No one wants to get into an accident, but when you’re driving in the rain, accidents do occur because it is easier to hydroplane. At Duncan Acura, we always want to help our customers be safe on the road, so we are going to give you a few tips on how to avoid hydroplaning so that you can keep yourself and other motorists safer on the roads.

One of the easiest ways to avoid losing control of your vehicle while driving on wet roads is to drive at a reasonable pace. When you drive too quickly, the weight of…

The next time you want to do a thorough cleaning of your vehicle, consider washing your engine as well. With some precautions, it’s an easy job that will leave your car looking like it just came out of a showroom.

Specially designed degreasers for car engines are the easiest method for removing the grime, although there are degreasers meant for household use that could also work. There are several electrical components in your engine that will be adversely affected by water, so be sure to disconnect your battery and thoroughly cover delicate parts in plastic.

Once you’ve coated…

The timing belt opens and closes the valves inside of the camshaft. It also ensures that your engine performs at its peak. Your timing belt can last for several years, but it is a good idea to look out for signs that indicate it is time for you to get a new one. Your engine may idle. It may also misfire. If you do not have your timing belt replaced in time, then your vehicle could suffer permanent engine damage.

The oil pressure may also decline. This can also cause the engine to fail. 

Worn out tires are a safety hazard. That is tire inspections should be a part of your car care routine. You should get into the habit of checking your tires at least once a month. If you have a newer vehicle, then it likely has a tread bar indicator. It will start to appear as the tread wears away. You will also need to check your tire pressure. If your tires do not seem to hold air, then it is a good idea to replace them. Your tires should only deflate about one PSI each month. if they are deflating…

A large crack in the windshield can interfere with visibility, but many people ignore small chips or cracks small enough to be covered by a dollar bill. The problem is that all it takes is a few minutes over a rough road for the crack to spread across the windshield.

The choice is yours whether you want to have the technicians at an authorized auto glass repair shop like ours at Duncan Acura or wait until it becomes too large to fix. At that point, the only choice is a windshield replacement. There is a significant difference between the cost…

When and how should you get fuel system service for your car? Luckily, our Duncan Acura service department makes things easier by performing fuel system service as needed during routine maintenance and service appointments. Here's what we do.

Basic Fuel System Service

Fuel system service ensures that all the components of your car's fuel system are squeaky clean and performing optimally. Doing so keeps your car running smoothly and prolongs the overall life of your vehicle. Service includes one or all of the following:

• Removing varnish from engine valves

Your child's safety is important right from birth. It doesn't matter the weight or age, but you need to take time to decide the best suitable car seat for your kid. All children under the height of 135cm should have their car seats.

Yes, because at this height, the child is vulnerable to potential risks that may cost a life. There are three types of car seats available for infants and babies: convertible, rear-facing, and forward-facing. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends all children use a rear-facing car seat until they attain the maximum height and weight allowed…

Distracted driving in Roanoke doesn't put your own life at risk. You're also risking the lives of everyone else around you, including bicyclists and pedestrians. Here's some tips from Duncan Acura on avoiding distracted driving.

If you're waiting on a call from someone, let them know that you won't be able to answer your phone while you're on the highway. If they call you during your drive, don't answer until you've safely pulled over and parked. No one who's important to you will want you to risk your life to answer…

Increasing the fuel economy that your vehicle experiences can save you a lot of money when it comes time to fill up your fuel tank. There are some very easy ways that you can do this, and Duncan Acura is here to help.

• You would be surprised by how much extra weight you're towing around with you. Open up your trunk and look in your backseat. Remove any extra items that don't need to be driven around all the time. Extra weight will decrease your efficiency.
• Most gas stations have a few different varieties of fuel. If you…

Auto-dimming rearview mirrors can make driving at night safer and simpler. These mirrors help to automatically adjust to bright headlights, so drivers in Roanoke can remain focused on the road without having their visibility impaired, and at Duncan Acura, we know how crucial focus and visibility are. But not many people know exactly how these mirrors actually work.

Auto-dimming rearview mirrors have two sensors embedded inside them. These sensors detect light, and when a bright light is detected, a