Items to Include on Your Tune-Up Checklist

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

If you want to maintain your Mazda's astounding fuel economy, then you must make sure your fuel system is in good condition. A fuel system cleaning at your Mazda dealer is the best way to ensure every ounce of fuel is used efficiently. more Your Mazda's fuel system is one of the most essential systems in the vehicle and is largely responsible for ensuring you can enjoy the fuel-saving benefits of your car. When your vehicle's fuel system is clogged, it makes it harder for the fuel pump to deliver gas to the engine, which can affect the acceleration and reliability of your vehicle over time. Cleaning the fuel system can usually be done by using a special cleaner that breaks down deposits and contaminates. The cleaner is added to the fuel tank to flush through the entire fuel system and is followed by a second cleaner that removes lingering carbon deposits from the combustion chamber in your engine. A mechanic may have to clean parts of your fuel system by hand to remove stubborn deposits that disrupt the airflow of your fuel system. How Your Fuel System Works Whether you drive a Mazda sedan or SUV, your fuel system is likely composed of parts such as fuel lines, fuel filters, fuel injectors, a fuel pump, and a fuel pressure regulator. If you drive a Mazda with a traditional combustion engine, your vehicle is powered by injecting fuel into the combustion chamber. The fuel is then ignited by a spark plug to produce the power necessary to drive. How Often Should You Clean the Fuel System at Your Mazda Dealer? Cleaning the fuel system should be done every 15,000 miles, which is about once a year for most drivers. If you drive your vehicle daily and rack up high mileage, you may need to have your fuel system cleaned more often to protect the fuel efficiency and performance of your car. It's a good idea to visit your dealership for fuel system service if you notice your Mazda has sluggish acceleration or you are struggling to start your car. If you are fueling up the car more often, this can also be a sign that your fuel system is clogged. Whether your check engine light has turned on or it's been a year since your last routine service appointment, the best thing you can do to promote your vehicle's fuel efficiency is to regularly clean the fuel system. Get in touch with Flood Mazda in Wakefield, RI to book a service appointment today. Image via Mazda