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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.

Two things are constant in our lives. First, we all live on Earth, and second, we all have to get around. The issue is that our cars contribute to the pollution of the air and nature around us; however, there are many ways that we can help to reduce our carbon footprint. One way we can do this is by lowering our car emissions. more 1. Carpooling One of the simplest methods for reducing emissions from your car and thereby reducing pollution to our air is carpooling. If you and a neighbor work near the same building, save on miles and gas by riding together. If your children have sporting events, take a car with some other parents. Many individuals are going to the same locations as we are; you can choose to ride together and reduce pollution. 2. Avoid Idling There are times when idling is inevitable, such as waiting at stoplights. However, with autostop technologies becoming more prevalent, even idling times while waiting for a green light are lessening. Additionally, cutting down on long idling periods will cut down on the amount of emissions your car produces. So, instead of idling at the grocery store, or other parking lots, turn the key off and reduce emissions. 3. Maintenance A properly maintained vehicle will always produce fewer emissions than a car that is not. Some of the maintenance you should track includes your air filters, carburetors, and other worn-out parts. The harder your vehicle has to work to function normally, the greater the air pollution produced. So change your air filters regularly, and ensure your vehicle gets regular service appointments to keep it running at peak performance. 4. Tire Pressure Our tire pressure is one aspect of car maintenance that we don't often pay attention to unless we have received an alert. Of course, we will always go in and have the tires inflated if they look low and have them checked if the tire pressure alert comes on; however, properly inflated tires lower your gas consumption and give you a smoother ride. This combines to lower emissions and reduce the amount of acceleration we need to do. 5. Drive Steady When we are driving in the city, we will start and stop very frequently. However, when driving on longer stretches of road like the highway or freeway, we should drive at a steady speed. This is because accelerating rapidly increases our fuel consumption and emissions. However, if we drive at a constant speed, we can reduce those numbers instead. 6. Air Conditioning Reducing the amount that we use our cars air conditioner makes a significant impact on our emissions. Reducing AC usage can actually improve your car's performance and gas mileage. Roll down your windows, enjoy the fresh air, and reduce pollution all at the same time. Another choice we can make to reduce emissions is to choose a fuel-efficient vehicle. Come visit us at Flood Mazda of Wakefield and ask about our electric and hybrid cars 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.

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.

Everyone gets annoyed when they receive a parking ticket, especially when you have to fork out cash for a small violation such as an expired parking meter or parking too close to a fire hydrant. Tickets can easily be avoided and save you loads of frustration and money. Below are tips to avoid getting fines altogether. more 1. Know Your Signs Make sure you know and understand the difference between the different parking signs, such as the no standing, no stopping, and no parking signs and stick to the regulations. Avoid parking on or part of a crosswalk or designated bike lane. If you park and notice no parking signs or can't read the sign, take photos of the parking spot and the surroundings or the unreadable sign as evidence. You are going to need it to lodge a dispute if you receive a fine. 2. Heed the Most Restrictive Sign Sometimes parking signs can be a bit confusing, especially when there is more than one close together. If there are a few parking signs around, all with different information, heed the most restrictive sign. That way, you know you are covered and won't get fined. 3. Display Your Meter Receipt Just to make sure that everyone can see that you paid for your parking spot, stick the receipt face-up on your dashboard on the inside of your car. That way, there will be no confusion. If the meter isn't working, it's not your lucky day. Purchase parking from a working meter closest to your parking bay to avoid a fine. It's easier and will cost you far less than paying a fine. 4. Check the Meter Time Limit Always check the meter time limit, memorize it, and ensure that you get back to your car before the time runs out. Even if you are a minute late, it could lead to a fine that could easily have been avoided. 5. Avoid Fire Hydrants Avoid a fire hydrant like the plague. If you see one, keep moving. Unless you can judge distance well, you will get a ticket if you park even a few inches closer than 15 feet away from a fire hydrant. 6. Stay Up to Date Always ensure that your registration, license, and insurance are up to date to avoid tickets. Ticket Costs and Disputes The cost of tickets varies based on the type of parking violation and how many times you've committed the same offense. If you disagree with the fine, you can always lodge a dispute. If you are not satisfied with the outcome, you can appeal. If you receive a fine and notice inaccurate or missing information, you can also dispute it. The ticket will be reviewed and dismissed if the information is faulty. If you've lost your fine, the Traffic Bureau can provide you with a copy and the relevant information, such as court dates if applicable. The easiest way to avoid tickets is by understanding the different parking signs and familiarizing yourself with the parking regulations. Contact Flood Mazda today. Our friendly and professional team of experts is here to assist you with all your vehicle requirements.

When you purchase your first car, there's a lot to think about. Not only do you need to figure out what car you want, how much you can afford to pay each month, and how to optimally maintain your vehicle; but you'll also need to get good car insurance. Today, let's have a look at some important facts and figures that can help you make the best decision possible when it comes to insuring your Mazda. more 1. Insurance in Rhode Island Don't forget to budget for insurance when considering what car payment you can afford. While drivers pay $1,674 on average for full coverage in the US, this is $2,018 in Rhode Island. According to Bankrate, if you opt for basic coverage, you will pay around $749. The reason why insurance is so costly here is that auto repair costs are very high in this state, so insurance companies are trying to make up for this. 2. Your Insurance Will Become Cheaper Over Time Although some drivers are older when they purchase their first car, many people are between 16-18 years old. Insurance companies generally consider drivers of such a young age riskier than more mature people, so you're going to have to pay a high premium for the first few years. Fortunately, this will go down over time, particularly if you keep a clean driving record and prove that you are a responsible driver. 3. You Have Control Over the Price of Your Insurance You might believe that the price of your insurance is a given, but there is actually a lot you can do to lower your quote. Most importantly, make sure that you stick to the traffic rules and avoid accidents. You can get insurance discounts for a safe driving record, but also for other things such as great safety features on your car, anti-theft devices, and upfront payment in full. Your deductible, which is how much you will have to pay out-of-pocket before your insurance kicks in, also significantly affects your monthly insurance payment. If you are financially stable and have an emergency fund available, you could go for a higher deductible. 4. The Company You Choose Matters Not all insurance companies are created equal, and you can save a lot of money by choosing one that offers great deals to drivers like you. Because everyone's situation is different, there isn't one company that's the best fit for everyone, but instead, several different options that work well for different people. The easiest way to find the best insurance company for you is to get in touch with the customer service team at your local dealership. They have a lot of experience with insuring Mazda cars, so they'll be able to tell you which company might be the best for you. Although insurance is expensive in Rhode Island, there's a lot you can do to make sure you get a great deal. In addition to driving carefully, you can go for a higher deductible, install advanced safety features in your car, and choose a company that offers good rates. Call or visit us today at Flood Mazda in Wakefield, RI to purchase your car. Image by Steve Buissinne from Pixabay

We've all been there, whether it's a quick trip to the grocery store, your local Mazda dealer, or a road trip across the states; something's happened. The question is, do you have a car first aid kit? Are you prepared? more 1. First Aid Kit Essential Items Adhesive bandaids Gauze Antibiotic ointment Adhesive tape Antiseptic and hydrocortisone cream for skin inflammation and rashes Antihistamines Antiseptic wipes or hand sanitizer Aspirin, Ibuprofen, or other pain-relieving medication Aloe Vera Sunscreen Insect bite relief Cotton balls Vaseline A digital thermometer Tweezers 2. Items for Children These items are all easy to find for adults, however, if you have children in your family it's important to obtain child-safe versions as well. Ensure that medications you have packed are child safe and that you have a way to administer them. Consider writing your children's names and their ages on a sticker and placing it on their car seats. This way if you're unable to answer EMS will still have the information. 3. Bigger Emergencies It would be nice if in life all we needed were bandaids and sunscreen, however, for those bigger emergencies your first aid kit is going to have to get a little bigger. You should plan on obtaining hot and cold packs, an epi-pen, plastic bags, synthetic gloves, and especially a CPR mask. 4. Knowledge While some first aid items are easy to use with common sense, others aren't. Keep an easy-to-understand manual with your first aid kit. One with pictures is a great option! Write down the names and numbers of your doctors and pediatricians in an easy-to-reach area as well as your emergency contacts. 5. Optional Items Now we get down to the nitty-gritty, your family and their needs. Personal items Flashlights Blankets Diapers or bottles Snacks - non-perishable Extra socks 6. Storage Great! You have the kit, now what do you do with it? A box with sections works wonders and is easier to use than a bag. Ensure it's easy to access and can't be crushed. 7. Mazda Dealer Promise Accidents can happen anywhere at any time to anyone and that's why your dealer should work hard to ensure that you have the best safety tips you need to ensure your family's safety. At Flood Mazda, you are backed with the Flood Advantage Plan, including but not limited to: Free key replacement Free dent repair Service discounts Free windshield repair Free service loaners Complimentary wash and vacuum 3 day or 300-mile exchange program/total confidence policy Free pickup and delivery for your vehicle Climate controlled drive-thru garage with valet parking Keep us in your back pocket so that we are there to help when accidents happen. No matter the situation a first aid kit can be there to help you out when you need it. Visit us at Flood Mazda of Wakefield today to get the perfect car to go with your new and improved first aid kit!

There are a lot of additional problems that can arise when driving at night. It is important to drive with caution so that you can stay safe on the road. Here are five safety tips that you can use to reduce the risk of accident or injury on the road. more 1. Minimize Distractions Because your visual capabilities are reduced at night, you should minimize distractions. Music can help you focus, but you should avoid playing the radio too loud. Try to set up a playlist before your trip so that you are not messing around trying to find something to listen to. Refrain from using your phone, and try to keep the interior lights in the vehicle off. This will help you focus on the road. 2. Watch for Wildlife Animals can be harder to see in the dark, and they can dart out in front of your vehicle, catching you off guard. You should be prepared to handle encounters with wildlife on the road, especially driving through rural areas. If an animal runs out onto the road, you should try to avoid an impact by engaging your brakes instead of swerving. Although it may be your first reaction, swerving can cause you to lose control of your vehicle, making things much worse. 3. Know When to Quit Driving when you are tired is very hazardous. Although you may feel obligated to push through your exhaustion, it isn't worth risking your life over. If you feel like you are unable to stay awake on the road, then you should pull off and get some rest. When you know you will be taking a long trip, or you will have to drive late at night, make sure that you are adequately rested before the drive. 4. Watch for Reckless Drivers Other drivers on the road may be under the influence, tired, or just reckless. You may feel more tempted to speed when there are fewer people around, and you are in a hurry. Make sure that you are always aware of your surroundings, and watch out for other drivers who may not be acting responsibly. Also, be prepared for people to use their headlights improperly and cause visual disturbances too. 5. Drive Responsibly Ensure that you are mentally ready to get behind the wheel, especially at night. If you have been drinking, or you feel tired, then it isn't a good idea to drive. Otherwise, drive carefully, focusing on the road, and avoid the temptation to speed even if you are in a hurry. It's better to arrive at your destination safely than not at all. Remember, drive carefully at night to ensure your safety on the road. If you would like a reliable and safe vehicle, we can help you with that too. Contact us today at Flood Mazda of Wakefield, and we can help you with any of your automotive needs. When it comes to safety and quality, we have your back. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Car safety features are always a joy to have, but not every manufacturer goes to the same lengths to ensure your safety. Swinging by your local Mazda dealership will reveal that Mazdas are, thankfully, packed full of essential safety features. more 1. Blind Spot Monitoring For decades, having a blind spot was just an unfortunate part of driving that you had to accept. These days cars are much smarter, and they can detect objects in your blind spot. Mazda's blind-spot monitoring technology is among the best on the market. There's a light in your side mirrors that alerts you when there's an object in your blind spot. The object could be another motorist, a pedestrian, or a different obstacle. If there's an object coming towards you that could enter your blind spot, then the warning will let you know in advance. Again, your Mazda will alert you with the warning light in your side mirrors. You'll also see a warning on your Active Driving Display, if applicable. 2. Rear Cross Traffic Alert The cross-traffic alert feature makes you extra aware of any vehicles that are approaching you from the side. These are visible in the side mirror, yes, but you're not looking at your side mirror 100% of the time. The rear cross-traffic alert feature audibly warns you, so you'll be inclined to look into your side mirror when you hear the warning. You'll also be able to view the approaching vehicle in your rearview camera display. 3. Radar Cruise Control With Stop & Go Maintaining a safe following distance is often one of the most difficult parts of driving, especially if the driver in front of you is stopping, starting, and slowing at random. That sounds like a nightmare situation, but your Mazda vehicle can easily handle it. The cruise control feature lets your vehicle maintain a minimum following distance, and it automatically adjusts its speed to match the vehicle in front of you. It doesn't matter how much the motorist ahead of you slows down. You'll even be fine if the motorist stops before you can get ahead of them. Your vehicle will adjust your speed accordingly, and it'll bring you to a gentle stop as needed, too. Bad drivers are a hazard to everyone on the road, but your Mazda will keep you safe from other motorists' bad driving habits. 4. Smart Brake Support Your vehicle warns you if it detects a potential obstacle in your path, and it applies the brakes if you don't react in time. This is perfect for avoiding unexpected collisions. We all know the pain of an unexpected cyclist zipping out in front of you, and sometimes pedestrians seem to come out of nowhere. Your vehicle stops you from hitting these unexpected obstacles by bringing you to a stop. Visit us at Flood Mazda if you want to get your hands on a Mazda that's packed full of safety features. We're sure you'll find one that you love.

If it seems difficult to get a clear answer on synthetic oil vs conventional, you are not alone. Mechanics and auto parts stores seem to cloud their explanations in technical language and “consult your manual” caveats. There's the confusing part about synthetic oil being petroleum-based. How is that synthetic? Then we cringe at the price difference. more It is true both synthetic and conventional oil are petroleum at their core. Conventional oil is mixed with additives that keep the oil's viscosity consistent at temperature extremes. It stays thin when it's cold so your engine starts smoothly. It stays thick at high temperatures to properly lubricate your running engine. Synthetics are chemically engineered instead of blended with additives. This creates oil with very different properties. Synthetic's Major Advantage: Longevity The first major advantage synthetics have over conventional motor oils is lifespan. The additives in conventional oil break down in the intense heat and pressures of an engine, requiring they be replaced every 5,000 miles. Some synthetics can last as long as 20,000 miles between changes. (This varies by brand and vehicle, so check your manual.) Oil's secondary function is cleaning your engine. Even though synthetics retain viscosity past 20,000 miles, they become too dirty to be effective. Is Synthetic Motor Oil Better for My Engine? Independent reviews (including one by Consumer Reports) say yes. Synthetic oil provides better engine protection and performance. Synthetics can be engineered for the closer tolerances of modern high-performance engines. Additionally, the higher-quality synthetic production process eliminates impurities that are accepted in traditional oils. Synthetics are also less prone to engine-damaging oxidation and acidification. Some High-Performance Vehicles Require Synthetics Time to consult your vehicle's manual and/or your dealership's service technicians. Numerous car manufactures have designed high-performance engines specifically to take advantage of synthetic oil's higher tolerances. This is especially true for turbocharged engines, which tend to run at higher temperatures that quickly destroy conventional oils. Why Does Conventional Oil Still Exist? With so many synthetic advantages, it's natural to wonder why conventional oil still exists. Synthetics last longer, protect your engine better, and run cleaner than conventional oil. And when you add the cost of four 5,000-mile conventional oil changes to a single 20,000-mile synthetic oil change, the price seems the same. Just about the only reason to stick with conventional oil is that many older engines don't really gain an advantage from synthetics, so there's no reason for owners of these cars to spend more on synthetic. If you are considering synthetic oil for your vehicle, ask your service center technicians. Synthetics can vary widely between different producers. Your vehicle's manufacturer will have specific recommendations for you. They will also factor in the climate and season where you are driving, as well as your personal driving style. The right oil is a major factor in the longevity and resale value of your car. Contact Flood Mazda today to get advice from experts on which oil is best.

During the nighttime, your headlights increase the visibility of your vehicle and allow you to see dark objects on the road. If this part of your Mazda becomes damaged, you will need to receive repairs or get new headlights. If you are experiencing headlight problems, the technicians at our service department can fix this issue for you. more Before your headlights go out, you might experience certain warning signs. If you are developing any of these problems, you might need to replace your current set of headlights. Your Mazda's Headlights Have Become Dimmer Sometimes, the headlights in your Mazda will become dimmer before they burn out. Under some circumstances, you might be able to address this significant problem by removing debris from the outside of your headlights. If you continue to experience issues after you clean your headlights, you can ask the friendly experts at our service department to look at this part of your vehicle. Your Headlights Are Flickering Developing headlights that flicker on and off is another important warning sign. After this problem begins, both of your headlights could burn out. One of Your Mazda's Headlights Is Out If one of your headlights goes out, you might be tempted to ignore this issue. However, if you experience a problem with one of your headlights, your other light may develop a similar issue in the near future. If one of your lights is burnt out, you can ask our technicians to examine both of your headlights. If you need to get a new set of lights, we can recommend and install suitable replacements for you. How Long Will Your Headlights Last? The lifespan of your vehicle's headlights will depend on the type of bulbs that you have and your driving habits. For example, LED headlights may last for about 30,000 hours. If you frequently drive during the nighttime, your headlights could last for a shorter period of time. In addition, driving in extreme climates can decrease the longevity of your headlights. When we replace the headlights in your Mazda, we will use high-quality bulbs that are designed to last for a long time. Once the installation process is complete, we can give you more detailed information about the likely lifespan of your new highlights. Why Is It a Good Idea to Replace Your Headlights at a Professional Dealership? Since our professionals receive extensive training, they will understand your headlights and all of the other parts of your Mazda. In addition, they have access to useful technology that will help them analyze and repair your headlights. You can also ask our professionals to examine other aspects of your Mazda during the installation process. If you need to replace your Mazda's battery or get another service, our technicians can perform these tasks. When you decide to replace the headlights in your Mazda or get other types of car services, you may want to receive assistance from our skilled technicians. To schedule your initial service appointment, contact us at Flood Mazda.

Maintaining proper tire inflation is essential to the overall performance of your vehicle. Properly inflated tires provide a longer lifespan, quicker steering response, optimum fuel efficiency, and a more balanced ride than tires that are not adequately maintained. The best, and easiest, way to get the most out of your tires is to know how to check tire pressure. more 1. Gather Your Tools The items you will need to adequately check your tire pressure is a tire pressure gauge, air compressor, and a pen and paper. If you do not own an air compressor, the one found at most gas stations is more than capable of getting the job done. 2. Let Your Tires Cool Off PSI (pounds per square inch of pressure) is specified by vehicle manufacturers based on cold tires. When the car has been parked and turned off for three or more hours, then the tires are considered cold. Alternatively, if the vehicle has been driven at a moderate speed for less than a mile, then the tires are also considered cold at this stage. 3. Check the Recommended PSI for Your Vehicle Mazda vehicles all have varying PSI due to the size of the vehicle and the type of tires being used. Check your owner's manual for the PSI that is recommended for your vehicle's tires. If you cannot find the information you need, do not hesitate to call us and let us look it up for you. 4. Write Down the Recommended PSI Use your pen and paper to write down your findings of the recommended PSI levels. We recommend writing these on a separate sheet of paper from your owner's manual so you can use this paper to compare and write down the current values of each tire. 5. Use Your Gauge to Check the Tire Pressure Unscrew and remove the valve cap from one tire. Place the pressure gauge down on the valve stem and press it down hard enough to stop the hissing sound. Your gauge will provide a reading. Write down the reading and compare it to the recommended value. Repeat for all four tires. 6. Fill the Tire to the Recommended PSI If any tires are showing low readings, fill those tires with an air compressor by placing the end of the hose over the valve stem, then press on the lever. Check the PSI again once you have filled the tire. If you have overfilled, simply let some of the air back out. Overinflated tires can decrease traction, decrease impact absorption, and cause premature wear. Tire pressure gauge accuracy matters. If you feel that your gauge is possibly giving you an inaccurate reading, come to Flood Mazda today and let us double-check your tires and help get you the right gauge for the job. If you encounter an issue at any time, our team of expert technicians can check your tires, patch them, or replace them when needed.