It’s crucial for car owners to stay on top of routine, preventive maintenance. By tending to your car’s most basic needs, you can optimize its performance, extend its lifespan, and avoid having to make costly repairs down the road. As you think about the routine maintenance needs, pay special attention to regular oil and filter changes, which are essential for keeping your engine running smoothly. How can you tell when your vehicle is due at the service center? Here’s how to determine. Is it Time for Your Next Oil Change? Read your manual The first thing you should do is review your owner’s manual. All cars need an oil change at regular mileage intervals, but that interval may be different from one car to the next. Your manual will specify how regularly your Acura needs its oil changed. Watch for the dashboard light Most newer cars have dashboard lights that illuminate when there’s an issue with the engine oil. This could mean your oil is running low or that it’s dirty and needs to be changed. Either way, it’s a good indicator that you should make a service appointment. Check your engine oil Something else you can do is use the dipstick to check your oil level. If it’s empty, that’s a clear sign of trouble. And if the oil is dark or dirty, that means you’re due for a trip to the service center. Clean, healthy oil will typically be amber, or honey-colored. Listen to the engine Engine oil is meant to provide lubrication, preventing different parts from bumping against each other. If you hear a jostling or grinding sound coming from your engine, that might mean that your oil isn’t working as intended. Make an appointment at the service center. Schedule Oil Service in Madison, WI Is it time — or past time — for your routine oil change? If you see any of the warning signs, we welcome you to schedule a service appointment at the Zimbrick Acura Service Center. We look forward to seeing you soon.
There are a number of factors to consider when shopping for a new car, including how you’re going to pay. There are primarily two options for acquiring a new vehicle: leasing and financing. Both have their advantages. So how do you decide? Let us help. Leasing vs. Financing Before we get into the advantages of each, it may be helpful to take a step back and define the terms. When we talk about financing, we’re referring to getting a loan. You may get this loan from a bank, credit union, or the dealership itself. Just like your home mortgage loan, your car loan will require a down payment and then some monthly payments until the vehicle is paid off. And when the loan reaches its maturity, the car is yours and you own it outright. Leasing a vehicle essentially means you’re paying to drive the car, usually for a predetermined span of time (think of it like renting). At that point, you can renegotiate the lease, either for the same car or for a newer one. A key distinction here is that, when you lease, you never actually own the car in question. Which Is Better? Neither option is inherently better than the other, and it really boils down to your financial situation as well as your goals. There are some distinct benefits to consider: Start with leasing: You’ll typically have lower monthly payments The down payment requirement will be lower, too The lease will include a warranty that covers most, if not all, repairs You can renegotiate and get a new car every couple of years As for financing, some of the main considerations include: Eventually, you’ll own a car You have more choices with regard to the insurance coverage you select You’re free to modify or add aftermarket parts without any contractual issues Once the car is paid off, you’re free to sell it Choose the Right Payment Plan in Madison, WI One final note as you weigh these two options: At Zimbrick Acura, our aim is to provide transparent, flexible pricing, no matter which path you ultimately choose. We want to make it as affordable as can be for you to get your next vehicle. Learn more by contacting our finance center today.
While the importance of regular oil changes is not a mystery to most drivers, many solely rely on their car’s mileage to serve as their guide on when it’s time to actually take their vehicle into the shop. Even worse, many don’t know the tell-tale signs their vehicle might be giving them that it’s time to look at the dipstick and change the oil. We at Zimbrick Acura want to make sure your vehicle is running optimally at all times. That’s why we’ve put together this handy list of a few ways to tell when it’s time to schedule a service appointment in Madison, Wisconsin. Oil Change Warning Signs Excessive amounts of exhaust While a certain amount of translucent vapor coming from your tailpipe is to be expected, you should become concerned if your vehicle’s tailpipe begins emitting smoke. This could indicate a variety of problems, all the way from an oil leak to faulty engine parts. Your engine becomes noisy Your engine is going to make noise — it’s a fact of car ownership. However, the amount of noise that is considered normal is not very much at all. Your vehicle’s oil provides your engine’s parts with a thin, protective layer to prevent damage from metal-on-metal contact. This means that an increase in engine noise like rumbling, knocking, or roaring could indicate that your oil has broken down and is no longer providing protection. Ticking sounds when starting up In the first second or two after you turn the key, your vehicle’s engine will immediately start circulating oil. Oil with improper texture will delay this process and make it take much longer than is usually necessary. If warming your engine up is suddenly taking longer and preceded by ticking, it’s likely that your oil has broken down and become sludgy. Vibration while idle With low oil levels comes high amounts of friction due to your engine’s metal parts wearing on one another during operation. This can lead to abnormal shaking or vibration, especially while you’re idle. If you notice that your car tends to intensely vibrate while your vehicle is stopped, you should do two things: limit the amount of time your vehicle is idle and schedule your next oil change. Dark or murky oil As our vehicle operates, its oil begins to change shades from its natural amber color to a murky, dark brown. You won’t be able to just know when this is happening, so make sure to check your car’s dipstick about once every month. Remember: You’re fine if you can see the dipstick through the oil, but if it's dark and sludgy then you’re due for an oil change. Schedule Service in Madison, WI If you notice any combination of the above symptoms, it’s time to bring your vehicle to our award-winning service center in Madison, WI. Our technicians specialize in providing our clients with the most efficient, cost-effective vehicle service solutions in the area.
