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Mazda Motor Corporation today began production of the all-new Mazda MX-5 two-seater lightweight sports car (known as Mazda Roadster in Japan) at Ujina Plant No.1 in Hiroshima. The first models produced are destined for the Japanese market. Sales of the all-new MX-5 will begin in Japan around June this year and interested buyers can make an appointment for pre-sale discussions through a dedicated website from noon on Friday, March 20. Following sales start in Japan, the MX-5 will be progressively rolled out to overseas markets. The MX-5 is an iconic model representing Mazda's vehicle engineering philosophy: the pursuit of driving pleasure. With production exceeding 950,000 units as of the end of January 2015, the MX-5 continues to hold the Guinness World Record for the world’s best-selling two-seater sports car. In order to respond to ever increasing demands for safety features and environmental performance while maintaining the element of fun that has always defined the model, development of the fourth generation MX-5 was carried out under the motto “innovate in order to preserve”. In addition to incorporating SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY and KODO—Soul of Motion design, development focused on enhancing the senses and sensations through which people enjoy cars. Moving forward, Mazda will continue to enrich the lives of its customers through a variety of touch points including the production of high-quality vehicles, and become a brand that maintains a special bond with its customers.

With warmer weather on the horizon, including for those living in the Chesapeake, Norfolk, and Virginia Beach area, you’ll find that numerous outdoor events such as 5K races will be taking place. One of these races is the FARA Fest Lei Day 5K in April. If you’re interested in attending or participating in this great 5K in Virginia Beach, here’s your guide to the FARA Fest Lei Day Race. Basic Information The Lei Day race, which will take place on Saturday, April 18 starting at 10:30 am, is a Jimmy Buffet–themed event for Parrot Heads all over the area that benefits the Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA). Friedreich's ataxia is a rare, progressive nerve disease that impacts walking ability and ultimately the ability to live independently. For those looking for something less intense than a 5K, you can opt to run/walk the Flip Flop 1 Mile. This event will start promptly at 10 am, right before the Lei Day 5K. After the Race After taking part in this fun-filled 5K race, you’ll get a finisher’s medal, finish line lei, and more. Also, if you preregister, you’ll be able to get free food and beverages. Also after the race, you’ll be able to enjoy the Tailgate Beach Party to celebrate finishing. Preregistered runners will be able to enjoy a soundtrack from a live Jimmy Buffet tribute band, a frozen concoction stand, fun games, and more. Registration Information Parrot Heads and runners alike interested in taking part in the FARA Fest Lei Day Race can head to the official website to sign up. The cost for the 5K ranges from $30 to $40 for individuals depending on when you register. For those who will be running as part of a group, it will cost $25 for a team of four or a team of 15 people or more. On the day of the race, it will cost $50 for individuals only. For those interested in taking part in the Flip Flop 1 Mile, it will cost $15 for those 12 and under and $25 for those 13 and up. For a group of four or a group of 15 or more, it will cost $15. On race day, it will cost $30 for those ages 13 and older. The FARA Fest Lei Day 5K Race and Flip Flop 1 Mile is a great event for those looking to contribute to a good cause while having fun at the same time. Again, it’s set to take place on April 18, so if you’re interested in participating, sign up today so you make sure you get your spot! This information about the FARA Fest Lei Day 5K Race and Flip Flop 1 Mile has been brought to you by Cavalier Mazda, your Chesapeake Mazda dealer. Our dealership is located close to Norfolk and Virginia Beach, so stop by and see our inventory of new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles. And when you’re ready to make a purchase, be sure to ask our associates about scheduling your test drive!

Valentine’s Day in Norfolk and Virginia Beach is filled with great events for you and your sweetheart to enjoy. Though plentiful, having a ton of options to choose from can be tough for couples in the area. To help you decide, your Chesapeake Mazda dealer has listed some of the great events you and your date can take part in. Below are just a few Valentine’s Day 2015 events in Virginia Beach. Red Hot Valentine’s Day Ball On February 14 from 8 pm to 12 am, head to the Wyndham Hotel on Atlantic Avenue for the Annual Red Hot Valentine’s Day Ball. This event is featuring great entertainment from The Right On Band, a light show and more. You and your date also have access to seven bars, two buffet tables, chocolate fountains, formal photography, a casino with prizes and more! Tickets will cost $150 per person and there are room packages available online. Be My Valentine with Romonta and Friends Montego Island Grill giving those all over the area with a romantic date atmosphere at their location in town. Spending the holiday at this event means a beautiful candlelit dinner table decorated and reserved for you and your Valentine. Here, both of you can try out scrumptious Caribbean food and beverages while you take in live music from Romanta and Friends. Finally, at the end of the night, you can give your date beautiful flowers and chocolates for the ultimate Valentine’s Day experience. Down Syndromes Association’s Step Up for Love Valentine’s Gala On Valentine’s Day from 6 pm to 9 pm, the Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel will be hosting the Down Syndrome Association of Hampton Road’s Step Up Love Valentine’s Gala. The cocktail hour will start at 6 pm, and it will be paired with a silent auction and welcome speech. After that, a live auction will start, and for the remainder of the night, you and your date can enjoy dancing and music from a DJ. This is a charitable event, and all proceeds earned throughout the night will go towards the Down Syndrome Association. Valentine’s Day Wine Tasting Whole Foods is hosting a special Valentine’s Day Wine Tasting event for wine loving couples. Wines will be carefully selected to accompany a dinner for two style sample menu. This will feature dry aged beef, cheeses, and an indulgent dessert. If you’re thinking of attending this event, be sure to sign up soon as there are only 14 spots open. From charitable events to decadent and delicious meals, you’ll find something great for you and your date right here in Virginia Beach. So take the cliché out of Valentine’s Day this year, and take your love out to one of these exciting and entertaining events. And if you’re looking for a stylish Valentine’s Day gift of just need bold car to drive around Virginia Beach and Norfolk with your Valentine, stop by Cavalier Mazda and take a stroll through the showroom to check out the new Mazda vehicles today.

On January 22, 2015, Mazda3 was named “Best-in-Class” in the under $20,000 category by Kiplinger Personal Finance in its 2015 Annual Car Guide and Best Value Awards. According to Kiplinger Personal Finance, the winners of the Best Value Awards are determined after a comprehensive review of hundreds of vehicles that reveal the best values on the newest models. Additional information about the award can be found in the annual buyer’s guide, “Deals on New Wheels,” which appears in the March issue and online at www.kiplinger.com/links/cars. The 2015 Mazda3 is equipped with SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY, which allows it to achieve among the highest fuel economy and exhilarating driving dynamics in its respective class. Additionally, components of i-ACTIVSENSE have helped Mazda3 earn a Top Safety Pick designation from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) and receive a 5-Star Safety Rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

On January 12, 2015, Edmunds.com named its “2015 Most Popular” award winners which included Mazda3 (Compact Car), Mazda CX-5 (Compact Crossover SUV) and Mazda CX-9 (Large Crossover SUV). According to Edmunds.com, the three models in each vehicle segment that attract the most car-shopper consideration from January 1, 2014 through October 31, 2014 are presented with the award. Additional information about the awards can be viewed at http://www.edmunds.com/car-reviews/most-popular-2015.html. The 2015 Mazda CX-5 and the 2015 Mazda3, are equipped with SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY which allows them to achieve among the highest fuel economy and exhilarating driving dynamics in their respective class. Additionally, components of i-ACTIVSENSE help to assist drivers in detecting potential collision situations and aids in the avoidance of these dangers. Mazda CX-9 is Mazda’s seven-passenger SUV delivering a refined interior while serving a perfect platter of power and agile handling.

WASHINGTON, DC (December 11, 2014) –  In addition to the actions announced on December 4, 2014, as discussed in a separate document, Mazda today announced the following steps in the Takata recall: Mazda will institute a nationwide Safety Improvement Campaign of 2004-2008 model-year Mazda6 and RX-8 models equipped with certain Takata airbag inflators. The nationwide Safety Improvement Campaign will cover the driver’s-side airbag inflator, as Mazda has not made a safety defect determination at this time.  This action will support us to gather additional parts for examination and to promote customer satisfaction and safety. There are approximately 330,000 vehicles included in this Safety Improvement Campaign in the United States So far, Takata has tested a large number of inflators removed from Mazda vehicles, and NONE have been found to be non-compliant at this time One vehicle – a 2005 Mazda6 located in Florida – has been identified as having experienced an abnormal driver’s-side airbag deployment.  Mazda has worked closely with NHTSA on this situation Mazda will participate in the independent, industry-wide joint testing program for Takata airbag inflators For history, on December 4, 2014, Mazda announced: It would expand the area of the high-temperature, high-humidity region recall to include the Gulf Coast states.  This campaign included both driver’s- and passenger-side airbag inflators The following states and territories comprise the High Absolute Humidity Region - Florida; Puerto Rico; Hawaii; Saipan; Guam; American Samoa; US Virgin Islands; Georgia; Alabama; Louisiana; Mississippi; Texas. As of December 4 th, the estimated vehicles in all Mazda-Takata campaigns is 86,773. (Pending Polk Data confirmation). Mazda is working closely with Takata to move forward the supply timing for replacement airbags. We continue to encourage customers to respond to our campaigns, and are making direct-to-customer phone calls and re-sending notification letters. With safety as our first priority, we are cooperating with Takata to work toward finding a solution to this problem as early as possible. This situation is fluid, and updates will be provided regularly. 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 more than 700 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City.

IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 17, 2014 / PRNewswire / -- The 2015 Mazda3 today received a Residual Value Award for the Compact Car Segment by ALG, making it the second straight year Mazda3 has won the award and third since 2010. ALG, the analytics division of TrueCar, Inc., is the industry benchmark for projecting future vehicle values and depreciation data. The annual ALG Residual Value Awards honor the vehicles and brands that are predicted to retain the highest percentage of their original price after a conventional three-year period. "We are honored that Mazda3 has been recognized by ALG for the second year in a row," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO). "It is a true testament of the quality, dependability, reliability and value of the Mazda3, which has only made this segment leader stronger and customers have spoken by making it the best-selling Mazda vehicle." ALG recognizes 26 vehicles with segment awards, along with two brands presenting the Mainstream and Premium sectors of the industry. This year's awards are based on 2015 year vehicles. "Mazda kept the 2015 pricing flat on the Mazda3, allowing it to remain one of the best values in the Compact segment, and earn its second straight Residual Value Award," said Larry Dominique, President of ALG. "Not only that, but the Mazda3 is one of the best all-around vehicles in the Compact segment." Previous ALG Residual Value Awards winners for Mazda were the 2014 Mazda3 (Compact Car), 2012 Mazdaspeed3 (Sporty Car), 2011 CX-9 (Mid-Size Utility) and 2010 Mazda3 (Compact Car). Award winners are determined through careful study of the competition in each segment, historical vehicle performance and industry trends. Vehicle quality, production levels relative to demand, and pricing and marketing strategies represent key factors that impact ALG's residual value forecasts. Starting at $16,945, the 2015 Mazda3 includes an array of new standard features and package content such as the manual transmission option for the more powerful SKYACTIV-G 2.5L. Touting exceptional styling and an impressive 41 mpg highway, the 2015 Mazda3 is also incredibly fun to drive. Similar to its new-generation SKYACTIV ® Technology and KODO "Soul of Motion"-designed brethren such as the CX-5 compact SUV and Mazda6 mid-size sedan, Mazda's compact car has earned itself critical acclaim by topping "Best Car" lists and receiving "Car of the Year" nods. Mazda3 also saw the introduction of another game-changing Mazda-developed technology known as MAZDA CONNECT™. A next-generation in-vehicle connectivity system, MAZDA CONNECT's seven-inch full-color touchscreen hub will make its way into the rest of the brand's full lineup. Based on the heads-up cockpit concept, this new Human Machine Interface (HMI) system aims to aid drivers in maintaining a proper driving posture, keep a concentrated focus on the road ahead and promoting safer habits while behind the wheel. For more information, visit www.mazdausamedia.com. About Mazda North American Operations 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. About ALG Founded in 1964 and headquartered in Santa Barbara, California, with an office in Toronto, Ontario, ALG is an authority on automotive residual value projections in North America. By analyzing nearly 2,500 vehicle trims each year to assess residual value – which is mainly driven by used car inventory, brand strength, macroeconomic conditions, incentive spending and pricing – ALG provides auto industry and financial services clients with resale insights, forecasts and consulting services about the future vehicle marketplace. ALG, owned by TrueCar, Inc., the negotiation-free car buying and selling platform, has been publishing residual values for all cars, trucks and SUVs in the U.S. for 50 years and in Canada since 1981. For more information, visit www.alg.com. About TrueCar TrueCar, Inc. (NASDAQ: TRUE) is the negotiation-free car buying and selling platform. TrueCar enables a negotiation-free car buying experience by giving buyers transparent insight into what others actually paid (price confidence), upfront pricing information (price discovery), and access to a network of trusted TrueCar Certified Dealers who provide guaranteed savings certificates and seamlessly complete the car purchase. The reality is that buying a car is painful and buyers fear they are going to overpay or be surprised with hidden fees. TrueCar's transparent upfront pricing information makes the car buying process simple so there are no surprises and buyers never overpay. TrueCar's mission is to make car buying simple, fair and fun. Its national network of more than 9,000 TrueCar Certified Dealers, including both new car franchise dealers and non-franchise dealers, is committed to providing negotiation-free savings off MSRP and upfront pricing information for all car-buyers, including members of some of the country's largest membership and service organizations such as AARP, American Express, AAA, and USAA. Note: Not all program features are available in all states. Go to www.truecar.com for program details. TrueCar is headquartered in Santa Monica, Calif., with offices in Santa Barbara, Calif., San Francisco, Calif., and Austin, Texas. SOURCE Mazda North American Operations For further information: Eric Booth, Mazda North American Operations, +1-949-727-6144 or David Gordon, Mazda Information Bureau, +1-714-913-9943

IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 28, 2014 / PRNewswire / -- Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today announced the second-annual Mazda Drive for Good ™ winter event and partnership with NBCUniversal. The 2014 Mazda Drive for Good event will increase opportunities for charitable donations, will include a larger local outreach through additional charities, and of course include the donation of thousands of charitable service hours from Mazda and Mazda dealer employees. Mazda has partnered with NBCUniversal to help expand the reach of the Mazda Drive for Good campaign across the company's portfolio and ultimately serve one lucky community in need of charitable assistance. "Mazda Drive for Good started as an idea, a way to bring together the good things Mazda, its employees, its dealers and its business partners were doing in their local community," explained Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO, MNAO. "From there it grew into a way for Mazda to reach new heights in charitable giving, whether monetarily or through volunteer service. Mazda is honored to expand our efforts further by partnering with NBCUniversal and helping a community that needs an extra hand to achieve its goal." "We are excited to team up with Mazda around their 'Mazda Drive for Good' campaign and inspire philanthropic activities in communities across the country," said Alison Tarrant, Executive Vice President, Client Solutions Group, NBCUniversal. "Through the unmatched scale of our portfolio, NBCUniversal has partnered with Mazda for a unique and custom program that empowers our passionate audiences during the most charitable time of the year." Together, Mazda and NBCUniversal aim to help communities, across the country, that have a non-profit project in need of resources. The partnership will span across NBCUniversal's broadcast, cable and digital networks with calls for nominations featuring actress, Academy Award® nominee and philanthropist, Minnie Driver. Viewers will be encouraged to nominate themselves through an online contest where they can tell their story and why their community needs assistance. Submissions will be received starting October 27 th and end November 12 th. Consumers can submit their story via NBC.com/MazdaDrive4Good. The selected community representative will be surprised by Driver and attend NBC's annual Rockefeller Tree Lighting at Rockefeller Center on December 3 rd. Custom creative spots, produced by NBCUniversal's Content Innovation Agency, featuring Driver, and their community will highlight their story. Mazda commits to helping this community through monetary donation and volunteer service. "The differentiating factor for the Mazda Drive for Good event is the pledged volunteer hours," added O'Sullivan. "It helps bring the program to a local level by providing charities much need hands-on support." The Mazda Drive for Good winter event is in its second year of fundraising and Mazda has announced that it will increase its monetary donation from $100 to $150 per new Mazda sold or leased between November 21, 2014 and January 2, 2015. Mazda stands to again differentiate itself again by pledging one hour of charitable service for every test drive of a new Mazda throughout this same time period. Mazda will again work through four national charities and 42 local charities, all of which will be announced at a later date. The 2013 Mazda Drive for Good winter event was the first time this charitable event was held. Results were astounding as Mazda donated more than $2.7 million to charity and pledged more than 56,000 service hours. Mazda partnered with four national charities including St. Jude Children's Research Hospital ®, American Red Cross, American Heart Association, and Mazda Foundation, and reached locally through its dealers and 32 local charities. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7dhKGFtlGc Follow the social conversation on Twitter at #MazdaDrive4Good. About Mazda North American Operations 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. About NBCUniversal NBCUniversal is one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. NBCUniversal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment television networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, world-renowned theme parks, and a suite of leading Internet-based businesses. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131205/MM28870LOGO SOURCE Mazda North American Operations For further information: Nick Beard, Mazda North American Operations, 949-727-6567 or Eric Booth, Mazda North American Operations, 949-727-6144

Your transmission is the hardest working component in your vehicle; therefore it will take the brunt of wear and tear due to the heat and friction produced with by the vehicle’s moving parts. The following is a list of the most common transmission problems that drivers face. If you experience or are experiencing any of the following symptoms with your vehicle and live in the Virginia area, it's recommended that you schedule an appointment or visit Cavalier Mazda of Chesapeake, VA today. Your ‘check engine light’ is the first indication to any problems that may require your attention concerning your vehicle. The check engine light does not illuminate just because there is a transmission issue,  but if the light is on and you experience any of the following signs of transmission failure, you will want to consult your mechanic as soon as you can to prevent further damage occurring. A burning smell in your vehicle is a signal that there is something wrong with your car and will require attention immediately. A burning smell can be produced from your transmission. This is caused by low fluid levels or fluids that have been broken down by the heat and friction produced by operation. Leaking fluid is the number one reason of transmission failure. Transmission fluid is designed to stay within the transmission to cool down and lubricate operations. There is no place for the fluid to go. If fluid levels are dropping, it may be due to a leak. Place cardboard underneath your transmission to test for leaking. Transmission fluid is red in color or a dark red/brown color with a sweet smell. If transmission fluid is collecting on the piece of cardboard, you have a leak and will require attention immediately. Low fluid levels will lead to many, and often expensive, issues within your transmission. Low fluid levels could lead to many symptoms including the burning of fluid and slippage of gears. A sufficient level of transmission fluid is required to maintain lubrication, cooling, operations and necessary pressure. Lack of response is another transmission issue to look out for. When shifting your vehicle into drive from park, the gears should respond immediately. If you notice a delay (typically 1.5 - 2 seconds) before your vehicle moves, your transmission is showing signs of response troubles. Like lack of response, drivers with transmission problems also experience the inability to change gears. This is an issue especially found in automatic transmissions, where gears refuse to shift while in operation. Those that drive manual transmission vehicles will also notice the difficulty in shifting. Some transmission issues allow for the ease of gear shifting but will pose troubles in staying in gear. This is the problem of gear slipping. While on the open road, it's common for a bad transmission to drop out of gear. This is evident through changes in engine noise/pitch as the gears slip into a lower gear, awaiting sufficient pressure to shift back into the correct gear. Another problem with open road transmission problems is a grinding and/or shaking feeling. Your vehicle is designed for a smooth ride with effortless transitions from gear to gear. A manual transmission that is experiencing troubles will present a grinding feel and sound when shifting. An automatic transmission problem will give the sensation of shaking or wobbling as the gears shift. A defect in your transmission could start out as a small problem but could easily become a huge problem, requiring replacement that will present you with a very large bill. If you experience any of the symptoms above, contact your mechanic as soon as possible to prevent a small problem from becoming a large one. Cavalier Mazda specializes in transmission services and our team would be happy to assist you. Conveniently schedule an appointment online now or view our service department menu.

You know that vibration you feel in your steering wheel as you hit the highway? Do the passengers in the car feel the floor shake and vibrate? Maybe your travels are in a vehicle that wobbles. This is a sure sign that your vehicle is in need of having its tires balanced. As you drive, your tires will take on a different shape, causing inconsistencies in the rotation of the wheels. The reshaping of tires can be caused by the following: Hard braking, which will create a flat spot on the tire Poor construction of the tire The shape of the road Potholes The corners you take Buildup of ice and mud Losing the balance weights that were placed on the rims of your tires to keep the tires balanced to begin with. When the rotation around the tire is not spinning evenly, wear and tear to your tires is going to cause tire deterioration quickly. Not only will your tires start to break down, but this will also strain the wheel bearings and suspension system. If not corrected, you will have further repairs to consider that are costly. For a complete list of tire services in Chesapeake, VA see the Cavalier Mazda website. It's recommended that tire balancing is performed on a regular basis, ideally every 4,000 - 6,000 miles. You'll also want to make sure that your tires are balanced when you do/have the following: Any time you have your tires replaced Have a tire patched If you've had new wheels installed After purchasing new rims Steering wheel vibrations at highway speeds Seat and/or floor board vibrations at highway speeds A bouncy feel when driving, and cupped wear patterns on your tires Today's vehicles are much easier to sense the need for a tire balance. The heavy cars of the past would weigh down the wobbling and vibration caused by imbalance, whereas today's vehicles are made much lighter and with lower profiles so that the driver can easily sense irregularities in the vehicle operation. Only a half-ounce of imbalance will cause issues for the vehicle and driver. With the design of newer vehicles, the slightest imbalance can be felt. Having your tires serviced and balanced on a regular basis will result in the following: Smooth ride Maintain longevity of tires Maintain longevity of suspension The betterment of drive-train components If you are experiencing any of the signs that may be telling you to get your tires balanced, schedule an appointment or visit Cavalier Mazda of Chesapeake, VA as soon as possible. This will not only keep your vehicle safe on the roads but will save you a lot of money in future repair bills. Conveniently schedule an appointment online today.

There are many factors that determine the life of a car battery, such as how you drive, weather conditions, and how much charge it is getting from the car. On average, the car battery will work most efficiently for a four year span. After four years the chemical compounds begin their slow decline and the battery will become less effective until it dies. It is important to realize that four years is the average battery span. The life of your car battery may be shortened if your car is subject to the following conditions. Your car is stored or operated under extreme temperatures - If the area you live and drive has extremely cold or extremely hot temperatures this may shorten the battery life. Powering a lot of accessories - As technology increases and is used with relative frequency, more and more items are being designed for use in cars. Unfortunately, the more items that are plugged in and using the battery's power, the quicker it will lose its effectiveness due to being overworked. So those who stream videos and music through the outlets in their car may need to replace their batteries sooner. Driving in mainly short commutes - The amount of electricity to start a car is higher than running it. When you are driving, the battery is getting the charge from the engine. If you mainly drive short distances, your battery will not have time to get fully charged and this may shorten the overall life of the battery. For auto service repairs in the Virginia area, schedule an appointment with Cavalier Mazda of Chesapeake, VA today. When your battery does start to decline, sometimes there are warning signs. An obvious sign would be that the car battery is dead, but don't assume it is just the battery as it could be the alternator not supplying enough power to the battery. Have your battery checked regularly at oil change and maintenance appointments. The mechanic will electronically check the health of your battery. Check the outside of the battery. Look for stains and corrosion which can indicate a battery leak. Buildup around the terminals can be cleaned with water and baking soda but please be sure to use protective gloves. Check for obvious smells. A battery that smells like rotten eggs or sulfur may be overheating and needs to be replaced. While it is not always possibly to detect problems with a battery before it dies, it is important to do your best to keep it maintained and not ignore signs that it may be not functioning properly. Some batteries work for longer, but that can have a lot to do with the driving and use of the car. When a battery fails, you not only have the inconvenience of having to replace it, but it can break down at inconvenient times. If you break down late at night or during a long road trip, you can be stranded along the road for some time. Depending on where this happens it may not only be inconvenient and time consuming, but unsafe as well. The best way to avoid an unexpected breakdown or driving complications is to make sure your service center regularly checks your battery for signs of deterioration. If you reside in the Chesapeake, Virginia area, Cavalier Mazda provides auto service for all types of cars and can assist you in the replacement, maintenance, or check-up of your car battery. Their service department is available Monday through Saturday.

If your front head light and fog lights on your Mazda don’t look crystal clear anymore and look like they have been covered with wax paper, then it may be time to clean them. Front lights are crucial for safety; especially when driving at night. Thankfully, you can clean them on your own. It will help you keep them looking new (which is awesome if you want to trade your Mazda in at some point). Do you want to learn how to clean your front lights? Check out the following tips to help you keep your fog lights and head lights looking like new. Getting Started When cleaning your front lights, the first thing you will want to do is to inspect them so that you know exactly which approach to take. If you notice that your headlights are a little hazy, you will want to inspect them in the daylight (both on and off) to figure out the extent of the damage. This will help you determine whether they need to be examined professionally or if your headlights need to be replaced. You will also be looking for major scratches or abrasions that could signal something more serious. Wash your front lights with car soap If your Mazda is plagued with the usual road grime and grit, this can make analysis quite difficult. Therefore, before you begin looking for issues; simply wash your front lights with car wash soap and warm water. After they have dried, you must look for any specific issues. Are your front lights hazy? Haziness occurs when the hard coat on your lights has worn off which allows the soft polycarbonate that is underneath to be exposed. If this is the issue, performing a quick clean will effectively slow down the degeneration of your headlights. However, it is important to note that a more comprehensive cleaning may be needed. Yellow Front Lights? Yellowing occurs when the hard coat begins to thin out and is losing adhesion to the polycarbonate lens. The UV wavelength spectrum creates a reaction in the carbonic chain which will allow for the absorption of blue light. The end result of this is a yellowish tint to your lights. If this is the case, you will need to perform a more comprehensive cleaning. This can be done with Rain-X or a polishing compound which will help clean your front lights and correct the damage that was caused. Cracks and Peeling? When the hard coat on your front lights begins to deteriorate, spotting will begin to occur in certain areas; like the corners or the upper region. In addition, it may look as if the hard coat is peeling or flaking off. This will eventually lead to deep cracks in the lens which means that your headlights/fog lights will need to be professionally resurfaced or replaced. In the meantime, you can clean them up as much as you can. Use the above method while you begin to price new lights. Are your front lights made out of glass? The front lights on the majority of vehicles are made out of plastic and will display the symptoms described above. However, glass headlights are found on older models which makes cleaning them more complicated. These types of lights should be examined by service professionals. Therefore, if your glass headlights are showing signs of wear, take them in and have them checked. Are you in the Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and/or Norfolk area and want your front lights professionally cleaned? Stop by Cavalier Mazda today to get the job done quickly and efficiently.