Your First Mazda: 6 Tips for First-Time Car Buyers

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