Jun 11, 2021

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.

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.