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Regular maintenance is crucial to keep your car safe, reliable, and fuel-efficient. The following tips will ensure that you can rely on your vehicle to get you where you need to go! 1. Familiarize Yourself with Your Owner's Manual All the information about your specific model is in your owner's manual. The manual contains detailed information on the basic operating commands, features, warning lights, the right oil to use, tire pressure, and so much more. The factory-recommended maintenance schedule and service interval information in your owner's manual will help you to keep your Acura in tip-top condition. more 2. Stick to the Maintenance Schedule This is the most important maintenance tip we can offer you. If you regularly service your Acura at the factory-recommended intervals, your car will perform at its best. With regular maintenance, your vehicle will be reliable, fuel-efficient, last longer, and be safe on the road. You’ll have peace of mind that your car’s in good condition and save money on unexpected and costly repairs. 3. Replace the Oil and Filter at the Recommended Intervals Engine oil keeps the moving parts lubricated and running smoothly. It reduces friction that causes wear and helps to keep your vehicle's engine clean. The oil and filter need to be replaced at regular intervals to avoid damage. The generally recommended oil and filter replacement for your Acura is every 7,500 miles or every six months, whichever comes first. Road and weather conditions, driving habits, towing, and driving in heavy traffic also play a role in how often your vehicle will need an oil and filter replacement. Check your owner's manual for the specific oil and filter replacement intervals for your model or speak to your technician for assistance. 4. Use the Right Oil The right engine oil for your vehicle is just as important as regular oil and filter replacements. For your vehicle's engine to run smoothly, Acura recommends referring to your owner’s manual to determine the oil specifically designed for your Acura. Top-quality oil, available at your dealership, will protect and keep your engine clean, increase fuel efficiency, and ensure optimal performance. 5. Insist on Genuine Acura Parts When you need replacement parts, always insist on genuine Acura parts specifically engineered and manufactured to fit your vehicle perfectly. Genuine Acura parts are corrosion-resistant and tested for reliability, durability, and safety. The Parts Center at your dealership stock a wide range of genuine Acura parts, and the parts specialists will assist you in finding the correct part for your vehicle. 6. Quality Maintenance Counts It's crucial to maintain your vehicle regularly. It's just as important to make use of quality maintenance services. If you take your vehicle to your Acura dealership for routine maintenance, you can rest assured that your car is in expert hands. The highly trained and knowledgeable professionals at your dealership know what is best for your vehicle to keep it in tip-top condition. Factory-trained Acura technicians perform quality maintenance services using advanced technology, equipment, and genuine Acura parts. Regular maintenance performed by trained Acura technicians will save you money on fuel and costly repairs. You’ll drive your car with confidence, knowing that it won’t let you down. Visit FOX Acura of El Paso today – our technicians perform top-quality maintenance services to keep your vehicle in excellent running condition. Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

If you've ever lifted the hood of your vehicle after you've driven it for a while, you know how hot your engine gets. To prevent your vehicle's engine from overheating, the radiator sends coolant through it and keeps it at a constant temperature. However, if the radiator malfunctions and the engine overheats, you could be looking at major (and expensive) repairs. Know the warning signs that your car needs a radiator repair to avoid a more serious situation. more Your Car Overheats This is, of course, the most obvious sign of a radiator issue, and if your engine is overheating, you need to stop driving it immediately and allow it to cool down. The sign of an overheated engine is white steam pouring from under the hood. If you continue driving while your car is overheating, you could cause the engine to seize or the piston to melt and fuse with the cylinder, meaning you'll need a new engine. Your Temperature Gauge Climbs On your dashboard instrument panel, there's a temperature gauge that typically indicates your engine's temperature is about midway between cold and hot after your car has warmed up. It should never climb above the middle unless something is wrong. If your temperature gauge needle is climbing toward the hot end of the gauge - get your radiator inspected immediately. You might just need more coolant, but you don't want to cause any permanent damage by driving it while overheated. Your Radiator Shows Signs of Rust The radiator in your car is made of metal, so if it comes into prolonged contact with moisture, it will rust. If you see rust on your radiator, it's possible that there is a leak in the radiator hose or in the radiator itself. The leak allows the coolant to squirt out of the hole and onto the radiator. Even though the fluid will burn off quickly due to the heat, it will leave moisture spots that will rust. You See Colorful Fluid Leaking From Your Car Coolant is usually brightly colored, so if you notice a bright green, yellow, or pink fluid under your car, you probably have a coolant leak. Again, this could be from the radiator hose or the radiator itself, but it needs to be addressed before all your coolant leaks out and your car overheats. Not only this, but coolant is what prevents your engine from freezing up in the winter - so it's not just something that's important in hot weather. Your Coolant Levels Are Low You should be checking your coolant level (and that of other fluids) regularly, which can alert you of problems if the level is low. While you'll see a pool of colorful fluid on the ground if you have an external leak, the only indication of an internal coolant leak is a lower-than-normal level of coolant. Add an adequate amount of coolant to your radiator, but also bring it in to a service center soon to find and repair the leak. These five signs of a radiator problem will give you an early indication that you need to get your vehicle into a service center right away for a radiator inspection. If you've noticed any of these issues, contact Fox Acura of El Paso for an appointment and we'll get you back on the road in no time!

While many drivers already know that it is of utmost importance to regularly service their vehicles, some solely depend on their cars' mileage to tell them when it's time for a service appointment. Apart from the scheduled appointments, there are some tell-tale signs that your vehicle will give to let you know that it is time to make an Acura service appointment. 1. If Oil is Dark or Levels Are Low One way to tell it's time for vehicle service is by visually checking the oil level. By taking a few moments now and then to check your oil, you can know how much of it is left. The dipstick measurements will help you gauge if you need an Acura service appointment or not. more Also, checking the color of the oil can tell you if it needs changing. There can be enough oil left, but if it is dark, this is a sign that you need to have it changed. The color of clean oil is amber and transparent. A dark and cloudy appearance on the oil is a green light for a service appointment. 2. If the Engine Becomes Too Noisy An engine makes noises; that is a fact. But these noises in excess mean that all is not well under the hood. The vehicle's oil provides a thin protective layer to the engine parts such that when they move, they do not come into direct contact with each other. When the oil becomes worn out, or there is not enough of it, the oil can no longer do its job effectively. When this happens, you will start to hear loud noises from the engine caused by grinding and knocking of the engine parts to each other. To prevent more complex repairs in the future, you should make a quick service appointment with an Acura dealership shop. 3. Excess Exhaust Smoke The exhaust pipe back there is expected to emit some little translucent vapor. However, you should be very concerned when the tailpipe starts coughing out excessive or colored smoke. This could mean a series of problems – it could be the oil is leaking or there are some faulty engine parts. This is a sign that you need a service appointment. 4. Excessive Fuel Consumption Have you noticed a change in your gas mileage? While various aspects of your vehicle may explain the poor fuel economy, all of them point towards a problem with your car that needs to be addressed. When your car is running on old or insufficient oil, that means the engine is not getting enough lubrication. To produce the same performance you are used to, the engine will have to work extra hard; that performance will mean excessive gas consumption. Schedule a service with your nearest Acura dealership to have the oil checked, and your vehicle serviced. See if the fuel economy improves. One of these signs is enough reason for you to schedule a service visit to have your vehicle checked. Contact Fox Acura of El Paso today to schedule your car service appointment. Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

Keep your investment looking new and dashing for as long as possible with the tips listed below! By protecting your paint job, you’ll increase your vehicle’s resale value. Find out how easy it is to take care of your car’s paint job below! Get it Pressure Washed Salt and road dirt build up on the undercarriage of the car when you drive on snowy, icy roads during the winter months. This is nearly impossible to see but can break loose as you're driving and move around to other parts of the car. If this occurs, it can cause significant damage to your vehicle. more When there is a break between snowstorms, head to a car wash for a pressure wash service. Make sure to add the undercarriage wash to get rid of salt and grime, since this area is hard to reach. Washing your car regularly is another easy way to protect the paint, especially throughout the colder months of the year. Apply a Protective Layer When the temperatures drop, many people put on gloves to protect their hands from the harsh conditions. Your vehicle needs similar protection from the elements, and a coat of wax is the perfect option. There are several choices on the market, from wax products that have a glossy, shiny finish to those that offer a matte look, spray-on to wipe-on, and everything in between. Find the product that works best for you and that you'll actually use it since it won't do you much good sitting in your garage all winter. A coat of wax helps to protect the paint from sleet, rain, snow, salt, and other grime on the roads. Reconsider Your Ice Scraper Getting ice off your car is a safety concern that must happen before you drive, but hard plastic scrapers can cause damage to painted areas if your hand slips. Instead of one of these, opt for a soft-bristled or foam brush to gently wipe away snow and ice. In order to melt the ice, turn on the defrost system in the car to get the temperature up since this will make it easier to sweep away the frosty parts instead of scraping vigorously. Take Protection a Step Further If a coating of wax isn't doing enough to protect your paint job, you may want to invest in an auto paint protection film that covers the exterior of your vehicle. Often referred to as a clear bra, this film goes on transparent and protects the paint from chips, dings, dents, and other damage. The most common areas to apply it are around the headlights and front bumper since these tend to take a lot of abuse when tires kick up rocks and other debris from the road. Keep your car's paint looking nice and new by following these simple tips, no matter what season is coming! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

As the saying goes, "better safe than sorry" - and that pertains just as much to your vehicle. If you hope to get the most out of your investment, prevention is a key factor - staying on top of regular services can extend the lifetime of your vehicle by years. Read on for some of the warning signs that signal you may need to make an appointment with a service center. Smells If you have ever been in your car and smelled something like rotten eggs or gas, your vehicle may need some serious maintenance. Most of the time, if you can smell something coming from under the hood of your car or from the vents, you should get your car checked. If the smell is of gas, you could smell a gas leak coming from underneath your car, which causes a fire hazard. more Burning smells are a sign that your brakes need changing or that you need a new clutch. No matter what the smell is, if it's not something you normally smell - you should have it checked. Warning Lights on Your Dash The lights on your dash are often overlooked. If any of the maintenance lights come on, you could have one of many issues occurring with your car that ought to be looked at right away. Even if the vehicle is operating like normal when the light comes on, that doesn't mean there isn't an issue - there simply may not be measurable effects, yet. The issue just hasn't become bad enough for your car to break down. A battery light could be a problem with the car's alternator or any of the other electrical components. If any of these components give out while you're driving, your car will die and leave you stranded wherever you are at that time. Your best choice is to have it checked out, no matter which light comes on. Preventive Maintenance Preventive maintenance covers everything that you can do before a problem occurs. If you take care of this maintenance on a regular basis, you shouldn't have any issues with your vehicle for a very long time. These consist of oil and oil filters, air filters, brake pads, shock absorbers, and more. Typically, your vehicle's owner's manual will have a schedule for you to follow to keep up with your regular maintenance. Engine Noise You should know what it sounds like when you start your car and what it generally sounds like while you are driving down the road. If the noises start changing and you start hearing a squealing noise, you may have an issue with the alternator or a belt. Noises that sound like a knocking sound might be an issue with the valvetrain. If you hear a strange noise, it would be wise to get it looked at by a mechanic to find out what it might be. If you can smell, hear, see, or if you just feel like something is off, a trip to the mechanic would be your best bet. Making sure that you won't end up stranded is always the best choice, and that means ensuring that your vehicle receives the proper maintenance when it is needed. Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

Sand — it's irritating and it gets everywhere. Once it makes its way into your car, it can be a pain to remove. Whether you're spending a day at White Sands or trying to close your car door before the sandstorm gets through, it's difficult to completely avoid sand in your car in El Paso, Texas. Here are a few tips on how to remove pesky sand from your vehicle: Rinse Sandy Undercarriages Sand can accumulate in your vehicle's undercarriage and work its way into vulnerable areas to erode them. With enough sand and time, your car could be damaged and put a dent in your wallet. more It's important to clean your vehicle's undercarriage to avoid this buildup. Many automated car washes offer cleaning services that tackle the undercarriage. If you want to save a few dollars, stick a lawn sprinkler under your car to rinse off some of the sand. Vacuum Your Carpets Fine sand can work its way deep into your vehicle's carpets. This sand can be difficult to remove once it's embedded itself, but with enough work, you should be able to get most of it out. Home vacuums suck — but not enough. If you use one, use an attachment that focuses the area of suction and work your way through every square inch of carpeting. Better yet, see if you can get your hands on a Shop-Vac or find a heavy-duty vacuum at a reliable car wash to get the sand out of your carpets. Beat your floor mats senseless against a wall to knock as much of the sand out as you can. Don't Get It Wet Whatever you do, don't use water on your carpets until you get the sand out. Getting sand wet only helps it establish itself as a permanent resident of your carpet. Use Tape on the Seats When sand gets caught in the grooves and cracks in your seats, you can use tape to remove when your vacuum couldn't. Putty works as well, but avoid using anything too sticky on higher-quality upholstery. We suggest using masking tape or painter's tape to remove sand from hard-to-reach crevices. Use a Brush To loosen sand that's been embedded into your carpets and cloth seats, use a wire bristle brush or horse-hair brush. This technique will help loosen up stubborn sand from your fabrics, making it easier to vacuum up. Don't Wait The longer you procrastinate cleaning your vehicle after a bad sandstorm, the more time you'll have to spend cleaning it. As you move about the vehicle, the sand gets pushed further into your carpets and crevices in your seats. Do yourself a favor and try to clean the sand out of your car as soon as you can. Implement these tips to bring your car back to its glorious former self after a sandy excursion. El Paso is a dusty and sandy place, but as long as you stay one step ahead of it, you should be able to keep your car looking great. Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

If you need to jump start your car more than once in a short period, you may need to replace your battery! Stop by Fox Acura of El Paso and let our friendly auto technicians take a look.

Your car engine is a work of art and ingenious design. Using hundreds of components, it gets you to your destination just by pushing a pedal to the floor. Unfortunately, its strong performance can't last forever, and one day, you may be driving only to notice your temperature gauge shoot to "H" and steam or smoke billowing from under the hood. Even with proper maintenance, these problems aren't always preventable. By knowing what causes them, you can have a better idea of how to amend the problem at the right price. Cracked Radiator A radiator is one of the most vital aspects under the hood of your car, and it's the first place you should check if you notice your engine overheating. However, it's important to understand the role that a radiator plays in keeping your engine at optimal temperatures. more Without getting into mechanical jargon, think of a radiator as a type of heat exchanger. It helps circulate a liquid coolant through the engine. This coolant then heats up and is only cooled by air that passes through the grille into the radiator. If the radiator fails or gets a crack, the coolant leaks and can't cool the system properly. To see if your radiator is the problem, you can usually do a visual inspection. When you pop the hood, the radiator is closest to the grille and easily identified by the radiator cap on the top. Typically, you can find a crack along the top, but if not you may need to check the radiator fluid. Never open a radiator cap when the engine is hot or still running, as this can blow boiling hot liquid in your face. Instead, wait until the engine cools and top it off with coolant or antifreeze. If it's consistently running out of coolant, fill the radiator and take your car in for service. Water Pump A water pump works hand-in-hand with your radiator, forcing the coolant through the engine. When it breaks, the coolant has no pressure to run through the system, and your engine will overheat within a few minutes of running. Unfortunately, this problem isn't easy to diagnose, and while you can look underneath the car to see if it's leaking coolant, it's hard to differentiate between a faulty water pump and a leak in the radiator. Coolant Problems Even if your water pump and radiator reservoir are in tip-top condition, you can still have coolant problems that cause your engine to overheat. If you mix a coolant concentrate with the improper amount of water or you use the wrong coolant, you'll definitely see some engine problems. If you can, buy pre-mixed coolant to avoid a wrong mix. If you've already poured the wrong mix, bring it in for a coolant flush. An overheating engine is no laughing matter, causing you stress and time as long as it remains in disrepair. With FOX Acura of El Paso, you always have an expert mechanic that's ready to tackle the problem at the source. If you notice any of these problems, schedule a service appointment with us as soon as possible. temperature by wynpnt is licensed under CC BY 2.0

How a Car Battery Works Your vehicle uses tons of power to start the ignition and other accessories in your car. Because it drains so much energy, a normal battery couldn't handle the workload. Instead, vehicles use a rechargeable battery in conjunction with a charging system. Every battery has a pair of lead plates within the core, which are then immersed in a mix of distilled water and sulfuric acid. Each of the plates is connected to a terminal, which has a metal nub or attachment on the top, which you use to connect your battery cables. more The initial jolt of electricity when you start your car causes a chain reaction within the battery that generates electricity. To keep this process running continuously, the car uses an alternator which acts as a generator and is one of the main components of your car's electrical charging system. Powered by a belt, it uses an electromagnet to keep the battery powered and your charging system working properly. Battery Maintenance Unlike many other parts in your car, the battery doesn't require as much attention. However, you always need to pay attention to the lifespan of the battery you choose. Keep a mental note or write down the mileage of when you might need to replace it. When it gets close to the end of the battery's life, you may be able to prolong its usage by having an inspection. During this check, inspect the electrolyte level and the specific gravity. When these two aspects aren't right, it can cause significant problems even if the battery isn't close to its end. If you leave your lights on overnight, this may adversely affect the ability of the battery to power your vehicle. However, this doesn't necessarily mean that your battery is kaput. Instead, use an external charger or a jump from a friend's car to power the battery, then drive around for about 15 minutes. Hopefully, your battery will hold this charge and still have thousands of miles on it. If you return after the drive and your engine doesn't turn over or your accessories don't work, your battery was almost dead, to begin with, and a replacement is necessary. If you find that your battery isn't supplying the charge you need or you need to turn the key several times to start your vehicle, it could mean that it's time for a new battery. For excellent service and a quick battery change or diagnostic, schedule an appointment with our service department today. Image via Pixabay.com