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How to Build Your Own Car Emergency Kit

January 10, 2017 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

You’ve probably heard of car emergency kits, but have questions about them. The most common is what to have in an emergency car kit? While there are no absolutes, some items will prove to be more useful or valuable in common roadside emergencies.

What to Have in a Car Emergency Kit

The following list includes the basic items for a kit. You can add to it as you see fit, such as tire chains for snowy conditions, but be sure to have at least these things.

  • What to have in an emergency car kitFlashlight: This is essential if you’re stranded in the dark, and so should absolutely be part of your car emergency kit contents. Sure, you could use your phone, but you’re also draining the battery, putting your ability to call for help in jeopardy. These days, there are plenty of compact, powerful and affordable flashlights on the market.
  • First aid kit: While unfortunate, someone could be injured in the event of an accident or trip and fall. Even if you cut yourself while trying to fix something, having some bandages, rubbing alcohol, and gauze will help prevent infection.
  • Blanket: Surprisingly versatile, you can use a blanket to stay warm, create a shelter, treat someone for shock, or even cushion your knees while you make a repair. When choosing the size and thickness of a blanket, remember it’s always best to overestimate what you’ll need.
  • Water: There are many uses for water, making it especially valuable to have on hand. You can drink it or in a pinch to rinse out a wound. Water can also help with an overheating car. You can also rinse off corrosion from car parts easily. You can even use it to wash off your hands after making unexpected car repairs.
  • Basic tools: You don’t have to bring every tool you own, but a small, basic tool kit is handy if you need to tighten a hose clamp, secure a bolt, etc. Make sure it has at least Phillips and flat head screwdrivers, as well as a Torx screwdriver since many car parts are compatible with those these days. Some needle nose pliers, a crescent wrench, gloves and similar items are helpful, too.
  • Duct tape: No, this isn’t to patch your pants in a pinch, but you can use it to patch up hoses or other broken or torn items on your car. Duct tape is tough and can withstand high temperatures, so having it on hand is always a good thing.
  • Flares/safety triangle/vest: You need to stay visible when on the side of the road. Flares are great for when it’s dark, while a foldable and reflective triangle as well as a reflective safety vest help other drivers see and avoid you.

Knowing what to have in an an emergency car kit can keep you safe when the unexpected happens. Even better, most of these items are small and won’t take up a lot of room in your trunk.

Staying Safe on the Side of the Road

What to have in an emergency car kitVisibility brings up another issue. If you’re stranded on the side of the road, especially at night, it can be hard for motorists to see you.
There are some things you can do to reduce the chance of a serious incident.

First of all, if you’re on the highway, exit it if at all possible. The sheer speed of travel makes being on the shoulder incredibly dangerous. If you can’t get to an exit ramp, pull over as far as you can. Always turn on your hazard lights so people realize you’re not moving. If you’re on the side of the road, the safest place to be is in your car, where a reinforced cage and airbags can protect you.

When you’re stuck on the side of the highway and the weather is bad, you’ll need to stay warm while you wait for help. Keep your doors closed and only run the heater, if your car will turn on, about ten minutes every hour as a way to conserve fuel.

In the event your car has slid off the road and is damaged, you might want to find a secure spot to wait for help. It’s possible the fuel lines on your vehicle are ruptured, posing a serious fire risk. Take to higher ground, preferably behind a barrier or a tree, to guard yourself from other vehicles.

Who to Call in Atlanta for Roadside Assistance

What to have in an emergency car kitThe first thing you want to do after ensuring you’re in secure spot is call on your phone for help. Atlanta has a service called HERO, which is run by the Georgia DOT Transportation Management Center. Just dial 511 on your phone for assistance. Know that the HERO service doesn’t include a tow truck, so you’ll have to call for one separately.

When a tow truck arrives, remember to tell the driver to take your vehicle to T3 Atlanta. We’ll help you figure out what’s wrong with your car, and get it working properly again.

Filed Under: Car Tips, Travel Tips

Everything You Need to Know About Spark Plugs

January 3, 2017 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

Spark plug maintenance is something most people never think about until there’s a problem. To understand how to care for yours, you need to understand what they are and how they work.

What are Spark Plugs?

Spark plug maintenanceSpark plugs are small cylinders with a threaded end, kind of like a bolt. Each one sits at the top of your engine’s cylinders. If you have a V-6, there will be six spark plugs. If you have a four-cylinder, there will be four spark plugs.

Without getting too complex, spark plugs are fed electricity from the car’s ignition system, which includes the battery and alternator. Fuel and air are pumped into the cylinders, then a spark is generated by each plug to ignite the mixture and cause a miniature explosion. This is what makes your car run.

Think of spark plugs as being like little matches or lighters that start the fire. They do this over and over as the engine runs.

Spark Plug Maintenance

A problem with your car’s spark plugs can mean it won’t start, or at the very least it will run roughly. Running your engine with dirty spark plugs hurts performance. Depending on how dirty they are, less of a spark is happening inside the cylinders. As a result, you don’t extract as much energy from the gasoline. This leads to less power and poorer fuel economy. Since this happens gradually over time, you might not even notice a difference.

Over time, spark plugs can become dirty as they’re exposed to different things. Overall, they’re made to clean themselves as they get hot. If you take frequent short trips, the spark plugs don’t heat up as much, and this can lead to problems. If you pull out the spark plugs from your engine and find they’re dirty, you have options. Instead of just throwing them away and installing new ones, it’s easy and inexpensive to clean them.

Spark plug maintenance is easy to do at home. All you need are a small wire brush and some gloves since it’s a dirty job. From there, you just brush off any buildup, almost like you’re brushing your teeth.

How to Know When Spark Plugs Are Dirty

spark plug maintenanceA few different symptoms can indicate that your spark plugs are dirty. Usually, people don’t notice these until there’s a big problem. One of the most common is if the engine is sluggish or not as powerful as it used to be. This can be coupled with diminished fuel economy, which you should be measuring at least once a month, if not each time you fill up with gas. Of course, modern cars often have a fuel mileage monitor, which is a huge help for keeping track.

A more obvious symptom is if the engine is sputtering, stuttering or stumbling. It could also manifest by having trouble starting the engine. This is caused by a lack of spark not burning the fuel, or burning so little that the engine almost stalls. If you don’t perform regular spark plug maintenance, the problem could potentially leave you stranded.

Where to Buy Spark Plugs

If you don’t have the time or expertise to clean spark plugs, or if that doesn’t work, you can buy new ones. Depending on your vehicle, the cost may be minimal, and you’ll be ensured excellent performance. Spark plugs are sold at automotive parts stores, as well as online. Always buy reputable brands from established stores, which ensures that you get quality replacements.

Of course, at T3 Atlanta we can check your spark plugs, clean them or even install replacements quickly. Some of these symptoms could indicate other problems with your car, which we can diagnose and resolve as well.

Filed Under: Car Tips

What is the Difference Between Auto Antifreeze and Coolant?

December 13, 2016 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

Most people think of antifreeze and coolant as interchangeable things. The reality is there’s a difference, even though it might be small, and knowing what it is will only help you as a car owner.

What is Antifreeze?

antifreeze-and-water-ready-to-mixAntifreeze is normally made of propylene glycol or ethylene glycol. Like the name indicates, it doesn’t freeze easily. And unlike water, it doesn’t boil easily. Overheating engines can literally melt, so using antifreeze is essential.

You get another benefit from antifreeze: it naturally protects against corrosion, like rust. That’s great news for all those metal parts the liquid runs over. So it’s a protector against overheating, freezing and corrosion, making it an essential thing for your car.

What is Coolant?

Coolant is antifreeze with water added into it. You can get coolant that’s 70 percent antifreeze and 30 percent water, or a mixture that’s half and half. Your vehicle manufacturer likely recommends one or the other. Of course, you get more corrosion protection with the higher concentration of antifreeze. Adding water actually lowers the freezing point of the mixture.

Without coolant, your car would overheat easily in the summer and have trouble starting in the dead of winter. It should go without saying that you need to ensure your car has enough coolant, or you will suffer from these problems.

Interestingly enough, one of the early signs in the winter that your coolant level has fallen is that the heater stops working, because it actually is fed by the cooling system. In the summer, you’ll notice the temperature gauge climbing higher than normal, indicating you have a problem.

You might be wondering where to buy coolant. It’s available at many big box stores, auto parts centers and dealership parts departments. Coolant can come as a green, purple or orange liquid. Always check the recommended color for your vehicle, which is printed in the owner’s manual, or you potentially risk serious mechanical damage.

Coolant Maintenance Tips

Antifreeze and coolantYou really should be checking the coolant level in your car at least once a month, along with the other liquids. Modern vehicles come with an overflow reservoir for the cooling system, where coolant flows into and out of as a way to release heat.

After you’ve been running the vehicle and reached the normal operating temperature, check the level using the markings on the side of the reservoir. The coolant should be somewhere between the minimum and maximum lines. If it’s below the minimum, you need to fill it back up close to the maximum level.

Periodically, you need to flush the old coolant out of your car. Over time the liquid loses its ability to keep the engine at an ideal temperature. Flushing it out and replacing the coolant with a new batch is the solution. This will also get rid of deposits which have built up in your radiator over time, which also boosts performance. While you certainly can flush the coolant system yourself, it can be a messy job and you’ll have to dispose of the old coolant properly.

Coolant and Antifreeze Safety Tips

Now that you know the difference between antifreeze and coolant, you might be ready to open up the hood on your car and get to work. But first, consider these safety tips.

Long ago, your only option for adding coolant to a car was by opening up the radiator cap. This is especially dangerous if your car is even slightly hot. There are always warnings printed on radiator caps to remind you of the risk.

Some coolant overflow reservoirs are pressurized, so you have to be careful opening them. Others aren’t and so you can open them at any time without risk. Always follow the warnings printed on all caps and containers in the engine compartment, otherwise you risk serious injury. With pressurized systems, it can be somewhat like opening a carbonated drink that’s been shook up first, so go slow and be careful.

Also, be careful how you store coolant and antifreeze. They are poisonous materials, so kids and animals can become sick or even die from consuming them. Don’t leave them within reach of young kids. If your bottles of coolant or antifreeze are leaking, it is best to dispose of them.

T3 Atlanta

If you have any doubts about adding coolant to your car, have a professional do it for you. It’s not worth the risk of having extremely hot liquid spew out onto your bare skin. That being said, if you’re cautious and follow directions, it’s completely doable for the average person.

At T3 Atlanta, our technicians know vehicle coolant systems well. We can help you maintain yours, so you don’t have to deal with big problems that will leave you stranded or cause serious mechanical problems.

 

Filed Under: Car Tips

Winter Driving Safety Tips

December 6, 2016 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

Even though Atlanta doesn’t see the same kinds of winter conditions as other parts of the country, you still need to be prepared. Having some solid winter driving safety tips on hand could save you some hassle, and maybe even from a serious accident.

Winter weather driving shouldn’t be considered lightly. Hopping in your car and just going on your way like everything is normal not only is foolish, it’s downright dangerous. You must change your driving habits in bad weather, plus take some extra precautions, otherwise you’re flirting with disaster.

Tips for Driving on Ice

Winter driving safety tipsThe biggest thing you need to contend with during the winter here is ice. Driving on ice safely is possible, but you need to be prepared and armed with solid information. First, realize you cannot stop quickly, so speed up and slow down gradually. You should also go under the speed limit, which was set with dry conditions in mind.

If it’s possible, you should try to not stop at all, but instead coast to red lights with the hope they will change to green before you arrive.

Avoiding hills is a good idea, but if you have to go up them you cannot slam on the accelerator. Instead, keep your speed consistent. Also, never stop on a hill, because your risk of sliding increases dramatically.

If you do slide, don’t panic. The natural tendency is to steer the wheels in the opposite direction you’re sliding. You should actually point the wheels toward where you’re sliding, letting the tire tread “bite” into the ice so you regain traction and stop. This is completely counter-intuitive thing to do, but it could save you from an accident.

Of course, the safest way to deal with ice on the roads is to stay home. You might need to go to work, but limit how many other places you travel. This is the single best way to stay safe.

Keep Your Vehicle on its Maintenance Schedule

When it comes to winter driving safety tips, you may be thinking about the drive itself. In fact, maintaining your vehicle is a good move, whether you’re staying in town or plan on venturing out onto the open road. Driving in the winter brings with it some special considerations. You need good wiper blades so you don’t risk not being able to see. If yours leave streaks on the glass, it’s time to get them replaced.

Your tires need to have plenty of tread, and should be inflated properly. All your car’s fluids need to be kept at ideal levels, or you could have serious problems. The battery terminals should be free of corrosion, otherwise you risk the engine not starting.

Plan Ahead: Winter Safety Driving Tips

Winter driving safety tipsIf you have to go out, always plan on trips taking longer. This means you should leave sooner so you’re not tempted to speed.

Keep your headlights on when the sky is overcast, that way you’re more visible to other drivers.

Before starting off, always clear any snow or ice off your vehicle. Keep an ice scraper somewhere inside your vehicle, so you can clear it completely as needed. If you cannot see out of the windows, the risk of hitting another car or a person skyrockets. Also, always check that the tailpipe is free of ice, slush or other debris before you get going, or else you risk carbon monoxide entering the cabin.

Before hitting the open road for a long trip in the winter, pack an emergency kit. It should have food, water, blankets, lights and first aid supplies. Always look up the weather reports for the path you’ve planned, and tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to arrive. Pack some snow chains, because you might run into heavy winter conditions in some areas. There could be situations where the local authorities require chains for you to drive on the road, making having them valuable.

When you’re out on the road, try to keep your gas tank above the halfway mark. If you do happen to get caught in some especially bad weather, the extra fuel will help you keep the engine and heater running.

Absolutely do not use cruise control is the road is slick. The car can’t make necessary adjustments if there’s trouble, which is why you should be in control at all times.

Driving in winter weather is always a challenge, no matter how much experience you have. These winter driving safety tips are preventative steps you can take to help you stay safe when you’re behind the wheel.

Filed Under: Car Tips, Travel Tips

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

DIY Headlight Cleaning 

October 18, 2016 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

Over time, you might notice that your headlights just don’t look the same. It happens slowly, but the lenses appear to fog up, even though there’s no water present inside the lens. Most people aren’t sure how to clean headlights because the method isn’t the same as the body panels on their car.

Cloudy or foggy headlights don’t just look bad, they also can put you at serious risk. The haziness can cut down on just how well you see at night, which is especially dangerous when travelling down dark roads. It could literally be the difference between you seeing a hazard in time and crashing horribly.

How to Clean Headlights

how to clean headlightsModern car headlights feature a polycarbonate plastic lens. The material doesn’t chip or crack nearly as easily as glass, but over time it can start to turn cloudy. There’s not much you can do about preventing this because exposure to sunlight and chemicals in the air triggers the reaction.

Replacing the headlights isn’t a very practical solution because that can run you a pretty good chunk of change. Instead of just being puzzled by this problem, you can learn that cleaning foggy headlights is actually pretty simple. You don’t need to be an automotive guru or have a bunch of special tools. In fact, cleaning headlights and restoring their original look can be done with some common materials.

Toothpaste

how to clean headlightsThe most common household method for cleaning foggy headlights is toothpaste, of all things. The stuff does a great job of cleaning your teeth, so why not your headlights as well? Interestingly enough, the buildup caused by oxidization on your headlight lenses is actually pretty similar to the plaque that gathers on your teeth.

Instead of using a toothbrush for cleaning headlights, you need to get a soft sponge. Anything abrasive, such as a scouring pad, can permanently damage the lenses. Apply a healthy amount of toothpaste to the sponge, then rub it around on the headlight lenses in a roughly circular motion for a couple of minutes or so. It does help if you push hard, especially if your headlights are especially cloudy.

From there, you need to wipe off the excess toothpaste with a clean cloth. Then you can apply car wax, the same stuff you use on the body, and follow up by wiping it off as well. That should leave your headlights looking bright and as good as new.

Another DIY headlight cleaning method combines the power of vinegar, baking soda and soap. You start off with a bucket filled with a small amount of water. Pour dish soap in, then wet a clean cloth in the mixture. Use that cloth to thoroughly clean off the headlight lenses.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

The next step is to put some baking soda in a cup, then add the vinegar. Immediately, the mixture will expand, fizz and bubble, but it’s safe for you to touch and even breathe in (but it won’t smell great). Dip another clean cloth in the cup, using it to apply the mixture to the headlight lenses. Like with the toothpaste, it doesn’t hurt to push hard and keep at it for a few minutes, depending on how bad your headlights look.

After rubbing the mixture onto the lenses, dry them thoroughly with a clean cloth. You can wax them to create a nice shine.

Bug Spray

how to clean headlightsOne of the most unexpected household remedies for cloudy headlights is bug spray. Funny enough, some of the chemicals that help drive away mosquitos and other pesky critters also can power through the dirt and oxidization in the plastic.

Here’s how to clean headlights using bug spray: carefully spray some solution on a clean, soft cloth until it is well soaked. Rub it around on the lens in circular motions for a few minutes, again pushing hard.

Like with the other methods, you can wipe off any excess bug spray with a clean cloth, then apply wax.

Dish Soap and Salt

There’s yet another combination of extremely common household items which, when combined, can remove the cloudiness from your headlights. In a bowl, combine warm water with dish soap and salt. The soap is to remove dirt and other contaminants, while the salt is gently abrasive, helping to scour off the stuff that won’t budge otherwise.

You actually remove the headlight from your car and place it, lens-down, in the mixture. Let it soak for a while, then scrub it clean with a fresh sponge for good measure. Wipe it off with a clean cloth and apply wax, if you so choose.

As you can see, learning how to clean headlights is an easy afternoon project that is well worth the increased visibility and safety for both you and your passengers.

Filed Under: Car Tips

Changing Your Windshield Wipers 

October 11, 2016 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

One of the most commonly neglected maintenance items on cars are windshield wipers. They’re something most people just don’t think about until it starts to rain or snow. When you need them, the little pieces of rubber are absolutely vital, which is why you should be more aware of when then need to be swapped out, as well as how to change windshield wipers.

Signs of Old Windshield Wipers: Streaks on the Windshield

How to change windshield wipersYour car can sit out in all sorts of conditions, from the baking heat of the sun in the summer, to sub-freezing temperatures in the winter. These environmental factors cause the rubber wiper blades to age, cracking the rubber and even causing it to pit.

You can tell when to replace windshield wiper blades because they will start to leave streaks on the glass. It starts out small, so pay attention and considering swapping them out early.

There is a possibility the streaking is from dirt or grime buildup on the blades. Clean them off with a cloth to see if that does the trick. If not, you need to go ahead and replace the wiper blades.

Old Windshield Wipers Can Cause Strange Noises

How to change windshield wipersAnother sign that you need to thing about replacing the windshield wipers is if they start making weird sounds. Any kind of squealing, slapping, grinding or chattering noises indicate you need to swap out the blades immediately. Ignoring these signs could cause the arms that hold the blades against the windshield to start rubbing against the glass. Considering they’re made of metal, you’re risking permanent damage to the windshield.

Once the rubber starts to age, it’s only a matter of time before the wipers don’t do their job very well at all. Trying to see through a streaked windshield is pretty difficult, and definitely dangerous. Rather than take that kind of a risk, it’s best to just replace the blades early. You can even keep a spare set in your garage or tool shed so they are ready to go once it’s time to install new ones. If you stop by a store when the weather is bad, often the wiper selection is pretty sparse because many people procrastinate replacing them.

How to Change Windshield Wipers

How to change windshield wipersWhen you buy replacement windshield wipers, you absolutely must get the correct size. Stores will have guides you can use to look up the size wiper blades your vehicle needs. Take your time and make sure you’re grabbing the correct replacements, otherwise you’ll be right back at the store buying more.

Some people like to turn on the car and activate the wipers, turning off the engine once the blades reach the highest point on the windshield. If your wipers are difficult to reach when down all the way, this tip can really come in handy. If not, you don’t have to sweat it.

How to change windshield wipers:

  1. Start with the replacement process by pulling the wiper arms up and away from the windshield. It pays to study how the old wiper blades are positioned on the arms before you continue. You can even take a picture of them, just in case. To pull off the old blades, push down on the plastic tab where the blades connect to the arms, then pull the center portion of the blade toward the bottom portion of the arm. This removes the blade completely.
  2. Depending on your vehicle, you might need to use an adapter that’s included with the blades, so they fit on the wiper arms correctly. The instructions included with the wipers will indicate how to tell if you need the adapters or not. You can also look at your vehicle owner’s manual, which should also show if a special adapter is needed. If yours needs the alternate connector, it only releases if you insert a small flathead screwdriver under the connecting pin, lifting it up.
  3. Take your new wiper blade and line up the plastic clip on it with the hooked end of the wiper arm. This is where remembering the exact orientation of the old blade comes in handy. As you pull the wiper blade onto the arm, you should hear a clicking sound. That means the blade is secure in its place. At this point you just need to lower the arm so the new wiper blade is touching the glass.
  4. Repeat the same process for the other wiper arm.

Filed Under: Car Tips

Troubleshooting Your Car When It Won’t Start 

October 4, 2016 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

There’s no worse feeling than getting in your car, turning the key, and nothing happens. We often take for granted that our vehicles fire up each time we need it, that when the opposite occurs it’s a huge letdown. After you deal with the shock and disbelief, you will need to start on the task of troubleshooting car starting problems.

The worst thing you can do is panic. Everyone at one point or another deals with a car that won’t start, and you will figure it out. If you’re short on money, know the problem could be stupidly simple, but panicking won’t help you solve it yourself. Here are some common causes of car starting problems.

Battery Problems

Troubleshooting car starting problemsPerhaps the most obvious and common reason for a car to not start is the battery has no charge. If you don’t hear anything when you turn the key, pop the hood and inspect the terminals on the battery. Remove any corrosion you see with a steel brush or anything else you might have on hand. That corrosion alone could be keeping the electricity from flowing to the engine.

Also check that the wires are clamped securely on the terminals, because any looseness can make it so the engine won’t start. If both those issues check out, you should have someone give your car a jump start. Always be extremely careful with jumper cables and follow the instructions included with them.

Other potential causes for engine starting problems when turning the key makes zero noise is that the starter has gone bad, or the smart key’s battery needs to be replaced.

Air Filters

When was the last time you swapped out the air intake filter? A clogged filter could choke off the flow of air enough to keep the engine from starting. Just by taking out the filter, you should be able to see immediately if it’s excessively dirty.

While you’re at it, check that all the connections in the air intake system are tight and that there’s no cracks in any of the pipes. Ironically, too much airflow can also keep your engine from starting.

Transmission in the Wrong Gear

Troubleshooting car starting problemsYet another potential cause for a car to not start is if the transmission is in the wrong gear.

If you have an automatic, there is the possibility a mechanical fault allows you to remove the key from the ignition without putting the transmission in park first.

This is especially difficult to detect if you have a steering column-mounted shifter, but it could happen with dash- or center console-mounted shifters as well. All you need to do is double-check that the transmission is in park, then try turning the key.

Engine Compression

A little more advanced thing to check your engine for is proper compression.

If you have a compression gauge on hand, you just need to remove one of the spark plug wires from the engine and feed the tube portion of the gauge into the spark plug well. Have someone else crank the engine and not the pressure. If it’s above 100 psi, you probably are good on compression. Measure each cylinder’s compression in turn. A big difference in adjacent cylinders’ compression is definitely cause for concern.

You can still test for compression without a gauge. Just cover the spark plug well with your finger. If you can’t keep your finger in place when the engine is turned over, the compression level is probably good.

Troubleshooting Car Starting Problems: Other Causes

Troubleshooting car starting problemsIf you hear the electrical system firing, which can be a clicking sound, or the engine is struggling to start but won’t, there are a few causes you can look into. Your car could be out of gas, so turn the key enough for the gauges to turn on, and check the fuel level.

If that’s not the cause, a problem with the fuel filter, pump or other portion of the fuel system is possible and should be addressed by a mechanic.

T3 Atlanta

Unfortunately, engine starting problems could be beyond your ability to diagnose or fix. That’s when calling a towing company and having your vehicle transported to an auto repair shop such as T3 Atlanta. We service Toyota, Lexus, Nissan, and Infiniti vehicles in the metro Atlanta area. If your car won’t start, give us a call! We’ll have your car running again in no time.

Filed Under: 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

How to Maintain Tire Life

August 16, 2016 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

Most people, even if they’re car enthusiasts, don’t really think that much about tires. In reality, tires are essentially the unsung heroes of automotive equipment. The performance of a vehicle relies heavily on not only what type of tires are installed, but also how they’re maintained. Everyone can stand to learn and put into practice some solid tire maintenance tips.

Keep Your Tires Inflated

tire maintenance tipsOne of the easiest and most essential items for tire care is keeping each tire properly inflated. The vehicle manufacturer actually prints how much air pressure to maintain in the tires, placing the info on the driver’s doorjamb.

Overinflating the tires will cause the middle of the tread to wear out faster, while keeping them underinflated will cause the sides of the tread to wear down quicker.

Balance and Rotate Tires Regularly

You should also have the tires rotated and balanced on a regular basis, protecting against uneven wear. If you have an all-wheel or four-wheel-drive vehicle, all four tires need to match each other and have about the same amount of wear, or you could be facing some expensive mechanical repairs later.

Driving Habits Affect Tire Life

You must be aware of how you’re driving, because your habits behind the wheel impact tire maintenance in big ways. Doing jackrabbit starts, or quickly accelerating off the line, on a regular basis will wear down the tread. The same thing goes for whipping through turns. If you hear the rubber squealing on the pavement, that’s not a good sign.

Driving faster than the speed rating for your tires can cause the rubber to break down prematurely. There’s a reason why tires have different ratings, so know yours and stay below that number. You also need to know the load index for your tires, because carrying too much weight in your vehicle can cause the tires to suddenly fail.

When Possible, Avoid Road Hazards

tire maintenance tips

When driving, always be scanning ahead of your vehicle for anything that could damage the tires. Obviously, sharp debris like scrap metal, screws, broken glass or nails are bad to drive over, so you need to do everything reasonable to avoid them. While punctures in the tread area can be fixed, as long as the tires aren’t too worn down, damage on the sidewalls cannot.

Hitting potholes, especially large ones, can also cause serious damage to a tire. The impact might be enough to cause the tire to completely blow out, or it could result in a flat spot or another type of blemish.

Remember that the faster you hit road damage, the more likely it will result in a tire replacement. The same can be true of running over curbs or islands, so give yourself enough room to make turns. If you can’t avoid running over obstacles, slow down as much as you can safely, and hopefully your tires will survive the ordeal.

Purchase New Tires When Needed

When your tire tread is worn too much, you need to buy a new set of tires. It might not always happen at the most convenient time, but keeping your tires fresh is necessary. One way to tell if your tires are too worn is if the wear bars, which run perpendicular to the tread pattern, have emerged.

Most people don’t have a tire depth gauge, but you can stick a penny in the tread. If Abraham Lincoln’s head is visible, the tires are too worn and should be replaced.

Maintaining Nitrogen-Filled Tires

As they become more popular, a growing number of car owners are wondering how to maintain nitrogen-filled tires. Because of the nature of nitrogen molecules, they don’t seep out of tires nearly as much, so the pressure stays more consistent.

Still, during the fall and winter as temperatures drop, more nitrogen needs to be added. If the tire pressure is too low and nitrogen isn’t available, owners can add air. This is better than running around on a low tire. You should never use a vacuum to suck out the air later, because that can distort the shape of the rubber and lead to serious damage.

Tire Cleaning Tips

When it comes to tire cleaning tips, you need to keep in mind that it’s not just a matter of washing and leaving it at that. You need to be thorough in rinsing the tire, because soap buildup actually can be harmful.

Apply a high-quality tire dressing, which will not only make the rubber look great, but will also protect against rotting and cracking. You want to use water-based dressings only, which are usually a white liquid. Many solvent-based tire dressings actually dry the rubber out, accelerating cracking, and are tire car products that should be avoided.

Filed Under: Car Tips

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T3 Atlanta

Lexus, Infiniti, Toyota, and Nissan Maintenance

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

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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.



T3 Atlanta
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Smyrna, GA 30080
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