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a red mazda retaining resale value

4 Ways You Can Maintain Your Mazda's Resale Value

When you invest in a Mazda vehicle, you want to do everything you can to keep it in excellent condition. After all, you don't want this investment to lose its value. Follow a few tips to maintain the resale value of your Mazda car or SUV. Protect It From the Elements If you have a garage, one of the best ways to protect your Mazda is to keep it stored inside. However, in many households, the garage becomes a collection spot for gardening tools and equipment, holiday decorations, and other items that don't necessarily need to take up this valuable space. Leaving your car outside while you protect these items in the garage can lower its value, as the changing climate conditions can impact the appearance of the paint job and the life of the battery. more Additionally, if your car is parked outside, it is subject to debris that can cause chips and other damage. If you don't have a garage at home, consider covering your car when it's parked outside. Even a vehicle cover can make a big difference in protecting the paint job. Don't Smoke in the Car Cigarette and cigar smoke are extremely difficult to remove from the cabin of a car, and these odors can decrease the value of the vehicle very quickly. If you smoke, make sure to do so outside your vehicle. Even smoking with the windows down can still cause the odors to permeate the upholstery and carpeted floors, leaving behind a lingering smell that could deter potential buyers. Keep It Clean The condition of both the interior and exterior of a vehicle will play a role in its value. Get in the habit of washing and drying your car regularly to remove any buildup of road sludge, mud, salt, and dirt that can accumulate during normal driving. If you drive in an area with snow and ice on the roads, the salt used to keep the roads clear can actually lead to corrosion and other damage. Regular washing is essential to maintaining the exterior appearance. Every month or so, apply a coat of wax to protect the paint from damage. Keeping your vehicle's interior clean is also important, as stains and tears can make the cabin look less appealing. If you do spill something in your car, treat the stain as soon as possible to get rid of it before it stays on the upholstery or carpet permanently. Stay Current With Maintenance Maintaining your vehicle also helps in keeping its value up. Stay current with oil changes, filter changes, and fluid flushes to avoid issues that can impact the operation of the vehicle. Skipping an oil change could cause engine trouble that would be expensive to fix, so make sure you change the oil according to the owner's manual. At Rochester Mazda, we work with Mazda owners who want to upgrade to a new model. Visit us to find out what your current Mazda is worth and how it can help you get behind the wheel of a stylish new vehicle.

a black 2020 mazda miata from the side

Truly Experience the Road With the 2020 Mazda Miata

The 2020 Mazda Miata is a unique little sports car that delivers an intelligent design with a variety of performance features you're bound to love. If you're looking for an engine with pep and a car that's fun to drive, experience the road the right way with the 2020 Mazda Miata. Exterior Features and Style The 2020 Miata gives you the option of three trims: the Sport, the Club, and the Grand Touring. With the base Sport, the Miata comes with 16-inch alloy wheels with performance tires, LED headlights, and several colors to choose from. The mid-level Club gives you standards like 17-inch black wheels, a black-colored front lip, and a rear spoiler. You can add the optional Recaro Package to the manual Club, which upgrades this trim's sporty features to include red-colored front and rear brake calipers, gray BBS 17-inch wheels, and an aerodynamic body kit. more The Grand Touring is the Miata's top-level trim and builds on the Club by adding charcoal gray 17-inch wheels, automatic headlights, rain-sensing automatic wipers, and heated mirrors. The driver's side mirror also comes with an auto-dimmer. No matter which trim you choose, you'll be driving in style with the 2020 Miata. Engine and Performance All of the Miata's trim levels come with Mazda's 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. It packs some pep at 181 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. The Miata features a rear-wheel-drive system, and all trims come equipped with a six-speed manual transmission. However, you can always choose to add the optional six-speed automatic transmission instead. The Miata also has excellent fuel efficiency, with 26 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. The Miata Club with the six-speed manual comes with performance features such as shock tower braces, limited-slip differential system, sport-tuned Bilstein suspension and shock absorbers, and a sound enhancer for the engine. These performance features are also optional on the Grand Touring. Technology, Safety, and Security Zooming over highways in the Miata is even more exciting since Mazda updated each trim to include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility for the 2020 model lineup. Each trim also provides additional tech features, including a six-speaker sound system, keyless ignition, two USB charging ports, and a 7-inch touch screen. To keep you safe on the road, the 2020 Miata also gets plenty of safety and security features as well. Some of the Sport's standard driver-assistance features include blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. All trims also feature Mazda's advanced air bag system, ABS with the Smart City Brake Support system, Mazda Connect in-vehicle assistance system, traction control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The 2020 Mazda Miata is a responsive and nimble sports car that delivers both performance and style. Even the base Sport trim steps it up for 2020 with its technology offerings and safety features. No matter which trim you choose, you'll get a car that truly delivers an engaging and stimulating driving experience. Stop by Rochester Mazda today to take one for a test drive.

a hand performing DIY car detailing on it's vehicle

5 Pro Tips for Detailing Your Car at Home

Whether your vehicle is brand new or a certified pre-owned model, it's important to learn how to maintain it and keep it clean. With these five pro tips for detailing your car at home, you can ensure the life and care of your vehicle. Choosing Cleaning Supplies If you want to detail your car the right way, you'll need to choose the appropriate cleaning supplies. Start with a car shampoo for washing. Avoid using dish soap because of its harsh chemicals that can damage your paint job. You can opt for two-in-one car shampoos that have paint conditioners mixed in. For tires, wheels, lights, and windows, use tire and rim cleaning products and special glass cleaner for automobile glass. You'll also need several soft cleaning cloths for different areas of your car. more Washing Your Vehicle If you want to wash your car like a pro, first set up two separate buckets: one for soap and soaking and another for rinsing. This way you don't cross-contaminate your clean rinse water with dirt and debris. Wash your tires and rims first, then move onto the rest of your vehicle, starting at the top and working your way down. Keep a few separate washrags to use for the body paint, plastic trim, and other parts where you don't want to transfer dirt from used washcloths. When you're done, rinse your vehicle from the top down. Drying Your Vehicle While it isn't a big deal to let your car air dry after washing it, hand-drying your vehicle can reduce water spots and areas where water accumulates, like the nooks and crannies around the hood. To dry your car without these unsightly water stains, use a chamois cloth made especially for vehicles. You may want to invest in two chamois cloths, one for drying the body of your car and another for drying the rims, tires, and bumper areas. Protecting the Paint Protect your paint job just like the pro service detailers by using the best car wax products. You'll also need a soft cotton cloth for this job so that you can apply and buff in the wax product. When you plan to wax your car, move it to a shaded area so it's out of the sun. Applying wax and paint protectant products while your vehicle is hot or sitting in the sunshine can cause the wax to bake into the paint of your car, which can end up damaging your paint job rather than protecting it. Detailing the Interior Get the inside of your car exceptionally clean by investing in a stout vacuum with attachments for reaching small crevices. Use appropriate cleaners for the dash, console, and other components that aren't cloth. You can also shampoo your seat and floorboard upholstery with products made just for car materials. If you have leather upholstery, consider a leather cleaning spray to wipe down the seats, console, and steering wheel. Detailing your car may be a day-long project, but you can seriously improve the appearance of your vehicle with regular upkeep. Additionally, keeping your car clean and tidy will help ensure your vehicle's longevity.

a tire showing how to read tire sizes

How to Read Tire Sizes

If you're replacing the tires on your vehicle, you'll need to know their size, diameter, and any other important information. Here's a quick guide for how to read tire sizes so that you can purchase the right tires for your car. Tire Type First, locate the sequence of numbers and letters on the sidewall of your tire. This will be the same on all four of your tires. The sequence you're looking for should read something like "P245/50R20 102V." The first part of this sequence is a letter that represents the type of tire you have. In this example, the letter is P, which stands for "passenger" and signifies that the tires are inspected according to federal safety standards for passenger vehicles. more Tire Width Next, you need to find the tire width, which is shown in millimeters. Looking at the same number sequence, locate the three-digit number directly following the tire type. In the example "P245/50R20 102V," the number indicating the tire width is 245. This tells you how wide your vehicle's tires need to be to fit onto the wheels. Aspect Ratio The aspect ratio is the height of the tire's sidewall, and you can find this number right after the slash and before the letter R in the sequence. In "P245/50R20 102V," the aspect ratio is 50. This means that the height of the tire equals 50% of the width, so the bigger the aspect ratio, the bigger the sidewall. Construction The letter R in the example "P245/50R20 102V" stands for "radial," which means that the tire's layers were constructed to run radially throughout the tire. Another example of a tire construction designation is the letter D, which represents tires built with diagonal layers. Typically, though, you'll see R for passenger vehicle tires. Wheel Diameter The wheel diameter comes next and is important to know because it essentially tells you what size tires will fit onto your rims. Look for the number that follows the letter R in the sequence. For the tire size "P245/50R20 102V," the wheel diameter is 20. This means that the tires need to fit 20-inch wheels. Load Index The load index tells you the maximum weight the tires can support. The load index number comes after the wheel diameter. In "P245/50R20 102V," the number 102 represents the load index, and you can look for that number on a standard chart to find out how many pounds it refers to. In this case, this tire can support 1,874 pounds. Speed Index The speed index represents a specific maximum speed that your tires can handle. To learn your speed index, find the letter that comes after the load index at the end of the sequence. In the example of "P245/50R20 102V," the V represents a specific maximum speed of 149 miles per hour. Different letters represent different maximum speeds, such as H for a maximum of 130 miles per hour. Now that you know how to read your tire size, you'll know exactly what to look for when you purchase new tires for your vehicle. For additional information about new vehicle tires and installation, stop by Rochester Mazda today.

differences between 2020 mazda cx-3, cx-5, and cx-9

CX-3, CX-5, CX-9: What Does It All Mean?

If you're looking for versatility and performance of an SUV, Mazda has several options to choose from. Among several new Mazda models to think about are the CX-3, CX-5, and CX-9. Here's an overview comparing all three Mazda models so you can decide which one is the best choice for you. Mazda CX-3 The 2020 Mazda CX-3 is a subcompact crossover SUV that is available in only the Sport trim level. The CX-3 boasts an appealing exterior that includes features like adaptive headlights, LED lighting, and several paint colors to choose from. The CX-3 offers several standard convenience and comfort features such as automatic climate control, push-button ignition, and remote keyless entry with Answer Back technology. more The CX-3 comes equipped with Mazda's SKYACTIV-G1 2.0-liter DOHC inline-four-cylinder engine with a 16-valve VVT. The engine is capable of 148 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque and pairs with an automatic transmission. The CX-3 comes standard in front-wheel drive or with Mazda's optional all-wheel-drive system. Travel confidently with the CX-3's safety features, including an advanced air bag system, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, stability control, traction control, a review camera, and adaptive cruise control. You'll also find various safety technology systems like blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, collision alert, and rear cross-traffic alert. Mazda CX-5 The 2020 CX-5 is a compact crossover SUV and a slight step up from the CX-3. It's available in five different trim levels for the 2020 model lineup: the Sport, Touring, Grand Touring, Grand Touring Reserve, and the Signature. The base Sport and upper trims come with standard features like LED headlights, daytime running lights, and more. All the CX-5 trims come with the SKYACTIV G 2.5-liter DOHC inline-four cylinder with either cylinder deactivation or VVT. The engine is capable of 187 horsepower and ranges up to 227 horsepower with premium fuel and comes paired with an automatic transmission. Inside the CX-5, you'll find standard features across all trim levels including enough seating for up to five passengers, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, and 40-20-40 split-folding rear seats. Infotainment and tech aren't lacking in any of the CX-5's trims, either. You can find standard hardware including a 7-inch touch screen and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Mazda CX-9 The Mazda CX-9 is another crossover SUV that comes in four trims: the Sport, Touring, Grand Touring, and Signature. All trims come with Mazda's standard exterior features including LED headlights, LED taillights, LED daytime running lights, 18-inch aluminum wheels, and a body-colored roof spoiler. All trims get Mazda's SKYACTIV-G2 2.5-liter Dynamic Pressure Turbo DOHC inline-four-cylinder engine and automatic transmission. You can drive the CX-9 with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The CX-9 also features the same safety and security technology that the CX-5 and CX-3 do, and you can add optional tech including Mazda's review camera with 360-degree viewing, trailer stability assist, and advanced blind-spot monitoring. Each Mazda model has plenty to offer when it comes to performance and versatility. With the safety, reliability, and technology of Mazda, no matter which model you choose, you're sure to have the perfect vehicle.

2020 mazda cx-9 specifications and features list

Show Up in Style With a 2020 Mazda CX-9

If you're looking for a standout SUV that's fun to drive and has smooth handling and a good fuel economy, the 2020 Mazda CX-9 may be the answer. From its upscale interior to its advanced driver-assistance features, you're sure to find what you and your passengers need with Mazda's 2020 CX-9. Read on to learn more about the features this SUV has to offer. Variety of Exterior Details The 2020 Mazda CX-9 comes in four trim levels: Sport, Touring, Grand Touring, and Signature. The Sport and Touring editions come with 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with a Gray Metallic finish and a body-colored rear roof spoiler. The Grand Touring trim comes with 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with Mazda's Brilliant Silver finish and a power-sliding glass moonroof with sunshade. The higher-level Signature model has the same wheels but with Mazda's Dark Silver finish. It also features a Signature badge and an LED signature grille accent lighting for added luxury. Upscale Interior The inside of the cabin has many high-end features and materials that give this SUV a luxury feel. The Signature trim, in particular, offers the most upscale materials with the Nappa leather seating and trim, the genuine Santos Rosewood inlays, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and LED overhead accent lighting. For added comfort, you also get heated front seats in all models. Power and Performance Capabilities All CX-9 models feature a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. With premium gas, you get an improved 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. This SUV also has a six-speed automatic transmission, and every model has the option of front-wheel or all-wheel drive, apart from the Signature model that only comes with all-wheel drive. Overall, the 2020 Mazda CX-9 offers a quiet ride and smooth handling. User-Friendly Entertainment Options The Mazda CX-9 also has a variety of features to keep you and your passengers entertained on the road. The Sport model has a 7-inch touchscreen display, while the Touring, Grand Touring, and Signature models all have an 8-inch screen. Not only is it easy to use, but it also offers clear and beautiful graphics. You also get an HD radio and the Mazda Connect Infotainment System, which includes voice command and onboard internet radio applications like Pandora. Every model apart from the Sport edition has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. These allow you to connect your smartphone device to your car while you're on the road. Apple CarPlay gives you access to maps, playlists, and your iPhone's contacts. You can also use compatible applications in your CX-9 using Siri. Safety and Driver-Assistance Features To prevent accidents and injuries, the 2020 Mazda CX-9 comes with several safety and driver-assistance features. Standard features include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. These features can help give you confidence on the road. They're also part of the standard i-Activsense bundle that's new to this lineup of SUVs. more If you're interested in seeing the Mazda CX-9 up close, visit Rochester Mazda today and take it for a test drive. We're happy to answer your questions and help you pick out your next vehicle.

list of best coffee shops in rochester, mn

Grab a Cold, Refreshing Coffee Drink at One of These Rochester, MN Coffee Shops

When you're searching for the perfect refreshing beverage to help you cool down, you can't beat a cold coffee drink. Whether you need a shot of energy in the morning or an afternoon pick-me-up, you'll love the variety of drinks you can find at these coffee shops around Rochester, Minnesota. Cafe Steam Cafe Steam is a warm and inviting brick-lined cafe with walls that feature local art, a spot for live music, and plenty of specialty drinks and baked goods on the menu. All the coffee selections are brewed using a Fetco brewer to help bring out the unique flavor profile. Some popular signature drinks include the Melya, which is raw cacao mixed with a syrup that uses local honey and two shots of espresso, and the Shakerato, which has three shots of espresso shaken with sugar and poured into a rocks glass. more Old Abe & Co. Old Abe & Co. started as a Dutch-style cargo tricycle built by Abe himself. Today, it's a popular vegan cafe situated near downtown Rochester. The diverse drink menu includes everything from the best NiTRO cold brew in the city to the popular G.O.A.T smoothie, which includes blueberries, raw cashews, chia seeds, banana, raw peanut butter, and almond milk. Other delicious drinks that can help you get your day going include the Vietnamese iced coffee, iced latte, iced chai latte, and iced dirty chai latte. Fiddlehead Coffee Co. Fiddlehead Coffee Co. is a farmer-friendly cafe that serves specialty coffee, craft cocktails, and artisan pastries. The coffee shop works directly with farmers to ensure the coffee beans are ethically farmed and of the highest quality. The coffee is served all day, and popular drink options include the house coffee, espresso, macchiato, Americano, latte, cappuccino, and cafe creme brulee. If you want to have a bite to eat with your drink, consider the omelet or quiche for breakfast or the grilled cheese or steak sandwich for lunch. Dunn Brothers Coffee Dunn Brothers Coffee is a locally owned company that focuses on fresh-roasted coffee from around the world. The coffee shop has unique on-site roasting equipment that allows it to provide the freshest coffee possible. All of the espresso drinks are served iced or hot. Some popular options include latte, mocha, Americano, and cappuccino. The cafe also serves Infinite Black cold press coffee, which is slow-brewed for 24 hours to deliver a smooth and bold flavor. St. James Coffee St. James Coffee proudly serves European Roasterie, Inc. coffee, which is a family-run business located in Le Center, Minnesota. Some of the popular iced drinks at the cafe include homemade cold brew, iced Americano, and iced chai latte. You can also find a nice selection of iced specialty mochas, such as the St. Andy's Mint, which includes dark chocolate and mint, as well as the decadent Divine Mercy Raspberry, which has white or dark chocolate and raspberry. The next time you're looking for a great place to enjoy a refreshing cold coffee drink, be sure to stop by one of these top cafes around Rochester.

best burgers in rochester mn

Find the Perfect Burger at One of These Rochester, MN Burger Bars

Sometimes nothing but a classic American burger will hit the spot. The next time you're craving a juicy burger cooked just the way you like it, you'll find exactly what you want when you check out these top burger bars around Rochester, Minnesota. Hot Chip Burger Bar Whether you're vegan or a meat lover, Hot Chip Burger Bar has something you'll love. At Hot Chip Vegan Burger Bar, you'll find plant-based vegan patties served on a toasted sprouted wheat and potato bun. The classic vegan burger comes with vegan American cheese, onion, pickles, and a special sauce. At the traditional Hot Chip Burger Bar, all burgers come with two 4-ounce patties served on a toasted egg bun. One popular option is the BBWT, which has Texas bacon, bacon jam, watercress, tomato, and mayonnaise. more Newt's Downtown Newt's Downtown has been serving up cold beer and great burgers since 1980. The restaurant uses pure ground beef that's hand-formed into thick, half-pound patties to retain their juiciness. The burgers are then served on buttered and grilled Kaiser buns that are baked fresh every day. If you're interested in trying something different, go with the peanut butter burger, which has two slices of hickory-smoked bacon and a dollop of creamy peanut butter. Another good option is the fried onion blue burger, which includes blue cheese and fried onions. The Half Barrel While The Half Barrel might be known for its over 300 types of whiskey, the restaurant is also a fantastic place to get a burger. You can't go wrong ordering The Barrel Burger with its whiskey cheddar cheese, tomato, lettuce, applewood-smoked bacon, caramelized onion, and truffle aioli sauce. If you like spicy food, order The Barrel Proof Burger, which has ghost pepper cheddar cheese, tomato, lettuce, fried jalapenos, and a chipotle aioli sauce. Even vegans can find something they'll enjoy with the Beyond Burger, which has a Beyond Burger patty with tofu mayonnaise, lettuce, and tomato on a dairy-free bun. Pappy's Place Pappy's Place is a laid-back spot in Rochester where you can get all of your favorite American fare. You'll find plenty of unique burger options on the menu, such as the Pappy Deluxe. This delicious burger includes cheese curds, onion rings, lettuce, tomato, pecan-smoked bacon, and a creamy barbecue sauce. Another specialty of Pappy's Place is the Hangover Burger, which has pecan-smoked bacon, cheddar cheese, hot sauce, and a fried egg. CB3 Burgers & Brews CB3 Burgers & Brews has a classic American menu that features handcrafted hamburgers, 22 craft beers on tap, signature adult milkshakes, and more. One great option to consider is the Goosey Lucy, which is CB3 Burgers & Brews' version of the Juicy Lucy. This half-pound Angus burger is stuffed with cheddar and cream cheese, grilled, topped with sweet caramelized onions and applewood-smoked bacon, and served on a brioche bun. No matter what type of burger you're interested in trying, you know you'll have a memorable meal when you dine at one of these top burger spots in Rochester.

a list of features in the new 2020 mazda cx-5

Experience the Power of the 2020 Mazda CX-5

If you're shopping for a new SUV, look no further than the 2020 Mazda CX-5. Whether you're looking for an upscale interior or added protection on the road, the CX-5 has it all. Read on to learn about some of the best features you get when you purchase the Mazda CX-5. Attractive and Roomy Interior This SUV offers a high-end and comfortable cabin. Some of these luxuries include a leather-wrapped steering wheel in all trim levels and Caturra Brown Nappa leather-trimmed seats in the Signature trim. In addition, all models seat up to five passengers comfortably. more In terms of cargo, there's plenty of room in the vehicle's rear storage space to fit anything you need, and there's even more room with the rear seats folded down. You also get small storage areas in the front of the car for smartphones and other personal belongings. Exterior Design Options The Mazda CX-5 comes in five trim levels: Sport, Touring, Grand Touring, Grand Touring Reserve, and Signature. All of these trims have something to boast about, so you're sure to find one that you love. The Sport trim comes with a roof-mounted antenna, 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels in Gray Metallic, and a body-colored rear roof spoiler. In addition to these features, the Touring trim comes with LED headlights with auto-leveling. The Grand Touring features larger, 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with Mazda's Brilliant Silver finish. It also comes with LED daytime running lights, LED fog lights, and LED combination taillights. Unlike the previous trims, the Grand Touring Reserve has a windshield wiper de-icer. The Signature edition features the unique 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with a Dark Silver finish. Power and Performance Options Apart from the two higher trim levels, the Mazda CX-5 comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. The Grand Touring Reserve and Signature trims have the turbocharged version of the same engine, which generates 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Overall, the Mazda CX-5 offers a quiet ride on highways no matter which trim you choose. You also have the option of front- and all-wheel drive on all models apart from the Grand Touring Reserve and Signature trims, which come standard with all-wheel drive. Easy-To-Use Entertainment Features To keep you and your passengers entertained on the road, take advantage of the SUV's 7-inch touchscreen display. You can also choose to add Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration on all trims excluding the entry-level model. These systems let you connect your smartphone to your SUV. With Apple CarPlay, in particular, you gain access to your contacts, playlists, and a variety of compatible applications using the voice-controlled Siri on the road. Safety and Driver-Assistance Features Mazda's i-Activsense package of driver-assistance features is new for this SUV lineup. Standard features include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. These features combine to offer you greater protection on the road. If you want to take the 2020 Mazda CX-5 for a spin, stop by Rochester Mazda for a test drive. We're here to answer your questions and give you the knowledge and clarity you need to make your next vehicle purchase.

drive-in theaters in the rochester, mn area

Be Nostalgic at One of These Rochester Area Drive-Ins

When's the last time you saw a drive-in movie? If you've been meaning to get nostalgic and see a movie from the comfort and freedom of your car, it's time to take advantage of this dwindling pastime while the theaters are still around. Check out these drive-in theaters in the Rochester area. Whether you want to make it a weekend trip or head home after the movie, this is your chance to relive your past or get acquainted with something your parents loved. Bring some lawn furniture if you want to enjoy an open-air experience. Elko Drive-In Theater The closest drive-in theater from Rochester is the Elko Drive-In Theater in Elko New Market, about 70 miles away. Because it's also the home of the Elko Speedway, you could go see a race and then enjoy a current popular movie. The movie starts about 20 minutes after the last race. In addition to a well-stocked concession stand, the theater provides barbecue grills. The speedway and theater are at 26350 France Ave. more Vali-Hi Drive-In Also nearby is the Vali-Hi Drive-In in Lake Elmo, around 85 miles from Rochester. You get three movies for the same price. Come early so you can play some video games in the arcade, where you can also capture some memories with the vintage photo booth. Children will enjoy a fun ride on the Mini-Harley. Grab hot dogs, snacks, and a drink for the flick. Vali-Hi is at 11260 Hudson Blvd. Starlite Drive-In Theater The Starlite Drive-In Theater just outside of Litchfield is just over 150 miles from Rochester. The Starlite, which opened in 1955, offers two screens and sometimes offers double features. It has a snack bar and a playground area. The theater is located at 28264 Minnesota Highway 22. Long Prairie Drive-In Theater The Long Prairie Drive-In Theater is the farthest away on this list at about 210 miles, but the advantage is that you can spend the night. RV and tent sites are reasonably priced and must be reserved ahead of time. Sites don't have electric hookups, but generators are allowed outside of movie times. You can use the outlet outside the concessions building to blow up air mattresses. The theater, which is at 24257 Riverside Drive in Long Prairie, plays back-to-back movies and sells a wide variety of food, snacks, and beverages. Stardust Drive-In Cross the border into Wisconsin for the Stardust Drive-In in Chetek, which is about a 130-mile drive. This is the place to be if you want a concession stand that offers just about everything. With corn dogs, burgers, cotton candy, funnel cakes, pickles on a stick, and much more, it's like going to a movie at a county fair. Kids can also ride the Cirus Train for just a quarter per rider. You'll find the Stardust at 995 22nd St. Drive-in movie theaters are no longer common, but if you're willing to drive for an hour or two, you can find several a reasonable distance from Rochester. Minnesota has six drive-ins, and you can find more in Wisconsin and Iowa. If seeing a movie on an outdoor screen appeals to you, try out these options and expand beyond to enjoy the experience at different locations. We're sure you'll have a great time.

road trips in rochester, mn

3 Best Spring Drives in Rochester

As the sun's rays shine down and we enjoy the middle of spring, it's nice to get outdoor and take advantage of the beautiful surroundings. This spring, be sure to check out a few of the top drives in Rochester that offer stunning views of the natural beauty. Forestville Forestville Mystery Cave is worth visiting, and the drive to get there offers glimpses of some of the state's most beautiful scenery. The drive from Rochester is about 40 miles, and you have several options. You can take County Road 1 SE, Highway 63, or a combination of County Road 1 SE and MN-16. Each of these routes offers impressive views, and when you arrive at the cave and state park, you can get out and explore. The state park houses miles of trails for hiking and horseback riding, while the mystery cave is open for tours beginning in May. more Harmony to Niagara Cave Another drive worth making is the one that leads to Niagara Cave in Harmony. It's about 55 miles from Rochester and is accessible via County Rd 1 SE, US-52, and Highway 63 and County Road 44. Most of the drive will be on scenic back roads, so you'll see stretches of greenery and wide-open space that hasn't been developed. Upon arrival at Niagara Cave, be sure to get out and spend some time at this fascinating attraction. It's a family-owned and operated cave that provides views of natural canyon-like passageways that have been sculpted by the movement of an underground stream. In addition to the cave, the grounds include 10 acres of picnic areas and playgrounds, an area to pan for fossils and gemstones, and an 18-hole miniature golf course. Highway 60 If you like to drive without a specific destination in mind, jump on Highway 14 and start driving. Between Rochester and Mankato, you'll find impressive stretches of country roads that provide beautiful natural views. Mankato is about 85 miles away from Rochester, so it's a bit of a longer drive, but you don't have to go all the way to enjoy the view. About halfway to Mankato, you'll encounter Owatonna, a quaint city where you can stop and spend some time. Grab a bite at Torey's Restaurant & Bar, one of the top-rated eateries, or enjoy Mexican fare at El Tequila. You can also visit the Reptile Amphibian Discovery Zoo, explore the State School Orphanage Museum, or enjoy the pleasant spring weather while spending time at Rice Lake State Park. Now that you know where to enjoy a scenic drive in Rochester, the next step is finding the perfect vehicle that makes it fun to get behind the wheel. Visit us at Rochester Mazda to explore the lineup of powerful, luxurious, and appealing models we have in stock. Mazda vehicles are packed with features that make them more impressive than what you can get from other automotive companies, including turbocharged engines that make it easy to get around the curves on your favorite spring drive.

how to take care of tires

4 Tips for Keeping Your Tires in Like-New Shape

Taking care of your vehicle's tires is one of the most important tasks you can do when it comes to keeping the car safe. Although modern vehicles are equipped with a number of innovative safety features, the tires are still essential to overall safety. After all, they're the only part of the car that connects to the road on which you're driving. Follow a few helpful tips to keep your tires in tip-top shape. Rotate Them Regularly The best way to make sure your tires wear evenly is to have them rotated frequently. Tire rotation is recommended every 6,000-8,000 miles you drive and can help extend the life of the tires substantially. During the process, the tires will be removed from the car and replaced in other positions. more Check the Pressure Various factors can impact your tire pressure, leading to slow deflation that can create issues. Tires can lose up to a pound per square inch of air every month, and that number goes up when temperatures fluctuate or your driving habits increase. If you're only checking the pressure when something is wrong, you could end up with significant tire damage. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that the leading cause of tire-related crashes is tires that aren't properly inflated. Proper tire inflation can also extend the life of the tire by nearly 5,000 miles, according to a report from the NHTSA. Check the owner's manual of your vehicle or the placard placed on the inside of the frame on the driver's side to locate the proper pressure for your tires and make sure they're always inflated within the designated range. Physically Check the Tires When you're fueling up, take a walk around your vehicle and visually inspect the condition of the tires. Look for problems like bulges and cracks, as well as objects that may have punctured the rubber, such as stones, nails, glass, or screws. If the object is in the tire's sidewall, it will need to be replaced. If it's located elsewhere in the tire, you may be able to salvage it with a patch job. Smooth, worn patches are also cause for concern, as they can indicate that your tire is nearly bald and no longer able to grip the road. Avoid Overloading the Car Weighing down your vehicle with a heavy load can also put extra pressure on your tires, increasing the risk of experiencing a blowout. Before you load up the cabin or trunk with too much stuff, check the owner's manual to find out how much weight your car can safely handle. In addition to putting pressure on your tires, overloading a vehicle can impact the way it handles and cause damage to other components. By following these tips, you can prolong the lifespan of your tires and make sure your car is safe to drive. If you need to schedule a tire service or other service on your Mazda, visit Rochester Mazda for a professional service performed by experienced technicians.

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