Planning to emBARK on a road trip with your four-legged friend this summer? Read this first.

Maybe it's just a few errands.  Five minutes at the post office, maybe ten at the bank.  Keep in mind that "just a few errands" is vastly different in dog years!  This infographic is helpful when preparing your canine for the road ahead:

 

#WashUpWednesday: The Real Cost of Procrastination

DON'T wait for a coat of grime to build up before you decide to wash your car.  We're not saying the layer of dead bugs, bird droppings, and other random dirt from the air looks bad, but... actually, wait.  Yes.  Yes, that is precisely what we’re saying. 

DO clean up your act.  Aesthetics aside, the film of nastiness that accumulates on your vehicle can mess up your paint.  Since it’s full of random chemicals and other toxins, preventative maintenance is key.  Leaving it to settle on your car’s exterior for too long is basically waving goodbye to the paint job.   You'll need sanding and repainting to correct the damage—kind of an expensive mistake to make, don’t you think?

If reading this didn’t change your mind about keeping your car clean and you still just don’t feel like it, give us a call!  We’d be happy to take care of it for you.

If you cringe when you think "routine maintenance," you need to read this.

You shouldn't feel like this when it comes to car maintenance.

 

We've all been there-- you have a question about something basic...but you don't ask it.  Chances are, someone else has been where you are and had the same confusion!  Here are some frequently asked questions (with answers!) about maintaining your car.

 

How often do I need to change the oil in my vehicle?

There are many variables that determine how often an oil change is needed (climate, drive time, highway or city street driving, etc.) You should refer to the Scheduled Maintenance section in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.

Should I consider using synthetic motor oil in my vehicle?

Synthetic motor oils can be a good choice for high output, turbocharged or supercharged engines. Or for vehicles that are used for towing (especially during hot weather), and vehicles that operate in extremely cold or hot climates. Although more expensive than mineral-based oils, synthetic motor oils can improve fuel economy and provide longer intervals between changes.

How often should I rotate my tires?

Your tires should be rotated every other oil change. Neglecting to rotate tires is a major cause of premature tire wear.

Is it really necessary to replace my timing belt at the recommended interval?

YES. The failure of a timing belt in many cars can result in major engine damage. The cost of repairing an engine with a broken timing belt is much greater than the cost of a timing belt replacement.

Have more questions?  Give us a call!  We'd love to talk to you.

MAZDA ANNOUNCES 2014 GOLD CUP CERTIFIED DEALERSHIPS

IRVINE, Calif. ( February 7, 2014) – Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) is proud to announce the winning dealerships of the 2014 Mazda Gold Cup award. This is the highest honor a dealer can receive from Mazda for their dedication to new vehicle sales and customer satisfaction.

Dealers qualify for Gold Cup certification by meeting rigorous Mazda sales loyalty goals, customer satisfaction requirements, maintaining a quality dealership image, and ensuring their sales and service staff adheres to Mazda training requirements on an on-going basis. Only dealerships that deliver the best sales experience and increase customer loyalty are given this prestigious award.

President and CEO of MNAO, Jim O’Sullivan says, “Mazda is proud to reward our top-performing dealerships every year, for their focus and dedication to providing the best sales and service experience in the industry. We congratulate each dealer on their great achievement.”

While all authorized Mazda dealerships are eligible, only a select number are awarded this high honor. For the qualifying period of January 3, 2013 through January 2, 2014, a total of 125 dealers were designated Gold Cup status.

Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through nearly 700 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at www.mazdausamedia.com.

What does your car color say about you?

White: Direct, Organized, and Clean

Those who own white cars tend to be a bit high maintenance.   Generally, if you drive a white vehicle you probably insist upon keeping your office space, home, and vehicle in pristine condition.  White isn’t able to camouflage very much when it comes to mud and dust, so your motto is “cleanliness is next to godliness.”

Red: Outgoing and High Energy

There’s something about the color red that just screams “unstoppable.”  It is a dynamic, bold, and sensual color that really sets you apart from the rest.  If you like to be center stage with all eyes on you, get behind the wheel of a spicy red hot ride!

Black: Classic and Elegant.

Black is truly a timeless color.  Not only is it simple and versatile, it is an unmistakable symbol of power.  If you are the owner of a black vehicle, you probably have very classy taste in clothing and appreciate the finer things in life.

Blue: Trustworthy, Calm, and Patient

Much like the ocean on a bright sunny day, blue car owners tend to be cool and calm.  People who drive blue cars are likely to be trustworthy, sensitive, and caring.  They are excellent life-long friends that usually squash arguments instead of starting them.

Having a hard time letting your new teen driver fly solo behind the wheel?

We know it’s difficult—and we can help!  The best remedy to the parental stress that accompanies a smiling teenager with a glossy new license?  Making sure they’ve got the right car.  Here are a few things to keep in mind when you’re out looking for a new whip (or whatever the kids are saying these days).

New instead of used

 It might decrease your stress level momentarily to put your teen in charge of a vehicle that costs less, but think about it long-term.  You want your kiddo to be safe and you don’t want to end up having to spend money on repairs that end up being more costly than the vehicle itself.

Not too big, not too small

It doesn’t matter that “everyone else” has a tiny sports car, or that your teen “will be the laughing stock” of the school unless they are behind the wheel of a huge SUV.  The truth of it is that a happy medium is, well… a happy medium.  New drivers behind the wheel of big vehicles are more likely to roll it in an accident and new drivers with sports cars are more likely to disobey the speed limit and get into trouble that way.

Stay away from stick! 

We know back in our day everyone knew how to drive a manual transmission, but the sad truth is that it is becoming somewhat of an endangered skill.  Your teen can learn how to drive stick!  Just make the first vehicle as easy and safe as possible for your teen—and everyone else on the road.