Back-to-School Tips for Happy Carpooling

If you're a carpooling parent, we salute you. Here are some reminders for having a happy and safe school year:

1. Buckle up! Set a good example by making sure you always wear your seat belt.
2. About those seat belts - one child per restraint. No sharing!
3. Keep a roster of contact information for the each child's parents.
4. You should already have a first-aid kit in your car, so keep it well-stocked for any accidents.

Maintaining Your Mazda

We know you don’t have all day to wait for your car to be serviced. That’s why our Express Service Center is designed to provide efficient service for people on the go. Even the most reliable cars need to be maintained, and we're here to help with these express services:

• Factory-scheduled Maintenance
• Oil Change 
• Filter Change
• Tire Rotation
• Engine Air-Filter Replacement
• Cabin Air-Filter Replacement
• Wiper Blades
• Battery Service
• Free Multi-point Inspection Full Circle Report Card

While you're here, we want you to relax. But don't get too comfortable; we'll have your car ready in no time. 
 
Schedule your express service appointment here.

What Not to Leave in Your Car

During these hot summer months, we know you won't leave your kids and pets in the vehicle. But in addition to your precious cargo, there are other things that can be damaged if left in your in car as the temperature rises.

Aerosol cans: Yep, your back-up hairspray or air freshener may come in handy when you're on the go, but they can explode when temperatures reach 120 degrees.

Medicine: Heat alters the composition of your meds, so be sure to take them with you.

Electronics: Keeping your GPS in your car makes sense because that's where you'll need it, but heat can destroy your gadgets quickly. Don't forget to remove your GPS as well as any electronics such as mp3 players, phones and video games.

Crayons: Don't waste all that money you just spent on back-to-school supplies. Make sure your kids take their crayons with them, or they will melt and make a mess.

Plastic bottles: If you're prone to leaving your water bottle in the car, you may be ingesting chemicals from the bottle that have been released by heat. Take your bottle with you, but if you forget, just recycle it.

Another great way to keep you and your family safe on the road is maintaining your Mazda - and we're here to help! Visit our website to make a service appointment today.

How to Stay Healthy This Summer

You can't enjoy this if you're sick!

We believe a healthy summer is a happy summer, but with vacations and BBQs keeping us busy, we sometimes forget to stay on top of our own health. Here are a few reminders to stave off sickness for the rest of the summer:

Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water throughout the day and eat fruit with high-water content such as watermelon, grapes and cucumbers.

Stay covered. Wear protective clothing outdoors such as a hat, sunglasses and sheer cover-ups. Sunscreen should also be re-applied often.

Stay fit. Exercise at least 30 minutes every morning during the coolest part of the day. Work in some good cardio to keep you and your heart healthy.

Stay relaxed. Planning activities and staying flexible in your routine can be stressful. Set aside time each day for yourself so you can catch up on your reading, take a nap or go for a leisurely stroll.

Of course, your Mazda needs to stay healthy, too! Make an appointment with our service center to keep your vehicle in shape.

The worst advice you'll hear today

What’s wrong with this picture?



While this might be a nice bit of wisdom when it comes to dealing with life’s problems, it is most certainly not sound driving advice.  Looking in your rear-view mirror is one of the most important things to do while you’re out on the road– and it’s possible you’ve been doing it wrong this whole time.

We’re talking about what’s on the side.  What do you see when you look in your side mirrors?  More than likely, your answer is “the back of my car” or at maybe “the rear passenger door handle.”  Let’s take a moment to think about this…do you really need to see your own car while you’re driving?  Eliminate blind spots and avoid potential accidents by adjusting your side mirrors so that you don’t see your car at all.

Lights in the rear view flashing red and blue: What to do

The best chance you have at not getting a ticket is to be polite.  Getting pulled over is a stressful event, but it's important not to panic.  As soon as panic sets in, people incriminate themselves inadvertently by volunteering information or becoming argumentative. Remember: police officers mean it when they tell you anything you say can and will be used against you in court!

How not to get pulled over on your way home tonight: 3 No-Brainers

1. Have situational awareness.  If traffic begins to slow, don't take it as your cue to weave in and out of lanes like a speed demon.  Chances are, there's a good reason it's coming to a halt.

2. Big Brother is everywhere, and he's waiting for you to slip up.  When you hit the road, do so with the knowledge that you are being watched.  From speed traps to red light cameras to that police car parked at the bottom of the hill, all eyes are on you.  Drive accordingly.

3. Leave the glitz and glamor to the movie stars.  Try not to call any extra attention to yourself.  A bright red sports coupe with a vanity plate and a bunch of bumper stickers is far more likely to get caught speeding than the understated beige minivan next to it.