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Engine diagnostics is a powerful tool our technicians use to identify issues that affect your Acura. Diagnostics is usually used if a warning light illuminates your dash, as we can trace the issue and repair it before it develops into a larger problem. It can also be used proactively to improve vehicle performance. As your Acura dealer, we want to tell you more about other benefits of diagnostics. more You Save Money Repairs can be costly, especially things like rebuilding an engine or transmission. In almost every case, these major, time-consuming, and expensive situations can be prevented by identifying an issue when it first starts. A minor issue, like a dirty engine air filter, takes a few minutes to replace and is very cheap. If it's not replaced, your engine will eventually suffer major damage to its pistons, cylinders, and other components. Your engine contains numerous sensors, which supply information to your Acura computer on the status of their connected component. The sensors can identify minute changes, like a reduction of air to the engine as the filter becomes blocked. In this case, a diagnostic would identify the issue, and we can replace it while you wait comfortably. You Improve Performance Minor issues can develop in an engine over time. They're not serious enough to trigger a warning light, as the affected component is still working. These issues will still decrease engine performance, leading to slightly increased wear and tear on components and increased fuel usage. The issues are still identified by the sensors and reported to the computer, which logs them with error codes. These issues include a partial blockage in the fuel filter, a less than 14:1 air-to-fuel ratio in the engine, and less-than-perfect ignition and valve timings. None of these issues are immediately noticeable, but identifying and correcting them will give your Acuras engine a performance boost. A diagnostic test will easily identify these issues, and we can repair them. You Save Time There never seems to be enough time to do everything, and for most things, you need your car. Auto repairs, before the 1980s and the rise of car computers, sensors, and diagnostic systems, took longer. A mechanic had to individually check and test components until the exact fault was discovered. Nowadays, you save time by bringing your Acura to our service department for a diagnostic. We can identify issues through a diagnostic test and often fix them while you wait. This reduces time without your car and also reduces repair costs. If you'd like to know more about diagnostics or to book a test, contact our service department today at Ed Martin Acura in Indianapolis, IN.

Most states require cars to undergo a car emissions test every few years. However, things are a little different in Indiana. We'll get into it a little deeper below, and we'll also talk to you about when you should head to the Acura dealer for a checkup on your emissions system. more How Often Do You Need a Car Emissions Test in Indiana? Emissions tests aren't mandatory in the vast majority of Indiana. Only the counties of Lake and Porter have mandatory emissions testing. Those tests must take place every two years on cars that weigh less than 9,000 pounds and that were manufactured after 1975. If you keep your car out-of-state a lot of the time, then it's a good idea to get it tested early, as that may be more convenient for you. For example, if your next test is due in December 2025, but you won't be in Indiana at that time, then you can get the car tested early if you wish. You're allowed to get your car tested as early as October of the year before your next test is due. When You Should Head to Your Acura Dealer to Get Your Emissions System Checked Out Even though emissions testing isn't mandatory in most of Indiana, it's a good idea to keep an eye on your emission system to make sure it's in good condition. If it's not working properly, then your car might break down at a really inconvenient time. There are a couple of indicators that let you know when your emissions system is failing. Emissions Light Your Acura might have a warning on your dash telling you to check the emissions system. Even if your car seems like it's running fine, it's best to go to the dealer ASAP when this light comes on. You'll probably start noticing issues pretty soon, so it's best to get the car checked out before the problems get too bad. Lower Gas Mileage If your fuel level is dropping much faster than expected, then something has likely gone wrong with the car. Your exhaust might not be expelling dangerous gases properly, and that can impact your engine's performance. If your engine has to work harder to keep the car going, then it's going to use more gas. Bad Smells If you can smell gasoline or exhaust fumes in your cabin, even if the smell is subtle, then you have a problem. You need to get to the dealer as soon as you can. Make sure to drive with the windows rolled down, as inhaling these fumes can be deadly. Stop by Ed Martin Acura if your emissions system is faulty. You may not need to get an emissions check if you're not in Lake or Porter, but you should still make sure your emissions system runs smoothly so your car can remain in great shape.

You know that sinking feeling you get when the check engine light comes on? Don't stress; visiting your Acura dealer for an engine diagnostic test will provide valuable information about the overall condition of your TLX, RDX, or Integra and help identify issues that might have gone unnoticed otherwise. Below is what a diagnostic test will tell you about your vehicle. more 1. Why the Check Engine Light Is Illuminated Your Acura's check engine light can come on for many reasons to warn you that something is wrong, and it can be difficult to determine the exact problem. Asking your Acura technician to perform a diagnostic test eliminates the long, tedious process of identifying what is causing the issue. The test will accurately pinpoint why the check engine light is on so that the necessary repairs can be performed. 2. Early Problem Detection One of the greatest benefits of diagnostic tests is early problem detection. Diagnostic tests are the perfect tool to troubleshoot exciting problems and identify issues you may not be unaware of, providing a comprehensive overview of your vehicle's condition. Prompt detection and the necessary repairs will save you from high costs in the future. 3. Engine Condition A diagnostic test will provide you with valuable information about the condition of your vehicle's engine and what's happening under the hood. The test accurately pinpoints the root cause of engine trouble and detects and uncovers any potential problems that demand prompt attention. 4. Electrical System Issues Identifying any potential electrical issues early on is key to ensuring your vehicle runs at its best. A faulty electrical system can cause various vehicle problems, such as hard starts, failing accessories, battery trouble, and blown fuses. A test will reveal any potential issues with your car's electrical system and help you avoid getting stranded on the side of the road. 5. Exhaust System Leaks The test can also detect any leaks in your vehicle's exhaust system. Exhaust leaks are hazardous as they can allow harmful gases to seep into your vehicle's cabin. If you smell fumes inside your car and suspect that there might be an exhaust leak, it is essential to ask your Acura technician to perform a diagnostic test as soon as possible. 6. Required Repairs Diagnostic tests are helpful tools to identify problems, especially if you can't figure out what is causing them. The test uncovers vehicle problems by pinpointing issues and helps your Acura technician determine the repairs required to get your car back in perfect running condition. If you want to determine if all is well with your Acura and ensure it's in good condition, particularly under the hood, getting a diagnostic test is the best option. A diagnostic test will eliminate any guesswork and help you identify issues with your vehicle. Contact Ed Martin Acura today to schedule a diagnostic test to find out how healthy your Acura is under the hood.

Is your Acura Integra, TLX, or MDX getting too hot under the hood? When your car is overheating, there's no need to panic. Avoid further damage and higher repair costs with the following helpful tips from your Acura dealer. more Turn Off the A/C and Turn On the Heater You should take action immediately when you're driving along, hear that telltale ticking sound from under the hood, and notice the temperature gauge is in the red. First, switch off the air conditioner and other accessories to lower the stress on the engine. Release as much heat as possible by turning the heater all the way up and opening all the windows. Pull Over in a Safe Place If your car starts overheating, it's important not to continue driving to prevent further damage, especially to the engine and the cooling system. Immediately, look for a safe place to pull over. Turn off the engine to let it cool down. Call Us for Assistance Call us for assistance while waiting for your car to cool down. Keep an eye on the temperature gauge and wait until the temperature returns to normal, or wait at least 20 minutes before opening the hood to avoid getting injured by the steam. Check the Coolant Level You can pop your head under the hood to check the coolant level when your car is cool enough. If the coolant is low, top it off. Inspect the Radiator Take a good look at the radiator to see if anything is blocking the fins. When there is a blockage, it stops the air from flowing through to lower the temperature of the hot coolant, and this can also cause your vehicle to overheat. Don't Drive Until Your Car Has Cooled Down Once the temperature returns to normal, start the engine and keep checking the temperature gauge while driving to us. If your car starts overheating again, pull over and contact us to tow your vehicle. Get the Problem Repaired ASAP When your car gets too hot under the hood, there's a problem somewhere. If you don't take care of it, it will get worse. It's best to ask your Acura technician to inspect your vehicle to determine why it's overheating. You want to avoid even more damage and higher repair costs. How To Prevent Overheating Bring your vehicle to us for maintenance services, and our certified Acura technicians will carefully inspect your car's systems and components and ensure that all fluids, including the oil and the coolant, are at the proper levels. Our technicians will identify issues and repair them before they get worse and cause significant damage that may leave you stranded on the side of the road. There are many reasons why a car overheats, from low oil and coolant levels, a broken thermostat, and blocked hoses to a malfunctioning radiator fan and leaks in the cooling system. If your car gets too hot, rely on the people who know your Acura, inside and out. Call Ed Martin Acura today, and our certified Acura technicians will repair the problem expertly.