact us today or stop by so we can get started.

Filed Under: Auto Repair, Car Tips

Replacing Your Vehicle’s Battery

November 11, 2015 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

You get into your car, turn the key and…nothing. Your car has no power and won’t start. Chances are that your battery is no longer holding a charge and that you will be replacing your vehicle’s battery.

Replacing Your Vehicle’s Battery

Replacing Your Vehicle’s Battery - T3 AtlantaYour car’s battery is located under the hood of the car. It contains sulfuric acid and water. There are two metal terminals on top of the battery. One is for the positive terminal and the other is for the negative terminal. The positive terminal can be identified by a “+” sign or the word “positive”.

The battery contains metal plates that store current from the car’s alternator. Your car battery stores electrical current. It passes electricity through the car to make the engine run. The battery will send current to the starter and is what makes the engine turn on.

The cruddy deposits that can form on top of your car’s battery terminals come from the acid inside the battery. You can brush the deposits off with a wire battery brush which can be purchased at an auto parts store. Or, you do it yourself by mixing one tablespoon of baking soda in a cup of water. Just wipe the solution around the terminals and it should easily fall off.

Avoid getting these powdery deposits on your hands or clothes. If you do, be sure to wash it off right away. A tip to keep these deposits from forming in the first place is to grease the terminals and stick two pennies nearby.

Do’s and Don’ts of Replacing Your Vehicle’s Battery

If you are an experienced mechanic you can replace your car’s battery yourself: 

  • While the engine is off and the hood is popped locate the battery.
  • Detach the black or negative cable first from the battery. You should be able to loosen the nut with a wrench.
  • Try to pull the end of the cable with your hand.  If you find it difficult you may want to purchase a battery terminal puller. Most auto parts stores sell tools especially for this task.

Tip: Do not use a screwdriver to remove it. This could break your battery terminal and cause damage.

  • Detach the positive or red battery cable using the same method as you did for the black or negative cable. Use a wrench to remove the battery from its clamp.
  • Next, remove the battery from its tray. You should use both hands for this since most batteries heavy. If you are lucky, your battery type will be one with a handle on top.
  • Once the old battery is removed, clean the area before installing a new battery. Use a wire brush to clean the cable connectors. There could be heavy corrosion on these. Use a premixed solution of baking soda and water combination to clean the whole area well.
  • Place the new battery in the tray.
  • Secure it with the hold-down clamp. Spray both terminals with your cleaning solution.
  • Attach the red or positive battery cable and then do the negative or black cable.
  • Make sure everything is secure and tight. The battery should not be able to move back and forth.
  • Crank the engine of the car to see if everything is working correctly.

Replacing Your Vehicle’s Battery - T3 AtlantaMost car batteries can be recycled. If your battery cannot be recycled, you need to dispose of it correctly since it contains hazardous materials. There are ways to make a few bucks off of recycling your old battery.

  • Contact your local scrap yard and see if they will offer you anything for your old battery.
  • Many auto parts stores will take a deposit on a new battery when it is purchased so you may be able to get a pay-out when you turn it back in to them.
  • Several retailers offer you a free gift card if you turn your old battery into to them. Even if they do not offer anything of value most stores that sell batteries collect old batteries for recycling. Check with your local auto parts store for all the details.
  • Contact your local recycling center. Many centers will pay you for turning your old battery in.
  • If your car is a hybrid those batteries are designed to last longer but they will still need to be replaced. Many hybrid car batteries have the recycle instructions listed on them. If you are confused about disposing of this type of battery you can always contact the car’s manufacturer for more details.

Remember, if you are going to change the battery in your car yourself, that you are going to be exposing yourself to hazardous materials. Safety should be your uttermost priority. There is no need in harming yourself or others just trying to be thrifty.

Let T3 Atlanta Replace Your Vehicle Battery

Avoid the hassle of installing a new battery and disposing of the old one by trusting your Lexus, Infiniti, Toyota, or Nissan vehicle to T3 Atlanta.  T3 Atlanta will make replacing your auto battery hassle-free. 

Filed Under: Auto Repair

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T3 Atlanta

Lexus, Infiniti, Toyota, and Nissan Maintenance

In 1994, our founder, Charles Wright, wanted to leave the corporate/professional environment and start his own company. After months of reading business planning books, he decided to establish an auto service company. He recalled reading that auto repair people were the first or second least trusted group of people among service providers, and Charles wanted to provide Atlanta car owners with a trustworthy auto repair shop. He learned how the service business was structured, and opened T3 Atlanta to offer customers an affordable and efficient service company. To learn more about Lexus, Infiniti, Toyota, and Nissan auto repairs at T3 Atlanta, please contact our office!

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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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Smyrna Auto Repair
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Smyrna, GA 30080
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