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1. You Get Peace of Mind Pre-owned vehicles gain certification after undergoing a rigorous review by a manufacturer's mechanic. Through a detailed inspection process that may include a checklist of 150 or more items, the mechanic evaluates the condition of the vehicle. If the vehicle is in tiptop shape, it will clear the evaluation and earn certification for its superior condition. more 2. You Receive the Protection of a Warranty One of the primary reasons to buy a certified pre-owned vehicle is the warranty. With a warranty on your car or truck, you have assurance from the manufacturer of the vehicle's reliability. One of the biggest fears of used car buyers is that they'll buy a car and then find out it needs expensive repairs. The warranty reduces the amount of risk you assume when buying a used car by reducing your responsilbility for major, unexpected mechanical problems. 3. You Capture More Value With Your Dollars If you buy a used car that's earned certification, you're getting a vehicle that's likely to run almost as well as it did when it was brand new. At the same time, you're not paying the premium that comes with purchasing a new car that will depreciate in value as soon as you drive it home. By getting like-new performance without the new-car sticker price, you get more bang for your dollar. Here's another way to think about the value that comes from buying a certified pre-owned vehicle. Your car-buying budget might allow you to buy only the base trim of a new version of your preferred model. But if you go with a certified vehicle that's one, two, or even three years old, then you may be able to afford a higher trim level that comes with more features and upgrades. 4. You Know the Car's History Typically, certified pre-owned vehicles come with a detailed history report. Expect to see details of the car's service history and routine maintenance. You may find dates and specifics about oil changes, tire rotations, winterizations, and tune ups. With this proof that the previous owner took good care of the car, you can have even more peace of mind that it's in good shape. 5. You Can Receive Additional Perks Many dealerships offer extra perks with certified pre-owned vehicles such as free or discounted oil changes, tire rotations, and roadside assistance. You can also ask about financing options that may be available exclusively to drivers who buy certified pre-owned cars and trucks. It's easy to see why buying a certified pre-owned vehicle from a dealership is a great option. With the certification process, you know you're getting a high-performing vehicle with warranty protection. 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

1. Join Chalk the Block In downtown El Paso from October 14 through 16, artists of all ages and experience levels join Chalk the Block to draw works of art with chalk, set up temporary art installations, perform dance routines, and present theatrical works. Kids love the lively atmosphere and adults appreciate the artistry that transforms downtown El Paso. This three-day public art event is free and open to the public. Consider arriving early on one of the three days, because this event attracts more than 38,000 people. more 2. Take Your Kids to See a Show Autumn is a great time to be out in the evening to see a theatrical performance. Young kids will love seeing "Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood" live on stage October 18 at 6:30 p.m. This show carries forward the legacy of PBS television personality Mister Rogers. Ticket prices range from $29 to $75. High school students will appreciate seeing Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing" and "Hamlet." The company, Shakespeare on the Rocks, offers the production of "Much Ado" on October 16 at 7 p.m. at the Chamizal National Memorial Theatre. If you want to see "Hamlet," a spooky play suitable for the season, it plays October 17 at 7 p.m. in the same location. Adults tickets are $10, and students pay $8. It's a great chance for young people to see the material they read in class come to life on stage. 3. Go for a Zombie Run As Halloween draws near, you can take the family for a couple of fun runs with a zombie theme. On October 22 at 8 a.m., the Club Zombie 5K gets underway at Ponder Park. It's best for adults, teens, and older kids. If you have young kids in your family, they can do the 1-mile fun run. Head to Ascarate Park on October 23 at 8 a.m. for the Zombie Escape 5K. For small kids or anyone who doesn't want to do a full 5K, there's a 1-mile walk included with this event. If you want to get your family more active this fall, these two spooky events are ideal ways to do it. 4. Head to Taos, New Mexico, for Balloons Hot air balloons displaying an array of fall colors take to the sky over Taos, New Mexico, from October 28 through 30. Even though it's a six-hour drive from El Paso, Taos hosts this family-friendly event that's sure to be memorable. With a backdrop of red, orange, and gold foliage in the mountains, 35 to 50 balloons float into the sky, augmenting nature's color show. Adults and kids alike will be astounded by the sheer number of balloons and the beautiful autumn colors. This fall, your family can find plenty of ways to celebrate the season in and around El Paso. Image via Pixabay.com

1. Take Food and Water If you get stuck in a remote area because your car broke down, you'll need food and hydration, so you should keep a case of six to eight water bottles in your car's trunk. If you're going to be traveling with more people during bad weather or to an isolated location, bring one or two more cases. For food, you can keep trail mix, protein bars, and other non-perishable items that will give you a burst of energy if you find yourself stuck someplace. more 2. Travel With Something to Keep You Warm A wool blanket is an ideal choice because it can warm you up even if it gets wet. It's also a good idea to store several hand-warming packets, the kind sold at sporting goods stores. To help you stay dry, buy a poncho that's folded in a small plastic bag. It won't take up space, but will be invaluable if your car dies and you need to walk to a gas station in the rain. You may also want to keep an extra sweatshirt in your vehicle. Getting stranded in cold or damp weather puts you in a vulnerable situation if you have no way to stay warm. 3. Keep Light Sources on Hand Because you may get stranded in the dark or simply need better lighting to check under the hood, you need to carry a flashlight and extra batteries for it in your car. It's also a good idea to have other light sources such as matches, candles, and glow sticks. 4. Remember to Take a First Aid Kit Any good emergency readiness kit for your car should include the basic components of a first aid kit. As for medical supplies, carrybandages of varying sizes, alcohol swabs, gauze pads, burn cream, nitrile gloves, scissors, an instant ice pack, and medical tape. You can augment these basics with supplies such as antibiotic cream, insect sting wipes, toilettes, and tweezers. 5. Pack Emergency Equipment for Your Car So far, this list has focused primarily on taking care of you. Don't forget to travel with items that help you get your car up and running again. A spare tire, jumper cables, a fire extinguisher, and foam tire sealant are a few essential emergency items for your car. To help you address your car's problem on the roadside, you should also think about packing a tire jack, tire iron, duct tape, a Swiss Army Knife, and a small tool kit. If you can get your car moving, you may not need some of the survival items included on this list. Wherever you're going, it's always a smart idea to take along your cellphone and charger. They're a critical component of being prepared for roadside emergencies. 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

The 2017 Acura RDX has received several new updates throughout the car. The RDX is full of all new technology and had a complete redesign for the exterior. The car is complete with 10 different trims, and all of them include the features mentioned below. The newest features to safety and performance will put the 2017 Acura RDX at the top of the list. Performance Features The 2017 Acura RDX has a boost to the power from last year with a 3.5-liter V6 and 279 horsepower. The Acura has also had work done, so it has better tuning and a better response time for even better control. Most of the competition is going with a four-cylinder, while the RDX's V6 is stronger and more responsive than ever. The sedan also has stronger torque, which allows it to work more smoothly and without needing to downshift while accelerating. The new styling to the Acura RDX is sleeker and has thicker fenders. The new design includes a string of five LEDs for headlights. more Interior The interior has also gone through a complete redesign and is now more comfortable. It also has more controls and features than earlier years. The RDX has seating that fits two in the front and three in the rear of the vehicle. The rear seats fold down to add some extra storage space to the Acura RDX. The hidden underfloor storage has space for an extra 15 cubic feet of room. Safety There are also safety features all the way around in the RDX, with front, side, and side curtain airbags that have you covered on all sides. The car also features a rearview camera, rollover sensor, electronic stability control, and traction control that are all standard. The Acura RDX also has the AcuraWatch suite with active safety tech. The new tech includes adaptive cruise control, automatic braking, forward collision warnings, and lane keep. The new forward collision warning system detects dangerous objects in your way and warns you when they are too close. Features The new features include a seven-speaker system that supports MP3 and USB devices. There is also a keyless ignition, hands-free calling, cruise control, and climate control. The new technology package includes HD radio, blind-spot monitors, and a dual-screen infotainment display. With the new parking sensors parking will be the easiest thing you do when you get to work. Navigation is optional, but it's included in the tech packages along with voice recognition software. The 2017 Acura RDX still includes a V6 that will keep your trips speedy and smooth no matter how far you need to go. With all the features in safety, you will be able to ride from one place to another comfortably and without a worry. The room that is available in the RDX will give you the ability to go on road trips with friends and be able to travel to any destination with all the luggage you need. Image via Acura.com

Acura has taken a big step forward in increasing the connectivity of its vehicles with improvements to the AcuraLink connectivity package. Not only does it bring a high-tech experience to the cabin through a touchscreen, but it extends to your laptop, tablet, and smartphone, giving you additional ways to interact with your vehicle. The newest generation of AcuraLink allows you to remotely check vitals, unlock your doors, and perform other tasks related to your vehicle using apps on external devices. Check out more details on these apps. Interact With Your Vehicle via the AcuraLink Connect App Use this app with select MDX and RLX models going back to 2014 and on TLX from 2015 to the present. With the Connect App, you can check the status of each tire's pressure, the current reading on your odometer, how much fuel's in the tank, and battery life. If you think there's a mechanical problem, you can run a diagnostics check with this app. more Access Content With AcuraLink Streams The name says it all: pull in streams of information with this handy app. Some MDX, RLX, and TLX models from 2014 to present have the ability to interact with the AcuraLink Streams app. Serving as a content gateway, this app funnels cloud-based programming and content to your vehicle. Access your favorite podcasts, keep tabs on new Facebook posts, and check Twitter for the latest trending topics through the car's audio system. This app is ideal for anyone who wants to stay in the know while on the go. Get Help With the AcuraLink Roadside Assistance App Every Acura owner can take advantage of the safeguards that come with the AcuraLink Roadside Assistance app. When there's an accident involving a car that's still under warranty, a specialist with the emergency assistance center receives a notification and will attempt to contact you in your vehicle. If you don't respond, the agent will ask dispatchers to send local first responders and provide your location so they know where to go. If you have a smartphone, you can track the pending arrival of emergency crews. Learn More About AcuraLink With the Virtual Tour App Some RLX vehicles from 2014 and beyond offer compatibility with the Virtual Tour app. Use this app to get a clearer idea of how the AcuraLink works, its available features, and details on the apps that are a part of the connectivity package. If you have questions about how any of the apps work, the Virtual Tour app may have the answers. Find out How to Customize Your Vehicle With Acura Accessories App Use this app to view accessories that are available to help you customize your Acura. Under the guidance of skilled engineers, designers created accessories to integrate seamlessly with Acura vehicles. Through the app, you can access a series of videos that showcase the various add-ons that are available. There's also an overview video that explains the benefits of using Acura-designed accessories on your vehicle. With these apps, you have greater insights into your car's condition, access to data and content, an easy way to view available accessories, and roadside assistance if you have an emergency. Image via Pixabay.com

Whether you're traveling to El Paso or you're a resident planning a staycation, the city boasts a number of luxury hotels with accommodations that are designed to exceed your expectations. Located in extreme southern Texas, El Paso sits on the banks of the majestic Rio Grande River, just over the border from Mexico. You're sure to enjoy the time you spend in this lively city. Browse the three top luxury hotels and plan to reserve one the next time you need a place to stay in El Paso. 1. Stay at the Historic Camino Real Built in 1912, the historic Camino Real Hotel is a crown jewel in downtown El Paso. This luxury hotel has a prime location adjacent to the convention center. For those who love museums, the Camino Real is a short walk from multiple cultural attractions. In terms of luxury, the hotel's Dome Bar sits underneath a breathtaking dome consisting of Tiffany glass. Overnight guests appreciate having the option to choose between traditional rooms and suites. Complimentary Wi-Fi, room service, dry cleaning, and turn-down service upon request are just some of the extra touches that make this hotel special. Rooms with sweeping views of the Franklin Mountains are available. more 2. Be Hip and Reserve a Room at Hotel Indigo Like the Camino Real, Hotel Indigo is located in the downtown area. Located in a building that's more than half a century old, the hotel shows the results of a multi-million dollar renovation financed by InterContinental Hotels Group, which owns and operates Hotel Indigo. Guests enjoy the sparkling waters of an outdoor pool located near the lobby on the fifth floor, mountain views from many rooms, plush bedding, and an upscale work-out area. Throughout the facility, the hotel has an urban, industrial feel, which creates a trendy vibe. At the same time, the designers incorporated art and artifacts from the local area, ensuring Hotel Indigo doesn't feel like a cookie-cutter building that's a part of a hotel chain. Residents and guests alike are sure to enjoy the food and drinks from the hotel restaurant and bar. 3. Double Your Fun at the Doubletree by Hilton Like the other two hotels, the Doubletree by Hilton sits in the center of El Paso across from the convention center. Upon arrival, all guests receive a famous Doubletree chocolate chip cookie, a sweet reminder that this hotel is glad to have you. Every room has a 42-inch LCD TV, a bed with plush-top cushioning, luxury toiletries, and photographs of El Paso on the walls. Suites offer more space to accommodate a sitting area with sofa plus one and a half bathrooms. Meeting rooms with video conferencing make this hotel attractive to business travelers. Regardless of why they're traveling, most guests appreciate the outdoor pool and fitness center. Whether you want a hotel that's boutique style, historical, or part of a chain, El Paso has luxury accommodations to suit your preferences. If you're having a tough time choosing a luxury hotel in El Paso, pick the one that has the best location for the activities you plan to do while visiting the city. Image via Pixabay.com