Summer Maintenance Tips for Your Vehicle | Royal Moore Mazda

Are you excited because the summer is coming up? If so, you need to make sure that your car is ready for the journey. At Royal Moore Mazda, we understand that there are a lot of people who are excited about planning their next summer vacation. At the same time, before the rubber meets the road, you need to make sure that your car is ready to go. What are a few of the most important maintenance tips you need to follow? Take a look at a few key points below, and make sure your vehicle is ready for everything that the summer has to offer.

1. Check the Tires and Alignment

First, you need to make sure that you check the tires on your vehicle. Your tires are incredibly important, and you need to make sure they have enough tread left on them. For example, a member of our team will take a look at your tires and make sure they are wearing evenly. The tires on the front of your vehicle will not wear at the same rate as the tires on the back of your vehicle, and we can rotate them to make sure you get as many miles out of your tires as possible. Furthermore, we will check the alignment of your vehicle to make sure you’re handling is appropriate. Rely on us to help you get the most out of your tires.

2. Change the Oil

Next, we will also change the oil to make sure your engine is working effectively. Your oil is very important because it reduces the amount of friction among the internal components. This is important because it will prevent your engine from overheating. This will not only extend the lifespan of your engine but also improve your fuel efficiency. If you are unsure exactly what type of motor oil you need for your vehicle, our team would be happy to work with you.

3. Get the AC Inspected

Of course, you also need to get your air conditioner inspected. During the summer, you want to make sure that everyone in your vehicle has a source of cool air, and we will take a look at your air conditioner to make sure it is working appropriately. If your refrigerant level is a bit low, we can top it off for you. If the compressor isn’t working appropriately, we can address the issue for you. We can also make sure your air conditioner is using as little fuel as possible, helping you improve your gas mileage. If you have questions or concerns about your air conditioner, rely on our team to assist you. 

4. Ensure the Brakes Work

Finally, we can also make sure that your brakes work as well as possible. You need to make sure that your brakes can quickly bring your vehicle to a stop in the event of an emergency. We will take a look at your brake pads to make sure they still have enough life. We will also take a look at your brake fluid to make sure the level is appropriate. Before we finish up, we will also take a look at your brake rotors. If they are worn out, we can replace them for you. If you have questions or concerns about your brakes, we are here to address them. Rely on a member of our team to make sure your brakes are working exactly as they should, and schedule an appointment with us today.

Visit Royal Moore Mazda for All Summer Maintenance Needs

In the end, these are just a few of the most important tips you need to follow if you want to make sure that your vehicle is ready for the summer. At Royal Moore Mazda, we are proud of our service center, and we can handle just about anything you throw at us. We are here to make sure you get as many miles out of your vehicle as possible, and we can make sure it is running efficiently. If you would like to learn more about how we can help you reach out to us today to schedule an appointment with our service center. We look forward to assisting you. 

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Importance of Tire Maintenance | Royal Moore Mazda

Did you know that less than 20 percent of drivers ensure their tires are properly inflated?

Your tires are one part of your vehicle that makes direct contact with the road at all times. They can impact the handling of your vehicle, braking ability, ride, and overall safety. Tires need to have the right air pressure and tread depth, as well as proper balance and alignment, in order to perform well.

Inspecting your tires regularly is a crucial step in protecting your vehicle, your safety, and other motorists’ safety. Ideally, an inspection should be performed once a month, possibly more if you live in a cold climate, on a bad road, or drive long distances frequently.

Let’s find out why tire maintenance is so important and how you can extend the life of your tires.

Why Is Tire Maintenance Important?

There are numerous reasons why tire maintenance is important. Just think about how many miles you put on your tires each year and the different types of terrain they have to travel over.

Tire maintenance can help prevent an unnecessary auto accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that tires at somewhat responsible for around 11,000 collisions every year. Unfortunately, almost 200 people are fatally injured in these accidents.

The NHTSA also estimates that there are roughly 250,000 auto accidents annually that are caused by vehicles with low or inadequate tire pressure. The tire pressure impacts everything about the way your vehicle handles.

Plus, maintaining your tires will extend their life as well as the lifespan of your vehicle. Further, properly inflated tires can improve your gas mileage. With gas prices going up, this is a quick, easy way to save some money.

Tips for Extending the Life of Your Tires

When it comes to tire maintenance, there are several things you can do to extend the life of your tires.

Rotate Your Tires

Your tires will wear differently on the front and back, especially if you have front-wheel or rear-wheel drive. Ideally, you should have your tires rotated every 7,500 miles. A good rule of thumb is to have your tires rotated every oil change since it is roughly the same mileage requirements. This makes it easy to remember!

Invest in Wheel Alignment

Your vehicle should undergo wheel alignment every six months or so. By investing in this service, your tires will wear more evenly since they aren’t pulling to one side more than the other.

Check Your Tire Air Pressure

Ensuring your tires have the proper amount of air pressure can go drastically improve the lifespan of your tires. The wrong amount of pressure can result in more wear to the brake pads and tires themselves, as well as increasing your stopping distance. It can also save you money on fuel costs!

Consider checking the tire pressure at every fill-up throughout the year. It only takes a few seconds to check the air pressure in your tires as well as the tread depth, and this can go a long way in preventing an auto accident and protecting your vehicle.

Inspect Tread Wear

Under most circumstances, you can notice the wearing of your tires if you keep a close eye on them. This is an important step in tire maintenance, as considerable tread wear can result in several issues like hydroplaning.

The most common way to test the depth of your tire tread is with a penny. Insert the penny into the tread with Lincoln’s head down. If you can see his head, it is time to consider the purchase of new tires.

Slow Down

You may not realize it, but your tires are at greater risk of suffering road hazard damage when you are driving at a higher rate of speed. Further, high speeds can encourage rapid tire pressure loss or even a sudden blowout, which could lead to losing control of the vehicle.

Visit Royal Moore Mazda for Your Tire Needs

As you have learned, tire maintenance is incredibly important for the overall safety of you, your passengers, and other motorists on the roads as well as the longevity of the vehicle. When you need reliable tire services in the area, visit Royal Moore Mazda.

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Best Mazda Vehicles for Families | Royal Moore Mazda

If you are trying to find the right Mazda for your family, you have probably realized that there are plenty of options available. Mazda makes a wide variety of vehicles, which means you can customize them to meet your needs. At the same time, this might also mean you are having a difficult time figuring out which Mazda is best for you. At Royal Moore Mazda, it would be our pleasure to work with you to help you find the right vehicle for your family. Take a look at a few of our options below, and swing by the dealership today to test drive a vehicle for yourself. 

1. Mazda CX-5: Comfortably Seat Up To Five People

If you are looking for a vehicle that can comfortably seat five people, you might be looking for something a bit larger than a sedan. If that is the case, you might be interested in the Mazda CX-5. This is a compact crossover SUV that has consistently been one of the most popular smaller SUVs on the market. It has a tremendous amount of power and performance, but it also has plenty of storage space. There are also several trim levels from which to choose, so you can customize your Mazda to meet your needs. You might even be interested in a sunroof, a keyless entry option, or a power-operated liftgate. Learn more about the Mazda CX-5 at Royal Moore Mazda.

2. Mazda CX-9: Comfortably Seat More Than Five People

If you believe you will need space for more than five people, then you might be interested in the Mazda CX-9. This is another crossover SUV, but it has three rows of seats. It is stylish, powerful, and comes with a wide variety of features. You can enjoy a turbocharged 2.5 L four-cylinder engine, along with a six-speed automatic transmission. You can also select the all-wheel-drive option if you would like, which can make it easier to handle. This is a vehicle that can comfortably seat seven people, but you can also reduce the capacity to six by turning some of the chairs into captain’s chairs. You might also want to take advantage of leather upholstery, USB ports, and ventilated front seats. 

3. Mazda 6: The Sedan Option

If you are looking for a sedan, you might be interested in the Mazda 6. This is a midsize sedan that can comfortably see five people, and you can even put car seats in the back. You can also take advantage of adaptive cruise control, safety equipment, LED lighting, and an 8-inch touchscreen. It also comes with a wide variety of safety features, including lane departure assist warning, automatic braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Because of all of these safety features, the Mazda 6 might also be a good vehicle for a young teenage driver in your family. Think about going with this sedan from Royal Moore Mazda.

4. Mazda MX-30 EV: The Electric Option

If your family is looking for an electric vehicle, you might want to go with the Mazda EX-30. This is a vehicle that can comfortably seat five people, but it also has a lot of trim levels, allowing you to customize it to meet your needs. It has an impressive range, it charges quickly, and it has a stylish exterior. Because the vehicle charges quickly, you shouldn’t have to worry about spending a lot of time at a recharging station. Consider going with this vehicle if you are looking for an electric car. 

Visit Royal Moore Mazda Today To Test-Drive Our Vehicles

Ultimately, these are just a few of the many vehicles available from Mazda. If you are looking for the right car to meet your needs, it is important to think about the benefits and features of every option before you make a decision. At Royal Moore Mazda, it would be our pleasure to work with you to help you find the right vehicle for your family. We understand that every family is a bit different, and that is why we have a wide variety of vehicles in stock. Swing by our dealership to test drive one of our vehicles today. Then, reach out to our team with any questions or concerns!

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Benefits of Choosing a Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle | Royal Moore Mazda

There are a lot of things to consider when buying a vehicle. You could purchase new, but the higher price might be a dealbreaker for you. You have plenty of used vehicle options, but you do not know if you can trust the previous owner’s maintenance or driving habits.

There is an option that takes the best of both new and pre-owned vehicle purchases. The Certified Pre-Owned vehicle offers nearly-new cars, trucks, and SUVs at used car prices while providing new car warranties to relieve any concerns you have about prior owners.

There are plenty of benefits to choosing a Certified Pre-Owned Mazda at Royal Moore Mazda. The best reason to go CPO is that you get a great Mazda model at a great price with a great warranty. Let’s go through the details that you can discuss at greater length with your sales representative at Royal Moore Mazda.

New car benefits at used car prices

When choosing Certified Pre-Owned vehicles to sell, Royal Moore Mazda picks only the best-maintained late-model Mazda models. To be eligible, they must pass a rigorous 160-point inspection. From major to minor components, each vehicle is scrutinized and tested to make sure it meets the highest standards. Once identified as a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle, you can rest easy knowing that your Mazda CX-3, CX-5, CX-9, Mazda3, or Mazda6, is operating like new at peak performance. 

Because the vehicle is previously owned, the sticker price is lower than the new cars on the lot. But there are more benefits to buying CPO than the price. These nearly-new cars and SUVs must meet certain requirements to qualify as a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle. 

How do Mazda vehicles qualify as Certified Pre-Owned?

They must have less than 70,000 miles and be less than six years old. The Certified Pre-Owned Mazdas sold at Royal Moore Mazda never have excessive miles on them or other problems that older used vehicles can experience.

These Certified Pre-Owned vehicles must be accident-free. That means you never have to worry about problems that may arise down the road with your vehicle because of a previous accident that it was involved in with the previous owner.

In addition to the initial inspection conducted on all Mazda vehicles that must qualify as Certified Pre-Owned, each CPO vehicle is inspected again before the sale is completed. This serves as a backup to ensure that you can rest easy about your nearly-new Mazda vehicle after you purchase it. To make sure you know exactly what you are buying, each Mazda Certified Pre-Owned vehicle comes with a full AutoCheck vehicle history report and three-year Buyback Protection from Experian.

Mazda Certified Pre-Owned Warranty Coverage

The protection that your vehicle receives after the sale also is a big advantage of the Certified Pre-Owned program at Royal Moore Mazda. Each Certified Pre-Owned vehicle is covered by any remaining portion of its original 3-year/36,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty. The CPO Limited Vehicle Warranty provides coverage for another 12 months or up to 12,000 miles, with no deductible on covered repairs. For Mazda CPO vehicles that are no longer covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty, the CPO Limited Vehicle Warranty takes effect at the time of purchase. Additionally, the 7-year/100,000-mile CPO Limited Powertrain Warranty covers the flywheel, freeze plug, thermostat, and more. 

Not that you will want to let go of your Mazda, but if you have to sell, your vehicle will be even more attractive to potential buyers because the Mazda Certified Pre-Owned Limited Vehicle and Limited Powertrain warranties are transferable to future owners at no cost.

Mazda Certified Pre-Owned buyers and qualified family members are also covered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by the complimentary Mazda 24-hour Emergency Roadside Assistance Program. Emergency Roadside Assistance is included for the duration of the 7-Year/100,000-Mile CPO Limited Powertrain Warranty in the U.S. and Canada. Chances are you’ll never need the coverage, but it is nice to have the confidence of knowing it is there if you do. This complimentary 24-Hour Emergency Roadside Assistance service includes jump starts, lockout assistance, flat tire service, towing to the nearest Mazda dealership, and gas delivery. 

Select satellite radio-equipped Mazda Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles feature a 3-month trial subscription to the SiriusXM All Access package. Enjoy over 150 channels including all kinds of commercial-free music, plus sports, news, talk, comedy, and entertainment, plus the ability to stream online and with the free app.

Get a Certified Pre-Owned Mazda Model at Royal Moore Mazda Today

There are all the benefits of a new car, with all the benefits of a used one, included in your CPO Mazda vehicle. Come check out the huge selection at Royal Moore Mazda and learn more about all that CPO offers buyers today. Schedule your visit with a member of the sales team today to test drive a CPO Mazda and to answer any of your questions.

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Winter Vehicle Maintenance Tips | Royal Moore Mazda

Ice, snow, bad weather, and fewer daylight hours are just some of the hazards that you have to contend with during the colder months. If you want your vehicle to run just as well in the winter as it did in the summer, check out these maintenance tips from Royal Moore Mazda in Hillsboro, OR.

Check the oil.

In order for the oil to lubricate the moving parts of your engine, it must flow freely. As the temperatures drop, the oil thickens, making your engine less efficient. To prevent this from happening, you need to use the type specified in your owner’s manual. In the winter, look for a “W” as part of the viscosity index, which simply means that the oil is specially formulated for lower temperatures, although they will work year-round. Recommended indexes include 5W-20, 5W-30, and 10W-30.

Make an emergency kit.

When you’re waiting for a repair in the middle of a snowstorm or need to trudge through the snow to get help after a breakdown, an emergency kit can keep you safe and warm. Put the following items in a small bag or backpack that you can take with you if you need to leave.

• A snow brush and ice scraper to eliminate ice and snow from your windows and windshield.
• A bag of kitty litter or sand that you can spread around your tires to increase traction.
• A folding shovel to remove snow from your tires.
• Jumper cables to restart a dead battery.
• Emergency warning devices, such as folding orange triangles and road flares.
• A flashlight and extra batteries to light up dark areas of your car.
• A portable battery to recharge your smartphone.
• Multi-tool to make minor repairs.
• First aid kit to take care of minor injuries.
• Snacks and bottled water to keep you satisfied.
• Winter gear such as hats, mittens, and blankets to keep you warm.

Test the lights.

If your lights are not functioning properly, you may not know it because they are out of view as you’re driving. To test these vital pieces of equipment, ask a relative or friend to sit in the driver’s seat and test out all the illumination, such as by tapping on the brake pedal. When this is happening, you can walk around the vehicle to determine if all the lights are working.

If you discover a burned-out bulb, you can typically replace it yourself inexpensively by buying a bulb at your local auto parts store and following the instructions on the package or in your owner’s manual. Alternatively, you can bring it to our Service Department and ask our technicians to repair it for you.

Check the tires.

All-season or summer tires work fine when the weather is warm but begin to stiffen and lose their grip on surfaces once the temperature drops and the roads are covered in ice and snow. Winter tires are formulated from compounds that are designed to remain flexible even in cold weather, which maintains their traction. They also have more patterns and greater depth in their treads, which are also designed to expel water and maximize surface grip.

Before the season starts, replace your tires with winter versions. Find a tire center that offers a hotel service. They will not only swap out your tires for you, but they can also store your all-season tires during the winter and swap them back in again when spring comes.

Change the wiper blades.

Your wiper blades may be all that stands between you and impaired visuals during a snowstorm or heavy rain. They only last about six months. If your blades are missing much of the water on your windshield or are leaving streaks, then they need to be replaced. You need to look at these blades regularly. If they are becoming brittle or have tears, then they need to be changed.

Your auto parts store should have winter blades, which are designed for extremely cold conditions. Their lower number of parts have less chance of freezing up and breaking. And the material is strong enough to remove snow and ice while resisting their build-up.

Bring it in.

The most convenient way to deal with upcoming cold weather is to bring your vehicle into the Service Department at Royal Moore Mazda. Our factory-certified automotive technicians are experts in your brand and can do everything on this list and more, except prepare your emergency kit. They will use only manufacturer-approved parts to keep your vehicle functioning properly in the winter.

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Which Mazda is Best for You? | Royal Moore Mazda

Are you ready to get a new vehicle for the Portland, OR, metro area? Then come to Royal Moore Mazda to check out our extensive inventory. Our friendly sales staff are eager to take you on a test ride and help you pick your best car. Here are a few suggestions to get you started.

Convertible Fun

Small, lightweight, and agile, the 2021 Mazda MX-5 gets its inspiration from the classic roadsters of the 1960s but is updated with the sleek philosophy of Kodo design. Its 2.0-liter SKYACTIV®-G four-cylinder with Variable Valve Timing hits 181 horsepower and 151 lb.-ft. of torque. Its 6-speed Sport automatic transmission encourages quick gear changes with paddle shifters. The SKYACTIV®-MT 6-speed manual transmission features a short-throw shifter.

The shift knob, three-spoke steering wheel, and parking brake handle are wrapped in leather. You can upgrade the interior with available upholstery in White Nappa leather. When you have the key fob of the Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry System with you, you don’t have to take the keys out of your pocket to unlock the door. Then sit inside, step on the brake pedal, and run the engine by pressing the Start button.

Refining the Drive

The refined exterior of the 2021 Mazda6 sedan envelopes a powerful 2.5-liter SKYACTIV®-G Turbo four-cylinder with automatic transmission and front-wheel drive that delivers up to 250 horsepower and 320 lb.-ft. of torque. To save fuel, Cylinder Deactivation can shut off half the cylinders when they’re not needed. SKYACTIV-VEHICLE DYNAMICS with G-Vectoring Control adjusts the delivery of power during cornering and initial turn-in. The result is a smoother drive that is less tiring.

Upgrade to the Carbon Edition and you get Polymetal Gray paint on the exterior, Black Metallic finish alloy wheels, a Black rear decklid spoiler, Black exterior mirrors, and Red leather seats. To exhilarate your senses, the Signature interior uses premium materials like Ultrasuede on the dash and doors, Japanese Sen wood, and Nappa leather.

Starting Saver

If you’re looking to enter the Mazda line, go for the entry-level 2022 Mazda3 sedan. Its 2.5-liter Turbo engine puts out up to 250 horsepower and 320 lb.-ft. of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard. The available i-Activ All-Wheel Drive® maximizes your road grip by constantly sending torque to tires with the best traction. Shining from headlamps and taillights are energy-saving and quick-lighting LEDs.

You can still enjoy such amenities as the bespoke Bose® 12-speaker audio system. Download the MyMazda App and you can remotely lock and unlock doors or start the engine. It also lets you check fuel, tire pressure, and other vehicle conditions. The infotainment system sports an 8.8-inch center display that includes Mazda Connected Services. You can control it by tapping on the dash screen, speaking your commands, or dialing the Multifunction Commander Control.

All for the Family

Your large extended family can finally fit in the same vehicle if you drive the 2021 Mazda CX-9. Its three rows comfortably fit up to seven adults. But you can also fold down the seatbacks of the last two rows to increase cargo capacity from 14.4 to 71.2 cu. ft. Moving you forward is the 2.5-liter SKYACTIV® Dynamic Pressure Turbo four-cylinder and SKYACTIV®-Drive 6-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift and Sport Mode.

Keeping you protected are such driver assists as the Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go. It leaves a safe gap between you and the next car by automatically changing speeds as traffic conditions change. Smart Brake Support with Collision Warning tells you if you’re about to hit the car in front and can engage a stop to prevent an accident.

Looking to the Future (2023 MX-30 EV and PHEV)

If you can wait a little, you’ll eventually be the first to drive the Mazda MX-30, which will debut in the spring of 2022. When it reaches Oregon, this nature-friendly engineering wonder will be available in two models.

The 2022 Mazda MX-30 EV (Electric Vehicle) runs on pure electricity up to 100 miles on a full charge. You can also go from a 20 to 80 percent charge in only 36 minutes if you plug into a Level 3 DC Fast Charger. Your SUV comes with a Level 1 120-volt charging cable that plugs into any 120-volt household outlet.

The 2023 Mazda MX-30 PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) couples the long-range and power of a standard gas engine with the emission-free electric motor. The beautiful exterior relies on a pillarless freestyle door system to create a sense of openness.

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What to Keep In Your Car for Road Trips | Royal Moore Mazda

At Royal Moore Mazda, we know how much our valued customers love to get out on the open road. If you have a road trip planned soon, you’ll want to know what to bring with you besides your luggage. Here’s a quick list of items you should always keep in your vehicle regardless of where you’re headed.

First Aid Kit

By far, this is the most important item to keep in your car for any type of road trip. A well-stocked first-aid kit should have everything needed to patch up wounds, cover burns, and even make a tourniquet or sling if needed. Bandages, alcohol wipes, sterile gauze pads, tweezers, and aspirin tablets are just a few items to expect in a basic first aid kit.

If you don’t bring anything else with you on your next road trip, at least have one of these in your vehicle. After all, you never know when you’ll need it.

Fire Extinguisher

Here’s another item that’s a must-have for any vehicle. A fire extinguisher can help put out small car fires before they quickly grow out of control and turn your road trip into a complete loss. You won’t need a huge fire extinguisher, but you’ll want one that’s rated for tackling Class B (flammable liquids) and Class C (electrical wiring) fires.

Portable Jump Starter

Even if you have jumper cables on hand, a portable jump starter works for those times when you’re stuck in a remote area with no one around to give you a jump start. Most portable jump starters use powerful lithium-ion batteries to jump-start cars, trucks, boats, and more.

What’s even niftier is that portable jump starters can also serve as power banks for smartphones and other portable devices. Some portable jump starters also have built-in batteries with various lighting options.

Car Escape Tool

This handy tool lets you quickly cut through jammed seat belts and bust out of tempered side windows in the event of a severe accident or rollover. You can keep one on your keychain or hang it from your sun visor or rearview mirror.

Tire Sealant

If your car lacks space for a spare tire or you’re stuck in a place where a roadside tire change can’t be done, a can of tire sealant can be helpful. Tire sealants work great for small punctures and it usually works long enough to get you to the nearest garage or tire shop.

Portable Phone Charger

While most cars come with USB charging ports and wireless charging pads, it still pays to bring along a portable 12-volt cell phone charger. Most come with a host of nifty features, from multiple adapters for different USB standards to long cords for front and rear passengers. When you’re using your smartphone’s GPS features to get to where you’re going, you can’t afford to be out of juice.

Multipurpose Tool

Having one of these in your glovebox saves you the trouble of sifting through toolboxes for the right tool. You can also keep one in your pocket for everyday use. Your typical multipurpose tool will include the following:

• Needle-nose pliers
• Screwdriver
• Scissors
• Bottle opener
• Wirecutter
• Files
• Package opener

Flashlight and Batteries

Keeping a waterproof flashlight and an extra change of batteries doesn’t hurt, either. You’ll find them in all shapes, sizes, and output strengths, but a reasonably-sized handheld flashlight should do the trick in an emergency. Most flashlights have long-lasting LEDs, which also helps with battery life. And speaking of batteries, most flashlights take AAA or AA batteries, with larger versions using C and D cell batteries for extra juice.

Granola Bars and Other Non-Perishable Snacks

If you ever find yourself hours away from the nearest gas station, having a small cache of non-perishable snacks can definitely come in handy. Common non-perishable snacks include meat sticks, beef jerky, granola bars, crackers, and dried fruit.

Bottled Water

Staying hydrated is important, especially in emergencies. Keep a case of bottled water in your vehicle for those times when you can’t get to a convenient water source. You can also keep a water filter bottle in your vehicle as a handy backup.

Extra Blankets

A sudden blizzard or ice storm can leave you stranded when you least expect it. And there are times when you don’t want to run your vehicle constantly just to stay warm. A few blankets can keep you and your traveling companions warm until road conditions clear up.

Warning Devices

If a breakdown or accident stops your car in its tracks, you’ll need a way for other drivers to see and steer clear of your vehicle. That’s where early warning devices like safety triangles and road flares come into play. You’ll want to keep these in your trunk just in case you need them.

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Tips to Get the Best Gas Mileage | Royal Moore Mazda

It is hard to ignore the rising cost of just about everything, including gas. While you cannot do much about the price you pay at the gas station, you can take some steps to improve your gas mileage. It is essential to know that the way you drive has a direct impact on the way your vehicle uses fuel. Continue reading for some tips on how you can get better gas mileage from your car. 

Tip #1: Start and Stop Slower

The faster you drive means the more fuel you will burn. Your fuel economy decreases quickly once you drive over 50 miles an hour. If you reduce your speed on the highway by five mph to 10 mph, you will see a 7 percent to 14 percent increase in fuel economy. If you can slow down your braking and starting, you will improve your fuel economy. Hard braking and jamming on the gas when the light turns green will decrease your fuel economy by about 15 percent to 30 percent on the highway. It can decrease it by as much as 40 percent in traffic that is stop and go. Not only will breaking and starting slowly improve your gas mileage, but it is better for your brakes, tires, and transmission. 

Tip #2 – Do Not Idle

While no one really wants to get into a freezing cold car, it is the better way to drive. Instead of warming up your vehicle, you can just jump in and go, even on the coldest day. There was a time when warming up your car was a good idea, but today, cars are so advanced that they warm up faster while driving than idling. In addition, your vehicle consumes as much as a half-gallon of gas while idling. You should also consider turning off your engine if it is safe and you will be idling longer than one minute. 

Tip #3 – Keep Your Trips Together

When you have an errand to tackle, it makes sense for you to do them all at the same. The best way to address this is to consider all of the errands you want to complete in one day. Then you can map them out in a path that makes the most sense. You can start the furthest away and make your way back to your home. This can prevent backtracking. If you can avoid heavy traffic times, that can help you avoid idling while stuck in traffic. These steps can help you to conserve gas and see improved fuel economy.  

Tip #4 – Reduce What You Carry

The fewer items that you have packed in your car means, the better economy you receive. Some estimates show every 100 pounds you carry in your car may reduce your fuel economy by almost one percent. If you have to put items on top of your vehicle on a roof rack, you will lose even more gas mileage. Having a roof rack on your car that is empty still decreases your economy because it produces wind resistance. If you can, remove the roof rack when it is not in use. When you are carrying a heavy load or luggage, remove them from your vehicle as soon as possible to help improve your fuel economy. 

Tip #5 – Use Air Conditioning Better

While blasting your air conditioning on a hot day feels the best inside the cabin of your vehicle, it is not always best on your fuel economy. When you use your air conditioning on incredibly hot days, it can decrease fuel economy above 25 percent. However, the flip side to that is rolling down your windows to get some airflow. There are times when it makes sense to ride with the windows down. Unfortunately, driving at high speeds is not one of those times. When you are driving at high speeds, having the windows down can create wind drag, and it is better to have them closed. A good rule of thumb is to roll down the windows until you reach speeds of 45 mph to 55 mph or higher. 

Another way to help your fuel economy is to ensure you have regularly scheduled maintenance on your vehicle. If you have any questions about what type of maintenance you can have done to improve your fuel economy, visit the experts at Royal Moore Mazda.

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Your Brakes And Why Preventive Maintenance Helps | Royal Moore Mazda

Whether you’re coming to a gentle stop at a red light or scrubbing off speed just before the next track corner, it’s up to your Mazda’s brakes to get the job done. Not only are they tasked with bringing your vehicle to a quick and safe stop at any given moment, but they’re also one of the precious few connections your vehicle has to the road below.

Time and usage will inevitably take their toll on your brakes, but a little preventive maintenance goes a long way towards avoiding any unwelcome surprises. Read on and learn how a proactive approach towards brake system maintenance keeps your vehicle safe and in top shape.

How Your Brakes Work

Remove the wheel on any modern sedan, pickup truck, or SUV and chances are you’ll find a disc brake setup. This consists of a brake rotor (also known as a brake disc), a caliper that surrounds part of the rotor, and friction pads within the caliper. Pistons inside the caliper help push the pads against the rotor.

Pressing the brake pedal forces a special non-compressible fluid from a nearby reservoir into the brake caliper, where it pushes against the pistons. In turn, this pushes the pads against the rotor and the friction generated by the pads helps slow and eventually stop the vehicle.

With drum brakes, the overall principle remains the same. In this setup, an internal piston pushes a pair of brake shoes outward against a rotating drum. Just like brake pads on a disc setup, the brake shoes are lined with various friction materials. While drum brakes were commonplace on vehicles up until the early 1990s, these days you’ll only find them on the rear wheels of economy vehicles.

Brake systems on today’s passenger vehicles (sedans, pickup trucks, SUVs, etc.) largely share the same components across the board, so you won’t find too many surprises when moving from one vehicle to another.

Pitfalls of Ignoring Preventive Maintenance

Most car owners don’t think about their brakes until something catastrophic happens. Unfortunately, far too many people ignore the need for preventive maintenance when it comes to their car’s brake system. The consequences of ignoring brake system maintenance can add up in many ways:

• Ignoring minor brake system faults can lead to more serious issues later on, which could prove costly and time-consuming to repair.
• A lack of preventive maintenance could potentially void your vehicle’s warranty. Most warranties are only valid as long as owners follow proper maintenance and upkeep guidelines.
• Ignoring preventive maintenance also jeopardizes your vehicle’s safety. Proper maintenance is important for ensuring your vehicle can stop safely and quickly.

Ways to Keep Your Brakes in Great Shape

Inspect Pads and Rotors Regularly

Keeping a close eye on pad and rotor wear is one of the best preventive steps you can take when it comes to your brake system. Normal wear is expected, but anything that looks, sounds, or feels out of the ordinary merits a closer look. If you notice any severe or unusual wear and tear, have your mechanic perform a more thorough inspection and take whatever steps are needed to keep your brake system in excellent condition.

Mazda recommends you have a certified technician inspect your brakes after the first 12 months or 15,000 miles of ownership, whichever comes first, and every year or at least every 15,000 miles afterward.

Check and Flush Your Brake Fluid

As with any other fluid your Mazda uses, you’ll want to check your brake fluid regularly and flush it as needed. Locate the brake fluid reservoir and make sure it’s filled to the correct fluid level as marked on the reservoir. Proper brake fluid levels are essential to proper operation.

The big issue with brake fluid is that it’s hygroscopic, which means it readily absorbs moisture. Moisture-laden brake fluid not only corrodes your brake lines and other components from the inside out but also has a lower boiling point. When brake fluid boils under hard or prolonged braking, it can cause the brake pedal to feel spongy or even go straight to the floor without slowing the vehicle.

A brake fluid flush is one of the best preventive steps you can take against corrosion, brake fade, and other problems caused by contaminated brake fluid. During the brake fluid flush, your certified technician will also bleed the brake lines to remove any excess air trapped inside the brake line.

Replace or Upgrade Brake Parts When Needed

Some brake components will need replacement as they wear out normally, while others only need to be replaced if they appear damaged or defective. Either way, you’ll want to replace these components before they have a chance to cause more damage to your brake system.

Certain situations, like regular track day jaunts or frequent trailer towing, also merit an upgrade in your Mazda’s brake hardware. For instance, switching to longer-lasting brake pads or upgrading to larger brake discs can help improve your vehicle’s stopping power.

Drive With Your Brakes in Mind

Here are a few things to keep in mind as you’re driving on the road:

• Avoid carrying excess weight in your vehicle. More weight adds more wear and tear on your brakes.
• Avoid late braking, especially when driving in stop-and-go traffic. More stops equal increased brake wear.
• Don’t ride the brakes, especially on long downhill sections. Riding the brakes can result in rapid brake fade and an increased likelihood of brake failure.
• Be mindful of how you brake when towing a trailer. Increase your following distances from other vehicles upfront and pay close attention to your driving speeds.

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Which Mazda for You? | Royal Moore Mazda

If you’re after a new Mazda to excite your car trips around the Portland metro area, a good place to start is at Royal Moore Mazda in Hillsboro, OR. Our friendly sales reps are happy to answer your questions and take you on test drives. Your biggest issue will be to choose just one of the many vehicles in our large inventory. To help you pick the right Mazda for you, here are a few suggestions.

Agile Starter

If you’re looking to start with the brand or need something agile enough to thread through crowded urban traffic, the 2021 Mazda CX-3 stands out as the subcompact crossover for you. Its SKYACTIV®-G 2.0L four-cylinder with variable valve timing and SKYACTIV®-Drive six-speed automatic transmission gives you 148 hp and 146 lb.-ft. of torque. The interior easily fits five adults unless you fold down the 60/40-split rear seats to accommodate more cargo.

You can rely on the 7-inch full-color touchscreen display to manage the NAZDA CONNECT™ Infotainment System. It integrates your compatible smartphone with support for Apple CarPlay™, Android Auto™, and Bluetooth. You can make hands-free phone calls, listen to text messages, or download selected apps. You can use the screen, the Multifunction Commander Control, or your voice for some functions. The AM/FM audio system, which has six speakers, features Automatic Level Control, so the volume of what you’re hearing remains constant.

Sophisticated and Sleek Mazda6

Promotion to the executive suite demands a classier and more sophisticated way to get around town. You’ll be proud to park the 2021 Mazda6 at the corporate parking lot on the weekdays or take your family to a nice dinner on Saturday night. The 2.5L SKYACTIV® Turbo thrills your maneuvers with 250 hp and 320 lb.-ft. of torque, rewarding you with supreme responsiveness at low RPM. The Carbon Edition intrigues with the gloss black grille, a black rear decklid spoiler, and an exclusive Poly Metal Gray and Red leather interior.

The Signature interior Pampers with top quality materials like Nappa leather, Japanese Sen wood, and Ultrasuede®. Your entertainment horizons expand with the Bose® 11-speaker audio system. You can power adjust the driver’s seat in up to eight ways including lumbar support. Your front passenger can take advantage of six power adjustments. You and your front passenger can define your own temperature levels with the Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control.

Family Plans Mazda CX-9

You want to keep your large family together and bring along a few friends. The 2021 Mazda CX-9 boasts ample room for up to seven passengers on its three spacious rows. You can add a touch of luxury with quilted Napa leather on the seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, aluminum trim, and Santos Rosewood inlays. The infotainment system gets a 10.25-inch touchscreen. When your personal device needs to power up, just lay it on the Qi-enabled Wireless Charging Pad.

Protecting everyone are such driver-assists as Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop and Go. This keeps a safe distance between you and the next car by automatically adjusting your speed as traffic conditions change. If you’re about to hit the vehicle in front, the smart braking systems can stop your SUV before an accident happens. Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keep Assist tell you when you’re straying from the right path and nudges steering to keep you in your lane.

Fun on the Road Mazda MX-5 Miata

Because the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata weighs less than 2,400 lbs., it easily zooms through your favorite thoroughfares as you experience the exhilaration of athletic maneuvers. If you choose the convertible model, you can drop the top when the sun shines and revel in the wind through your hair as you feel your natural surroundings. You’ll pass more gas stations you’ll rush forward with the automatic transmission and an EPA-estimated fuel economy of up to 26 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway.

Brightening your night journeys are headlamps, Daytime Running Lights, and taillights that use energy-saving LEDs. The available Adaptive Front-lighting System aims its beams in the direction of your turn, so you can see more quickly around curves and corners. With the Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry System, you won’t be fumbling with keys when you enter your vehicle and push the Start Button to get going.

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