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Searching for a new car can be intimidating for first-time car buyers, but some essential tips will make the journey much more manageable. With so many options to choose from, finding a new vehicle from your local Mazda dealer that meets your requirements, preferences, and budget will require research, careful consideration, and time. more 1. Decide What Type of Car Suits Your Lifestyle Do you have a long daily commute, need to haul work supplies, or require something that will fit your family comfortably? You should consider these lifestyle activities to help you determine whether you need to focus on features such as fuel efficiency, hauling capacity, or backseat space. 2. Know Your Budget When buying a new Mazda, knowing your budget is crucial. There are online tools, such as payment calculators, that will help you determine how the numbers will look every month. 3. Understand What Affects Auto Loan Approvals Knowing whether you'll qualify for a loan is a common worry for those looking for their first car. Lenders will pull your credit report to get an overview of your account payment history and credit score. To improve your chances of getting approved for a loan, you can take the following steps: Provide proof of income Provide evidence of steady employment Save a larger down payment Find a co-signer or co-borrower 4. Locate a Mazda Dealer The salespersons in your local dealer's showroom are experts and will help you choose the suitable model for your needs. 5. Choose a New or Used Car New cars come with a warranty, the latest safety features, and that new car smell. However, they also come with a higher price point and insurance rate. Alternatively, a used car will be less expensive, allowing you to have the option of stepping up to a more admirable model, and your insurance will be more affordable. 6. Take Your Top Choice for a Test Drive No amount of research will tell you everything you need to know about your top choice like sitting behind the wheel. A test drive will allow you to experience how the car feels, its characteristics, and how it reacts to your driving. During this time, you'll also have the opportunity to review essential factors that are important to you, including comfort, performance, safety features, and more. Using these tips will make the process of looking for your first Mazda more straightforward and enjoyable. If you're looking for a fun, affordable, and reliable Mazda, visit us at Flood Mazda in Wakefield, RI. We are always eager to help with any questions you have during your search for your first car. Image via Pixabay

2024 is shaping up to be an exciting year for the Mazda lineup. Along with other upgrades for last year's models, Mazda is finally unveiling new hybrid options as the automaker gradually shifts away from combustion-only engine models. Learn more about what Mazda hybrids you can expect to find at your Mazda dealership next year. more As far as Mazda hybrid models go, Mazda has revealed the CX-90 as the main hybrid model of choice. This PHEV engine pairs nicely with all the features available on the base CX-90 model. You can anticipate seeing this eight-seat SUV model at your local dealership early next year. Powertrain The CX-90 will be equipped with a 2.5L e-SKYACTIV-G four-cylinder engine and a 68kW electric motor, which will generate 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque with premium unleaded fuel. The towing capacity for this SUV is 3,500 lbs and the drivetrain is rear-biased with i-ACTIVE AWD. The electric-only range is 26 miles, while the hybrid driving range is 490 miles. The electric vehicle charging is just under seven hours using a 120-volt AC charger. Key Features The CX-90 is equipped with standard features such as three-zone automatic climate control, Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, 60/40 fold-down second-row seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Heated front seats, Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 10.25-inch infotainment system are also standard. This SUV will also include rain-sensing variable-intermittent windshield wipers, heated side mirrors, a power sliding-glass moonroof, a rear power liftgate, and aluminum roof rails for standard exterior features. Standard exterior color options will include Deep Crystal Blue Mica, Jet Black Mica, and Platinum Quartz Metallic for the base model. Should You Pre-Order Your CX-90? Pre-ordering your hybrid SUV is a good idea if you want to access some advanced features, modify the body color, or apply special packages to customize the vehicle. It's best to place your pre-order as soon as possible so that your SUV will be first in line once production starts. When you place your customized order early, you will likely have your vehicle delivered shortly after production begins next year. To order your Mazda CX-90, you can contact your local dealership to help you build and price your vehicle. A configuration tool will be used to select your desired customizations, and then the dealership will work with you to finalize your auto financing. The CX-90 promises to be one of the best SUV hybrids on the market next year. From the astounding hybrid driving range to the spacious interior design, this sporty SUV is crafted to perfection. To learn more about pre-ordering these 2024 Mazda hybrids, contact Flood Mazda today. Image via Pixabay

Mazda continuously strives to elevate your driving experience through new technology, and its vehicles include state-of-the-art features designed to connect the driver with the car to create the ultimate ride. Here are some of Mazda's most innovative technologies. more SKYACTIV Technology SKYACTIV technology includes several different systems in Mazda vehicles. The SKYACTIV-X gas engine with a spark-controlled compression ignition is the first of its kind. There is also SKYACTIV-Vehicle architecture, which provides Jinba-ittai driving. This feature aims to allow the passengers to use their natural abilities to maintain their balance when the car is in motion. i-ACTIVSENSE Safety Technology The i-ACTIVSENSE system includes several different safety technologies that use cameras and radar to keep passengers safe.  Active safety technology, such as adaptive headlights, high beam control, and lane-keep assist systems, help prevent accidents. Precrash technology, including acceleration control and automatic braking, help reduce the risk of accidents. Environmental Technology Mazda wants to make its cars more environmentally friendly by reducing emissions to 50 percent of 2010 levels by 2030. The plan includes working on the internal combustion engine, incorporating more electric technology, and introducing more electric vehicles into their lineup. Mazda plans to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions as a whole from the company to the cars. Mazda's plan for the future includes designing vehicles that respond to drivers as though they are an extension of their body, and vehicles that are environmentally friendly and keep all their passengers safe. Image via Pixabay

Have you noticed a strong gasoline smell coming from your car? Not only can this be unpleasant, but it could also indicate a potentially dangerous problem that may require you to take the car in to your local Mazda dealer. There are a few things you should do right away if you notice your car smells like gas. more If Your Car Smells Like Gas, Stop Driving and Check for Leaks As soon as you safely can, pull over and turn off the engine. Once you've stopped, inspect your car for any signs of leaks. Look under the car and see if you can find puddles of gasoline or unexplained wet spots. If you find a leak, do not try to drive your car. Call a tow truck and have your car taken to a mechanic right away. Check the Fuel Cap If you don't see any signs of leaks, the next step is to check the fuel cap for signs of damage or improper tightening. A loose, missing, or damaged fuel cap can cause gasoline to evaporate from your tank and produce a strong odor. If the fuel cap is loose, tighten it and see if the smell goes away. If it is missing or damaged, replace the cap as soon as possible. Check the O-Ring or Oil Cap Gasket Another possible cause of a gasoline smell in your car is a faulty O-ring or oil cap gasket. These components help to seal the oil system and prevent gasoline from leaking or evaporating. If they become damaged or worn, gasoline can leak out. To check this, open the hood of your car and locate the oil cap. Remove the cap and check the gasket. If you notice any cracks, tears, or obvious signs of damage, it's time to replace it. Check the Fuel System If the fuel cap and the oil cap gasket are not the source, it's possible there's an issue with your car's fuel system. This could be due to a faulty fuel pump, fuel injector, or fuel filter, or even something as simple as loose spark plugs. When these components malfunction and cause gasoline to leak or evaporate, it can produce the strong smell you noticed. If you suspect a problem with your fuel system, take your car to a mechanic as soon as possible. Have Your Car Inspected By Your Local Mazda Dealer If you can't identify the source of the gasoline smell by yourself, it's important to have your car inspected by a professional. A certified mechanic will perform a thorough inspection. They can determine the cause of the smell and make any necessary repairs, leaving your car gasoline-smell free and safe to drive again. A strong smell of gasoline in or around your car should never be ignored. By following these steps and regularly maintaining your vehicle, you can keep your car running smoothly and safely. If you need help identifying an issue with your car, bring it down to Flood Mazda, where we'll get to the bottom of the problem. Image via Pixabay

Defensive driving is the ability to anticipate hazards and other potential problems. Some drivers are new on the road and can make avoidable mistakes. Other drivers, unfortunately, engage in risky behavior like texting while driving. Like any ability, driving defensively improves with practice. As your Mazda dealer, we'd like to share some tips on the best ways to practice this ability. more Always be Prepared Accidents can happen at any time. A pedestrian could step off the sidewalk without looking, or a driver could open the door of his parked car. The best way to be prepared is to put your body in the right position for action. Sit up straight in your seat, and always keep both hands on the wheel. When you're in this position, your reflexes will automatically respond faster. In addition, keep your eyes on the rod ahead while stealing glances regularly in the rearview and side mirrors. This is part of regular driver's ed, but many drivers lose these habits over time. If you're constantly away from your driving surroundings and your body is positioned for a quick response, you'll be prepared for anything that might happen. Control Speed and Distance It's very easy to go over the speed limit or reduce your driving distance, especially if you're driving in a familiar area. It's human nature to relax a little under these circumstances. Accidents can happen even when you drive in a familiar place. To be safe, always keep to the posted speed and take driving conditions like rain or snow into account. Accidents are 50% more likely to happen if you're driving over the posted speed. Keeping a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you allows enough time to respond. Some drivers may suddenly slam on their brakes without thinking. If you're following too close, an accident could result. Be Aware of Road Rage Some drivers behave aggressively when they're behind the wheel. They may honk, gesture, or swear at the drivers around them. This type of driver is likely to speed up and change lanes without due care. These are examples of the phenomena known as road rage. Drivers exhibiting this condition are focused only on themselves and are uncaring about anyone else on the road. The dangerous behavior of road rage drivers makes it imperative to get out of their way as soon as it's safe. Changing to a safer lane and allowing an angry driver to speed past you can save you from an accident. Aggressive driving is also a crime, and it's advisable to report it to the police as soon as it's safe for you to do so. If you'd like more tips on driving defensively, visit us at Flood Mazda. Image via Pixabay

Every car owner has to get insurance. In Rhode Island, the average price of car insurance is $551 per year for minimum coverage and $1,886 for full coverage. However, some people pay significantly more or less than this due to their age, financial situation, the type of car they drive, and the insurance company they've chosen. When you buy a new car, the Mazda dealer can help you to find the best quotes. more Getting reasonably priced insurance for your Mazda doesn't have to be hard. Start by determining what kind of policy you'd like. Then, do everything you can to optimize your situation. Finally, compare quotes. Some insurance companies are significantly cheaper than others, so it's worth shopping around. Choose How Much Insurance You Need In Rhode Island, you have to have coverage of up to $25,000 for damages incurred by a single person and up to $50,000 for damages incurred by multiple people in a car crash. If you only get bodily injury liability insurance, you won't have to pay much per year. However, you'll have to cover the repairs if your car gets damaged during the accident. Most drivers get comprehensive insurance because it covers their own car as well as the injuries incurred by other people. This policy is best for anyone who doesn't have the financial resources to immediately replace their car or pay tens of thousands in repairs. Optimize Your Situation to Get a Lower Quote Before you reach out to insurance companies, optimize your situation. Check your credit score to determine whether you're on track or whether you need to make some changes. Paying your debt on time and keeping your debt-to-credit ratio at or below 30% helps you to improve your score. Ask us about safety features you can install in your car. Sometimes, insurance companies offer lower quotes to people whose cars are considered very safe. Compare Several Providers Don't be tempted by flashy advertisements when buying insurance for your car. Instead, use comparison sites or ask us to help you find the best provider. Some of the top companies in Rhode Island are Geico, Travelers, Amica, and Nationwide. The quotes you get from each of them depend on your situation, location, and the kind of car you drive. Mazda insurance doesn't have to be expensive, as long as you know how to compare quotes and optimize your financial situation. Because there are so many providers in Rhode Island, it's easy for most people to find a reasonable quote that doesn't break the bank. Give us a call at Flood Mazda in Wakefield, RI to get more advice about car ownership. Our experienced team is happy to help you find the perfect car at a low cost. Image via Pixabay

There's no debating the fact that harsh winter weather conditions are one of the worst hazards your vehicle will face. And as your local Mazda dealer will tell you, repair work for problems caused by cold temperatures can be very costly. That's why it's best to plan ahead for these blustery months and implement a few preventative measures before Mother Nature comes calling. Here are a few simple tips to keep your vehicle in top shape as the temps fall: more Keep Your Car Clean Remove any dirt, salt, or ice from the exterior of your car to prevent rust and corrosion. A little bit of effort in this area goes a long way in preventing winter damage to your vehicle. Check the Car's Fluid Levels Make sure you have enough antifreeze, oil, and windshield wiper fluid to last the winter. Failing to do so can lead to serious issues with these components, including the need to replace your engine or transmission in the worst-case scenarios. Have Your Local Dealer Check Your Battery Cold weather can be especially hard on your car's battery, so make sure it's in good condition before the winter hits. The last thing you want to do is get stranded in a parking lot somewhere in sub-freezing temperatures. Keep the Gas Tank Full This will help to keep your fuel lines from freezing in the coldest weather. It can also prevent a number of other problems with your engine. Use Winter Tires Winter tires are specifically designed to perform well in cold and snowy conditions. Regular tires can become serious hazards on wet or icy roads. Get a Car Cover If you don't have a garage to keep your car in, a car cover can help protect it from the elements. It will also make it easier to keep clean, as we noted in the first section. Consider Investing In a Block Heater for Bad Weather A block heater helps warm up your car's engine before you start driving. This can make it much easier to start in cold weather. Avoid Using Your Parking Brake If you leave your car parked outside in the cold, try to avoid using the parking brake. The brake pads can freeze to the rotors, making it difficult to release the brake. No matter what kind of measures you take to keep your automobile running this time of year, it's best to consult with your local dealership to make sure your vehicle is properly maintained and cared for. That's why our friendly and knowledgeable technicians are trained and certified to service all of your auto care needs. Come see the helpful folks here at Flood Mazda or give us a call today! Image via Pixabay

Are you wondering if you can find a great electric vehicle (EV) at your favorite Mazda dealer? Wonder no more. more Mazda's sterling reputation for producing efficient and high-tech autos is a natural fit for the EV market, and the Japanese juggernaut plans to invest over 10 billion dollars into this red-hot sector over the next decade. At least three new EVs are in the works to debut by 2025. An all-electric version of the MX-5 Miata sportscar is even on the table. In fact, Mazda has pledged to make all its current models in EV form by 2030. They plan to use tech known as Skyactiv EV Scalable Architecture to make each EV, from SUVs to hatchbacks, off the same assembly line. The future is definitely bright, and it's being pioneered by the Mazda MX-30 EV, which is Mazda's first and currently only EV on the market. Mazda MX-30 EV This crossover SUV slots nicely in the luxury compact segment, and it can be yours for a starting price of under $34,000. It comes available in the base trim and a Premium Plus trim brimming with more features. Performance An electric motor and 30-kWh battery power the MX-30 EV, serving up around 143 horsepower and about 100 miles of driving range on a full charge. This ratio is ideal for the average driver. The Electric G-Vectoring Control system, equipped with audio feedback, delivers a responsive and natural-feeling driving experience. When you're running low on power, your EV can easily be charged overnight on a standard outlet. If you need faster results, you can fully power up in as little as 30 minutes at a fast-charging station. You can even get a $500 credit towards in-home charger installation. And if you need to take a longer trip, Mazda will temporarily offer you a longer-range vehicle through its three-year complimentary Access Loaner program. Style Points The exterior of the MX-30 presents a pleasing and sleek figure dubbed Human Modern, with the special touch of unique rear-hinged freestyle back doors. The strong body earns high marks for crash energy absorption. Inside, the floating console adds another quirky perk, and it pairs well with a gauge designed with your comfort top-of-mind. Sustainable and eco-conscious cork trim and upholstery made from recyclable materials give this EV an extra splash of environmentally friendly allure. Top Tech You can conveniently check your charge level and your EV's charging status on gauges, the battery charging port, or even on your phone via the MyMazda app. This app also points you in the direction of nearby charging stations and gifts you complimentary wi-fi for a period of three months. Infotainment-wise, you have the option of both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. A seven-inch touchscreen enables you to control heating features and so much more, while investing in the available 12-speaker Bose system tends to all of your audio needs. And, most importantly, keep yourself safe on the road with Mazda i-Activsense technology. This system contains driver-assist security features such as lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, and a high-voltage shutoff mechanism. Be one of the first to take the journey into an electrified future with Mazda. Drop by Flood Mazda and test-drive the pioneering MX-30 EV today. Image via Pixabay

If you have ever driven in bumper-to-bumper traffic on the highway, you've probably experienced road rage – even if you didn't realize it at the time. You might have experienced it at some point because of all the other drivers who don't seem to share your sense of urgency or even common courtesy and respect. Keep your cool while driving to avoid accidents. Here are some tips from your local Mazda dealer: more 1. Understand What Causes It It typically occurs when a driver feels threatened, frustrated, or overwhelmed. They may also feel that their rights are being violated or that other drivers are acting irresponsibly. Additionally, aggressive behavior may result from driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, inattention, inexperience, or exhaustion. By understanding the causes of rage and taking steps to prevent it, you can keep yourself, your passengers, and other drivers on the road safe. 2. Don't Take It Personally It can be difficult to avoid highway rage while driving, especially when other drivers don't seem to follow the road rules. Instead of letting these situations lead to a fit of anger, it's important to remember that it's not personal. A driver who cuts you off or is driving too slowly may not be doing so on purpose and is probably dealing with their own issues. Remembering this can help you keep calm. 3. Give Yourself Some Space An effective way to avoid escalating a situation with another driver is to give yourself some space. If someone cuts you off or is driving too fast, slow down and allow them to get in front of you. Don't teach them a lesson by attempting to block them or race them to the next red light. Maintain your speed and focus on getting to your destination safely. Giving yourself some space can also help you remain calm while driving. 4. Take a Break If You Need To Road anger can often result from feeling stressed out behind the wheel. Whether you're running late, stuck in traffic, or feeling impatient, it's important to take a break and relax if needed. Taking a few minutes to gather your thoughts and breathe deeply can help you refocus and avoid acting out in frustration. 5. Keep Your Cool Anger can easily fester if left unchecked. So once you have calmed down, let go of any grudges and negative feelings towards other drivers. This will help keep you positive while driving and ensure that future interactions are friendly. When venting your frustration at someone else's actions, it is easy to curse without realizing it. While this may make you feel better temporarily, it will do little to nothing for the situation. Following these tips ensures you don't get caught up in an avoidable road fury incident. Always remember to drive defensively, remain calm, and enjoy your drive. Visit Flood Mazda today for all your Mazda needs. Image via Pixabay