Owning a vehicle comes with the responsibility of regular maintenance and occasional repairs. Understanding what constitutes a normal amount of car repairs is crucial for both budgeting and knowing when it’s time to invest in a new ride. While every car’s needs are unique, depending on the owner’s driving habits and use, there are several general guidelines that can help you gauge what’s normal in the world of car upkeep.

Routine Maintenance Items

Routine maintenance is essential to help optimize the lifespan and overall performance of your vehicle. These are services recommended by the manufacturer at certain intervals to keep your car in optimal condition.

Common examples of routine maintenance services include:

• Oil Changes: Regular oil changes are essential for engine health. Depending on how much you drive, the mileage of your vehicle, the type of car you own, and the type of oil used, this may be required every 3,000 to 7,500 miles.
• Tire Rotations and Balance: Rotating your tires promotes even wear, extending their lifespan and helping ensure they provide optimal traction. Aim for tire rotations every 5,000 miles or as recommended by your manufacturer.
• Brake Inspections: Regular brake inspections are typically done every six months to help determine how quickly they are wearing down and replace them if necessary.

Other regular maintenance items include changing fluids such as transmission, brake, and coolant, changing spark plugs, inspecting and replacing shocks and struts, replacing batteries, and more.

Repairs Due to Regular Wear and Tear

As your car ages, certain components will naturally wear out. These repairs are part of the expected maintenance cycle, but their frequency is influenced by a few factors.

Driving habits such as frequent short trips, aggressive driving, and stop-and-go traffic may contribute to more frequent repairs.

The age of your vehicle can also impact how many times you need to visit your mechanic. Older vehicles typically need more upkeep due to the accumulated wear and tear over time.

Where you live also makes a difference in how quickly components need to be replaced. Rough terrain, extreme climates, and living near salt water can all take a toll on your vehicle.

Common ‘wear and tear’ maintenance items include:

• Brake Pad Replacement: Brake pads wear down over time and are typically replaced every 25,000 to 65,000 miles, depending on your driving habits.
• Battery Replacement: Car batteries generally last 3 to 5 years, but extreme temperatures and how often you drive can impact their lifespan.
• Tire Replacements: The overall lifespan of tires varies, but you can expect to replace them every 40,000 to 60,000 miles, depending on your driving habits, road conditions, and the quality of your tires.
• Spark Plug Replacement: Spark plugs can last between 30,000 to 100,000 miles, depending on the type of plugs you have, the fuel you use, and your driving habits.

Unexpected Repairs

In addition to routine wear and tear repairs, unexpected repairs are an unavoidable part of car ownership. Despite your best efforts, things break – often when you least expect it. Additionally, your car is subject to unpredictable damage from the road itself, such as stray rocks, nails, and potholes.

Vehicles that have spent time near salt water are particularly susceptible to surprise problems, as salt from the ocean can corrode parts that are out of sight.

Leaking fluids, damage to the exhaust system, electrical system problems, and cosmetic issues such as dings, scratches, and cracked windshields are just a few of the unexpected repairs a car owner might need to deal with.

High-Mileage Considerations

As your vehicle passes the 100,000-mile mark, it is now considered ‘high mileage’ and may require extra attention.

Common high-mileage services include:

• Timing Belt Replacement: Timing belts typically need replacement every 60,000 to 100,000 miles, depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Transmission Service: Around the 100,000-mile mark, consider a transmission fluid change and inspection to ensure that your transmission is in good shape. If it’s starting to slip, an inspection can also help you know if it’s time to start budgeting for a new transmission.
• Coolant System Overhaul: Radiators and water pumps may need attention after 100,000 miles to prevent overheating issues.
• Change Your Vehicle’s Oil: Once your vehicle has passed 100,000 miles, you may also want to switch to high-mileage oil. This oil is designed to minimize the chance of leaks, helps clean engine sludge and deposits, and reduces friction between components in your engine.
• Change Your Brake Fluids: Your brake system will likely be flushed around the 60,000 mile mark. Talk to your mechanic about whether your high-mileage car needs brake service at the 100,000 mile mark.

Getting your car routinely serviced over the years can help minimize significant costs in the long run and keep it performing at its best for as long as you own it.

Routine Repairs and More at T3 Atlanta

Understanding what is a normal amount of car repairs for your vehicle involves considering routine maintenance, regular wear and tear, and occasional unexpected issues.

Regular maintenance is essential to maximizing your vehicle’s performance, extending its lifespan, and avoiding major repairs. Whether you’re in need of a regular check-up or more intensive service, give T3 Atlanta a call to make an appointment. We’re ready to help keep your car in top shape for years to come!

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.

When your car needs repair, you have a few options. You can take it to the dealership or go to a smaller independent garage. But what makes a good auto repair shop? What should you look for when choosing a service center? The answer can vary from person to person, but let’s try to talk about them all. In this article, we’ll discuss the qualities that make a good auto repair shop. We’ll also talk about some red flags that you should look out for when looking for a new regular service center.

What Makes A Good Auto Repair Shop?

1. Good Customer Service

Good customer service is one of the essential qualities of a good auto repair shop. After all, customers are the lifeblood of any business, and good customer service is crucial in keeping them happy. There are many aspects to good customer service.

Still, some of the most important include being friendly and helpful, providing clear and concise information, being prompt and efficient, and resolving any issues quickly and fairly. By providing good customer service, auto repair shops can build strong relationships with their customers and ensure that they keep coming back.

2. Good Reputation

A good auto repair shop will always have a good reputation. After all, car owners want to be confident that their vehicle will be in good hands when they take it for service. A shop that enjoys a good reputation among its customers is likely to be clean and well-organized, and its staff will be courteous and professional. Furthermore, a reputable shop will use quality parts and products, and its technicians will be appropriately trained and up-to-date on the latest automotive technology.

In short, a shop with a good reputation is one that you can trust to provide exceptional service. So if you’re looking for a new auto repair shop, be sure to ask around and see what others have to say about the businesses in your area.

3. Experience

When your car breaks down, you want to know that the person who is fixing it knows what they’re doing. That’s why experience is one of the essential qualities in an auto repair shop. An experienced mechanic will have seen a wide range of different problems and will know how to fix them quickly and efficiently. They’ll also be able to spot potential issues before they become significant problems.

In addition, an experienced mechanic will have built up a network of suppliers and other contacts who can help to get your car back on the road as soon as possible. So, if you’re looking for a good auto repair shop, choose one with experienced mechanics who can get the job done right.

4. Qualified Staff

Auto repair shops are in the business of repairing vehicles. For an auto repair shop to be considered good, the shop must have qualified staff.

Qualified staff consists of individuals with the skills and knowledge to perform the required tasks. Furthermore, these individuals must work well together as a team to get the job done efficiently and correctly. Lastly, they must be able to communicate with customers in order to provide the best service.

5. Reasonable Prices

Many people are concerned about the cost of auto repairs, and for a good reason. Car repairs can be expensive, and it is often difficult to know if you are being charged a fair price. One way to ensure that you are getting a fair price for auto repairs is to find a shop that has reasonable prices. A shop with affordable prices will charge a fair price for its services, and it will be upfront about the cost of parts and labor. In addition, a shop with reasonable prices will be willing to negotiate the cost of repairs.

What Are Some Red Flags To Look Out For?

There are some red flags that you should look out for when choosing an auto repair shop. One of the most important is a shop that tries to sell you services or parts that you don’t need. For example, if a shop tries to sell you an engine flush when your car doesn’t need one, that’s a red flag.

Another red flag is a shop that doesn’t have a good reputation. If you’ve never heard of the shop before, or if you’ve heard bad things about it from other people, then it’s probably best to avoid it. Finally, be wary of any shop that quotes you a price that seems too good to be true. In most cases, it probably is.

Work With Atlanta’s Trusted Auto Repair Shop

Looking for a good auto repair shop can be pretty tricky, but once you find one, you have an auto shop you can trust for life. Such is the story of many of T3 Atlanta’s clients.

T3 Atlanta is one of the most trusted names for auto repair in the greater Atlanta area. With over 28 years of experience keeping Atlanta car owners happy and safe, you can be assured that you are in good hands with T3 Atlanta. Give us a call today, schedule an appointment with T3 Atlanta, and let us take good care of your car.

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!

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.

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 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!

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!

Can you adjust your headlights? It’s a question many drivers ask themselves when they notice the headlight is not as bright as it used to be. If this sounds like something you want to do yourself, then read on. This article will talk about why someone might adjust their headlights and how to adjust them. We will also touch on some considerations that may impact your ability to adjust your headlights, such as voiding warranties or damaging the vehicle.

The importance of adjusting your headlights

Put simply: for you and your passenger’s safety.

There’s no easier way to say it. You need to adjust your headlights when you feel unsafe driving the car because you can’t see appropriately during low light conditions. When your headlights aren’t correctly set, you don’t know what’s in front of you, making you a danger to your passengers and everybody else on the road.

You might adjust your headlights if:

• You notice that the headlight is not as bright as it used to be
• Your headlights are misaligned, and you want them fixed properly instead of just screwing them back into place

Adjusting your car’s headlights yourself will save you time and money. If this sounds like something you would like to do on your own, great! Keep reading for more information about adjusting a headlight on a vehicle without damaging anything else or voiding any warranties along the way.

How to adjust your car headlights

It can be a relatively simple process but will vary depending on what headlights are installed in your vehicle. For example, suppose screws hold down each headlight unit and sliders under them, allowing horizontal movement. In that case, adjusting is easy – just tighten or loosen those bolts/sliders until they’re at an angle that suits you.

However, some cars use gears instead, which means more steps will be involved with this type of adjustment. Also, consider adjustability when you adjust your headlights – if they can’t be angled downwards, then move them so that the light is being directed away from oncoming traffic.

Tightening headlight bolts

Go to your local hardware store and pick up a set of wrenches that will fit the bolt on either side of one headlight. You may need an adjustable wrench, depending on what kind of bolts you have holding them down.

If they can be tightened using a screwdriver or a socket, then do so until the headlights are angled in the desired direction – adjust for both sides evenly if necessary.

Adjusting headlights with gears

Depending on where this is located in your vehicle’s engine bay/underneath, adjusting these gears yourself might take some time. In many cases, there will be a metal tab that indicates which way each gear needs to be turned to adjust them appropriately.

If you adjust the headlight gears yourself, be sure to take your time and move them one at a time. You want to make sure that both headlights are angled in the same direction; otherwise, they’ll blind oncoming traffic.

Considerations before adjusting headlights yourself

There are a few things to consider before adjusting your headlights. For example, you will want to check and see if the adjuster is moveable by hand or needs an adjustment tool (such as a screwdriver) to shift it properly.

Another consideration may be whether or not there’s any risk of damaging your vehicle when making this attempt; for example, some headlights can only be adjusted with specific tools such as T20 Torx drivers.

What if I adjust my headlights but still can’t see correctly?

If adjusting your car’s headlight doesn’t help with visibility, then it might be due to other factors such as poor weather conditions or dirty/damaged lenses. This means more work is involved than simply tightening bolts or turning screws. It could mean opting for professional services like those offered by our general repair service, which can clean off any debris from the lens so you can see again!

If adjusting your own car’s headlights seems too complicated or risky for you, do not worry! At T3 Atlanta, we have a team of certified mechanics who can help you make proper adjustments without having to worry about possibly blinding oncoming traffic. Give T3 Atlanta a call today and we can help you see the road clearly again!

Flooding has been a recent issue for a lot of areas in the Southeast USA. Places that never got an inch above the heel of puddles suddenly have to deal with rising floodwaters when heavy rains happen in succession. As such, a lot of people don’t know how to deal with it. This includes car owners. As a result, flood damage is starting to be one of the biggest reasons for car repairs. But how can you protect your car from flood damage? If it’s a force of nature that we can’t control, is there any way for you to mitigate the damage?

How to protect your car from flood damage

Fortunately for us, there are ways to prevent our cars from suffering from flood damage.

But first thing’s first, we need to understand that different flood depths produce different types of damage to our cars. Several inches of floodwater is usually not a problem. Once the level reaches your car floorboard, though, that’s when you need to start worrying.

Getting your car partially submerged (around 20-40%) is a cause for concern. When your vehicle gets fully submerged, it’s best to start the grieving process.

So, let’s start with our list of tips on how you can protect your car from flood damage.

Be wary of flood-prone areas

If you have been driving around the exact location for years, you will have a good idea of where the flood-prone areas are. As soon as you see the rain pick up, steer clear of said areas. Not only are flood-prone areas dangerous for your car, but you might also end up getting stuck in said area as more people get stranded.

Always have a backup “flood free” route in your mind at all times. They might not be the shortest, but if it allows you to reach your destination without wading through a flood, they will be the best choice.

Think twice about driving through puddles

So the rain has stopped, and all you have in front of you are puddle-riddled roads. As much as possible, don’t drive through puddles. You might miscalculate the depth of the puddle and end up in a foot or two of water.

If you need to go through the puddle, wait for another car to pass by and estimate the puddle’s depth if it’s something your car can take.

Find a flood-free area and wait

If you are stranded and surrounded by severely flooded areas, find a safe space for your car and wait. There’s no point risking your car. Wait for the floodwaters to subside before venturing out. Some parking areas are elevated enough to keep you and your car safe from rising flood water so you can start there.

Invest in a flood cover

If your home is in a flood-prone location, there is very little you can do. You can relocate your car to higher ground, but there is an issue of security.

However, one thing you can do to protect your vehicle from flood damage is to buy a flood cover. A flood cover is almost like an inverted sun cover. It’s a simple tool that wraps your car from the underside up, keeping water away from entering the engine. Get one as soon as possible so you won’t have to worry about flood damage to your car at home.

Get a comprehensive car insurance plan

If you are worried about flood damage to your vehicle, you might as well get a comprehensive car insurance plan. Basic car insurance plans don’t cover flood damage, so a comprehensive one is much better. You can expect a higher monthly premium, but if it helps your peace of mind, it will be worth it.

T3 Atlanta For Flood Damage Assessment And Repair

If you think your car has flood damage, waste no time and contact T3 Atlanta right away. T3 Atlanta is the leading expert in repairing Infinity, Toyota, Nissan, and Lexus vehicles in the greater Atlanta area. Our team of experts can help assess a flooded car and give an expert diagnosis on what type of repair it will need to get it running.

Call T3 Atlanta to book an appointment today!