When we talk about getting from Point A to Point B, there are a lot of ways to do it. You can walk, bike, take a bus or train, or drive your own hybrid. For many people, driving is the most convenient option because it’s private and allows you to go wherever you want. If you’re like most folks, you may never have been a fan of public transport.
Being stuck in traffic with people elbow-to-elbow while trying to text or check their Facebook is not this generation’s idea of a good time. In this post, gearheads from Acura of Tempe will make a case for why public transport simply cannot replace the freedom and convenience that comes with having your own car.
Public Transport – Why It’s Not a Close Substitute
Here’s our opinion:
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You’re Stuck in Traffic with Strangers
There’s nothing miserable than being stuck in traffic, especially when you’re crammed into a space with people you don’t know. When you’re in your car, you can blast the music as loud as you want, sing at the top of your lungs, or generally make a fool of yourself without anyone being the wiser.
In a public transport situation, however, you’re often sardines in a tin can with strangers, which can be uncomfortable for introverts or those who value their personal space.
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You Don’t Have the Same Freedom.
When you drive your own car, you have the freedom to go where you want & when you want. You’re not obligated to the whims of a bus or train schedule. Of course, this also means you have to deal with traffic, but at least you’re in control of your destiny.
With public transport, you often have to plan your day around the timetable, which can be frustrating if you want to spontaneously go somewhere or stay out later than expected.
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Cars Can Be More Affordable Than You Think
With the rise of car-sharing schemes & ride-hailing apps, it’s becoming easier & more affordable than ever to own a car. And with new technologies like electric vehicles (EVs) & hybrid cars, running a vehicle is cheaper than ever. Public transport might appear like the shoddier option up front, but when you factor in the cost of tickets, missed connections, and wasted time, it can be more expensive in the long run.
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You’re More Productive When You Drive
When you drive, you can use that time to catch up on work calls, listen to educational podcasts, or just relax in your own space. With public transport, you’re often crammed into a small space with many other people, which can be stressful and make it hard to concentrate. If you have a long commute, driving can help you make the most of that time instead of wasting it.
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You Don’t Have to Worry About The Weather.
If it’s raining, snowing, or 100 degrees outside, you can still get where you need to go in a car. You’re not as fortunate when it comes to public transport. Buses and trains can be delayed or canceled due to weather conditions. You could end up stranded at the bus stop or train station.
Here’s How Acura of Tempe Can Help!
Acura of Tempe, serving Tempe, AZ, and the surrounding areas, is your source for all things Acura. We have a wide selection of new and pre-owned Acura models.
Our team of experts is here to help you find the perfect hybrid or EV for your needs. We’ll also be happy to help you with financing, trade-ins, and anything else you need.
Visit us today or schedule a test drive now!
DIY Guide to Buffing Out Car Paint Scratches
In the never-ending quest to maintain our cars in mint condition, many of us turn to buff out paint scratches. It’s a simple technique to make your car look shiny and new again. And you don’t need a lot of supplies or experience to do it!
In this blog post, Acura of Tempe, serving Tempe, AZ, will teach you how to buff out paint scratches on your car using DIY methods. So read on for all the details. Happy polishing!
Necessary Supplies:
You’ll need the following supplies:
- A soft cloth
- Water
- Baking soda
- A small bowl or container
- A toothbrush (optional)
Step One: Wetting the Scratched Area:
Start by wetting the scratched area with some water. It will help to loosen up any debris or dirt stuck in the scratch.
How to Do It?
- Use a soft cloth to wet the scratched area with water
- Be sure to use gentle pressure so as not to damage the paint further
Step Two: Applying Baking Soda:
Next, you’ll need to apply baking soda to the scratched area. Be careful not to take it in excessive quantities.
How to Do It?
- Use a small amount of baking soda on the wet cloth
- Gently rub it into the scratch using circular motions
- Do this for a minute or two to allow the baking soda to work its magic
Step Three: Wiping Away the Baking Soda:
It’s time to wipe away the baking soda from the surface of your car. Take a soft cloth, preferably a microfiber one, for best results.
How to Do It?
- Use the damp cloth to wipe away any excess baking soda
- You should see the scratch start to disappear
Step Four: Scrub with a Toothbrush:
If the scratch is still visible, try scrubbing it with a toothbrush. It is essential to use a soft-tipped toothbrush and avoid using one with hard bristles, which could cause further damage to your car’s surface.
How to Do It?
- Dip the toothbrush in some water
- Gently scrub the scratched area with the toothbrush.
Step Five: Rinse the Area:
Once you’ve scrubbed the scratch with a toothbrush, it’s time to rinse the surface. It is an important step as it will reveal your success.
How to Do It?
- Rinse the area with water
- It will help remove any residue and restore shine to the paint.
Step Six: Drying the Area:
Drying is the final process in this scratch removal guide. Ensure your car surface is completely dry to check your handy work.
How to Do It?
- Use a dry cloth to wipe away any remaining moisture.
- Give the area a final inspection to ensure the scratch is completely gone.
Step Seven: Repeat as Needed:
If, after the process, the scratch is still there, you’ll have to redo the process again to get a clear finish.
How to Do It?
- Repeat steps two and three if the scratch is still visible until it’s completely gone.
- Then, give the area a final wipe with the damp cloth to remove any residue.
So there you have it, our DIY guide to buffing out paint scratches from your car. We hope this was helpful and that you feel more confident tackling this project yourself.
If you’re in Tempe, AZ, and have any problems, contact us at Acura of Tempe, we would be happy to help. In the meantime, we suggest scheduling a service appointment. Also, check our service department for further details. Thanks for reading!
6 Ways To Stop Your Car’s Windows From Fogging Up!
When the weather turns humid and wet, one of the first signs that your drive is going to be irritating is when your car windows start to fog up on the inside. This can make it difficult to see while driving and be a safety hazard. But thankfully, there’re a few things you can do to help stop your car windows from fogging up.
In this post, Acura of Tempe will explain what causes your car windows to fog up and provide some tips for keeping them clear. Read on to learn more!
Car Window Fog Up: How It Happens!
When the temperature outside is mild, and the humidity is high, the moisture in the air condenses on your car windows. This happens because cold glass is much cooler than the air around it, so when humid air hits it, the water vapor in that air turns into liquid water. When this happens on a small scale, you see it as “fog.”
There’re a few things that can make this problem worse. If you have any cracks or holes in your car windows, that will allow more moisture to get in. And if you have anything blocking your vents, like leaves or dirt, that can also contribute to window fogging.
And, of course, air conditioning!
Tips To Prevent Your Ride Windows from Fogging Up
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Clean Your Windows:
The very first step is to make sure your windows are clean. Suppose there’s any dirt, grime, or insects on your windows. In that case, that can create a barrier that prevents the moisture from evaporating properly.
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Change Your AC Settings:
You can also try and tweak the settings on your air conditioning. If you have the AC set to “recirculate,” that will cause the moist air to circulate inside your car. Instead, try setting it to “vent” or “outside air.” That way, you’ll be bringing in fresh, dry air from outside, which will help keep your windows clear.
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Crack Your Windows:
Another simple solution is to crack your windows (just a little!) when you start driving. This will allow some moist air to escape and should help keep your windows clear.
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Use a Defroster:
If you have a rear window defroster, make sure to use it! The heat from the defroster will help dry out the air inside your car and should keep your windows fog-free.
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Wipe Down Your Windows:
Finally, one of the ideal ways to prevent your windows from fogging from the AC is to pull to the curb & wipe them down before you resume driving. Use a clean cloth (or even some paper towels) to wipe away any dirt, grime, or moisture on your windows. That way, there’s nothing for the fog to cling to!
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Shaving Cream:
Suppose you’re in a shackle and need to quickly de-fog your windows. In that case, shaving cream is an unlikely but effective solution. Just apply a slim layer of shaving cream to your windows and wipe it away. The razor-sharp chemicals in the shaving cream will help break up the water molecules that are causing the fog.
If your windows are fogging up more often than they should, it could signify an issue with the windshield. Please bring it to a professional mechanic to get their opinion and figure out the best way to fix the problem.
Acura of Tempe, serving Tempe, AZ, is your go-to car dealership for all things Acura. We’ve got you covered, from new and used models to financing and maintenance.
Come see us today or contact us to learn more!
The Coolest Car Tech Features Coming Soon!
The world of new cars is filled with advancing technology, and it can be a little intimidating when you try to shortlist your options. If you happen to be one of the curious ones and want to know which future tech integrations you can opt to include in your car, we bring you the top 5 future car tech features that will soon become a reality.
Health and Wellness Tracker
It’s only a matter of time when all the health tracking features of your smartphones and gadgets are integrated into your car. Several carmakers are already testing health and wellness tracking features in their vehicles. For example, Mercedes-Benz has developed an “Energizing” feature that uses biometric sensors to track a driver’s heart rate, breathing, and stress level. Furthermore, the future tech will enable setting up health and wellness trackers and goals.
Hyper-Connectivity
Today, the navigation system allows us to reach our destination and move from one location to another. But when we talk about the future, vehicles will be equipped with hyper-connectivity where they will be able to connect with each other. Cars will be able to automatically reroute themselves based on real-time traffic conditions and even make suggestions for alternative routes that we might not have thought of ourselves.
AI Assimilation
Data, connectivity, and AI, when brought together, will enable the vehicles of the future to become more autonomous. More than just self-driving, these cars will be able to take control of all the components and make decisions for the driver. Not only this, but as vehicles become more connected to the internet, they will be able to communicate to avoid accidents and optimize routes. In short, the future of car technology is likely to have a profound impact on our daily lives.
Surround View-Camera
With its 360-degree view, this camera gives a complete idea of your surroundings, so you never have to worry about what’s behind you again. With this camera, you can see everything around you, making it easier to avoid accidents. The best part about the surround-view camera is that it’s totally unobtrusive; it doesn’t get in the way of your driving or take up any extra space.
Blind-Spot Monitoring
Blind spots make us vulnerable while driving, and future tech innovators understand this. The blind-spot monitoring system has been around for some time, but it’s not surprising that this technology, like other car technology, keeps improving with time. Now, they can help ensure the safety of the pedestrians and animals by warning the driver about their presence.
If you’re in the market for a new car, there’s no need to wait any longer. Come and see us at Acura of Tempe, serving Tempe, AZ, and take advantage of our current lease offers on some of the latest Acura vehicles fitted with brand-new technology – you’ll be sure to enjoy every minute behind the wheel. We also have a wide variety of models to choose from, so you’re sure to find the perfect one for your needs.
What’s The Right Way To Test Drive a Used Car?
Have you ever been car shopping and test driving new cars? It’s so much fun! But what about when you’re looking for a used car? Should you still test drive it? Absolutely! It’s even more essential to do a thorough test drive when buying a new and used car. Here are some tips by Acura of Tempe to help make the process smoother.
Plan Ahead
You’ll want to take note of the make and model of the car you’re interested in and any specific features or accessories you’re looking for. This will help your dealer locate the right car for you to test drive.
Inspect the Vehicle Before Getting Behind The Wheel
When you approach the car, take a good look at it. Does it have any dents or scratches? Does the paint look faded in places? Are the tires in good condition?
If there are any obvious problems with the car’s exterior, then it’s probably not worth taking it for a test drive.
A problem like flat tires or a smoking engine is also there in used cars.
Take Your Time
A test drive is not a race. It’s an opportunity for you to get a feel for the car and see how it handles different situations. So take your time and get to know the car.
Ask Questions
If you have any questions about the car, ask your dealer before you leave. They should be able to answer any questions you have about the vehicle.
Check All The Controls
Once you’re in the driver’s seat, check that all the controls are working properly. This includes turn signals, windshield wipers, headlights, and brake lights.
Check The Comfort Level
Adjust the seat, mirrors, & steering wheel to see if they are comfortable for you. You will be spending a lot of time in this car, so make sure it’s comfortable for you.
Test The Car In Different Situations
Once you’re on the road, try out the car in different situations. This includes acceleration, braking, turning, and reversing. Pay attention to how the car feels in each situation.
Pay Attention To Any Strange Noises Or Smells
If you hear any strange noises or notice any strange smells coming from the car, be sure to mention it to your dealer. These could be signs of potential problems with the car.
Take A Friend Or Car Expert With You
If you’re unsure about something, it’s always good to take someone with you who knows more about cars. They may be able to spot something you missed.
Now that you know how to test drive a used car, it’s time to start shopping! Be sure to keep these tips in mind, and you’ll end up buying your dream car.
So, if you’re looking for new and used cars in Tempe, Acura of Tempe is your go-to car dealership to find the best deals on used cars. Our customer service is also excellent, and our experts are always here to guide you! So what are you waiting for? Explore our used car inventory now!
Acura of Tempe, serving Tempe, AZ, will surely find the best deal for you!
Improving Mileage – The Dream Of Every Car Owner!
Your driving skills and style directly impact your car’s fuel economy. Speeding and accelerating quickly from a stop increases gas consumption, however, planning an efficient journey and staying below the speed limit will help you get more mileage out of a gasoline tank.
The car experts from Acura of Tempe list down these five suggestions to improve your gas mileage. You may save money by stopping at fewer gas stations.
Check tire pressure:
A recent survey shows that 60-80 per cent of the vehicles on the road have underinflated tires. This means hundreds of dollars are lost annually due to fuel waste.
Plus, low air pressure causes premature tire wear, shortening the tires’ life. Check your tire’s air pressure with a digital gauge for best results.
Maintain the recommended PSI as specified in your owner’s handbook. Every month, check the pressure and make any necessary adjustments.
Are you tired of worn-out tires? Need new tires? Trust Acura dealership. Professionals at Acura of Tempe will assist you in choosing the best tires for your vehicle, driving style, and road conditions.
Take everything out of the trunk:
Maybe it’s time to clear out your trunk. You may rapidly improve your car’s fuel economy by lowering its weight.
Fuel efficiency drops 1 to 2 per cent for every 10 pounds.
Removing excess weight will also put less stress on the rest of your vehicle’s components and systems.
Go easy on your brakes:
If you drive with your left foot consistently on the brakes, you’re causing more harm than you realise. To begin, you rapidly wear down the brake pads and rotors. Second, you place a load on your vehicle’s system by forcing tons of weight to stop all the time. Finally, your passengers will have a more comfortable trip!
Come in for an assessment of your brake pads, discs, and rotors if you believe they aren’t operating as they should.
Replace any dirty air filters.
Consider the air filter in your engine to be a vacuum. When the vacuum bag is full of dirt or obstruction, cleaning or changing it will restore the suction ability to its former level! Similarly, if your engine’s air filter is clogged with dirt, it will have to work considerably harder to get air into the fuel mixture. Updating your engine air filter can immediately improve your car’s fuel economy!
Idling? Consider shutting down the engine!
Simply turning off the engine while idle is an easy way to improve your gas mileage. Of course, this requires more than 30 seconds of sitting at a long stoplight.
Some new automobiles, for this purpose, cut off the engine after a few seconds of idle! Another intriguing fact is that you will not need to warm up your engine before driving – this is a myth that wastes gas!
Use the suggestions above to improve your gas mileage and reduce your trips to the gas station. Would you prefer to buy a new Acura car with better mileage?
Contact Acura of Tempe, serving Tempe, AZ, today for the best deals today!
And don’t forget to book with us for a mileage enhancing service!
You’ve probably been wondering how long you have to wait before you can trade-in your car that’s still under financing. You might be hoping to upgrade to a newer car sooner rather than later. But is this possible? And if so, what are the implications? This blog post answers all your trade-in car queries. Read on to learn more!
Can You Trade in a Financed Car? The Short Answer
The quick answer is yes; you can trade-in your financed car. However, there are a few things that you need to take into account before doing so. This includes your remaining amount and your vehicle’s trade-in value.
When Can You Trade in Your Car?
You can trade-in your car at any point during the finance agreement. However, it is worth noting that you might not get the same amount of money for your car if you trade it in early on. This is because the car value depreciates since you first bought it.
If you want to trade-in your car before the end of the finance agreement, you will need to pay off the remaining balance first. You can do this by taking out a new loan, using savings, or paying it off.
Once you clear the remaining balance, you can trade your car like-for-like. This means that you can only trade-in your vehicle for another vehicle and not for cash.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Trading in Your Car
There are a few advantages and disadvantages of trading in your car early. These include:
Advantages:
- You can get a new car sooner than if you waited until the end of the finance agreement
- You might get better deals on your new vehicle if you trade in your old one
Disadvantages:
- You might not get as much money for your old car as if you sold it privately.
- You’re required to pay an early settlement fee to the finance company
- You might be charged interest on the remaining balance of your old car loan
How to Trade in Your Car Early
When you want to trade in your car early, there are a few things you need to do. First, you need to find out your car’s trade-in value.
Once you know what your car is worth, you need to find a dealer willing to take it in as part exchange. Not all dealers will accept cars on finance, so it’s worth doing your research to find one that does.
When you’ve found a dealer, you need to negotiate a reasonable price for your new car. Be sure to factor in the value of your old car when negotiating to avoid paying more than you need to.
Ready to trade in your financed car? Our team at Acura of Tempe, serving Tempe, AZ, is here to help make the process as smooth and easy as possible for you. We want to ensure that you get the best value for your car, so we offer thorough inspections and evaluations to give you an accurate estimate of its worth. Please schedule an appointment today, and let us help you through every step of the process!
If you’re a car owner, there’s a good chance you’ll experience an overheating car at some point. It’s a scary feeling, but you can handle the situation like a pro with the proper knowledge and precautions.
In this post, Acura of Tempe will outline what to do when your car overheats and some preventative measures to keep your engine running smoothly. Thanks for reading!
Car Overheat: What Is It?
Your engine comprises many moving parts that generate heat as they work. The cooling system keeps the car’s engine from overheating by circulating coolant through radiator hoses and the engine block.
If the cooling system isn’t working properly, the engine will overheat. The cooling system itself is a closed-loop, so if there is a leak, the coolant level will drop and needs to be refilled.
How To Figure Out If Your Car Is Overheating?
There are several ways to tell if your car is overheating. The most obvious sign is the temperature gauge on the dash, which should be in the normal range. If it starts to climb into the red zone, that indicates that the engine is getting too hot.
Another way to tell is by looking at the temperature of the radiator hoses. If they feel hot to the touch, that means coolant is circulating through them, and they’re doing their job. However, if one of the hoses feels cooler than the other, that could indicate a problem.
What to Do When Your Car Overheats
If your car starts to overheat, here’s what you can do:
- Pullover to a safe location and turn off the engine.
- Let your ride cool down for a few minutes before opening the hood.
- Check the radiator to see if it needs water or coolant.
- Once your engine has cooled, check the oil level and add oil if necessary.
- If your car continues to overheat, call a tow truck and have it towed to a nearby service station or dealership for repairs.
Preventative Measures
To prevent your automobile from overheating, here are some tips:
- Check the radiator regularly and add coolant or water as needed. A radiator flush can also be helpful.
- In summers, park in the shade and allow the vehicle to cool.
- Never pull off the radiator cap while the engine is hot. This can cause serious burns.
- Have your car’s cooling system checked regularly by a mechanic.
- Check hoses and clamps for leaks and wear and replace as needed.
- Keep your engine dirt-free and free of debris.
- Have your cooling system serviced every 30,000 miles or so by a qualified mechanic & bleed the brakes regularly.
- Keep an eye on your engine’s temp gauge and stop driving if it gets too hot.
- Avoid idling for long periods.
If you follow these simple tips, you can help prevent your car from overheating and breaking down. However, if your car does overheat, remember to pull over and turn off the engine as soon as possible. Then, call a local tow truck to have it towed to a nearby service station or dealership for repairs.
If your car is giving you heat-up troubles or you need a tune-up, our skilled technicians can help. We offer a huge range of automotive services, from simple oil changes to more complex engine repairs. Acura Of Tempe, serving Tempe, AZ, is your one-stop-shop for all your automotive needs.
Contact us today or schedule an appointment.
Vehicle Trim Level – What is it Exactly?
If you’re like most people, the word “trim” probably doesn’t mean much to you. That’s because it’s one of those automotive terms used pretty frequently but not understood by the average person. In this blog post, our car experts at Acura of Tempe will look at trim levels and what they represent for car owners in general and Acura buyers in particular.
So, if you’re curious about what all the fuss is about, read on! We promise that you’ll better understand vehicle trim levels and why they matter by the end of this blog post.
What is Trim Level?
A vehicle’s trim level is the specific version of a model of that vehicle. A car can be available in multiple trim levels, usually identified by letters and numbers. The trim level often denotes the features and options included with that model.
Acura’s Trim Levels
Vehicle trim level is fundamental when buying a new or used car. There are different trim levels of Acura; here are some examples of Acura’s various trim levels:
ILX
The entry-level ILX comes with a four-cylinder engine, automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive. Standard features include LED headlights, power front seats, keyless ignition and entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration.
TLX
The midlevel TLX comes with a V6 engine, front-wheel drive, and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Standard features include 18-inch wheels, heated mirrors, driver-seat memory functions, a sunroof, an upgraded infotainment system, and front and rear parking sensors.
RLX
The top-of-the-line RLX comes with a V6 engine, all-wheel drive, and a 10-speed automatic transmission. Standard features include 19-inch wheels, adaptive suspension dampers, heated and ventilated front seats, a head-up display, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and an upgraded infotainment system with navigation.
Why is Trim Level Important?
Different trim levels offer additional features, so deciding what’s most important to you in a vehicle before choosing which trim level to buy is essential. Trim levels can also affect a vehicle’s price, so consider that.
Acura offers a wide range of vehicle trim levels to choose from, so you’ll find one perfect for you. Visit your local Acura dealer today to learn more about the different trim levels available on our vehicles.
Our Final Thoughts
If you’re curious about the trim levels of a particular car make and model, or if you want to know more about what those letters and numbers mean, we can help. Acura of Tempe is here to answer all your questions and give you all the information you need to choose the perfect vehicle for your needs.
So, whether you’re in the market to buy your favorite new Acura trim or just curious about what goes into making one, stop by our dealership serving Tempe, AZ, today and let us show you around. And don’t forget – we always offer free service loaners so you can get your car serviced without having to wait!
Schedule an appointment today and see why Acura of Tempe is the best place to be.
Telltale Signs Your Car Needs New Spark Plugs
Running late in the mornings because you can’t get your car to start? Is your vehicle losing power when you’re driving up a hill? Or maybe you’ve noticed that your car isn’t running as smoothly as it used to. If you’ve been experiencing these problems, it might be time to change your spark plugs.
If you’re interested in learning the why’s and how’s of changing your car’s spark plugs, stay with us as our car experts lay it out for you.
Cars Display Symptoms:
It’s a fine day, and suddenly your car starts to splutter and choke just as you’re about to overtake a truck. You press down on the accelerator, but the car doesn’t respond, and you’re stuck behind the truck until it finally pulls over to let you pass. You heave a sigh of relief and make a mental note to get your car checked out as soon as possible.
If your car is starting to show any of the following symptoms, it’s time to change your spark plugs:
Taking Longer to Start:
Frustratingly, you turn the key in the ignition, but your car doesn’t start right away. You wait for a few seconds and try again, but it’s still not working. This problem is usually caused by fouled or damaged spark plugs.
Bad Fuel Economy:
You’ve been driving the same route to work for months, and you know exactly how much fuel you require to get there and back. But lately, you’ve noticed that you have to stop for fuel more often than usual. It could signify that your spark plugs are worn out and need to be replaced.
Reduced Engine Power:
Remember when you were driving up a hill, and your car suddenly lost power? It could be because spark plugs that are too old and can’t fire properly, resulting in a loss of power. It’s important to note that once a car starts showing engine problems, it can quickly lead to other, more severe issues. So, if you notice any reduction in your car’s engine power, be sure to check with an experienced mechanic as soon as possible.
Increased Engine Emissions:
There’s enough pollution in the world without your car adding to it. If you’ve noticed that your car’s exhaust is darker than usual or there’s an unusual amount of smoke, it could be a sign that your spark plugs need to be replaced. Emissions can also mean that your engine isn’t burning fuel as efficiently as it should be.
The Engine Check Light is on:
This one’s fairly self-explanatory. If the engine check light on your dash is lit up, there’s a problem with your engine. It could be several things, but one possibility is that it’s time for you to get new spark plugs.
Bottom Line:
If your car hesitates or has a low idle, it might be time for some new spark plugs. You can order new spark plugs from the Acura parts store and have them installed by one of our certified technicians at Acura of Tempe, serving Tempe, AZ.
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