ATL Total Car Care Blog

As winter approaches in Tennessee, it’s important to prepare your vehicle for the colder temperatures and potentially icy conditions. While Tennessee winters are generally milder than those in northern states, drivers still need to ensure their vehicles are ready for seasonal challenges. At ATL Total Car Care, we provide expert winter auto maintenance in the greater Murfreesboro, TN area. Here’s a look at six important winter auto maintenance tasks. Check Your Battery Cold weather can reduce your car battery’s efficiency, making it harder to start your engine. Batteries that are older than three years are especially vulnerable. Have your battery tested to ensure it’s still holding a strong charge. If your battery is weak, consider replacing it before the colder weather hits. Inspect Your Tires Tires are your vehicle’s only point of contact with the road, making them one of the most important components in winter driving. Check the tread depth to ensure it’s adequate for maintaining traction on wet or icy roads. Tennessee's winter conditions can be unpredictable, and having tires with good grip can help prevent sliding or hydroplaning. Check Your Antifreeze Levels It’s important to have the proper level and concentration of antifreeze in your vehicle. A 50/50 mix of water and antifreeze is typically recommended for optimal protection. If it’s been a while since this fluid has been flushed, now is a good time to have it done. Replace Worn Windshield Wipers Visibility is key during the winter months, especially when driving through snow, sleet, or rain. Worn-out wipers can leave streaks or fail to clear your windshield properly, reducing your ability to see the road. Replace old wiper blades and fill up your windshield washer fluid with a solution designed for freezing temperatures to ensure you can keep your windshield clear. Test Your Heater and Defroster Tennessee winters can get chilly, and driving without a properly functioning heater can be uncomfortable and even dangerous. Your defroster is just as important for clearing fog and frost from your windshield. Test both systems to make sure they’re working well before the colder weather sets in. Inspect Your Brakes Your brakes are critical for safely stopping in any driving condition, but they’re even more important in slippery winter conditions. Have your brake pads, rotors, and fluid inspected to ensure everything is in good condition. Worn brakes may not perform well on icy or wet roads, increasing your stopping distance and the risk of accidents. If you hear any unusual noises when braking or notice decreased responsiveness, get your brakes checked out ASAP. Winter Auto Maintenance in Murfreesboro, TN When you need auto maintenance in Murfreesboro and the surrounding area, contact ATL Total Car Care at  615-813-9970  . Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment!

Transmission fluid is essential for keeping your vehicle’s transmission system lubricated, cooled, and functioning smoothly. Without the proper amount of fluid, your car's performance can suffer, and extensive damage could occur. If you suspect a leak, it’s important to take immediate action. At ATL Total Car Care, we provide expert transmission fluid leak repair in the greater Murfreesboro, TN area. Here are five signs of a transmission fluid leak that you shouldn’t ignore. Puddles of Reddish Fluid Under Your Car The most obvious sign of a transmission fluid leak is spotting a puddle of fluid under your vehicle. Transmission fluid typically has a reddish color and a slightly sweet smell. If you notice this type of fluid collecting where your car has been parked, it’s a good indication of a leak. Low Transmission Fluid Levels Routinely monitoring your transmission fluid levels can help you catch a leak early. When levels are consistently low for seemingly no good reason, it’s a strong sign that fluid is leaking somewhere in the system. Slipping Gears Transmission fluid is responsible for helping your transmission shift gears smoothly. When there’s not enough fluid in the system, the transmission may struggle to stay in the correct gear. You may notice your car slipping out of gear, which could feel like a hesitation or jolt as the car attempts to shift. This can be a serious issue that can pose a safety hazard in situations such as trying to merge on the highway. Burning Smell A burning smell coming from your vehicle is never a good sign, and it could indicate that your transmission fluid is leaking. When transmission fluid levels are low due to a leak, the transmission can overheat, causing the remaining fluid to burn. This creates a distinct burnt smell, which could be a warning sign that your transmission is in trouble and needs attention. Delayed or Rough Shifting If your vehicle is experiencing a delay when shifting gears or the shifts feel rough, this could be another symptom of low transmission fluid caused by a leak. The transmission relies on hydraulic pressure, which is created by the fluid, to shift gears. Without enough fluid, gear shifts may become rough or delayed, indicating that a leak needs to be addressed quickly. Transmission Repair in Murfreesboro, TN For auto repair in Murfreesboro and the surrounding area, contact ATL Total Car Care at  615-813-9970  . At our local auto shop, we can expertly handle your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call to make an appointment!