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The alternator is an important part of your vehicle and vital for getting you from point A to point B safely. Its main job is keeping your battery charged. If your alternator isn't working properly, you won't have the ability to turn your engine over or use any electronic components such as your radio and headlights. Here are six signs to look out for to see if you might need an alternator repair from your Acura dealer in Indianapolis, IN. 6 Signs Your Acura May Need an Alternator Repair more 1. Dimmed Lights Your alternator may be running on its last legs if you start your car and notice some dimming of your key lights. Your headlights, dome, and radio lights may also be affected. They can appear faded or dim, and some sporadic blinking may occur. Regardless of whether or not the blinking is constant or intermittent, this is often a sign of a dying alternator. 2. Burnt Rubber Smell Although this sign is not as common as others, it can be an indicator. Alternator belts that cannot rotate freely on the pulleys can cause friction which can lead the belt to heat up. The belt can heat up to the point that it smells like burned rubber if this happens. 3. Battery Repeatedly Dies There's a good chance that the alternator isn't capable of charging the battery if your vehicle fails to start. It's best to take your vehicle to the shop immediately if this happens repeatedly in a short time. You could also endanger your starter and battery by not doing so, as they are all interconnected. It is best to detect this quickly so you don't have to replace multiple parts. 4. Difficult to Start If your car is having trouble starting, or turning over slowly before it starts, this could indicate that your alternator is wearing out. Your alternator may not be working properly, or the brushes aren't reaching the coil as they should. This is a sign that you need to have it checked by a certified technician sooner rather than later. 5. Malfunctioning Accessories Alternator problems can lead to electronics malfunctions, such as unresponsive or slow accessories. Alternator issues may cause your windows not to roll as smoothly as they should, seat warmers not to work properly, and your speedometer to stop working. Your radio and other accessories will usually become disconnected before your headlights if the alternator conks out. 6. Grinding Sound If you hear a grinding sound coming from your vehicle, it could be an alternator problem. The grinding can often be caused by a worn, dirty, or damaged bearing. It can also mean the voltage regulator could be telling your alternator to charge more frequently than it should, which can often produce a whining sound. Moreover, your alternator might not be receiving enough power from the battery. Double-check your battery for a loose connection if you hear this type of noise. If you've experienced any of these symptoms with your vehicle, head down to Ed Martin Acura today. Our knowledgeable and friendly staff will provide you with a consultation and set you up with a service appointment to make sure your automobile is always running in tip-top shape.

Car maintenance is one of those things that can be daunting to anyone inexperienced or not as knowledgeable as they would like to be about the inner workings of their vehicle. If you're unsure about car maintenance, this article has some helpful and handy tips for replacing your Acura parts that are sure to ease any of your stress about the process. 4 Tips for Properly Replacing Your Acura Parts more 1. Stick to Your Maintenance Schedule When you first purchase your car, you will receive a detailed maintenance schedule document that will help you track when and where to replace any parts or do any other general maintenance tasks, like get your oil change.   If you don't have one from your original purchase, or if you've gotten maintenance done at any other sources other than your dealership, you'll just have to make sure to write down and track any replacements and/or repairs you get done. 2. Keep Records and Invoices If you do choose to get any work done on your car on your own or outside a dealership, it's very important to keep a record of invoices. This is because Acura will need to see any invoices of work done on your car in the case a part covered by your warranty needs to be replaced.   Keeping track of your invoices and receipts will just make the repair/replacement process all that easier! 3. When in Doubt, Get It Done at a Dealership The majority of the time, the simplest and easiest way to make sure you are replacing your Acura's parts correctly is to get the work done at an authorized dealership.   When you take your car to a dealership, you know it'll be in the hands of a professionally trained staff who will know exactly what needs to be done. Another benefit of going to a dealership is they will keep track and maintain your car's precise maintenance schedule for you. 4. Only Buy Genuine Acura Parts When replacing parts on your own, save yourself the hassle and only purchase parts from Acura directly. Most parts can be ordered online, and buying genuine ensures that the part will fit and work exactly as intended.   Original fit and quality are two major factors in determining which replacement parts are worth purchasing, and when you purchase from Acura, you can be assured that those two factors are guaranteed.   Getting parts replaced or repaired on your car doesn't have to be the stressful and scary experience that some car owners make it out to be. Armed with the right knowledge and tools, it can even be enjoyable and fun to learn more about the inner workings of your automobile. And remember, if you ever have any questions, visit us at Ed Martin Acura at any time to help you with all of your car maintenance needs!

When your Acura needs a service, the best place to take it is an Acura dealership. Every garage promises the best service, but by visiting the dealership, you'll actually get the best service; along with convenience and peace of mind. Convenience Making time for service is never fun, but you can get as close to fun as possible by having the work done somewhere that cares about minimizing the inconvenience. At the dealership, you'll get conveni ent waiting areas decked out with the amenities you need to sit and work; or, take advantage of the situation to get away from work or the kids for a few minutes and breathe. If your car will be in the shop a bit longer, it's easy to get a loaner vehicle. In fact, the dealership will drop off and pick up your vehicle if you need it. Arrange all this in just a few clicks on the dealer's website instead of calling your local garage (and waiting on hold for 20 minutes!). more Peace of Mind When you take your vehicl e into the dealership, you know you're getting the best possible service. This gives you peace of mind about your vehicle and how safe you are behind the wheel. There are three key reasons you can enjoy this peace of mind: Acura-Trained Technicians Moder n cars are very specific. It's no longer enough to just know a lot about cars. You need to be trained specifically to the make of the vehicles you work with in order to provide the best possible service. At the dealership, everyone is trained to work on Ac ura cars specifically. They know what to look for that a general mechanic might miss, and they can service your vehicle quickly and thoroughly. Acura Reputation The dealership has a lot of incentive to give you excellent service. When you are in the market f or a new vehicle, they want you to come to visit them. That's only going to happen if they offer you the best possible service. Plus, they know that if some random mechanic at an off-brand garage messes up your car, your complaints aren't going very far: but if they mess things up, the repercussions could be huge. You have a lot of room for complaining up the chain, and there's a larger national reputation to protect. Acura Warranties If something isn't done correctly during your service at a dealership, then Acura is on the hook to make things right and honor the warranty. The same is definitely not true of an independent garage. The Best Auto Parts Another reason to get service at the dealership is to make sure you're getting just the right custom-made par ts for your vehicle. These are the auto parts that last the longest, fit the best, extend your warranty, and keep your vehicle running smoothly and trouble-free for years. When it's time for your vehicle to be serviced, take it to the dealership. At Ed Martin Acura, we make it easy. Visit the Ed Martin Acura service department today and see for yourself! Image courtesy of owners.acura.com

Sophisticated design combined with an ultra-powerful engine in one SUV--what more could a driver ask for? If you want to invest in a brand new SUV that is both chic and dependable, then the 2020 Acura MDX should be an obvious contender in your shopping list. Read on to learn more about the Acura MDX and why it is such a hotshot among luxury drivers. Ample Cargo Space Need plenty of space to keep bulky items like camping gear or travel bags? The Acura MDX has enough cargo space for your entire family. With all seats intact, you have 15.8 cubic feet of space. When you fold the seats in both rows, storage space maxes out to an incredible 91 cubes. This feature alone puts the MDX near the top of the pile in regards to competition. more Cutting-Edge Performance With performance like a racing car, the 2020 MDX towers over any other SUV you'll see today. There are three distinct powertrain options for you to select from depending on your needs. The SH-AWD motor is a 3.5L that whips up an impressive 290 feet of horsepower. This motor boasts smart variable valve timing and up to 5,000 lb -ft of towing capacity. The Sports Hybrid SH-AWD has a 3.0L motor giving out 321 feet of horsepower. Last but certainly not least is the front-wheel-drive system with a 3.5L motor. Like the SH-AWD, you get a pretty decent 290 feet of horsepower. Luxury Interior Inspired by the Acura NSX, the MDX's interior is simply stunning. You get to enjoy premium comfort thanks to features such as the multifunctional center console; it has enough room for your smartphone and other personal stuff. The non-skid surface keeps your things intact too. Even better, three different climate options help keep your family comfortable, while the third-row bench offers ample legroom for all occupants. The leather upholstery and natural wood accents ooze the luxurious feel you want. High-End Connectivity Features To ensure that you are connected without hiccups, Acura has integrated an array of technology features in the 2020 MDX. The Bluetooth wireless streaming feature gives you access to music with only a single click. A split-screen in the second row is a welcome addition for road trippers - no more arguing over what to watch on those long treks. Modern Safety Features To ensure maximum safety on the road, Acura has added a variety of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation braking system, and road departure mitigation. Other advanced features include lane-keeping assist, spot information system, and a lot more! The Acura MDX is the closest thing to perfection in the SUV world. It has a lot of high-tech features and plenty of cabin space. It is very comfortable as well. Of course, an added benefit is the overall cost, which is quite affordable for a luxury SUV. Do you see yourself in the Acura MDX sometime soon? Contact any of our experts at Ed Martin Acura to set-up a test drive. Image courtesy of acura.com