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You may think that rotating your tires is a waste of time, but it isn't! Your tires should be rotated every 5,000 to 7,000 miles for optimal benefits. Learn seven important reasons to visit your Mazda dealer for regular tire rotations. more 1. Your Tires Will Last Longer Your front tires wear out almost 50 percent faster than your back tires. When you rotate your tires regularly, you help the tread on them to wear more evenly. This not only negates the need for replacing your front tires more often, but it also helps all your tires last longer. 2. You Get a Safer Ride When the tread on your tires is worn down unevenly it can create a safety hazard. Your tires may not be able to grip the road properly in wet conditions which could lead to an accident. Uneven wear can also potentially lead to your tires being different sizes, which can affect the suspension of your vehicle and create some costly damage. For the safety of your family, and everyone on the road, ensure you get your tires rotated regularly. 3. You Feel More Comfortable When You Drive If the tread on your tires becomes uneven it can make your car shake when it drives and can even lead to damage to your vehicle. Rotating your tires regularly ensures you always have a smooth, comfortable ride. 4. You'll Hear Less Noise When You Drive Unnecessary vibration can be created by uneven tread wear on your tires. If you hear a lot of excess noise, feel vibrations, and have trouble steering, even if you're on a smooth road, chances are your tires are unevenly worn. 5. You Get Better Fuel Mileage Uneven wear on your tires can create resistance when you drive, which can use extra fuel. Rotating your tires regularly will mean you feel less resistance when you drive, get a smoother ride, and get more time between gas tank fill-ups. 6. You Feel More in Control When You Drive As mentioned before, tires that lose tread can slip in rainy or snowy conditions and create an uneven ride. This can affect how you steer your vehicle as well as reduce your response time in an emergency. When you regularly rotate your tires they wear out evenly and keep you in control on the road. 7. Your Mazda Dealer Will Ensure It's Done Correctly You must make sure your tires get rotated properly. This means your tires aren't simply being moved back and forth on the front and/or back. Your dealer will keep track of your rotations and ensure your tires wear evenly. Flood Mazda is proud to be an award-winning dealership serving the fine folks of Rhode Island. We offer all the new Mazda models, quality used vehicles, financing services, and an outstanding service department. Visit or stop by Flood Mazda today to view our inventory of vehicles, discuss financing options, learn about the features of your vehicle, or book your next maintenance appointment. Image by Mylene2401 from Pixabay

When it comes to our vehicles, routine transmission service is one of the most important things we can do to keep them running smoothly. But what does that entail? We'll break down everything consumers need to know about what happens during a typical service appointment. And when you're ready, schedule an appointment with your Mazda dealer to get the best service for your Mazda! more Why Is Your Transmission Important? The transmission system is an automated series of gear sets used to transfer the power from the engine to the driving wheels of a vehicle. A transmission has several parts, including gears that are used to transfer torque from the motor to the wheels. Your transmission is one of the most critical components of your car, therefore, it's imperative to ensure it's in good shape for the overall health of your vehicle. What Is This Routine Service? Servicing your transmission is a proactive maintenance procedure. It can help keep your transmission humming and prevent any major issues down the road. This can also prolong the life and reliability of your vehicle's transmission. Why Would You Need To Get This Service for Your Vehicle's Transmission? The transmission fluid in your engine is composed of many different liquids and metal parts. This mixture needs to be kept clean and properly maintained so that it will work as designed. Over time, this fluid becomes dirty and, if unserviced, will create issues with the way your vehicle operates. Benefits of this service include smoother shifting and reduced friction between moving parts within your car's transmission system. These improvements can help increase the lifespan of your vehicle, as well as reduce wear and tear. What Should I Expect in This Routine Service? This routine service includes a detailed inspection. During this inspection, an expert checks for leaks or other possible damage not visible from outside the vehicle. This routine service will also recondition seals and gaskets and change fluids and filters. Additionally, other services can be performed at the customer's request. A road test with a professional onboard evaluation can be completed. Also, any necessary repairs or replacements can be recommended once the full inspection has been completed. What's the Difference Between a Transmission Flush and This Service? Some customers may want to opt for a routine transmission flush throughout their vehicle's lifetime. However, this is a different service and should be treated as such. A transmission flush replaces all of the old transmission fluid with new fluid. Routine service for your transmission, on the other hand, restores a vehicle's automatic transmission to its proper working order. How Often and Who Should I Schedule an Appointment for This Routine Service? It's highly recommended that you see an expert that specializes in your type of vehicle for any routine service. Your dealer is your best option. This service should be performed every 30,000 miles or 24 months, whichever comes first. Getting your transmission inspected and serviced is an important preventative measure that all car owners should take to keep their vehicles running smoothly. During a routine service, your vehicle's automatic transmission will be inspected for damage and leaks. Contact Flood Mazda today to get your routine appointment scheduled! We're devoted to helping customers find the vehicle of their dreams!

Is your car overheating without warning? Do you need to determine the cause of this issue and how serious it may be? There are several common reasons why cars overheat, leading to a quick fix or further repairs. Your Mazda dealer can assess your vehicle and determine how to prevent your car from overheating and resolve issues related to its cause. more 1. Worn Radiator Hose If you own a pre-owned car with an older set of hoses, they may wear over time, leading to poor performance, leaks, and overheating. If you notice coolant dripping on the ground and this fluid grows in size, this can mean you'll need to repair or replace the radiator hose. It's also important to check the metal circles and hose clamps to ensure they are in good condition or require replacement. 2. Overheated Engine Engines are equipped to handle temperatures to a certain level, though if they overheat or run at a high temperature for extended periods, this will cause issues. You may notice warped or melted cranks, pistons, metal, and other parts that can lead to severe damage. When consistent overheating occurs, this will not only damage your engine it may impact other parts of your car, which can lead to expensive repairs. 3. Thermostat is Stuck Open or Closed Your car's thermostat determines how much coolant flows to and from the radiator to the engine. When this mechanism becomes stuck in either a closed or open position, this may cause excessive coolant, or not enough of this substance, to flow from one system to the other. This issue can quickly lead to overheating and severe damage. If you notice your thermostat isn't working correctly, you may need to repair or replace it to prevent possible damage. 4. Broken Radiator Fan Radiator fans are essential in regulating temperature in your car and help cool your vehicle's antifreeze. If this fan stops working, your car will quickly overheat, and the fluid won't effectively cool as needed. If you notice your radiator fan is functioning poorly or stops altogether, it's essential to consult with your Mazda technician for required repairs or replacement. 5. Radiator Problems A coolant leak is usually caused by a broken radiator, which may become damaged or punctured during a collision. This issue can contaminate the oil, causing the engine to overheat and leak fluid, resulting in a complete shutdown unless quickly repaired. Fortunately, your local dealer expert can provide helpful tips on preventing damage to your radiator and how to remedy the situation if it happens. Your Mazda expert can provide the support and assistance needed to avoid situations where overheating may occur in your car and provide solutions to resulting damages. Come see us at Flood Mazda and inquire about our incredible showroom deals on your next visit to the area. We offer excellent pricing on new and pre-owned cars and expert maintenance services for all your driving needs.

In very cold or very hot weather, there's nothing worse than your car heating or car AC not working. In fact, it can be dangerous to drive at the wrong temperature because you'll have a harder time concentrating. For this reason, it's important to always get in touch with your Mazda dealer as soon as you have a problem with the HVAC system in your vehicle. Let's have a closer look at what to do when you notice a defect. more Car Heating or Car AC not Working? What to Do Now It's a hassle when the heating system or AC in your car stops working. But fortunately, the highly trained technicians at your local dealership are able to repair your Mazda within a few hours. After you notice a problem, you can check the website to see what specials are currently available. Then, you can get in touch with the service center online or over the phone and book your in-person appointment. Check the Service Options on Your Mazda Dealer's Website The first thing you should do whenever you discover an issue with your Mazda is to check your dealer's website. In the "Service" section, there is a lot of information about the types of repairs we are able to perform and our center's opening hours. What's more, you can discover all the current offers, which could significantly reduce the cost of your repair. If you haven't been to the dealership in many months, it may be a good idea to combine your AC or heating system repair with a general service. We are currently offering a deal on a multi-point inspection, which is a service designed to ensure that your vehicle is safe. By having this done now, you can prevent further problems down the line. Bring Your Vehicle to the Dealership Once you've gathered the necessary information online, you can contact the dealership directly. If you live or work in the area, you can stop by on your way to or from your job. However, you can also reach us on the phone or via the online contact form. We promise to get back to you as soon as possible. Our technicians will book you in for an appointment, so they can inspect your car. They'll let you know what the problem is and give you a quote for the repairs. In most cases, an AC or heating system repair can be completed on the same day, so you can take your vehicle home with you. But you don't have to worry should there be a bigger issue. You can borrow one of our loaner cars for the duration of your repair, so your life won't be disrupted. Although the HVAC system in your Mazda is robust, you might experience an issue if you've had your car for a long time or you use the heating and AC a lot. In such a case, it's best to contact your dealership immediately because it isn't safe to drive a car that is very hot or very cold. Get in touch with us now at Flood Mazda in Wakefield, RI to book your appointment with the specialists at our service center.

The saying an ounce of prevention is better than an ounce of cure certainly holds for your car. You chose your Mazda for its high quality and performance, and it is an important investment in your life. Preventative car maintenance is very important. As your Mazda dealer, these are some of the main benefits to ensure that your car is always in perfect working condition. more Benefits of Getting Preventative Car Maintenance at Your Wakefield Mazda Dealer You Save Money Certain repairs can be very expensive, especially engine and transmission replacements. These repairs are often unnecessary if the components are regularly serviced and checked for performance. Low transmission fluid, for example, can lead to an overheated and seized transmission that will cost thousands of dollars, but a low fluid level is cheap and easy to top up and prevents the problem. Even the best car can develop problems but with regular maintenance, your Mazda will continue to perform to its high standard and you'll enjoy it for many years to come. Repairs Are Easier and Cheaper Despite the best care, car components can and will wear out. Routine maintenance ensures that our technicians can spot any potential issue when it starts, and this makes the problem easier and cheaper to repair. A damaged component that is not repaired speedily can easily cause damage to other engine parts. An added benefit of preventative maintenance is you can schedule the work around your life and reduce the disruption of your car being unavailable when you need it most. Potential Problems Are Easy to Spot Damaged spark plugs, dirty air filters, and worn belts are some of the items that our technicians will easily spot and can replace. These issues may be minor, but they will get worse if they are not fixed. By replacing these items, you can prevent a future problem. Preventing A Breakdown A broken-down vehicle is a nightmare for any driver. If your car is regularly and properly maintained, the likelihood of a breakdown is seriously reduced. Our expert technicians will be able to find issues that could lead to a breakdown and repair them before they become can cause a problem. Maintain Your Car's Value If you are thinking ahead to your next dream car, you will also be thinking about the trade-in value of your present vehicle. Preventative maintenance helps to maintain your car's value by showing a future buyer that it is in good and verifiable condition. Regular servicing by a dealer ensures that all maintenance is performed to the required standard of excellence. Your Mazda service schedule details your regular maintenance requirements. The requirements have been precisely calculated to ensure your car is always in optimum condition. Now you know the benefits of regular maintenance schedule your service with us at Flood Mazda today. Our expert technicians will replace the necessary components according to the schedule and also check for any potential issues. We also offer service specials that can save you extra money.

Just about every driver knows the headache that hitting a pothole can cause. Here are some common issues that pothole damage can cause so that you can identify the problem if you run into this all-too-common issue on the road. If your vehicle seems to be experiencing these symptoms, the service team at your local Mazda dealer can help you get your vehicle back to working order. more Tire Damage Like other uneven terrain, potholes are bound to cause some wear and tear to your tires when you drive over them. If you hit one hard enough, however, it may cause a puncture in the tires instead. Look for any visible holes along your tires as well as signs of bulges in any part of the tire, as these may be indicative of internal damage. Bent Wheel Rims Along with the tires, potholes can also do damage to the wheel rims themselves. Look for any bends or cracks along where the rim of your wheel meets the tire. If the wheel is bent even slightly, it won't roll smoothly along the road and will need to be swapped out with a replacement part. Steering Misalignment The force of an impact from a sudden lurch in your vehicle may also throw your alignment out of order. If you notice that your vehicle pulls to one side while in motion or that there is a persistent shaking or vibrating coming from the wheels, a realignment might be necessary to fix your vehicle's suspension. Wearing Down of Shocks or Struts Even if your alignment seems in check, there are other components of your vehicle's suspension that may have suffered damage and should be checked. Take a look for a blown strut or any shock issues if you've suffered damage from a pothole. Sorting out these problems soon after they occur can prevent further issues from arising later on down the line. Exhaust System Damage After driving away from the sudden impact of hitting a pothole, keep an ear out for any strange noises coming from your vehicle that wasn't present before. If you hear any suspicious noises, it's possible that your exhaust took a hit. Take your vehicle in to your local dealership to have it thoroughly inspected to assess the damage Engine Damage In severe cases of impact caused by a pothole, you may also experience damage to the engine of your vehicle itself. A pothole may cause your engine to shift too hard, doing damage to your powertrain. The impact may also have caused engine mounts to break. Leaving these problems unresolved will lead to even worse engine damage in the future. If your vehicle takes a hit during pothole season, or for any other maintenance concerns you might have, our service team has you covered. We'll put our experience and knowledge to use to get your vehicle running as good as new by the time you drive it off our lot. Visit Flood Mazda today!

You know that driving a Mazda means you are driving a vehicle that is safe and reliable. And you know that keeping up on regular maintenance is important to keep your Mazda in its best running order. Part of that maintenance means keeping your headlights functioning effectively because having headlights that work properly is essential to staying safe on the road. Here are some signs that mean you need to head to your Mazda dealer to replace your Mazda headlights. more Your Headlights Are Burned Out The most obvious sign you need new headlights is if they burn out. You may not realize you need new headlights until at least one burns out. Replace your headlight as soon as possible, and even if only one is burned out you'll want to replace both of them at the same time since the other one will likely burn out soon. Your Headlights Are More Than a Few Years Old Headlights typically last about 5 years (or approximately 1000 hours) but if you drive your car a lot in dark conditions you may notice yours don't last as long. So, if it's been a while since you've replaced your headlights it's wise to change them. Your Headlights Are Dim Brand new headlights are always brightest but if you notice yours are dimmer than usual it's time to have your headlights inspected. Occasionally dim headlights can be caused by a buildup of dirt and grime on the covers so cleaning with a special headlight cleaner may be enough to restore your headlights. But if this doesn't restore your headlights it's best to replace your headlights before they burn out completely. Your Headlights Are Hazy It's normal for your headlights to start to take on a yellow tinge instead of being bright white. Much like with dimming headlights this can often be due to a build-up of dirt, salt, and possibly even damage done by UV rays on the covers. This can sometimes also be remedied by cleaning them but it is usually a sign you should replace your headlights. Your Headlights Are Flickering Flickering headlights could be due to faulty wiring or another issue within the headlight's electrical system. But typically, it's a sign the bulb(s) are burning out and you should replace them. Flickering headlights should always be inspected by a professional mechanic. Your Mazda Dealer Tells You It's Time Proper working headlights are a huge part of safety while driving so your mechanic will often inspect your headlights as part of your regular service. They will let you know if it's almost time to replace your headlights. Ensuring your headlights are working well, aren't lopsided, and offer proper illumination while driving at night is extremely important for safety while on the road. At Flood Mazda we are always happy to answer any questions about headlights or any other service or maintenance issues. Please stop by or make an appointment with the award-winning service team at Flood Mazda today.

It's not advisable to drive when your ignition coil is faulty. It can lead to damage to other parts of your engine. You need to come by your local dealership if you're dealing with a faulty ignition coil and make sure you read up on the vital information below. more Signs of a Faulty Ignition Coil 1. Difficulty Starting There are lots of issues that can make it difficult for your vehicle to start, but problems with your ignition coil can be a contributor. If you're having issues starting, then you need to get your entire engine checked out. We recommend getting an engine diagnostic, as that can help you get right to the bottom of your problem. 2. Stalling and Misfiring If your engine stalls or misfires when you accelerate, stop suddenly, or are idle, then you may have problems with the ignition coil. This problem can also be caused by problems with your spark plugs, but a faulty spark plug can cause an ignition plug to fail, so the problems are linked. 3. Bad Fuel Economy If you suddenly seem to be getting less mileage out of a full tank of gas, then you might have an issue with your ignition coil. Your spark plugs don't have enough power when the coil is having problems, and this puts stress on your vehicle. That can lead to your vehicle using more fuel. 4. Lit Check Engine Light If your check engine light comes on, then it's a good idea to get an engine diagnostic. The light can activate for any number of reasons, but a diagnostic will show you what the issue is. If it's a problem with your ignition coil, then you'll know soon. Reasons Your Ignition Coil May Be Faulty Your ignition coil may be faulty due to a number of external causes. Excessive vibration and heat can impact your ignition coil, however, it's usually a faulty spark plug or wires that cause your ignition coil to fail. The parts of your vehicle really work as a team, so when one part has a problem, then many of the other parts can end up malfunctioning, too. It's vital that you have a qualified technician examine all of your engine's components at least once a year. This is the best way to catch and repair problems early. Where to Get Your Ignition Coil Problem Repaired You should get your ignition coil problem repaired at your local dealership, as your local Mazda dealership has the technicians that are the most qualified to work on your vehicle. We also have lots of parts in stock for Mazda vehicles, so we can replace your ignition coil if necessary. If we can't replace your ignition coil using what we have in stock, then we can order the correct parts for you, and we'll replace the coil as soon as we can. We'll also answer any questions you might have about the issue your vehicle is having, and we can advise on anything else necessary, too. Make sure you come by Flood Mazda when the problems above occur in your vehicle. Let us help you get back on the road.

Changing windshield wipers on your vehicle regularly will help the vehicle stay in good condition, and that's highly beneficial. You should visit your dealer regularly to replace windshield wipers that are getting a little old. Let's explore why. more 1. You'll Improve Your Visibility Everyone encounters some heavy rain sooner or later, and you need a highly functional set of windshield wipers to ensure everything remains visible while the rain pounds your windshield. According to the Federal Highway Administration, around 70 percent of crashes that are related to the weather occur when the ground is wet. It's even more dangerous when it's actively raining—46 percent of crashes occur in heavy rain. You need perfectly functioning wipers. Unfortunately, your windshield wipers will wear down over time. This leads to them becoming less effective, and they may leave streaks and smudges on your windshield. This decreases your visibility, and it makes you more likely to end up in an accident. Make sure you change those wipers before they wear down. 2. You'll Protect Your Windshield Your windshield wipers are metal. They're covered in rubber, and this protects your windshield. However, that metal gets closer and closer to your windshield as the rubber in the wipers wears down. This means your windshield gradually gets closer to being scraped by pure metal. Replacing your wipers before they wear fully down will increase how protected your windshield is. If your wipers are growing more worn down, you never know when the rubber will wear away fully. If you have new wipers, then you know that it'll be a long time before your windshield is at risk. 3. You'll Make Your Cabin Quieter Your wipers will eventually start squeaking loudly when they're in use. Some minor squeaking is normal, but if it gets louder every time you use your wipers, then you have a problem. Your wipers growing louder is a sign they're getting older and wearing out, and you'll want to replace the wipers before they get old enough to warp or fall apart. The excessive noise can also ruin a pleasant, quiet atmosphere in the cabin. Replacing your wipers when they start making more noise than they used to will ensure your ride stays as quiet as possible. 4. You'll Get More When You Sell If you're planning to sell your vehicle, then you want it to be in the best condition possible for your new buyers. Consider replacing the windshield wipers before you try to sell the vehicle. That way, you can tell the potential buyers that your vehicle has new wipers. Ensuring your buyers get your vehicle with new tires and other important parts would be a good idea, too, so consider replacing everything you can. This will attract buyers that are willing to pay more for a vehicle that's high quality and well looked after. People don't want to have to replace various components as soon as they buy the vehicle, so having that done for them beforehand will make them more likely to pay a good price for what you're selling. Visit Flood Mazda when you need to replace your windshield wipers. We'll ensure they're fitted perfectly for your vehicle.

Your tires are a very important part of your Mazda! If you're driving on old worn tires your fuel efficiency will likely suffer and you're putting your safety at risk because it will be harder to brake and steer. It's imperative to know when it's time to replace your Mazda tires to keep you and your passengers safe. more 1. Your Tires Are Old Typically, your tires should last you about six to ten years, depending on where you live and your driving habits. Even if you don't drive often and you always drive carefully the rubber in your tires will degrade due to weather conditions and age. If your tires are on the older side have the tread checked to see if it's time to replace them. 2. You Can See Worn Tread Inspect your tires frequently, especially as they age or after a particularly hot or cold season, to ensure they are not showing too much wear and tear. You can prevent some worn tread by keeping your tires inflated to the levels recommended in your car owner's manual and getting them rotated regularly. But they will still wear down due to age and weather. Some tires will have indicator bars right on the tire that show once the tread is worn down to let you know it's time for a replacement. Check for these bars or perform the easy penny test. Place a Lincoln penny head up into the tread and see how much of the head is still visible. If you can see any or all of the head, your tires are at least somewhat worn. 3. You're Always Filling Your Tires With Air If you find you're losing pressure and inflating your tires more often than usual this indicates that your tires are damaged. Wear and tear can create small holes in your tire which can sometimes be repaired but will often mean it's time to replace your tires. 4. You Can See Damage When inspecting your tires look for cracks, blisters, and bubbles on all surfaces of your tires. This damage can not only occur within the tread but on the sidewalls as well. Having damaged tires could lead to a dangerous blowout when you're driving. Any damage should always be inspected by a professional to see if it can be repaired, patched, or if you need new tires. 5. Your Vehicle Isn't Riding As Smoothly as Usual If you're noticing your car feels different when you're driving it, or if you feel bumpiness, vibrations, or it pulls to one side make sure to get your tires inspected as soon as possible. This could mean you need a simple tire alignment, but often it means your tires are too worn to keep your vehicle driving safely and efficiently. We care about the safety of you and your passengers. Visit or contact Flood Mazda today to have your tires inspected, aligned, or replaced by our professional experienced service staff.

Keeping up with proper maintenance on your Mazda is key to preserving its value, extending its life on the road, and making sure it performs the way you want it to. What about a car tune-up? Is it even necessary with today's vehicles? Let's examine what a tune-up actually involves, how often you should bring your vehicle in to your Mazda dealer for a tune-up, and the signs that your vehicle might need a tune-up. more How Often Should You See Your Local Mazda Dealer to Get a Car Tune-Up? What Exactly Is a Tune-Up? In older vehicles, a tune-up was recommended about every 30,000 – 45,000 miles. This involved inspecting your engine's components, adjusting, repairing, or replacing them, or even taking them apart and putting them back together. It was a necessary, but labor-intensive, task to keep your car on the road and running smoothly. Since modern vehicles are basically controlled by a computer, very little adjusting, visually inspecting, or tinkering goes on. A modern tune-up is considered a major service on your Mazda and usually involves an oil change, replacing the spark plugs and the air filter, as well as a few other items. How Often Does My Mazda Need a Tune-Up? The long and short of it is, “it depends”. Many of the items that need to be replaced during what's commonly known as a tune-up have varying replacement schedules, and those replacement schedules can be different depending on what type of vehicle you have. Every Mazda won't even be on the same schedule, and it will depend on what model you drive. Use your particular vehicle's maintenance schedule as a guide and pay attention to how your Mazda is running when deciding whether or not a tune-up is needed. How Do I Know That's Time for a Tune-Up? Again, you can start by using your Mazda's maintenance schedule as a suggestion, but if you look and listen to your vehicle closely enough, it will often indicate to you when it's time to take it to an expert. If your vehicle experiences any of the following, consult your Mazda maintenance technician to see if a tune-up is appropriate: An unforeseen drop in gas mileage Idling roughly or stalling while idling Starting and/or running rough Engine has trouble starting A misfiring engine, particularly in humid weather Lack of power Of course, as you make a visual inspection of the engine bay, you may observe certain items that are worn or damaged. But with today's modern, computerized vehicles, there are a lot of issues that will go unnoticed by the everyday car owner and will need an expert or computer diagnostic to uncover. The nature of tune-ups has changed drastically over the years, but the need to maintain your Mazda is as important as ever. If you think your vehicle needs a tune-up, come see our expert technicians at Flood Mazda right away.

Routine brake maintenance is crucial for the health of your vehicle. If you go too long without routine maintenance, your stopping distance will increase significantly. Additionally, your brake pads, rotors, and calipers will be put under undue stress. If you're not sure how often you should get routine brake service, you're not alone. Keep reading to find out. more How Often Should You Get Routine Brake Service? You should schedule routine brake maintenance every 18,000 miles. It is important to have your brakes checked and serviced regularly because brake systems comprise metals, such as steel. Driving in the rain, or driving when the ground is wet from rain earlier in the day, exposes your brake system to water which results in corrosion and rusting. Even if you park your car in a garage or under a carport, your brake system is exposed to moisture in the air. It is also important to have your brakes worked on every 18,000 miles because driving exposes your brake system to very high heat, dust, and dirt. The slider pins, calipers, pads, rotors, and bolts can have dirt build up around them, causing them to wear significantly. When the entire brake system is cleaned thoroughly on a regular basis, it will last a lot longer. When You Should Come in for Immediate Service You should come in for immediate service if you notice any signs that your brakes are going bad. Here are some of the most common signs you should look out for. Brake Fluid Under Your Vehicle You may have a leak in your master cylinder if you notice brake fluid under your vehicle. If your brake fluid is fairly new, it will be almost translucent and a little yellow. As it ages, it will darken and become less clear. However, you can always identify brake fluid by its smell of fish oil. You must come in for service right away if you have brake fluid leaking because brake fluid is essential for the health of your brake pads and rotors. If there isn't enough fluid in your brake system, too much pressure will be applied to the brake pads and the system will overheat. A Spongy or Soft Brake Pedal You should also come in for immediate service if your brake pedal is spongy or soft. If your brake pedal is so soft it depresses all the way to your floorboard when you apply pressure to it, you have a serious problem. Most of the time, you may have too much air or moisture in your brake system, but you also may have a serious problem with your master cylinder. To keep your vehicle operating safely, you should schedule routine brake maintenance every 18,000 miles. You should schedule an appointment right away if you're experiencing signs of a failing brake system. If you can't remember the last time your brakes were serviced, it's probably time to bring your vehicle in. Visit us at Flood Mazda on Old Tower Hill Road, and we'll ensure your entire brake system, including your parking brake, is in good working order.