Blog / Local Acura Service

Blog

All Local Acura Service Indianapolis Acura Dealer Ed Martin Acura Service Around Town Local Acura Dealer Indianapolis Acura Service Tips and Tricks 2024 Model Year Vehicle Safety Engine Test Drive 2025 Model Year Indianapolis Used Cars Acura MDX Acura RDX Fuel Efficiency Acura Integra Safety 2023 Models Brake Pads Financing Summer Service Ed Martin Acura Tire Service Acura TLX Interior Oil Change Acura ZDX 2026 Models AC System Cargo Space Catalytic Converter Service Engine Repair EV Ignition Coils 2026 Acura Models Alternator Repair Audio System Car Battery Headlight Replacement Transmission Acura ADX Collision Repair Gas Mileage Leasing Overheating Winter Service 2023 Acura RDX 2026 Acura Integra 2026 Acura MDX 2026 Acura RDX Car Muffler Hybrid Towing Capacity
A person working on preventative maintenance of a vehicle near Indianapolis, Indiana.

5 Benefits of Getting Preventative Maintenance for Your Acura

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.

A dismantled transmission being serviced near Indianapolis, Indiana.

What's Included in Routine Transmission Service?

Transmissions are filled with intricate moving parts that need to be kept in tip-top condition. If you ever allow your car's transmission fluid to degrade or a small gearbox problem to develop, you might end up with a difficult and expensive repair job on your hands. Routine transmission service at your local Acura dealer is the key to keeping your transmission well-maintained. Here's what this service will usually entail. more Flushing the Transmission Fluid Transmission fluid lubricates the bearings, gears, valves, and other moving mechanical parts, helping to reduce friction and heat. The fluid also cleans out debris and contaminants from the gears and maintains hydraulic pressure, which helps the entire system work. Over time, transmission fluid naturally starts to break down in all the heat and friction. As it loses its beneficial qualities, the fluid needs to be flushed out and replaced. When you take your car in for servicing, the old fluid will first be drained. The condition of the drain plug will be checked, and then new fluid will be put into the transmission. It's important to have a technician carry this task out because using the wrong fluid for your vehicle's make and model could cause harm to your gearbox. Replacing the Transmission Filter Dirt, debris, tiny metal fragments, and other contaminants can build up in transmission fluid as it flows through the system. The transmission filter collects this debris, thereby keeping the fluid clean. During routine service, the filter will be checked. If it's too clogged up with dirt and debris, it will be replaced with a new one. Often, the pan will also be checked, and a fresh gasket installed at the same time. Full Transmission Inspection and Clean The most complete service will involve inspecting every part of the transmission carefully for signs of wear, tear, leaks, and other issues. The pan and pan gasket will be cleaned or replaced, and the transmission sump will also be examined. The entire internal system will be inspected for signs of damage or trapped debris, including the planetary gears, torque converter, hydraulic pump, clutches, brakes, valves, bearings, and other parts. Once serviced, the transmission will be tested to ensure it's all in good working order. How Often To Have Your Transmission Checked at Your Acura Dealer It's best to ask a trusted technician how often the transmission of your car requires a routine service visit. Most automatic transmissions need to be serviced every 60,000 to 100,000 miles, whereas manual transmissions typically need servicing more frequently: every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. Visit Ed Martin Acura today to have your transmission inspected by courteous, knowledgeable technicians.

A car experiencing a leak near Indianapolis, Indiana

What's Covered in an Extended Warranty on a New Acura?

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.

A stock of tires lined up a storage room near Indianapolis, Indiana.

Time for New Tires? Visit Your Acura Dealer Today

Your tires are the only part of your car in contact with the surface. Continual surface contact causes wear and tear on even the best tires. Worn tires are dangerous, as they can easily lead to an accident. As your Acura dealer, we'd like you to know some of the signs you need to visit us for new tires. more Lincoln Penny Test A good tread thickness is essential for safe driving, as the tread allows your tires to grip the surface effectively. Tread makes braking faster and more effective, and increases your driving control. The raised tread on a tire wears down as you drive, and once the tread reaches a thickness of only 1/16" inch, that tire needs replacement. The penny test involves placing a Lincoln penny upside down in the grooves between the tread. Your tread is in great condition if you can only see Lincoln's chin. If you can see his face up to the hairline, your tread is worn and will need replacement soon. Finally, if you can see the top of Lincoln's head, your tires tread is too thin, and you need to visit us ASAP. Visible Tire Wear Bars Tire wear bars are small rubber squares in the grooves between the tire tread. They're not visible on a new tire, as they're obscured by the tread, but they will become more noticeable as your tire gradually wear down. These bars are an important indicator of tire tread health. The more visible the tire wear bars, the thinner your tire tread is. It's important for your safety and long-term tire health to regularly examine the wear bars. If the wear bars are the same level as your tread, your tires are very worn and need to be replaced. We can easily confirm worn tires, and our technicians can fit and balance replacement tires for you while you wait. We always have stock of the correct tire size for your car in a choice of all major brands. Tire Bulges A tire bulge or bubble is a sign of internal tire damage. A bulge is formed when part of the tire is pinched against a hard, solid object. The usual cause of a tire bulge is catching the tire against a curb. Air becomes concentrated in the bulge, which stretches the rubber and makes it thinner. A bulge won't increase in size, but it causes a permanent weak point on a tire. Driving with a bulge in the tire is dangerous, as the bulge can rupture at any time and cause a blowout. We can't repair a bulge, but we can install a replacement tire for you. If you have worn or damaged tires, call our service department today at Ed Martin Acura.

Four ignition coils laid out at a service center near Indianapolis, Indiana.

5 Signs Your Acura May Have a Damaged or Faulty Ignition Coil

If a faulty ignition coil isn't promptly cleaned or replaced, it can rapidly lead to worse problems in the engine's cylinder or even in your car's exhaust system. When one of your ignition coils is on its last legs, you're likely to notice the following problems. Have a technician at your local Acura dealer take a look without delay. more Your Check Engine Light Comes Alive With all the sensitive computerized sensors throughout a modern Acura, your first warning of a faulty coil might be the check engine light coming to life on your dashboard. Although this light doesn't indicate the specific problem, it's never a good idea to ignore it. If a bad ignition coil was detected, you're likely to notice the following signs of trouble as well. Your Engine Starts to Lose Power A healthy engine needs all cylinders happily working away. When one ignition coil fails, the spark plug in that cylinder no longer has a steady supply of electricity. As a result, it can no longer consistently ignite the fuel being injected into the combustion chamber and the cylinder will falter. You'll soon notice a marked loss of engine power, particularly when you try to accelerate. Your Engine Struggles While Idling When a malfunctioning ignition coil causes a spark plug to misfire, you'll notice it clearly when pausing in idle. The engine's usually smooth purr will be replaced by coughing and sputtering as it struggles to keep going. Your Engine Starts Stalling When one or more ignition coils fail altogether, the misfiring might get so bad that your engine stalls. This may happen in inopportune moments, such as when waiting at a busy intersection. After stalling, you might even have trouble starting the engine up again. You See Black Smoke in Your Exhaust Misfiring cylinders still try to inject fuel as before, even though the fuel isn't being ignited properly. This results in a build-up of unburned fuel inside the cylinder, which can coat the spark plug in a sooty residue, worsening the problem. The unburned fuel can sometimes start to leak back into the exhaust system. From there, it eventually escapes from the tailpipe in the form of black smoke thickening your exhaust fumes. Replace Coils Every 100,000 Miles at Your Local Acura Dealer Ignition coils are ordinarily quite sturdy, long-lasting car components. You can expect your ignition coils to last 100,000 miles or more. Most of the time, if you experience a misfiring engine, it's more likely to be a faulty spark plug or fuel injector. But it never hurts to have all three components checked. Have your ignition coils examined and cleaned or replaced at Ed Martin Acura today. We're an award-winning local dealership providing a one-stop automotive shop for drivers throughout Indianapolis.

A woman test driving a fuel-efficient Acura model in Indianapolis, IN.

Which Acura Vehicles Have the Best Fuel Efficiency?

If you've been shopping for 2023 vehicles that will get you more for your money at the gas pump, you've come to the right place. Check out these sophisticated, feature-packed Acura cars and SUVs that get exceptional fuel efficiency, then head to your Acura dealer to test drive your top options. more 2023 Integra The iconic Acura Integra returned to the lineup this year after an extended absence. This sporty compact gets the brand's best fuel economy. If you add the A-Spec feature package, the numbers drop slightly across the board, unless you opt for the manual transmission. The Integra was named the best small luxury car of the year by US News and World Report. It comes with a host of standard driver assistance features and provides a smooth yet agile ride, so you'll definitely find it fun to drive. The cabin is also appointed with an 8-speaker stereo and a 7-inch touchscreen that supports Siri Eyes Free voice commands, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. 2023 TLX If you're looking for a midsize sedan, you'll get great fuel economy with the Acura TLX. It offers one of the best values on the market for a luxury car of this size, and you'll get even better numbers with the automatic front-wheel-drive version. If you opt for all-wheel-drive, fuel economy drops just slightly in all categories. The TLX comes with a 272-hp turbo-four paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. In addition to its great fuel economy and impressive performance, the TLX is named a Top Safety Pick+ of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and has a five-star overall crash test rating from the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration. It's packed with driver assistance features like a rearview camera, auto high beams, traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with emergency braking, and more. 2023 RDX This compact crossover is the most fuel-efficient SUV in the Acura lineup. You'll get impressive numbers with the front-wheel drive version on both city and highway and still impressive efficiency if you decide on all-wheel drive. The RDX is packed with a generous array of standard features, with a spacious, comfortable interior. Tech fans will appreciate the expansive touchscreen infotainment display, which integrates wireless smartphone connectivity as well as Amazon Alexa voice commands. Dual-zone automatic climate control, a panoramic moon roof, and a digital instrument cluster are also standard. When you're ready to upgrade to a greener vehicle, visit our team for a test drive. Contact Ed Martin Acura to schedule an appointment today.

A close up photo of a car's headlights shining at nighttime taken near Indianapolis, Indiana

Does Your Acura Need New Headlights?

Headlights are an important safety feature in any vehicle. Over 40% of car accidents happen during the hours of darkness even though there are far fewer vehicles on the road. Even slightly reduced visibility makes it harder to see obstacles and hazards and slows down reaction times. With this in mind, if you notice the following signs of faltering headlights, visit your nearest Acura dealer right away for new headlights or to repair any underlying problems. more Flickering Light If the light ahead of your vehicle is flickering, the problem might lie with one of your bulbs, the wiring behind them, or your alternator. The first step is to test your bulbs with a multimeter or ask a technician to test them for you. Make sure you test both low and high-beam bulbs if your Acura model uses separate bulbs for the high beams. If the bulbs are fine and all other electronics are also working well, then it's likely you have a loose connection in the headlight wiring, which will need to be fixed. Fading Light Some headlight bulbs fade and grow dimmer with age. If your lights seem to be dimmer than before, check that the lens isn't dusty or dirty. Sometimes the acrylic in headlight lenses grows cloudy from continual exposure to UV rays in sunlight. If your lenses seem clean and clear, your bulbs might be on their last legs. Tungsten-halogen bulbs can lose 20% of their brightness before dying. Xenon bulbs also tend to grow dimmer in the last few months and weeks of their lifespan. High-Intensity Discharge (HID) bulbs and Light-Emitting Diode (LED) bulbs, on the other hand, rarely dim before they suddenly fail. Aging Bulbs Whatever type of bulbs your car uses, it's good to know their expected lifespan. That way, you'll have an idea in advance of when you might need to replace them. Tungsten-halogen bulbs tend to last between 500 and 1,000 miles of usage. HID bulbs can last anywhere from 2,000 to 10,000 miles. And high performance LED bulbs can last up to 30,000 miles. Blown Fuse As with any electrical issue, a repeatedly blowing fuse is usually a sign of trouble with the bulb or the wiring. If you find your headlight fuse blowing a few times in a row, have a technician diagnose the problem for you. How an Acura Dealer Can Test Your Bulbs A technician will usually start with a visual inspection of your bulbs, looking for signs of cracking, hazing, or burnt filaments. They may then use a scanner to integrate with your car's onboard computer, which can sometimes reveal useful data about the problem. They can then remove the bulbs and use an ohm meter, voltmeter, or amp clamp to test each bulb's voltage. Malfunctioning bulbs usually need to be replaced. If the bulbs are still working well, they'll examine the wiring to locate and repair any broken connections. Have your headlights checked, repaired, or replaced today at Ed Martin Acura. We're an award-winning local dealership offering extended servicing hours for the convenience of our customers.

Mechanic standing near an SUV in a shop near Indianapolis, IN

4 Things to Look for in a Quality Acura Mechanic

At some point during the ownership of your vehicle, you're going to need to take it in for service or repairs. If you want to ensure that your car lasts as long as possible and runs optimally, then taking it to Ed Martin Acura's service center could be in your best interest. When it comes to finding a quality technician, there are some things you'll want to look for. more 1. They Work for a Dealership When it comes to finding a quality mechanic that can work on your Acura, the first place you should look is at a dealership. Not all cars are created equal, and you want to make sure the professional who is maintaining or repairing your vehicle has the right experience and knowledge. You'll find that when you work with professionals at an Acura dealership. 2. They Express Concern for You and Your Car In addition to wanting to do what's best for your vehicle, a quality mechanic will also take your concerns and worries into consideration. They should answer any and all questions you might have clearly and concisely, and you shouldn't feel intimated or scared to talk to them. At the end of the day, you have to feel comfortable driving your car, and you should trust that the technician is going to do what's right for your vehicle and for you. 3. They Find a Balance Between Servicing Your Car and Saving You Money There are costs associated with maintaining and repairing your vehicle, and if you want it to last for a long time, you'll need to budget for these services. A quality mechanic will be able to find a balance between keeping your car running properly and saving you some money on expensive repairs. A quality technician won't try to upsell you every time you see them, but they will be honest about what needs to be done and when to keep your car running right. The right mechanic will help you find a way to make expensive car repairs and services fit into your budget. 4. They Are Certified and Guarantee Their Work Having the right experience and know-how to properly fix your Acura is essential, and a qualified technician will have certifications that let you know they have the skills to fix your vehicle correctly. In addition, they should be able to guarantee their work. Both of these will give you peace of mind and let you know you're working with a true professional. Keeping your Acura running optimally means that at some point you'll need to take it to a professional for service. If you're ready to work with quality mechanics, visit Ed Martin Acura today.

A family driving in an Acura vehicle near Indianapolis, IN

5 Car Safety Features You'll Find on Today's Acura Vehicles

Acura cars have never been safer. Not only do they greatly reduce your risk of having an accident, but they also protect you in the unlikely event of a crash. Let's take a look at the car safety features included in the AcuraWatch suite, which come as standard with every Acura sedan and SUV. If you want a closer inspection of these safety features and more, you can always ask for a demo at your local Acura dealership. more Collision Mitigation Braking System The majority of road accidents are rear-end collisions, but your risk of rear-ending another vehicle or of hitting any obstacle on the road is greatly diminished with Acura's collision mitigation system. With a combination of radar and camera, your Acura constantly monitors the road ahead. It alerts you when any possibility of a collision presents itself. If you don't react quickly enough, the car brakes for you with just the right amount of stopping power, including an anti-lock braking mechanism, to ensure you don't crash and you don't skid, either. Adaptive Cruise Control Acura is on a mission to help create a collision-free world. One step in that direction is your vehicle's ability to constantly monitor the distances between you and the vehicle ahead and behind. When you turn on Adaptive Cruise Control, your car won't ever break the three-second rule, keeping a safe distance at all times. During winter, when the roads are often icy, it can extend this safe distance between vehicles as you like. Blind Spot Awareness While on the highway, drivers face a certain danger whenever changing lanes. In the past, the blind spots that all human drivers have at the rear and each side of the car were the cause of many accidents. Acura's Blind Spot Awareness feature monitors your blind spots at all times. When a bicycle, motorcycle, or any other vehicle enters a blind spot, you're alerted with a beep and a clear visual warning. Jewel Eye LED Headlights Acura's whiter, brighter LED headlights are more powerful and longer-lasting than ever before. About half of all fatal car accidents happen after dark, despite there being fewer vehicles on the road. With Acura's super-strong headlights and fog lights, you're far less likely to experience visibility problems, no matter the time of night or the weather. Upgrade Bubls at Your Local Acura Dealer If you already have an Acura vehicle and you want to upgrade your bulbs to the latest, strongest LED options, no problem. You can usually have an upgrade carried out at your nearest dealership. ACE Body Structure Every Acura vehicle's robust Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure is designed to stay rigid and crumple in just the right places in the event of a crash. The strategic crumple zones help to dispel the force exerted during a crash. The force is distributed safely away from the driver and passengers, who are protected inside a robust, rigid framework. For a more extensive look into Acura's top-notch suite of safety features, visit Ed Martin Acura. We're an award-winning local dealership with an excellent range of vehicles to choose from.

Car alternator being repaired near Anderson, Indiana

Does Your Acura Need an Alternator Repair?

Your Acura's alternator keeps the battery charged and allows you to use all those great electronic accessories in your MDX, Integra, or TLX. A problem with your alternator will cause numerous issues that require expert Acura repair from the qualified technicians at your Acura dealership. The following signs will warn you when to get an alternator repair before your headlights dim, your accessories fail, and you struggle to start your car. more 1. The Battery Light Is On When the battery light on your dashboard is on, there's a problem with your car's electrical system. An alternator not providing the necessary voltage will trigger the battery warning light. 2. Your Headlights Are Dim and Flicker A failing alternator will not meet your car's electrical needs and generate enough power to keep the lights on consistently. You will notice that your dashboard lights are dimmer, and your headlights flicker or grow from bright to dim as you accelerate. 3. The Accessories Are Acting Up When your car's alternator is not producing enough electricity, the computer will cut the power to non-vital accessories first, and you will notice several issues at once. Your windshield wipers and windows will move slower, the sunroof will get stuck, and the heated seats might not work. 4. There Are Loose, Broken, or Frayed Cables and Wires Loose, broken, or frayed wires and cables will prevent or reduce the flow of electricity. The alternator will produce more energy and send too much electricity through the wires, causing the wires to heat up. 5. You Smell Hot Electrical Wires or Burning Rubber An overworked alternator will give off an electrical smell. Because the belt is under constant tension and close to the engine, it causes a scent comparable to that of burning rubber when it wears out. 6. You Hear Whining, Growling, and Rattling Noises A failing alternator will make strange noises. The noises could come from a tight or misaligned belt rubbing against the side of the pulley. In the worst cases, the alternator can damage your engine and make rattling noises. Still, because it's nearly impossible to keep your car going with a malfunctioning alternator, you'll get it fixed long before it causes severe damage. 7. You Struggle To Start Your Car Your vehicle starts from power stored in the battery. When it's hard to start your car and keep it running, it could be a problem with the alternator not charging the battery. When there's not enough power from the alternator to keep the engine going, you'll struggle to start your car, and it will stall. 8. The Battery Is Weak A failing alternator will not properly charge the battery while the engine is running. If your car dies after a jump start, it's most likely a failing alternator not providing enough power to the battery and not the battery itself. If your car has any of the above problems, call Ed Martin Acura today to schedule an appointment. The qualified Acura technicians will sort out your vehicle's electrical problems and ensure that your alternator works perfectly.

Person working on a car near Indianapolis, IN

3 Signs Your Acura Needs a New Catalytic Converter

The catalytic converter on your Acura reduces pollution. It does this by converting dangerous chemicals from combustion into less harmful ones. The conversion process uses heat, high pressure, and chemical reactions. Over time the heat and pressure can damage the converter, or it can weaken due to age. As your Acura dealer, we'd like you to know a few signs that you need to visit us for a repair or replacement converter. more Black Exhaust Smoke Black smoke from the tailpipe is a sign that your converter is damaged and may need replacement. Black smoke has a toxic stench due to the large amounts of carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, and other dangerous chemicals. Under normal conditions, these chemicals are rendered harmless by your converter. The lack of conversion could be caused by a faulty oxygen sensor supplying incorrect information, a fuel-rich engine, or failed converter. In all these cases, the toxic gases from combustion forced out of the engine will cause your car to fail an emissions test. These gases will also cause long-term damage to your engine. Our technicians will find the cause of the problem and repair it. Your Engine Starts and Then Dies Starting problems are usually caused by a problem with the battery, the alternator, or the starter motor. If your engine starts and then dies very quickly, this usually means your converter is blocked. As the converter works, carbon can build up inside it. As time passes, this carbon buildup can block the exit of the converter and prevent exhaust gases from escaping. The exhaust gases that can't escape will be drawn back into your engine. These gases increase the pressure in the engine and also increase the fuel-to-air ratio. This combination of events shuts down the combustion process and causes your engine to stop. We'll examine your converter and clear any blockages we find. Once the converter is unblocked, your engine will work normally again. Rattling Noises A rattling noise from under your car is a sign that something is loose. It could be one of the brackets that supports the exhaust has failed, or your converter may be damaged. If the rattling continues when you're driving at speed, the most likely cause is a damaged converter. The rattling noise is made by broken pieces of the honeycomb inside the converter. Converters have a honeycomb interior to maximize gas conversion. The heat and pressure can create cracks in the honeycomb. This will cause pieces to break off and rattle as your car moves. We can't repair this damage, but we can replace your converter. If you suspect a converter problem, call us right away at Ed Martin Acura. Image courtesy of Andrea Piacquadio via Pexels

Getting a tire rotation near Indianapolis, IN

4 Benefits of Getting a Tire Rotation for Your Acura

Many drivers don't realize how large an impact periodical tire rotation has on your safety, handling, and car upkeep costs. It's generally recommended to rotate your tires every 7,500 miles. For the sake of convenience, most drivers have a rotation when they visit their local Acura dealer for an oil change. Here are four good reasons to never miss a scheduled rotation. more Cost Savings on New Tires Regular rotation ensures that all your tires are wearing out evenly. This extends the lifespan of your full set of tires, which means you need to replace them less frequently. Most drivers replace their tires every 40,000 to 60,000 miles, and a well-maintained Acura vehicle can stay on the road for 300,000 miles or more. So proper tire care with regular rotation might mean you need only five sets of tires over the lifespan of your car, instead of seven or eight. That's a considerable cost-saving for any driver. Maintain Good Handling Modern Acuras have excellent handling and responsiveness. Not only does this make for a very enjoyable driving experience, but it also keeps you safer on the road. If your tires start to wear down unevenly, you'll feel it first in the handling. Your steering and cornering will no longer be quite as accurate and smooth. It's a disconcerting sensation that you can easily avoid with periodical rotation. Avoid Loss of Traction The tread depth of tires inevitably wears down over time. If the treads of one or two of your tires wear down too thin, they can lose traction and cause a skid. Tires with very shallow treads are also more susceptible to hydroplaning, which means skidding out of control while driving over a puddle of water. Inadequate tread depth causes a quarter of all tire-related car crashes. And all it takes is a single tire losing its grip to cause an accident. Regular rotation keeps any of your tires from wearing down to dangerous levels ahead of the others. Maintain a Valid Warranty A good set of tires will often come with a warranty. This warranty will guarantee reimbursement in the case of prematurely worn-out tires. It might cover a four, five, or even six-year period after the date of purchase. But such tire warranties almost always stipulate periodical rotation as part of ordinary tire maintenance. As unlikely as you are to need to make a claim, it's always reassuring to have a valid warranty. Regular rotation helps make sure you have just that. Visit Ed Martin Acura today to have your tires inspected, rotated, or replaced. Our dealership is a ten-time winner of the Acura Precision Team Award for providing a consistently exceptional customer experience.

Contact Us

Fill out this form below and we'll contact you shortly
*Required Fields