Winter Driving in the Warm-Weather of California | Mazda El Cajon

Automobile associations, law enforcement groups and other organizations that follow cars and traffic often come out with a set of safety checks for drivers during the winter. The tips have little use for Southern California drivers, who would see a near shutdown of freeways and streets if by some strange weather quirk they had to confront snow.

But mindful that we are not weather-challenged, auto information company Edmunds.com has come out with a set of safety tips for Sun Belt drivers as we head into the rainy season.

Check your tire pressure: Tire pressure is important because traction declines in wet conditions. Also, a properly inflated tire will help protect against wheel damage that might occur as the vehicle drives over potholes. Read your owner's manual to find the correct tire pressure.

Inspect the wipers and check wiper fluid: Visibility is often compromised in the winter by rain and reduced daylight. The life expectancy of a wiper blade is one year. If your car's blades are older, replace them.

Make sure your four-wheel drive system works: A big selling point for SUVs is that many offer four-wheel drive, which improves traction in snow and other slippery conditions. But many people don't use their 4WD systems very often, especially in places such as Southern California. Make sure the system engages and disengages smoothly, and that there are no strange noises emanating from the drive-train when the system is in use. If there are multiple drivers for your vehicle, make sure each of them knows how to operate the 4WD system.

Carry an emergency kit: In earthquake-prone Southern California, this is a good idea for winter and the rest of the year. You can purchase a pre-assembled kit or do it yourself. Be sure to include:

• A flashlight, flares and a first-aid kit.
• Jumper cables, a tool kit and tire chains.
• A blanket, warm clothes, hat and gloves.
• Paper towels.
• A bag of abrasive material, such as sand, salt or non-clumping kitty litter. Use this for added traction when a tire is stuck.
• Extra washer fluid.
• Extra food and water.

Check your defoggers: Rain and dampness put windshield defoggers to the test. Make sure they are in working order and that all the drivers of the vehicle know how to operate them.

Source: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/money_co/2011/10/winter-driving-tips-warm-weather-states.html

Five Tips for Fall Car Care Month

Whether you do it yourself or take your car to a professional service technician, the Car Care Council recommends five proactive steps to make sure your car is ready for winter driving.

1. Battery – Keep the battery connections clean, tight and corrosion-free. Cold weather is hard on batteries, so it’s wise to check the battery and charging system. Because batteries don’t always give warning signs before they fail, it is advisable to replace batteries that are more than three years old.

2. Heater, Defrosters and Wiper Blades – Check that the heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system are working properly as heating and cooling performance is critical for interior comfort and for safety reasons, such as defrosting. Fall is also a great time to check your air filters. Wiper blades that are torn, cracked or don’t properly clean your windshield should be replaced. As a general rule, wiper blades should be replaced every six months. When changing the blades, be sure to also check the fluid level in the windshield washer reservoir.

3. Tires – Check the tires, including the tire pressure and tread depth. Uneven wear indicates a need for wheel alignment. Tires should also be checked for bulges and bald spots. If snow and ice are a problem in your area, consider special tires designed to grip slick roads. During winter, tire pressure should be checked weekly as tires lose pressure when temperatures drop.

4. Brakes – Have the brake system checked, including brake linings, rotors and drums. Brakes are critical to vehicle safety and particularly important when driving on icy or snow-covered roads.

5. Free personalized schedule and email reminder service – Signing up for the Car Care Council’s free personalized schedule and email reminder service is a simple way to help you take better care of your vehicle now and throughout the year. It is an easy-to-use resource designed to help you drive smart, save money and make informed decisions.

“Getting your vehicle ready for winter while temperatures are still mild is a proactive approach to preventive maintenance that helps ensure safety, reliability and fewer unexpected repairs when severe winter weather strikes,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council.

The Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For a copy of the council’s Car Care Guide, also available electronically, or for more information, visit www.carcare.org

Source:  www.carcare.org 

Be Ready- September is National Preparedness Month

It is time to take stock of what's in your car in case of a roadside emergency. 

CREATE YOUR OWN ROADSIDE EMERGENCY KIT

• Spare tire, properly inflated – check every 6 months!
• Car jack and lug wrench – fits your car and you know how to work it!
• Preprogram your cell phone with 800 number for auto club roadside service
• Call local law enforcement for assistance to get you off the highway to safety

KIT BASICS:

• 12-foot jumper cables
• Four 15-minute roadside flares
• Emergency Red Reflector Triangle
• First aid kit
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Tire pressure gauge
• Rags
• Roll of duct tape
• A HELP sign, at least 8 inches
• Energy bars (change yearly)
• Bottled water (change yearly)
• Blanket
• Extra vehicle fuses
• Small tool kit
• Heavy duty nylon bag to keep the small items together
• Nylon rope, at least 12 feet
• Plastic tarp

NICE-TO-HAVE EXTRAS:

• Tire inflator (such as a Fix-A-Flat)
• A quart of motor oil
• Anti-Freeze
• Spray bottle with washer fluid
• Pocketknife
• Ice scraper
• Paper Towels
• Pen and paper
• Bungee cord - 12"
• Rain poncho
• Cable ties
• Work gloves
• Small fire extinguisher (ABC rated)

Source: http://www.ots.ca.gov/roadsideemergencykit.asp

School Zone Safety Tips to Remember | Mazda El Cajon

Help Your Kids Get Back to School Safely

As summer days grow shorter, communities across America will soon be observing that timeless annual ritual: the first day of school. It’s a time when parents breathe a sigh of relief and students and teachers anticipate new beginnings and new challenges.

Unfortunately, the beginning of school is also a time when children are at increased risk of transportation related injuries from pedestrian, bicycle, school bus, and motor vehicle crashes because there are many more children on the road each morning and afternoon and many drivers’ patterns change. Shorter daylight hours make it especially difficult to see young pedestrians and bicyclists. So as schools open their doors, it’s time for everyone – motorists, parents, educators, and students – to improve their traffic safety practices. The following tips can help make this a safe and happy school year for the whole community.

Tips for Motorists

• When a school bus or children are present slow down and proceed with caution, obeying all traffic laws and speed limits.
• Always stop for a school bus that has stopped to load or unload passengers. Red
  
  flashing lights and an extended stop arm tell you the school bus is stopped to load or unload children. Under certain conditions State Law requires you to stop.
• If you are on a two-lane roadway, you must stop.
• If you are on a roadway that has two or more travel lanes traveling in each direction and you are traveling the same direction as the bus, you must stop.
• If you are on a roadway that has at least two or more travel lanes traveling in each direction and you are approaching, meeting the bus, you do not have to stop, merely proceed with caution.
• Be alert and ready to stop. Watch for children walking in the street, especially where there are no sidewalks. Watch for children playing and gathering near bus stops. Watch for children arriving late for the bus, who may dart into the street without looking for traffic. When backing out of a driveway or leaving a garage, watch for children walking or biking to school.
• When driving in neighborhoods or school zones, watch for young people who may be in a hurry to get to school and may not be thinking about getting there safely.

Tips for Parents

• Help your children learn and practice the safety rules for walking, bicycling, or riding ina passenger car, school bus or transit bus.
• Supervise young children as they are walking or biking to school or as they wait at the school bus stop.
• Be a good role model, especially when you are with your kids. Always buckle up in the car, always wear a helmet when biking, and always follow pedestrian safety rules.

Tips for Students

• Always buckle up when you’re riding in a car.
  
• Always ride in the back seat. It’s the safest place for young people.
• Always wear a helmet and follow traffic safety rules when riding your bike.
• If you ride a school bus, learn and practice the safety rules for waiting at the bus stop, getting on and off the bus, and riding the bus.
• If you walk to school, learn and practice the safety rules for pedestrians. Always cross at cross walks, obey all traffic signs, traffic lights and safety patrol instructions.
• Be a good role model for your younger brothers and sisters and friends, and help them learn and practice the safety rules.

#TBT Mazda Logos

Mazda emblem is more than a logo.

A logo's evolution reflects the unfolding of a brand's story through time and captures its spirit and aspirations for the future. Over its 90 years of existence, the Mazda brand has experienced a rich and fascinating evolution, and its logo has grown into one of the more recognized and respected symbols in the automotive industry.



1936

This is the first recorded corporate Mazda logo. It was the registered trademark for Mazda when production began on its three-wheel trucks. The name "Mazda" derives from Ahura Mazda, a god of wisdom, intelligence and harmony, from the earliest civilizations in western Asia. The name also is said to derive from the anglicized version of Jujiro Matsuda, the founder of Mazda's automotive business.

Mazda also introduced this brand symbol in 1936, which was inspired by the emblem of Mazda's hometown. It expresses the brand's strong link to Hiroshima city, which today is still home to the company's corporate headquarters. The peaks in the logo's middle form a stylized triple "M" symbolizing "Mazda as a motor manufacturer." The wings on both sides represent Mazda's agility, speed and ability to soar to new heights.

Both the corporate and the brand logos were introduced at the same time to ensure that those who saw it on the company's products knew immediately that Mazda's roots lay in Hiroshima.



1959

The introduction of this classic "M" logo coincided with the launch of Mazda's passenger cars in 1959. The first vehicle to wear it was the Mazda R360 coupe - a vehicle that broke with conventions and featured several cutting-edge Mazda technologies.



1975

This timeless logo was introduced at the same time as Mazda's new corporate identity. Today, 35 years later, the logotype remains an intrinsic element of Mazda's visual identity.



1992

Introduced in 1992, this brand symbol was accompanied by Mazda's 1975-introduced corporate logo. Its shape expresses the dimension of wings, the sun and a circle of light, and was ultimately the take-off point for Mazda's current logo.



1997

This new logo was globally introduced in June 1997. It depicts the Mazda "M" whose distinctive "V" shape embodies the company stretching its wings as it soars into the future. It represents the creativity, the sense of mission and vitality that are Mazda - in other words, the quest to continuously grow and improve. In 2000, this philosophy was enhanced with the introduction of the Zoom-Zoom tagline to express the "emotion of motion" built into Mazda vehicles. The Zoom-Zoom ethos, still very much embodied in the logo, soon appeared in the new generation of vehicles, which brought the company further along on its road to success.

This logo, and the spirit it communicates, represents a symbol of excellence and a promise to Mazda customers worldwide. It expresses the company's commitment to providing high-quality products that also deliver fun-to-drive excitement.

Reference: Motorway America

Getting Your Teen Their First Car: A How To

Make sure you're setting them up for safety right from the start.

1. Choose the Right Car

Let's face it, if you left the decision up to your teen, you would probably end up with either a huge SUV or a suped up sports car, neither of which is particularly safe for a young, new driver. However, there are plenty of options out there to make both you and your teen happy. And with the right research, you can find a car that is not only fun to drive, but also safe and reliable, too.

Choosing a midsize car is the best way to go, according to The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety and the Insurance Information Institute. Depending on your budget, you can opt for either a new or used model - just make sure the car is in good condition with updated safety features like airbags and electronic stability control. Also, you'll want to check out crash test and safety ratings before making your final purchase.

Fuel efficiency is another important factor to consider, especially in today's economy. Unless you're willing to cover the cost of filling your son or daughter's tank each week, buying your teen a gas guzzler is probably not a good idea.

2. Get the Best Auto Insurance Rate

The truth is that no matter what car you choose, insuring your teen driver will increase your auto insurance rates. But there are some things that you can do to make these costs as manageable as possible. In fact, another great reason to opt for safety first at the car dealership is that it can help keep your auto insurance premiums down. Because safer cars tend to have a lower accident risk, they are usually less expensive to insure.

Another way to get the best auto insurance rates possible is to scope out potential discounts. If your teen is a full-time student, for instance, he or she may be eligible for a good student discount. Researching your options beforehand will help you to make an informed decision when trying to find the right car for your teen.

3. Set Boundaries

Choosing a good car and purchasing the right auto insurance are only the first steps in keeping your teen safe on the road. Talking with your teen about safe driving and setting clear rules and guidelines are also important. To ensure that your teen stays safe behind the wheel, you can:

• Limit the number of passengers your teen can have in his or her car at any one time;
• Establish a "no cell phone" policy to ensure that your teen does not text or call while driving;
• Discuss what to do in cases of emergency, including accidents and adverse weather conditions.

Summer Car Care Tips | Mazda El Cajon

Winter isn't the only time you need to be diligent about your car's maintenance.

The arrival of summer marks an ideal time to make sure your car or truck is in good working condition. The high temperatures of summer can be tough on a vehicle - everything from the paint down to the tires is subjected to harsher than normal conditions. Gone unchecked, some issues could leave you stranded in the heat. Here are a few tips to help make sure you and your vehicle are protected against the hazards of summer.

Check your fluids and perform regular maintenance.

Confirm proper tire pressure to avoid a blowout and improve fuel economy.

Keep yourself cool with a/c and your vehicle cool by parking in the shade.

Fluids like coolant, motor oil and windshield washer fluid are things motorists can regularly check on their own. Engine coolant, sometimes called antifreeze, is the number one thing motorists should stay on top of in the summer months. Since modern cars have a closed system for coolant, checking or adding coolant is easy. This is generally done through the coolant reservoir located under the hood. Consult your owner's manual for a specific location. Be sure the coolant level is between the minimum and maximum markings, adding more if necessary. But never open the radiator cap or coolant tank lid when the engine is hot.

Tire pressure is also important, especially in summer months. As the outside temperature climbs, the air in your car's tires expands, so check your tire pressure when the tires are at a normal temperature - before you set out on a road trip. Also, be sure to use the proper tire pressure for your car, not the maximum pressure listed on the tire sidewall. Check the recommended tire pressure label in the door jamb or glove compartment, or consult your owner's manual.

Tires that are over- or underinflated can reduce the vehicle's handling capability or generate excess heat, causing a blowout. Although most newer cars have an on-board tire pressure monitoring system, get a good quality tire pressure gauge - a dial-type analog unit or digital gauge, not a straight, pen-type one - and check them yourself every few months. Don't forget to check the pressure in your spare tire, too. It's like an insurance policy. You never know when you might need it.

Along with the heat, summer also means more long-distance road trips that reveal the high cost of poor fuel economy. So it's a good time to keep up periodic maintenance like oil and filter changes and inspection or replacement of the air cleaner and fuel filters. Not only are these essential to the durability of your engine in the long term, but neglecting them will cause poor fuel economy in the short term, too. Performing regular maintenance means it will take less fuel to make that long highway trip. Maintaining proper tire pressure and using cruise control on the highway can further improve fuel economy, keeping your summer fuel costs down.

While air conditioning can be a drag on fuel economy in stop-and-go driving, keeping the windows up and the a/c on improves aerodynamics and is ideal on the highway. Plus, it will keep the driver and passengers comfortable and reduce driver fatigue. Have your air conditioning system checked annually. If your car's a/c is not getting cold, chances are you have a leak in the system. Adding refrigerant will only solve the problem temporarily, so invest in a proper repair. Some a/c systems have a cabin air filtration system. Check your owner's manual to see how often the filter should be changed. And if you see a little water dripping from your car, don't worry. The a/c system drains condensation when it's working properly.

Keeping your car cool when you're not driving is important, too. The heat of the summer sun can cause cosmetic damage to your car and make it harder to cool off inside when it's time to drive. Protect your paint and interior by parking in a garage or under an awning when possible. Regularly wax your vehicle using a polish with UV protection to reduce sun damage and paint fading. Protect the interior, too. Purchasing a $10 sunshade that keeps sunlight from coming in the windshield can reduce fading, drying and cracking inside your vehicle, and keep you cooler when you sit down behind the wheel.

Preparation is a key to handling harsh summer heat. Following these simple tips will help your vehicle to perform its best this summer. Not only will you and your vehicle be better prepared to survive the heat, but you'll also make the most of your summer by enjoying the freedom that a well-cared-for car can offer. That certainly beats being stranded in the heat.

What it means to you: Don't get stranded in the heat. Maintain your car year-round, but make special preparations for dealing with the hazards of summer, too.

Resource: http://www.autotrader.com/research/article/car-news/170070/hot-summer-car-care-tips.jsp

It's time to find your adventure! | Mazda El Cajon

Get out and enjoy your summer!

The Great American Road Trip can become even greater when you tweak a few simple things about your approach. 
Heed our advice, grab a couple close friends, and get out there on the best trip of your life.

1. Make a plan, but not a rigid one.
If you’ve got a time limit (as most road trippers do), it’s smart to plot out which city you’ll sleep in each night before setting off. Plan so your driving time is eight hours or less per day, but don't plan anything more than that. Then watch as your days become hilarious sagas of driving, wandering, and following your wild road trip whims.

2. Don’t research your stops beforehand.
Ahh expectation, the grand crippler of many a road tripper’s happiness. On a road trip, your schedule has extra room, so you can afford to enter a new city with no prior knowledge of what you’ll find. Being relatively clueless has benefits: When you don’t know what to expect at a stop, you can’t possibly be let down by what you discover. And when you’re not bee-lining for the city’s most-visited tourist locales, you leave the door wide open for weird little discoveries… of the city’s true gems.

3. Find the “world’s largest” everything.
Ok so if there’s one thing you’re allowed to map out, it’s all those places that claim to have the “world’s largest” version of whatever, because they make for some hilariously off-beat sights. There are tons and tons of “world’s largests” along our highways-- highlights include the Giant Artichoke in California and the World’s Largest Freestanding Illuminated Man-Made Star in Roanoke, Virginia.

4. Bring a real, actual map and a really big Sharpie. 

Google Maps is awesome for driving directions, but it’s infinitely more fun to track your progress on a real, printed-out atlas. Trace your route on the map as you go along, then hang it in your bedroom or office to smile at every day.

5. Pack light so there’s room to collect. 
You’re going to find an authentic Apache rug in New Mexico. And an awesome mounted deer head in Texas. It will be sucha bummer if your trunk is too full of suitcases to stow these finds.

6. Get a gas card.
You’re gonna be buying a LOT of fuel, which can translate into a LOT of free fuel points, cash back on hotels, and discounted groceries.

7. Bring a CD.
Yes, a real live CD. With 12 songs or less that you’d be semi-comfortable hearing for two weeks straight. Stick it in the car’s CD changer old-school style, and run through it every day without skipping tracks. It won’t seem like a big deal. But months later, when one of those special road trip songs comes on at the grocery store or in a bar, you’ll find yourself transported back to your trip in a way only a song could transport you.

8. Bring refreshments.

You never know when a beautiful roadside sunset or especially scenic overlook will call for a break to just sit back and watch.

9. Practice making new friends.
You can keep to yourself at home, but a road trip is not the best time to do so. Chat up your grocery store cashier. Ask the motel staff for shopping suggestions. Be bold and join a Frisbee game at the park. Locals know their area best, and they’ll lead you to the best activities once you break the ice.

10. Carry cash for tolls.
Toll roads can pop up in the most bizarre of places, and their fares might be higher than you expect. Stock your center console with dollars and coin rolls so your mailbox won’t overflow with fines from the Kansas Department of Transportation when you get home (not that it’s ever happened to us).

11. Announce your whereabouts. 
Text someone -- a friend or your parents -- the name of the place you stay each night and which city you plan to reach by the next night. In the very rare event that anything sketchy happens, it’s good to have a public record of where you are.

12. Make up your own road games.
Unlock the “are we there yet?” child within and use your pent-up creativity to pass the time. Play a game of “seven questions” instead of 21. Re-cast your favorite movies using you and your trip mates as the actors. Count how many times you see the word “chicken” on a billboard. Get funky with it.

13. Ask a local where to eat.
Nine times out of ten, a local will lead you to a tastier, cheaper dinner with better ambiance than a guidebook could ever suggest. Find a local who looks like they know what's up, and ask the simple question.

14. Limit phone calls to the outside world.
Road trips are all about being wild, abandoned and free on the open road. They’re also about bonding in a special way with your trip mates while spending hours and hours together in that tiny box on wheels. It might be tempting to spice things up with phone calls to your friends back home, but limiting those calls will pay off when you’re able to really get to know your fellow travelers and really soak in the amazing sights around you.

15. Bring a spare car key.
It might sound like a no-brainer, but there are some people (cough, us, cough) who have not been so wise.

16. Follow those weird billboards.
You know, the ones that say “Free Chocolate Samples This Way” and “Second-Friendliest Yarn Store in The Universe.” These places aren’t creepy; they’re cool. And they are often gleeful small-town destinations never before seen by your big-city eyes.

17. Embrace the gas station. 
Some are gourmet. Some, less so. But they’ve got cheap eats, classic candies, bathrooms, and fuel all in one. Stop at gas stations often, and you’re bound to hit some stellar ones -- the one with the five-legged cow or the ones with the mix-your-own-milkshake machine -- which will positively make your trip.

18. Take pictures! 
…and not just the Instagram kind. Road trips are prime fodder for beautiful scrapbooks and bulletin boards once you get home.

Happy road tripping, freeway pioneers!

Resource: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/01/road-trip-hacks_n_4177884.html

Oil Change | Mazda of El Cajon

Here at Mazda El Cajon, we provide Mazda oil changes in El Cajon, CA during our Service Department operating hours.

When it comes to getting an oil change, many customers feel more comfortable going to someone they know will do a great job with their new or used Mazda vehicle. That's why Mazda El Cajon provides quick lube oil and filter services for our customers.

You don't have to purchase a car from our dealership in order to get it serviced here. We offer the recommended transmission oil change services to any new and current customer in the El Cajon, CA area.

In addition to oil change services, we also offer tire rotation, brake service, and more. To schedule an oil change or other service, please call our Service Department at (800) 920-4444 or visit us online.

2016 Mazda CX-5 | Mazda of El Cajon

Penn & Teller brought comedy to magic, creating a whole new kind of performance. The 2016 Mazda CX-5 delivers a refined interior with the performance you'd never expect in a CUV. This is the Mazda CX-5.

This is one of the very hottest segments in the new car world right now.

With practical matters like cost to own, size and fuel economy all neck and neck, the choice of your new crossover really could come down to "intangibles" like handling. In that way I think the added driving joy of the CX-5 becomes a difference maker, even if the driver in question isn't of the enthusiast bent.

Mazda Motorsports & Project Yellow Light | Mazda of El Cajon

Representatives from Project Yellow Light were on-hand ahead of the announcement of the 2015 Hunter Garner Scholarship winners on Tuesday, May 5. Mazda Motorsports has partnered with Project Yellow Light since 2012 to help educate young drivers on the dangers of distracted driving with Mazda racers acting as safety ambassadors. Mazda racer Ben Albano presented Project Yellow Light a check for $4,600, money raised from a high school karting competition.

2016 Mazda CX-3 | Mazda of El Cajon | New Mazda & Used Car Dealership

Design director Derek Jenkins says Mazda "didn't want to do the funky route" with its compact CUV – a nudge to the Nissan Juke and Fiat 500X, right there. Instead, the CX-3 uses the Kodo design language that Mazda has perfected since its production debut on the CX-5 in 2012. Across the board, the company's products look incredible, and the CX-3 is right at home amongst Mazda's latest beauties.

Notice the long hood with a flowing character line that runs over the front fender and down the body side, chiseled off at the end with tight rear proportions and a small overhang. Huge arches draw focus to the premium 18-inch wheels found on our Grand Touring CX-3, but swallow up the 16-inch rollers used on lesser models. The glass area is kept to a minimum, but visibility from inside is still quite good. Details like the LED accents in the head- and taillamps look premium and aggressive. From all angles, this is an attractive crossover. It's a bold, dynamic entry in a class filled with cutesy, oddball, and bland designs.

Underneath the CX-3 is the Skyactiv chassis found in the new Mazda2. At 168.3 inches long, 69.6 inches wide, and 60.7 inches tall, the CX-3 is smaller than the Mazda3 in every dimension except height. This translates to a compact, tidy crossover that's noticeably smaller than its big brother CX-5.

Deep amidst a full-fledged SkyActiv onslaught, it appears Mazda can do no wrong. The Mazda3, Mazda6 and CX-5 are all favorites around the AutoGuide office. For 2016, a new member joins the Mazda family looking to continue to the hit-streak.




  

2015 Mazda CX-5 & MX-5 Rack Up KBB.Com Awards | New Mazda & Used Car Dealership in El Cajon, CA

Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com recently named the 2015 Mazda CX-5 a “10 Best All-Wheel-Drive Vehicles Under $25,000” and “10 Most Fun SUVs.” KBB.com has also named the 2015 Mazda MX-5 as one of its “10 Coolest Cars Under $25,000.”


The 2015 Mazda CX-5 is equipped with SKYACTIV® TECHNOLOGY, which allows it to achieve among the highest fuel economy in its class and exhilarating driving dynamics. KBB.com editors said, “the Mazda CX-5 compact SUV is among the most fun-to-drive, most stylish vehicles in its class. Optional all-wheel drive only adds to its abilities.” Additionally, components of i-ACTIVSENSE help to assist drivers in detecting potential collision situations and aids in the avoidance of these dangers.

5 Spring Maintenance Tips for Your Car | New Mazda & Used Car Dealership in El Cajon CA

  

Here are Five Spring Car Maintenance Tips to Keep in Mind

1. Remove leftover salt

Salt, used on roads to melt ice and snow, can cause serious damage to cars, especially their undercarriages where metal can rust. Take your car to a highly rated car wash to eliminate salt, and check that the business has sprayers that clean the undercarriage.

2. Check alignment and suspension
Driving over potholes can damage your car’s alignment and suspension. You might have a problem if you notice that the car pulls to one side or the steering wheel vibrates as you drive. An alignment check typically costs $25 to $40.

3. Change oil and check fluids

“If your last oil change was before winter, then this is a great time to do it, spring is also an ideal time to flush your transmission fluid. It’s one of the most neglected services. Mechanics say spring is a good time to check your car's fluid levels. Waiting too long to change your fluids can lead to a costly repair. Mechanics recommend changing your car’s oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.Don’t forget to check window washing fluid levels, as well as your brake and cooling system fluids.

4. Rotate tires and check air pressure
You should check the tire pressure, including the spare should you ever need it. Your car’s tires affect the ride, handling, traction and safety.Mechanics recommend tire rotation every 5,000 miles to keep tread wear even.One of the biggest issues we see is the front tires wearing out prematurely.

5. Inspect brakes
Nothing, perhaps, is more important than having brakes that function properly. Have a technician check the pads and rotors to ensure there are no safety issues. Neglecting them can lead to a costlier repair down the line.