What Should You Do If Your Car Is Overheating?

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 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.

In order to keep your Acura running at its best, you have to take care of it. One of the most crucial pieces of routine maintenance you can perform for your car is regular oil changes. Changing your oil might not seem glamorous, but your car will thank you for staying on top of it. So how do you know when it's time to swap out that oil at your Acura dealer? more It's Been a While Most newer Acura models can happily cruise from 5,000 to 7,500 miles between oil changes thanks to advancements in engine and oil quality. However, if you're rocking an older model or your engine is working harder than usual (think lots of stop-and-go traffic or heavy towing) you might need to roll it in for a change more frequently. Oil or Check Engine Light Your Acura is pretty smart. If it's time to change the oil, it will let you know. If you see the oil light come on, it's your car's way of warning you that it's time for some fresh oil. And if the check engine light comes on, it could also mean that something's up with your oil. The Dipstick Test Pop the hood, pull out the dipstick, wipe it off, dip it back in, and take a look. What you want to see is some nice amber-colored oil. If it's looking dark and dirty, it's time for a change. Also, make sure the oil level is within the safe range. Low oil levels might mean you have a leak or your engine is consuming too much oil. Knock, Knock: It's Engine Noise Oil lubricates all the moving parts in your engine, reducing friction and preventing damage. If your oil is old or low, your engine might start to make more noise than usual. If you hear knocking or rumbling sounds coming from under the hood, get your oil checked out ASAP. Oil Smell Inside the Car If you start to smell oil inside your car, it's a pretty big red flag. It could mean that there's an oil leak, or your engine is overheating and burning off oil. Smoke from the Exhaust A little exhaust on a cold day is normal, but if you're noticing smoke, that's a different story. It could indicate an oil leak. Visit Your Acura Dealer If you're noticing any of these signs, it's probably time to show your Acura some love with fresh oil. We know cars from the top to the bottom and will make sure yours gets the right oil and top-notch service. Keep your Acura running happy and healthy with regular oil maintenance. It's an investment in your car's performance and a favor to your future self. Call and schedule your next service with Ed Martin Acura today.