Mazdees:

FAQ about car repairs

Here are a number of questions we hear all the time:

If my car is overheating, what do I do?
When should I replace my timing belt?
What are some of the other times that I need to change parts out?
Why should I bring my car to Mazdees?
What is the check engine light?
When is the best time to change out antifreeze/coolant?

If my car is overheating, what do I do?
If your vehicles begins to overheat, immediately shut it off. Do not try to make the next exit, or say "I'm almost home", it will make it. This is a common and usually an expensive mistake. If a major leak has just occurred you have little or no coolant left. New vehicles today carry very little coolant, approx. a gallon and a half. In a short period of time the block becomes extremely hot and that is when major engine damage occurs. This is the reason for seeking out a skilled technician as they look for these type of problems waiting to happen before they happen. A tow bill is less expensive than a motor replacement. back to top

When should I replace my timing belt?
To date, all models of Mazda's need to have the timing belt replaced at 60,000 miles or 5 years which ever comes first. Note: To date all the Mazda vehicles are Non-interference engines. Which means that the valves will not come in contact with piston upon breakage of the belt. But, when it does jump time or break, that's when you need to get out your cellular phone and call a tow truck, because it will not go any further. back to top

What are some of the other times that I need to change parts out?
As far as other serviceable items such as spark plugs, filters, brakes, etc. You can usually find the information in the owner's manual in the glove box. There are fewer and fewer serviceable items these days, so it's important to have your car checked out at every possible chance. example: oil and filter change, just a quick look at fluid levels, belts, and general condition of the vehicle, can greatly improve your chances of catching a problem. There again a trained eye is always your best bet. back to top

Why should I bring my car to Mazdees?
People that bring their vehicle to Mazdees, for the most part like to save money, but are not willing to sacrifice quality. We install OEM quality parts, and when those are not available we will take the next step down to Remanufactured. We give the same warranty as the local dealerships, at one year/ 12,000 miles which ever comes first. back to top

What is the check engine light?
A check engine light is the computer or ECU's way of relating a small problem to you. Usually it is a minor electrical malfunction in one or more of the feedback sensors, actuators, or solenoids. If the vehicle is still running okay, probably not that serious, though it would be a good idea to have it checked out as soon as possible, even if it goes back out after a little driving. Sometimes these codes can tell the technician a good starting point to diagnose your vehicles. Good example of putting the wrong octane in a Millenia S, can sometimes set a knock sensor code. Not tightening the gas cap after refueling on a 626 can set a code. So sometimes you see it can be your fault not the cars. The more you know of the car the less fear you will have when that light pops on. back to top

When is best time to change out the anti-freeze/coolant?
Every 2 years. back to top

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