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 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

A 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.

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 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

You 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.

 

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

Modern 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

The 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

One 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.

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

Your 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

Another 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

When 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.

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

Perhaps 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

Yet 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

If 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.

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

One 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

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.