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The brake fluid in your vehicle is used to translate the pressure you apply to the brake pedal to an equivalent amount of power applied to the brakes to stop or slow down your car. When your fluid is old or too low, your vehicle will not stop as quickly, which could lead to performance issues on the road. For ideal performance, schedule routine brake service at your Acura dealership. more Ensure Optimal Stopping Power with Acura Brake Fluid Exchange Most often, you will need to schedule a service to enhance the fluid in your brake system every few years. For average drivers, service every three years or 45,000 miles is adequate. However, if you have a habit of riding your brakes or you drive in bumper-to-bumper traffic, you may need to schedule brake service every other year to ensure your brake system is ready for the road. Why Do You Need a Fluid Exchange? Although the fluid in your brake system is sealed and self-contained, it can become dirty simply from being used over several thousand miles. Dirty fluid will not correctly translate the amount of brake pressure from the pedal to the brakes. It's also sometimes the case that excess moisture entering the fluid line of your brake system can throw off the chemistry of your vehicle's fluid, which can cause performance issues. What Are Signs of Brake System Issues? When your brake system encounters issues related to fluid levels, it's common for the dashboard indicator warning light for your vehicle's anti-lock braking system to turn on. You should book brake service as soon as this light turns on, since it might not be safe to drive on the road when the brake system is having performance issues. Sometimes, the first sign of brake issues may be the feel of a hard or soft brake pedal. A soft brake pedal that feels squishy or spongy when the brakes are applied is usually a sign of low fluid. You may also notice a burning smell if your brakes are overheating, or you may hear your brakes squealing when the brake pads are thinning. What Happens During Brake Service at Your Acura Dealership? During your brake service appointment, an Acura mechanic will start with a visual inspection of all brake components, from the fluid level to the pads and rotors. Any parts that appear old or worn out will be replaced, such as when brake pads are thinning. The next step will be to drain old fluid out of your brake system and replace it with new fluid that meets the performance standards for your vehicle. The brake system is your vehicle's first line of safety on the road, so it's essential to book service as soon as you notice brake performance problems. Contact Ed Martin Acura in Indianapolis, IN to schedule a fluid exchange today.

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.

Most drivers understand that taking their vehicle to their Acura dealership for annual Acura maintenance is the manufacturer's recommendation. However, not all are aware of why regular checks and adhering to the recommended oil change schedule are so important. With this in mind, let's take a closer look at why you should never overlook your maintenance checks and fluid changes. more Prolong Your Acura's Lifespan Regular maintenance will prolong your Acura's lifespan and keep it in good working order long into the future. Having your vehicle regularly serviced reduces excess wear and tear of its components, delaying the need for repairs and potentially saving you money in the long run. Improve Your Car's Performance Routine maintenance carried out in line with the recommended schedule will help ensure your Acura stays in optimal working order, boosting its performance and fuel efficiency overall. You'll be able to enjoy driving even more while also potentially saving money every time you fill up with gas. Enhance Your Safety Staying safe behind the wheel is paramount, and without regular vehicle maintenance, you could be putting yourself at higher risk of an accident. Worn components can fail unexpectedly, potentially resulting in a dangerous failure of the engine or brakes. Greater Eco-Friendliness A well-maintained vehicle will emit fewer pollutants into the environment, reducing your carbon footprint and helping you to protect the planet. Regular Oil Change and Other Crucial Acura Dealership Recommended Maintenance Tasks Changing your Acura's oil according to the recommended schedule is vital to keep your engine running smoothly. Your car's other fluids, including the brake fluid, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and engine coolant, also require regular checking and topping up whenever necessary to help ensure the safe and smooth running of your car. Routine battery checks, tire checks, and brake checks ​are also essential and are carried out during your Acura's ​annual service. These checks will ensure you have no safety issues while driving and that you won't be at increased risk of a breakdown or expensive repairs. Can I Carry Out Maintenance Tasks Myself? While there are some maintenance tasks that are relatively easy to perform yourself, such as checking and topping up windshield wiper fluid or ​topping ​up your tire pressure. Some tasks ​can be difficult to manage correctly without specialist knowledge and equipment, and therefore ​visiting your dealership can help solve a problem without too much stress. If your Acura needs servicing, or you're concerned about any aspect of ​maintenance, call Ed Martin Acura in Indianapolis, IN, today.

With good routine maintenance, you can significantly increase the performance, appearance, and longevity of your car. If you're unsure of which servicing and upkeep tasks to focus on first, here's a breakdown of the seven most important aspects of proper Acura maintenance. You can also ask for maintenance guidance from one of the trusted technicians at your local Acura dealership. more Change Motor Oil Often The engine is the beating heart of your car. And for any car, engine health is just as important as heart health in a human. To keep your engine in tip-top condition, the motor oil must always be kept topped up and fresh. For most drivers, this usually means having the oil changed every six months or so. Keep All Essential Fluids Fresh Coolant also protects the engine by preventing it from overheating. For this reason, coolant must also be kept at the recommended levels. This means regular top-ups and a complete flush once every two years. Likewise, your car's other important fluids should also be carefully maintained at good levels and condition. This includes the transmission fluid, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid, and power steering fluid. Check Tire Pressure and Tread Wear The air pressure in tires should be checked monthly and maintained at the manufacturer-recommended PSI. It's also important to measure tire tread depths frequently; never allow your tire treads to diminish below 2/32 of an inch. Biannual tire rotations are also important to keep your tires wearing evenly. Keep an Eye on Your Battery Car batteries tend to last from three to four years. As your car battery ages, check its condition periodically and clean any corrosion you find on the terminals. Have Your Brakes Inspected While on the road, your safety depends on the condition of your brakes. It's best to have car brakes serviced twice a year. Also, never ignore any early warning signs of brake trouble. Replace the Engine Air Filter Another important component for engine health is the engine air filter. While keeping airborne debris out of the engine, air filters can sometimes become clogged. This restricts oxygen inflow and can harm the engine. These air filters usually need to be replaced once every year or two. Schedule Routine Acura Maintenance Stay on top of your vehicle maintenance by scheduling regular servicing at your local dealership. The technicians can explain each required maintenance task and plan the optimal schedule for your particular vehicle, driving habits, and lifestyle. Visit Ed Martin Acura in Indianapolis, IN, today to have your Acura serviced by experienced professionals. We're a local award-winning dealership dedicated to delivering a top-tier customer experience, whatever your vehicle-related needs may be.

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.

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.

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

Everyone loves summer, but you may need relief from the heat. When your turn on your car AC, you expect to be greeted by cold gusts of air. Your car AC not working can make a great day unpleasant very quickly. Fortunately, your Acura dealer in Indianapolis, IN, can fix any AC problem for you. These are a few of the possible AC problems that we can fix for you. more Refrigerant Leak The AC depends on several different systems to convert hot outside air into refreshingly cold air. These systems all depend on refrigerant gas. This gas converts from gaseous to liquid states and back again as it cools the air in your cabin. The cooling system operates as a closed system, and refrigerant isn't consumed as your AC works. A lack of refrigerant means that your car has a refrigerant leak.   Refrigerant is odorless and colorless, and it can leak out as either liquid or gas, depending on what part of the system has developed a leak. Our technicians will test for the source of the leak by injecting a UV dye into the AC system. We use a special scanner to trace the passage of the refrigerant through the system. Once we find the leak, we'll repair it and refill the refrigerant. No Air From the AC When you turn on the AC, the airflow should start immediately. If you're getting no air movement through the vents, this suggests there's a blockage in the system.   The two possible blockage points are the air vent below your windshield and the AC ducts. If you hear the click of the compressor clutch when you switch on the AC, this means air is flowing into your car, so the blockage must be in the ducts. If you don't hear a click, your AC isn't receiving air and won't start. This would mean the outside vent is blocked by leaves, dirt, or other debris. Bad Smells From the Vents If your AC is blowing cold air, but the air smells damp or musty, your AC may have unwelcome interlopers. Most AC systems are only used in summer. The long periods when the AC isn't working can allow bacteria or mold to infest the AC system and the ducts. These organisms are drawn in the air that enters your AC system.   The AC system provides a perfect place for bacteria and mold, as its dark, cool, and contains tiny amounts of water. Our technicians can easily remove these organisms using a special antibacterial and anti-mold solution. Your cabin will smell pleasantly fresh again in no time. If you have any AC problem call us immediately at Ed Martin Acura. Image courtesy of Malte Luk via Pixabay