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When you buy a car at your Mazda dealer, you are issued a car title, commonly called a pink slip, by the Department of Motor Vehicles in the state where the car was purchased. Until the vehicle is fully paid for, you cannot be issued a certificate of ownership of the vehicle. Your certificate of ownership carries essential information about you and your car, and such information must be kept updated and accurate at all times. more What Is Your Car Title? Your vehicle title proves that you own the vehicle you drive, and the title must be replaced immediately if you lose it. Fortunately, you can avoid the hassle of keeping paper-based title certificates if your state offers electronic titles. The certificate holds the following information: Your name Make of vehicle Model of Vehicle The weight class of vehicle Vehicle identification number (VIN) Odometer reading Date of sale Lender's information Names and addresses of the seller and buyer Types of Titles When you see a car with a clean and clear title, it means the vehicle has no record of any significant damage and repair or recall by the manufacturer. In addition, a clear title indicates the car possesses no financial burden, preventing the vehicle from being sold. A vehicle with a branded title has a history of serious problems, including inaccurate odometer readings or severe damage from accidents, which has rendered the vehicle a total loss. It is also important to avoid buying cars across state lines because they sometimes hold titles that have been washed of important information. Why Is Your Title Important? 1. Proof of Ownership The vehicle title is evidence that you are the vehicle owner, so keep it safe at all times. If you need to replace the title, go to your local DMV office, fill out the forms, and pay the required fee. Fees vary by state. 2. Transfer of Ownership You need the vehicle title when you buy or sell a vehicle. The seller signs the title and releases ownership to the buyer, who then goes to the local DMV office with the required documentation to be issued a new title of ownership. If you buy a new car from your Mazda dealer, all the paperwork is done by the dealer, and you receive your title in the mail. 3. Registration of Vehicle Registration is required by the state before a license plate and sticker can be issued. The original title is required to complete this process. 4. Vehicle Insurance In normal circumstances, you must show at least part ownership of the vehicle to be insured, depending on the insurance provider's requirements. It is crucial to have your vehicle title as major activities like buying, selling, registering, and insuring a vehicle require a title. Stop by Flood Mazda today and drive off with your new car while we take the paperwork burden off your hands. Image by Edar from Pixabay

On average, your Mazda engine can last 200,000 to 300,000 miles or even longer with regular maintenance and oil changes. It doesn't matter how strong your Mazda's engine is; it's not invincible, and there may come a time when you'll have to replace your engine at your Mazda dealer. Below are signs when it's time for an engine replacement. more 1. Your Car Is Constantly Overheating Excessive heat could cause the engine block to crack, which is unrepairable. If you struggle with overheating issues all the time, even after a thorough cooling system check and the necessary repairs, you might have to replace your engine. 2. Your Car Has Performance Issues Many different issues could cause affect your car's performance. If you struggle with a loss of power and your car feels slow when you step on the accelerator, your engine idles roughly, and it's hard to start your vehicle, it spells engine trouble and a possible engine replacement. 3. You Hear Frequent Knocking Noises Knocking noises from under the hood means you've got major engine trouble. The bearings support the motion of the moving parts. Worn bearings will eventually seize, causing extensive engine damage. Your engine will need a rebuild or a replacement. 4. Smoke Pours Out of Your Tailpipe Excessive smoke from your tailpipe means trouble is brewing under the hood. If you see a lot of thick, blue, or black smoke pouring out of your exhaust, oil or gas is leaking onto your engine. If gas enters the combustion chamber or an oil leak causes reduced lubrication, you'll see dark smoke. If the smoke is white, it could be from a coolant leak which will cause overheating. If you leave it too long and don't get the problem repaired, your engine will suffer irreversible damage. 5. There Are Metal Shavings in the Oil Many metal parts work together to run your vehicle. The fluids in your car lubricate the moving parts to reduce friction. If you or your Mazda technician find metal shavings in your car's engine oil, it's a sign that the engine components are worn down. The parts are beginning to disintegrate, releasing metal shavings into the oil that flows through the engine. Once this happens, it won't be long before your engine stops running. 6. Your Check Engine Light Is On Various issues will trigger your car's check engine light. When you notice the light is on, act immediately. The longer you wait before you get your car to your technician for an engine diagnostic and repairs, the worse the problem will get and the higher the repair or replacement cost. If you're struggling with any of these engine problems, contact Flood Mazda immediately. The qualified Mazda technicians will assist you with an expert engine replacement. Image by PIRO from Pixabay

Whether you're on your way to work or enjoying a pleasure cruise in your Mazda 3 or CX-50, a flat tire is always a colossal inconvenience. Below your Mazda dealer tells you precisely what to do when your car has a flat. more Pull Over in a Safe Place The moment you notice you've got a flat find a safe spot next to the road and pull over away from the traffic. The longer you drive on the tire, the more you will damage it and destroy any chance of repairing the tire. Turn on your hazards to be more visible to other road users. Put your car in park, or if it's manual, shift into reverse to minimize the risk of rolling forward or backward while changing the tire. You are covered by 24-hour roadside assistance if your Mazda is under warranty. Call us, and we'll change your tire for you. Loosen the Lug Nuts If you want to change the tire yourself, open your trunk and get the jack, lug wrench, spare tire, and if you have them, wheel wedges out. Use the wheel wedges or stones in front of and behind the tires to prevent our car from rolling. Now, loosen the lug nuts with the wrench, but don't remove them. Jack Up Your Car Place the jack in the jacking points underneath your car closest to the tire that needs changing. Jack your car up just enough to remove the wheel. You can take the nuts off completely and keep them in your pocket to avoid losing them. Take the tire off and put it under your car to protect your vehicle if it slides off the jack. Mount the Spare Tire Line the rim of the spare up with the lug bolts and push the tire inward until you see the lug bolts poke through. Fit the nuts onto the bolts and with your hand, turn them as tightly as possible with your hand. You will use the lug wrench later for the final tightening. Lower Your Car Lower your car until the spare is just touching the ground. Now you can use the lug wrench to tighten the nuts in a clockwise direction. If you've got five nuts, tighten every other one. If there are four nuts, tighten them in opposing pairs. Jack the car down until the wheel is on the ground, remove the jack and give the nuts a final tightening. Spare tires are not designed for long distances, and it's best not to drive with them for more than 50 or 60 miles. Unless you have a full-size spare, get your car to Flood Mazda as soon as possible to get the tire fixed or, if it's beyond repair, replaced. We stock a wide range of quality tires, and our qualified Mazda technicians will mount your new tire expertly. Image by Christian Bollow from Pixabay

Make your ride uniquely your own with great Mazda 3 car accessories that provide both functionality and style. Add to your Mazda's great looks, increase your comfort,  protect your car, and even add well-stocked kits to help you in any roadside emergency with the following accessories from your Mazda dealer. more 1. Moonroof Wind Deflector A moonroof wind deflector, made from durable UV and scratch-resistant smoked acrylic, is a great way to keep it quieter and cooler inside your Mazda. The deflector will lessen wind noise and protect you from the sun's glare when the moon roof is open. Plus, it doesn't hurt that the wind deflector gives your car a more sporty look. 2. Rear Bumper Guard A rear bumper guard provides a barrier and protects your car's bumper from damage, especially when you park on the street or in small spaces. The Mazda rear bumper guard also adds to your car's looks with shiny stainless steel inserts. 3. Rear Lip Spoiler The Mazda rear lip spoiler makes your car more aerodynamic, keeping your ride planted firmly on the ground. The racy-looking rear lip spoiler highlights the sleek lines of your Mazda and comes in various dynamic colors. 4. Frameless Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror The nifty, cutting-edge frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror is a must-have accessory. The mirror is specifically designed for your Mazda to automatically adjust to reduce the glare of the headlights from vehicles behind you. If you get the Homelink smart mirror system, you can program your entry gates, security lights, and garage door to operate with only the touch of a button. 5. Cargo Tray The cargo tray is extremely handy if you regularly load your cargo area. The tray will prevent damage and keep the carpet clean. You can also easily clean the tray with soap and water. 6. Wireless Charging Pad Always stay connected and charge your Qi-enabled smartphone with the convenient wireless charging pad. Just put your phone on the pad, and your phone will be fully charged when the light turns green. 7. First Aid Kit Ensure you can handle any roadside emergency with the well-stocked FDA-compliant sturdy first aid kit. The kit comes with a practical first aid manual, medical scissors, and tweezers and includes various medical supplies to attend to anything from minor ailments or serious injuries until help arrives. 8. Roadside Assistance Kit With the roadside assistance kit from Mazda, you'll be well prepared when you get stranded next to the road. The kit includes a flashlight, folding reflective triangle, a tire pressure gauge, gloves, a rain poncho, an emergency blanket, and a multi-functional tool. All neatly packed away in a zipped nylon bag. Protect and enhance your Mazda 3, and equip your car with everything you need with these great accessories. Stop at Flood Mazda today and check out the wide range of high-quality genuine Mazda accessories that fit your Mazda and your lifestyle perfectly. Image via Mazda

Not everything about car maintenance is common sense. Here, we've laid out some great tips on how often you should replace your Mazda's spark plugs, but if you're still unsure, make sure to visit your local Mazda dealer. It's always better safe than sorry. more Looking at Mileage A great starting point is checking the mileage of your car, but a lot can affect that mileage. If your 2022 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo has been modified, the engine can be put under stress and require more frequent tune-ups. If there's low-quality gas, the engine doesn't run as smoothly and requires more power to start and accelerate. If the car is an older model, the car will have an older engine that requires more attention. With all of that in mind, it's recommended to switch the plugs out every 20,000 to 40,000 miles to maintain optimal performance. This also helps prevent the plugs from failing altogether at the worst possible times. While most Mazda plugs last around 75,000 miles, you can consider this tactic preventative maintenance. The Warning Signs If the plugs aren't working at peak performance, you'll be able to tell pretty quickly. The top signs of bad plugs include: Misfires Poor gas mileage Slow acceleration Loss of power Difficulty starting the car We know these problems can relate to a lot of different issues within vehicles, but if you're noticing one or more at the same time, it's a good idea to check the plugs if you choose not to completely replace them. Manually Checking the Plugs If you feel confident in your under-the-hood abilities, it's super easy to check your Mazda's plugs from the comfort of your own driveway. The only special tool you'll need is a spark plug socket. Make sure the car is off when you do this because you'll need to remove the plastic engine cover. You'll be able to see spark plug coils, and that's what we're looking for. A good, new plug has a white, yellow, or light brown insulator that wraps around the central electrode within the spark plug. There shouldn't be any buildup or corrosion, and certainly shouldn't be cracked. If you see any of these signs, you need to replace your Mazda's plugs. Corrosion Carbon build-up Melted/Bent electrode Cracks We all want our vehicles to continue running smoothly for as long as possible, and that's why it's important to prioritize preventative maintenance. If these tips didn't help you decide if your Mazda needs new plugs, stop by Flood Mazda today. We'd love to check out your car and provide you with peace of mind the next time you're out on the road. Image by Drazen Bajer from Pixabay

It's best to regularly take your Mazda 3, CX-50, or CX-5 to your Mazda dealer for a car inspection, no matter how old your vehicle is. Routine inspections and maintenance from a qualified Mazda technician will keep your vehicle fuel-efficient, reliable, and safe on the road and ensure you enjoy every mile behind the steering wheel. more The Mazda Service Schedule Every Mazda model has a service schedule with factory-recommended maintenance intervals. Your Mazda service schedule is a guide created by the manufacturer to help you keep your vehicle in excellent running condition. The service schedule contains information on when to take your Mazda to your dealer for the required inspections and other essential maintenance tasks. The Recommended Maintenance Intervals The recommended maintenance intervals for your model are divided into mileage and month intervals with a  list of specific maintenance tasks. When you take your Mazda to your dealer for routine maintenance, the qualified Mazda technicians perform detailed inspections, fluid checks and corrections, adjustments, and part replacements. Generally, Mazda recommends an inspection every 3,000 to 7,500 miles or six months when your car gets an oil change. You will find the service schedule and recommended maintenance intervals in your Mazda model in your owner's manual or ask your Mazda technician for information. The Benefits of Routine Inspections The key to keeping your car running like new is to stick to the Mazda recommended service schedule and maintenance intervals. When a qualified Mazda technician regularly inspects your vehicle, minor issues will be detected early on. The necessary repairs will be performed before more damage occurs, which could lead to high repair costs. Your car will be reliable, safe, and fuel-efficient when you take your car regularly for inspections and the required maintenance. When your Mazda runs at its best, you'll save money on gas and costly repairs. Best of all, if your car's service record is up to date, it will increase your vehicle's resale value. Your Mazda will always get you where you want to go and be on the road longer. The Importance of Quality Inspections and Maintenance Services When it comes to proper vehicle care, rely on the qualified Mazda technicians at your dealer who are factory-trained to maintain your vehicle and know precisely which inspections and maintenance tasks to perform during each routine maintenance visit. They will thoroughly inspect your Mazda from top to bottom, inside and out, ensuring each system and component works perfectly and that you can rely on your vehicle to get safely to any destination. Follow the recommended maintenance intervals, and ask a qualified Mazda technician to perform routine inspections, and your Mazda will always be a pleasure to drive. Contact Flood Mazda today and schedule a maintenance appointment to make sure your vehicle is well maintained and running at its best.

Is your ride having a problem getting out of the starting gate? Your Mazda dealer has seen plenty of starter motor issues that can cause this headache-inducing issue. Read on for how you might identify if your rev-up needs a retool. more Tell-Tale Signs of a Faulty Starter Motor Engine Problems The most obvious sign of a potential starter issue is a failure of the engine to do its job. The engine may either crank at an extremely slow rate or it may not start up period. At other times, starting may occur sporadically. Your dashboard will often still light up, even with these issues. You'll know you're getting optimal performance with the Skyactiv G 2.5T engine: which delivers the perfect blend of split-second torque and high-adrenaline horsepower. This formidable force is found in models like the Mazda6. Clinking Sound When you put your key in the ignition and turn, you may hear only a clinking or thunking sound, or perhaps no sound at all. The sounds may mean that the starter itself is engaging but the engine is failing to turn. With an absence of sound, the starter is likely not engaging. Such problems often result from bad electrical connections within the motor. Grinding Noise If a key gear of the starter is not engaging correctly with an important engine gear, a grinding noise can result after you turn the ignition. The noise may also present as a whining-type sound. Gear teeth that are damaged can cause this particular problem. Smoke Signals The starter is essentially an electricity hub, which means many electrical connections are integral to its function. With so much concentrated power comes the danger of overheating. This overheating may in turn cause smoke to emit from your auto after you start it. Keep in mind that you may smell smoke before you actually see it. You should seek immediate aid in either case. Visual Abnormalities The starter should cease turning after the engine has started. If you inspect the motor and see that it is still running, you could be dealing with a malfunctioning component known as the solenoid. Another visible problem with the starter may arise from oil leaks in your auto. Therefore, be on the lookout for an oily starter. Mazda Dealer: Here to Help A bad starter may often be confused with other problems like failing engines or depleted batteries. Your dealer's service department has the diagnostic equipment to provide you with a quick answer. Trained technicians can also deal with the tricky electrical components associated with the starter in a safer and more efficient manner. Failure to correctly address starter problems can lead to a hefty and escalating repair bill. Put your precious ride in the hands of trusted pros, not amateurs. Contact the service team at Flood Mazda for expert aid that'll lessen the load on your mind and your wallet. Image by Ralph from Pixabay

You know that sinking feeling when you see your car's odometer roll past 100,000 miles or more? You think about the money you've spent on maintenance, repair and parts. But there's no way to know how long your car will last, is there? The good news is that you can increase car lifespan beyond the expected life expectancy, and all it takes is a visit to a Mazda dealer for some advice or service. more 1. Drive Sensibly If you want to keep your car in good condition and make it last longer, you must drive it sensibly. Overloading your car with unnecessary things or taking it on long road trips that are too ambitious will wear out your car much faster. You should also avoid driving too fast or too recklessly. This will put unnecessary strain on your car and cause more wear and tear on the engine, transmission, brake pads, and other parts. 2. Proper Maintenance Is Key One of the best ways to increase the lifespan of your car is by doing proper maintenance. Regularly check your brakes, tires, oil, and other parts to ensure they're in good condition. Pay attention to the dash lights on your car, too. If you see any blinking lights, that means there's something wrong with the system, and you should have it fixed by your mechanic before it causes major problems. Suppose you like to get your hands dirty, just like other proud owners of the 2019 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring. In that case, you can try to do some of the maintenance work yourself. You shouldn't go for major repairs like replacing the engine, though. You can do minor repairs, like changing the oil and oil filter, rotating the tires, and fixing small problems with the brakes and throttle linkage. 3. Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated The condition of your car's tires is very important. If you keep the pressure in them at the correct level, they will stay inflated properly and protect your car's suspension from getting damaged. If you overinflate your tires, the car's parts will be too compressed and could be damaged. Underinflated tires will also wear out much faster than properly inflated ones. This is because the tires will have to work harder to push through the air. Be sure to check your car's owner's manual to learn your vehicle's recommended tire pressure levels. You can also use a reliable tire pressure monitoring system, which has a digital display and will alert you when your tires are under or overinflated. 4. Maintain Your Car's Battery Batteries in cars age just like any other battery. They lose their ability to hold a charge over time and need to be replaced at some point. To keep your battery in good condition, you need to use the correct type of water, keep it cool and dry, and not let it sit idle for too long. Before you throw your car into the trunk of the junkyard, make sure you've given it a fair chance. Follow these five tips, and your car might last much longer than you think. But if you need additional tips and services, visit us at Flood Mazda. You might be surprised how much life your car has left! Image by Alexander Fox | PlaNet Fox from Pixabay

If you are looking to purchase a new vehicle, you might be wondering what financing options are available for you. There are a few things you should know about getting a car loan from your official Mazda dealership. Here are some tips to help you get the most from your loan. more 1. Know Your Credit Score It's a good idea to check your credit score regularly. A low credit score can impede your ability to get things like mortgages and loans. Some renters will also consider a person's credit score before agreeing to rent out a property. Your credit score is also going to affect the type of loan you get from your dealer, as well as your interest rates. If you have a low score, you may get higher interest rates. But a low score should help you get the most competitive rates your dealership can offer. 2. Get Preapproved One of the best ways to set yourself up for success with your auto loan is by getting preapproved. When you get preapproved, your lender will do a “hard” credit pull, which will temporarily lower your credit score. This credit pull will give your lender more personal information which means the estimated rates they give you will be much more accurate. Once you're preapproved, you'll have a much clearer idea of what your budget actually looks like. This will allow you to keep realistic expectations while you're shopping which in turn will help you find the perfect car. 3. Make As Large a Down Payment As Possible When you find a car you like and you're ready to make a purchase, it will be time for you to make a down payment. One of the benefits of purchasing a car through a dealership is that there will be a lot of flexibility in terms of how much you should put down. That said, you should still aim to put down as large a down payment as you can. The larger your initial down payment is, the lower your subsequent monthly payments are going to be. Aim to put down around 20% of the car's total cost. 4. Make Your Payments on Time Once you've gotten preapproved, set your budget, and you've found the car you like, you're all set after you've made your down payment! Now you just have to make your monthly payments until you've paid your loan off in full. It's normal to miss or delay a monthly payment every once in a while. Sometimes life happens and we forget, or we run into emergencies and have to spend that money elsewhere. But you should limit these late payments as much as possible to avoid incurring any major additional fees or lowering your credit score. Car purchases can quickly get expensive. Getting financing can lower the financial burden and help you afford a higher-quality car. Are you ready to look into your financing options? Come talk to us today at Flood Mazda. Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

Many of us have been there before: you're driving along, looking for a parking spot, and you see the perfect place on the side of the road. Perfect, except for the fact that it means you'd have to parallel park, and you never learned how. We at your local Mazda dealer are here to provide some key bits of advice on parallel parking that are sure to make you a more confident, comfortable parker in no time! Read on for our best tips on parking like a pro. more 1. Find a Spot That's the Right Size for Your Car While it might go without saying that the spot you're parking in needs to be big enough for your car, it's important to note that you should make sure you're parking somewhere that feels big enough to comfortably get into. Some drivers may start with larger spots, until they get comfortable with parking, then go for smaller ones. Make sure the spot you're parking in works for you. 2. Set Yourself Up for a Comfortable Parking Experience By "comfortable", we mean that you've got room on the street and no one is too close behind you while you're attempting to park. Signaling and coming to a stop to indicate that you want to parallel park can let drivers behind you know what you're doing, and checking your rear view mirror can confirm that you've got space. 3. Get Close to the Vehicle You Are Parking Behind Now that you're ready to start parking, pull up alongside the car that is in front of the place you're going to park in. Try to get as close and parallel to them as possible to set yourself up for an easy park. Lining up the back of your car with the back of the car behind you is a good rule of thumb for setting yourself up for success in the next steps to come. 4. Turn Your Steering Wheel Completely to the Right Before You Start Reversing Start by turning your wheel all the way to the right without moving. Once your wheel is turned all the way to the right, you can begin to reverse into the spot.There are lots of guides on the steps to properly reversing your vehicle at this stage in the process, but one thing many drivers forget to do is to start with a fully right-turned wheel. 5. Make Lots of Use of Your Mirrors Parking parallel makes a lot of drivers nervous that they will hit one of the cars near them, but this isn't really a risk as long as you're careful about checking the mirrors and keeping an eye on what's happening around your vehicle as you're reversing. Make sure to use your rear view mirror and door mirrors, and to check over your shoulder, when reversing. 6. Practice! The most important tip you can get for parking parallel on the street is to practice! Grab a friend, head to a quiet part of town, and try it out until you feel confident doing it on your own. With a little practice and a few good tips, parking parallel on the street can be a cinch, no matter what vehicle you're parking! If you're looking for a new set of wheels to practice parking with, come on down and visit us at Flood Mazda today and check out our selection of new and used vehicles. Image by Hong Dang from Pixabay

There are many critical components of your vehicle, but one that should never be overlooked is the car belt in your engine. Also called the serpentine belt, this belt is responsible for transferring power from your engine to your wheels so that your car can generate traction. Learn more about why you may need to schedule routine service for your engine belt at your local Mazda dealer. more In general, most drivers should schedule routine service for the serpentine belt in their vehicle every 60,000 to 100,000 miles, depending on driving habits. For example, if you drive your car infrequently, you may be able to wait longer to have engine belt service unless you notice obvious signs of trouble. A few signs you may need to schedule service for the serpentine belt include: Unresponsive Engine When your engine is unresponsive, this is an indication that there is something beneath the hood that is preventing your engine from igniting correctly. From the catalytic converter to spark plugs, the reasons for an unresponsive engine are extensive. However, one common reason a car engine has difficulty igniting or turning over is that the serpentine belt is broken, worn down, or out of alignment. The most common sign of an unresponsive engine is sputtering when you try to engage the motor. If your engine turns over multiple times before it finally ignites, this is a sign that you need to take your vehicle to a mechanic. Oil Leaks Oil leaks are another common sign that the engine belt in your vehicle is in trouble. In general, oil leaks beneath your car can indicate that the engine belt is in poor shape. This usually happens because the belt cover is loose, which can allow oil from the belt to leak. Oil leaks associated with serpentine belt damage may also happen when the gaskets on the belt cover are worn out or cracked. Excessive Exhaust While excessive exhaust is often associated with the emissions of your car, it is also a sign that your engine is having to work too hard to power your vehicle. If you notice excessive exhaust fumes or smoke from your tailpipe, this could be a sign that your engine belt is worn down. It's very important to schedule routine service when you notice problems with your exhaust, not only because high emissions can be harmful, but because repairs can be expensive when they are delayed. Ticking Noise Finally, if you hear a ticking or clicking noise coming from your engine, this is usually a sign that there is significant trouble with your engine belt. Ticking, clicking, or other noises from your engine usually indicate that oil pressure is low, which can harm the belts and the combustion chamber in your vehicle. One key to good car performance is an engine belt that is in good condition. If you have an unresponsive engine, oil leaks, excessive exhaust, or ticking noises, it may be time to ask a mechanic to look at the serpentine belt in your vehicle. Schedule routine service for your Mazda at Flood Mazda today.

Have you ever laid on your horn and released a few unsavory words or gestures in response to the antics of a thoughtless and careless driver? Your Mazda dealer wants to help you avoid earning a rep as one of those drivers. Simply steer clear of these bad driving habits. more 1. Speeding Speeding is one of the more obvious driving etiquette breaches that can not only net you a hefty fine but other serious repercussions as well. If you are driving an excessive amount over the speed limit, you significantly raise your chances of a serious accident because your ability to stop in time is hindered. These odds increase if road conditions are not ideal or if you are driving in a residential area. Too-slow driving can be equally dangerous. If you are not keeping up with the flow of traffic, especially if you are in the fast left lane, drivers behind you will become impatient and may try to pass you in a manner that is not safe. Remember that it's not your job to police the roads: if traffic behind you wants to go more slowly, and there's nothing keeping you from the right lane, get out of the way. Automatically adjust your speed and keep a safe distance with Mazda Radar Cruise Control available on Mazda 3, Mazda 6, and Mazda CX models. 2. Inconsiderate Driving Drivers who drive as if they're the only ones on the road are terrible. Inattentiveness and disregard for others are the primary traits of such drivers that manifest in a number of bad habits. For one, an un-courteous driver might drive too closely and tailgate a vehicle in front to bully the other driver into speeding up. This habit is also dangerous because it does not allow enough distance between autos in an emergency. Further, drivers who do not pay proper attention to their surroundings because they are preoccupied with a phone, a person, food, a billboard, or any other distraction are more likely to pull out in front of another vehicle, not stop in time, or drift into another lane. The chances of a collision are therefore highly increased. 3. Disregard Signs and Signals Observing the rules of the road and understanding road signs are critical to passing a driving test for a reason. Ingraining these behaviors into your driving will significantly reduce your accident risk. Unfortunately, some drivers lose these behaviors as their driving life progresses. For example, they might not stop fully at a stop sign or look both ways before proceeding. If it's a traffic signal, they may speed up instead of slowing down at a yellow. Other sign infractions might include ignoring u-turn restrictions, one-way street advisories, or no parking signs. In addition, drivers may cut a driver off while changing lanes due to a failure to activate the turn signal. The problem here is that other drivers, bikers, and pedestrians expect you to follow the signs ​ and may not be able to react in time when you do something completely unexpected (and illegal). When you ignore signs and signals and do what you feel instead of what's expected, you endanger everyone on the road: including yourself. Hone your good driving habits in a ride packed with handy driver-assist features. Visit Flood Mazda and browse our inventory of modern, driver-friendly cars, crossovers, and SUVs.