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Driving in Rain: Four Tips for Drivers in Wet Weather

Driving in rain with the right vehicle can feel effortless, but some storms seemingly come out of nowhere and can create hazardous conditions. For those times, you need to be prepared even if you are driving a vehicle that can hold its own on a slippery road. If driving when it's raining out sends you into a panic, you can follow some tips to help you stay calm, avoid a collision, and safely make it to your destination. more 1. Slow Down This may seem like an obvious tip, but many drivers don't realize that wet weather requires slower speeds. Speeding or even maintaining the speed limit can be hazardous during certain types of rainstorms, and not only that, going too fast in the rain can pose a risk to you and those around you. The best way to remain in control of your vehicle and avoid others who aren't is to drive slowly. 2. Don't Be Afraid To Pull Over If you experience the type of rain that is the equivalent of a whiteout in a blizzard, it can be stressful, to say the least. If the rain is impairing your vision to the point that you can't see in front of you, don't be afraid to pull over. Find somewhere like a parking lot, gas station, or any other safe location so you can wait out the storm and get back on the road when the rain lightens up. 3. Create Distance Between You and Other Vehicles Rainstorms are not the time for tailgating. One of the best ways to maintain your safety while driving through a rainstorm is to create space between you and the vehicle in front of you. While you cannot control the vehicle behind you, you can avoid what's in front of you and when you give yourself enough space, you will be better able to avoid a collision. 4. Use Your Hazard Lights Hazard lights warn other drivers that you are going slower for a reason, but they can also be helpful in the rain. If a torrential downpour begins to impair the vision of drivers all around you, hazard lights can give them a way to see your vehicle, better judge the distance between the two of you, and create space so that everyone stays as safe as possible until the rain lightens up. 5. Use Your Driving Modes Wisely Vehicles equipped with driving modes have them for a reason and if your vehicle has a driving mode designed to help you travel through wet weather, use it. This will help keep your car stable on the road, avoid hydroplaning, and make you feel more confident in your driving. Driving modes are designed to help your vehicle drive in the worst conditions, especially slippery ones caused by any amount of rain. If you need a vehicle that can better handle every kind of weather, from the heat to the torrential downpours, we can help. Visit us today at Flood Mazda to find a vehicle that can handle the rain, the sleet, the snow, or whatever else comes your way.

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4 Reasons to Get Your Mazda Maintenance at an Official Dealership

Do you want to make sure that your Mazda lasts for years to come? Here are a few reasons why you should bring your car to your dealer for regular Mazda maintenance. more 1. Service Will Be Fast You can consider bringing your car to an independent mechanic next time it needs maintenance. But if you do, you may not get your car back very quickly. Independent mechanics tend to work a little slower than dealerships do, and you might not be able to get your car back for a day or two. But if you go to your local dealer and the maintenance your car needs is relatively minor, you can expect to get it back quickly. Most of the time, you won't need to wait longer than a couple of hours. 2. You'll Get Expert Advice While the staff at an independent mechanic know how your car works generally, they may not have the brand-specific advice that you're looking for. This is because they work with a huge variety of brands. But the mechanics at your local dealership work specifically with Mazda vehicles. They know all the ins and outs of your car, even before you bring it in! They'll know exactly what to look for while they're working on your car's maintenance. And if you have any questions relating to the brand, they'll be able to answer them. 3. Your Car Will Be Safer Mazdas are safe vehicles. But if you want to keep it that way, then you should be keeping up with its regular maintenance. As you drive, aspects of your vehicle may begin to wear down. This can cause problems don't the road and may even put you in danger. When you bring your car to your dealership for regular maintenance, the mechanics will make sure that things like your brakes, headlights, and belts, and hoses are all in good shape, and will fix them if they aren't. The mechanics will also be able to take a look at your car's safety software to make sure that's working properly too. 4. You'll Save Money Many drivers believe that regular maintenance is just another expense that they don't need. But if you don't keep up with your car's regular maintenance and something happens to it, then you may find yourself facing some pretty costly repairs. The best way to handle this is the stay proactive. Visiting your local dealership for regular servicing and maintenance will prevent issues like this from coming up in the first place. In the end, you're going to save a lot of money. You love your Mazda, and if you want it to stay in good shape for a long time to come, then regular maintenance is crucial. And if you want to make sure that you're getting the best maintenance possible, then you should head straight to your dealership. Visit us today at Flood Mazda and trust that your car is in good hands.

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What Services Do You Get With a Standard Mazda Oil Change?

Here at Flood Mazda, your vehicle is our priority, no matter why you bring it to our service center. Even if you're just stopping in for something as routine and basic as a Mazda oil change, we strive to go above and beyond to give your vehicle all-star treatment. When you get an oil change with us, it's a deluxe package designed to help keep your car healthy and extend its longevity over time. Here's what you get with every oil change at our dealership: more A Custom Mazda Oil Change We use the right oil for your specific car. We have full synthetic, conventional, synthetic blend, and high mileage options, and our service technicians are well-versed in which types of oil to use for which makes and models. Additionally, we match your vehicle with the oil that's best for it based on factors like mileage and driving conditions. We also replace your vehicle's oil filter each and every time you get an oil change with us. This helps prevent unnecessary damage to your engine due to dirt buildup and clogs in an old filter. If you're worried about the carbon footprint of your oil change, rest assured that we properly dispose of both your car's oil filter and its used oil in a way that has a minimal environmental impact. Free Inspection When you get an oil change with us, you also get a complimentary inspection of some of your car's basic and essential parts. Our inspection includes checking your car's taillights, brake lights, and headlights. We also assess the state of your cabin filters, air filters, tires, belts, hoses, steering, undercarriage, and skid plates. Additionally, we perform a suspension test to make sure your car's suspension isn't experiencing any problems. Our oil change package also includes checking your tire pressure levels and filling your tires up with extra air as needed. A finishing touch of our free inspection is to refill or top off your windshield wiper fluid and examine the condition of your windshield wipers. Based on the overall results of our inspection, we'll provide recommendations to you about issues you may want to address to help keep your car functioning at its best. Fluid Level Assessment Our oil changes also include fluid level checks. Topping off your vehicle's fluids helps keep it running like a champ on the road. Without adequate fluid levels, your car is at risk for damage or premature deterioration. During our oil changes, we check the levels of your power steering fluid, transmission fluid, coolant, and brake fluid. In the event that we detect a leak that might be draining your fluid levels, we'll provide recommendations with possible repair options about how to address the issue. Schedule an oil change with Flood Mazda today! At our dealership, when you pay for an oil change, you also receive a complimentary inspection and the special attention your car deserves. Our highly qualified service technicians are standing by to offer you a fast and superior oil change!

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5 Signs Your Car Cooling System Needs Repair From Your Mazda Dealer

Your car cooling system consists of a number of parts that include the cooling fan, radiator, water pump, thermostat, and a series of hoses. This intricate system has the huge job of regulating the operating temperature of your engine to ensure that, essentially, it doesn't melt itself. If you begin to notice any of these signs that your cooling system may be in trouble, it's time to let your Mazda dealer take a look. more 1. Visible Coolant Leak Coolant is often a bright color and easily spotted under your car. Typically bright green, pink, or orange, coolant is a sweet-smelling liquid that, when it leaks, will puddle under your vehicle. If you discover this puddle, then you have discovered a coolant leak. A leak will cause low levels of coolant, which is a top contributor to issues of overheating. 2. White Exhaust Smoke The presence of excessive amounts of white exhaust smoke is indicative of a cooling system problem. Often, this can be a sign that the coolant is leaking, just not under your car. White exhaust smoke usually means that the leak is happening in the combustion chamber, which is a major issue that needs immediate service. 3. Low Coolant Levels It is possible to spot a leak before it ends up in a puddle under your car or manifesting as white exhaust smoke. If you make it a habit to check your coolant levels regularly, you will immediately notice if your levels are less than ideal, potentially catching a small issue before it becomes a large one. Coolant does not burn off like engine oil, so there should be no reason for low levels or to need to top-up regularly. 4. Rising Temperature Gauge Perhaps one of the first and most obvious signs that there is a problem with your cooling system is if the needle in the temperature gauge begins to rise. This feature built into your dashboard is designed to keep you constantly aware of the engine's temperature status so you can recognize immediately if you need to pull over and let the car cool off. 5. Overheating If the temperature gauge is not working properly or if you've missed the reading altogether, then the next problem that you may encounter is white steam. White steam pouring out from under the hood is a surefire sign of overheating, so turn your car off as soon as it is safe to do so, then bring it in for service. If there were to be a malfunction or failure of any part of the cooling system, then your car's engine temperature would quickly rise, potentially heading for destruction. Overheating can cause serious engine damage, so having it serviced immediately is critical in order to minimize the lasting effects. Call or stop by Flood Mazda today to schedule professional cooling system repair, or to just have us take a look if you are concerned about any other part of your vehicle.

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3 Reasons to Get an Engine Diagnostic

As a Mazda owner, you're proud of your high-quality vehicle, and you want to make sure that it runs well for years to come. An important way to keep your car in good shape is to get an engine diagnostic at your local Mazda dealer. You should do this whenever the check engine light is on, you notice changes to your vehicle, or you haven't done so in over a year. Read on to find out how such a test could help you. more 1. The Check Engine Light is On The easiest way to tell that there may be a problem with your car is if the check engine light is on. This indicates that something isn't quite right, and you need to visit your local dealership to have the issue examined and fixed. Most commonly, there could be a problem with your oxygen sensor, mass airflow sensor, or spark plugs. Sometimes, the light may also go on if you haven't screwed your gas cap on correctly or if your catalytic converter is faulty. No matter what the problem is, you should have it checked out because a defective engine can be dangerous for you and your passengers. 2. Something Feels 'Off' Even if your check engine light isn't on, you may need to have a diagnostic test if the way your car runs has changed. Any bad smells or sounds could indicate an issue, and your local Mazda mechanic is the best person to fix this. For example, we will be able to tell if a foul smell is due to a problem with your catalytic converter or the fuel filters. To make sure your driving experience is safe and you don't experience larger issues later on, stay alert while driving and take note of changes in the way your vehicle functions. No matter how new or old the car is, keeping on top of small repairs can save you a lot of money and hassle later on. 3. You Haven't Been to Your Mazda Dealer in Over a Year Even if your car is perfectly functional and you haven't noticed any issues, getting a diagnostic test for your engine every year is a good idea. You could ask your mechanic to do this for you while you're getting your annual service, or you could stop by for a separate appointment. With a diagnostic, we'll be able to find any potential issues and prevent them from causing damage to your car's engine. Generally speaking, the earlier we catch a problem, the more fixable it is. That's why it's much better to get your engine diagnosed before any issues even crop up. Having proof of a regular diagnostic test can also help you to show that your car has been maintained according to the manufacturer's guidelines. If you'd ever like to sell it in the future, you may be able to raise the price for this reason. To keep your car running well, get your engine diagnosed when your check engine light is on, you notice changes in the smell and sound of the car, or you haven't had a diagnostic in more than 12 months. Schedule your service appointment at Flood Mazda in Wakefield, RI to take advantage of our dedicated mechanics' experience. We can fix any engine issues quickly and competently.

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Taking a Closer Look at the 2021 Mazda3 Hatchback

If you want a sleek ride that turns heads while also keeping you completely comfortable, the 2021 Mazda3 hatchback has you covered! With amazing specs, a dynamic look, and a ton of safety features, you really can not go wrong. If you want to get a great deal and have a car with all the bells and whistles, here at Flood Mazda in Wakefield, RI, we can make that happen for you! more Excellent Handling When it comes to smooth handling, this vehicle delivers! It may well be one of the best in the entire compact class category. The steering is weighted well and you can even opt for an all-wheel-drive which is not typically available in this class. For a smaller vehicle, it is smooth on cornering and front-wheel drive is standard. Superior Safety Features of the 2021 Mazda3 The 2021 model of this vehicle also delivers when it comes to safety features. In a standard model, you can expect automatic high-beam headlights, a review camera, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, rain-sensing windshield wipers, driver attention monitoring, and lane departure warning. If you choose to go with more advanced safety features, there are some even more impressive features including blindspot monitoring, head-up display, adaptive headlights, a surround-view parking camera system and even traffic jam assist! This model was even awarded the Top Safety Pick+ designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Pricing Depending on the features you want and how custom you want your vehicle to be, this model starts at around $21,500 which is guaranteed to give you some serious bang for your buck when you compare it to other vehicle models in its class. While some may see the price as a bit high, you're getting a ton of great features. The 2021 model is the first one to gain a standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine along with additional trims. It even features a stronger turbo-four engine, giving it plenty of worthy upgrades. For such a sleek and reliable vehicle, the pricing can give you confidence that you are buying a car that is going to keep you and your family safe and last! Comfortable on the Inside Users are also loving the interior of this model as the materials used are all soft and comfortable. Additional features that can be added include leather and heated front seats. Up to 5 people can ride in style in this model in complete comfort while also leaving ample room for storage in the back that is easily accessible from the hatch. Plus, the rear seats even fold down to give you even more storage space when needed. This car has excellent safety features, drives super smooth, is well priced for all the features, and is very comfortable on the inside. If you are looking for a sleek car that handles well, this model is going to impress. If you're interested in seeing one in person and judging the great handling for yourself, come see us today at Flood Mazda in Wakefield, RI where we can answer any other questions you may have!

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What Sorts of Mazda Repair Can You Get at a Dealership?

At Flood Mazda, our service center is a full-service repair shop that specializes in all Mazda makes and models. You can get anything and everything necessary repaired at our dealership, and choosing us over a generalist mechanic has its major advantages. Our service technicians are Mazda specialists and use genuine Mazda parts, so your car gets Mazda repair tailored perfectly to its needs. Here are a few of the types of repairs we offer: more A/C Repair We can check and recharge your car's air conditioning, repair and replace your vehicle's compressor, and fix refrigerant leaks, among other things. A number of different issues can compromise your car's ability to heat and cool properly. Our staff is trained to properly identify problems and fix them. Brake Repair and Replacement Our brake services are comprehensive. Brake pad replacement, brake rotor resurfacing, brake fluid flush, brake caliper replacement, rotor re-alignment, brake hose replacement, and brake master cylinder replacement are just the basics of what our mechanics are qualified to do. We ensure your brakes are at their best to give you the peace of mind you need on the road. Differential Mazda Repair Your vehicle's differential is the apparatus that allows your car to turn properly by controlling the speed of its wheels. This repair is best done by a technician who specializes in Mazda cars because of the fragile components involved in the repair. Frame Damage Repair We specialize in repairing any damage done to the body of your car. Frame damage repair is one of the many body repair services we offer. Keep in mind that damage to your vehicle's frame can seriously compromise your safety while driving. It's best to have your frame repaired by a Mazda expert. Windshield Replacement and Repair We offer superior windshield repair if there is minor damage to your windshield in the form of chips or cracks. If damage is major, we provide affordable windshield replacement. If there's a small chip in your car's windshield, we recommend preventative repair to stop it from spreading and causing bigger issues. Air Bag Replacement If you've been involved in a collision that caused your airbags to deploy, it's a good idea to get your airbags replaced by a technician who uses genuine Mazda parts. You don't want to put your safety at risk with the wrong airbags for your particular make and model. We offer top-notch airbag replacement and repair that's suited to your car's specific needs. Transmission Repair and Replacement Whether your transmission needs a new clutch or you need a complete transmission rebuild, we can handle the job. Even if you need something as simple as a transmission fluid top-off, we're ready and willing to help. We can help keep your car's transmission in good working order. These are just some of the types of repair we offer at our Mazda dealership. We also offer a number of routine maintenance services to keep your car performing at its best for the long haul. Schedule an appointment at Flood Mazda for repair or routine maintenance today!

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How Often Should You Get a Mazda Oil Change?

Getting a Mazda oil change on time will ensure your Mazda continues to run smoothly. Neglecting to change your oil on time can lead to decreased engine performance and increased wear and tear. It can also reduce the lifespan of your vehicle. However, how often do you really need to change the oil in your Mazda? more A Good Rule of Thumb: Get a Mazda Oil Change Every 3,000 Miles As a general rule, you should try to get an oil change every 3,000 miles. However, the synthetic oil motors used nowadays are often cleaner and more efficient, leading to less buildup and corrosion. As such, your Mazda may last up to 7,500 miles or even more between each oil change. If you don't drive your car much, a good rule of thumb is to change your Mazda's oil every 3 months or so. An oil change every few months will help keep your vehicle running smoothly, even if you haven't reached 3,000 miles. Check Your Owner's Manual While 3,000 miles is a good rule of thumb, the truth is that every Mazda model will require an oil change at slightly different intervals. Review your owner's manual to see how often you should change your car's oil. If you can't find your owner's manual, see if a manual is posted online or call your car dealership. If you still can't figure it out, default to the 3,000-mile or 3-month rule. Signs Your Mazda Needs an Oil Change If you haven't been keeping track of how many miles or months it has been since your last oil change, watch out for these sure signs that your Mazda needs an oil change. Your Oil Is Dark and Grimy New oil should be somewhat transparent. If you can't see your oil dipstick through the oil, it might be time for an oil change. Oil color is not always a reliable indicator of whether it's time for an oil change, so also check the oil texture for grime and dirt. Your Engine Makes Strange Noises If your engine is making a lot of noise, it might need new oil. The oil acts as a lubricant to help your engine working smoothly. The noise you're hearing might be from engine parts knocking against each other. Your Check Engine or Service Maintenance Reminder Light Is On Depending on the model you have, you may see your service maintenance reminder or check the engine light when it's time for an oil change. A check engine light can come on due to various factors, but it may be telling you to change your oil. Your Car Is Vibrating Proper oil lubrication helps the motor and all of its parts work smoothly. If the motor is not properly lubricated, it may shake and tremble. It may even feel like your car is vibrating. Getting your Mazda's oil changed regularly will improve ride performance and increase the lifespan of your vehicle. Visit Flood Mazda to schedule a service or learn more about oil changes today.

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See Why Drivers Love the 2021 Mazda CX-3

There are plenty of options out there when you're shopping for a subcompact crossover. Choosing a vehicle that is already trusted by thousands of drivers nationwide, like the 2021 Mazda CX-3, helps ensure that you get a dependable ride out of your next SUV. Let's take a look at exactly what has made this year's CX-3 so popular with drivers everywhere and highlight some of its best features for your consideration. more Passionate and Stylish Design You're sure to turn heads when you go cruising by in your new CX-3. Its sculpted body and sporty proportions help to give this vehicle a much more athletic look than other SUVs. Chrome accents along the wheels and grille help to set you even further apart from the crowd. Meanwhile, fun color options like Soul Red or Eternal Blue let you add a touch of your own personality to make the CX-3 your own. Advanced Cabin Bringing both comfortable ergonomic design and the latest technology together, the CX-3 delivers you everything a modern vehicle's interior should be. You'll enjoy plenty of legroom and the soft touch of their black cloth interior. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility lets the CX-3 integrate seamlessly with your favorite devices, letting you access your phone's features through the CX-3's intuitive touchscreen display. Gripping Performance The Skyactiv-G 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine that your CX-3 comes equipped with delivers a hair-raising 148 horsepower. That gives you all the speed you need to cruise right by the competition. You won't sacrifice economic fuel efficiency to get that sort of performance either, as this engine gets you further with up to 34 miles per gallon on the highway. Class-Leading Safety Features Mazda wanted to deliver a vehicle that lets you feel peace of mind when you're behind the wheel. As a 2021 IIHS Top Safety Pick+, you can rest assured that the CX-3 has all of the most cutting-edge features needed to keep you and your passengers safe. An example of these smart safety features is the blind spot monitoring system, which helps to give you full situational awareness by warning you of hazards that may be out of your vision. Go Further with MyMazda Your relationship with Mazda is only beginning when you drive off the lot in your new CX-3. Using their MyMazda program helps you to get the most out of your ownership experience, giving you all the tools you need to enjoy your quality vehicle. You'll be able to access owner manuals, schedule maintenance, shop for official Mazda accessories and more all right from the convenient interface of the MyMazda mobile app or website. There's even more that the CX-3 brings to the table than what we could fit in our preview. You won't get the full picture until you're behind the wheel yourself to see first-hand how this new offering from Mazda can transform your daily drive. Schedule your test drive in the new CX-3 at Flood Mazda today!

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How to Check the Oil Levels in Your Car

A great way to know when the oil in your car needs to be changed is to check it every time you fill your tank up with gas. If the oil is dirty or low, you should get your car into a service center for an oil change. However, you have to know how to check oil levels in your car so you know when it's time for service. more Step 1: Ensure Your Car Is on Level Ground Your car needs to be on level ground so that you get an accurate oil level reading. If your car is tilted uphill or downhill, your reading will be skewed and you won't know if your engine needs more oil or not. When you're on level ground, the oil in its tank will also be level, giving you a decent idea of how much oil you currently have in your car. Step 2: Open Your Car's Hood and Locate the Dipstick The engine oil compartment is located under the hood of your car, near the engine. You're looking for a loop or grip that's attached to a long, metal strip that resembles a skewer. The loop or grip will usually be stamped "oil" or it will be inserted in a tank that is marked as "oil." If you aren't able to find the dipstick just by looking, grab your owner's manual, which will show you where it's located. Step 3: Pull Out the Dipstick and Wipe it Clean You need to have a clean dipstick to make sure your oil level reading is accurate. So, begin by pulling the dipstick out of the oil reservoir and wiping it clean with a cloth or towel. Typically, gas stations have towels handy right near the pumps, and they are fine to use for this purpose. Step 4: Reinsert the Dipstick, Then Extract it Again Put the dipstick back into the hole that leads to the oil reservoir and let it sit for a few seconds. Remove the dipstick again, check the color, and read the level. The Appropriate Oil Level Every oil dipstick in every vehicle is marked at the end with oil level indicators to let you know if your car needs more oil or if it's full enough. There will be marks that indicate if your oil is full, down a quart, or down two quarts. If the oil hits either of the two lower marks, you'll want to add oil to your car (either one or two quarts, depending on your reading). If there is no oil on the dipstick, get your car in for service immediately, as this is an indication that your car needs at least three quarts of oil. Since cars typically only take four quarts of oil, running on one quart or less is extremely dangerous. The Appropriate Color of Oil Clean oil is amber in color and will appear translucent on the dipstick. If your oil is dirty, it will be dark brown or black, and you won't be able to see through it to the dipstick. This means you need an oil change as soon as possible. Learning to check your car's oil is an important skill all drivers should have. Once you check it, if you need more oil or an oil change, bring your car in for service sooner rather than later. Contact Flood Mazda for an oil change appointment today.

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Warning Signs That You May Need an Alternator Repair

The alternator is quite a simple component in your car, but it plays a very complex and crucial role. It transforms energy from the crankshaft into electrical power to charge the car's battery and power up the many electrical systems throughout the vehicle. This guide will explain the importance of getting prompt alternator repair when something is wrong, as well as covering some of the most common signs that your alternator may be broken. more The Importance of Timely Alternator Repair When the alternator starts to struggle, it's absolutely vital for car owners to seek repairs as quickly as possible. If you wait too long, a range of issues can arise. Your battery might completely give out, for example, leaving your car completely unusable, or you could find yourself in a dangerous situation out on the roads if your headlights suddenly stop working. Keep an eye out for the following warning signs to easily identify alternator issues. Warning Lights Many modern vehicles have an array of warning lights on the dashboard which illuminate automatically when the car detects a problem with one of its components. There's usually a light specifically designated for alternator issues, so if you see the letters 'ALT' (alternator) or 'GEN' (generator) light up, you'll know that something is wrong. Stalling and Struggling to Start The alternator plays an important role in getting your car started. It provides energy to the spark plugs which help to ignite the fuel inside your engine. So, when the alternator starts to falter or fail, getting the engine fired up can be much more difficult, leading to slow starts and random stalls. Odd Sounds Cars can make all kinds of random sounds, and they don't all mean that something is broken. However, if you notice some new rattles or even a kind of growling or whining sound, the alternator could be to blame. Bad Smells As well as sounding a little strange, your car might also start to smell slightly odd when the alternator begins to fail. Many drivers report the smell of burning rubber before their alternators break down, and this is usually caused by the rubber belt of the alternator itself overheating and burning away. Weak Headlights You rely on your headlights to help you see and be seen while driving in dark or difficult conditions, and your headlights rely on the alternator to provide them with the power they need. When an alternator breaks down, the lights may start to struggle, which can result in lower levels of brightness and random flickering. In the worst cases, the lights can simply stop working, which could drastically increase your odds of having an accident. Electrical Problems The headlights aren't the only electrical components of your car that can start acting strangely when the alternator is on the way out. Everything from the power windows to the car radio can start to struggle. Your sunroof might get stuck, for example, or the heated seats might be much slower to heat up than normal. If any of your electrical features aren't behaving like normal, be sure to get your alternator checked out. Driving around with a broken alternator definitely isn't a good idea, so make sure to seek out professional servicing and repairs if you notice any of the signs above. Contact Flood Mazda today to arrange alternator servicing or any other essential repairs your car needs.

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Test-Drive the New 2021 Mazda3 Sedan

Looking for a new sedan? The 2021 Mazda3 is a phenomenal vehicle that offers great performance, stylish and sophisticated looks, and handling that makes it super fun to drive. With so much to offer, you just can't go wrong with this car. more The Basics Fall in love with driving all over again when you hop into the driver's seat of the new Mazda3. Mazda has taken the silhouettes and features of Mazda3s from previous years and made them sleeker and more refined. With its coupe-like exterior and sophisticated aesthetic, it's easy to mistake the Mazda3 for more expensive sports cars. But this fun to drive vehicle may surprise you with its affordability. You can expect a car that looks and feels good to drive and that will catch eyes wherever you go with the new Mazda3. Pricing You'll need to choose from several affordable trim options if you'd like the new Mazda3 as your next car. If you don't want anything fancy, go with the Base trim for about $21,645. One level up from that is the 2.5 S for around $22,645, and then the Select model for about $24,845. You also have the option of the Preferred trim for around $25,495. If you want to treat yourself to something really nice, go with one of the higher-level trims. You can choose the Premium for around $27,995, or the 2.5 Turbo for around $31,045. Finally, you have the Premium which costs $33,595. Performance You're going to love the feeling of driving this car, no matter which of the three engine options you choose. The first is a 155-horsepower 2-liter four-cylinder engine. The second engine is a 186-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, and you also have the option of a powerful 250-horsepower turbocharged 2.5-liter engine. Going with either of the latter choices also gives you the option of adding all-wheel drive. As you drive, you'll notice that the new Mazda3 feels almost effortless, making it an absolute joy to explore with. Technology The new Mazda3 is built with some of the best technology available. Download the MyMazda app on your smartphone and gain the ability to lock, unlock, and start your car from your phone. The car comes standard with Lane-Departure Warning and Lane-Keep Assist, as well as Automated Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection. You also have the option of adding on Adaptive Cruise Control. Interior You'll feel comfortable and supported whenever you sit in the new Mazda3. There's lots of room for storage, and the rear seats can be folded down if you have anything particularly large that you're traveling with. Higher trim levels also include features like heated front seats and a head-up display. Having a car that's fun to drive, looks incredible, and is affordable may seem like a pipe dream. But once again, Mazda is here to prove that you can, in fact, have it all. If you're ready to see how incredible this car is for yourself, then pay a visit to Flood Mazda and test drive one today!

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