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How To Evaluate How Safe A Car Is

February 21, 2023 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

Safety is the number one priority for anyone looking to purchase a new vehicle. Whether you’re shopping for yourself, your family, or your friends, you want to ensure that the car you buy is up to keeping its occupants safe. To help make the process easier, we will discuss what makes a car safe and how you can ensure that your purchase lives up to your expectations.

Why Should You Evaluate A Car’s Safety?

Car safety is something that should always be considered. A safe car is essential when traveling, no matter the destination. Reliable car safety features like airbags and electronic stability control can literally be lifesavers.

Additionally, when car drivers are aware of car safety regulations, such as proper lane discipline and speed limits, it ensures everyone’s safety on the roads. When looking for a new car, car buyers should always check out all the standard and optional car safety features, as these can drastically increase their chances of staying safe on the road.

Ultimately, car safety should always be a top priority when buying a car – investing in this extra layer of protection can reap long-term rewards in terms of accident prevention and passenger security.

How To Evaluate a Car’s Safety

Vehicle Safety Ratings

In order to gauge how safe a car is before buying it, you should look at its safety ratings. Automotive safety ratings are based on tests done by either the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The NHTSA runs crash tests using a five-star rating system, while IIHS uses a Good/Acceptable/Marginal system. When looking at these ratings, pay close attention to any included notes, as they may provide more insight into the specific elements of safety that each vehicle offers.

Maintenance Schedule

Having an up-to-date maintenance schedule is also essential when it comes to making sure that your car is safe and reliable. Regularly scheduled maintenance helps ensure that all of the components in your vehicle are running properly and efficiently. This means that if something does go wrong, it can be fixed quickly before it leads to larger issues down the road. This is why most car manufacturers want car owners to follow a strict maintenance schedule.

Other Considerations

When looking for a safe car there are other factors beyond just its safety ratings and maintenance schedule that should be taken into account, such as airbags, anti-lock brakes, blind spot monitoring systems, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, and parking sensors.

All of these features help increase both visibility and control while driving, which can help prevent accidents from happening in the first place. Additionally, look for cars with good crash test results, as these can indicate how likely it is for someone in an accident involving said car to walk away unscathed.

Last Words

When choosing a safe car, one must consider several metrics, such as vehicle safety ratings from NHTSA or IIHS tests and other features like airbags and anti-lock brakes, which can improve visibility and control while driving. It’s also important to have an up-to-date maintenance schedule so any potential problems with the vehicle can be addressed quickly before they become larger issues. With these tips in mind, you should be able to find exactly what you need without compromising the safety or reliability of your next ride!

T3Atlanta provides general repair services for Lexus, Infiniti, Toyota, and Nissan cars in and around the greater Atlanta area. Schedule a visit today and let our expert mechanics do routine maintenance on your vehicle so you always feel safe wherever the road takes you.

Filed Under: Car Tips

5 Tips For Selling Your Car Online

February 7, 2023 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

Selling your car online can be a great way to save time, money, and hassle. However, taking the necessary steps to avoid being scammed is essential. Below are five tips for selling your car online successfully and avoiding scams.

Why Sell Your Car Online?

Selling your car online has recently seen a surge in popularity. With the explosion of online classified sites, selling your vehicle via the internet is now much easier and often more successful than selling your car through traditional media.

Online selling platforms provide an all-in-one selling experience, offering a wealth of features to make selling your vehicle simple, stress-free, and, most importantly, profitable. They allow buyers and sellers to connect immediately, with no geographical restrictions–meaning selling across state lines or abroad is a breeze.

Furthermore, selling your vehicle can be done quickly and within a buyer’s timeframe rather than being subject to unpredictable newspaper deadlines. The growth in the availability of these services makes this an attractive option for those looking to sell their vehicles fast and at the best price possible.

5 Tips To Easily Sell Your Car Online

Do Your Research

Before you list your car for sale, do your research on the current market value of similar vehicles in your area. Knowing what price range buyers are willing to pay for comparable cars will help you set a realistic price that attracts buyers without leaving you feeling like you’ve been taken advantage of. Additionally, familiarizing yourself with common scams can help you identify potential red flags before they become problematic.

Take Professional Photos

When it comes to selling your car online, pictures speak louder than words. Take professional-looking photos that show off the exterior and interior of your vehicle from various angles so potential buyers can get an accurate picture of what they’re purchasing.

If possible, take photos in natural light—this will make the colors stand out more clearly and may even make minor blemishes less visible.

Make Sure You Have All the Necessary Documents

In order to sell your car legally and avoid any potential issues down the line, ensure you have all the necessary documents ready for sale. This includes registration papers and any service records or maintenance receipts associated with the vehicle. Having these documents readily available will prevent any potential issues with title transfer or legal ownership down the road.

Be Honest About Your Vehicle’s Condition

It is important to be honest about any damages or problems with the vehicle that could come up during an inspection by a prospective buyer. Hiding information could lead to legal trouble if a buyer discovers something wrong after purchase, so it is best to be upfront about any issues immediately to avoid future conflicts.

Additionally, if possible, provide receipts or proof of repairs if there has been work done on the vehicle recently; this will demonstrate that you have taken good care of it and give buyers peace of mind when making their purchase decision.

Pick the Right Platform

Picking the right online platform when selling your car is an often overlooked but vital step in ensuring you have the best possible selling experience. Making the correct choice can mean the difference between selling your car quickly and easily or having it languish on the market for days or weeks without any interested buyers.

On some platforms, there may be strict requirements regarding what kind of vehicles they support, while others may offer additional services to help facilitate a smoother selling process. Ultimately, this can make selling your vehicle much more straightforward and allow you to move on to your next car more quickly.

Last Words

Selling a car online can seem daunting at first but with some preparation, it doesn’t need to be overwhelming! Doing research on current market value for similar cars in your area is key when setting a fair asking price for yours; taking professional photos that showcase its features; having all necessary documents; and being honest about its condition will help ensure that you have smooth transactions with prospective buyers while avoiding any potential scams along the way.

However, one thing is for sure. A car in excellent condition will fetch a higher price. That is why if you plan to sell your car, drop by T3 Atlanta first. The expert mechanics from T3 Atlanta can take a look at your vehicle, do the necessary repairs, and conduct maintenance work to ensure your car is in tip-top shape before you meet up with your buyer. Schedule a visit with T3 Atlanta today!

Filed Under: Car Tips

5 Essential Measures To Take For Flood-Damaged Cars

January 10, 2023 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

No driver expects to find their trusted car submerged in flooded waters. An unexpected influx of flood water into your vehicle is never a pleasant surprise. Promptly addressing water damage to your car can help prevent potential escalation of damage to your car as it sits in salty or muddy waters. Even ‘minor’ floods can cause significant damage to the interior and exterior of your car and present a myriad of issues ranging from electrical damage to unpleasant odors. Today, we discuss five essential steps to take for flood-damaged cars.

Can Flood-Damaged Cars Be Saved?

Depending on the severity of the damage, an experienced mechanic can repair a car that suffered flood damage from fresh waters. Saltwater can cause irreparable harm to vehicles, and there is no way to successfully salvage a car flooded with salt water.

Automotive flood damage occurs when a vehicle has been partially submerged in waters to the degree that significant damage can be found in the engine, safety features like airbags, and transmission. Repairs may be possible for vehicles with moderate flood damage, but unfortunately, many vehicles see their untimely demise due to catastrophic floods.

This guide highlights five crucial measures to focus on if your car has sustained flood damage.

is a flooded car totaled1. Inspect The Visible Damage

Take a moment to quickly address the immediately apparent damage suffered while keeping a keen eye out for moisture, rust, and mildew odor.

2. Do Not Attempt To Start Your Car

If there is still water within the engine, you can safely assume it has also breached the intake tract and exhaust valve cylinders. Turning the ignition with such considerable moisture in the engine may increase the damage beyond the point of repair.

3. Remove Excess Moisture

Removing as much moisture as possible during this initial surmising stage is imperative. Excess moisture in the interior fabric leads to mold and mildew. It’s most effective to use a combination of techniques, such as a shop vac, moisture-removing packets or hangers, and fans.

Water can wreak havoc on vehicular electrical systems, affecting automatic braking systems and the power controls responsible for locking the doors and opening windows. Several water-based issues will not be visible, so be sure to take notice of the aroma of mold and mildew.

4. Air Out Your Car

If the conditions allow, open each of your car doors and windows. A consistent source of airflow throughout the vehicle can dry out your car, prevent further mildew and mold, and hopefully eliminate some of the odors that have built up. Ensure you have removed all carpets and floor mats to accelerate the drying process. Circulating air fans are an option if the conditions outside the vehicle are rainy and damp.

5. Have Your Car Towed For Inspection

Now that you have surmised the condition of your flood-damaged car, it is time to hand the matter over to a professional. If your vehicle has incurred water damage due to flooding, have your vehicle towed to a reputable auto shop for an inspection. There, a trained mechanic can determine if your vehicle can be salvaged and returned to road-worthy condition and gauge whether reversing the water damage would be a wise or cost-effective solution.

Car Inspections, Repairs, and More At T3 Atlanta

Taking the time and resources to properly care for and maintain your trusted vehicle goes a long way toward its long-standing performance and safety. T3 Atlanta offers affordable and efficient services for Lexus, Nissan, Toyota, and Infiniti drivers. Our team can review and gauge the cost of flood and water damage. Give us a call to have one of our award-winning mechanics care for your vehicle today!

Filed Under: Car Tips, Travel Tips

Car Stuck In The Mud? Now What?

December 18, 2022 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

From unpaved lots bordering nature parks and hiking trails, grassy fields acting as festival parking, off-roading adventures that went off the rails, or even unpredictable weather systems dropping heavy rain in a short span, each of these circumstances can leave you inconvenienced and out of luck. This handy guide spotlights the possible methods if you find your car stuck in the mud.

Car Stuck In The Mud? Do’s and Don’ts

Take a Moment to Evaluate the Situation and Survey the Damage

When attempting to get your vehicle out of this predicament, the most important thing to remember is not to panic. Try to keep your sense of calm, assess the situation, and create a strategic plan for you and any passengers to evacuate the vehicle. Once you have safely navigated your way out, it will be much easier to gauge the severity of the situation and potential damage to your car.

The Rocking Method

This handy trick may help you when your car is in shallow mud. Begin with a slight acceleration forward, then shift into reverse and attempt a similar movement backward, being cautious not to initiate wheel spinning. The continuous rocking back and forth can accomplish enough momentum to get your vehicle out of the mud.

The Car Mat Technique

Believe it or not, your stylish car mats can quickly become a tool for regaining traction in slippery, muddy conditions. Use a jack to elevate the tires before placing a car mat below and in front of the wheels. Place the mats in front of and around the driver’s side wheel for front-wheel-drive cars and near the passenger-side wheel for real-wheel vehicles. This technique should allow your car to gain sufficient momentum to escape the mud.

What Not to Do

Spin your Wheels

Most car tires tightly grip paved roads and highways and often struggle to gain traction while submerged in mud. Hastily slamming the pedal to the metal to avoid further sinking will only act to spin your wheels without traction, digging you deeper into this mess. Ease off the gas pedal immediately if you get the impression your car is stuck in the mud.

Don’t Hesitate to Ask for Assistance

Asking for help getting your car out of the mud might be initially embarrassing. Still, you have a greater chance of getting yourself out quickly with someone outside the vehicle offering direction and guidance.

Finding yourself behind the wheel of a car stuck in the mud can make for an unpleasant experience. Still, you can circumvent some of the anxious discomforts of events like these by knowing your vehicle is in good condition and well-maintained. Pay attention to the scheduled upkeep of your car to make matters better during unexpected emergencies.

Car Repair And More At T3 Atlanta

T3 Atlanta recommends that every car owner routinely schedules maintenance and service to ensure the optimal performance of their vehicle. Keeping up to date with the service schedule can severely decrease the power and performance, potentially leaving you and your passengers vulnerable in an emergency.

If you drive a Toyota, Nissan, Infiniti, or Lexus in the Atlanta area, give us a call today. Our team can keep your car running smoothly and your confidence sky-high with the peace of mind that you and your passengers are in good hands.

Filed Under: Car Tips, Travel Tips

What To Do If Your Car Gets Stuck In Floodwater

December 6, 2022 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

Thunderstorms continue to be one of the most prominent natural disasters throughout Georgia. Depending on your area of residence, Georgia sees rainfall on a year-round basis. Typically caused by severe storm systems unleashing vast amounts of rain over a short period, flash floods often appear without warning signals. Floodwaters surge downhill, leaving rural areas and cities vulnerable to significant damage. Read on to learn what to do if your car gets stuck in floodwater.

What to do if you encounter flood waters while driving

Flood warnings often are typically only broadcast once the flooding has already begun. If you observe flood warnings while driving, your most urgent priority should be getting out of your car and finding higher ground on foot. If this is not an immediate option, remember to remain calm and avoid panicked thoughts.

Unfasten your seatbelt, unlock your car doors, then engage your hazard and headlights as a signal, alerting emergency personnel of your location. Slowly open the windows and, if able, crawl out of your car. If you are unable to open the windows, you will need to wait for the water pressure to stabilize before being able to use the door to escape.

Once you can exit the car, swim to safer grounds as soon as possible and immediately call 911 if there is no one to assist you. Finding dry land as quickly as possible is crucial because even 6 inches of moving water can be powerful enough to knock many adults over.

What not to do if your car gets stuck in floodwater

First and foremost, do not panic. Take a moment for a deep breath, and try not to burn precious energy on distressed or frightened thoughts. Forget about valuable possessions inside the car and save that 911 call for once you’ve found dry land. Your total focus should be centered entirely on your safety at this moment. If you attempt to break open your car window before the water pressure has yet to equalize, broken glass can flow inwards toward you or your passengers.

Once you have safely exited the vehicle, immediately find higher ground. If you believe water levels have dropped to manageable levels, do not return to your car because flood waters could rise again without notice.

Can you avoid getting stuck in floodwaters?

Residents throughout the low country or those living near large bodies of water are especially at risk for flooding in their communities. Your safety is paramount if your town is experiencing a flood, and no one is longing to be behind the wheel of an automobile in the middle of a disaster. However, proper preparedness can help you keep your wits under pressure and survive a flood in your car.

Avoid large pools of water on the road if you suddenly find yourself caught in a flood or flash flood, as gauging the depth of water on the street is nearly impossible, especially at night. A 6-inch puddle of water can result in power loss and costly damage to your vehicle, while waters 1 to 2 feet deep are powerful enough to jettison most cars from the road. This guide examines the valuable safety measures you can take to prepare yourself better if you are caught by surprise by flooded waters while driving.

Car Repairs And More At T3 Atlanta

In theory, we can all avoid a flood by keeping up with daily weather forecasts, but flash floods are erratic and hard to predict. Knowing your car is prepared for harsh weather conditions can instill valuable peace of mind while behind the wheel. T3 Atlanta has kept Lexus, Infiniti, Nissan, and Toyota drivers safely on the road since proudly opening our doors in 1994. Make an appointment by giving us a call today!

Filed Under: Car Tips, Travel Tips

How To Know If There is Bad Gas In Your Car

November 22, 2022 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

Are you a car owner but live in a walkable neighborhood right around the corner from the local grocery store and coffee shop? You may own a second car that doesn’t see much action outside the garage. Many drivers will never need to worry about how long the gas in their tank has been sitting or about it going bad because it never has the chance to sit for long. How do you know if you have bad gas in your car? Let’s take a look.

How does gasoline go bad?

Those who rarely drive, or don’t drive their car at all, could be in store for a rude awakening because gasoline can become old and degrade if it’s just been left sitting for long periods. Tests conducted and published by Consumer Reports have shown that gasoline can begin to degrade in as little as three months.

There are two primary factors that cause gas to go bad:

Water Contamination

Severe complications can occur when water makes its way into a fuel tank. Moisture absorbed into gasoline can corrode the fuel system and obstruct the gas in your vehicle from reaching your engine. Similar scenarios during the cold winter months can easily produce enough condensation within the tank to freeze the gas line solid.

Since gas is usually stored underground, it’s common for residue and powder from rocks and water runoff to leak into gasoline storage containers. Storage issues like these effectively contaminate the entire gasoline supply before it even reaches the gas station for purchase.

Chemical Decomposition

The gasoline used to run your car comprises hundreds of distinct compounds. Many lighter, more volatile compounds tend to evaporate when gas has been left sitting for too long, often lowering the octane rating to such an extent that it won’t burn effectively inside the tank.

Recognizing the Symptoms of bad gas in your car

There are a few signals you may be driving around on a tank of bad gas.

Decreased Fuel Efficiency

Bad gas is a commonly used phrase for fuel that burns less thoroughly than most other gasoline on the market today. Thus, decreased fuel efficiency is one of the most significant symptoms of bad gas.

If you have suddenly noticed that your car is burning gas faster than it used to, chances are your most recent stop at the station included filling your tank with bad or low-grade gas. Have a trusted mechanic inspect your fuel tank if you have recently noticed diminished gas mileage.

Acceleration Issues

The quality of the gasoline in your tank directly connects to your vehicle’s acceleration power. Even a small portion of your tank filled with bad gas can result in a major loss of acceleration power on the road.

While a gradual reduction in power is normal and should be expected over the years, a sudden and steep dropoff in your car’s performance could be a symptom of bad gas. Drivers experiencing a sudden lack of acceleration should visit a different gas station for their next fill-up to avoid another costly tank of lesser quality fuel.

What do I do with a tank full of bad gas?

The best move you can make if you’ve noticed your car dealing with any of these symptoms is to bring it into an auto shop for inspection by a mechanic. They can examine the gas inside your vehicle and the fuel system to correct and fine-tune the issue.

Gasoline is dangerous and flammable; working with it and pressurized fuel systems is a task for a qualified and highly trained professional.

Car Repair and Maintenance With T3 Atlanta

Whether your car is sputtering and in dire need of help due to a bad tank of gas, or you need a reputable auto shop to keep your trusted steed maintained and in top condition, T3 Atlanta can keep your car running for the long haul. Providing a beacon for Lexus, Toyota, Nissan, and Infiniti drivers, we have been Atlanta’s trusted auto shop providing reliable and affordable service to the area for almost 30 years.

Contact T3 Atlanta today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced mechanics. We are prepared and excited to demonstrate how we can prolong the performance and reliability of your vehicle.

Filed Under: Auto Repair, Car Tips

What Is An Extended Warranty For Used Cars And Is It Worth It?

November 1, 2022 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

Many car buyers are looking for that extra sense of security, but extended warranties aren’t for everyone. Do you need that extended warranty for your car? Let’s take a look.

What is an extended warranty?

Reliability is one of the most critical factors for people searching for a new or used car. Beyond the safety and longevity of the car itself, most buyers seek the peace of mind that comes from knowing their vehicle will keep rolling long after its first significant bump in the road.

Extended warranties, often referred to as vehicle service contracts, are optional protection plans designed to provide assistance in covering the cost of various repairs during car ownership. These plans typically begin after the expiration of the manufacturer’s warranty, although there are instances where the two can overlap.

While a dealer can make an extended warranty sound like the best idea you’ve ever heard while strolling the showroom floor, these service contracts usually come with a high sticker price. Depending on the issue at hand, they won’t necessarily have you covered. On top of that, most people purchasing an extended warranty never actually use them, thus resulting in a cost with zero financial return.

Will an Extended Warranty provide a good value?

The most substantial benefit of an extended warranty is that it can save you a considerable amount of money if your car requires repair on a part covered under warranty. In instances like these, you would only be left responsible for payment of your deductible instead of the entirety of the repair. If your protection plan covers the repair in question, the warranty provider will handle the remaining cost of parts and labor. Having a trusted mechanic inspect the vehicle before closing the deal is an essential step towards that much-needed confidence and security in such an important purchase decision.

These plans are available from insurance companies, auto clubs, and dealerships. They can vary greatly in cost, duration, and what may or may not be covered under warranty. Those reading the details on these warranties are cautioned to read the fine print with a keen eye because many of these plans have different restrictions regarding which repairs are covered and on specific locations where the repairs are to be conducted.

Why an extended warranty may not have you covered

There are some potential drawbacks to consider before you sign that extended warranty paperwork.

An issue with Coverage

Extended warranties won’t usually cover anything that could go wrong under the hood. Always be sure what your plan does and doesn’t cover before you’re stunned by that whopping repair bill that wasn’t covered under warranty.

Depreciation clauses

Many warranties will strictly cover part of the cost of repair or replacement of parts contingent on the mileage of the car.

Redundancy

Most warranties place either the manufacturer, dealer, or third party as responsible for payment of repairs. If they were to go out of business suddenly, you would be left holding the bill and owner of a warranty worth nothing.

The smart move when looking to buy a new or used car is taking a pass on that extended warranty, focusing on finding a proven reliable model, and then making a point to maintain it properly. Keeping to the maintenance schedule of regular car inspections is genuinely the best warranty you can obtain for your car because you’ll know you are safe and secure in a vehicle that’s been properly maintained and serviced.

Car Maintenance And Repair At T3 Atlanta

T3 Atlanta has been Atlanta’s trustworthy auto shop since 1994, keeping Lexus, Infiniti, Toyota, and Nissan safely on the move. Comprised of the area’s top service technicians, T3 Atlanta provides our customers with an economical and efficient service that presents a much more robust and reliable value than any extended warranty on the market today.

If you are currently looking for a mechanic to inspect a vehicle before purchase or a trusted auto shop that’s committed to keeping your car serviced and safe, please give us a call to schedule an appointment with one of our skilled technicians today!

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

6 Tips To Help Your Gas Tank Stretch Further

October 11, 2022 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

A gallon of gas won’t get you far and doesn’t come cheap these days. That said, we all have a schedule to keep and things that need to get done. With gas prices constantly escalating, it’s safe to assume most of us could use pointers to avoid that next dreaded stop at the station for a fill-up. Here are a few convenient measures to help that full tank of gas take you further down the road.

Helpful tips to keep your gas tank full

1. Take a Pass on ‘Premium’ Gas

Save yourself the extra cash and skip the premium gas unless it is listed as required inside your gas tank door or within the owner’s manual. Unless premium fuel is required by the manufacturer of your car, it won’t contribute any added benefit. High-octane gasoline is primarily designed for high-end vehicles; 87-octane gas does a splendid job for the rest of us without the additional cost.

2. Keep your Need for Speed in check

Paying attention to how fast you are going remains one of the most basic and valuable lessons one can learn when trying to save money on the road and at the pumps. Dropping those miles per hour and keeping to the posted speed limit can easily extend the miles in your gas tank.

3. Keep an even-balanced approach with those pedals

A lead foot costs more at the station than a calculated, measured step. Try a slow and steady acceleration instead of putting the pedal to the metal, keeping in mind that you burn up more fuel with jackrabbit starts and hard accelerations. The heat and pressure of slamming on the brakes squander the gas you consume to get up to speed and can cause severe wear and damage to the brakes themselves.

4. Be aware of your aerodynamics

Keep your usage of carriers and roof racks to a minimum when they aren’t in use and needed. A loaded bike rack or car-top container will significantly impact your gas mileage, with empty racks or carriers harming fuel economy, especially on the highway.

Clear out any large and heavy items from your car that aren’t deemed necessary for your upcoming trip. You will use more fuel when accelerating and braking with a heavier vehicle.

5. Keep cool naturally

That ultra-convenient air conditioner can keep you cool, but that refreshingly cool blast comes with a price. Air conditioning can consume quite a bit of gas, so crack open the windows to let in the fresh air when conditions are mild.

Even when cruising on the highway, opening your windows will have less effect on fuel economy than the engine power needed to run the air conditioning compressor.

6. Repair and maintenance

Make sure you are up to date on those necessary maintenance trips. Vehicles running with healthy engines consume less gas and require less work and upkeep. Regularly scheduled checkups on your car allow one to address any potential repair issues before resulting in untimely breakdowns or safety concerns.

Keep Your Car In Top Shape At T3 Atlanta

Our experienced technicians utilize cutting-edge diagnostic equipment to quickly determine and resolve any issues your car may be experiencing. Regular maintenance on well-worn car parts is an essential step towards extending the safety and longevity of your vehicle. Our team can keep your engine humming and can help prolong the lifespan of your full tank of gas in a trustworthy and affordable fashion.

Staffed with the most experienced and knowledgeable Infiniti, Lexus, Nissan, and Toyota technicians in the state, T3 Atlanta has the knowledge to keep you moving and feeling safe on the road. If you believe your car needs service or repair, contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Filed Under: Car Tips

5 Things To Check Before Buying A Used Car

September 20, 2022 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

Are you thinking of buying a used car? In this article, we will show you five things you need to check before making your purchase.

Why Buy A Used Car?

There are several reasons why people might prefer to buy a used car rather than a brand new one. Used vehicles are often significantly cheaper than new cars and may come with additional features that would be expensive to add to a new car. For example, a used car might already have GPS installed, while a new car would require the purchase of an aftermarket GPS. In addition, used vehicles may have been broken in by their previous owners, which can make them more comfortable to drive.

On the other hand, used cars may also come with hidden problems that their previous owners were unaware of or unwilling to disclose. These problems range from cosmetic damage to serious mechanical issues and can be expensive to repair. As a result, buying a used car is often a gamble, and it is essential to do your research before making a purchase.

But you don’t have to take this gamble. We’ve listed five things you should check before buying a used car. We hope that you will have a good idea of what to look out for when purchasing a new car when you are through this piece.

5 Things to Check Before Buying A Used Car

Before you buy a used car, you must do your homework and inspect the vehicle carefully. Here are five things you need to check:

1. Title Issues

The first thing you need to do is check for any title issues. A clean title means that the car has not been in any major accidents and has no outstanding liens against the vehicle. If the car has a salvage title, it has been damaged in an accident or flood and declared a total loss by the insurance company. Salvage cars can be dangerous and may not be worth buying, even if sold at a discount.

2. Accident History

You should also check the car’s accident history. Even if the car has a clean title, this does not mean that it has never been in an accident. Many accidents are not reported to the DMV, so you will need to do a little digging to find out if the car you are interested in has been involved in any accidents.

The best way to do this is to request a vehicle history report from a company like CarFax or AutoCheck. These reports will show you any accidents that have been reported to the DMV, as well as any other significant events in the car’s history.

3. Recall Notices

Another thing to check for is recall notices. Sometimes, cars are recalled by the manufacturer due to safety concerns. If a vehicle you are interested in buying has been recalled, this does not mean that it is necessarily unsafe, but it is something you will need to be aware of. You can check for recall notices on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website.

4. Maintenance Records

It is also a good idea to ask for maintenance records from the previous owner. These records will show you how well the car has been maintained and can give you an idea of what repairs or maintenance may be needed in the future.

If the previous owner does not have any records, you should try to get in touch with the dealership or service center where the car was last serviced.

5. A Professional Inspection

Finally, we recommend you have a professional inspection before buying a used car. An assessment will give you peace of mind and help you spot any potential problems you may not have noticed on your own. Many dealerships offer free inspections, or you can hire a qualified mechanic to inspect for you.

Car Inspections And Repairs In Atlanta

These are just a few of the things you need to check before buying a used car. With a little bit of research, you can avoid buying a lemon and end up with a car that will serve you well for many years to come. And if you’re ever in doubt, remember that you can always ask for a professional opinion before making a final decision.

If you are in the market for a used car, T3 Atlanta has an inspection service where you can have one of our mechanics look at the car you want to buy to ensure it’s not a lemon. Having a trusted mechanic from T3 Atlanta check the car before purchasing it reduces the chances of you wasting your money. Contact T3 Atlanta today and get the used car of your dreams.

Filed Under: Car Tips

Why Do Windshields Crack?

August 23, 2022 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

There are a lot of parts in your car that you need to take care of as they can easily break or crack. One part is the windshield. While not typical, many car owners have had the experience of having their windshields crack at random moments. Why do windshield cracks crack? What can car owners do to prevent their windshields from cracking? Let’s talk about windshield cracks in this article.

Why Do Windshields Crack?

Only a few things can make your windshield crack, and for a good reason. Your windshield protects passengers from anything on the road, so windshields take a beating. They are also not built to last forever. Here are some things that can damage and crack your car’s windshield.

Collision With Small Rocks or Debris While Driving

A windshield is designed to protect you from the elements while driving but can also be easily damaged by small rocks or debris. When these objects hit your windshield, they can cause the glass to crack or chip.

The damage may seem minor at first, but over time it can weaken the windshield’s structure and make it more likely to shatter in a collision. In some cases, the damage may even obstruct your view of the road.

Extreme Weather Conditions, Such as Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

Your car’s windshield is designed to withstand a certain amount of wear and tear. However, extreme temperature changes can cause the glass to crack or shatter. In freezing weather, the glass can contract faster than the plastic components of the windshield, causing it to become weaker and more susceptible to impact. Conversely, in scorching weather, the glass can expand faster than the plastic, leading to stress fractures.

In either case, it’s important to have any cracks or damage repaired as soon as possible, as they can weaken the windshield and lead to further problems.

Accidents or Collision

When you get into a car accident or collide with something while driving, the impact can cause your windshield to crack. Cracks usually form when the glass is hit with a lot of force, causing it to shatter. Once a crack forms, it will continue to spread until the entire windshield is shattered. However, even a small impact can cause a crack if the glass is already weakened from another event, such as a change in temperature.

Regular Wear and Tear

Over time, your windshield will endure a lot of wear and tear. Between exposure to the elements, small rocks and debris kicked up by other vehicles, and the occasional crack or chip, it’s no wonder that windshields need to be replaced from time to time. However, did you know regular wear and tear can cause your windshield to crack? As the glass is repeatedly exposed to changes in temperature (from the hot sun to frigid cold), it begins to weaken.

In addition, the constant vibration from driving can also contribute to glass breakage. As a result, it’s essential to take care not only of chips and cracks but also to keep an eye on the overall condition of your windshield. Taking care of your windshield can help prevent expensive repairs or replacements down the road.

What Can You Do To Prevent Your Windshield From Cracking?

Now that we know what can cause windshields to crack, let’s talk about how you can prevent it.

Check for Chips and Cracks Regularly

The best way to protect your windshield is to check it regularly for chips and cracks. If you see any damage, no matter how small, it’s essential to have it repaired as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the greater the chance that the damage will spread and the windshield will need to be replaced.

Avoid Extreme Temperature Changes

As we mentioned, extreme temperature changes can cause your windshield to crack or shatter. So if you live in an area with extreme weather conditions, it’s important to take extra care of your windshield. In winter, clean any snow or ice off your windshield before driving, and in summer, try to avoid parking in direct sunlight.

Be Careful When Driving

Of course, you can’t always avoid accidents, but there are certain things you can do to help prevent them. First, ensure you’re always wearing your seatbelt to protect yourself in a collision. Second, be aware of your surroundings and drive defensively. And finally, avoid driving on rough roads or through construction zones whenever possible. Following these simple tips can help keep yourself and your windshield safe while on the road.

What Should You Do If Your Windshield Cracks?

If your windshield cracks, it’s important to take action right away. First, if the crack is small, you may be able to have it repaired. However, if the crack is more significant than a dollar bill, or if it’s in your line of sight, you’ll need to have the windshield replaced.

Windshield replacement can be expensive, so choosing a reputable company that offers a warranty on their work is crucial. In addition, make sure to get an estimate before having any work done, as some companies may try to take advantage of unsuspecting customers. Taking these precautions can help ensure that your windshield is repaired or replaced correctly and that you don’t end up paying more than you have to.

Windshields are designed to protect drivers and passengers from the elements, but they can only do their job if they’re in good condition. So, if you want to keep your windshield in top shape, it’s important to know what can cause it to crack or shatter. Taking care of your glass and being aware of your surroundings can help prevent expensive repairs or replacements down the road. And if your windshield does develop a crack, make sure to take action right away to avoid further damage.

Get Your Next Car Checkup At T3 Atlanta

While T3 Atlanta does not have any windshield repair or replacement services, the team can help you identify easily missed cracks through inspection. Bring in your car for general repair service, and we can have our expert mechanics thoroughly check your windshield for chips or cracks. Contact T3 Atlanta today to schedule an appointment.

Filed Under: Car 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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