The 2014 Mazda3: Green Car of the Year Nominee

The redesigned 2014 Mazda3, complete with a full SKYACTIV platform and i-ELOOP technology (giving it an amazing 41 mpg), has been nominated for 2014 Green Car of the Year, presented this year at the 2013 LA Auto Show by Green Car Journal. 

Of course, we've known how well the new Mazda3 performs (and how good it looks performing well...), but what’s interesting about this nomination is that the contest is almost always filled with electric vehicles, and the Mazda3 is one of three gasoline-powered cars to be nominated this year.

Stop by Parks Mazda to take a look at the 2014 Mazda3 and test that mpg rating yourself!

Mazda Has Some Fun with an Old 626

OEM's like to have fun, too.  And everyone knows that Mazda knows how to do that (Zoom Zoom!...).  This time, Mazda took the humble 1991 Mazda 626 of Washington Redskins running back Alfred Morris (even more humble than his loved car), and gave it the restoration it needed.  Now, it looks like it just came off the factory line.

Bentley, the name Alfred's trusty sidekick has taken on, went through a rigorous 275 hour restoration while Morris drove a loaner 2014 Mazda6 (lucky him!).  The effort seems to have been well worth it, with Mazda presenting the car back to him as if it were a brand new model, though some modern touches were added.

Obviously, you might be left scratching your head and wondering why anyone would go through the trouble, especially Mazda itself, to restore something so old and seemingly mundane compared to today's offerings.  Our best guess?  Every now and then you find people who get so attached to their car, no matter how old or how beaten up it may be, and those people will do anything to hold onto that feeling.  We think Mazda gets that, and saw that with Alfred Morris and his '91 626.  

Want to see the restoration unfold?  Autoblog has plenty of pictures detailing the fun project.

Fall Means Festivals, Food, and New Mazda Models!

 

 There's no denying that fall is a fun time.  The food, festivals, events, and weather just can't be beaten.  Of course, fall also means new Mazda models!  We'll get to that later.

We've searched the local sites a few times to find the best list of fall events and festivals going on in the Triad, and it looks like the VisitNC website has the most listed.  So, if you're ready to have some fall family fun, we recommend checking out that link!

Now, as for Parks Mazda, we love fall for a different reason: new models!  Even better is that most of the 2014 Mazda models have been completely redesigned, like the beautiful, fun 2014 Mazda3.  We highly recommend checking it out now too, with all these fun fall events going on now.

We hope all of you enjoy the fall and the great weather and events, and if your fall schedule shows you might be interested in a new Mazda, Parks Mazda will be happy to help any way we can!

Inspecting Your Brake Rotors

 

None of us need to be explained the importance of brakes when it comes to vehicle safety (especially when you own a Mazda…), but it is still virtuous to inspect yours regularly.  In light of that, we thought we’d cover some information on brake rotors, and how to check them.

Luckily, brake rotors are one part you can not only inspect visually, but acoustically as well.  When your rotors are bad, you’ll hear it.  The telltale sign of bad rotors is a high pitch screech from your brakes when stopping.  This sound is made by an indicator, a small shim used to let you know it’s time for the rotors to go.  Sometimes though, after a hard rain and similar water exposure, rust can form and cause a similar sound which usually goes away quickly.

And now for some visual signs of worn rotors.  The most obvious sign to look for – and the easiest to see – is rust.  We’re not talking surface rust from water exposure (like we mentioned above), we’re talking corrosive rust.  This can occur when you go a long period without driving (and canbe common during rougher NC winters).  Other signs include: warped rotors, grooves  and cracks in the rotors, a lipped edge, and heat spots (resulting in vibration, which are caused by improperly bedded rotors).  For most of these, all it takes is a close glance at the rotors and a swipe of your finger along its surface to check.

There are plenty of more in-depth articles on the web covering brake rotor inspection, and we suggest searching for a few once you’ve inspected your brakes and notice something curious.  If you’re already sure your rotors need replacing (or if you aren’t sure as well),Parks Mazda  will be more than happy to service your Mazda for you, or provide you with genuine OEM Mazda parts if you’d rather change your brake rotors yourself.

The Importance of Brake Fluid

There are maintenance items on our cars that we sometimes forget.  For many of us, brake fluid can easily be one of them .  But first, allow us to explain what brake fluid does.

Brake fluid is fed through a series of lines to your brake calipers to help them clamp down on your rotors.  The fluid itself is pressurized by your brake booster, located in the engine bay.
When brake fluid is low, your braking will show.  A low amount of brake fluid will result in less pressure, and air in the system.  Air in your brake lines causes your pedal to feel soft and sluggish, which results in poor to very, very bad braking.

If your brake pedal feels soft, it likely means your fluid is low and/or air in the system.  Give the pedal some pumps till it feels firmer; many times this won’t solve the issue and you’ll need to service your brakes by “bleeding” the lines.  One way to tell is if the fluid in your reservoir is full but your brakes still feel soft, then it’s time to service them, which Parks Mazda can happily do for you in case you don't have the time or tools.

Transmission Fluid

Your transmission fluid is one of those items that you're aware of, but might not ever really give a second thought to, other than it gets flushed when you come into Parks Mazda for a fluid flush.

Transmission fluid itself is usually red in color and has a very sweet smell, perhaps sweeter than that of coolant, which is a green or yellow color.  It's important to know what transmission fluid looks like going into your transmission so that you can know what it should like like when you check it.

So, how do you check it?  There is a transmission fluid dipstick located in your engine bay.  For rear wheel drive vehicles, it's located in the back of the bay, usually pressed against a valve cover.  On front wheel drive cars, the transaxle fluid dipstick is located in the front of the engine bay, very close to the radiator. 

Once you've located the dipstick, pull it out (be sure to have your engine running in Park or Neutral), and dab a finger on the stick and fluid to inspect it.  The transmission fluid should be red (or pinkish) and clear; if it looks dirty, has particles in it, or smells somewhat burnt, it's time to flush the fluid and change it.

Want to know more?  Comment with any questions!

Tips for Carpooling

School is now in sessions, which means carpooling kids for many of us.  So here are some suggestions to maximize safety and cut down on worry!

1.)    Before starting out of your first carpool adventure, make sure your vehicle is up-to-date on routine maintenance. Getting an oil change and having your tired tread wear checked are good places to start. We can help with that!

2.)    Make sure you and all of your passengers buckle up. As kids get older they tend to want to use seatbelts less and less. A survey from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that many young teens don’t buckle up, even when they are riding as passengers with adult drivers. So set a good example. Make sure you are always buckled up yourself and ensure that all passengers, no matter what their age, are buckled as well before putting the car in drive.

3.)    Safely share the road with child pedestrians. Do not block crosswalks when waiting to make a turn or when stopped at a light. Children are the most difficult pedestrians to see and the least predictable. Never scare a child pedestrian by honking, revving your engine, or rushing them in any way as they are crossing in front of your vehicle.

4.)    Share the road with school buses. Laws in all 50 states make it illegal to pass a school bus while it is stopped to load or unload children. Pay attention to the yellow caution lights that flash to warn you when the bus is preparing to stop and leave a safe distance between you and the school bus.

5.)    Pay attention to school zones. These are the areas that are likely to have the most congestion from children being dropped off in front of school. Obey the lower speed limits and be prepared to make frequent stops due to children getting out of vehicles and not always paying attention to where they are walking.

6.)    Instruct your children on where to walk after you drop them off in front of their schools. Remind them to always use crosswalks and sidewalks and to be cautious at all times.
Stay tuned to Bright Bay Mazda's blog for more safety tips and other neat automotive tricks!

Keep watching the Parks Mazda blog for more safety tips and useful driving and car maintenance tips!

New Service Specials

We have a bevvy of new service specials posted on the Parks Mazda site!  Feel free as well to browse them below and print whichever special best fits your needs.  In addition to these specials, whenever you buy tires from us, we'll rotate your tires free for life.  


 

Know Your Parts: IAC Valve

 

You may or may not be familiar with the working of an idle air control valve, but just in case, here's what it is, where you can find it, and how you can tell if yours is going bad.

An Idle Air Control Valve, or IAC Valve for short, is controlled by the car’s computer, and uses a solenoid to control a valve that controls the air flow into the air’s intake by bypassing the throttle body through an alternately routed air tube coming from your main inlet air tube attached to your air filter at one end, and your throttle body at the other.  For reference, it is attached to your Mazda's throttle body.

So, why are we mentioning this to you?  Sometimes an IAC Valve can have an effect on your vehicle’s performance.  If your vehicle idles funny, or perhaps even stalls, it could be due to a faulty IAC Valve.  Most commonly, IAC Valves simply get dirty, but every now and then the solenoid can stop working, causing severe idle problems.

If you think you might have an issue with your IAC Valve on your Mazda, or think yours needs replacing, feel free to send us a message.  We’ll be happy to help!

What Are Oxygen Sensors?

Oxygen sensors (O2 sensors, alternatively) measure...you guessed it, oxygen.  More specifically, they measure the oxygen content in the gas or exhaust.  They are plunged into your exhaust both before and after your catalytic converter(s). The reason oxygen sensors are so important is that they help your car's computer determine the correct amount of fuel necessary for your car to idle and run properly.  When your oxygen sensors are engaged, your fuel system is said to be in Closed Loop, which simplifies to meaning the amount of fuel being put in is determined by the amount of oxygen being pushed out.

So, what can go wrong when your O2 sensors aren't functioning properly?  For starters, you car can stall out.  To get into Closed Loop, your engine (specifically your engine coolant) needs to be at normal temperature.  Usually though, O2 sensors break down over time, so before you might stall out completely, you'll notice very erratic idling behavior.  Another possibility is low fuel efficiency, as your car will attempt to operate in Open Loop more (meaning the air to fuel ratio is determined by the air coming into the air intake).

Depending on your vehicle, oxygen sensors usually need replacing around 60,000 to 90,000 miles, but this can vary greatly.  If you're unsure about the status of your O2 sensors, bring your Mazda into Parks Mazda at your convenience and we'll take a look at them for you!

All-Season Tires and Summer Tires: What's the Difference?

We've all heard of all-season tires, and many of us are familiar with summer and winter tires, but what's really the difference?  Here's our take.

With all-season tires, you are getting the "second-best" of any tire style, rolled into one.  This means you're getting good to great traction in all seasons, but probably not the best for any specific season.  You might get a little bit better traction on snow, but sacrificing some wet gripping capability.

As for summer tires, or any season-specific tire for that matter, they're usually offering the best technology for summer.  When conditions don't involve snow, go for the summer tire.  You get great grip in both wet and dry conditions.  However, if you live somewhere (like NC) that experiences all seasons, you're going to want either winter tires or opt for the more manageable all-season tires.

Here's a great article from Popular Mechanics covering this issue more in-depth.  Ready to get new tires?  Parks Mazda can help you decide which are best for you, or help you find the ones you want.

2013 Mazda CX-5 Awarded for Quality

The 2013 Mazda CX-5 was recently awarded for its great looks and functionality.  The J.D. Power APEAL award, short for Automotive Performance, Execution, and Layout, judges vehicles based on their overall design and the performance of that design.

"The CX-5 is Mazda's first vehicle to fully incorporate SKYACTIV® TECHNOLOGY as well as the KODO "Soul of Motion" design language," says Mazda.  "Offering best-in-class combined fuel economy, including the highest highway miles per gallon (MPG) of any SUV sold in North America – hybrid or not – at 35 MPG."

The CX-5 is also cited to have great safety technology, handling, and of course, price.  All these things make the CX-5 a great value year after year.

If you think the 2013 CX-5 is a good fit for your needs, feel free to stop by Parks Mazda to see if we can help you decide it's the car for you.

How to Jump Start a Car

Do you know how to jump start your car if the battery's dead?  Maybe you do and you're just curious on the proper way to do it.  Either way, most of us have and if you haven't jump started a vehicle, you will at some point, so we thought we'd list all of the steps for you!

1. Pull the active car that you’re using to power your own as close to your car as possible, without touching.
2. Make sure both vehicles are turned off.
3. Connect the cables appropriately.
   1. Take one end of the positive (red) jumper cable and connect it to the positive terminal of the dead battery.
   2. Connect the other end of the positive (red) jumper cable to the positive terminal of the charged battery.
   3. Connect one end of the negative (black) jumper cable to the negative terminal on the charged battery.
   4. Take the other end of the negative (black) jumper cable and ground it.

i.      Ground the negative cable by hooking it up to an unpainted (and clean!) metal surface under your car’s hood—not the engine. We recommend a nut or a bolt.
ii.      If you cannot find an okay place to ground the cable, then connect it to the dead battery’s negative terminal.

1. Turn on the charged car, allowing it to run for about three minutes.
2. Start the engine of the disabled vehicle.
3. If successful, disconnect the cables in the exact opposite order in which you originally connected them.

There you have it; the proper way to jump start a car!

Mazda3 Making Cross-Continental Journey

On August 3, Mazda will be sending eight Mazda3 hatchbacks out for the ultimate test drive. They will be driving from Hiroshima, Japan to Frankfurt, Germany—a journey that lasts for 30 days and covers 9,300 miles, two continents, five countries, and more than 30 cities!

The first continental tour was in 1977 when German reporters drove two Mazda 323 hatchbacks. Thirteen years later in 1990, four Mazda 626s set out on the Peace Tour. This year, the 3rd cross-continental journey will be called “Mazda Route3” and uses the same route.

Starting in Mazda's hoetown of Hiroshima, the pack will take a ferry to Russia, starting its journey inVladivostok.  From there, the convoy will travel through the plains of Siberia and visit remote villages and UNESCO world heritage sites before moving on through Belarus, Poland, and finally Germany. You can follow along on the tour’s dedicated website.

See more of the 2014 Mazda3

Last week we introduced you to the stunning new 2014 Mazda3, so this week we thought we'd share more Mazda3 news by showing you the first commercial for the newest addition to the Mazda legacy.

As you can see, it really is a complete redesign, much like the 2014 Mazda6, looking very similar as well thanks to the new Kodo design.

 So, now that you've caught a glimpse of the new Mazda3 in action, how badly do you want to drive one?  In the meantime however, be sure to stop by Parks Mazda to see test the 2013 Mazda3, and also watch out for any upcoming specials!

The 2014 Mazda3 Is Here

The new Mazda3 is Mazda at its absolute best.  The vehicle is stunning, but it's also a performer. 

Debuting earlier this week via a live Xbox Live feed, the newest addition to Mazda's 2014 line-up adds aggressiveness and technology you just can't get from anyone else, and especially in the segment the Mazda3 competes.

Like the beautiful, new 2014 Mazda6, the 2014 Mazda3 utilizes Mazda's Kodo design and integrates several new features that enhance every aspect of driving.

Whichever Skyactiv engine you choose, be it the 2.0L or the 2.5L, the new Mazda3 will deliver all of the engine's performance while maintaining maximum efficiency based on current conditions.  Active grille shutters open and close to make the car more aerodynamic and keep the engine as cool as it needs to be.  The Active Driving Display features a line-of-sight data area for the driver, while new safety-intensive apps make for a safer ride.

Want to learn more about the wonderful 2014 Mazda3?  Keep up with us on our Facebook and Twitter pages to see the latest information.

Mazda Clebrates Ten Years of the Mazda3

In celebration of the Mazda3's tenth anniversary, it looks like Mazda will be unveiling a new Mazda3 very soon, or so we've heard. Whether it's the new Mazda3 or something different, we can confirm that the unveil will be in coordination with the new Xbox One console.

This comes on the heels of the new Mazda6's success in coordination with the new Star Trek Into Darkness film, so we think this is a perfect way to keep riding the innovative wave with the newest Mazda3. Back to the new Mazda3.

Regardless of when or how it's unveiled, we think the newest iteration will follow the new Kodo design that's implemented on the 2014 Mazda6. Needless to say the newest Mazda3 should look equally great.

 If you want to keep up with Mazda and Xbox One, check the hashtag #GameChanger, and be sure to enter the contest!

The Mighty Mazda Miata

Are you ready for a showdown?  Enter some of the world's fastest production cars, a few top notch domestics, and...a Mazda Miata, all vying to be crowned the fastest:


  How great is this video? We hope you got a small kick out it!

Auto Insurance Tips

One often overlooked and very important aspect of car shopping is auto insurance.  We thought we'd help you out a little bit and provide some useful tips for this forgotten, costly expense.

Shop around.  The obvious first suggestion is to shop around.  It's incredible how big the differences can be between quotes.  If it's possible, try to get an unbiased source to provide you with quotes, but no matter what, always make sure you're dealing with a licensed agent.

Hidden discounts.  There are so many discounts that people never know they could be receiving.  Things such as having anti-lock brakes and daytime running lights can ever lower your cost.

Paying the premium.  Always pay your premium on time and in full (even if there's a dispute), as there's no grace period for automobile insurance.  Also, if you increase your deductible, you can lower that premium.

Want more tips?  The NC Department of Insurance has a very helpful (yet lengthy) guide.

Buy or Lease?

If you're looking for a new Mazda, you might still be up in the air about whether or not you will decide to purchase your new car...so we thought we'd weigh some pros and cons on buying and leasing to get you going.

When you lease a vehicle, you have less to worry about and pay for in regards to maintaining it.  You’ll also be driving the newest model available at the time of the lease, and you can do that continuously.  Finally, you don’t ever absorb the full depreciation costs of the car, but only for the length of your lease.

When you finance a vehicle, you own it, and after some time you will no longer have to make payments on it.  You don’t have to worry about any penalties and your insurance is less limited, and you are also able to build equity based on your vehicle’s depreciation rate.

Both buying and leasing have their disadvantages as well, such as paying back interest when a car is purchased, or higher insurance costs for a leased vehicle.  The fact of the matter is that there are an endless number of factors to consider when deciding between financing or leasing, so outlining both the benefits and disadvantages in terms of priority can be of benefit when making your decision.

Parks Mazda is glad to help answer any questions you have on purchasing your next vehicle.  Feel free to contact us or simply stop by!

Spring Car Care Tips

With springtime now in full bloom, we thought we’d share a few care care tips to help keep your Mazda in top shape this spring.

The most important and most obvious starting place is performance of routine maintenance as indicated by your Mazda owner’s manual.  This includes changing the oil and flushing of other fluids among other things.

Next, replace your wiper blades and filters.  This could include your air filter, oil filter, or fuel filter among a few others that have become clogged or dirty beyond cleaning.

Also check that your tires are ready for springtime's heat and rain.  Winter and snow aren't friendly to cars, especially the tires, and can cause low tire pressure which might result in unbalanced tread wear.

Finally, make sure your engine is good to go.  This means your serpentine belt is tight and your car is starting easily and running smoothly at idle.  A few causes for these problems relate to electrical malfunctions, be it in the ignition or sensors.  Also be sure to make your A/C is functioning properly as it can effect your Mazda’s cooling abilities.

Mazda in Action

We though we'd take a "brake" from letting you know about our specials and what not (we're going to let the website do that today!)...to share this great video from Red Bull.

The video is of driver "Mad Mike" driving, or more specifically, drifting a superpowered Mazda RX-7 through the hills of New Zealand's South Island.  We promise you'll enjoy it.

For us, we think the video does a great job of capturing some of that Mazda spirit to defy expectations.  The RX-7's rotary engine, the beyond-impressive driving, and the gorgeous landscape all evoke that spirit, and we're proud to be a part of that.

Vehcile Maintenance Mistakes

If you happen to have the extra time to perform some routine vehicle maintenance, it's a great way to save some cash and put it toward more important vehicle services.  However, a lot of us are guilty of some common, but not well known, maintenance mistakes.  Here's a few of the more common of these easy-to-make vehicle maintenance mistakes:

- Tire Inflation.  Many times, people take the reading on the tire's sidewall as the recommended air pressure.  Usually, this is the maximum recommended pressure the tire can withstand, and filling to this pressure could result in a tire blowout among other things.  People assume that higher air pressure results in better mileage, performance, etc. but it can actually lead to improperly balanced tread wear as well as a rough ride and decreased mileage.  Decreased performance and shorter tire life are ultimately the results of over-inflating.  Rotating your tires will also help with any asymmetrical tread wear.

- The "tune up."  Vehicles no longer need regular adjustment of parts, such as carburetors, ignition timing, and valve adjustments.  New vehicle computers take care of all these components themselves, leaving only spark plug replacement associated with the "tune up" moniker.

- Higher octane fuel.  It's easy to assume that higher octane fuel, because of its cost and some loose associations to certain types of vehicles, results in better performance and/or efficiency.  The truth is, the octane rating is an indication of the fuel's ability to resist fuel ignition, also called knocking.  New car technology, such as knock sensors, and OEM's have a recommendation for the proper octane fuel to be used, so it's important to follow the suggestion in order to maintain your vehicle's optimum performance.

Check out this article for more maintenance mistakes and how to correct them. If you'd rather have these services done by Parks Mazda, we'd be glad to assist you!

Mazda and Star Trek

We knew the 2014 Mazda6 had advanced SKYACTIV technology in addition to its aerodynamic good looks, but now that it's being promoted in relation to the upcoming Star Trek film, it seems almost futuristic.

Mazda and Paramount are promoting the new Mazda6 as well as the upcoming “Star Trek Into Darkness” movie premiering May 17th.

After you check out the video, check out the app created by Paramount featuring Mazda, where players go on missions and improve rank in Starfleet Academy.  The app is available on the App Store and Google Play, while the new 2014 Mazda6 is available at Parks Mazda.

2014 Mazda6

We think the 2014 Mazda6 is redefining Mazda. This short little video goes over almost every detail that sets the Mazda6 apart from its competitors. Things like the new SKYACTIV 6-speed transmission with a "brain" that helps with shifting, or better aerodynamics than a Ferrari California. Yes, we said Ferrari.

The design of the 2014 Mazda6 reflects the new Kodo design campaign. Kodo, or "Soul of Motion," is seen throughout the car's profile, both in terms of exterior and interior design as well as the powertrain and drivetrain.

If you're ready to experience all the Mazda6 has to offer, stop in for a test drive at Parks Mazda!

Mazda Incentives

Now is a great time to purchase or lease a new Mazda.  New Mazda incentives are available on all new models, including the award-winning 2014 Mazda6 and 2014 Mazda CX-5.  Whether you're looking to buy or lease, and are a current Mazda owner, military member, or a prospective buyer, there's an offer for you.

Financing is available for all models, with rates from 0% APR and 1.9% APR for up to 60 months depending on your model of choice.  Current owners, as well as military members, can also get rewards cash that is good toward the purchase of a new Mazda, adding to your savings.

If you're ready to consider buying or leasing a new Mazda, please feel free to stop by Parks Mazda or contact us at 888-413-4057 with any questions or concerns.  We look forward to taking care of you!

Mazda Celebrates Its History

 

For those of us not living in Hiroshima, Japan (which should be all of us, but if not, greetings, Japan fans!), Google and Mazda have teamed up to offer you a special experience.

You can now "tour" Mazda's museum via Google Maps.  The tour works just like Google Maps normally does when searching locations, only you're doing it...inside (mind-blowing, we know).

The museum itself houses some rare bits of Mazda history tracing all the way back to its humble beginnings and racing roots.  The Mazda story itself is also quite interesting, as is the brand's ideology on how to make better vehicles.

 Once you've finished learning about Mazda's history, we invite you stop into Parks Mazda to see the latest iterations of Mazda technology, like the acclaimed 2014 Mazda6!

2014 Mazda6

The 2014 Mazda6 has received much praise for its new look, performance, and best of all, pricing. Whichever trim you choose, Mazda has outfitted the Mazda6 with the right features to complement the trim. The Grand Touring model for instance, comes equipped with leather seating, HID headlights, 11-speaker BOSE sound system, paddle shifters, and navigation for starters.

One common feature found on all 2014 Mazda6 models is the SKYACTIV engine. The SKYACTIV technology gives the vehicle better fuel efficiency by combining lightweight components with technological innovations such as variable valve timing and advanced transmission components. The end result is a happy driver with more cash in his pocket.

If you'd like to learn more about the 2014 Mazda6 or are interested in a test drive, don't hesitate to contact Parks Mazda or stop on in!