There are many qualities that make a good driver. One of the most important is being aware of your surroundings and what other drivers are doing. You also need to be prepared for anything, so knowing how to handle your car in different situations is crucial. In addition, having patience and courtesy on the road goes a long way. Finally, regular car maintenance is essential to keep your car running well and avoid accidents.

What Makes a Good Driver?

We all know the feeling. You’re driving along, minding your own business, and someone cuts you off without so much as a blinker. Or maybe you’re the one who made the sudden maneuver because you were distracted for just a second. In either case, it probably left you feeling angry, frustrated, or even scared.

But what separates a good driver from a bad one? Is it simply following the rules of the road? Is it being cautious and aware at all times? While those are essential qualities, there’s more to being a good driver than that. Here are five key traits of good drivers and how you can improve your driving habits:

1. Awareness

Being aware of your surroundings is essential to being a good driver. Not only do you need to be mindful of other vehicles on the road, but you also need to be aware of pedestrians, bicyclists, and animals.

Paying attention to your surroundings also means being aware of changes in the weather and road conditions. For example, if you see a storm brewing, you can adjust your driving accordingly. And if you see that the roads are icy, you know to slow down and drive with extra caution. In short, being aware of your surroundings is an essential quality of a good driver.

2. Preparedness

Being a good driver requires more than just being able to control a vehicle. It also needs to be aware of potential dangers and be prepared to react quickly and effectively. One of the best ways to be ready for anything is always to have a plan B. For example, if you’re driving in heavy traffic and someone cuts you off, your first instinct may be to honk your horn or make an obscene gesture.

But what if that only makes the situation worse? Instead, it’s better to be prepared with a backup plan, such as changing lanes or taking a different route. By being prepared for anything, you can help ensure that you’ll always be a safe and effective driver.

3. Ability to Handle The Car In Different Situations

A good driver is not just someone who can steer a car in a straight line. They need to be able to handle the vehicle in all sorts of different situations. This means controlling the car at high speeds, on slippery surfaces, in heavy traffic, and poor weather conditions.

Remember that road conditions can change abruptly. One minute you have the sun out, and the next, the rain might come crashing down, making the road much more dangerous.

4. Patience and Courtesy on the Road

Patience and courtesy are two essential qualities that all drivers should possess. Being patient behind the wheel can help to prevent road rage and accidents. Likewise, being courteous to other drivers shows respect and can make the roads a more pleasant place for everybody.

We can control our emotions and stay calm in stressful situations when we are patient. This is especially important when driving, as road conditions can be unpredictable and frustrating. By remaining patient, we are more likely to make wise decisions and avoid dangerous mistakes.

Similarly, courtesy demonstrates consideration for others. When we show courtesy on the road, we signal that we respect the rights of other drivers. This helps create a more cooperative atmosphere on the roadways, making them safer and more enjoyable for everyone. Therefore, patience and courtesy are two crucial qualities that all drivers should strive to possess.

5. Knowledge of Regular Car Maintenance

One of the essential qualities of a good driver is knowing regular car maintenance. By keeping up with regular maintenance, drivers can avoid potential breakdowns, costly repairs, and even accidents. Something as simple as regularly checking and changing your oil can prevent engine damage that could lead to significant costs.

In addition, regular car maintenance can help you identify potential problems early on before they have a chance to cause an accident. For example, if you regularly check your tires and notice that they are losing pressure, you can take measures to fix the problem before it leads to a blowout.

Keep Your Car in Top Shape With T3 Atlanta

While knowing how to maintain your car is one of the essential qualities of a good driver, not everybody has the time (or tools, for that matter). So, if you are located around the Atlanta Metro area, you can reach out to T3 Atlanta and have our expert team of mechanics do the maintenance checks for you. T3 Atlanta specializes in servicing Toyota, Lexus, Infiniti, and Nissan vehicles. Book an appointment by giving us a call today!

The first time you consider taking a road trip in an EV, it may seem like the worst idea ever. After all, aren’t EV car batteries supposed to run out of juice after 100 miles or so?

Yes and no. It depends on how you drive. If you do your best to use regenerative braking (which will put some charge back in the battery) and plan your itinerary around charging stations using apps that show them, then yes, EVs are more than capable of taking long trips without stopping for hours at a time. But is traveling in an electric vehicle for a mid to long drive possible? What are the things that you should know before making the drive? Let’s talk about taking a road trip in an EV and the many things you should prepare to make the journey more fun and memorable.

What are EVs or Electric Vehicles?

Before we continue, let’s try to talk about electric vehicles first. Electric vehicles, or EVs, run on electricity instead of gasoline. They come in all shapes and sizes, from tiny city cars to massive SUVs.

They’re becoming more and more popular as people realize the many benefits they offer over gas cars:

• EVs are much cheaper to operate than gas cars. You can save a lot of money on your electric bill by driving an EV.
• EVs don’t produce any emissions, which is excellent for the environment.
• They’re much quieter than gas cars, so you can listen to music or talk without having to raise your voice.
• They’re smoother and easier to drive than gas cars.
• They’re more fun to drive than gas cars; did you know that electric vehicles can often out-accelerate their gas counterparts?

What types of road trips are possible in EVs?

Imagine what people would think if they saw someone stopping for gas every hour to go 100 miles. It would probably take them five times as long to get to their destination, right?

Like any other vehicle, there are possible road trips and road trips that aren’t. Here’s a list of road trip possibilities for EVs:

• A day trip around the city is doable. It may be even easier if you have an all-electric car since you won’t ever run out of power.
• A road trip to your friend’s or family’s house in another city is also possible. Not many people live very far apart. As long as you charge every night or at work, there should be no problem making short road trips to visit your friends and family.
• Road trips from one state to another are entirely feasible with EVs. You can make road trips across the US or even cross an entire continent, like Europe or Asia, if you so choose.
• Road trips where you stay overnight are doable. Many hotels offer free charging for their guests, so ask around before making plans! Otherwise, it should be easy to find public charging stations that you can plug into while sleeping for the night (or wherever else).

Just remember that road tripping in an EV takes a little bit more planning than road tripping in a gas car, but it’s certainly doable.

What things should you prepare before taking a road trip in an EV?

As we’ve mentioned, taking a road trip in an EV requires a few more preparations than road tripping in a gas car.

You must be ready to invest in charging equipment. Your road trip will be much easier and faster if you bring along at least one fast-charging plug (CHAdeMO or CCS). Having two pins is even better if your road trip involves another person or can take longer than expected.

You’ll need to know where all the public charging stations are so that you can plan and stay on track when road tripping. You’ll also need to know how long each leg of your road trip will take so that you don’t get stuck overnight on the road with no place to stay or no way to charge your car.

Some additional tips include:

• You can bring along a portable solar panel if you have one in case there aren’t any other charging stations around.
• Having a generator in case it gets dark, or you don’t know road conditions in a particular area.
• Bring a map if GPS breaks down or doesn’t work well in certain areas.

In short, road trips in EVs are undoubtedly doable. They take a little bit more planning than road trips in gas cars, but they’re much cheaper and better for the environment too.

Car Repair And More At T3 Atlanta

If you are anywhere in Atlanta and you need some help with your car, reach out to T3 Atlanta, and we’ll be there to lend a hand. T3 is the number one car repair service in Atlanta, and our team of expert mechanics will solve your car problems in record time.

If you’re expecting your first child, you’ve no doubt realized there are many questions to answer, not the least of which is how to transport your kid safely around town. We’ve collected some tips on what to look for in a child safety seat to help you make the most informed decision for your family.

What are the rules and regulations about child safety seats in Georgia?

Before we discuss what to look for in a child safety seat, let’s talk about the rules and regulations about these seats in Georgia since a safety seat may not be necessary for your child.

Georgia law requires:

• All children younger than 8 years old are required to be in a car seat that is suitable for their age and height as determined by the NHTSA.
• Children who weigh at least 40 pounds may be secured by a lap belt in the back seat of the vehicle if the vehicle does not have shoulder belts or if other belts are occupied by other children.
• If there is not a back seat in the vehicle or if there are other children in the back seat, children weighing at least 40 pounds may sit in the passenger’s seat.

What should you look for in a child safety seat?

The answer to this question depends on the age and size of your child and will change over time as your child grows. You can find a comprehensive seat check guide and the closest seat inspection station near you at the NHTSA website.

In general, though, you can expect the following timeline for your child’s car seat journey:

• Use a rear-facing car seat for infancy up until 2–4 years old
• When your child outgrows the rear-facing seat, transition to a forward-facing car seat
• When your child outgrows the forward-facing car seat, use a booster seat until the seat belts fit properly (when the lap belt lays across the upper thighs and the shoulder belt lays across the chest)
• Once seat belts fit properly, Georgia law requires that all passengers use a seat belt

Using a car seat incorrectly can be just as dangerous as not using a car seat at all, but how do you know when you’ve misstepped? The Mayo Clinic also offers these tips on common – but easily avoidable – car seat mistakes, which we’ve summarized below.

Avoid…

• Getting a used car seat without doing research
• Setting up your car seat in the wrong spot or incorrectly installing it
• Changing to a forward-facing car seat or booster seat when your child is too young
• Changing to seatbelt use when your child is too young

Keep Your Child Safe With A Car That’s In Top Condition

A properly installed car seat that is correctly sized for your child will go a long way towards keeping them safe. Making sure your car is in top condition is another way to keep both you and your child safe, as you can avoid unexpected mechanical issues on the road. T3 Atlanta can help make sure your car is in good condition with preventive maintenance and more in-depth repairs as needed. Give us a call at one of our two convenient locations and we’ll pen you in for an appointment!

The holidays are almost here, and although the Covid-19 pandemic has influenced the number of people traveling, many of us are still taking to the road to visit friends and family. If you’re planning on packing up the car to avoid air travel this season, here are our tips for holiday driving during Covid-19.

Tips for holiday driving during Covid-19

1. Leave extra time to get where you’re going

Building in extra time goes for holiday travel during any year, even this year when there will be fewer motorists on the road with the pandemic. You can still expect traffic, weather conditions, and unexpected detours and construction to influence how quickly you can get to where you’re going. It’s best to build in extra time and get to your destination safely.

2. Bring hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes, and use them regularly

Although many shops, restaurants, and hotels are now providing hand sanitizer for their patrons, it’s still a good idea to bring your own hand sanitizer to avoid accidentally picking up a virus from something you’ve touched. Similarly, disinfectant wipes are handy for shopping or luggage carts, gas pumps, rental cars, and much more.

3. Take extra precautions at rest stops and gas stations

If you’re traveling by car, stopping at gas stations and rest stops is inevitable. This is where bringing your own hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes comes in handy — clean anything you touch and use provided hand sanitizer to stay safe.

4. Call ahead to find out Covid-related restrictions at hotels and restaurants

Every state is handling Covid-19 restrictions a little differently. Call ahead to places you’re planning to visit to find out cancellation policies, restrictions, and revised operating hours so you don’t get hit with an unexpected surprise when you arrive.

4. Bring a mask, and make sure to wear it where appropriate

According to the CDC, wearing a face mask or facial covering is one of the simplest and most effective ways to help protect yourself and reduce the spread of the virus to others. Make sure to bring and wear your mask to keep yourself and others safe during your travels.

Make sure to bring several masks that will last for the duration of your trip. A washable/reusable one is even better if you have access to laundry facilities.

5. Don’t travel if you’re feeling sick

Traveling while sick is never fun, but it’s especially important to consider altering your travel plans if you feel unwell this year. That’s because flu and Covid-19 have very similar symptoms, and there’s no way to distinguish between the two without getting a test.

If you don’t want to cancel your trip, consider getting tested to make sure you don’t have Covid-19 before you set out on the road.

6. Bring an emergency kit that is destination-ready

What do we mean by destination-ready? Your kit should contain emergency supplies that accommodate the travel conditions you’ll be traveling through. So, if you’re heading somewhere snowy and icy, make sure your kit contains chains, salt, and sand, to name a few items. If you’re heading somewhere hot, make sure you bring extra water so you can stay hydrated in case you find yourself waiting on the side of the road for a while.

Learn more about what to put in an emergency car kit»

Get Your Car Inspected Before You Go With T3 Atlanta

Holiday driving during Covid-19 may require some extra planning, but it’s worth it to stay safe and healthy this season.

As with any road trip, it’s important to get your car inspected before you go to make sure it’s in good condition and avoid a breakdown that leaves you stuck on the side of the road. T3 Atlanta can help with fast and friendly service at our two metro Atlanta locations. Book an appointment today and we’ll make sure your car is ready for your holiday travels.

Breaking down isn’t something any motorist wants to happen, but breaking down in the middle of traffic is any driver’s worst nightmare. Here’s how to push your car safely if you break down on the road.

First thing’s first – turn on your hazard lights and assess where you are

After you’ve broken down, the first thing you want to do is turn on your hazard lights to warn motorists around you. Once you’ve done that, don’t get out of the car yet. Take a look around to assess your surroundings.

• If you’ve broken down on a rural road without much traffic, it will be much easier to push your car to the side of the road safely.
• Whether you can move your car safely on a mid-to-high traffic road will depend on the specific road and traffic conditions. That said, it’s best to err on the side of caution and play it safe if you have any doubt about whether other motorists will see you and/or your vehicle.
• If you’ve broken down on an interstate, the best thing to do is turn on your hazard lights, call your mechanic, and do not leave your vehicle since the risk of being struck by another motorist is exponentially higher on the freeway.

Other things to consider are whether you have someone to help you push your car, as well as how far you will have to push your car in order to get it to a safe place.

How to push your car safely

First of all, a few ground rules about pushing your car out of traffic:

• Do not try to push your car alone, as you won’t be able to steer, apply brakes as needed, and move the car at the same time.
• Never try to push your car uphill.
• Avoid pushing your car for a long distance. The sooner that you’re out of the way of traffic, the better. Stay in your car and call a tow truck if a safe place to push your car isn’t readily available.
• Don’t pull your car with a chain or rope, as you could easily lose control of the vehicle and injure yourself.

After you’ve made sure that you can push your car safely out of the way, decide where you’re going to push your car, then follow these steps.

1. Turn on the ignition to the “on” position, even if your car won’t start. This step will unlock your vehicle’s steering wheel so that you can maneuver the vehicle out of traffic.
2. Roll down your driver’s side window so that people both inside and outside the car can communicate instructions with each other. If the windows aren’t working due to a dead battery, have the person inside the vehicle crack open the door so that they can still communicate with the person behind the car.
3. Put the vehicle into neutral. This will make it easier for the car to be pushed. If you cannot shift your vehicle’s gear due to an electronic brake-transmission shift interlock not working with a dead battery, it may be easier to call a tow truck instead of trying to bypass the system yourself.
4. Release the parking brake if it’s engaged so that the person behind the car can move the vehicle.
5. Place both hands on the back of the vehicle, typically the top of the trunk, and push the vehicle without straining your back. Don’t push from the sides, as you could run over your feet accidentally. Make sure to communicate with the people inside the car during this process.
6. Once you’ve pushed the car to safety, shift the vehicle back into park, pull up the parking brake, and turn off the ignition. If you’re planning to wait outside the vehicle, do so at a safe distance from the car. If you’re planning to wait inside the vehicle, put on your seatbelt. Make sure your hazards stay on until the tow truck arrives.

Keep Your Car In Top Condition With T3 Atlanta

The best way to prevent a breakdown and having to push your car safely is to make sure your car is on its routine maintenance schedule. T3 Atlanta can help keep your Lexus, Infiniti, Toyota, or Nissan on the road with fast and friendly service at our two metro Atlanta locations. Give us a call and we’ll pen you in for an appointment!

How are you holding up? This pandemic has shaken this world to its very core and it affects people from all walks of life. Sadly, life does not stop for some people. While the majority of us are at home making sure we don’t get infected, there are people out there whose jobs are considered essential that need to go on with their lives normally. These include people who work in hospitals, groceries, and other places that we need to still be open amidst the pandemic. That’s why ridesharing companies still didn’t stop their operations.

In a time where public transportation is a ticking time bomb, ridesharing offers a safer and more controlled environment that can put passengers’ minds at ease. After all, would you really want to stay in a bus during this time? Or with just a driver in an Uber or Lyft?

But as a passenger, what can you do to lower your chances of infection? We are pretty sure drivers are doing their best as they are mandated to follow certain protocols. But we, as passengers, should do our part too, right?

That is why we compiled our top ridesharing tips for riders during COVID-19. You may be a health worker or somebody who just needs to go out to buy groceries. Whoever you may be, if you are going to get a ride from an Uber or Lyft, take note of these tips.

COVID-19 Ridesharing Tips In Atlanta For Riders

• Stay home when you feel sick – We are in a very difficult time right now. One sniffle, sneeze, or cough can be misinterpreted and taken differently than it is during cold and flu season. Even if you do not have COVID-19, you simply cannot afford to infect others considering the majority of the people out and about are doing essential things for society. So if you feel sick, just don’t go out and wait til you get better. Remember that the goal is to keep everybody as healthy as possible and that includes you. So if you feel sick, stay at home, drink your medicine, and rest. So you can wake up and fight another day.
• Minimize touch points – The safest way to go about during these times is to either assume you are infected or that others are infected. This means that if you don’t want to get infected or infect others then you should limit your touch points. If you feel like a sneeze is coming, use a tissue or the crook of your elbow to limit the spread of your droplets. Ask for the driver to open the door for you (they should not mind) and as soon as you enter the vehicle just buckle up and keep your hands to yourself. If you want to crack the window open then ask the driver to do so. Most often than not, drivers are already aware of the safety precautions and will be more than willing to assist you.
• Cover up before going out – While we are still learning more and more about the virus, it is accepted that you can contract the virus from touching a contaminated person or surface or from inhaling it through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. While the idea of using masks aren’t really a western thing, you can further protect yourself by wearing masks and a face shield if possible. Also, it is worth noting that you should dispose of all your clothing (as in straight to the washer) as soon as you get home.
• Talk to the driver – While in the vehicle, ask the driver about what precautions they are taking during the pandemic. If the driver is doing their best to keep their car as clean as possible then you will get a sufficient answer. However, if the driver does not have a good answer or appears sick him/herself then you should end the ride and report the driver to the rideshare company.
• Tip the driver – Times are tough and let’s be honest, the driver can choose to stay at home and be safe. However, they are still on the road doing the rest of us a favor. So if you can, tip your driver. Does not have to be a big tip. Just enough to show that you appreciate them taking care of themselves, their car, and their passengers.

Truth be told, people who wake up and decide to go and work today are brave. We just need to take extra precautions so we don’t spread the virus. The safest way is still to use your own vehicle. If your car is having trouble, please don’t hesitate to give T3 Atlanta a call. We are open during the lockdown and are ready to service your car.