I guess it’s pretty normal for human beings to be skeptical of new things. That’s just our nature. I dare say it’s a survival mechanism that we distrust things that are new especially when we barely know anything about it. The good thing is that we also have the capability to learn. This allows us to find out what part is true and what part is make believe. Such is the case with electric cars. When the technology was introduced a few years ago, people were skeptical, and a lot of myths about electric cars were born. Sure, we had battery powered cars, but they were mere toys. How could we possibly take the toy and transform it into a real car?

Luckily for us, we are learning more and more about the technology, and manufacturers are creating electric cars that are showing the true potential of the tech. So, we have compiled the top 5 myths about electric cars with the hopes of debunking them. These myths may have come from discussions long ago or more recent ones. By the end of the article, the goal is to clear baseless myths regarding electric cars. Let’s start.

The Top 5 Myths About Electric Cars

1. Electric Cars are Expensive – True(ish)

Sure. Electric cars are more expensive the moment you buy them from the dealership compared to regular cars. However, manufacturers are projecting a drop in the prices in the future. How? By creating cheaper batteries. The batteries make up a third of the total cost of an electric vehicle. As car companies develop cheaper, longer running, and more dependable batteries in the future, the price of electric cars will surely drop.

Also, another thing to note is that although electric cars cost more to buy, using them is much cheaper compared to a regular car. Charging only costs a fraction of a gas fill up in gasoline stations. Most electric cars are designed with minimal moving parts so maintenance costs are lower. Buying an electric car might be expensive but owning one is much easier on the budget.

2. There’s A Limited Number of Choices – False

If this were 5 years ago, then I would definitely agree with you. Fortunately for us, a lot of manufacturers are now joining the EV craze and there are now a lot of options available for would-be electric car owners. There are cheaper models for people who just need a cute car to drive them to work daily and there are top shelf models perfect for car collectors looking for a car to use for the next gala.

To date, there are at least 40 different electric vehicles being sold in the US with 15 of them considered to be fully-electric.

3. It’s Hard to Find a Charger – False

Whenever people talk about owning electric cars, they usually mention that it is hard to drive an electric car because there are much fewer charging stations compared to gasoline stations. While this may rattle you a little bit, the truth is that 90% of electric car owners charge at home or work.

In states with a lot of public charging stations, people are still opting to charge at home. The reason behind this is simple: it’s much safer to charge at home, and you get to relax while you wait.

4. You Won’t Get Far – False

I will be honest, if you are looking for a car to use for road trips around the country, then an electric car should be the last thing you should consider – for now. This is because the range of electric cars is less than your average gas-powered automobile, with top-tier models hitting the 250 mile range. 250 miles is more than enough to drive you from Atlanta to Nashville with a few more miles to spare. Also, it is known that the average American drives about 40 miles a day so even the cheapest models (that have a 100 mile range) should be enough for short trips around town.

With careful planning, you could definitely take your electric car across the country – just make sure to double-check that your hotels have a place you can charge your car overnight!

5. Electric Cars are Not Really Green – False

Whenever naysayers hear that electric cars are green and environmentally friendly they usually shoot back with “It’s not really green because it is still coal-powered because our electricity comes from coal”. If we were in the 90’s then this would definitely be true. But nowadays, the nation-wide electric grid is only 25% coal and this number is falling every year.

We are seeing a surge in the demand for renewable energy while a large percentage (34%) comes from cleaner burning natural gas. Batteries are also replaced and their creation requires a lot of energy and results in some waste but modern batteries are recyclable. Electric cars may not be 100% green but their carbon footprint is much, much smaller compared to regular gas-powered cars.

Electric Car Repair at T3 Atlanta

Now that you know the truth and myths about electric cars, you may want to add one to your garage! If you are in the market for an electric car, you can contact T3 Atlanta and we can recommend the perfect one based on your needs and budget. If you already have an electric car you love, we also service electric cars from Nissan, Toyota, Lexus, and Infiniti at both of our Metro-area locations. Call us today and let us help keep your ride in top condition!

Spring is just around the corner, which means it’s almost time for the annual spring cleaning – for your car! That’s right, spring cleaning isn’t just for your house. Cars have a way of accumulating things, from gym clothes and shoes to extra charging cables, bottles of medicine, and maybe even that lost coffee mug you’ve been looking for. Make your car look and feel like new with our top car spring cleaning tips.

Top Car Spring Cleaning Tips

Interior Cabin

• Give your floor mats a deep clean. Pull out the floor mats, vacuum them, and shampoo them. Just make sure they’re very dry before you put them back into your car, otherwise you might discover your newly-cleaned car has a musky odor a few weeks later.
• Clean out your glove box and center console. Glove boxes and center consoles have a way of fitting the old ‘out of sight, out of mind’ adage perfectly. First, one receipt. Then, a handful of coins. Toss in an actual pair of gloves for the winter. Before you know it, your glove box and center console are stuffed with an assortment of things you may have forgotten about! Take the opportunity during your car spring cleaning to get rid of all the nonessential items that have accumulated over the last year.
• Check under your seats. Unlike gloves boxes and center consoles, where you deliberately store items for later, the space beneath your seats is often an accidental repository for things like loose coins, receipts, ticket stubs, crumbs, and more. Grab a flashlight and a vacuum hose and empty out this forgotten realm.
• Empty out your back seat. If you have one, of course! Back seats are notorious for collecting everything from fast food bags to pet and children toys. This spring, grab a trash bag and get rid of anything you don’t need that’s taking up space in your back seat.
• …and your trunk. Whether you have a sedan, a hatchback, or an SUV, your trunk is a large, empty space that is designed for storage. Right? Well, yes – but it’s still good to shed extra weight to help you save on fuel costs. Besides, you don’t really need snow chains or de-icer in the middle of summer, do you?
• Clean your seats. If you have leather seats, use specialized leather cleaner to condition and protect your seats from UV rays. Caring for leather seats is best to do several times per year, especially during the hot summer months, so why not get a jump on it this spring? If you have fabric seats, vacuum the seats with a hose attachment and apply fabric cleaner if needed, following the instructions on the package.
• Dust and vacuum everything. And we do mean everything! Every surface, seam, carpet, and wheel well deserves a nice dust and vacuum to kick off the new season.
• Glass cleaner is your new best friend. At least when it comes to cleaning your windows. Clean both the insides and outsides of your windows with glass cleaner and a lint-free cloth (eg. microfiber). That said, if you have a convertible top with plastic windows, don’t use glass cleaner, as it could harm the plastic. Use a specialized cleaner for plastic windows to prevent them from becoming hazy.

Exterior Body

• Wash and wax your car. Washing and waxing your car isn’t just for cosmetic purposes. Dirt, dust, bugs, and grime from the road can damage the finish on your vehicle. So can tree sap. Washing your car is especially important if you’ve been traveling in a place where salt was applied to the road, since salt can corrode the bottom of your vehicle. A wash and wax only takes a few minutes to help maintain your car’s paint finish for the life of the vehicle.
• Scrub your wheels. Brake dust has a way of accumulating – and sticking – to wheels, especially car wheels that have a lot of spokes. Grab a stiff-bristled brush, a bottle of tire and wheel cleaner, and scrub those wheels until they shine!
• Apply tire shine. Tire shine may not do much for the functionality of your vehicle, but it sure looks great! Nothing says ‘I’ve just been cleaned’ more than glossy black tires, after all.
• Check your engine. You’ve heard it time and time again – change your oil and check your car’s fluids twice annually – once in the spring once in the fall. As it turns out, this timing is perfect, as it coincides with winterization and de-winterization. It may be tempting to ignore the fluids in your car since your engine is still running perfectly fine. But postponing regular vehicle maintenance is more likely to cause long-term and costly damage down the road. That’s why we recommend keeping your vehicle on its maintenance schedule. Why not start this spring?

Spring Car Maintenance at T3 Atlanta

Whether you aren’t comfortable checking your vehicle’s fluids, need a vehicle checkup, or are looking for more comprehensive care, T3 Atlanta is your go-to solution for your annual spring car maintenance. With our two convenient metro Atlanta locations, we’ll help keep your car in great shape all year long. Give us a call!

Convertibles are perfect for those days you want to experience the world with a more panoramic view – the first days of spring, the warm days of summer, the changing of leaf colors during the fall. Your convertible top is made out of durable material, but that doesn’t mean it can go without TLC like the rest of your car. Here’s how to care for your convertible top to make sure it works and looks great for the life of your vehicle.

How to Care For Your Convertible Top

The first question you should ask when it comes to how to care for your convertible top is what material your top is made of. Convertible tops come in three main types: hardtops, vinyl, and fabric.

Hardtops

Some cars have hardtop convertible tops that can either fold down into the trunk or be removed and stored in your garage. For the most part, these types don’t need much special care. Hardtops that fold into your trunk can be treated just like the rest of your metal-bodied vehicle.

Removable hardtops require slightly more attention. The most important part about this type is to store them in a way that prevents scratches. Heavy-duty wall hangers, a padded shelf, or even a thick blanket on the garage floor are all potential options. You’ll also want to check the latches that secure the top to your vehicle for any signs of rust and apply WD-40 if needed.

Vinyl

Vinyl convertible tops are sturdy and great at keeping out water, but these types of tops are susceptible to fading, drying, and cracking when not cared for properly.

1. First, you will first want to rinse off any excess dirt or debris from your convertible top using a hose.
2. If needed, apply any standard car wash shampoo or specialized vinyl top cleaner with a sponge or microfiber towel to get rid of any dirt that doesn’t come off with the hose.
3. Rinse (and repeat, if necessary), then pat the vinyl dry with towels.
4. Follow up with a vinyl protectant spray, following the manufacturer’s direction on the package. This spray will condition the vinyl, protect it from UV rays, and keep it from drying out or cracking.

Fabric

Fabric convertible tops are generally made of heavy-duty canvas and are treated to resist staining and moisture. These treatments don’t last forever, though, meaning that you’ll need to reapply them as a part of your standard car care routine.

1. First, rinse off any excess dirt or debris using a hose.
2. If needed, use a shampoo designed specifically for fabric tops to remove stains and dirt. Use a sponge or stiff-bristled brush to work the soap into the fabric.
3. Rinse (and repeat, if necessary).
4. After rinsing the car, check to see whether water beads up on the surface. If water is beading up, this means that your fabric treatment is still working and you do not need to apply a new layer. If water doesn’t bead up, it’s time to apply more protectant – after the fabric has dried!
5. Let the top dry naturally in a shaded spot.
6. When your fabric convertible top has dried, apply a fabric protector if needed, following the manufacturer’s directions on the bottle. Mask off windows and paint using a low-tack tape before you apply the fabric protector.
7. Let the protectant dry in a shaded spot.

Some vinyl or fabric tops have plastic, not glass, rear windows. Don’t use glass cleaners on these, as the formulation can damage the plastic and cause it to become hazy. Your local auto supply store will have products designed specifically for plastic windows to help keep them clean and clear.

More Tips to Care For Your Convertible Top

Convertible tops may take a little extra work, but any convertible owner will tell you that those days of open skies and fresh air are more than worth the effort. Here are some more tips to help ensure your convertible top stays in top condition.

• When you’re getting ready to put your convertible top down, check around you to make sure there’s enough overhead clearance to prevent damage
• Don’t take a convertible vehicle through an automatic car wash
• Don’t put the convertible top down while it is still wet
• Don’t leave the convertible top down overnight – or put the vehicle into storage with the top down
• Avoid cleaning your convertible top with alcohol, vinegar-based products, bleach, or citrus-based products, as these can actually cause bleaching or damage

There’s nothing like the open road in a convertible – and T3 Atlanta wants to help you keep motoring for years. Whether you need a routine checkup or more in-depth maintenance on your vehicle, give us a call. We’ll be happy to inspect and repair your vehicle to get you back onto the road quickly.

Preventive maintenance is the best way to ensure your vehicle is in top condition for the life of your car. Keeping up with your vehicle’s maintenance schedule ensures you know exactly what needs to be fixed and when. But seasonal maintenance is just as important, so here’s your spring car maintenance checklist to prepare your car for 2020.

Your 2020 Spring Car Maintenance Checklist

Change Your Oil

Not sure when you last changed your vehicle’s oil? That’s a good sign that you need an oil change.

Since old oil collects debris and dirt, it isn’t a great way to provide this essential cushion between the parts inside your engine. Regularly changing your oil helps keep your engine’s parts from wearing against each other and causing premature damage. Or, worse, seizing up and causing your engine to lock up while you’re driving. Changing your oil this spring could help you prevent an expensive repair bill later.

Check Your Fluids

You may be thinking that you just checked your fluid as part of your fall or winter car maintenance. Ideally, you should check your vehicle’s essential fluids twice a year – once in the spring and once in the fall. Your essential fluids include transmission fluid, power steering fluid, brake fluid, oil, and coolant. If you don’t feel comfortable checking these, don’t worry. Call T3 Atlanta – we’ll check and top off your fluids for you.

Test Your Car’s Air Conditioner

If you’ve lived in Atlanta for any amount of time, you know that summer heat will be here before you know it. Test your car’s air conditioner to make sure that you aren’t caught off guard when the first hot day of 2020 arrives.

While you’re at it, it’s a good idea to check your air filter. Your air filter is essential to good engine performance and can get clogged with debris over the winter. Replace your air filter if needed.

Inspect Your Engine Compartment

Many people never open their engine compartment more than a couple of times per year, if ever. This spring, take a look inside your engine compartment and clear away any debris that may have accumulated from falling leaves or pine needles.

You’ll also want to check your battery to make sure that there is no corrosion on the terminals. If you do see corrosion, you apply a quick mix of baking soda and water with a toothbrush to clean it off.

Check Your Windshield Wipers

Maybe your windshield wipers were in good condition when you winterized your vehicle, or maybe you skipped over this part of winterizing your vehicle. Whatever your situation, ‘2020’ isn’t just for eyeglasses – the new decade is the perfect time to make sure you can see when it’s raining, too!

Check to make sure that your windshield wipers don’t smear or leave streaks. If they do, it’s time to replace them for this year’s spring showers.

Check Your Tires for Wear and Damage

Your tires are one of those very important but easy to forget about car parts. They undergo a lot of wear and tear even on short trips to the store. Having adequate tread on your tires isn’t just important for winter driving conditions; it’s essential for wet spring conditions.

Use the penny trick to check how much tread is left on your tires. To do this, insert a penny in the tread of your tire with Abraham Lincoln’s head facing you. If you can see the top of his hair, you will need to get new tires.

In addition to tread, check your tires and wheels for bulges or signs of damage and visit your local tire shop if needed. You don’t want your tire to blow out while you’re driving, after all!

Lastly, you likely deflated your tires for the winter months. It’s time to reinflate them in preparation for warmer weather. Your local auto shop can quickly take care of this for you.

Spring Car Maintenance at T3 Atlanta

T3 Atlanta has more than 20 years of experience servicing Nissan, Lexus, Infiniti, and Toyota vehicles. We’re happy to give your vehicle a full inspection to make sure your car is in top shape for the new season and new decade. With our two convenient metro area locations in Smyrna and Decatur, we make fast and friendly spring car maintenance easy.

Auto shocks are one of those invisible pieces of technology that make our lives more comfortable without us even realizing it. Shocks control the movement from your vehicle’s suspension to make your vehicle’s ride smoother, instead of rough or bouncy like older vehicles. When should you get auto shock maintenance? Let’s find out.

How To Know When To Get Auto Shock Maintenance

Most shocks last about 50,000 miles, depending on where you live and the type of driving you do. Cars that do a lot of offroading, for example, can expect a much shorter lifespan than cars that stick to city streets. Since the average car shocks take a while to wear out, it’s often hard to notice that they’re beginning to give out when you drive every day.

Unlike many other components in your car, auto shocks don’t directly affect your engine performance. It’s easy to put this piece of maintenance at the very bottom of your to-do list. Here’s how to tell when you need to get auto shock maintenance.

Your Ride Is Bouncy

…and we’re not talking about bouncing lowrider cars! The number one tell that your shocks are shot is a bouncy ride. When you drive over bumps in the road, your car shouldn’t be bouncing all over the place. Likewise, your traction control system (TCS) light shouldn’t flicker on when you drive over bumps. When your TCS turns on over rough terrain, this means that your vehicle’s wheels are having difficulty keeping enough grip while the wheels are bouncing off the road.

Your Shocks Are Singing

Well, not literally. But if you hear strange creaks, pops, or groans when your car goes over bumps in the road, that’s a good sign that your shocks need replacing. Your shocks start to squeak or creak when the lubrication in your suspension system wears out.

Your Car Starts Bottoming Out Regularly

Unless you have an extreme lowrider or your car has a very low profile, regularly bottoming out over speedbumps, railroad tracks, steep driveway skirts, or uneven terrain is another big sign that you need auto shock maintenance.

You can actually damage your vehicle’s undercarriage if the bounce in your car is extreme enough for it to touch the road. It’s important to get your shocks replaced in order to prevent potentially costly maintenance later.

Your Car Dives Forward When You Accelerate Or Brake

It’s normal for your car to lean slightly forward or back when you accelerate or brake quickly – that’s just physics at play. However, when your vehicle significantly dives forward (or backward) when you accelerate or brake, that can be a sign that your shocks need replacing. Remember that your shocks mitigate excessive motion, so this extreme movement means that your shocks can no longer do their job.

Similarly, it’s normal for your car to lean in the direction you are traveling when you are making turns. Healthy shocks will help minimize this lean while shocks in bad condition will result in an extreme lean. This may sound like a minor inconvenience, but it can actually impact the handling and safety of your vehicle.

Auto Shock Maintenance at T3 Atlanta

There’s an easy test you can perform at home to tell if auto shock maintenance is about to make its way to the top of your to-do list. Grab a friend and push down as hard as you can on each corner of the car, then let go. If the vehicle keeps bouncing after you let go, your shocks need to be replaced.

The best surefire way to tell if your vehicle needs new shocks is to have a trained mechanic inspect your suspension system. T3 Atlanta is here for you. We’ll inspect your vehicle and recommend the best course of action to ensure your ride is safe and comfortable. Give us a call or visit us at one of our convenient metro Atlanta locations in Smyrna or Decatur.

Car brakes are important for obvious reasons, but despite how crucial they are to keeping us safe on the road, they’re one of those maintenance items that’s easy to forget. As long as the car stops when we step on the brake, they’re working, right? Well, yes. But car brake maintenance is just as important as regular oil changes and essential to keeping you and others safe on the road.

Signs That You Need Car Brake Maintenance

Your Brakes Don’t Work As Well As They Used To

‘Brake fade’ is the technical term for ‘your brakes don’t’ work as well as they used to’. Brake fade is often difficult to identify because the gradual wear of your brake pads happens over time. In other words, you get used to needing to apply more and more pressure to the brakes to stop and just don’t notice it. Brake fade happens when your brake fluid is low, your brake pads are worn down, or both.

Your Car Pulls to the Side When You Brake

Your car shouldn’t be moving anywhere but straight forward when you press the brake pedal. When your car pulls to the side when you brake, that’s a good sign that you need car brake maintenance. Debris in the brake fluid, unevenly worn pads, suspension problems, and worn rotors are just a few potential reasons your car may pull when you brake. All of these issues can lead to larger and more costly issues down the line, so addressing them sooner can help you avoid expensive repairs later.

Your Brake Fluid Levels Are Low

Your brake fluid ensures that there’s enough pressure in the braking system to effectively apply force to stop the vehicle. A leak is one of the most common causes of low brake fluid levels, which means it’s especially important to bring your car to a mechanic like T3 Atlanta.

You can check your brake fluid yourself by opening your hood and, after consulting your owner’s manual to find out where the brake fluid reservoir is located, checking to see how much fluid is inside. If you aren’t comfortable with doing this, any mechanic can check your brake fluid.

Although it may be tempting while your brakes still work, don’t ignore the problem: when you run out of brake fluid, it’s just like you see in the movies – your brakes will no longer stop your vehicle. Since you want your brakes to stop your car when you press the brake pedal, it’s important to find and fix what’s causing low brake fluid in your car.

Your Brakes Are Making Strange Noises

When your brakes are working properly, they shouldn’t make any unusual noises unless you’re coming to a very sudden stop or the moisture from wet road conditions is making them squeal.

The rest of the time, any noise from your brakes should be a reason to get your brakes inspected. There’s a metal shim in your brake pads that is designed to notify you when your brake pads are getting thin. Regularly hearing this squeal is a sign that your brakes will need to be changed soon.

Once you start hearing grinding or growling noises, you need to take your car to your mechanic as quickly as possible for car brake maintenance. Grinding and growling noises indicate that your brake pads are completely worn out. Not changing your brake pads can lead to expensive rotor or caliper damage, which can, in turn, cause the brake system to overheat and fail.

Your Brake Pedal Vibrates When You Press Down

Your brake pedal should depress smoothly when you press it unless you’re braking very quickly and you feel your anti-lock system kick in. The rest of the time, a vibrating brake pedal means that you need car brake maintenance.

From debris in your brake pads to misaligned wheels, there are many possible reasons your brake pedal may vibrate. That’s why having an experienced mechanic inspect your car is important: the mechanic can identify exactly what’s causing the vibration and prevent costly long-term damage.

Visit T3 Atlanta For Car Brake Maintenance

Modern brake pads have a long life, generally lasting 50,000 miles or more depending on your driving habits. If you notice any of the signs we’ve outlined above, give T3 Atlanta a call. Our team is made of highly trained and experienced professionals who are dedicated to giving you the best quality service Atlanta’s auto shops have to offer.

Georgia doesn’t usually get much ice and snow during the winter. However, since the city isn’t equipped for this kind of weather, ice storms can make driving a real challenge, especially on untreated side roads. Here are our top tips for safely driving in ice and snow in Atlanta.

Tips for Driving in Ice and Snow in Atlanta

No matter how experienced you are, winter weather driving presents a unique set of challenges, so please don’t hop in your car and drive like you normally do! It’s possible to drive safely on snow and ice, and here’s how:

• Speed up and slow down gradually since you cannot stop quickly.
• Drive below the speed limit so you can give yourself more time to react to road conditions or other drivers.
• Try to avoid hills if you can. If you live at the top of a hill, don’t slam on the accelerator, as this increases your risk of spinning out. Keep your speed consistent.
• Try not to stop on a hill, as you may backslide.
• If you do slide, don’t panic! Point your wheels in the direction you’re sliding to let the tread catch and help you regain traction.
• Plan extra time to get where you’re going since your trips will take longer than usual.
• Keep your headlights on when the sky is overcast to improve your visibility to other drivers.
• Absolutely do not use cruise control! You may not be able to react quickly enough to any unexpected road conditions and potentially end up in an accident.

Before you start your trip, always clear any snow or ice off your vehicle (including the roof). Always check that the tailpipe is free of ice, slush or other debris as well, or else you could cause carbon monoxide to enter the vehicle’s cabin.

Prepare Your Car for Winter Conditions

Preparing your car for winter conditions is one of the most important things you can do when it comes to driving in ice and snow. A quick trip to the mechanic can mean the difference between your car being prepared for the season and getting stranded on the side of the road.

Whether you take a DIY approach or you want a mechanic like T3 Atlanta to inspect your vehicle, you’ll want to check your vehicle’s…

• Lights
• Windshield wipers
• Brakes
• Fluid levels (and add antifreeze if needed)
• Defroster
• Heater
• Tires (for adequate tread as well as any cracks or damaged areas)

You may also want to pack an emergency kit. As too many of us remember from the 2013 ice storm, being caught off-guard can result in getting stranded in your car overnight.

Make sure to include:

• Sand, salt, or cat litter to help your tires get traction if you become stuck
• Foldable snow shovel
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Ice scraper
• Towel or roll of paper towels
• Jumper cables
• Extra clothing and blankets
• Water and high-protein snacks
• Cell power card and emergency charger
• Snow chains

If you do become stranded, do not abandon your vehicle. Instead, call roadside assistance or the non-emergency line for assistance. Stay in your car for safety (other drivers may be having difficulty on the roads as well) and bundle up to stay warm while you wait. Run your car’s heater as needed to help you stay warm.

On that note, you’ll want to make sure your gas tank is always filled at least halfway during the winter months. If you wind up getting stranded, you’ll be glad you have the extra fuel to help stay warm while waiting for help!

T3 Atlanta can help ensure that your car is ready for snowy and icy conditions. With our two convenient locations in Smyrna and Decatur, we make your annual winter car preparation a snap. Give us a call today!

It’s always a terrible thing to have your car stolen. This is especially true for a city like Atlanta, where most people have long commutes to work or school. Fortunately, there are a lot of easy things you can to prevent your car from being stolen. Today, we talk about our top recommendations to help you avoid this unwanted scenario.

How to Prevent Your Car From Being Stolen

Lock Your Car

The easiest (and most obvious) way to prevent someone from quickly driving off with your vehicle is to lock your car. It’s important to get into this habit, even if you are just running into the store or your house for a couple of minutes. You’ll also want to make sure to close your windows and sunroof (if you have one).

Although though a locked car won’t always prevent your car from being stolen, a simple button press makes your car a less likely target for car thieves.

…Or Get a Steering Wheel Lock

Extremely popular in the ’80s and ’90s, a steering wheel lock works just as well now as it did back then. This heavy-duty device is designed to attach to your steering wheel and literally ‘lock’ it in place. So, even if someone were to break into your car and start it, they wouldn’t be able to steer it. This option is perfect for people who are very serious about preventing their car from being stolen.

There are a lot of steering wheel options with a wide price range to suit your budget and needs. If you do get a steering wheel lock, though, just make sure that you don’t lose the key!

Keep Your Car in the Garage

Not everyone has a garage, but if you do, don’t use all of it for storage. A garage is one of the most effective ways of keeping your car safe overnight since most car thieves go for easy targets (eg. cars that are parked on the street or are unlocked). A garage is harder and more noticeable to get into, so it’s a natural deterrent.

Just make sure to close your garage door at night!

Hide Your Valuables

Many of us use our cars like a backpack or purse – a convenient place to put everything from workout clothes to a work computer. A stolen car is already a great prize for a car thief. A stolen car with extra goodies like electronics inside is even better.

Resist the urge to use your vehicle as a secondary storage space. Or, store your valuables in the trunk (and lock your car!) when you leave it for any amount of time. Car thieves work very quickly, and even 20 minutes can make all the difference in the world. For people who have SUVs or hatchbacks, a cargo cover is an inexpensive and effective way to make your car a less likely target for thieves.

Deter Thieves With… Your VIN?

Your car has a unique Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) stamped on several locations on the car’s body. Thieves remove the VIN before selling the car to chop shops that dismantle and sell the parts.

You can deter car thieves from stealing your car by etching your VIN (discreetly) onto the window or other areas that are more difficult to simply erase. While this may sound extreme, putting your VIN on non-stock parts can also help you recover your vehicle if it is stolen.

Be Aware of Where You Park

For people who don’t have a garage, be aware of where you park. Choose spots under street lights in well-trafficked areas, if you can. Don’t park at the far end of a dark parking lot: that’s the perfect spot for a car thief to work unnoticed.

If you’re parking in a part of town where car thefts are common, consider paying for a spot in a patrolled pay lot. This way, your car will be monitored overnight and give you the peace of mind that it will still be there in the morning. The cost of a paid lot, even over the course of a year, is a lot less than the headache and cost of recovering a stolen vehicle – or having to buy a new one altogether.

Install a Kill Switch

A ‘kill switch’ may sound like something straight out of a movie, but it’s a real device that you can install on your car to help prevent your vehicle from being stolen. There are various configurations of kill switches, from pressing an extra button or needing a secondary key to start your vehicle.

Vehicle Inspections at T3 Atlanta

We hope that you never have to go through the ordeal of having your car stolen. If this does happen, however, and your car is recovered, it may be a good idea to have your vehicle inspected for any damage. T3 Atlanta inspects and services Nissan, Infiniti, Toyota, and Lexus vehicles at our Smyrna and Decatur locations. Give us a call today!

We’ve all been there: it’s a great day for driving, you’ve got your favorite tunes on, and there’s nothing to be worried about. Until, anyway, the ‘Service Engine Soon’ light flickers on. It’s only natural for a torrent of thoughts to race through your mind, the biggest of which is ‘What’s wrong with my car?’ But before you panic, let’s learn what the Service Engine Soon light actually means.

The Real Meaning of the Service Engine Soon Light

First of all, it’s important to note that the Service Engine Soon light isn’t the same thing as the Check Engine light – at least, not all the time. Some manufacturers feature both lights, while others only have one.

If your vehicle has both lights, the Check Engine light is generally an indicator of a moderate-to-severe problem with your engine. This may be a problem with your oil pressure, the engine temperature, exhaust or emissions system. In some cases, the check engine light may be a first alert about a possible engine failure.

The Service Engine Soon light, on the other hand, does several things depending on the manufacturer. The most likely reason it’s on is because it is automatically set to come on as you approach your next vehicle maintenance schedule milestone. This light may also alert you to minor problems such as a loose gas cap or minor electrical problem.

If your vehicle only has the one light, check to make sure your engine temperature and oil pressure gauges are all reading normal before deciding whether to pull over. We recommend giving your mechanic a call to schedule an appointment to diagnose the problem. It’s far less expensive to treat a problem while it is minor than wait for it to become severe and costly. Worse, you could even wind up stranded on the side of the road.

Your Service Engine Soon Light Should Not Cause You to Panic

When your Service Engine Soon light comes on, don’t panic – as long as your vehicle seems otherwise normal. Once you’ve reached your destination, you can check the following to make sure none of these items is the culprit:

• Make sure all of your fluids are topped-off, as low fluids can trigger this light. Check your engine oil, brake fluid, windshield wiper fluid, and transmission fluid.
• Inspect your car to check for any leaks or damage. If liquid is pooling below your car, your vehicle is unsafe and needs to be repaired immediately.
• Tighten your gas cap. Sometimes, a loose gas cap can trigger a ‘Service Engine Soon’ light.

If everything seems normal, your fluids are topped off, and your car isn’t overheating, then it’s likely that the Service Engine Soon light is on as part of your vehicle’s maintenance schedule.

Diagnose Your ‘Service Engine Soon’ Light at T3 Atlanta

The Service Engine Soon light can send a jolt of panic through any car owner, but it’s not always a cause for concern. To be absolutely sure why this light is on, bring your car to T3 Atlanta. We will diagnose the issue free of charge to make sure there is not a serious problem with your car’s engine.

Our convenient locations in Smyrna and Decatur make it easy to get the car care you need quickly. Our team of mechanics has more than 20 years of experience working on Nissan, Lexus, Infiniti, and Toyota cars. When your ‘Service Engine Soon’ light comes on, call T3 Atlanta for a fast and free diagnosis!