Blog - T3 Atlanta

The Types Of Car Wax And Which To Choose

January 11, 2022 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

When you are the type of car owner that likes to take care of their car, you might be familiar with this scenario: you are at the car care aisle, and you are staring at different wax products for cars. You pick one up, put it down, and choose another one. You keep on reading the fine print, but it’s pretty hard to pick one. So you close your eyes and put the first one you grab into your basket. It’s confusing, right? There are different types of car wax, and you don’t know what’s the best out there.

But don’t worry. We’ve got your back. This article will talk about different types of wax products for cars. We will also outline their pros and cons to decide for yourself. But first, let’s talk about why waxing your vehicle is essential.

The clear coat on your car is susceptible to the elements. UV rays, rain, snow, and other debris can cause your paint to fade and become damaged. Waxing your car coats the clear coat with a protective barrier that shields it from the sun’s rays and other elements. It also helps to keep the dirt and dust off of your car, making it easier to clean.

Choosing the right wax for your car

There are many different types of car wax options on the market, but not all are right for every car. Some waxes are made for newer vehicles with a factory finish, while others are designed for older cars with more wear and tear. It would be best to choose a wax that will protect your car and keep it looking fresh and new.

Before we get into the individual wax types, you should know that there is no such thing as the “best” wax for your car. There is only what’s best for your type of vehicle and needs in terms of protection and appearance.

We will break down the different types of waxes in natural oils, nano-polymers, and synthetic varieties. You’ll be able to see when each one is most effective so you can better determine which is suitable for your car.

Natural wax

A natural-based wax uses soybean oil, beeswax, rosin, carnauba wax (a tree sap), or castor oil (usually made from castor beans). The ingredients are generally blended to create the wax.

Pros
Wax made from natural ingredients is usually hypoallergenic and safe for everyone, including pets. It’s also eco-friendly. As it’s all-natural, there aren’t any harsh chemicals that can harm your vehicle or you when you’re applying it.

Cons
Natural waxes are not as easy to apply because they are thicker in consistency than synthetic waxes. They need a hot temp (around 100 degrees) to use, and they do not last long. You will probably have to reapply them every month or two if you make this type of wax your go-to choice.

If you want something easy and quick with low maintenance, this is not the wax for you.

Nano-polymers

This type of wax uses micro-particles to protect your clear coat. It can be either solvent or water-based, and it’s usually applied with an orbital polisher (a machine that spins counterclockwise, like a floor buffer).

Pros
These waxes are easy to apply because they don’t require too much heat to activate during application. They typically offer UV protection and hydrophobic properties, meaning water beads off the car’s surface like it would off a duck’s back (that means no more water spots!) They adhere well once they are on and last between three months and six months.

Cons
These waxes work best on newer cars with factory paint jobs. They may not work as well on older cars because the wax can damage already-chipped areas of your paint.

If you’re looking for a waxing product to protect and enhance your clear coat, this is an excellent choice for you.

Synthetic wax

You will see synthetic waxes advertised as “almost like new” because they are so tough. These waxes are usually made from petroleum-based ingredients that create an extremely hard, shiny finish. This type of wax cannot be applied with an orbital polisher, which means it’s pretty tricky to do by yourself at home. It’s best left to professionals unless you have experience with car care products.

Pros
This type of car wax resists fading and yellowing because it stays on the car longer than natural or nano-polymer waxes. It also provides UV protection but does not add hydrophobic properties so you may need a different coating for that feature. You will typically have to reapply for it every one to two years.

Cons
Although synthetic waxes are durable and long-lasting, they can be challenging to apply and may not offer hydrophobic properties like nano-polymer waxes.

If you choose this type of wax, make sure to have it applied by a professional.

Keep Your Car In Top Shape With T3 Atlanta

Now that you know the difference between the types of car wax and which would be most beneficial for your vehicle, you can pick the right option for what you’re looking for in terms of protection and appearance. But if your car is having trouble, no amount of wax can fix that.

If you are in Atlanta and are looking for a car repair shop, T3 Atlanta is your best bet. T3 is a trusted name in all car repair jobs in Atlanta. Reach out, and we’ll pen you in for an appointment at your most convenient time.

Tips For Taking A Road Trip In An EV

January 4, 2022 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

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.

5 Common Winter Car Problems & How To Fix Them

December 21, 2021 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

Winter is brutal for many drivers, as the cold and snowy weather can cause all kinds of problems with your car. It’s essential to be observant and proactive when winter driving. That way, you can avoid unnecessary issues before they happen. The following article will discuss five winter car problems that many vehicle owners experience, as well as how to avoid and/or fix these issues so that you won’t have any trouble on those icy roads this year!

5 common winter car problems and how to fix them

1. Drop in tire pressure

When the temperature drops, your tire pressure decreases as well. This means that under-inflated tires will experience increased rolling resistance and reduced traction in snowy/icy conditions.

Be sure to check your tire pressure at least once a month when the weather gets colder and even more frequently if it starts to drop below 40 °F.

2. Old or worn-out windshield wipers

Snow and ice can make it difficult for you to see, which increases your risk of an accident. Therefore, be sure to check your windshield wiper blades are in good condition (i.e., no cracks or tears) and capable of clearing the window effectively before you go on the road. If you discover that your wiper blades are old or damaged, be sure to replace them as soon as possible.

Note that just because your windshield wipers “worked fine” does not mean they can be as effective in the snow and ice.

3. Decreased battery life

The cold weather can be very hard on your car’s battery, and it won’t work as well in the winter; therefore, you may need to get a new battery when the time comes. This is especially true when your battery has only a few years left in it.

This is avoidable, though, and there are a ton of guides available online on how you can extend the life of your car battery.

4. Faulty cooling systems

During the winter, your car’s engine and cooling system (e.g., radiator, fan belt) are working harder than usual to maintain an ideal temperature, which increases wear and tear on these parts of your vehicle.

Be sure to check your owner’s manual or ask a mechanic for tips on keeping your car’s cooling system healthy. You can also take your vehicle to a general car repair shop to have everything checked out. They can point out if a specific part of your cooling system needs replacing.

5. Ice buildup on the windshield

During winter, ice and snow can build up on your vehicle’s exterior and make it more difficult for you to see through your windows, especially during frosty mornings and late evenings when the dew settles onto the glass. To avoid this issue, be sure to scrape off all ice and snow from your windshield before you drive. If your car is parked overnight, try using a foam cleaner to keep things clear.

If you are not a seasoned driver, any of these five common winter problems can put you in a bind. Hopefully, by reading through this article, you will understand why the issues happen and apply the solutions we have provided.

Winter Car Repair And More With T3 Atlanta

Winter weather can be harsh on even the best maintained car, and there are many more car issues that you might not be able to watch out for. If you want to stay on the safe side, we suggest you contact your favorite car repair shop so they can take a look at your car for any possible issues.

If you are located in the greater Atlanta area, you can trust T3 Atlanta for all your car repair and maintenance needs. Thousands of customers swear by the top-quality service they received from T3 Atlanta. Give us a call today, and we’ll have your car scheduled for maintenance to see if it’s ready for some winter driving.

5 Ways To Open A Frozen Car Door

December 14, 2021 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

It’s a chilly morning and you’re in a rush to get into your car. You pull and yank at the door handle, but it won’t budge. Your car door is frozen shut! What do you do? Here are five ways to open a frozen car door, as well as some tips on how to prevent this from happening again.

5 ways to open a frozen car door

1. Use a key to unlock the door

Sometimes all you need is your car keys. It’s essential to keep your keys in your hand when opening a frozen car door so you don’t drop them and lose them. Insert the key into the lock and turn it until you hear a clicking noise or feel the door unlock. Assuming the rest of your door is clear of ice, the lock should work now.

2. Gently bang on the ice with a rock or other heavy object
Using only your key, the ice around your car door may be too thick to break through. Using a large rock or another heavy thing, strike at the edges of the window until the ice shatters and you can see inside of your car. You can also carefully hit the ice with a rubber mallet or similar tool to break through the ice.

3. Use a de-icer

There are many different solutions on the market designed to get rid of ice around your car door. These can be found in most hardware stores or grocery stores, and they come in spray cans ranging from under $5 to over $20. Spray the solution into the crack where your car door comes up against the rest of your car’s body to help melt the ice.

4. Spray warm water on the frozen lock

If your key is still sticking out from the center of your doorknob, try spraying some warm water onto its frozen surface. Please don’t use boiling water, as this may cause the lock to seize up when it hits the cold metal. Instead, spray enough water on the key so that you can see it begin to dissolve some of the ice around the edges of your car door.

5. Apply heat using a hairdryer or a heating pad

A hairdryer should do the trick if you don’t have any water. Just make sure it’s not too hot because this could melt your door handle and cause other damage to your car’s interior. Instead, aim the hairdryer over the keyhole of your car door until you hear a clicking noise, signaling that the ice has melted enough to allow you to open your car.

You can also use a heating pad or other similar device instead of a hairdryer, but make sure it’s not too hot.

How to prevent your car door from being frozen shut

Now that you know how to overcome a frozen car door, here are some tips for avoiding this problem in the first place.

Don’t leave your car outside for very long – If you know that temperatures will drop below freezing temperatures overnight, either take your car with you or cover it up. Make sure nothing is on top of your vehicle and that there’s plenty of space between it and other objects. This prevents prolonged exposure to the cold air, which can cause ice build-up around the edges of your door.
Use a cover – If you must park your car outside overnight, a heavy-duty car cover will prevent it from being exposed to powerful gusts of wind and cold air, which will freeze the moisture that has penetrated the door shell.
Keep things lubricated – As a general rule, make sure that all locks and hinges on your car door are lubricated adequately so they can move quickly against their metal housing. While not exactly a way to prevent it from being frozen, it will help you open it up faster in case it does get frozen.

Fast And Friendly Auto Repair In Atlanta

If you are looking for a trusted car repair and maintenance shop in Atlanta, then you should give T3 Atlanta a call. T3 Atlanta is the number one shop residents of Atlanta turn to for all their general car repair needs. Give us a call today!

How To Put Snow Chains On Your Tires

December 7, 2021 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

The winter season is in full swing, and it’s time to prep your vehicle for the worst. One of the essential parts of winter driving is having snow chains on hand, just in case you need them. Today we’re going to talk about how to put snow chains on your tires.

But first, let’s talk about why snow chains are even necessary.

Why should you put snow chains on your tires?

Snow chains come in different sizes, designs, and materials. If you’re driving on a snowy or icy road, then your tires must have the correct type of snow chains to help prevent skidding and maintain control of your vehicle.

Snow chains can also improve traction and grip when roads are wet and slippery. They increase traction and help prevent skidding, especially when the wheels lose contact with the road.

What are the different types of snow chains?

Snow chains can be divided into two general types: tire and cable chains.

Tire chains

Tire chains are made of metal and attach to your tires. Tire chains are usually made of steel or alloy and provide better grip than cable chains because the teeth dig deeper into the road’s surface.

Cable chains

Cable chains consist of a series of metal links, and they attach to your wheel rims. Cable chains give you more stability while driving in slushy conditions, but tire chains are stronger overall because the links lock together when you turn the steering wheel.

How to put snow chains on your tires

If you’re driving in slippery conditions and it’s recommended that you put snow chains on your tires, then here are the steps to follow.

Park your vehicle and, for safety reasons, leave it in park or neutral with the parking brake firmly applied.
Loosen the bolts that attach the chains to your tire with pliers or a wrench. This will make putting them on easier later, but don’t remove them altogether.
If you have a rear-wheel drive vehicle, attach one end of the chain behind one tire and loop it around the other side. If you have a four-wheel or all-wheel drive, be sure to secure it behind each tire.
Repeat step three for the other side of the vehicle if needed.
Tighten down the bolts with your pliers or wrench to secure the chains in place and prevent them from falling off when you’re driving around.
Once the chains are on, test them by taking your vehicle for a short spin around the block.
If everything seems in order, you can drive onto the snowy or icy road and continue driving normally. Keep at least ten car lengths between yourself and other vehicles on the road, so you don’t risk sliding into them.
If you’re driving in highly snowy conditions, you can tighten the chains by their bolt connections to ensure they don’t move around too much and come off.

Other winter driving essentials to keep in your car

Aside from snow chains, there are different winter driving essentials that you should always keep in your car. These are things that will be helpful when you are in a pinch during the winter season.

Keep these items in your trunk so they are ready to use at all times:

Pair of gloves
Small shovel (to dig your car out)
Salt (or other de-icing agents like cat litter or sand that can be used on the road if needed)
Blankets
Flashlight and batteries
Flares or reflective triangle (for greater visibility in case you get stuck at night)
Jumper cables
First aid kit
Basic tool kit (with pliers, wrench, screwdriver, and other things that might prove helpful)
Water and snacks (in case you get stuck in your car for any reason)

Winter Repair And Maintenance Services In Atlanta

If you are in Atlanta and looking for a repair shop that can help you and your car out, then T3 Atlanta is always your best bet.

T3 Atlanta is a trusted name in providing general automotive repair services for Lexus, Nissan, Infiniti, and Toyota vehicles in the Atlanta Metro Area. Give us a call today, and we’ll have you penned in for a visit in the soonest time possible.

What Is The Reduced Engine Power Warning Light?

November 9, 2021 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

The reduced engine power warning light is one of the most misunderstood lights on a car. It often confuses drivers because it comes on at different times and for many various reasons. This article will help you understand what reduced engine power means to know when to take action.

What is the reduced engine power warning light?

The reduced engine power warning light shows that something has reduced the flow of fuel and/or air to the engine. It often turns on when a car needs maintenance or repair and doesn’t mean your vehicle is about to break down, but it could be a good time for an oil change.

Sometimes reduced engine power can also turn on when there is debris blocking one of the air intake valves. In that case, the reduced engine power light will come on and stay on until you fix it.

Why might the reduced engine power warning light turn on?

If the reduced engine power light comes on, it’s best to take your car in for a diagnostic. It might be something as simple as an air filter that needs to be changed, but it could also be more serious.

The reduced engine power warning light comes on for different reasons, including low fuel level, high coolant temperature, and reduced oil pressure. Here are a few more reasons why your reduced engine power light can go on.

Circuit issues

When you have damaged wires and bad connections, this prevents the TAC (Throttle Actuator Control) system from operating normally. This issue can result in several problems with a vehicle, including entering the reduced engine power mode.

Faulty throttle and pedal position sensor

Any problem within the TAC system can cause the reduced engine power warning light to go on. One of the more common reasons includes one or both APP sensors in the accelerator pedal or the pair of TP sensors.

Data network or PCM issues

Some older vehicles have modules that serve as mini-computers. These modules communicate with each other through a data network. When this network gets interrupted, or the PC has issues, the reduced engine power warning light will go on.

Engine performance problems

If your reduced power warning light goes on, there’s a big chance something is “mechanically” wrong with your engine. For example, a faulty high-pressure fuel pump can cause your engine power to reduce. In such cases, the warning light will go on.

Other issues

The reduced engine power warning can also mean your car is running too lean or rich. This can be due to a dirty air filter, vacuum leaks in hoses, an obstructed fuel line (or something else that’s restricting the flow of fuel).

What to do when the reduced engine power warning light is on

This question has a very straightforward answer – you get it diagnosed and fixed straight away. Taking it to an expert mechanic will make the affair faster as they can give you the proper diagnosis and suggest a fix right away.

Don’t panic if you’re driving and the reduced engine power warning light comes on. It’s not the end of the world, but you should probably pull over somewhere safe and call your mechanic before driving any further.

Where To Go For Engine Repair In Atlanta

If you are in Atlanta, and your reduced engine power warning light is on, you might want to go to T3 Atlanta and have one of our mechanics check your vehicle out.

T3 Atlanta is a trusted name in anything car repair-related in Atlanta. Our shop specializes in Nissan, Toyota, Lexus, and Infiniti cars. We understand that the reduced engine power warning light looks scary when it goes on, so we do our best to help you fix the underlying problem. Give us a call today!

What Is The Fastest Way To De-Ice Your Windshield?

November 8, 2021 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

Winter is coming, and you will all soon be looking for the fastest way to de-ice your windshield. Even though winter and ice come year after year, we all need a refresher course on the best and fastest way to scrape off ice from our windshield. That’s why we created this article. We’re going to list down three of the most popular ways people de-ice their windshields. Let’s talk about how effective they are and how fast they can get you back on the road.

What’s the fastest way to de-ice your windshield?

Imagine this scenario. You wake up ten minutes past your alarm time, and you race from the bedroom to the bathroom to start your day. You skip breakfast and grab a piece of toast and rush towards your car you parked outside overnight. You look at your watch, and it says you have 30 minutes. Regular travel time is around 20 minutes, so you know you have time.

But as soon as you arrive at your car, you see that the windshield is covered with ice. Based on experience, it will take at least 10 minutes to get them all off. So, what do you do?

Depending on who you ask, there are three different windshield de-icing solutions you can use to de-ice your windshields. But which of the three is the best? Let’s find out.

Isopropyl alcohol and water solution

By mixing two parts 70% isopropyl alcohol and one part water in a spray bottle, you will have a special DIY de-icer spray. Spraying this on your frozen windshield will help soften up and loosen the ice, so it becomes easier to remove.

This solution works because alcohol has a lower freezing point than water. This means that instead of freezing alongside the water in your windshield, the alcohol will help thaw the ice, making it easier to remove.

Saltwater solution

Adding a few teaspoons of good ol’ salt to a spray bottle full of water is a good enough deicer solution you can use for your windshield. How do you know when it’s enough salt? When you can taste the ocean. Using road salt is also a good alternative (although you shouldn’t taste this mixture).

Like the isopropyl+water solution, this saltwater solution has a lower freezing point than water. It will help melt the ice without worrying about it freezing on top of it.

Commercial de-icing solutions

If you don’t feel like doing all the mixing, you can always get yourself a commercial de-icing spray. You can find these in the automotive aisle of your favorite store or a local car supply shop. These commercial concoctions work similarly to the two solutions above but are more expensive.

Which windshield de-icing solution is best?

In truth, the DIY solutions work similarly to commercial ones, and most both can be made with readily available household essentials. They melt the ice at a similar speed as the commercial de-icing solution. So, it all boils down to what you have available.

Let T3 Atlanta Prepare Your Car For The Winter

If you want to ensure that your car is a safe ride for the winter, you have to make sure that it is in tip-top shape for the coming season. T3 Atlanta offers winterization services where our expert mechanics check your car for possible issues that will come in the winter and provide solutions. We also do a thorough check to ensure you will have nothing to worry about when you drive in the snow.

T3 Atlanta specializes in servicing Nissan, Toyota, Lexus, and Infiniti vehicles. Give us a call today and schedule an appointment to have one of our top mechanics take care of your car for you.

The Pros And Cons Of Buying A Car With A Salvage Title

November 8, 2021 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

Buying a car with a salvage title is not for the faint of heart. The vehicle may be cheaper and more affordable, but there are many things to consider before you go through with this purchase. In this article, we will talk about what cars with salvage titles are and the reasons why you should and shouldn’t buy them. We’ll also talk about what you can do to reduce any possible problems.

What is a car with a salvage title?

If your car has been in an accident and received damage that’s beyond repair, it will most likely be declared as “salvaged.” This means it can’t be registered or sold as a new car because it has no value as an operational vehicle. It also means the vehicle is considered unsafe to operate on public roadways due to its diminished structural integrity from being damaged in an accident.

For cars deemed “salvaged” to have any value at all, they must undergo extensive repairs done by someone who specializes in repairing salvaged vehicles.

This is where car buyers with a salvage title come in. A car with a salvage title has been repaired and inspected by someone certified to do so, meaning the car has been deemed road-worthy and safe for public use.

The pros of buying a salvage car

The car will be cheaper than one without a salvage title. This one is a no-brainer. When a vehicle has a salvage title, it is significantly more affordable than a brand-new or second-hand car with no salvage title. If you are looking for a cheap car you can drive daily, then they are a good option.
There are times when you can get lucky and find a car with a salvage title with very minimal issues. Note that not all vehicles given the “salvage” title are wrecked, so you are bound to see one that might only have cosmetic damage. There are also older vehicles with a low market value that are already considered a total loss when it only costs less than $1000 to fix.
A vehicle considered “salvaged” is often valued not on how it looks or whether it can run, but instead on how many good parts it still has. Salvage title cars are attractive to many buyers who are looking for specific (note: expensive) parts that they can remove and resell in the marketplace.

The cons of buying a salvage car

There may be hidden damage that was not disclosed to you before purchase. It’s hard to fully know the extent of the damage done to the car. Often, you are being presented with a car in running condition, but after taking it for a couple of hundred miles, you notice a lot of hidden damage that you had no idea existed.
You may need to spend more money on repairs if you buy a salvaged car. This car has already had its time in the shop in the first place. So, you may expect a few more trips to your mechanic after you buy it.
There aren’t a lot of insurance companies that are willing to provide coverage for a car with a salvage title. Once it gets into an accident, it will be hard to identify which damage was caused by the recent accident or if it was already present. If an insurance company does decide to cover your car with a salvage title, you might end up paying a higher premium. Insurance may also only offer to cover 80% of the car’s market value.
Unless you see yourself using the car forever, it will be hard to sell a vehicle with a salvage title after you are done with it. This is because the salvage title sticks with the car forever, and no matter how much you spend on fixing it, it will always be a car with a salvage title – a mark of its past.

Get A General Repair And Inspection Service For Your Salvaged Vehicle

Decided on getting a car with a salvage title? Don’t worry. T3 Atlanta can help you out. We have a team of expert mechanics who can look at your salvaged vehicle of choice to spot all the damage caused by the past accident. Our comprehensive inspection service ensures that no bolt is left unscrewed so that your car is, albeit marked salvaged, safe to drive.

Give us a call today, and we’ll pen you in for an appointment!

What Happens If You Put The Wrong Fuel In Your Car?

October 5, 2021 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

What happens if you put gas in a diesel engine? What about the other way around, diesel into a gas engine? These are questions that we often ask ourselves when we fill up at the gas station. After all, it is not always easy to tell what fuel goes in which tank. However, there is a lot of confusion and misinformation out there on this topic. In this article, we will discuss both sides of the question – what happens if you put the wrong fuel in your car – and talk about some possible damage that can be done by putting the wrong fuel type in your vehicle’s tank.

What happens if you put gas in a diesel engine

Gas is primarily made with a mixture of hydrocarbons. Diesel fuel, on the other hand, consists of only hydrocarbons. When gas is poured into a diesel engine, gas particles will break down the diesel fuel, which will result in some gas particles being burned while others are not. This means some gas will be lost while others are just broken down to smoke and gas that burns.

The gas particles that are not burned will eventually clog up the engine filters. If left unchecked, this can lead to serious damage to the engine. This type of damage will usually not show up until the engine has been running for some time. Of course, gas in a diesel car can also cause an immediate problem that is easy to detect. Gasoline simply does not combust at as high of temperatures as diesel fuel, so if gas were used in a cold start situation, it would likely stall out on the first start.

What happens if you put diesel in a gas engine

When you put diesel in a gas engine, the first part of your car that will experience a problem will be the fuel pump. This is because diesel is much thicker and denser than gasoline; the fuel pump will have to work harder to move it through the system.

Your fuel filter will also be damaged because diesel will have a hard time passing through a fuel filter designed for a gas engine. Worst case scenario, diesel fuel will clog up the fuel filter. Whatever diesel that does go through the fuel filter will then clog up the fuel injectors which will force them to not work properly. You will notice that your car will seize up once the diesel hits the injectors.

While this looks bad, it’s not as dangerous as when you put gasoline in a diesel tank.

How you can prevent putting the wrong fuel in your car

It’s not always easy to figure out what kind of fuel a car uses, especially if you are not yet a seasoned driver. If you are driving an unfamiliar car, it’s always better to ask than to assume. For example, if you are driving a rental or a borrowed car, you might want to ask them first what fuel to use (or if you even need to fill it up with fuel, as it might be an electric car) before driving off the lot.

If you are already driving and you failed to ask, the next best place to ask is the fuel station. Some attendants will be more than happy to assist you and give you the right fuel for your car. Most attendants already have a vast understanding of what cars use diesel and what uses gas.

Fill Your Car With The Wrong Fuel? Ask T3 Atlanta For Help

Things happen. You might have absentmindedly filled up a gas engine with diesel. Don’t worry, if you’ve put the wrong fuel in your car, it’s not the end of the world. If the engine seized up and won’t start, you need somebody to take a look at the damage so you can find solutions.

If you’ve made this mistake, give T3 Atlanta a call right away. Our team has had the chance to look at engines damaged due to being filled up with the wrong fuel. As such, we have the experience and expertise to find out what’s wrong and to propose solutions so your car can get back on the road ASAP.

Reach out to us today!

Preparing Your Car For A Pandemic Road Trip

October 5, 2021 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

The best time of year for a pandemic road trip is coming up! Fall is the perfect time to huddle inside a car and drive for miles with family or friends to see beautiful foliage and enjoy the crisp autumn air. In anticipation, you will need to prepare your vehicle and your passengers for the trip ahead. You’ll also want to pack the essentials that drivers should bring for fall road trips in general and Covid considerations.

Considerations to make for a pandemic road trip

A road trip during a pandemic is far from ordinary, and the preparations are a bit more unique. Here is what you should do before you go on your pandemic road trip.

Talk to the group

First off, you need to get everybody on board. Travelling will increase your chances of contracting or spreading the virus. So make sure you talk to everybody who will join the road trip and the people you are visiting.

Please make sure they are aware of the trip and the possible implications of a visit. Be sensitive about their choices and plan around their decisions. If they are not comfortable with aspects of the trip, then you should respect that and find alternatives that everyone can agree on.

Get your car into shape

The last thing you want to happen in a pandemic road trip – or any road trip – is getting stuck on the side of the road because your car broke down. Remember that your vehicle has been in the garage for some time, and you may not have taken it for a ride. That is why you should do a complete maintenance check-up.

If you don’t want to bother yourself with getting your car into shape, you can always rent a car. Most rent-a-car companies have complete Covid-19 protocols in place that ensure you and your passengers are safe.

Also, before driving off, make sure you have a car emergency kit in hand. The kit should include essentials such as a tow cable, a multitool, jumper cables, duct tape, blankets, water, and a first aid kit.

Pack light

If space is an issue in your car, then you should pack lightly as much as possible. This means bringing only the basic stuff that everybody needs. Give each passenger the same amount of space for their property. Using packing cubes is a good start.

Plan your food

Due to the pandemic, dining inside restaurants and diners might be risky. As such, your best options are drive-thrus, takeaway food, and preparing food on the road ‘ala backpacker’.

If you are particular about how healthy you are eating, then drive-thru food won’t be an option. So, bring supplies and find a couple of recipes online that you can easily prepare while on a stop or even while driving.

Prepare your tech

There is a good chance that you and your whole family/group will have at least one phone with them during the trip. Make sure you have the means to charge them while on the road (although getting everybody to put down their phones is much better). You can do this with the help of a car phone charger. You can also bring one (or two) power bricks that will give your devices extra juice throughout the trip.

Also, if you are not that familiar with the place you are traveling to, make sure you download the map of that location on your phone. It might be 2021, but there are still areas in the country with no reception, so it is best to err on the side of caution and have a downloaded map ready in case you happen to turn down the wrong road.

Start Your Pandemic Road Trip Right

Want to ensure your pandemic road trip is a memorable one? While you take care of the clothes, gadgets, and food prep, let T3 Atlanta take care of your car for you. Our expert mechanics can look at your car and make sure everything is in order before you set off on your journey.

Contact T3 Atlanta today!