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Tips For Holiday Driving During Covid-19

November 17, 2020 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

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.

Filed Under: Travel Tips

How To Push Your Car Safely If You Break Down On The Road

November 10, 2020 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

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!

Filed Under: Travel Tips

COVID-19 Ridesharing Tips In Atlanta For Riders

April 7, 2020 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

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.

Filed Under: Travel Tips

COVID-19 Ridesharing Tips In Atlanta For Drivers

March 31, 2020 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

The world is currently in a state of panic and the reality is, if we want to get through this then we have to adapt. COVID-19 is scary – that one we are sure of. That’s why we have to make sure we stay on the safe side of things so we don’t get infected. Staying at home and limiting our out-of-home excursions (especially in areas where there are a lot of people) is the best way to reduce our chances of getting the virus.

But this is not the case for a lot of people especially those who are frontliners – people whose work are deemed important for society to go on. This includes hospital staff, grocery store workers, some food workers, and those in the transportation department – including ridesharing drivers.

This puts our dear drivers in a dangerous predicament. Should they prioritize their livelihood and the needs of the public or their own health? Obviously, the decision rests in the hands of the driver. However, we at T3 Atlanta recognize the act of bravery that ridesharing drivers exhibit every time they decide to hit the road to ferry people in and around the city of Atlanta. That is why we created this list of ridesharing tips for drivers to help decrease their chances of getting infected (aside from extra protections like masks and gloves).

COVID-19 Ridesharing Tips for Drivers

  • Clean your car – Feeling healthy and ready to go on the road for your next passenger? Just do one thing before you go – clean your car. We don’t want to sound like we are overselling it but your car should be in its cleanest as much as possible. Get EPA-recommended disinfectants to clean the inside and outside of your car. As a rule of thumb, don’t just spray and wipe. Spray and let the disinfectant stay on the surface for at least 15 minutes or longer. Focus on the areas that people touch often during a ride. The best case scenario is you should spray and clean after each passenger so you might want to do that considering it’s a bit slow. Telling your passengers about what you are doing will help them relax knowing they are riding a clean car.
  • Limit touch points – This may require you to do extra stuff for your passengers but believe me, this will go a long way. If you really want to keep your ride as safe as possible then you have to limit the passenger’s touch points. One example is by opening the door for them as they ride the car. Use driving gloves that you can disinfect as you go. Not only is this a good way for you to limit the chances of infection but your riders will also appreciate the extra effort.
  • Keep interactions to the minimum – I know that a lot of rideshare drivers like to interact with their passengers and give them stuff like water and treats, but you might want to reconsider that for the meantime. However, this does not mean the ride should be void of interaction. You can give your passenger a small talk about the safety steps you are taking. Believe me, they will appreciate it.
  • Don’t drive when you feel sick – If you are feeling a bit under the weather then experts suggest you stay home if possible. It’s common sense. Your coughing and sneezing will spread viruses inside your own car which can infect your passenger. Sure, a little cold might not bring you down, but older people may find it hard to fight the viruses back. So while it may not be ideal, considering you need to drive to earn money, staying at home when you feel sick will not only protect you but also the people around you.

While we may not know when this will all end, we should not let it stop us from adapting and making the most out of the situation. Just remember that your passenger’s health and your own should always come first.

For all your car needs you can always come to T3 Atlanta for help. We are still open as we offer an essential service. Just give us a call so we can schedule you to limit people in our shop for physical distancing purposes.

Filed Under: Travel Tips

Everything You Wanted to Know About Car Radar Detectors

February 11, 2020 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

If you are in the loop on the newest gadgets you can add to your car, then you’ve probably heard about car radar detectors. It sounds like some hi-tech gadget but it is actually pretty straightforward. Simply put, it’s a gadget that usually works with your dash camera to save you from accumulating speeding tickets. Sounds like magic, right?

What is A Car Radar Detector and How Does it Work?

Well, a car radar detector is not magic. It’s just science – at least that’s what they are selling. The idea is simple. Speed guns or radars that police use to measure the speed of your vehicle emit 3 different bands of radar signals (for the US at least). These are the X band, K band, and Ka band. For our friends in Europe, they have a 4th band called the Ku band. What happens is that these radar signals are emitted from the speed guns and hit your cars then bounce back to the police radar, which will then register the speed of the vehicle.

What radar detectors do is they detect these bands and they give off visual and audio alarms so that the car driver can slow down before they get in the sights of the police. Easiest way to avoid speed traps.

Do they work? In principle, they do. However, a lot of cheaper versions of radar detectors are so inaccurate that you’d get an alarm here and there out of the blue. The good thing is that the newer (and more expensive) models rarely have these problems so as with any other problem in life, the solution for problematic radar detectors is to throw a lot of money at it.

Are Radar Detectors Legal in the US?

Now that you know how car radar detectors work, you might feel like it’s a great thing to add to your car in order to turn it into KITT from Night Rider.

But wait. Is it even legal to put them in your car? If you try to think about it, you are basically installing something on your car that will allow you to circumvent the measures put forth by the authorities to keep the road a safe place.

But let’s see what the rule book says.

If you check the law, at least on the Federal level, there are no laws that prohibit the use of radar detectors on non-commercial vehicles. However, depending on the state you are from, there might be a few that deem radar detector ownership as illegal – such as Virginia and Washington D.C.

If you’re planning to take a trip to Virginia with a car radar detector, one thing worth noting is that while Virginia deems the “use” of radar detectors illegal, their law is written in a way that makes it:

  • Legal to own a powered off and stored radar detector (usually in the glove box or trunk)
  • Illegal for police to give a driver demerit points if you are caught using a radar detector

If you are caught using a radar detector in Virginia, expect a fine that costs less than the price of a top shelf radar detector. That is why people who drive by Virginia just hide their radar detectors when they detect a speed trap so they don’t get a speeding ticket and they don’t have to pay the fine for owning a radar detector.

Should You Use Car Radar Detectors?

Here’s the part where we take a step back and assess the technology, its uses, and the repercussions. Sure car radar detectors seem cool and they help you identify speed traps.

But if you are a responsible driver, then you shouldn’t even worry about any speed trap at all. In the end, this question boils down to what kind of driver you are. If you are the type that follows the rules for the sake of safety, then you won’t need a radar detector in your car. But if you like to push the pedal to the metal every now and then without having to worry about the police pulling you over, then buy the most expensive one out there to be sure.

Just remember that a radar detector won’t make the road safer for everybody. It just makes it safe for you, against the very people who do their best to keep the road safe.

If you have more questions about your car or if you feel like your car needs some special attention, then drop by T3 Atlanta any time. We are the leading name in Infiniti, Lexus, Nissan, and Toyota auto repair in Atlanta. Our team of expert mechanics will help you repair and keep your car in tip-top shape for years to come.

Filed Under: Travel Tips

What to Put in a Car Emergency Kit

January 9, 2020 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

When you’re stuck on the side of the road due to engine problems or bad weather, a car emergency kit is a valuable asset to have. However, many of us don’t have an emergency kit in our cars. Sure, you can buy one from the store, but you can also make one yourself. What do you put in a car emergency kit? Let’s find out.

What to Put in a Car Emergency Kit

preparing your car for winterWhat you put in a car emergency kit will depend on your needs. Got a kid? Make sure to include extra diapers, wet wipes, and snacks. Got a pet? Make sure to pack some pet food just in case. Visiting a snowy area? Pack a foldable shovel, cat litter or sand, and snow chains. Go offroading a lot? You get the idea.

Whatever the specifics are for your kit, make sure you have these items at the bare minimum:

  • Flashlight: You could use your phone, you might say, but you would be draining precious battery life this way. Flashlights come in all shapes and sizes, so you are sure to find the perfect to put in a car emergency kit.
  • First aid kit: You never know when a bandaid, alcohol wipe, gauze, or tweezers could come in handy!
  • Blanket: Blankets are an essential part of a car emergency kit – and not just for Sleeping purposes! Blankets can help keep you warm, provide shelter, or even cushion your knees while you replace a tire. Consider a camping blanket for your kit – they’re small, foldable, and the perfect size for a compact space.
  • 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.
  • Flares/safety triangle: 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.
  • Jumper cables: Whether you use these on your car or someone else’s, jumper cables can help make sure you get home when your battery unexpectedly gives up the ghost.

Other items you can put in a car emergency kit include:

  • Toolkit
  • Wet wipes
  • Snacks
  • Pet food
  • Baby supplies
  • Snow chains
  • Cat litter or sand
  • A foldable shovel
  • Tire repair kit
  • Extra gasoline
  • A towel
  • Duct tape

If Your Car Breaks Down…

Okay, so the worst possible scenario has happened and your car has broken down on the side of the road. Whether you’re on the highway or on a city street, the most important thing you can do (aside from turning on your hazard lights and calling the tow truck, of course) is to stay safe. It’s the perfect time to grab out your road flares and reflective triangles. Reflective triangles are especially useful if you happen to be stuck at night or on a blind corner so you can give fellow drivers plenty of warning before they see you.

Where should you go to wait for the tow truck to arrive? Unless your car is on fire, has gone off the road, or is seriously damaged, the safest place you can be is inside your vehicle. If you have to be outside of your vehicle, find a secure spot to wait for help, such as higher ground or behind a barrier or tree.

If you’re stuck on the side of the road when the weather is bad, such as during one of Atlanta’s ice storms, it’s important to stay warm while you wait for help. Stay inside your car and run the heater at intervals in order to conserve fuel.

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.

Preventative Maintenance With T3 Atlanta

Of course, we hope that you never have to use your car emergency kit. But in case you ever do, you’ll be prepared! The best thing you can do to keep from getting stuck on the side of the road is preventative maintenance. Keeping your car on its maintenance schedule can extend its life and reduce maintenance costs. T3 Atlanta can help. With our two convenient metro Atlanta locations, we’ll ensure your vehicle stays in great shape for years.

Filed Under: Car Tips, Travel Tips

Why You Should Winterize Your Vehicle

October 25, 2019 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

The winter months put your vehicle to the test. Automotive repairs and maintenance can fall by the wayside when temperatures are high and ice storms are not threatening the forecast, but the rest of the year can be challenging for some vehicles, especially those that have not been properly maintained. It’s important to winterize your vehicle to make sure that your vehicle is ready for whatever the season might have in store. Read on to find out the most important steps you can take to make sure that your commute goes smoothly into the holidays and the new year.

Check and replace tires as needed

Although Atlanta residents likely will not be shoveling snow this winter, getting your vehicle ready for the winter season is a necessity for all car owners. Ice presents a nasty problem for anyone, especially those of us on the road. While we can’t control conditions on the road, we can control how prepared we are for poor diving conditions. The best way to do that is to make sure that our tires are maintained and working properly.

Tread is the name of the game when evaluating a tire’s winter preparedness. When a tire reaches roughly 4/32 of an inch in the remaining tread, that tire needs a replacement. As a rule of thumb, simply insert a quarter into a tire’s groove, and if Lincoln’s head is fully visible, you have less than 4/32 of an inch of tread, and that tire should be replaced.

Bald tires are one of the easiest ways to get in an accident, especially when precipitation is heavier than usual. Any time that the level of standing water on the road is greater than the tread of your tires, hydroplaning is much more likely to occur. And there is no easier way to end up in an accident than losing the ability to direct and stop a vehicle, which is the case when hydroplaning occurs.

Of course, things like tire pressure are also key in ensuring that those tires are ready for winter. If they are regularly deflating, make sure to have them checked to ensure that they have not been punctured. Also, keep in mind that tire pressure falls with temperature. For every 10 degrees change in temperature, your tires will lose roughly 1 PSI; in short, check your tire pressure more often when it’s cold out. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 738 crashes occurred in 2017 in the US due to malfunctioning tires. Don’t let that be you: make sure that all of your vehicle’s tires are in the best of shape.

Ensure that you’re positioned for optimal visibility

Vehicle preventive maintenanceAnother acid test for the readiness of your vehicle for winter is whether it is set up for optimal visibility in poor weather conditions. A de-icer is a must-have when conditions turn sub-zero. Properly functioning wipers is also key.

Check to see if they are leaving streaks on the window, or if the blades show signs of cracking. These are giveaways that your wipers should be replaced. And, of course, working wipers should always be paired with proper levels of window washing fluid which contains an anti-freeze.

Have your vehicle inspected for the health of its…..

Vehicle inspection is another prudent measure to best winterize your vehicle. There are a variety of automotive problems that can be exacerbated or caused by cold and freezing weather.

…battery

One is battery health: the chemical reactions which start a car’s battery are slowed down in colder weather. As a result, it can be more difficult for the battery to start, especially one which was already in marginal health. A mechanic will be able to test your battery and decide if it needs to be changed. They will also be able to identify any corrosion surrounding the battery, something which will affect its performance in even the best of weather.

…belts and hoses

Another is the soundness of your engine’s belts and hoses. These will always function worse in freezing weather, and a belt that’s exhibiting signs of extreme wear will more likely snap when exposed to poor weather conditions. A technician will be able to identify any likely such culprits and might be able to fix something that would later otherwise leave you stranded on the highway.

…oil

A technician will also be able to identify the right type of oil for your car over the winter months. An oil’s viscosity will impact how effective it is in colder temperatures; your car might require a thinner, less viscous which might otherwise not function properly over the winter.

Winterize Your Vehicle at T3 Atlanta This Year

Winterize your vehicle at T3 Atlanta. Our team will be able to provide you with good, solid advice on how an Atlanta commuter can best prepare for the winter months so that they are not causing unnecessary damage to their vehicle or setting themselves up for dreaded “roadside assistance”. Our convenient Smyrna and Decatur locations make it easy for you to get your car ready for whatever weather the winter has in store.

Filed Under: Auto Repair, Car Tips, Travel Tips

Halloween Driving Safety Tips

October 1, 2019 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

Halloween is right around the corner, and for those who will be driving, this means that a few extra precautions need to be taken to make sure that it’s safe and fun for everyone. Here are our top Halloween driving safety tips so everyone can enjoy the spookiest night of the year night worry-free.

1. The most important Halloween driving safety tip: Yield, yield, and yield again

Those residential streets will likely be jam-packed with trick-or-treaters looking for a haul of candy that will leave their dentists squirming. This means that you can expect to be yielding the right of way to pedestrians often and everywhere. Leave your impatience at the office and plan on having a longer drive-time than usual.

2. Make sure that your vehicle’s headlights are working properly

Car maintenance can sometimes be overlooked in the hustle and bustle of every-day life. One of the casualties tends to be properly maintained headlights. The acrylic in your headlights has a tendency to oxidize over time, accounting for their eventual “fogginess”.

Mitigate some of that with oxidation treatment (baking soda or toothpaste alongside a little bit of elbow grease). Beyond that, you can replace your headlights with LEDs if you are still using an older style of bulb. In conjunction, these things will ensure that your headlights are bright enough to make your car’s presence loud and clear as you drive through your busy neighborhoods this Thursday.

3. Make sure your eyes are on the road

This is an obvious one, but the most important. Some of us might have a tendency to overestimate our multi-tasking skills and feel that we can send a quick text or adjust the music playing over the speakers while driving.

This is simply not the case; young children can dart in front of cars in their excitement, so anything short of rapt attention on the road simply isn’t okay.

4. Treat cars on the road as you would a school-bus

Cars stopped in the middle of the road will likely be dropping off children. Assume that children will be crossing the street as a result, and don’t swerve around the parked vehicle. Remember, stay patient while driving this Halloween so that you don’t make a mistake in your haste.

5. Stay vigilant for drunk drivers

While drunk driving is something to be always aware of on the road, it is especially important during holidays like Halloween. We all know the signs: inconsistent direction, erratic movement, and so forth.

Beyond avoiding the driver, be ready to contact the proper authorities. Dialing 911 with key details about the car in question (make, model, color, and license plate number) could save a life.

6. Wear reflective gear as a pedestrian

For those of us who will be walking the streets this Halloween rather than driving them, wearing clothes and accessories to heighten our visibility is key. There are more than a few ways to do this: one can find a plethora of clothes with reflective strips (some costumes even will come pre-fitted with them).

A fun way to give our smaller kids maximum visibility is with glow sticks or rings. These make an easy addition to any costume that will ensure they have maximum visibility and fun on the streets. Parents, can bring a flashlight to make sure that the entire party is visible. Also, walk facing traffic when possible; it’s always best to see erratically driving vehicles as they approach.

Filed Under: Travel Tips

Top Safety Tips for Preparing Your Student’s Car for College

September 24, 2019 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

It may seem like you sent your little one off to kindergarten just yesterday, and all of a sudden, they’re off to college. If your college-bound kid is taking their car with them, here are our top safety tips for preparing your student’s car for college. You may not always be able to prevent the unexpected, but a few safety measures can make all the difference in the world.

Top Tips for Preparing Your Student’s Car for College

Top Tips for Preparing Your Student’s Car for College1. Put an Emergency Gas Card in the Glove Compartment

College students are often strapped for cash. Help your student avoid the cost of towing a car that’s out of gas. Plus, it’s unsafe to walk along the side of the highway to the nearest gas station. Tuck an emergency gas card in the owner’s manual to make sure your student doesn’t push the ‘E’ line too far.

2. Sign Up for Roadside Assistance

If you can sign up for roadside assistance, make sure your student has a dedicated card. From replacing dead batteries to towing a dead vehicle, roadside assistance is invaluable when the unexpected happens.

Top Tips for Preparing Your Student’s Car for College3. Check the Spare Tire (If Your Car Has One)

If your car has a spare tire, you first want to make sure the tire is even there! This is especially important in used cars, where there’s a space for the tire but the tire may have been removed at some point. Replace the tire if it’s missing; otherwise, inspect the spare tire, make sure there’s no damage, and ensure it’s filled and ready to go just in case.

4. No Spare Tire? Keep a Tire Air Kit in The Car

DIY tire repair kits may not be a favorite of tire mechanics, but sometimes there’s just no other choice when a tire has gone flat or sprung a bad leak on the road. A tire air kit can be the difference between having to get a car towed and being able to get to a tire shop.

Top Tips for Preparing Your Student’s Car for College5. Put an Emergency Kit in the Car

An emergency kit is a small but valuable kit of supplies for those occasions when you find yourself stranded on the side of the road. Most emergency kits include road flares, reflective caution signs, oil, jumper cables and other roadside safety essentials. Learn what to put in a car emergency kit here.

6. Change The Car’s Oil

Oil is one of those things that is easy to forget about. Out of sight, out of mind, right? After all, unlike gas, it doesn’t seem essential. In fact, regular oil changes are crucial for your car’s health. Change the vehicle’s oil before your student takes off for school or while they’re home for winter break for the peace of mind that all of the vehicle’s components are working smoothly.

Top Tips for Preparing Your Student’s Car for College7. Check the Battery in the Car

Any long-time car owner has been there: you get in the car, turn the ignition, and hear a click instead of the engine starting. That’s right, your battery has died overnight. Check the battery in your student’s car for corrosion and damage.

You can get the remaining charge tested at a tire and battery shop to see how much life is left in it. Even if you don’t replace it, you can at least be aware of how much life is left in the car’s battery.

8. Be Snow Ready

Send snow-preparedness gear with your student’s car if they’re going to school in a snowy northern state. Do your research to see what the city’s law is about snow chains or snow tires and pack accordingly.

Top Tips for Preparing Your Student’s Car for College9. Replace The Car’s Windshield Wipers

Windshield wipers are a crucial part of any vehicle’s safety. After all, they’re essential for visibility in bad weather. Change out the vehicle’s windshield wipers if they’re old or leaving streaks on the glass when in use.

10. Make Sure Your Maintenance Is Up to Date with T3 Atlanta

The best way to prevent a car from breaking down is to make sure your vehicle’s maintenance is up to date. T3 Atlanta can help. Our friendly, knowledgeable mechanics provide great service at two convenient metro-area locations in Smyrna and Decatur.

Whether your student is about to leave for school or is back for the holidays, bring their vehicle in. We’ll inspect the car and make sure everything is in top condition. You can have peace of mind that whatever college life may throw at them, your student’s car is safe and road-ready.

Filed Under: Car Tips, Travel Tips

Summer Road Trip Preparations 101

July 23, 2019 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

One of the best parts about summer is road trips. Long hours in the road just enjoying the view and company of friends and family. However, a lot of people who are not prepared end up having road trips worth forgetting. Don’t be one of these people. Your summer road trip preparations shouldn’t be complicated. That’s why we came up with a simple way for you to make sure your next summer road trip will have zero headaches and is stress-free.

So let’s not dilly-dally  – let’s get straight to our top summer road trip preparation tips!

Summer Road Trip Preparations 101

1. Preparing your emergency car kit

preparing your car for winterA lot of things can come up on a road trip. Sometimes this means having your car break down in the middle of nowhere. Or being caught in a massive thunderstorm. Either way, it’s always better to know you have an emergency car kit in tow for such moments. A summer road trip emergency car kit does not need to be very large. As a matter of fact, it’s better if you pack as light as possible while making sure you have the essentials. An emergency car kit should include:

  1. Food that does not spoil easily. This includes energy bars and the likes.
  2. Water that’s enough to last the group a couple of days.
  3. Blankets
  4. Extra shoes or clothes.
  5. First aid kit complete with a sharp cutter for the seatbelts.
  6. A candle and flashlight (a wind-up one will be better because you don’t have to bring batteries).
  7. Whistles
  8. Roadmaps
  9. An emergency plan

2. Make sure your pet is ready

traveling with your petA lot of us bring our pets on our summer road trips and that’s not a bad idea. Pets enjoy having fun with their owners and you wouldn’t want to leave them out, right? But you have to make sure your pet is ready for the road trip. Aside from that, you need to ensure you brought all the essentials for your pet so he/she can better enjoy the road trip.

  1. Check if there are any existing warnings for pet diseases in the area you are visiting. Visit a vet and make sure your pet gets the necessary shots if needed.
  2. Make sure to bring enough food and water for the road trip. If your pet is not that picky then you can just buy food upon arrival but if that’s not the case they bring a few day’s worth just in case.
  3. Travel bowls for food and water.
  4. First aid kit for your pets.
  5. Toys and treats.
  6. Sanitary bags
  7. Identification for your pet in case they get lost (microchipping is best!)

3. Make sure your trip is kid-friendly

For those who have kids out there, we all know how stressful it can be to have a bored child in the back seat. So if you are going on a road trip with kids, you have to make sure the trip is kid-friendly. You can do this by preparing a couple of things.

For starters, bring snacks and drinks but stay away from the sugary ones. Next, make sure you have a few activities in store for the kids. Prepare games or activities for the whole gang. Lastly, make sure the car is comfortable enough for your passengers. If they sleep, then they are less likely to get bored.

4. Pack your car the right way

road trip essentials

Packing is one of the parts of the road trip that can determine whether you will have a good time or not. A lot of people has had their road trip goals destroyed because they didn’t pack right. But let’s try to list down the stuff you should do in packing your car for a road trip.

  1. Create a list of the stuff that you need for the road trip. Make sure you categorize them by priority/importance.
  2. Learn to roll and not fold in order to save space. Getting vacuum bags or space bags can help you squeeze every inch of space in your bags.
  3. Make sure to use every nook and cranny of your car for the smaller stuff. Stashing your shoes underneath the driver’s seat is one way to store a somewhat hard to hide item.
  4. Mix and match clothing ahead of time and pack them together. This will save you time and trouble as it allows you to unpack one space bag containing all the stuff you need to wear for that day.
  5. Create a GO bag that contains all the necessary things you need. The GO bag will also include the stuff you will most likely need while on the road. No more digging up bags and bags of items just to look for your wall charger.

5. Bring your car to T3 Atlanta for a maintenance check

The last thing you want on a road trip is being stuck on the road because your car broke down. Taking your beloved car for a maintenance check is quick and painless and can assure you of a lovely road trip. In case mechanics find issues with your car, they can just provide the solution to make sure you are safe on the road.

If you are in Atlanta and is planning a road trip, why not stop by T3 Atlanta as part of your summer road trip preparations? We know that a safe and sound car is key to a successful road trip. Bring your car to T3 Atlanta today and let our expert mechanics do a round of maintenance checks on your car to help ensure that your road trip is safe and stress-free.

Filed Under: Travel Tips

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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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