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A service technician performing an engine inspection near Indianapolis, Indiana

6 Things You Can Learn From an Acura Engine Diagnostic

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.

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.

Close up view of the front of a 2023 Acura MDX driving outside of Indianapolis, Indiana

Three Impressive Features of the 2023 Acura MDX

The 2023 Acura MDX is the latest edition of Acura's full-size luxury SUV, and it's come prepared to define its class in the market. With a sleek exterior design, luxurious interior, and lots to talk about under the hood, there's a lot to love about the MDX. Keep reading to learn about some of the impressive features on the MDX that you should ask your Acura dealer about. more 1. Enjoy a Luxurious Cabin One of the major selling points of the MDX is its extremely spacious and luxurious interior. With three rows of seating providing ample leg and headroom for up to seven passengers, coupled with a standard panoramic moonroof, tri-zone automatic climate control for the front and back seats, and leather-trimmed upholstery, you'll be driving in style wherever you go. Options available on higher-level trim include heated rear-row seats, GPS-linked climate control, and wood and patterned aluminum interior accents that replace the standard brushed aluminum trim. 2. Choose from Powerful Engine Options For most trim levels, the 2023 MDX is powered by a 3.5L V6 engine that pushes out an impressive 290 horsepower, available in both FWD and AWD for an impressive amount of power. The Type S trim levels offer an even more powerful 355-horsepower 3L V6 engine that is paired with an advanced suspension and brake system. Acura's Integrated Dynamics driving modes in all trim levels allow you to customize your SUV's engine performance based on the road conditions, choosing between comfort, normal, sport, and individual modes. The individual mode allows you to customize the settings in advance yourself to fine-tune your MDX exactly to your specifications. 3. Ask an Acura Dealer About AcuraWatch Finally, you should ask about the safety features that come standard in the 2023 MDX, as they represent one of the best collections of features and technology available. With standard automated emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition, blind spot and rear cross-traffic sensors, and automatic high beams, there is not much more you can ask for. Beyond the technology side of things, Acura has designed the MDX with its proprietary Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure. This means that, in the unfortunate event of a collision, the structure of the MDX is designed to provide the maximum amount of protection to all passengers by absorbing energy and moving it elsewhere in the frame of the vehicle, keeping you safe no matter what. The 2023 MDX is a great choice for those seeking a luxury SUV that provides reliable and impressive performance for both urban and highway driving. Interested in trying it out for yourself? Get in touch with the team at Ed Martin Acura today to schedule your test drive.

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.

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.

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