Brake issues got you nervous? They should. Brake failure can cause serious injury, damage to your car and even death. So, what are the main signs you should watch for when it comes to diagnosing bad brakes? We're glad you asked.

First, you'll want to take note of any odd behavior when you bring your vehicle to a stop. Does your car shake? Vibrate? Rattle? If so, it could be an indicator of an issue with your rotors. Another common sign that your brakes need attention, is when you you hear noises upon coming to a halt. These…

Your car’s fuel pump is an important component because its job is to help the gas travel from the gas tank to the engine. If your fuel pump is no longer functioning correctly, it will cause your car to stop running. At Acura of the Rio Grande Valley, we want you to be an informed driver who knows what to look for when a part is going bad. We also want to educate you on signs to look for that might indicate a faulty fuel system.

• Temperatures rising could indicate a faulty fuel pump.
• The engine sputters when driving…

Flat tires can be incredibly troubling to experience, but they may be unavoidable. Tires do suffer punctures and lose air. Roadside assistance might replace the tire with a spare, but you must be mindful of what type of spare you use. Some spares are for temporary use only.

An under-sized, temporary "donut" tire is at risk for a blowout if you don't switch it out for a full-sized one quickly. The manufacturer may put maximum speed and mileage limits on the donut. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's suggestions.

 

Although we all deploy windshield wipers whenever a drizzle kicks up, we often overlook this seemingly minor automotive component at other times. Then our windshield wiper blades malfunction in the middle of a storm, and we can't replace them fast enough. Our entire Acura of the Rio Grande Valley team has been there.

Preserve Windshield Visibility

Don't wait until your wiper blades are so degraded they can't squeegee your windshield at all. To be safe, replace windshield wiper blades at least once a year or up to every six months.

 

As an additional way to protect your vehicle throughout the year in San Juan, Acura of the Rio Grande Valley recommends that you invest in floor mats to protect your interior. There are a lot of messes that you trek into your vehicle on your shoes. Rather than allowing this mess to accumulate on the surface of your interior, floor mats can be removed and cleaned whenever needed.

All-weather floor mats are made of a more durable material. Whether they're rubber or more like plastic, this is a great option if you lead an active lifestyle or bring pets…

Your car battery is not designed to withstand extreme temperatures. Both hot and cold weather can do a lot of damage to the batteries. Extremely cold weather can slow down the chemical reaction inside of the battery. Even if you have a brand-new battery, it can still be damaged by the cold weather. It may take you a lot longer to start your car.

Hot temperature will shorten the life of your battery. A battery that has been exposed to a 77-degree Fahrenheit temperature will last about 50 percent longer than a battery that has been exposed to 

Roof racks are a great way to expand your cargo space when hitting the road. Here at Acura of the Rio Grande Valley, we want to make sure you are getting the most out of this feature. There are a few key things for drivers in San Juan to keep in mind when using one.

Load gear on top of your vehicle carefully so you do not damage the paint. If the item is heavy or awkward, make sure you get help. You should also have an idea of what the item or items you are loading weigh. Your owner…

If you'll be driving in the rain, and most of us to with some regularity during different times of the year, you need to make sure you understand specific safe driving techniques. When it comes to driving in the rain, the most important step you need to take is to slow down. A considerable number of accidents occur in San Juan and elsewhere during the course of any given year because people drive too fast in the rain.

In order to enhance your safety when driving in the rain, turn on your lights. 

Tires are an expensive purchase. A set of them runs into the hundreds of dollars. Thus, they are a valuable investment to make. You should also consider protecting that investment by making sure to get those tires rotated on a regular basis.

The best information out there right now says that one should rotate their tires approximately every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. This is approximately the same number of miles that one runs between oil changes.

One of your car's suspension system's most important functions is to keep your vehicle in alignment.

Alignment refers to the degree to which all four of your wheels and tires are running straight down the road.

Bumps, normal wear and tear and even excessive speed can take your car out of alignment.

When that happens, you can lose reliable handling, experience tire wear and notice vibrations inside the cabin.

Alignment Inspection and Service

An alignment inspection involves measuring your vehicle's alignment against factory specifications.