Enhance Handling with Acura Suspension and Steering Tune-Up

Every responsible car owner knows how important it is to make sure that the brake pads are in tip-top condition. But with replacements advised at between 30,000 and 70,000 miles, it can be challenging to find the balance. Here's our guide to help you decide when to contact your Acura dealer for a brake service. more When You Notice Signs of Trouble While many variables can affect the life of your pads, it's crucial to know the signs that they aren't functioning effectively. If you notice any of the following symptoms when you apply the brakes, it's important to schedule a replacement straight away: A low rumbling noise Screeching or squealing A vibrating brake pedal A soft or spongy brake pedal A brake pedal that feels too high or too low Sluggish response when using the brakes to decelerate Driving with worn brakes won't just put you and other road users in danger: it could also cause more costly damage to components in the braking system. The pads are designed to take on the strain to keep them fresh. If Your Driving Habits Cause Wear Some driving habits mean that pads will come under more pressure and wear out more quickly, so you'll need to replace them closer to the 30,000-mile mark. If you're prone to late or heavy braking, taking corners sharply, or "riding the brake," then consider a shorter interval between pad replacements. It's a better and safer driving practice to slow down in plenty of time and use engine braking where possible. If you're looking for ways to lengthen the lifetime of your braking components, try to stay mindful of how you're using your brakes. If the Roads Require a Lot of Braking Pads are a wearing part, so the more you use them, the sooner they'll need replacing. Some roads will require you to brake more often than others, so think about the routes that you take regularly. The braking system will wear out more quickly on roads with: Heavy traffic and stop-start driving Hilly roads with steep descents Roads with sharp turns and bends Mud, grit, or sand that causes corrosion Wet or icy roads that need heavier braking High temperatures that increase the heat of friction You will also have to brake with more force if you're slowing down a heavier load. If you regularly drive with a heavy trailer or payload, expect your brakes to need replacing more frequently. Taking all these variables into account should ensure that your brakes continue to function as your front-line safety system. But regular checkups every six months or timed to coincide with oil changes or tire rotations will guarantee that your pads are always in optimal shape. Schedule a service appointment at Ed Martin Acura for the confidence of knowing that your car is in the best hands. Image courtesy of Gustavo Fring via Pexels

Every time you make a smooth turn in your Acura, you have your differential to thank. The differential provides traction and stability when cornering, and routine maintenance keeps it functioning properly. When your Acura is due for differential service, the best place to go is your Acura dealership. more 1. Ensure Optimal Control and Handling Your differential regulates the distribution of torque to the wheels when your vehicle turns. This is important because your car's outer wheels must travel farther than the inner wheels to get around a corner. The differential compensates for the difference so you can make the turn smoothly. If your differential isn't working properly, your vehicle may be harder to control, especially when turning. You may notice pulling or instability when going around corners. 2. Reduce Gear Wear and Tear Differential fluid lubricates your differential's moving parts, just like motor oil does for your engine. When differential fluid is low or contaminated, the increased friction between the gears causes them to wear out faster. A common sign of this is a grinding sound when turning or accelerating. Friction also produces metal shavings, and since differential oil isn't filtered like motor oil, this debris can build up and make the problem worse. 3. Prevent Overheating When your differential fluid is low and the gears aren't properly lubricated, the constant grinding of metal against metal can create a dangerous amount of heat. Putting too much stress on your vehicle can contribute to this as well. If you're routinely pushing your Acura past its limits by towing too much weight, driving too fast, or letting the wheels spin out, your differential may be at risk of overheating. 4. Protect Other Components When your differential doesn't do its job, it affects other parts of your vehicle, such as your tires. Normally, your differential helps prevent excessive tire wear by providing balanced traction during turns. Without this stability, your tires can wear unevenly and might need to be replaced sooner. Your drivetrain can also be affected by a faulty differential. In rare cases, the differential can seize and damage your transmission or other drivetrain components. 5. Avoid an Accident A properly functioning differential helps keep you in control. In a worst-case scenario, a faulty differential could cause your vehicle to skid and crash, especially when cornering on wet or icy roads. If your Acura is showing symptoms of a differential problem, it's important to call your dealership right away, as delaying service could put your safety at risk. Differential maintenance is vital to your Acura's performance and longevity. For quality service from skilled technicians, contact Ed Martin Acura in Indianapolis, IN to make an appointment today.

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.