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As time passes, vehicle components will wear out due to age or damage. This can make driving dangerous, as vehicle handling and control could become difficult. At your Acura dealership, we can repair any problem. We want to tell you about some of the signs you need to visit us for Acura maintenance. more Signs You Need To Visit Your Acura Dealership for Acura Maintenance Uneven Tire Wear Tire tread will wear down over time due to surface friction as you drive or brake. They will also suffer additional damage due to issues like incorrect wheel alignment or poor tire balance. These three issues cause sections of the tire tread to hit the surface harder than necessary. If you notice uneven tire wear, contact our service department, and we'll investigate. Alignment is the wheel angle viewed from directly above and from the front. Alignment is perfect when your Acura is new, but this can change due to hitting a pothole or driving over irregular terrain. We fix it by attaching your wheels to our computerized alignment machine. Tire balance issues are repaired by fitting each tire on our balancing machine and then adding additional weight to the tire to center its balance on the wheel hub. Worn Shocks If your Acura sways to one side, bounces as you drive, or squats down at the front or rear, your shocks are probably damaged. A shock absorber connects each wheel to the suspension, and its job is to smooth out driving over bumps or other irregular surfaces. In these situations, the shocks extend and compress to absorb the energy caused by the impact and dissipate it. Shocks wear out in time, and they are usually replaced every 50,000 to 100,000 miles. They need an earlier replacement if you routinely travel over rough surfaces or carry heavy loads. Our technicians will test your shocks and replace them if they're damaged, and you'll enjoy a smooth driving experience once again. Slower Braking Your Acura's brakes are designed to stop your vehicle almost instantly when you hit the brake pedal. If the brakes take longer to engage or your braking distance has increased, your braking system could be in trouble. Damaged calipers, worn brake pads, or low brake fluid can all cause these problems. Suspension problems can also reduce braking speed, as the suspension helps to keep the tires in contact with the surface to provide correct traction. Damage to the suspension can cause the tires to dip, reducing their ability to adequately grip the surface. We'll find and fix the problem, and your braking responsiveness will return to normal. These are just some of the issues we can repair. If your Acura isn't working as well as it should, contact our service department at Ed Martin Acura in Indianapolis, IN.

Have your brakes been issuing strange sounds or vibrations? Have you sensed a weakening in stopping power? If you suspect a worn-out brake pad or rotor, have it replaced at your local Acura dealership before it stops performing properly. Here are the most common symptoms that a car is in need of brake repair, plus guidance on how frequently you should have your brakes inspected. more Common Brake Repair Symptoms The brake pads are squeezed against the rotors whenever you slow or stop your car. This generates enormous friction and also steadily wears down each brake pad. Once a pad is on its last legs, it's designed to emit a high-pitched squealing sound, indicating it's time for a replacement. When rotors are damaged or worn out, you'll probably feel vibrations through the brake pedal whenever you use it. Odd sounds should also never be ignored. Grinding or clattering noises might indicate caliper problems or a severely worn-out brake pad that needs to be replaced at once. Urgent Warning Signs of Brake Trouble If you ever press the brake pedal and your car fails to slow down as rapidly as usual, pull over safely to inspect your brakes. Diminished brake force is hazardous and you shouldn't drive again until the fault is resolved. Your brakes might be overheating, which can occur as a result of prolonged usage in heavy traffic. Overheating occasionally leads to brake fade, where melting brake pad resin releases a small amount of gas, preventing full friction against the rotor. Weakened brakes might also point to leaking brake fluid. The brake fluid maintains hydraulic pressure inside the brake lines, carrying the stopping signal to the calipers. If your brake fluid is leaking, the brakes will probably feel spongy as well as weaker. Check under your car and in the wheel wells for puddles of oily yellow or brown fluid. Book Biannual Brake Inspections at Your Acura Dealership As brake problems tend to develop gradually over time, you can usually catch them early on with frequent brake inspections. It's wise to have your brakes examined by a professional at least twice a year. A full inspection involves the brake fluid and lines being checked under the hood and also under the car. Your vehicle will be raised so our technicians can remove the wheels, calipers, rotors, and pads, examining each component for excessive wear and tear. This way, we can also let you know how much longer each part will last and you're less likely to be surprised on the road. Visit Ed Martin Acura in Indianapolis, IN, for a brake inspection and repair today. We're an award-winning local dealership that's been helping out the drivers of our local community for decades.

AcuraWatch is an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) that protects you while you drive. It's standard in all Acura vehicles and uses cameras, radar, and sensors to make your driving experience safer than ever. As your Acura dealership, we want to tell you about some of the Acura safety features and how they protect you. more Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) When driving, it can be easy to stray into a neighboring lane, which can be dangerous. A vehicle in that lane might not react in time, resulting in an accident. This feature uses a camera to identify the lane lines and works continually to keep your vehicle centered in its lane. If your wheels cross the lane lines without you actively steering or activating a direction indicator, the system provides visual and audible warnings. Should your vehicle continue to move into the lane, it will turn your steering wheel to guide your Acura back into its lane. Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) This system uses the same technology above, but it reacts if the camera detects your vehicle will cross over the road boundary lines. It will sound an audible warning and actively brake to prevent your Acura from leaving the road. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) This feature can be activated whenever your vehicle exceeds 20 mph, and it helps to make highway driving less tedious. When you're driving long distances on the highway, you can set your cruise control to maintain a particular speed. You can also set a following distance between you and any vehicle ahead. Radar can detect a vehicle in front of your Acura, and braking will be automatically applied to reduce your speed to keep the preset distance. Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) A camera and radar monitor any vehicle in front and assess its speed. The system calculates the distance between your bumper and the other vehicle and will instantly provide visual and audible warnings if you're closing too fast on the other vehicle. This gives you time to assess the situation and take corrective action. If you're unable to react in time, barking is automatically initiated to slow or stop your vehicle instantly, depending on the situation. Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) Blind spots are difficult, sometimes even impossible to see when driving. A vehicle or bicyclist can easily move into a blind spot and this could lead to an accident. Rear sensors continually scan the blind spots and sound an audible warning if anything crosses into one. This allows you to take evasive action and prevent a collision. If you'd like to know more about your safety systems, contact us today at Ed Martin Acura in Indianapolis, IN.

Every time you make a smooth turn in your Acura, you have your differential to thank. The differential provides traction and stability when cornering, and routine maintenance keeps it functioning properly. When your Acura is due for differential service, the best place to go is your Acura dealership. more 1. Ensure Optimal Control and Handling Your differential regulates the distribution of torque to the wheels when your vehicle turns. This is important because your car's outer wheels must travel farther than the inner wheels to get around a corner. The differential compensates for the difference so you can make the turn smoothly. If your differential isn't working properly, your vehicle may be harder to control, especially when turning. You may notice pulling or instability when going around corners. 2. Reduce Gear Wear and Tear Differential fluid lubricates your differential's moving parts, just like motor oil does for your engine. When differential fluid is low or contaminated, the increased friction between the gears causes them to wear out faster. A common sign of this is a grinding sound when turning or accelerating. Friction also produces metal shavings, and since differential oil isn't filtered like motor oil, this debris can build up and make the problem worse. 3. Prevent Overheating When your differential fluid is low and the gears aren't properly lubricated, the constant grinding of metal against metal can create a dangerous amount of heat. Putting too much stress on your vehicle can contribute to this as well. If you're routinely pushing your Acura past its limits by towing too much weight, driving too fast, or letting the wheels spin out, your differential may be at risk of overheating. 4. Protect Other Components When your differential doesn't do its job, it affects other parts of your vehicle, such as your tires. Normally, your differential helps prevent excessive tire wear by providing balanced traction during turns. Without this stability, your tires can wear unevenly and might need to be replaced sooner. Your drivetrain can also be affected by a faulty differential. In rare cases, the differential can seize and damage your transmission or other drivetrain components. 5. Avoid an Accident A properly functioning differential helps keep you in control. In a worst-case scenario, a faulty differential could cause your vehicle to skid and crash, especially when cornering on wet or icy roads. If your Acura is showing symptoms of a differential problem, it's important to call your dealership right away, as delaying service could put your safety at risk. Differential maintenance is vital to your Acura's performance and longevity. For quality service from skilled technicians, contact Ed Martin Acura in Indianapolis, IN to make an appointment today.

Whether you are searching for a compact crossover, a stylish sedan, or a spacious full-size SUV, you will always find plenty of fantastic options at your local Acura dealership. If you are in the market for a new family vehicle and want to discover the extraordinary models offered by Acura, you've come to the right spot. Read on, learn more about these great models, and schedule your visit to our showroom! more 1. 2024 Acura RDX The 2024 Acura RDX is a sporty crossover SUV that is ready to conquer new terrains and take your family on the most memorable adventures. Offered in five unique trim levels, this model is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder powertrain that generates 272 horsepower and 280 pounds of torque. With standard all-wheel drive in all trim levels, the 2024 RDX is the perfect vehicle to explore the most breathtaking destinations in the country, offering a confident and powerful driving experience. When it comes to space and comfort, this crossover SUV has two rows of seating, with 42.0 inches of legroom in the front, 38.0 inches in the rear, and a maximum cargo capacity of 79.8 cubic feet with the rear seat backs folded down. 2. 2024 Acura Integra If you are looking for a compact sports car that delivers a fun and exciting driving experience while providing all the comfort your family deserves, the 2024 Integra is an extraordinary choice. This model offers potential buyers two powertrain configurations to choose from, starting with a 1.5-liter turbocharged unit that pumps 200 horsepower and 192 pounds of torque. The second option is a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that produces 320 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Besides its smooth and responsive handling, the 2024 Integra comes standard with an extensive array of comfort perks in all of its trim levels. Some of these popular built-in features include heated front seats, 60/40 split fold-down rear seat backs, steering wheel-mounted controls, ambient LED cabin lighting, leather-trimmed steering wheel, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a 12-volt power outlet in the center console. 3. 2024 Acura MDX When it comes to dynamic performance, a thrilling driving experience, and a spacious cabin for everyone onboard, the 2024 Acura MDX stands as a leader in its category, offering extraordinary value for your money. This crossover SUV is available in six different trim levels and offers two powertrain configurations, including a turbocharged six-cylinder unit that generates 355 horsepower and 354 pounds of torque. All models offer comfortable seating for up to seven passengers. Can't wait to find the perfect Acura for you and your loved ones? Drop in by Ed Martin Acura in Indianapolis, IN, and we'll tell you all about this and other great models in our showroom.

Regular preventative maintenance appointments keep your Acura running as the manufacturer intended. Fortunately, your Acura dealer offers services to make this as simple as possible. This makes it easy to experience benefits like a more fuel-efficient car and helps prevent expensive repairs. more 1. Prevent Expensive Repairs A great Acura technician will check the vehicle over when it's brought in for regular maintenance. This gives them a chance to spot problems early on. For example, they might notice a faulty part that has become weakened. They can replace this before it fully breaks and causes damage that would lead to expensive repairs. 2. A More Fuel-Efficient Car Regular maintenance optimizes your Acura, so it runs more efficiently. When a vehicle's tires are underinflated, the car has to work harder to keep the vehicle moving. If oil filters are clogged, the vehicle has to work harder to push oil through the filters. The harder a car has to work, the worse the vehicle's fuel economy will be. Acura's that are brought in for regular service appointments run cleaner, smoother, and are more fuel-efficient vehicles. This leads to savings at the gas pump and a lower carbon footprint. 3. Retain Your Car's Value With Service From Your Acura Dealer The technicians at the dealership are highly trained in Acuras. This means they have intimate knowledge specifically of what the manufacturer intended for Acuras. They perform maintenance and repairs with those specifications in mind, keeping the vehicle in excellent condition. Used car buyers are looking for a great vehicle that's in top condition and has a full-service history. Bringing your Acura right into the dealership for service appointments will give you a higher chance of achieving the best resale value possible. 4. Improved Safety Acuras have a very strong reputation for building safe cars with strong body structures. It's important to keep all of the vehicle's parts well-maintained in order to keep them as safe as possible. For example, regular maintenance will include tasks like replacing worn-out brake pads. This keeps your vehicle stopping in time to prevent collisions. Services like tire rotations, oil changes, and replacing timing belts will also reduce the chances of a vehicle breaking down. 5. Save Time Major repairs are not only expensive, they are a huge hassle that cost drivers a lot of time. Often, major repairs will mean that drivers have to rent another vehicle and plan their days around the repair schedule. Regular maintenance appointments prevent these kinds of major repairs and can be handled quickly. In fact, at Ed Martin Acura, we provide our customers with an Acura Accelerated Service program. Customers who use this program are in and out of our dealership within 60 minutes. Our team of technicians provides comprehensive services to keep your Acura in top condition. Visit Ed Martin Acura now to learn more about our service center.

When you fall in love with your 2023 Acura MDX, you will want to do everything you can to take care of it and protect its value. One thing you can do to protect your car is to get an extended warranty from your Acura dealer. Learn more about the benefits of extended coverage and how a longer warranty can help you in the future. more Extending your warranty coverage for a new Acura means that you are adding to the bumper-to-bumper coverage from your factory warranty. On a new Acura, the factory warranty will cover the first four years or 50,000 miles of car ownership from the date of your vehicle purchase. Extending your coverage can make this warranty last for eight years or up to 120,000 miles, starting from the date when the vehicle was first made. The Acura Care Vehicle Service Contract for a new Acura will cover major systems such as the engine, transmission, air conditioning, steering, fuel delivery, electrical, brakes, drive axle, cooling, suspension, and rear differential. This warranty will also cover some accessories, such as the navigation system and the audio system. Some additional benefits of this coverage include: Roadside Assistance Acura offers 24/7 roadside assistance for drivers who have extended coverage. Roadside assistance can include towing services for a repair that is covered under the warranty, lockout assistance, tire changes, fuel deliveries, and jump-start assistance if your battery dies. Trip Interruption If your Acura breaks down while you're traveling, Acura will cover certain expenses. As long as you are more than 100 miles away from home, Acura will provide up to $100 each day for three days to cover lodging and food expenses. Rental Reimbursement If your Acura is stuck in the shop for repairs, your extended coverage will also provide reimbursement for a rental car. You can use this benefit to get up to $270 (or $45 a day) reimbursed for the cost of a rental car. Concierge Service Finally, if you need assistance away from home to book an airplane ticket home, or you need emergency cash, Acura will also provide concierge services. These services can help you file your insurance claim as well. Do You Buy Extended Coverage From an Acura Dealer? Generally, one of the easiest ways to activate extended coverage for your car is to contact your local dealership. The dealership can walk you through different Acura Care Vehicle Service Contracts, so you can understand individual plans and deductible costs. You can also purchase extended coverage directly from Acura online. Extending the coverage for your warranty is one way you can protect your Acura and get peace of mind if your car needs repairs. To learn more about your coverage options, contact Ed Martin Acura in Indianapolis, IN.

Every responsible car owner knows how important it is to make sure that the brake pads are in tip-top condition. But with replacements advised at between 30,000 and 70,000 miles, it can be challenging to find the balance. Here's our guide to help you decide when to contact your Acura dealer for a brake service. more When You Notice Signs of Trouble While many variables can affect the life of your pads, it's crucial to know the signs that they aren't functioning effectively. If you notice any of the following symptoms when you apply the brakes, it's important to schedule a replacement straight away: A low rumbling noise Screeching or squealing A vibrating brake pedal A soft or spongy brake pedal A brake pedal that feels too high or too low Sluggish response when using the brakes to decelerate Driving with worn brakes won't just put you and other road users in danger: it could also cause more costly damage to components in the braking system. The pads are designed to take on the strain to keep them fresh. If Your Driving Habits Cause Wear Some driving habits mean that pads will come under more pressure and wear out more quickly, so you'll need to replace them closer to the 30,000-mile mark. If you're prone to late or heavy braking, taking corners sharply, or "riding the brake," then consider a shorter interval between pad replacements. It's a better and safer driving practice to slow down in plenty of time and use engine braking where possible. If you're looking for ways to lengthen the lifetime of your braking components, try to stay mindful of how you're using your brakes. If the Roads Require a Lot of Braking Pads are a wearing part, so the more you use them, the sooner they'll need replacing. Some roads will require you to brake more often than others, so think about the routes that you take regularly. The braking system will wear out more quickly on roads with: Heavy traffic and stop-start driving Hilly roads with steep descents Roads with sharp turns and bends Mud, grit, or sand that causes corrosion Wet or icy roads that need heavier braking High temperatures that increase the heat of friction You will also have to brake with more force if you're slowing down a heavier load. If you regularly drive with a heavy trailer or payload, expect your brakes to need replacing more frequently. Taking all these variables into account should ensure that your brakes continue to function as your front-line safety system. But regular checkups every six months or timed to coincide with oil changes or tire rotations will guarantee that your pads are always in optimal shape. Schedule a service appointment at Ed Martin Acura for the confidence of knowing that your car is in the best hands. Image courtesy of Gustavo Fring via Pexels