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Summer Car Care Tips 2019

July 9, 2019 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

While you are excited with the summer sun and the long drives, your car might be dreading it. However, this doesn’t have to be the case. That’s why we have created this list of summer car care tips for car owners both old and new. These tips might not be applicable for all types of cars, but you might pick a thing or two. Read on to learn our top five summertime car maintenance tips.

Summer Car Care Tips

1. Have your AC checked

Hot weather means more stress on your car’s AC system. So this should be an essential part of your summer car care routine. Make sure everything is working as intended so you won’t have surprise breakdowns while on the road on a hot day.

You might also want to see if the freon levels in your car AC system is still in acceptable levels if you want to survive the summer’s scorching heat you need to have your freon topped off. If everything is working fine, have your mechanics do a thorough cleaning of your AC. This will remove any dust buildup that might cause the AC to not blow as much as it is supposed to.

2. Mind the engine temperature

Summer days can get pretty hot and this makes the engine temp go even higher. An overheating engine is one sure way to take the fun out of your summer plans. In order to help your engine cool off, you might want to choose the best kind of coolant for your car’s radiator.

Coolant is a specialized liquid that excels in absorbing the heat generated from your engine (with the help of the car’s engine cooling system) and dissipating it. Make sure you check the coolant levels on your car’s radiator at least once a week to make sure it is topped off.

3. Have an oil change

Sure, you’ve had your oil change a few months ago and it’s not really time to do an oil change but you should still do it if you love your car. This is especially true when you are planning on a number of road trips during the summertime.

Not only will an oil change ensure your car is in tip-top shape, but this also allows you to change the oil in your engine to be more suited for the hot weather. After all, the type of oil you put in your car can help cool it down when needed. If you are not sure about this, you can check your car’s manual to see a special summer schedule for maintenance.

4. Check your fluids

As in any pre-road trip maintenance, you should go and make sure your car’s fluids (brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluids, and coolant as mentioned above) are topped off. Seasoned drivers know that missing this simple check can spell disaster especially when you are going on a longer than usual road trip. Also, check your trunk to make sure you bring extra in case you need to top off along the way.

5. Make sure your tires are still up for the job

The last thing you need for a road trip is having your tire blown because you forgot to check it. Summertime is the time for the triple check – tread, air, and spare. First, make sure the treads on your car tires are still healthy. Next, make sure it has enough air before you drive off.

Lastly, check your spare to make sure the treads are still acceptable and it has enough air. Your spare should be usable when you need it (which is usually an emergency), so better to check it before you stash it.

Bring Your Car to T3 Atlanta for Your Summer Car Care

If you plan on a number of road trips for the summer, it might be a good idea to go and have T3 Atlanta check your car first. Our mechanics can do a comprehensive maintenance check on your car to make sure you won’t have to worry about your car all summer. Call us today and let’s pencil your car in for a thorough check.

Filed Under: Car Tips, Travel Tips

Does Using Your Car’s Air Conditioning Waste Gas?

June 18, 2019 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

Does using your car’s air conditioning waste gas? As a matter of fact, this is one of the many questions a lot of drivers have on their mind, and it’s one that doesn’t really get an answer. Mostly because they don’t ask about it in the open or they don’t get a proper answer from others.

As always, we have you covered with an answer to the question. But before we get to the question, let’s try to first understand how your car AC works in order to make sense of the answer down below.

How Your Car AC Operates

air conditioning waste gasA majority of the components inside your car, like your AC and radio, are electrical in nature. Simply put, they need electricity to run. However, the electricity they use to run comes from the alternator which is powered by the engine. While you do have a battery somewhere under your hood, the car only needs it to start and nothing more.

Once the car engine is up and running, all electrical power comes from the car alternator. The belt that runs the alternator is the same one that runs the AC compressor which gives you that cold breeze from your AC. When you turn on your AC, it gets power from the alternator to run and it also shares mechanical energy (from the engine to the belt) to your AC compressor.

So Does My Air Conditioning Waste Gas?

air conditioning waste gasA lot of groups have had the chance to test the mileage of various vehicles while running the AC and having the windows down. One of them, called the Society of Automotive Engineers, finally sought after the answer to the question in a scientific way.

According to their studies and multiple tests, they concluded that running your AC on your car can reduce the car mileage by 5-10%. Stanford University agreed with their findings and they both suggested you drive with your windows down when you are driving within the city. However, they also said that when you are going fast on the freeway, the drag caused by having your windows down offsets the reduced car mileage from your AC. So if you are driving at speeds of around 45mph and above, just close the windows and you’ll save more gas.

How To Keep Save Gas While Still Using Your AC

You can still end up wasting more gas on your car when your air conditioning system on your car is not clean or well maintained. When your AC is not clean or not well maintained, it requires more energy to work. If your AC is not clean, it’s not effectively cooling your car. As a result, you try to increase the temperature a bit more – causing your AC to eat up more energy.

When Should I Get My Car AC Serviced?

air conditioning waste gasNormally, you’d want to have your AC serviced at least once a year. Think of it as a yearly checkup where the technicians ensure your AC is clean from dust, pollen, and gunk while making sure it is working as intended. If need be, expert AC technicians will check and clean every component of the AC system on your car.

However, if you feel like your AC is not as cold as before or you hear any weird noises when you power it on then you better rush to your favorite AC technician. Small problems can turn into big and costly issues when it comes to your car AC. There are also times when little critters get trapped or make nests in the vents of your AC which can lead to allergies or disease.

Fast and Friendly Air Conditioning Service in Atlanta

If you have concerns about your car’s air conditioning system or you just want to have an expert take a look at it, then look no further than T3 Atlanta. T3 Atlanta is the #1 name in car servicing for Infiniti, Lexus, Nissan, and Toyota cars in Atlanta. With over 18 years of experience, we can tell what’s wrong with your car the moment you enter the garage. Call us today and ask how we can help you with your car AC concerns.

Filed Under: Auto Repair, Car Tips, Travel Tips

Top Tips for Traveling with Your Pet

February 19, 2019 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

They say trips are better when everyone you love can come. This includes your family dog or cat. However, your four-legged family member might not be that excited with the 4-hour drive to the woods. If you think bringing a toddler is stressful, wait until you are trying to calm down a 65-pound labrador in the middle of the highway. With careful planning and some preparation, you can make the trip easier and more comfortable for your pets. Here are our top tips to make traveling with your pet a fun and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Top Tips for Traveling With Your Pet

traveling with your petMake sure your pet is used to traveling with you in your car. Traveling is a new experience for pets so you should make sure you take them to short trips so they get used to the feeling of being in a closed space for a certain time.

  • Lengthen the trip every now and then and check if they show visible signs of discomfort.
  • If you are planning to put your pet in a crate or carrier during the trip, get them used to the feeling by “practicing” it with them. You can do this in your home or during your short trips. Some pets, while fine with sitting at the back seat, feel uneasy when put in a crate so you should either train them or adjust.
  • Resist the urge to feed your pet while inside a running car. You can give them a light meal 3-4 hours before you roll out. Just make sure you feed them right after you arrive at your destination.
  • Don’t ever leave your pet in a parked car. Even with the windows down, the heat can still reach dangerous levels on a hot day. In winter, your car can turn into a refrigerator that traps the cold in which can be deadly for your pet.
  • If you’ve seen a movie or two about people traveling with pets you’d probably be excited to have your dog stretch its neck out the window. While this looks like the ultimate road trip experience for your dog, he/she might be hit with flying objects. If your pet is sitting in the backseat make sure you secure him/her with a harness tied to the seat buckle.
  • Bring your own water for your pet is necessary when traveling. This ensures your pet won’t be drinking contaminated water which can cause stomach problems.
  • Prepare your pet traveling kit ahead of time. It should include food, leash, bowl, plastic bags, waste scoops, first-aid kit and medication, toys, and grooming supplies. It will also be best to bring your pet’s vaccination records in case you are required to show it when crossing state lines.
  • If you feel like you will be traveling with your pet often, you might want to look into buying rubberized floor liners or waterproof covers for your back seat. This helps you in cleaning up accidents that can happen during longer trips.

T3 Atlanta Can Help Make Traveling With Your Pet a Breeze

traveling with your petIf you are planning on a trip with your pet, take your car to T3 Atlanta to make sure your car is in tip-top shape. We can also install safety items in your cars that are specific to pets like restraints, seats, and carriers. You can also visit our shop after your trip to make sure nothing untoward has happened to your vehicle. Visit us today!

Filed Under: Travel Tips

How Long Can You Drive Your Car on Empty?

January 1, 2019 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

how long can you drive your car on emptyWhen you are young and financially challenged, you tend to develop this habit of stretching everything to the limit. Like following a measly budget and hope you won’t die of starvation. Or wearing the same set of clothes until somebody notices. But perhaps one that we can really relate to is running your car on empty.

Let’s admit it. We’ve done this at least one in our lives. We always tell people we do it for the excitement but the truth is that our paycheck arrives in 2 days and you have nothing left.

As you get older and hopefully your finances improve, you rarely see the gasoline logo light up. But running on empty is still a fear we have to face especially when we like to go on long drives.

The thing about long drives is that the big distance between point A to B means a lot of things can happen. From reroutes to breakdowns and even jams. While a lot of resources on your phone and online can help you get a good idea of how much gasoline you need and where you can top off, at one point you might really run on empty.

But is running on empty really bad? How far can you drive your car on empty when the light on your Nissan, Lexus, Toyota, or Infiniti when the empty light is flashing? Let’s find out.

How Long Can You Drive Your Car on Empty?

how long can you drive your car on emptyFor those unfamiliar with the term, running on empty means you are running your car even if the fuel gauge is at “E” or empty and the gas tank warning light is on.

Normally, cars have a reserve tank for such occasions. This means that while the main tank is empty, the reserve tank provides your car with the last few drops of fuel needed. Manufacturers also made it a point to “trick” car owners by dropping the gauge to empty even before the main tank dries out. This is because they know people like to put things off and that includes going to the gas station.

How far you can go on empty really depends on the type of car, the conditions, and the way you drive. For example, according to tankonempty.com (a website that tracks how far one can go on empty by gathering experiences from car owners) an Infiniti M35 can run up to an average of 48.33miles before the car stops. You can enter in your vehicle’s details to find information on your exact make and model.

Running on Empty and Why It’s Bad

how long can you drive your car on emptyWhile you may feel like MacGyver going all smart and risky in running on empty, it can do serious damage to your car.

For starters, running on empty means your car is literally scraping the bottom of the fuel tank. As your car ages, debris accumulates at the bottom. For older cars with metal tanks, this means deposits from the deteriorating tanks as well. Any debris or gunk that has settled at the bottom will be sucked up. The debris can either damage your fuel pump or force you to change your fuel filter sooner than expected.

When you run on empty, it’s often your fuel pump that gets the most stress. The fuel serves as a coolant and lubricant for the fuel pump for certain models and when you run out of fuel, this means your fuel pump might overheat and wear out.

Another thing to worry about is the car’s catalytic converter. When your car stalls as a result of running on empty, your exhaust system suffers. The catalytic converter is usually the one that gets the most damage, and you may end up replacing it.

Ask any mechanic or car expert and they will tell you that running on empty is a big no-no. The aim is to always have at least a quarter of the tank at all times. Aside from having the peace of mind knowing you still have enough to reach a gas station, it’s also a great way for you to show your car you appreciate it.

Fast and Friendly Atlanta-Area Auto Service at T3 Atlanta

T3 Atlanta’s mechanics are the best in the area for Nissan, Toyota, Infiniti, and Lexus cars. If you have questions (like how far you can go with an empty tank, for example), don’t hesitate to visit our shop. Our team of experts will be ready to answer your question and service your vehicle if needed.

Filed Under: Car Tips, Travel Tips

Winter Car Preparation 101

December 4, 2018 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

Winter driving safety tipsWinter is coming. Are you and your car ready?

When talking about winter, a lot of us can just sigh at the idea. Winter is inevitable and it’s not the best season for your car. Snow, frost, and ice can make roads more dangerous. That’s why having winter car preparations is important.

Preparing your car for the winter can get pretty exhausting especially when you don’t know where to start. Most people adjust only when something happens. Like how some people change their tires only when they start to feel their cars slipping on the roads. Hindsight is always important in safety so preparations need to be made even before winter hits.

But what should you prioritize? What should you do first? We’ve prepared a short list of what you should include in your winter car preparations. Let’s see what we have.

Winter Car Preparation 101

  1. winter car preparationCheck your tires – We put this first because this is probably the easiest. Regular tires won’t work on icy roads so you should start switching them with your winter set. But before you do that, check your winter tires if they still have the proper tread depth. No point using them when they can’t even perform properly. Lastly, make sure to constantly check your tire pressure. The cold can cause the pressure to drop at times so check your tires visually before you get on the car and watch out for the tire pressure light.
  2. Mind the lights – With winter coming and Daylight Savings Time, it gets darker earlier. This means you need to make sure that you can see and other drivers can see you too. So have all your lights checked from your headlights to your taillights. Spare no expense in ensuring all the lights work because the worst time to find out they don’t is when you are in the middle of the road.
  3. Change your wipers – While not exactly applicable to “cold-but-not-really-snowing” winters of Atlanta, you might want to change your wipers just to be sure. There are winter specific wiper blades that plow through snow and ice with no problem. This is very helpful especially during morning when you are defrosting your car. Aside from the wiper blades, change your windshield wiper fluid that won’t freeze when the temperature drops.
  4. Have a winter kit ready – Winter can get pretty feisty at times and this might result in pretty bad weather at times. Being stuck because your car broke own or the roads are very unsafe is pretty normal. That’s why you need to have an emergency winter kit ready in your car. The essentials include:
    • Extra warm clothes.
    • Blankets
    • Snacks and energy bars.
    • Water
    • A first aid kit
    • An ice scraper
    • Flashlight and some batteries
  5. Visit a mechanic – Your car might run just fine during fall or summer but winter is a totally different beast. Having a trusted mechanic check your car right before the start of winter is always a good way to ensure you lessen the chances of your car breaking down.  A good shop or mechanic will probably check 6-9 different points which may include the following:
    • Brakes
    • Battery
    • Antifreeze
    • Thermostat
    • Defroster
    • Heating System

All these parts of your car are necessary for it to run properly and safely during the winter.

If you are in need of a trusted mechanic that has the expertise and experience then T3 Atlanta is your best bet. Our tried and tested service for Lexus, Nissan, Infiniti, and Toyota cars has us on the top spot for auto repair shops in Atlanta. Give us a call today and let us help you get your car into shape for winter.

Filed Under: Car Tips, Travel Tips

Fall Road Trip Essentials

October 16, 2018 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

It’s quite easy to miss packing all of your fall road trip essentials, especially when you get too excited. I can’t blame you, though. A road trip in fall is a totally different experience. The bland and usual terrain transforms into something new and feels almost like you are visiting an alien planet. Who wouldn’t want that?

But just like any road trip, you have to plan for everything including your essentials. Leaving behind your phone charger or your food cache can turn a dream road trip into a disaster.

Fall Road Trip Essentials Checklist

fall road trip essentialsSo you already know where you plan to go and you have all the information you need, but that’s not enough for you to get on the road. You still need a couple of things to make the road trip a success.

We understand that it can get a bit hectic when preparing for trips and you might end up forgetting things. That’s why we are coming up with a checklist containing the most important fall road trip essentials that you will need for a memorable road trip.

1. Have the Car Checked

While this should be automatic, we can’t count how many times people would tell stories how their road trips got derailed because of their car breaking down. No, you don’t have to go and get a full-service check. As a matter of fact, a simple maintenance check can get you a long way. Most repair shops already know what to check when you tell them that you are going on a road trip.

2. Bring a Map

It doesn’t matter if it’s a physical map or an app version. You have to make sure you don’t get lost out there, especially if you are not familiar with your destination. There are a lot of apps out there that allows you to download maps for offline viewing in case you find yourself in an area with no service.

3. Stock up on Food

When it comes to fall road trip essentials, food is one of the most important considerations. There are two food types you need to bring when you go on a road trip. First are the snacks that you can eat while driving. While snacks usually serve the purpose of “fun food”, most of them aren’t exactly filling.

There will be moments during the drive when you need real food that could quell your hunger. For those cases, make sure you bring sandwiches, calzones, pies, or burritos in case the next food stop is still an hour away. Also, bring water on your trip in case you find yourself thirsty during the trip.

4. Pack Layers

fall road trip essentialsDepending on where you plan to go on your fall road trip, the weather can get a bit crazy. You might be enjoying a sunny afternoon drive but it can get a bit wet and cold after an hour. Make sure you bring clothes that can protect you in case it gets too cold or too hot.

5. Carry a First-Aid Kit

No, you don’t have to carry a trunkload of gauzes and ointments. As a matter of fact, you only need to prepare a simple first-aid kit that can address any health issue that may arise. For starters, you can bring antibacterial wipes, sanitizers, bandages, and pain medication for a headache or stomachaches.

6. Gadget Essentials

We all need our phones nowadays so we should make sure that we have everything we need to stay connected. Make sure you already packed your phone charger. If available, bring a car phone charger as well so you can recharge your device while on the move. It’s also a good idea to bring a power bank in case you really need a quick charge while on a trek. Lastly, make sure that you have all the necessary accessories and implements for your other gadgets like cameras or drones.

fall road trip essentials

7. Carry Along Some Entertainment

A long drive can get boring fast, especially when you have kids with you. Prepare a list of games and other forms of entertainment for the drive. Bringing along an iPad with popular movies can keep the back seat happy while cruising.

Prepare for your Fall Road Trip with T3 Atlanta

While it’s easy to go and prepare the food, clothes, gadgets, and entertainment for your road trip, getting a good service center for your car might get dicey at times. That’s why you need a partner who knows your car inside and out and can give you honest and expert advice with regards to your car’s condition.

T3 Atlanta is a full-service maintenance and repair service business in Atlanta, Georgia. Specializing in Lexus, Toyota, Infiniti, and Nissan cars, T3 Atlanta has the best technicians with years of experience. So if you need to have your car checked quickly but with an expert eye, check out T3 Atlanta today.

Filed Under: Travel Tips

The 5 Best Road Trip Apps for Your Next Trip

September 18, 2018 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

Waze, Google Maps, and Apple Maps are essential companions when it comes to road trips across the country or in-town. But what other apps are out there for long-distance travel? When you’re planning your next road trip, check out these apps to help keep you entertained, fueled, and educated about your surroundings for a truly outstanding vacation. Here are the 5 best road trip apps for your next trip.

1. Spotify

best road trip appsMusic is a must-have on any road trip. Instead of packing a binder of CD’s, download Spotify. This app offers millions of songs and podcasts to keep you and your road trip companions entertained whether your trip is three-hundred or three-thousand miles long.

You can even download your entertainment for offline listening so you don’t rack up the phone charges for the month.

Spotify»

2. REI Co-Op National Parks Guide

best road trip appsAre you a spontaneous traveler? The REI Co-Op National Parks Guide might be your new best friend. This free app contains maps and sightseeing information about many of the country’s National Parks with new park information updated regularly.

Best of all? This app doesn’t require cell data, so you don’t need to worry about your map vanishing when you’re in the middle of a backcountry hike.

REI Co-Op National Parks Guide on Google»

REI Co-Op National Parks Guide on Apple»

3. Audubon Bird Guide

best road trip appsAudubon’s Bird Guide app is the perfect, palm-sized field guide for anyone who wants to try bird watching on their next road trip. The app makes it easy to explore what kind of birds are nearby so that you know what to look out for.

Spot a bird that you don’t recognize? No problem! The app lets you enter in a description of what you saw and provides the best matches so you can know for certain what kind of owl you just saw.

The Audubon Bird Guide on Android»

The Audubon Bird Guide on Apple»

4. TripIt

best road trip appsTripIt is the ideal travel companion for hardcore planners. This app creates an all-in-one itinerary for you to make your trip as smooth as possible. All you need to do is forward your travel information – that includes hotels, travel, and even restaurants – to their dedicated submission line, and TripIt does the rest.

From there, you can easily share your compiled information with your traveling companions so you can skip the worry of juggling a dozen confirmation emails or printouts.

TripIt»

5. GasBuddy

best road trip appsUnless you own an electric car, GasBuddy is a road trip essential. With this app, all you need to do is enter in your location and it does the rest, finding the closest gas stations to where you are as well as prices. That way, you don’t have to be uncertain about where the next gas station is or be surprised by prices.

GasBuddy»

Prepare Your Car for Your Road Trip with T3 Atlanta

Planning a road trip? Now that you’ve got your entertainment sorted with the best road trip apps for your trip, make sure your car is in top condition before you take to the road. Save the time and hassle of getting stranded on the highway and enjoy your trip to its fullest with a car that’s in top condition.

T3 Atlanta services Infiniti, Toyota, Lexus, and Nissan vehicles. With two convenient metro area locations in Smyrna and Decatur, we make it easy to stop in for all your car care needs. We’ll inspect your vehicle and recommend any important maintenance items you may have so that you can embark on your road trip with confidence. Give us a call today and we’ll help ensure that your car gets you from point A to B without a hitch.

Filed Under: Car Tips, Travel Tips

Where to go to see Fall Colors in the Southeast in 2018

September 4, 2018 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

Forests in the South are filled with broadleaf trees that change colors in spectacular fashion every fall. The optimal time to see fall colors at their peak in the Southeast is during late October and early November, making now the perfect time to start planning your trip. Best of all, these destinations are within day-trip distance to Atlanta, so you don’t have to book a full week’s vacation to see some of the best natural beauty in the country. Here’s where to go to see fall colors in the Southeast in 2018.

The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest

where to go for fall foliage 2018Located in Northern Georgia, the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest is a must-see destination for sightseers, bird watchers, hikers, and fall foliage photographers alike.

With over 800,000 acres of trees in its boundaries, this forest is perfect for spontaneous travelers who like to freestyle their trip. Pick a direction and you’ll be sure to find some truly unique sights and vistas wherever the road takes you.

Grandfather Mountain

Grandfather Mountain is a state park located in North Carolina about a 6-hour drive away from downtown Atlanta. This park is unique for having the highest peak of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which means you’ll have a great vantage point to see the season’s changing leaves. Hikers and backpackers can enjoy the fall foliage up close with almost 2500 square miles of forest to explore.

Table Rock State Park

Nestled in South Carolina’s section of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Table Rock State Park is a 3-hour drive from downtown Atlanta. This park features 80 miles of interconnected trailways for a truly immersive fall foliage viewing experience. Enjoy the fall colors from your private cabin or on top of one of the park’s two mountains for a refreshing weekend trip.

Cherohala Skyway

where to go for fall foliage 2018

If you’re a driving enthusiast, the Cherohala Skyway deserves a spot on the top of your fall foliage routes. The Skyway is a wide two-lane road with plenty of expansive views and stop-offs for your photographing pleasure.

With 40 miles of road that winds up and down the sides of mountains for a diverse range of foliage and colors, this road is a true visual treat that is sure to delight drivers.

Cloudland Canyon State Park

Cloudland Canyon State Park in Northern Georgia is the perfect weekend getaway for people looking to experience fall foliage up close and personally. Located two and a half hours from Atlanta, this park features cabins, campsites, and hiking with close access to the park’s central canyon.

From the canyon’s ridge, you’ll have fantastic views of all kinds of broadleaf trees no matter what direction you look. With plenty of accessibility options, Cloudland Canyon is a must-visit for families and hiking enthusiasts alike.

Blue Ridge Parkway

where to go for fall foliage 2018No fall foliage list is complete without mentioning the Blue Ridge Parkway. This scenic road starts in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and winds 469 miles all the way to the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia.

There are plenty of quaint towns along the way to refill your gas tank, get something for lunch, or stop at an inn for the night. On top of that, there are plenty of stop-overs for hikers and backpackers along the road, making this route ideal for people with a diverse assortment of interests.

Road Trip Maintenance with T3 Atlanta

Whether you’re heading as far as the Northeast or enjoying the fall colors in the North Georgia mountains, you’ll want to make sure your vehicle is road-trip ready before you get started. The last thing you want on your weekend trip is to be stuck on the side of the road, after all!

Make the most of your fall foliage trip by making an appointment with T3 Atlanta. We’ll inspect your vehicle and make important maintenance recommendations so that you can take to the road with confidence this fall. Give us a call today!

Filed Under: Auto Repair, Travel Tips

Back to School Driving Tips

August 7, 2018 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

The school year has started for many families across the nation, meaning busy schedules and crowded roads. Atlanta is notorious for heavy traffic regardless of the time of year, and the influx of teens with new drivers licenses makes the morning commute even more of a challenge. Whether you’re a veteran driver or brand new behind the wheel, here are our top back to school driving tips to help you and other drivers get to your destination safely this fall.

1. Leave with Plenty of Extra Time

back to school driving tipsHeavy traffic in the morning can spell significant delays and plenty of people in a rush to get to school or work. Book extra time to get where you’re going so that you won’t need to worry about being late for the bell if you encounter heavy traffic.

Leaving with plenty of time will also help you avoid the temptation to speed and risk getting into a wreck.

2. Minimize Multitasking

back to school driving tipsEmails, texts, calls, choosing the best song for your morning ride, and even reacting to street directions all demand a part of your attention. However, the most important thing you need to focus on is the road.

Although you may have to take a phone call or change what’s playing on the radio, ignore any incoming emails and definitely don’t respond to any texts you may receive until you arrive at your destination. Minimizing your distractions will help you stay safe on the road.

3. Hang Back and Wait for Traffic to Subside

It’s no secret that traffic in Atlanta can be monstrous. Instead of jumping into the fray, consider hanging back and getting a coffee or chatting with your friends before you start heading towards home. Waiting for traffic to die down is also a great opportunity to get started on homework!

4. Keep your Gas Tank at Least Half Full

back to school driving tipsKeep your gas tank at least half full. Even though it might mean an extra trip to the gas station, you will never have to worry about running out of gas when you’re stuck in traffic on the freeway.

Keeping your tank at least half full is especially important come winter, as condensation can build up inside an almost-empty gas tank and lead to corrosion.

5. Don’t Speed

Leave with plenty of time to reduce the tempation to speed in order to make it to class on time. You’ll be able to react more quickly to unexpected pedestrians, especially in school zones, as well as cyclists and construction workers. Plus, you’ll be able to avoid getting pulled over by the police and ensuring that you are late for class!

6. Share the Road

back to school driving tipsDepending on where you live in Atlanta, your neighborhood may have a lot of cyclists and pedestrians on the road. Be sure to share the road when you’re behind the wheel.

  • Pay attention to school bus signage and stop whenever buses stop
  • Be aware of pedestrians, especially in school zones
  • Give cyclists at least 3 feet of space when you’re passing
  • Give motorcyclists the same amount of space you would give a car
  • Be cautious when you’re driving along parked cars, as people can step out unexpectedly
  • Check your mirrors as often as you need to in order to be sure that you’re aware of who is near your vehicle; as the old saying goes, it’s better to be safe than sorry

7. Service Your Car at T3 Atlanta, Your Friendly, Metro-Area Mechanic

There’s nothing like a busted belt or a worn-out water pipe to throw your schedule into chaos. Between the demands of school, sports, homework, and work, there just isn’t time to get stranded on the side of the road.

Bring your Toyota, Lexus, Nissan, or Infiniti to T3 Atlanta before your semester is in full swing. We’ll inspect your vehicle and advise of any urgent repairs as well as future repairs that are recommended by your car’s maintenance schedule.

We have two convenient metro-area locations in Decatur and Smyrna. Give us a call today and we’ll help ensure that your vehicle is ready for whatever your semester brings!

Filed Under: Infiniti, Lexus, Nissan, Toyota, Travel Tips

Top Tips for Staying Comfortable During Your Summer Road Trip

July 17, 2018 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

Summer is here, and that means many families are taking to the road. Road trips are a fantastic way to see America and spend quality time with friends are family. Because you’ll be spending a lot of time in your car, staying comfortable during your summer road trip is essential. Here are our top tips to help you stay cozy during your cross-country drive.

Top Tips for Staying Comfortable During Your Summer Road Trip

1. Wear loose, comfortable clothes
While it’s tempting to want to look stylish the moment you arrive at your destination, it’s important to wear loose and comfortable clothes on a long drive. This type of clothing not only improves your comfort, it helps keep your blood circulation normal too.

2. Consider your footwear
Staying Comfortable During Your Summer Road TripThis tip ultimately comes down to a personal preference. Slip-ons and sandals are ideal for long drives, but some people live in their sneakers. Whatever your footwear of choice might be, you’ll ideally want to avoid shoes that constrict or cut into your skin to help make your drive as comfortable as possible.

3. Adjust your seat
Seat placement is essential for long-term drives. A seat that is too close to the wheel can cause leg cramps and discomfort. A seat that is too far away can cause arm and neck strain. In both cases, you may find yourself fatigued due to the excess strain.

Grab a seat cushion if you need one to improve your seat placement. Consider a lumbar support bar if you have back trouble.

4. Keep snacks and other trip essentials within reach
Staying Comfortable During Your Summer Road TripBy keeping snacks and other trip essentials within reach, you’ll save yourself a lot of hassle when, two hours into your trip, you realize that you need a charging cable for your phone or GPS.

Trip essentials to keep within reach include:

  • Snacks
  • Water
  • Entertainment (mp3 players, music)
  • Charging cables
  • Maps

5. Stay hydrated
Staying comfortable during your summer road trip is easier when you’re hydrated. It’s easy to avoid drinking in order to reduce the number of times you have to stop for a bathroom break. In fact, staying hydrated can help you feel your best for your long drive. Dehydration can cause headaches, fatigue, dizziness, muscle aches, and more, none of which are pleasant to deal with on a long drive.

6. Stop and stretch every few hours
Staying Comfortable During Your Summer Road TripStopping and stretching helps keep you alert, which is important when it comes to late-night or even overnight drives. When you push yourself past your limits on a marathon drive, your reaction time and alertness decrease, which can be a dangerous combination for yourself and other drivers on the road. Stay safe and rest when you need to; that’s what rest stops are for.

Prepare Your Car for your Summer Road Trip at T3 Atlanta

A comfortable road trip is more than just the physical elements. Peace of mind is essential to a hassle-free vacation, too.

If you’re planning on taking to the road this summer, bring your car by T3 Atlanta before you leave. We’ll be able to advise if you need any repairs before your trip to help keep you from getting stuck on the side of the road. Give us a call and book an appointment today!

Filed Under: Car Tips, 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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Our team consists of the best Lexus, Infiniti, Toyota, and Nissan technicians in the area. Every one of our award-winning, factory trained technicians can resolve a customer's vehicle problem. By offering discounted services to every customer 365 days a year, we do not need to offer specials to increase our clientele. Find out more About Us.



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Smyrna, GA 30080
Phone: (404) 794-7700
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