Fuel System Cleaning for Peak Performance in Your Mazda

Your car's transmission takes energy generated by the engine and send it to the wheels. When this happens right, you get smooth acceleration and gear shifts. That means transmission service at your Mazda dealer is part of proactively keeping things running the way they should. more What Happens During Service Transmission service can involve inspecting, cleaning, and replacing various components and fluids within your vehicle's transmission system. What will happen will always be determined by what exactly you need. Some of what we might do includes: Fluid Replacement or Exchange Transmission fluid lubricates, cools, and facilitates gear shifts. Over time, this fluid can degrade, get contaminated with debris, and lose its effectiveness. If we just change it out, we'll drain the old transmission fluid and replace it with new fluid. While this does refresh the system, some old fluid may remain in certain parts, like the torque converter. That means sometimes a fluid flush is the right thing. This is a more thorough method where a machine flushes out all the old fluid before new fluid is added. Filter Replacement The transmission filter traps contaminants and debris so they don't circulate through the system. Replacing the filter ensures that the new fluid remains clean and effective. Inspection We'll also do a thorough inspection to identify signs of wear, damage, or potential failure. We'll check seals, O-rings, and other parts that may need replacement. Signs You Might Need Service If you come get service as soon as you notice the early warning signs, you can prevent minor issues from becoming major, costly repairs: Delayed or Slipping Gears If you notice a delay when shifting gears, or if the transmission slips out of gear while driving, this could indicate low transmission fluid or worn components. Unusual Noises Grinding, humming, or clunking sounds coming from the transmission are not normal. They usually mean there are worn gears, bearings, or other internal issues. Burning Smell A burning odor, especially if you think you're smelling burnt toast, can indicate overheated transmission fluid. That shouldn't be happening, so come see us. Check Engine or Transmission Light Modern vehicles have sensors that detect irregularities in the transmission system, so if the light comes on, come see us. Rough Shifting Hard or abrupt gear shifts are never good. This might mean you have degraded fluid or mechanical issues. Having transmission issues? Come see us at Flood Mazda in Wakefield, RI today for help. Image via Mazda

Car batteries last for several years before they need to be replaced, and you should do everything you can to keep the battery in good condition so it doesn't need to be replaced sooner than expected. There are several types of battery maintenance that you can do at home to keep the battery in good health. Getting regular battery health checks from your local Mazda dealer is important, too. more Clean Your Battery Over time, grease and dirt can build up on your battery and cause corrosion. Corrosion leads to battery performance issues in some cases. So if you spot any dirt, grease, or corrosion on your battery, then you should clean it off. First, remove the negative cable and then the positive cable on your terminals. After that, scrub the terminals with a baking soda and water solution. You may also apply petroleum jelly to the formally corroded areas, as it may prevent corrosion in the future. Once done, attach the positive cable and then the negative cable to your battery. Drive Frequently Your car battery will die if you go a month or two without driving your vehicle at all. To make sure the battery doesn't die, drive your vehicle for at least 30 minutes every week. If you're going to be away for an extended period, then consider getting a friend to bring your vehicle out for a quick 30-minute drive every week. Check the Acid Bring your battery to the dealership every six months, so a mechanic can check the acid and electrolyte levels. This is especially important if you mainly drive short distances. If the mechanic finds your battery has low electrolyte levels and will no longer charge above 80 percent capacity, then they may be able to repair the problem without replacing the battery. Drive More Than 10 Miles If you exclusively drive very short distances, then your battery may not last as long as it could. Try to avoid driving less than 10 miles as much as possible, so your battery has time to recharge. Limit Electronic Use with No Engine Running It's not a good idea to use your car's electronic features when the vehicle isn't running. Doing so drains your battery. Occasionally leaving the radio on for your passengers while you run into a gas station to pay for fuel is fine, but avoid using the electronics for long periods while the engine is off. Want to check on your battery's health or get a new battery? Pay us a visit at Flood Mazda in Wakefield, RI. Image via Mazda

Your vehicle relies on a variety of fluids to keep your car running at peak performance level. When you need a fluid check to assess the level of certain fluids under the hood, the best place to schedule service is your local Mazda dealership. more 1. Comprehensive Fluid Check When you schedule fluid service at your local dealership, your Mazda mechanic will look at all the fluid in your vehicle as part of a comprehensive check-up. A comprehensive check may be important during bouts of extreme weather or if you frequently drive your car since some fluids may need to be replaced at the same time. The essential fluids in your vehicle include engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and power steering fluid. Among these fluids, engine oil should be checked and replaced most often to ensure the internal components of your engine are protected from friction. Even if you drive a hybrid Mazda, you should schedule a motor oil replacement service twice a year. 2. Genuine Fluid Replacement A major benefit of dealership fluid service is the fact that your Mazda mechanic will use genuine Mazda fluids to top-up or replace your vehicle's fluids. The use of genuine fluids can maintain your vehicle's iconic Mazda performance since these high-quality lubricants and chemicals are designed to meet the performance demand of your vehicle. 3. Bundled Routine Service Appointment Scheduling fluid service at your local dealership may also be beneficial since you can bundle other routine services at the same appointment. For example, it's common to check your engine oil and rotate your tires at the same time. This can save you time and money, while also ensuring that other components of your vehicle are in top performance condition. 4. Correct Leaks Finally, your Mazda mechanic will be able to discern if the low fluid levels in your vehicle are caused by leaks or other damage. If you notice that your vehicle is frequently overheating or there are large puddles beneath your car, the root cause could be an unaddressed leak. Your mechanic will easily be able to fix the damage causing the leak as part of your service appointment. Just like your body, the condition of your vehicle will suffer if the internal components don't have enough fluids. Your Mazda likely recommends checking essential vehicle fluids during every routine service appointment, particularly for fluids associated with the engine and brake system. Schedule your six-month routine service at Flood Mazda in Wakefield, RI today. Image via Mazda