Puente Hills Mazda Official Blog
Archive for the ‘Safety’ Category
2019 Mazda6 Receives Two Top Ratings for Safety in 2019
Monday, July 1st, 2019
How safe is the 2019 Mazda6?
Last month, we heard that the 2019 Mazda6 has won not one, but two top ratings for safety from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The first was a top rating of good+ for its LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) features. The second was a Top Safety Pick rating when equipped with certain headlights. Keep reading below to learn about these two ratings.
Should You Drive in a Lightning Storm?
Saturday, June 1st, 2019
Tips for National Lightning Safety Awareness Week 2019
National Lightning Safety Awareness Week 2019 takes place later this month from June 23rd to June 29th, 2019. This awareness week tries to bring awareness to the danger of lightning and the ways that you can seek protection during a lightning storm. We want to help you with lightning safety regarding driving. Keep reading to find the answers to “should you drive in a lightning storm?” and more. (more…)
2019 Mazda CX-3 Passive Safety Features
Friday, February 1st, 2019
2019 Mazda CX-3 passive safety features and technologies
The word passive may make it sound like these safety features are not actively keeping you safer. In fact, passive safety features are those that prevent injuries during a car accident. Obviously, we never plan to have car accidents, but they are more common that we would like, and they often occur due to human error that is out of our control. Thus, passive safety features hold a lot of importance. Keep reading below to learn more about the 2019 Mazda CX-3 passive safety features.
2019 Mazda CX-5 Passive Safety Features
Friday, January 25th, 2019
Learn how the 2019 Mazda CX-5 passive safety features will keep you safe
Today we want to teach you the key difference between active and passive safety features. Then we will tell you all about the 2019 Mazda CX-5 passive safety features. The 2019 Mazda CX-5 is available here at Puente Hills Mazda in City of Industry, CA. After you learn what makes this vehicle so safe that it was picked as one of the 2019 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ winners, come into Puente Hills Mazda to see it for yourself.
2019 Mazda CX-5 Named 2019 IIHS Top Safety Pick+
Wednesday, January 9th, 2019
2019 Mazda CX-5 named 2019 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ for high safety ratings
Mazda is proud to share that the 2019 Mazda CX-5 was named one of the 2019 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ vehicles for its high safety ratings. Other Mazda vehicles have been given similar honors this year with the 2019 Mazda CX-3 compact crossover SUV and the 2019 Mazda CX-9 midsize crossover SUV earning the Top Safety Pick award when they are equipped with specific front crash prevention features and headlights. We are proud that we sell a brand of vehicles with high safety standards and innovative technologies. Keep reading to learn more about the Top Safety Pick awards and the 2019 Mazda CX-5.
What Service Coupons Does Mazda Offer?
Monday, November 19th, 2018
Winter might not exactly be the harshest of seasons in California, but that doesn’t mean that your car couldn’t use a little love and care. After all, summer heat can do a number on sensitive car parts so it never hurts to get your vehicle in for a check.
Why Is My Smart City Brake Support Light On?
Wednesday, October 10th, 2018
You take special care of your car, it’s important to keep it in the best shape you can. We all do our best to take care of our cars which is why it can be very distressing to see any lights blink active on the dashboard. It’s especially frustrating when it seemingly comes on intermittently and goes away without warning.
What Do I Need to Bring on a Road Trip?
Wednesday, October 10th, 2018
October might not be the most obvious time to start planning a road trip, but in sunny California we have a bit more time to hit the road. Traveling down through the sun belt is a great way to add a little adventure to your fall schedule. Maybe it’s a road trip to see family or just because you feel like trading the beaches of California for the sunny sands of Florida.
8 DIY Car Repairs You Can Do For Your Used Mazda Vehicle
Saturday, September 22nd, 2018
8 DIY Car Repairs You Can Do For Your Used Mazda Vehicle
Regular maintenance is required to keep your used Mazda car, truck, or SUV performing at its best. It also prolongs the life of the vehicle. Caring for your vehicle is necessary whether or not your car is still under the manufacturer’s warranty or an extended warranty.
The cost of maintenance and repairs are not typically covered by these so-called “bumper-to-bumper” warranties. This means you will be coming out of pocket to pay for work related to normal wear and tear. Imagine the big dent in your pocket if you have to take your vehicle to the mechanic shop for every little thing that needs fixing.
Many times, car owners forget to factor in these costs in their monthly budget which already includes car loan payments, gas, and insurance premiums. But this doesn’t have to happen to you. With these 8 do-it-yourself maintenance and repair projects even a simpleton can handle, you won’t have to break the bank to keep your car.
1. Brake Pads
You rely on your brakes to slow or stop the car. Good brake pads are essential for performing these actions and preventing a collision or a fatal accident. Pads don’t last forever and need to be replaced once they are worn to about 2mm-3mm in thickness. Things you will need are a jack and jack stand, c-clamp, lug wrench, hammer, wrench, a piece of string, and a turkey baster to remove brake fluid. You just saved at least $150-$250 on parts and labor to replace either the front or back brakes.
2. Oil Change
Doing an oil change on your used vehicle doesn’t call for mechanical skills. This job can easily cost from $15-$100. First, you’re not only saving money, but you’re also guaranteed the correct and quality oil is used as specified in the vehicle’s manual. There are too many complaints of mechanics using low grade, synthetic oil or synthetic blends. This can shorten the life of your engine and reduce fuel efficiency.
3. Air filter
Another simple fix is the air filter. Air filters prevent dirt, debris, and harmful contaminants from entering your engine. Over time, the filter’s ability to clean the air entering the engine reduces. Replacing the filter after every 20, 000 to 40,000 miles help keep the engine running smoothly and maintain fuel efficiency. It also prolongs the life of the engine. All you have to do is pop the hood of the car, remove a few screws, open the air filter housing, remove the old filters, fit the new ones, then replace the screws. In 10 minutes, you’re done!
4. Fuel filters
The fuel filter cleans the fuel before it reaches the pump to ensure clean gasoline get to the engine. This helps preserve the life of this expensive car part—the engine. Unclean fuel can damage the fuel injector and cause fuel to drip. The average fuel filter change costs about $100-$150 for parts and labor. Replace the filter by removing a few parts and swapping out the old with the new.
5. Windshield wipers
Don’t throw away about $100-$150 to replace windshield wipers. Replacing or fixing chipped windshield wipers is quite simple. First get the right size and fit for your vehicle. Follow the instructions that come with the wipers to slide out the old wipers and fit the new ones. Who needs a pro when it literally takes about 2-5 minutes to complete this DIY job!
6. Install new battery
This is by far one of the easiest DIY projects. First, ensure you have the right battery designed for your model of used Mazda. Battery changes are typically done every 4 to 6 years. Use a wrench to the detach cables securing the battery. To avoid a short circuit, remove the negative (black) cable first and replace it last. Take the old battery out and fix the new one in place before reattaching the cables. You saved about 200 bucks by not having a mechanic replace it.
7. Change spark plugs
Check your spark plugs about every 30,000 to 40, 000 miles and replace if necessary to maintain good fuel consumption. A set of plugs cost about $30. Armed with a wrench and the usual car tools, replace the plugs and save big! Like, $200-300 type of big!
8. Replace headlights or taillights
Headlights and taillights help you see ahead and be seen by other drivers. They also indicate turns, lane changes, and braking. You can purchase aftermarket bulbs compatible with your used Mazda and state laws. You will need to remove the car battery, nuts, bolts, and screws before placing the new lights. Wear gloves to avoid transferring grease unto the bulb. Otherwise, it can shorten the bulb’s life or cause it to explode.
So you see, you don’t exactly need to be car savvy to perform these quick fixes on your car. There are many videos on YouTube that offer step-by-step details for these DIY car maintenance and repairs. All you need is basic knowledge and some simple tools. You will save thousands of dollars in the long run.
If you’d rather have a certified Mazda mechanic work on the vehicle for you, then you can schedule your service today!
Mazda Miata: Check Engine Light On?
Saturday, September 15th, 2018
You are driving that beloved Mazda Miata and all of a sudden you notice the check engine light is on. Your heart starts beating fast, and panic hits. You ask yourself why you haven’t noticed it before? Then run scenarios of all the possible things that can go wrong with your car. So, maybe you’re not as dramatic as I am but nothing brings down a car owner’s day like the appearance of the check engine light. Like car insurance and payments, the check engine light is not something you should stall on. Most people will immediately and make an appointment with an auto shop to avoid further damage. However, before you make that appointment, here are some stuff you can check, and possibly fix yourself.
1. Check The Gas Cap
It’s hard to believe that a gas cap can trigger a check engine light since it is far from – and doesn’t touch- the engine. However, driving around with a faulty gas cap can cause fuel vapor to leak and throw off the whole system. If you notice the check engine light appearing near the time of fueling, then you want to check your gas cap. Pull over in a safe place to see if there are any cracks in it. If there aren’t any cracks, try tightening the cap. You’ll be required to drive about twenty to fifty miles or so before the light turns off if this is, in fact, the cause.
2. Replace Spark Plugs and Wire
The spark plug is the electrical gadget that generates a high voltage needed to spark the fuel and creates combustion within your engine so your car can start running. The plug “sparks,” ignites and a small explosion takes place within the spark channel. The process happens thousands of times per minute. The process is; fuel and air mix in the throttle body, then the mixture is injected into the cylinder, the spark plug receives charge from the coil, the spark plug ignites air-fuel mixture, and then the process starts again.
Fortunately, replacing spark plugs is one of the easiest and cheapest auto repairs. Spark plugs replacement is listed to be one of the easiest DIY car projects. Purchasing all four spark plugs can be as cheap as $30 and will take less than a few hours. Go on YouTube and find tutorials that are specific to your vehicle. If you opt out of doing it yourself, it can cost you anywhere from $200 and higher.
3. Replace Oxygen Sensor
Replacing the oxygen sensor monitors the unburn oxygen from the exhaust. It helps monitor how much fuel is burning. Over time, the sensor can get covered with oil ash and reduces the ability to monitor correctly. A broken or faulty sensor provides incorrect data to the computer and significantly decrease gas mileage.
An oxygen sensor is easy to change on most cars. It usually involves unplugging the old one and plugging in the new one. Be sure to read the instruction manual on your vehicle. Alternatively, if you learn better with instructional videos, then again, go to YouTube. You can find plenty of tutorials specific to your car.
4. Replace the Mass Airflow Sensor
The mass airflow sensor tells the car’s computer to add the proper amount of fuel based on the air coming through to the engine. A faulty one can increase emissions, cause the car to stall, and decrease gas mileage. A malfunctioning mass airflow sensor is a consequence of not changing your air filter. So be sure to check and replace your air filter as needed.
5. Replace Catalytic Converter
A catalytic converter device is in the exhaust system of a motor vehicle. It contains a catalyst for converting pollutant gases into less harmful ones. A faulty catalytic converter is the third most common triggers of a check engine light. Unfortunately, it is not easy to replace yourself, unless you are familiar with fixing cars. The cost of parts and labor can be between $300-$3000. Most catalytic converter problems do not prevent your car from functioning, but if a catalytic converter is completely plugged in, you should not drive your car at all. A car with a damaged converter won’t pass a smog check. If you live in an area that requires a smog check, you can’t legally drive the car.
Many auto parts store can assist with diagnosing the trigger. They can tell you what error is causing the check engine light to appear. A computer system, plugged into your car, produces a code indicating what caused the trigger. Then you can determine how you want to move forward. I strongly encourage all car owners to fix any car issues ASAP. You can avoid further, and more expensive, damage. Driving with car issue, especially unknown car issues, can be dangerous for you and other people on the road.