What do Acura Service & Maintenance Codes Mean?
What do Acura Service & Maintenance Codes Mean?
What Do The Acura Service & Maintenance Codes Mean?
| Main Code: | Maintenance Needed: |
|---|---|
| A | Replace engine oil |
| B | Replace engine oil, oil filter, inspect front and rear brakes, check parking brake adjustment, expiry date for tire repair kit, tie rod ends, steering gearbox, suspension components, driveshaft boots, brake hoses, fluid levels, exhaust system, fuel lines and any other maintenance items specific to your Acura. |
| Sub Code: | Maintenance Needed: |
|---|---|
| 1 | Tire rotation |
| 2 | Replace air cleaner element, dust and pollen filter and inspect drive belt |
| 3 | Replace transmission fluid |
| 4 | Replace spark plugs, timing belt, and inspect water pump and valve clearance |
| 5 | Replace engine coolant |
| 6 | Replace rear differential fluid |
What Is The Difference Between Acura Service Codes A & B?
When a service message appears, there is a code beneath the “maintenance due” message that indicates which type of Acura service is needed. When the code begins with an “A,” that means that the engine oil needs to be replaced. When the code begins with a “B,” more involved service is required. “B” items include some of the following items – replacing the engine oil and oil filter, inspecting the front and rear brakes, checking parking brake adjustment and expiry date for tire repair kit, as well as inspecting tie rod ends, steering gearbox, suspension components, driveshaft boots, brake hoses, all levels of fluid, exhaust system and fuel lines.
What Do The Acura Maintenance Sub Items Mean?
In addition, if there is a numerical portion to the code beneath the “maintenance due” message, that number correlates to a maintenance sub item. Here is a breakdown of the sub items and their meaning:
- The number “1” indicates that the tires need to be rotated.
- Number “2” requires the air cleaner element and dust and pollen filter to be replaced and the drive belt to be inspected.
- If number “3” appears, the transmission fluid should be replaced.
- The number “4” indicates that the spark plugs and timing belt (if equipped) need to be replaced and valve clearance and water pump need to be inspected.
- The number “5” means that the engine coolant needs to be replaced.
- Number “6” means that the rear differential fluid needs to be replaced (if the vehicle is equipped).
Visit Our Acura Service Center In Clearwater, FL Today
At Crown Acura Clearwater, our Acura dealership has a wide inventory of new and used cars and trucks and pride ourselves on finding the right Acura for every customer’s needs and wants. We also take pride in serving our customers beyond the purchase of their vehicle – with our certified team of technicians and advisors in our Acura Service Department. Acura utilizes a maintenance minder system based on a sophisticated algorithm that conveniently alerts the driver when service is due based on factors such as mileage, driving habits, and engine operation. As the owner of an Acura, keep these helpful tips in mind for reading the service and maintenance codes that may appear when your car needs service. Keeping up to date with your car’s service needs ensures that your Acura will remain at its peak performance. But what do all of these service and maintenance codes mean?
Acura Service & Maintenance Messages
A number of maintenance messages may appear on the dashboard when service is needed. All of the information below can be found in your Owner’s Manual or online at Acura’s website. Conveniently, Acura vehicles alert the driver when service is due soon, when it is presently due, and when it is past due. The “maintenance due soon” message will appear when the remaining engine oil life is between six and fifteen percent. Additionally, a message will appear informing the driver of the exact percentage of the oil life. When the remaining engine oil life drops between one and five percent, the “maintenance due now” message appears, along with the percentage indicator. Lastly, when the engine oil life has passed, the “maintenance past due” message will appear, as well as a negative distance after driving for over ten miles after maintenance was needed.
Our Acura service department provides outstanding and efficient service and maintenance. Scheduling appointments is now even easier as you can schedule your service appointment online. Stop in today and speak with one of our knowledgeable staff members about your maintenance issue, schedule an appointment by phone or online, or feel free to contact our Acura service department in Clearwater with any inquiries you may have regarding your service needs. We pride ourselves on maintaining our customers’ vehicles in excellent condition and invite you to utilize our great service department.
What is Acura Precision All-Wheel Steering?
Acura Precision All-Wheel Steering
Serving Clearwater, Tampa, Largo, St. Petersburg, Palm Harbor, FL
The desire to increase a car’s handling by allowing all of its four wheels to shift directions has been a goal of vehicle engineers for years. The inspiration behind precision steering dates back to World War II when the United States Army attempted to invent the technology. Firefighters have had access to this type of steering, but until recently, streamlining the advancement has eluded carmakers.
An Overview of Precision All-Wheel Steering
Acura manufactured its RLX sedan with the inclusion of precision all-wheel steering. According to the company, the system improves the car’s handling since it gives drivers the ability to steer the rear wheels. By embracing power steering and miniscule electronics, carmakers have been able to bring back the steering option.
Offering a Comparison
The chief engineer of the RLX is Yousuke Sekino. He is known for designing the suspensions of the 1986 Acura Legend and the NSX supercar from 1990. In talking about the technology, Mr. Sekino compared it to an Olympic slalom competitor’s skis since this type of skier can control them. To advertise the technology, Acura added the acronym “P-AWS” on the vehicle’s trunk. Some reviewers consider it a marketing tool to publicize the car’s catlike reaction time.
Reviewing the Details
To add precision steering to its new sedan, Acura’s engineers developed electric actuators. These are placed on each side of the vehicle’s rear suspension. With the actuators in place, the right and left rear wheels have the ability to steer independently of one another. It took the car company’s development team five years to create the system. Past versions that permitted this type of steering were heavy and expensive. Acura’s system increases a car’s weight by just 11 pounds.
While the car’s front wheels change direction in a wide sweeping motion, its back wheels turn just slightly. Specifically, the rear wheels shift two degrees from the center to the left or the right. The rear wheels also respond differently according to a driving situation. For instance, when a driver uses the brakes, the rear wheels shift inward slightly. This action increases the car’s forward stability. When the driver directs the car around a right-hand corner, the rear wheels shift a little to the left, which allows the car to turn faster. When the car turns around a left-hand corner, the wheels move slightly to the right to offer the same benefit.
In parking lots, drivers will especially appreciate the precision steering feature because it makes the car easier to navigate into tight parking spaces. When a driver takes the sedan to highway speeds, the system switches the rear wheel mode to operate in the same direction as the front wheels. This gives the driver more control when he or she is guiding the car across several lanes to reach an off-ramp. P-AWS also automatically deactivates when a driver is reversing the car to provide a consistently positive driving experience.
Making Cars Safer
In the ’80s, a few carmakers attempted to bring precision steering to the public. From 2002 to 2005, GMC even offered the advancement on its pickup trucks, but diminished sales resulted in carmakers avoiding the expensive feature. Acura has its eye on changing that by reintroducing precision steering in one it’s most popular sedans, the TLX, in an effort to stay at the forefront of the ever evolving automotive safety standards and features made possible with new technologies.
Blog: Top Five Car Buying Myths
Crown Acura in Clearwater, FL
Serving Clearwater, Tampa, Largo, St. Petersburg, Palm Harbor, FL
When you plan to shop for a new vehicle, your experience should be pleasant and meaningful. Crown Acura in Clearwater, FL provides countless vehicles to meet your expectations. Our staff consistently delivers world class customer service and is ready to present you with an unforgettable car buying experience, without the presence of shopping myths. Here are the top five myths regarding the purchase of a new car:
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Myth: Extended warranties are unnecessary and overpriced.
Extended warranties are not merely a way for the dealership to make more money. When you opt for an extended warranty, you are protecting yourself and your vehicle. At Crown Acura, we want to ensure you have the coverage necessary to drive safely at all times. An extended warranty is a great way to secure your investment and save you money in the long run. You will surely spend less on the warranty than the excess costs you must pay for a repair without the warranty. Our team is always available to answer any questions you may have about warranties.
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Myth: You’ll receive the best deal on a rainy day or at the end of the month.
The myth here is the car salesman is under pressure to meet a monthly quota, and arriving at the dealership on a rainy day or at the end of the month will grant you a better deal. Since many people believe this sentiment, you will not only come to a crowded dealership, but you will notice the best deals were already offered and no longer valid. Rain, unfortunately, does not motivate the car salesmen to make a sale. We want your shopping experience to be a pleasure, so we encourage you to stop by our dealership in Clearwater at any time during the month, rain or shine.
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Myth: Financing through the car dealer is more expensive than outside financing.
Many dealerships have relationships with local banks to assist you with financing your ideal vehicle. Outside financing does not necessarily save you money since the dealer can finance at a competitive rate. Additionally, you can take advantage of incentives brought to you by the manufacturer when you finance through the car dealer. Crown Acura offers numerous specials to help you afford your favorite Acura model.
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Myth: Avoid purchasing a first year model.
This myth dates back to the 1970’s when car recalls occurred more frequently. Today, manufacturers test car parts extensively before developing and selling new vehicles. Every car, including first year models, are checked for proper reliability protocols prior to entering a dealer’s showroom. All of our Acura models are prepared to supply you with a serene and sheltered journey.
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Myth: There is always a secret lower price.
Many people believe they can haggle their way down to the lowest possible price, but this is simply not the case. A car salesman cannot negotiate a price lower than the invoice- they do not have the authority to do so. Cars are marked at a specific price due to their remarkable standard convenience and safety features. Our employees at Crown Acura can help you find the perfect vehicle for your budget, so visit us today to test drive any vehicle of your choice!
Acura NSX
Introducing the All-New NSX
Serving Clearwater, Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Largo
Car buying is made simpler with Crown Acura's selection of top-quality vehicles. At Crown Acura in Clearwater, FL, we are dedicated to assisting our customers with the best possible options for their car investment needs. We strive to bring you a broad array of first-rate Acura models to make your journey unforgettable. We provide stunning luxury vehicles, including the all-new NSX. This pre-release page will give you all the information you crave regarding the return of this incredible coupe. Contact us today to ask us any questions you may have about the brand new NSX.
Purchasing the New NSX
The best part about buying this new car is just that- it’s new! There is nothing quite like that “new car smell” to make you appreciate your vehicle more. You are free to choose your ideal specifications to create a more personalized vehicle. When you buy new, you have the privilege of experiencing the latest technology, including updated safety features and entertainment options. You don’t have to worry about breaking the bank with necessary maintenance costs and possible repairs when you purchase a new vehicle. Additionally, your new vehicle is covered under a long term warranty, so you are guaranteed peace of mind. Buying new means greater fuel efficiency, so you can travel long distances with fewer stops for gas.
Servicing Your NSX
Our Crown Acura certified technicians in the Service Department want to ensure your NSX vehicle remains in excellent condition at all times. Whether it needs a tune-up or a major repair over time, our professional employees in our service and repair department are ready to help you. Don’t wait until it’s too late to detect problems with your vehicle- stop by our Clearwater center for your next check-up. We use genuine Acura parts to ensure your vehicle functions the way it was manufactured to.
What Next?
Stop by our Crown Acura dealership here in Clearwater, FL today to learn more about the NSX. We are looking forward to supplying this adventurous coupe, and we know you will appreciate everything it has to offer!
* Specifications are not final. All information subject to change without notification.
Acura #1 Value for Resale, Winner of a 2015 Most Retained Value
Award on Edmunds.com
We are thrilled to announce the Acura brand has won the 2015 Most Retained Value Award on Edmunds.com, making Acura the #1 value for resale luxury cars, crosssovers, and SUVs. Visit us any day of the week at Crown Acura in Clearwater, FL – proudly serving the nearby communities of Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Largo with exceptional servie and the best luxury brand for your money.
About The Award
Edmunds.com rated Acura #1 value for resale with good reason. The awards are given to automotive manufacturers with the highest projected private party residual value five years after launching the most vehicle models for the year, expressed as a percentage of their average True Market Value® (TMV®). Acura won the luxury award with a projected five-year residual value of 46.9 percent. Stop by Crown Acura in Clearwater, FL today to test drive our
impressive lineup of new Acura vehicles; including popular models like the Acura RLX, Acura MDX, and Acura TLX. We’re proud to offer the best customer service in the Clearwater area to those of you in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Largo who know a great investment when you see it.
How You Save
So what does a residual value of close to fifty percent really mean for you? Buying a vehicle with the highest retained value means you can really maximize the vehicle’s worth in the event
you’d like to trade it in for a newer vehicle in the future. Unlike other brands that depreciate in value rapidly, your new Acura can be worth up to half the original value in five years if you continue to visit our dealership for routine maintenance, take good care of the interior, and do not exceed the average fifteen thousand miles per year.
A Smarter Lease
Did you know an award for Acura being the #1 value for resale matters even when you lease one from us short-term? Now you do! Selecting cars with the highest resale value is just as important to leasers as it is to new Acura buyers because the resale value of your new car is a key factor in determining the amount of your monthly payments in a lease agreement. The higher the resale value, the lower your payments will be. Visit us at Crown Acura in Clearwater, FL to take advantage of the Acura #1 Value for Resale and save a lot of money in the long run on a new luxury car, crossover, or sport utility vehicle. We are conveniently located at 18911 US Hwy 19 N. in Clearwater, FL, and proudly serve the nearby communities of Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Largo. Hurry in!
What is a Hybrid Car?
Crown Acura Serving Clearwater, Tampa, St. Petersburg and Largo, FL
Technically, a hybrid car is any vehicle that uses more than one type of engine. In reality, this means that it has a traditional gasoline engine as well as an electric motor. It also means that there will be two types of storage units onboard: a fuel tank for the gas-drinking internal combustion engine and batteries to power the quiet and efficient electric motor. The cool thing about hybrids is that you get the best of both worlds, and can switch back and forth between gas and electric power as needed.
Why Go Hybrid?
Hybrid cars have several distinct advantages over their gas-only peers. First, the obvious fuel-consumption benefits. Since hybrid vehicles can switch to electric-only power, you’ll save loads of money on gas. Besides being easier on your wallet, you can feel good knowing that hybrids are easier on the environment. Since they use less gas, they put out less carbon. Less gas consumption also means less drilling for oil and less dependence on fossil fuels. As the world works to create a more sustainable future, buying a hybrid car is one of the best ways to make a positive contribution in your everyday life.
Acura Hybrids
While there are a variety of hybrid vehicles on the market today, the level of sophistication in design and engineering that you will find in an Acura hybrid vehicle is far from common. In keeping with Acura’s unrelenting adherence to lofty standards of quality and refinement, they present a scintillating option for more discriminating hybrid car seekers. The RLX Sport Hybrid is proof positive that Hybrid cars don’t have to be boring. With super-handling all-wheel drive, a sport-hybrid 3-motor system, and an available 377 horsepower, other hybrids simply can’t hold a candle.
What Does The Future Hold For Hybrids?
Hybrid vehicles have been available en masse to American consumers since the late 1990s, but their popularity has soared in recent times. Now, every major automaker has joined in the race to keep up with hybrid technology. So, what’s to come? Many U.S. states are enacting stricter emissions regulations to meet new environmental standards, meaning that the vehicles of the future will need to burn cleaner than ever before. This sets the stage for a new generation of hybrid vehicles, and with ever-evolving technology including promises of even better batteries in the not-so-distant future, it will be exciting to see what comes. Especially from those automakers who aren’t happy to merely keep up with the status-quo. What comes from those car makers who have a passion for innovation and design should be incredible, indeed. We’re looking at you, Acura.
Why compromise? Making a truly intelligent car buying choice is when you find something that works on every level. When you get the best of everything, while sacrificing nothing. See Acura’s take on the hybrid here at Crown Acura in Clearwater — we’re a short trip from Largo, St. Petersburg, and Tampa. Drive the future today.
Blog – Car Buying Tips
Car Buying Tips You Need To Know
Crown Acura Serving Clearwater, Tampa, St. Petersburg and Largo, FL
Granted, we won’t be speaking for any other dealership in the Clearwater, FL, area, but we strongly encourage you to follow these simple car buying tips before you ever sign on the dotted line for a new or used car. Crown Acura in Clearwater, FL is proud to be recognized as the only dealership drivers from Pinellas Park and Largo actually trust. This might have something to do with the fact that we don’t hesitate to tell our customers exactly what’s up. Want the best car buying tips? Keep reading.
Vet ‘Em All
Ladies and gents, please do your research. There are plenty of car dealers in the Clearwater area, but there’s also a shortage of dealers you can rely on not to swindle you. Ask your friends and coworkers where they bought their cars, take the time to read online dealership reviews, and look for a long list of awards on their website. If they’re the best car dealership in the Clearwater area, shouldn’t they be able to prove it?
(A: …YES.)
Get Your Money Right
We never want anyone to buy a new or used car outside of their budget. You may have a ballpark figure in mind, but we encourage you to sit down and really take a look at what you can reasonably afford. Our goal at Crown Acura in Clearwater is to find you the best vehicle for your lifestyle and budget, not strap you to monthly payments that make having fun impossible.
Inquire Like It’s Your Job
Remember when your kindergarten teacher told you there’s “no such thing as a dumb question”? She was right then, and she’s right now. It doesn’t matter if you speak to one of our sale and leasing associates on the showroom floor or email our internet sales department; we’re serious about answering every question you have with kindness and expertise you won’t find at any other dealership in the state of Florida. Got questions? By all means – ASK.
Weigh In The Extra
If you search our available inventory online, keep in mind the cost of car insurance is going to add to the manufacturer’s suggested retail price, AKA your monthly payment at Crown Acura in Clearwater, FL. Contact an insurance company in Clearwater, Pinellas Park, or Largo you already trust, or just repeat the same type of vetting process to make sure you get the best rates and coverage possible.
Crown Acura
18911 US Hwy 19 N
Clearwater, FL, NJ 33764
Blog: Luxury Car Care Tips
Luxury Car Care Tips
Crown Acura Serving Clearwater, Tampa, St. Petersburg and Largo, FL
If you are like most people who drive a luxury car, you probably wish to keep it in immaculate condition at all times. There are specific precautions and maintenance steps you can take to uphold your luxury vehicle. If you heed these suggestions, you will certainly get the use you expect out of an updated model. You can also visit our Crown Acura dealership in Clearwater, FL today for a vehicle check-up.
Keep the Interior in Pristine Condition
Many luxury vehicles feature leather seats, and maintaining cleanliness of these seats is often ignored. To clean them, start off my vacuuming and wiping them down with a damp, non-abrasive cloth. It is best not to use soap of any kind to reduce the risk of damage to the seats. Find a quality, water-based leather conditioner to rub into the seats once they are wiped down. This will prevent wear and tear and will ensure your leather seats look as good as the day you purchased your vehicle. Cloth seats, on the other hand, tend to become dirtier and need to be cleaned more often. Again, avoiding harsh soaps such as washing machine detergent will conserve the purity of the fabric. Vacuum the seats and apply the appropriate upholstery cleaner. Keeping the seats clean will prohibit the value of the vehicle from decreasing.
Wash and Wax the Exterior
Washing the outside of your vehicle is as important as keeping the inside clean. Soaps such as dishwashing detergent are not formulated for an automobile’s paint, so it is best to use a milder soap that is explicitly created for car wash use. Make sure your vehicle is entirely cool before soaping up the exterior. Use a microfiber towel to prevent scratches and water stains. A good, quality carnauba wax should be applied every six months to protect the paint and keep debris from sticking to it. Rinse off the wheels and the underside of the vehicle to wash away excess dirt. Glass is particularly susceptible to water streaks and dust, so use a professional-grade glass cleaner and water repellant, such as Rain-X, to increase your visibility while on the road.
Change All Fluids
While it might seem obvious, the significance of changing the oil and oil filter when necessary does not falter when you decide to own a luxury vehicle. The life of your engine will be drastically extended when you pay attention to the recommended maintenance schedule located in your owner’s manual. Changing out all other essential fluids, such as the transmission fluid or steering wheel fluid, also contributes to the longevity of your vehicle. Stop by our Crown Acura dealership here in Clearwater for your next oil or other fluid change.
We encourage you to bring your luxury vehicle to our Acura dealership in Clearwater, FL today for a tune-up. Schedule an appointment with us to have your vehicle detailed and looking good as new. Our welcoming staff looks forward to assisting you, so come see us today!
Brake Tips: Care For Your Acura
In the automotive world, a lot of attention is paid to things like horsepower and tech features. Often, one of the single most important automotive components in existence is sadly overlooked. We’re talking about your brakes. What good is a fast car if it doesn’t stop fast, too? And what are cool tech features worth if you’re driving your family around in an unsafe ride? Keeping your brakes ship-shape not only prevents vehicle damage but could keep you out of a dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation.
Brake Care 101
You know that keeping your car clean is important, and you probably wouldn’t forget to put gas in the tank. Make sure you keep that same attitude about your vehicle’s braking system and you’ll be ahead of the game. Some things you can do to give your brakes a longer life and a better shot at working properly include:
- Check your brake fluid regularly. The biggest thing to check for is whether any moisture (water) has gotten into the brake fluid, since this can cause all kinds of nasty corrosion. If you’re not sure how to tell, ask a trusted mechanic to take a look. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations when it comes to changing brake fluid, since guidelines for this can vary wildly between automakers. This, again, is where an experienced auto technician can be very helpful.
- Watch your driving habits. If you tend to speed up and then slow down very quickly by slamming on the brakes, you are probably decreasing the longevity of your braking system. This “hurry up and wait” mentality is common among city drivers, but it pays to look ahead in order to avoid having to stop abruptly. Coast to that red light instead of accelerating until just before it’s time to stop. Next time you drive, try paying attention to ways you could make more efficient use of your brakes.
When Brakes are Bad
To determine whether your brakes need replacing, take a peek between the spokes on your wheels. If there’s less than 1/4 inch of pad left, head to the repair shop. Driving on worn-down brake pads is dangerous — and will cause much more expensive damage if left unchecked. If you see that your rotors are anything other than smooth and shiny, you’ve got a bigger problem. Another indication that something is amiss with your brakes is screeching. Brakes do sometimes make noises that are perfectly normal, especially if they get wet or dusty. If you’re noticing an ongoing noise, though, let a professional take a look. Other indicators of imminent brake failure include a loss of responsiveness, pulling to one side or another, and grinding or vibrating.
If you think you may need a brake repair or replacement, come see the certified technicians in our service department. Our highly skilled experts are honest and knowledgable, using only the best parts and most cutting-edge techniques to get you back on the road quickly. Come let us give your brakes some TLC at Crown Acura in Clearwater, also serving our friends in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Pinellas Park and Largo. Contact us today!
Dan Morris
Crown Acura
Acura Tire Safety Tips
Most of us make sure to wash and shine our vehicles regularly — and we’d never forget to put gas in the tank, but checking tire pressure gets overlooked all too often. That’s a huge mistake, since improperly inflated tires open you up to a whole host of potential problems.
- Over and under inflated tires affect the way your car handles, and the way you and your passengers experience the ride. You can lose steering responsiveness and your suspension components won’t work in the way they’re designed to. All that compensation for over or under inflated tires can end up causing expensive damage to your vehicle.
- Fuel economy is affected when tires are not inflated properly. Under inflated tires are estimated to cost up to 5 cents more per gallon to run than properly inflated tires.
- Tires affect your vehicles ability to safely carry a load. The capacity readouts that manufacturers give for their vehicles assume properly inflated tires. If your tires are not, they could fail under the additional pressure of extra cargo. Imagine having a blowout while towing a boat or trailer. Avoiding such a scenario is the perfect reason to be vigilant about tire inflation.
Improperly inflated tires also wear out more quickly and affect your ability to stop fast. That’s why late-model Acura vehicles are equipped with an advanced tire pressure monitoring technology so you’ll never have to worry or wonder.
Alignment and Rotation
Another key to tire safety is making sure that your tires are being rotated regularly to keep wear evenly distributed. Why does this matter? First, it’s going to cost you a fortune in tire replacements if you don’t have your tires rotated to get max use out of them. Second — and even more importantly — tires that are out of balance or haven’t been rotated can blow. And that is exactly what you don’t want to happen out on the road. Most tire blowouts happen at high speeds, too, which is why they often result in accidents.
General Tire Safety Tips
We’re almost done with Tire Safety 101, but make sure to look over these other basic tips and suggestions.
- Never exceed manufacturer load limits for your particular vehicle and tires.
- Inspect tires regularly to check for holes, cuts or other abnormalities.
- Keep an eye on your tread depth and make note of how many miles you’ve driven on a particular set of tires.
- Check your spare tire from time to time. You don’t want to be in a situation where you need your spare only to find out that it’s flat.
- Buy tires from reputable dealers, and beware of used tires.
Tire Care at Crown Acura
Now that you know more than you probably wanted to about tire safety, let us take over from here. Bring in your vehicle for tire servicing by our highly skilled technicians. We guarantee the best quality products, service, and workmanship. Let us help you keep on rolling.
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