Cars are some of the most expensive items people will ever own during their lifetime. Your new Mazda is a significant investment, and will require repair along the way. Luckily, there are several ways you as a Mazda owner can prevent your car from deteriorating and becoming damaged, leading it to a longer life. Here are several ways you can start.
1. Pick your routes with caution. Using a really bumpy or unkept surface everyday can take a toll on your car leading to broken springs, buckled wheels and many other damages. An alternate route will make more of a difference than you realize.
2. Use foot brakes instead of changing the gearbox to slow down. By using the gearbox, it puts extra stress on the bearings reducing the life of your gearbox components.
3. Use your garage to protect your car’s interior. The sun cannot bleach the interior when inside and it’ll prevent the interior from getting hot on sunny days.
4. If you've got more than one car or you don't drive all that much, don't just abandon your car altogether for weeks on end.The battery will probably go flat, the brakes and clutch will probably seize up and if you leave the car long enough the fuel will go stale and you could even get flat spots on your tires.
5. Always let the engine warm up.
6. Do not make a habit of letting your fuel run low. This is because sediment tends to gather at the bottom of the tank and if the engine is always running low on fuel, it is likely that the pump, filter, and maybe even injectors could get clogged leading to lots of damages.
7. Make regular checks on your car. It is always best to find the small problems before they escalate into big ones. By checking the main parts of your car on a regular basis you can prevent a lot of damage.
8. Use the right screen wash for your car. Using generic washing liquids that might have salt and other additives in them will likely lead to paint damage.
9. Replace filters and fluids on schedule. Most manufacturers suggest an oil change every 5,000 miles. If you push it past that, your oil could become dirty which will lead to disasters down the line. Air filters help to filter out dirt and debris which can seriously harm your car’s engine. Replacing the filter consistently is a cheap and simple way to prevent damage to your car. It is recommended that you change the filter every 15,000-20,000 miles.
10. Regularly clean your car, which includes vacuuming the interior. Try to keep it neat and tidy so as to not attract pests.
11. If you do not use your car on a regular basis, consider using a cover up to protect the paint from dust.
12. Replace wiper blades as needed, they are made of rubber and will become decrepit.
13. Check the motor oil. Routinely checking and changing your car's motor oil is essential to keeping the engine in good, running condition. You can change your oil yourself or take it to a service center. If you choose to do it yourself, make sure you learn the necessary steps to drain the existing oil, set the correct oil level and dispose of old oil. Also make sure you know which type of motor oil is best for your car.
14. Synthetic oils might be a better option than mineral oils, but if you have a classic car, mineral oils may be best.
15. Using lubricants on locks, hinges, and doors can have a positive impact on the car..
16. Maintain good tire pressure.
17. If your car has leather seats, routinely applying a conditioning solution will keep the seats in good shape.
18. Avoid bad driving habits. Turning at high speeds, accelerating quickly, and braking hard and fast can do a number on your tires. They will lose tread and need a change sooner. Braking hard also leads to deterioration on your brake pads.
19. Test the headlights and taillights. Broken or burnt out bulbs are a safety hazard and could get you a ticket. If a bulb is out, it is important to find whether it is the bulb itself or a fuse that needs replacing.
Despite their small size, pests are able to cause untold damages to your car that will have your bills and fees stacked up high. The car provides a safe place for the pests to take shelter, but there are several things you can do to prevent that from happening. Clean all food items, wrappers, and containers out of your car on a regular basis. These items often attract rodents and bugs. Close and block any broken seals or holes in your vehicle. If you are suspicious of rodents, set traps and monitor them. Have your upholstery professionally treated if you suspect infestation in it.
Here are a few signs that your car needs maintenance:
• Check engine light is on.
• Any issues with braking
• Lacking acceleration
• Vibrations
• Stalling or difficulty starting the car.
• Fuel efficiency changes
• Hard or delayed shifting
Your vehicle will be in good hands with mechanics and workers that know your car inside and out. If you need your car repaired, Mazda has partnered with collision centers around the country that have undergone rigorous training. Mazda certified collision centers follow proper Mazda repair procedures, have access to Genuine Mazda Parts, equipment and tools. Tustin Mazda in Orange County is a dealership that sells top level Mazdas. You’re sure to walk away satisfied with your purchase.
Bottom line is all of the little things count. Making sure your car is stored properly and cleaned regularly is important. Changing worn out parts and getting your car serviced will also make a difference. Maintaining your vehicle can keep it safe and increase its longevity. Mazda makes it easy for car owners to make appointments to get their car serviced or repaired.