How Often Should Your Mazda Get an Oil Change?

Modern vehicles have numerous advanced driver assistance features that aim to keep drivers and passengers safer. However, the brakes will always be the main safety feature your vehicle has, even though it's easy not to think of them as such. That's why learning to tell when you need to head to the Mazda dealer for a brake repair is absolutely essential. more 5 Signs You Need a Brake Repair from Your Mazda Dealer 1. The Brake Pads Look Thin Performing a visual inspection of your car should be something you do regularly. Examine every component you can, including the brake pads. You'll see the brake pads by looking between the spokes of your wheel. Check on your brake pads when they're new so you can see how thick they should be, as that'll help you recognize when they appear too thin. If it looks like there's less than 1/4 of an inch of brake pad left, then head to the dealer. 2. The Brake Pad Wear Indicator Is Exposed There's a brake pad wear indicator built into your brake pads. It gradually becomes exposed over time. This metal indicator scrapes against your metal rotors, creating a high-pitched squealing noise you'll hear when you step on the brake pedal. It's quiet, so make sure you listen out for this sound every so often with the radio and AC turned off. 3. The Car Keeps Moving to One Side Your vehicle may veer to one side when you step on the brake pedal if there's a problem with the braking system. If you have a jammed caliper piston on one side or if your brake linings are unevenly worn down, then your vehicle will naturally pull to one side during braking. Contaminated brake fluid may also make your car veer to the side during braking. 4. The Rotors Look Damaged While you're visually inspecting your brake pads as we discussed earlier, make sure you also pay attention to the piece of metal they're pressed up against. These are your rotors. They should have a smooth and even surface. If you notice grooves on them, then head to the dealer, as you may need to have them resurfaced or replaced. 5. The Brakes Aren't Responding Well If your brakes aren't working as well as they usually do, then there's definitely something wrong. There could be many different issues causing the problem, from worn rotors to a brake fluid or air leak. Head to the dealer to see if there's a problem if your brakes are even slightly less responsive than usual. Schedule service online today to get your brakes fixed ASAP. Visit Bommarito Mazda South County in St. Louis, MO for all your repair and service needs.

Image via Shutterstock Keeping your Mazda purring like a kitten involves more than just regular checkups and cleanings. You need to stay on top of oil changes at the Mazda dealer. Engine oil reduces wear and tear on all those moving parts and helps your engine stay cool and collected. But like anything else, oil doesn't last forever. Over time, it gets dirty and less effective, knowing when to swap out the old oil for a fresh batch can save you from headaches down the road. more When to Change Your Oil How often you should change your oil can depend on a few factors: the model and age of your Mazda, the type of oil it takes, and how you drive. For most newer Mazda models running on synthetic oil, the sweet spot is between every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. But if you're the adventurous type, taking your Mazda on dusty trails through extreme weather, or you often find yourself hauling heavy loads, you might need to schedule those changes a bit more frequently. It's always a good idea to check your Mazda's manual for what the folks who made your car recommend. Some newer models even come with a handy reminder system to let you know when it's time for fresh oil, taking some of the guesswork out of maintenance. Signs It's Time for an Oil Change at the Mazda Dealer It's Been Too Long Even if you don't drive very much, your oil needs to be changed periodically. If you haven't changed the oil in your car in a year, it's time for that service appointment right away. Your Engine Is Making Too Much Noise If your engine starts to sound noisier than usual, ticking and knocking, it might be crying out for you to replace the oil. Dirty Oil New engine oil is clear and amber-colored. Old oil, not so much. If it looks black and gritty, it's time for it to go. Your Car Is Lighting Up An illuminated oil light or check engine light is your Mazda's way of letting you know that the oil in your car needs some attention. Smoke Signals A bit of vapor from the exhaust is normal, but if it starts looking more like smoke, you might have an oil issue on your hands. Oil Smell Smelling oil inside the car could mean a leak, and that's definitely a sign to get things checked out. Gas Guzzler If your Mazda is guzzling more fuel than usual, old oil could be to blame. Fresh oil means a more efficiently running engine. Regularly changing your oil is not just about keeping your engine happy. It's about avoiding bigger, more expensive problems in the future. Call Bommarito Mazda South County in St. Louis, MO, to schedule your next service appointment today.

Do you want an excellent deal on an intriguing new car? Discover the potential of the 2021 Mazda CX-3. Basics About the 2021 Mazda CX-3 The 2021 model represents a continuation of the first-generation CX-3s that debuted in 2016.  In fact, the model may take its final bow after this edition. The crossover SUV is Mazda's capable offering to the subcompact market. The smaller size does not detract from the big driving experience you'll get, though. The Car Lover's SUV Maybe you want to try out an SUV but still fancy the size and performance of your sedan and hatchback cars. If so, the CX-3 is truly the perfect way to cross over. The 14-feet-long size, the snappy four-cylinder, 148-horsepower engine, the hopping chassis, and the fine suspension tuning give you the athletic, zippy handling and precision steering of your traditional sport auto. You'll also get your choice of rear-wheel drive or all-weather all-wheel drive. The smaller seats won't make you feel overwhelmed either. Behind the wheel, you might not even know the difference between this SUV and your old favorite car. And the fuel economy rivals the most efficient regular autos, with an EPA-rated 29 miles per gallon in the city and 34 miles per gallon on the highway. Impressive Safety Features Driving safely on the roads is an increasing priority for many consumers. Mazda takes all your worries into account and answers them with a solid suite of safety tools. LED headlights and automatic wipers keep your visibility high in even the darkest, foggiest, or stormiest conditions. The Institute of Highway Safety has ranked this model year a top safety pick with its impeccable crash-test results. more The forward collision mitigation system is top of its class as well, with pedestrian detection for both day and night as well as a measure of automatic braking. You'll also get a heads-up if an object enters your blind spot, if you start drifting from your lane, or if rear cross-traffic poses a potential problem. Better yet, the CX-3 will prevent you from following too closely and causing a possible fender-bender. Upscale Interior The soft materials, textured plastics, and chrome detailing inside the cabin are the finest quality, and the cloth upholstery never feels cheap or used. Your infotainment system is complete with all the traditional goodies like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, voice recognition, and a seven-inch touchscreen. The system's very approachable too, with an updated rotary knob setup. Comfort-wise, whether you run hot or cold you'll feel at ease due to automatic climate control. You'll receive the luxury at a bargain too, as the CX-3 has a lower average starting price when stacked up against competitors. Athletic Look The CX-3 comes in one convenient trim that lives up to its name. The Sport trim gifts this SUV a lean yet muscular physique with a longer and sleek front end and a more compact, hatchback-style rear. The body's supported by a formidable set of alloy wheels. You can put your best face on with a selection of striking colors, like dark silver with a distinct bluish hue. Get the CX-3 before it's gone forever. Drop by Bommarito Mazda South County and take a test drive from our eye-catching inventory.