Auto Repair Archives - Page 4 of 7

The Signs of a Failing Drive Belt

March 24, 2020 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

Your drive belt, also known as a serpentine belt, is an essential part of your car. This belt provides power for your power steering, air conditioning, water pump, and more. Although this belt is made of very durable rubber and can last up to 150,000 miles in modern vehicles, the wear and tear from heat, friction, and frequent use can cause this belt to fail. So, what are the signs of a failing drive belt? Let’s find out.

The Signs of a Failing Drive Belt

1. Noise, noise, noise

The only sound you should hear from your engine compartment is idling and acceleration. It’s time to open up your car’s hood when you hear squeaking or squealing noises. Sometimes, water from the road (especially when you’ve driven through an area with standing water) can get the drive belt wet. If you find this to be the case and the squeaking goes away when the weather dries, you’re fine.

If the weather and the belt are dry and you’re still hearing strange noises, however, this may be a sign that your drive belt is misaligned or worn and needs some attention. It’s especially important to visit your mechanic if you notice oil on your drive belt since this is likely a sign of a larger problem.

2. Changes in your power steering, air conditioner, or other components

Sometimes, the signs of a drive belt that’s on its way out are subtle. Perhaps your air conditioner isn’t working like it used to. Maybe turning your steering wheel isn’t as effortless as it once was. Or, maybe your air conditioning and power steering just don’t work at all. You guessed it – your drive belt might be the culprit!

3. Your drive belt is visibly worn

Drive belts are built to last, but they aren’t imperious to the wear and tear of tens of thousands of miles. When you see cracks, dry rot, and a significant number of missing ribs (the raised notches that help your drive belt wind its way through your engine), it’s time to get a new belt.

Additionally, you may notice that your belt is not wearing evenly and is thicker on one side than the other. This is a sign of a misalignment problem, so even if the belt looks otherwise fine, you may want to go ahead and bring your car in for service.

4. Your engine overheats

Your engine can overheat for a number of reasons, one of which is a broken drive belt. This belt powers the water pump, so if it goes, then your water pump can no longer cool down your engine as normal.

Your car shouldn’t overheat under normal circumstances, so whether it’s caused by your drive belt or another component, it’s time to bring your car in for service. Continuing to drive while your car is overheating is a recipe for a potentially catastrophic engine failure.

Fast and Convenient Drive Belt Repair at T3 Atlanta

Sometimes, your car may perform normally with a failing drive belt. Other times, it could lead to you being stranded on the side of the road. In either case, it’s important to get a worn or broken drive belt replaced as soon as possible, especially since a broken drive belt could damage other components in your vehicle.

T3 Atlanta can help. We provide top quality Nissan, Lexus, Toyota, and Infiniti service at our two convenient metro Atlanta locations. Give us a call and we’ll make sure your car is always in great condition wherever the road takes you.

Auto Repair During COVID-19

March 17, 2020 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

We are living in uncertain times. Authorities are operating on a day-to-day basis while making decisions that aim to protect the populace. That’s why some cities, including Atlanta, are in a stay-at-home order. By reducing the number of people out in the streets, it reduces the chances of people infecting each other. Stores deemed ‘nonessential’ have been closed, but Auto repair shops are also considered essential in Atlanta. That is why T3 Atlanta will remain open during the COVID-19 lockdown to offer our services to our customers.

What We Are Doing

We understand how important our service is for people and that is why we are doing our best to keep both our staff and customers healthy. Here are some precautions we are doing:

We are following proper disinfection practices in and around our auto shop. We have created guidelines for our workers to disinfect high traffic areas as much as possible.
We are practicing physical distancing within our shop. This means people will be required to stay 2 meters away from each other as much as possible.
We are limiting the number of people in our shop. Aside from the mechanics and staff, we will be limiting the number of people who will enter the shop. This is why we are asking our customers to call ahead of time so we can schedule them.

What You Can Do

As part of our safety protocol, we are asking our customers to also (voluntarily) follow a number of steps before and after your auto service.

We urge our customers to do a thorough cleanup and disinfection of their car before taking them to our auto shop in Atlanta.
We encourage our customers to bring sanitizing wipes to clean the dashboard, gear shift, seat belt buckle, and steering wheel. You need to wipe before and after the servicing.
We would like our customers to disclose whether the car is used for ridesharing or not. While this will not affect whether or not we will service the car, it will be so our mechanics can take extra precautions if needed.

In order to make this stay-at-home order work, we need to cooperate from the businesses, citizens, and the government. Here at T3 Atlanta, it is our goal to provide the same quality of business to all our customers amidst the pandemic. Give us a call for top quality auto service today.

Why You Should Winterize Your Vehicle

October 25, 2019 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

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

Check and replace tires as needed

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

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

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

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

Ensure that you’re positioned for optimal visibility

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

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

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

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

…battery

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

…belts and hoses

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

…oil

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

Winterize Your Vehicle at T3 Atlanta This Year

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

The Top Causes of Oil Leaks

September 10, 2019 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

Any long-time car owner has been there: you walk into the garage while the car is parked outside and see oil on the pavement. Sometimes, it’s a few spots; other times, it’s a puddle. Regardless of whether you see a lot or a little, oil is supposed to be inside of your engine. But what led to this problem? Here are the top causes of oil leaks.

1. The Oil Filter is Improperly Installed

A common but notorious problem, an improperly installed oil filter can cause an oil leak. Whether the filter is loose, the wrong size (too big or too small), or the gasket seal hasn’t been replaced, any of these can cause the oil to leak from your car. If your leak has started after a recent oil change, consider checking the oil filter first.

2. Your Oil Pan is Damaged

Your oil pan is located beneath your car. This pan is exposed to the road, where road debris or a particularly nasty pothole can damage the pan. The pan itself can develop a hole, or the oil pan gasket can be damaged and lead to an oil leak.

3. There is a Problem with the Oil Drain Plug

The oil drain plug is where old oil is drained from your vehicle. Old or worn seals, seals that are improperly installed, or a damaged oil drain plug can all cause that unwanted pool of oil on your garage floor.

4. Your Oil Filler Cap is Loose, Missing, or Worn

Your oil filler cap (usually marked with an oil can) is accessible from your engine compartment and is where you pour replacement oil into your vehicle. It may seem strange that something facing up could leak, but a loose or missing oil cap or an oil cap with a worn seal can cause oil to leak from your vehicle.

5. There is a Loose Seal or Gasket in Your Vehicle

From timing cover seals to valve cover gaskets and everything in between, there are many seals and gaskets that need to be in good working condition to keep your engine in good condition and the oil off your garage floor. Seals and gaskets can corrode or erode due to the long-term stress of pressure, other vehicle components not working correctly, or simply time.

6. Your Oil Has Been Overfilled

When oil heats, it expands. When your oil has been overfilled, where else is there to go but out? That’s why overfilled oil can leak out of gaskets and seals. Overfilled oil is often accompanied by the smell of burning oil or unusual noises from the engine.

7. Your Oil Isn’t Changed Frequently Enough

You may be wondering how oil changes made the list of causes of oil leaks. Oil needs to be changed regularly, otherwise, it produces sludge. Additionally, old oil accumulates debris and combustion byproducts. These ‘aftermarket’ oil additives can be corrosive or abrasive and can wear down metal components in the engine. Gaskets and seals can also erode, leading to that leak on your carport floor.

8. Your Vehicle’s Age and Lifetime Maintenance

A vehicle’s age can play a part in oil leaks. For example, large components become worn over time, sometimes to the point where even replacement gaskets and seals can stop being a perfect fit.

T3 Atlanta is an Expert at Finding the Causes of Oil Leaks

As you can see, there are many causes of oil leaks. While the reason for a leak is sometimes very obvious, it isn’t always possible to identify the exact cause at home. Other times, it simply isn’t possible to fix an oil leak without the right tools.

Whether you’ve found a few drops or a puddle of oil in your garage, T3 Atlanta is here to help. We service Toyota, Lexus, Nissan, and Infiniti vehicles in the metro Atlanta area. We’ll be happy to find what’s causing your oil leak, stop your oil from leaking, prevent long-term damage and high costs, and help you keep your garage floor oil-free.

Does Using Your Car’s Air Conditioning Waste Gas?

June 18, 2019 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

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

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

How Your Car AC Operates

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

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

So Does My Air Conditioning Waste Gas?

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

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

How To Keep Save Gas While Still Using Your AC

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

When Should I Get My Car AC Serviced?

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

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

Fast and Friendly Air Conditioning Service in Atlanta

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

When Do You Need a Wheel Alignment?

June 11, 2019 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

Do you need a wheel alignment? Whenever we hear the term “wheel alignment”, we often imagine a very complicated procedure with hundreds of moving parts. While the last part is true, the process is not really that complicated.

However, this does not diminish the importance of having a wheel alignment. But before we go further with that one, let’s first discuss what wheel alignment is, what it means for your car, and why you should get it, and how often should you have your wheels aligned.

What is a Wheel Alignment?

The simple answer is that wheel alignment is the process where a mechanic ensures there is a proper alignment of your car’s wheels. In more depth, the process involves adjusting suspension components to bring the wheels into specific angles.

In the past (and in some shops with no computerized alignment tools), this process involves a lot of estimations, creativity, and faith.However, with the introduction of computerized tools, wheel alignments have become pretty standard maintenance work. Normally, wheel alignments cost anywhere between $70-$100 for your regular shop/mechanic. This price can go up to somewhere around $200 for a luxury car in a dealership.

Why Should You Get a Wheel Alignment?

When your wheels are not aligned, you will definitely feel it. Handling feels off and your car might veer off to one side. This can be quite dangerous, especially if you are a new driver. Even expert drivers don’t joke around with misaligned wheels. If you want to be safe on the road, getting your wheel aligned should be a big priority.

Reasons Why Your Wheels Need Alignment

On a daily basis, your wheels and whole suspension system takes a beating. Every bump you hit, pothole you encounter, and every curb you get into contact with affects the suspension system. If you want your car to be in pristine condition, then a wheel alignment should be part of your maintenance checklist.

However, more than giving your car the full service, a wheel alignment is also necessary for the safety of the driver and passengers. An unaligned suspension system can cause problems at the worst times. Imagine driving at 80mph when you feel your steering wheel vibrating abnormally. If you want peace of mind, get a wheel alignment whenever you can.

How Do I Know When I Need My Wheels Aligned?

There are certain signs you need to look out for to know whether your wheels need an alignment. These include the following:

You feel like your car is veering towards one side. When holding the steering wheel you will feel this slight pull towards the left or right.
Your steering wheel is off-center. Drive straight and check whether the steering wheel’s 12 o’clock is facing forward. If it’s off center then this means your wheels are misaligned.
You feel some shaking and pulses on your car’s steering wheel or through the chassis. While this is normal on a rough road, you should be worried when you feel the same shakes under regular road conditions.
You notice uneven wear on your tire. Check your tires and watch for weird, uneven wear usually on the inside of your tires. This can be noticed on all of your tires or just one. Misalignment causes uneven wear and not the other way around.

How Often Should I Get my Wheels Aligned?

Most mechanics would give you the “at least twice a year” answer and while that is not wrong, it’s not right either. A wheel alignment schedule should be fluid.

If you drive your car under normal conditions (city driving with close to zero bumps) then you can follow a strict wheel alignment schedule. However, if you feel like you give your car the rough road treatment regularly, you might want to put your wheel alignment guy’s phone number on speed dial.

Just remember that there is no set time on how long an alignment will last. As a matter of fact, hitting a large pothole outside the repair shop can undo a lot of the alignment work that was just completed!

Should I Have my Wheels Aligned When I Get New Tires?

It’s not necessary, but it sure doesn’t hurt to get your wheels aligned while you are in the shop – especially when it has been some time since you got your wheels aligned. This is also a good time for you to check your old tires for uneven wear which, depending on what you see, might warrant a wheel alignment.

Do You Need a Wheel Alignment? Call T3 Atlanta!

Don’t know where to go for a wheel alignment? Give T3 Atlanta a call today! Aside from offering a computerized wheel alignment service for Infiniti, Lexus, Nissan, and Toyota, T3 Atlanta also provides a multiple point maintenance check. Contact T3 Atlanta today and let us take good care of your car for you.

Why You Shouldn’t Top Off the Gas Tank in Your Car

June 4, 2019 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

I don’t know about you, but when I was younger, I had this weird voice inside my head to consistently top off my gas every chance I got. I’m not sure if it was the irrational fear of running out of gas in the middle of nowhere (which is usually the start of some horror movies) or just the thought of making sure the car is filled up all the time.

But it wasn’t long before I got scolded by a number of friends and family members who told me topping off my gas tank is a bad idea. Sure, you should not leave your car at a quarter of a tank, but you shouldn’t fill it to the brim. As a matter of fact, consistently overfilling your car can lead to very expensive repairs in the future. Let’s talk about why you shouldn’t top off the gas tank in your car.

Why You Shouldn’t Top Off the Gas Tank in Your Car

Topping off your gas tank can cause gasoline to spill and spilled gasoline is nasty. It smells bad and once it gets on your hands or clothes the smell can be very overpowering. Aside from this, gasoline vapors are highly flammable, is hazardous, and can pollute the water table and affect wildlife.
You are literally wasting money when you top off your gas tank. As soon as you hear the click on the gas pump, whatever amount of gasoline is in the gas pump line is already paid for but won’t be added to your tank. Any excess gasoline gets sucked up the gas pump’s vapor line and back to the storage tank. If it’s any consolation, you might be giving the next guy in line a few cents worth of gas.
Anything that heats up expands. This is one of the first few lessons you learn about matter. When you fill your gas tank to the brim, you are not giving gasoline enough room to expand. Which leads to pressure build up.
When there’s pressure built up in your car’s gas tank, the part that usually takes the brunt of the force is the carbon filter vapor collection system. What usually happens is that instead of just filtering vapor, liquid gas gets into the system and damages it. As a result, your car’s performance will diminish and you can possibly damage your engine if left unchecked. Repairing your carbon filter vapor collection system can run anywhere from $200 to $1500 depending on the extent of the damage.

While it can be a bit tempting to top off your gas tank every now and then, it’s better to just fill it up to around 3/4 full to around half on a normal basis. There’s certainly nothing wrong with not filling up your car to its maximum. If you are going on a long drive, just fill it up normally and leave some room for the vapors and any expansion from the gasoline.

Convenient Gas Tank Cleaning at T3 Atlanta

While we are on the topic of fuel tanks and gasoline, you might want to have your gas tank cleaned. This is great for owners of cars who are a bit older and are experiencing recurring problems with their engine’s fuel pump or line. You can have your tank cleaned at home via the DIY method or you can get an expert to do it for you. The expert mechanics at T3 Atlanta can help get your car back in tip-top shape in no time. Give us a call today!

Airbag Warning Light: What It’s for, Why It’s on, and How to Fix It

March 13, 2019 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

Nobody wants to have their car breaking down in the middle of the road. While being unsure about the condition of our cars can be acceptable for older cars, modern cars are equipped with a myriad of lights and warnings that tell the car owner if something is wrong.

The idea is pretty simple. When the low fuel light goes on, it means you need to top off as soon as possible if you want to keep your car running. But what if something so random light up? Like let’s say, your airbag warning light. What should you do and what does it mean? We will be discussing what the airbag warning light is for, why it lights up, and what you can do to solve this problem.

Understanding the Airbag Warning Light

When your airbag warning light is on for more than 10 seconds – there’s no mistaking it. Something is wrong with the airbag mechanism. While it may not be quite clear why it’s on, you can assume that it may not work properly when you need it to.

Depending on your car, the airbag light is the SRS (supplemental restraint system) light. Normally, the SRS light along with other dashboard lights light up for around 5 seconds when you start the car. This is some sort of “self-checking” diagnostic to make sure everything is working fine. However, if the light stays on for more than 10 seconds and persists as you drive then it might have failed the self-test and is showing an error.

There are two main reasons why the srs/airbag warning light stays on: a worn-out airbag clock spring, or a faulty module. Let’s discuss each and find out how we can address the issues.

Worn Out Airbag Spring

The airbag mechanism inside your car is made up of the airbag, a module, electrical wiring, and a clock spring. Somewhere between the electrical wiring and clock spring are circuit bands that get damaged over time. This damage can send an “error” to the module which ends up in the airbag warning light lighting up.

Faulty Control Module

Underneath the seat of your car, you can find the control module for the SRS. When this module gets exposed to water, it gets faulty and may send an error code to the central ECU.

Why and How To Fix Your Airbag Warning Light

When you have your airbag warning light one, you might not be automatically worried about anything. However, knowing that either the coil spring or module is damaged will make you realize one very important thing. That when an accident happens, your SRS/airbag may not work as intended. As we all know, the airbag/SRS exists to lessen any damage you might suffer in the event of an accident. When your module is faulty, the airbag might not deploy in time.

If the airbag warning light on your car lights up even after the self-test and you feel like something is wrong, go and visit your trusted mechanic right away. Most of the time, the cost of fixing problems like these are nothing to the damage a faulty airbag/SRS system will cause.

If your car has similar problems in Atlanta, go and visit T3 Atlanta right away. T3 Atlanta services all Lexus, Toyota, Nissan, and Infinity cars. Our mechanics can do a thorough check of your car to eliminate any issues that can cause problems in the future.

Signs You Might Need Car Suspension Repair

October 2, 2018 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

It’s easy to forget about your car’s suspension, much less your car suspension repair. After all, you can’t really see it at first glance and it’s not one of the first things you believe you should bother yourself within your car. I mean, you check the oil, lights, tires, fluids, and even the spare tire but we never really think “Hey, how’s my suspension doing?”

Don’t worry, It’s not just you. Hundreds of car owners forget about their suspension and don’t know somethings wrong until something actually breaks. Imagine going 60mph and the lower ball joint of your left front wheel decides to give up. While the possibility of this happening is slim to none, nobody really wants to be part of the statistics. Right?

Signs You Might Need Car Suspension Repair

car suspension repair We always tell our clients that the suspension system in your car works similarly to the joints and to a certain extent your bones. It’s what keeps you upright and helps cushion your every step. Have you ever seen somebody with joint problems? It’s just like in cars. If your suspension has problems it becomes harder to move properly.

But how do you know if your suspension has problems? When is the right time to go to the service center? Don’t worry, if you experience any of the 8 signs we mention here, you should call T3 Atlanta right away for fast car suspension repair in Decatur and Smyrna.

1. Fluid Leaks

Check your shocks or struts. You may notice that they have become oily or greasy. This can mean that there are leaks present and a replacement might be necessary. Without the fluids in your suspension system, this can cause the metal parts to grind on each other. Also, check for fluid trails or pools of fluid underneath your suspension system in the morning.

2. Uneven Tire Wear

If your tire is balanced and your suspension is healthy, your tires should wear out evenly. If you see that there are balding spots on the inside or outside regions of your car tire then this means you need to get them adjusted or that the suspension is not holding up the car properly.

3. A Rough Drive

If you experience a significant increase in the amount of “bumps” than you normally do, then your suspension might be shot. This means the shock absorbers might need replacing and your struts are worn out.

4. Car Pulls to One Side

Try this simple test to check if your car is pulling to one side. Drive slowly (it’s preferable that you do this test on a safe location) and center the steering wheel. If the car consistently pulls to the left or right then there’s a problem. The reason can be a host of different issues, but in severe cases, it can mean a bad tie rod or steering rack.

5. Car is Uneven

If one corner of your car is sitting lower than the rest, this can mean a damaged spring. A damaged spring can cause your drive to be rougher and can even affect the cornering of your car because it can’t support the weight properly.

6. Changes in Momentum

Momentum causes your car to roll, lean back, and nose dive. Check if during driving you experience any of these things:

Car nose dives when you hit the brakes
Car leans back when you accelerate
Car rolls (leans side-to-side) when you hit a corner.

These things are a result of a busted suspension. While these things can occur during extreme situations, take note if you do experience them even in everyday situations.

7. Difficulty in Steering

This one can be quite dangerous and should be acted upon right away. When you feel like your car is not as responsive and there is difficulty in steering, you should go and take your car to the service center right away.

8. Noisy Underchassis

While this symptom usually comes out after all of the signs mentioned above, this is the most obvious one. Sounds of metal grinding on each other or weird noises when your car hits a bump is a good way of knowing that your suspension needs checking.

Finding The Right Service Center For Car Suspension Repair

If you experience any of the signs mentioned above, don’t hesitate to go to your trusted service center right away. T3 Atlanta is the number one name in repair, service, and maintenance of Toyota, Nissan, Lexus, and Infiniti cars in Atlanta. We have competitive pricing coupled with years of experience. Our team of experts will take your car and check the suspension for damage or signs of wear. T3 Atlanta also offers aftermarket parts for consideration if available in order to offer a number of choices to our customers.

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

September 4, 2018 by t3atlanta Leave a Comment

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

The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest

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

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

Grandfather Mountain

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

Table Rock State Park

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

Cherohala Skyway

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

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

Cloudland Canyon State Park

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

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

Blue Ridge Parkway

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

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

Road Trip Maintenance with T3 Atlanta

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

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

The Signs of a Failing Drive Belt

1. Noise, noise, noise

2. Changes in your power steering, air conditioner, or other components

3. Your drive belt is visibly worn

4. Your engine overheats

Fast and Convenient Drive Belt Repair at T3 Atlanta

What We Are Doing

What You Can Do

Check and replace tires as needed

Ensure that you’re positioned for optimal visibility

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

…battery

…belts and hoses

…oil

Winterize Your Vehicle at T3 Atlanta This Year

1. The Oil Filter is Improperly Installed

2. Your Oil Pan is Damaged

3. There is a Problem with the Oil Drain Plug

4. Your Oil Filler Cap is Loose, Missing, or Worn

5. There is a Loose Seal or Gasket in Your Vehicle

6. Your Oil Has Been Overfilled

7. Your Oil Isn’t Changed Frequently Enough

8. Your Vehicle’s Age and Lifetime Maintenance

T3 Atlanta is an Expert at Finding the Causes of Oil Leaks

How Your Car AC Operates

So Does My Air Conditioning Waste Gas?

How To Keep Save Gas While Still Using Your AC

When Should I Get My Car AC Serviced?

Fast and Friendly Air Conditioning Service in Atlanta

What is a Wheel Alignment?

Why Should You Get a Wheel Alignment?

Reasons Why Your Wheels Need Alignment

How Do I Know When I Need My Wheels Aligned?

How Often Should I Get my Wheels Aligned?

Should I Have my Wheels Aligned When I Get New Tires?

Do You Need a Wheel Alignment? Call T3 Atlanta!

Why You Shouldn’t Top Off the Gas Tank in Your Car

Convenient Gas Tank Cleaning at T3 Atlanta

Understanding the Airbag Warning Light

Worn Out Airbag Spring

Faulty Control Module

Why and How To Fix Your Airbag Warning Light

Signs You Might Need Car Suspension Repair

1. Fluid Leaks

2. Uneven Tire Wear

3. A Rough Drive

4. Car Pulls to One Side

5. Car is Uneven

6. Changes in Momentum

7. Difficulty in Steering

8. Noisy Underchassis

Finding The Right Service Center For Car Suspension Repair

Road Trip Maintenance with T3 Atlanta

T3 Atlanta

Lexus, Infiniti, Toyota, and Nissan Maintenance

Outstanding and Affordable Car Services in Atlanta

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