We've compiled – and answered – the questions Acura owners ask us the most. These are our top 5. For the full list, please visit the FAQs page.

• Is it possible to tow my Acura vehicle with all four wheels on the ground (dinghy towing)?

• For model year 2006 and newer, if an Acura vehicle is approved for towing with all four wheels on the ground, it will be noted in the Owner’s Manual for that vehicle. Please refer to the Owner's Manual for specific towing instructions.

  For model year 2005 and older, dinghy towing capability may or may not be possible. Please contact Acura Client Relations (800-382-2238) for additional information on whether or not your specific 2005 or older vehicle may be dinghy-towable.

• Why do my brakes make a squealing noise sometimes when I apply them lightly at low speeds?

• As described in some Owner’s Manuals, the squealing noise is caused by high-frequency vibration of the brake pads against the rotating brake disc. Vibration is the unavoidable result of friction generated by the pads as the caliper clamps them against the rotating disc. Under average braking conditions, some brake noise is normal and cannot be eliminated.

  Normally, the shims and the high-temperature grease between the pads and the brake caliper dampen and isolate most of the vibration. The level of vibration, however, is affected by outside temperature and humidity, by road conditions (mud, dust and road salt), and by the condition or thickness of the brake pad material. If the squealing noise is abnormally loud, have the brakes inspected and checked for pad wear.

• Why do my brakes make a single “click” noise when I back out of a parking place and once again when I drive forward?

• A clearance between the brake caliper brackets and the ends of the brake pads allows for heat expansion and avoids corrosion between the caliper bracket and the brake pads. That clearance can cause the pads to hit the caliper brackets when you first apply the brakes in a new direction of travel. When you back up and apply the brakes and then drive forward and apply the brakes, the single “click” noise you hear is a normal characteristic of the brake system.

• Why do I hear a groaning noise when I start my car and then leave for work in the morning?

• On models with a compact Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) unit, the vehicle’s ABS emits a brief grunt or groan when it does a self-check. The self-check occurs when a vehicle is backed up or driven forward after being started. The groaning noise associated with the ABS self-check is a normal characteristic; it doesn’t mean there is a problem with the ABS.

• Why does my brake pedal sometimes feel like it sinks when I’m holding my car stopped at a light?

• This change in brake pedal height is caused by an increase in engine vacuum. The “power brakes” system in most modern vehicles uses engine vacuum to boost the amount of force applied to the brake pedal by the driver of the car. The device that does this, called the brake “booster,” makes it easier for the driver to stop the vehicle.

  Engine vacuum is affected by many different conditions. Engine vacuum is highest when all accessories are off and the accelerator pedal is released (low load), and lowest when all accessories are turned on and the accelerator pedal is held to the floor (high load). Any change in engine vacuum (load) can affect the amount of “assist,” or boost, provided by the brake booster.

  One system that applies a noticeable load to the engine is the air conditioning. During normal operation, the air conditioning system constantly cycles on and off, changing the amount of load on the engine. When the air conditioning cycles off, the load on the engine is decreased and the amount of engine vacuum is increased. If the driver is applying the brake pedal when the air conditioning cycles off, the increase in engine vacuum increases the amount of boost applied to the brake pedal. That increase is felt as a slight drop in brake pedal height and is a normal characteristic.

Acura Client Relations stands ready to answer questions and address concerns with your Acura vehicle. You may contact us several ways:

Acura Client Relations is more than happy to help with U.S. Acura vehicle concerns, but we are unable to address questions about non-U.S. products. Please telephone the appropriate customer relations group directly:

Acura Canada (888) 922-8729 toll free