The processes of refinancing or trading in your car each have their unique pros and cons. Depending on your situation, either arrangement might suit you. How do know which is best for you? Our Acura of the Rio Grande Valley team offers this brief guide.

Pros and Cons of Refinancing

When you refinance your car, the pros are:

• You may qualify for a lower interest rate
• You can negotiate a different loan length or term

The cons are:

• Your credit might not be sufficient to refinance
• Your existing loan contract might contain prepayment penalties

Pros and Cons of Trading In…

Many people buy a used car because they want to save money. However, there are several things that you have to take into consideration when you are buying a used car. Even though used cars are not as expensive as new cars, you should still set a budget prior to going car shopping. You may also want to consider getting a certified pre-owned vehicle. A CPO vehicle is used, but it has meet certain standards that are set by the manufacturer and dealer. They have also been inspected.

A CPO vehicle will give you the peace of mind knowing that…

Summer tires have some advantages over all-season tires, but you’ll have to look at your tires closely to see the difference. Summer tires are also called performance tires because they’re made with a sticky tread compound that prevents hydroplaning, even when roads are extremely wet.

So which tires are better for your driving experience? It all depends on the traction control you need. All-season tires have special tread as well, but it only performs moderately well or slightly average on wet roads. All-season tires are designed for traction in all kinds of weather, 

Have you ever driven around with low tire pressure thinking it is not a big deal? We are all guilty of it, but the reality is we should take low tire pressure seriously. Although it might seem like a minor detail, low tire pressure can affect your vehicle substantially. From reduced fuel economy to handling inefficiency to safety concerns, the effects of reduced tire pressure are endless. In fact, low tire pressure can be the result of a serious accident that could be avoided by addressing the issue promptly.

Safety is the top concern for vehicles with low tire pressure…

Grime can mask potential engine problems. That's why the service department at Acura of the Rio Grande Valley recommends cleaning your engine periodically to ensure that technicians can see all engine components clearly. Here's how to do the job yourself.

Make sure the engine is cool as you can damage components when spraying with water. Cover electrical components, such as the battery, with plastic to prevent water from reaching those areas. Remove the negative terminal on the battery before covering it. Thoroughly spray the engine with a degreaser, and then use a small brush to remove 

No one likes roadside emergencies, but you can handle them better if you have the proper emergency kit on hand. The staff at Acura of the Rio Grande Valley suggests that you assemble an emergency kit to keep inside your vehicle in case you have roadside difficulties. Here are the items you should consider.

You can buy pre-made kit online or you can put together your own. If you decide to do the latter, make sure that you at least have items like a flashlight, jumper cables, multipurpose tool, road flares, first aid kit, road flares, a blanked, bottled water…

Have you ever experienced hydroplaning? The sensation of losing traction can be scary. At Acura of the Rio Grande Valley, we want you to know that there are some steps that you can take in order to avoid this from happening to you as you make your way around San Juan.

First, be sure to slow down. Let off the accelerator and settle at a speed that is five to ten miles per hour slower than the speed limit. If the rain is particularly heavy, slow down even more. Accelerating heavily, such as to pass, is when you will be…

A good driver should always be ready for any situation on the roads, such as having a flat tire. When you find yourself in such a state, you need not worry about hiring a towing service to solve the problem. Therefore, you should understand which spare tire works for your car best. Full-size and compact temporary spare tires are the options you have.

Instead of getting a set of four tires for a full-size spare, you will have a set of five tires. This spare tire will take more space in your vehicle. With a full-size spare tire, you need…

While plenty of drivers have a working knowledge of engine components such as pistons and valves, this seems not to be the case for timing belts. Learning some key facts and maintenance guidelines for timing belts will be beneficial to any driver.

Crankshaft operations and camshaft operations need to move with the same pace, otherwise engine complications may wreak havoc on your San Juan vehicle. It is for this reason that automotive manufacturers insert a trusty rubber timing belt into a car. Vintage models, though, have had chains installed instead. 

Well-cared for tires will likely last for at least five years, but this will depend on your mileage, the design of the tires and driver habits. However, the age of your tires is something that you will need to keep in mind. If you have had your tires for five years, then you will need to have them inspected. Age may be the reason they have to be replaced. Manufacturers recommend that you get new tires after you have had them for 10 years.

Tires will wear out because of everyday driving. Wear and tear will take place regardless