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Loud Exhaust If your exhaust system is making an unusual amount of noise, this may be a sign that you have a break or crack in the exhaust pipes, or that you are at the risk of developing one. Another symptom of this problem is a pronounced hissing noise emanating from the exhaust, especially when the vehicle is accelerating. A cracked pipe can allow exhaust fumes to enter the cabin of the vehicle, so it’s very important to get this repaired at the dealership at the first sign of trouble. more Decrease in Vehicle Power A corroded exhaust pipe can lead to a leak, which in turn can cause performance issues to affect the vehicle. This is often due to the accumulation of rust, which may be the number one reason for damaged exhaust systems. When a corroded exhaust pipe breaks and leaks, the car may begin to experience a decrease in engine power, acceleration, and even fuel efficiency. You’ll have to fill up more often, costing you big at the pump. Hanging Exhaust Pipe This problem is easier to diagnose but may be more difficult to prevent. The roads that we drive on every day are occasionally cluttered with rocks and other loose debris, not to mention potholes, that may have a jarring effect on your vehicle. Additionally, the rubber brackets holding the exhaust pipes in place may degrade over time. The result is that you may experience pieces of the exhaust system hanging loose and dragging on the road. It is important to have this fixed right away to avoid further damage to the exhaust system. Wear and Tear The reality of car maintenance dictates that vehicle components break down over time. Unfortunately, they simply aren’t designed to last forever. As a result, you should have your exhaust system checked at a dealership at least every year or two, in order to diagnose potential problems that may have arisen through the simple wear and tear of daily driving. As with most mechanical issues affecting cars these days, there are a number of “home remedies” that an internet search would suggest you try. However, work on a vehicle’s exhaust system is best left to the qualified professionals at your dealership. Because exhaust fumes include carbon monoxide and can be very dangerous, you need to be one hundred percent certain that the problem has been fixed. Fortunately, the fully equipped service department at FOX Acura of El Paso is here to handle your car’s maintenance requirements. Image via Pixabay.com

1. Leak in the AC System If you have been using your car for a long time or pushing it to the max, you may put a lot of stress on it and cause some of its systems to work improperly, including the AC system. Old and overstrained cars are more likely to experience leaks in their AC systems, but the problem is usually unnoticeable at first. Instead, the AC unit will still work, but it will become less efficient over time. If you find your AC system is leaking, you should take your car to an auto repair shop instead of trying to fix the problem yourself. 2. Low Refrigerant Charge If you feel air coming out of your AC unit but it is not cold, it is probably just a low refrigerant charge. While this is a simple problem you can fix yourself, it requires some know-how and effort. If you are not familiar with the process, it is best to leave it in the hands of a mechanic. Even after you recharge the refrigerant, the air from your car AC may become increasingly warmer over time. When this happens, you should check the refrigerant levels before anything else. 3. Clogged Evaporator Driving your car in the city can increase the chances of your AC system becoming clogged because of the higher levels of traffic and pollution. As you continue to use your car to commute to work and run errands, there will come a time when your AC will begin to fail or even break down. A clogged evaporator is not easy to fix, especially if you own a European car. If you suspect you have a clogged evaporator, bring your car to a mechanic immediately. 4. Loose Drive Belt The drive belt can affect some of the components in your car, including the AC system. If it is loose, your AC will not work at its best. Fortunately, a loose drive belt is easy to identify, as it usually makes a loud screeching noise. Fixing this problem is an easy task for a mechanic, but you may find it challenging. Once you have repaired the drive belt, you can expect your car to sound better and your AC to work well again. In most cases, it is better to get a mechanic to fix your car AC than doing it yourself, unless you are good at fixing car problems. A good mechanic can properly diagnose and fix a problem to make sure it will not recur anytime soon. Image via Pixabay.com

Have you ever been driving along and all of a sudden your car starts to make a very loud noise? It could be squealing, screeching and just downright annoying. All you want to do is figure out why is your car making this noise and what does it mean for you? Whatever the case may be here are 5 mysterious sounds your car can make. 1. Squealing or Screeching Noise This noise usually occurs when you apply pressure to your brakes. It means that your brake pads are worn and bare metal is rubbing against bare metal. Also, your car manufacturer may have installed a brake wear indicator that emits a squealing noise when your brake pads need replacing. Therefore, you most likely need new brake pads and possible replacements of your brake rotors. This usually costs between $150 to $400 depending on your car model and how extensive the damages are. more 2. Hissing or Sizzling Under the Hood If this occurs when the engine is shut off, it means something is possibly leaking. It may be coolant or oil leaking onto a heated engine part that is creating the hissing or sizzling noise. The engine could also be overheating. 3. A Loud Bang If you hear a loud bang as you are driving along it may be your engine backfiring. This can occur if the air-fuel mixture is too rich. Some other reasons that your car may make this noise is if you need a new catalytic converter, your camshaft timing belt may have slipped, ignition timing needs adjusting, or your spark plugs are on the wrong wire. 4. Humming or Growling Noises While Driving If your car begins to make these noises, it most likely has something to do with your tires. Your car can begin to make these noises when you need new tires or new wheel bearings. You can do a quick test in order to determine which one needs to be fixed. If you move your wheel back and forth just a bit, like when you switch lanes while driving at a constant speed, listen to the pitch of the noise. If the pitch changes when moving back and forth and then returns when the car is going straight it means that you need new wheel bearings. This should be checked immediately because if your bearing splits apart then your wheel will not move anymore. 5. Humming or Whirring When these noises occur under your car it could mean a number of things. For instance, you may just need lubricant, or your transmission could possibly be failing. It really is impossible to determine just from the sound what could be wrong because it could mean a range of things. In conclusion, there are many noises that your car can make. Some are more subtle than others but even so you should not let your car continue to make noises. A small problem can become an even bigger problem when you continue to let it go unfixed. Image via Pixabay.com

Although it does not often happen, turn signal bulbs can burn out and need to be changed. Instead of going to the car dealership and waiting to get the bulb replaced (and paying for parts and labor), you can change the bulb yourself. Despite the subtle differences in vehicle makes and models, the steps for changing turn signal bulbs are similar. Before You Begin Prior to accessing the burned-out bulb, get everything you will need to change it. The last thing you want to do is start the process and then realize that you are missing something important. You will want your owner's manual, the necessary tools, and the type of bulb. It is also a good idea to have a cloth rag and safety gear, like goggles and gloves. You might want a wire brush nearby, too. more Step One: Get to the Bulb Once you have the manual, tools, and safety gear, the first step is to access the burned-out bulb. Most cars require going through the trunk or the tail light cover. The manual should tell you the best method of getting access to it. There will be bolts, screws, or clips holding the cover in place. If you have to access the front turn signal, you might have to go through the wheel well or under the hood. If you must remove any parts, be sure to keep them in a place that is easy to access. There is nothing wrong with labeling them. Step Two: Remove the Bulb Step two involves removing the bulb. They usually do not twist into place. Most have a quick-release system or a clip system. To keep your fingers safe in case the glass bulb breaks, use the rag or a pair of heavy duty work gloves to grab the bulb. Then, grab the bulb and pull it out. Step Three: Prep the Socket for a New Bulb Next, inspect the bulb and clean the socket. Once you have the bulb, take a look at it to see if there is any corrosion at the point where the bulb connects to the car. If there is, you might have an issue in the socket, which could prevent any bulb from working properly. This is a good time to use the wire brush to clean out corrosion or dirt. Do not scrub too hard because you do not want to damage the socket and contact points. Step Four: Install and Test the Bulb The final step is to install the new bulb and test it. Be sure you have the right bulb as even cars made by the same manufacturer can have different sizes and shapes. Insert the bulb into the socket and lock it into place. Before you close up the compartment, test the bulb by turning on hazard lights as well as the turn signal. If you have any questions or concerns about changing your turn signal bulbs, do not hesitate to contact us at Fox Acura. We can give you specific info about your Acura or help you slide behind the driver's wheel of a new car. Image via Pixabay.com

1. Overly Noisy Engine One of the first signs of exhaust problems that you should to pay attention to is if you have an excessively noisy engine. If you have a faulty exhaust manifold gasket, it will cause an exhaust leak that sounds like a hissing or tapping sound. The sound is especially loud during a cold start or when you accelerate the vehicle. more 2. Decreased Power and Acceleration If you have a problem with your exhaust, it will begin to affect the performance of your engine. You won't be able to accelerate as well or as quickly, and you won't get the same power when you do accelerate. This problem will continue to worsen if you do not address the exhaust leak. 3. Decreased Fuel Efficiency When your power and acceleration decrease, often the fuel efficiency of your vehicle also decreases. To get your car to function in the same way that it does without an exhaust problem, it has to work even harder, therefore using more fuel. You may think that the cost of replacing or fixing your exhaust is high, but you'll begin spending a lot more on gas if you don't get it fixed. 4. Burning Smell From the Engine Bay If your gasket fails and begins to leak near any engine wiring or any parts under the hood that are made of plastic, the heat from the exhaust gases could cause these parts to burn. Those burning parts then release a burning smell that can smell like a burning engine. It can also release a bit of smoke, but you shouldn't wait to see smoke before getting it checked out. If you begin to smell any burning or see any smoke you should have your vehicle checked immediately to avoid any risk of danger to yourself or your passengers. 5. Hanging Exhaust Pipe If your exhaust pipe is hanging or dragging on the ground, you should have it fixed immediately. If any part of the pipe breaks, even a part that does not cause a leak, it can begin to hang under the vehicle. The dragging is not only a danger to you, but if it falls off of the vehicle it becomes a danger to the drivers around you. 6. Gas Smell If you start to smell gas inside your car when you're driving, this may be a sign of exhaust problems. It is usually caused when one of the exhaust pipes or tubes gets damaged and starts to leak. When that happens, the fumes from the gasoline escape through any place they can. Sometimes, that place is in the cabin of your car. These are just a few ways to tell if your car is having exhaust problems. If you are at all concerned or you notice any of these symptoms in your vehicle, you should bring it to the dealer for a checkup or replacement. Image via Pixabay.com

Understand Why Wheel Detailing is Important Most people know that a good set of wheels is fun to show off. However, you may not realize how important it is to detail this area of your vehicle. A lot of the grime that builds up around the wheels and rims is actually dust from the brakes. This is corrosive material, and over time it will pit and corrode your wheels. A full detail of your wheels and rims should be done every two to three months for the best protection and maintenance. more Get the Right Tools and Products To make the cleaning affective, you need to have the right tools and products to keep your wheels clean and protected. You'll need automotive shampoo, detailing brushes, a wash mitt, and wheel cleaner. While these are standard for cleaning your car, other options that you may want to consider include a tar remover to help get rid of tar buildup around the rims, or a long-term durable sealant to keep your wheels protected. While it's not required, you may want to consider getting wheel polish to shine the wheels and rims. Start With a Wash The first thing you need to do is start with a basic wash of the wheel and rim areas. Lather up and scrub down the entire car, or focus only on this specific area. Using a sponge, brush, or mitt, rub down the area, making sure to get all the loose grime and dirt. If there are stuck-on areas, allow these to sit with some wheel gel, which will break it all down. Once you've made sure that all the particles are off the wheels and rims, give it another scrub for good measure. Get the Hard-to-Reach Spots One of the most commonly forgotten areas when detailing the wheels is the inner area. Make sure you scrub the back of the spokes and into the crevasses and small areas. Using a detailing brush, you can easily get into the difficult-to-reach areas, and ensure that they get clean. The back of the spokes is easy to miss, so make sure you spend some extra time ensuring you scrub it all. Rinse and Polish Once you've scrubbed all areas of the wheels and rims, rinse it all off. Make sure you rinse in those hard-to-reach spots as well, to get all the soap cleaned. After the area is rinsed, allow the wheels to dry, and apply your chosen polish and/or protectant. Detailing your wheels isn't a difficult process. It simply takes a little time and effort to ensure that your rims look great. Image via Pixabay.com

To work well, vehicles need regular maintenance. Different vehicles need different levels of maintenance. However, all automobiles need an oil change after about every 3,000 miles. No matter how tempted you may feel to skip an oil change, you should resist this temptation. Here is some information about why you should never skip oil changes for your vehicle. What Is the Purpose of Oil? Ask any driver about the purpose of oil and they will likely tell you that oil is necessary to keep a vehicle running well. While this answer is correct, it does not tell the entire story. The purpose of oil is to lubricate the vehicle's engine and help the transfer of heat from the engine. Oil circulates through the engine of the vehicle and lubricates its many components. All of these components play an important role in a vehicle's operation. As the oil moves through the engine, it also draws heat produced by the engine. Now that you know the purpose of oil, here are a few reasons why oil changes are so important. more 1. Thermal Breakdown With time, the high temperatures of the engine break down oil. This process is known as the thermal breakdown of oil, and it's because of this that oil loses its ability to lubricate the metal parts of the engine. Lack of lubrication increases the friction between the moving joints of the engine, causing the parts to wear prematurely. There is a limited amount of particles that oil can harbor. If you don't change the oil in your vehicle, the particles in the oil settle, thus leading to corrosion of the components of your vehicle's engine. 2. Sludge Buildup One major danger of skipping oil changes is sludge buildup. Old oil that starts to solidify or gel within an engine leads to sludge buildup. Once sludge builds up in an engine, the oil loses its ability to flow within the engine. This can lead to oil starvation to various components of the engine, such as the bearings, crankshafts, and camshafts. Over time, oil starvation will lead to major damage to the engine. In some cases, engine rebuilding or replacement could be needed because of sludge buildup. 3. Excess Heat Another reason you shouldn't skip oil changes is that it can lead to excess heat within the vehicle's engine. Oil helps keep the temperature of the engine under control. If there is excess heat within the engine, it will not run as efficiently. Over time, the excess heat will cause the components of the engine to wear and warp. Of course, the lack of lubrication will also speed up the wear of the engine's components. Many drivers don't realize the dangers of skipping oil changes. Even though it may seem harmless to skip an oil change every once in a while, this negligence can destroy an engine. Not changing the oil of a vehicle regularly can cost a driver thousands of dollars. Image via Pixabay.com

Of course, the belts and hoses aren't the most expensive or largest vehicle components, but drivers should keep in mind that lack of maintenance of the belts and hoses can lead to an overheated engine, a damaged cooling system, and a loss of steering power. Here are a few signs that the belts and hoses of your vehicle need to be replaced. 1. Belts - Visible Damage The most obvious sign that you should replace the belts of your vehicle is if there is visible damage. Most engine systems only have two serpentine belts, so you can conduct inspections easily. When inspecting the belts, you should look for cracks, premature wear, and other forms of damage. You should look closely at the outer edges of the belts. If you notice that the belts are unraveling or fraying, then your vehicle may have an underlying issue that you should deal with immediately. Older belts tend to develop cracks around the sides, top, and bottom. However, a belt in good condition should always be flexible. If you notice that the belt is no longer flexible, you should replace it. more 2. Belts - Tension You should check the tension of the belts to decide whether they need to be replaced. Belts that are too tight will increase tension on the bearings. Excess tension can cause belt failure and misalignment. You can press down on the serpentine belts to check for tension. You should look at the amount of space the belts have to move. Excess space is a sign that the belt tensioner is no longer working properly. Therefore, you should replace the belt. 3. Hoses - Internal Damage The best way to inspect a hose is by putting on gloves and using your hands. Unlike belts, hoses break down from the inside instead of the outside. Therefore, many drivers find it difficult to decide whether they should replace their vehicle's hose. You should feel the hose to get a good idea of its condition. Squeeze the hose between your fingers and thumbs to check for firmness. If the hose is spongy, you should replace it. Sponginess is a sign of weakness. You should also look for seepage, moisture, and excess grime and dirt. Keep in mind that a degraded coolant hose can allow contaminants to enter the core of the heater. Foreign materials will enter the coolant hose through weak points. Therefore, if you find that you need to replace the hose, you should also inspect parts of your vehicle that you have connected, fastened, or clamped the hose to. Hoses and belts are vital components of a vehicle, so you should inspect these parts regularly for signs of damage and wear. You should replace rundown belts and hoses to ensure that your vehicle functions properly. As long as you look out for the signs discussed above, you should have little trouble keeping those vital components in good running order. Image via Pixabay.com

Some people think it's imperative to wash your vehicle regularly. Others think car washes are a waste of money and that new paint technology means it is an outdated practice. Neither of these perspectives is quite true. You do need to clean the exterior and interior of your car for many reasons, aside from just driving a nice looking car. Fortunately, you don't need to wash it constantly or pay for expensive hand car wash services, either. Here are some of the benefits of regularly washing your car. Prevent Rust Rust can form on your vehicle's body and its undercarriage if the car isn't washed regularly. Washing your car's exterior and undercarriage removes debris, dirt, and chemicals that can easily corrode or otherwise damage your exterior. It is worthwhile to wash off any debris from your car to protect it debris slowly wearing away the paint finish. If you use an automated car wash, make sure it washes your undercarriage. If you use a pay-to-use self car wash, make sure to do it your self. more Preserve Your Paint Job Even with specialty sealants and coatings, the paint on your car won't last forever if you don't take care of it. Acidic rain, chemicals from the road, and dirt slowly wear down the protective coating on your vehicle. Washing your car can remove these elements and keep your paint looking good. It is much more expensive to have your car repainted than to wash your car often enough to preserve its paint. Make Your Car Look Newer Over the years, debris, pollen, and chemicals stick to your car. If you never wash it, this will age your car and damage your paint job. When you resell your car, it will look like an older model. Unfortunately, a thorough washing before you sell your car won't be enough to hide years of not washing it. Even if you're not planning on selling your car now, you never know what you might do in the future. Go ahead and regularly get your car cleaned, even if it's just a high pressure wash and rinse. It will be worth it in the long run. Save Money on Waxing When you buy a new car, you should ask the automotive dealership how to properly wash it and then read through the manual. Some vehicles no longer need to be waxed. Doing so is a waste of money and could potentially damage your paint, depending on what its care instructions are. These are just some of the reasons that it's worth regularly washing your car. You don't need to spend a lot of time or money to do it. You can have your car cleaned in an automatic car wash, a self-service car wash, or in your front yard with a hose. Depending on your needs and preferences, you can pay a professional to detail your car. Regular washing will make a difference in the performance and look of your car. Image via Pixabay.com

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. When there is a break between snow storms, 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. more 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 a number of 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 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 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

1. Check Fluids and Top Them Off Your car relies on a number of fluids to work properly. While it's a good idea to keep tabs on all your vehicle's fluids, some are more important than others when the mercury drops. For example, you definitely want to check your vehicle's engine cooling system. Though the system is crucial year-round, it's especially important during cold weather because the antifreeze and water prevent corrosion. Ask your dealership to replenish the fluids in the cooling system, because vehicles require a different water-to-antifreeze ratio during cooler weather. Other important fluids to check include windshield wiper fluid, oil, and brake fluid. Like the fluids in the cooling system, the other liquids in your car may need to be tweaked in anticipation of cold temperatures. When the cold begins to wane, it's a good idea to have the dealership check your fluids again. more 2. Test the Heater and Defroster Even if you don't have to contend with snow and ice, it's important to make sure you can keep your vehicle's interior toasty when the wind picks up and the temperatures go down. Evaluate whether the vents are producing a strong air current and if the air is hot enough. Problems with these important systems usually require the skills of an expert mechanic. To prevent yourself from being left in the cold, you want to check these systems before the coldest weather blows into town. 3. Swap Out Your Windshield Wiper Blades In many regions, cold weather brings rain, sleet, ice, and snow. Even if you aren't expecting the worst kinds of weather, you need to at least be prepared for rain, so it's smart to change out your windshield wiper blades. Because downpours can happen any time of year, set a schedule for changing your blades at least twice a year. This helps you achieve maximum visibility so you can stay safe when the roads are slick. Another way to improve visibility is to treat your windshield with a product that repels water. 4. Check Your Tires for Wear and Correct Pressure Having the right tire pressure enables you to achieve better traction when you drive in adverse conditions. Your vehicle's ideal tire pressure is listed in the owner's manual or on a sticker inside the driver's side door. If you can't find it, your dealership can make sure your tires are properly inflated. When you check tire pressure, also look for signs of wear on your tires. Bald spots, gashes, and tears are signs that you need to get new tires. With the right steps, you can get your car ready for cold weather and reduce the chance that you'll have car trouble. Image via Pixabay.com

Smells If you have ever been in your car and smelled something like rotten eggs or gas, your vehicle might be in need of 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. Burning smells are a sign that your brakes are in need of 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. more 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 with your car that need to be looked at right away. Even if the vehicle is operating like normal when the light comes on, it doesn't mean that there isn't an issue. 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 are 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. Preventative Maintenance Preventative 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 many 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 vehicles 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 might 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