Which Mazda Model is Best for Your Growing Family
Finding the perfect vehicle for a growing family can be a challenge. Whether you’re bringing your first child into your family or have an expanding brood that requires a larger model, Mazda has something for you in its lineup. Check out the models that work well for growing families to pick out your perfect vehicle.
Mazda CX-5
The 2020 Mazda CX-5 is an excellent choice if you need space for up to five. This compact crossover SUV has consistently ranked highly among models in its segment, thanks to its impressive power and performance, upscale cabin features, and stellar handling. The CX-5 comes in five trim levels, which are Sport, Touring, Grand Touring, Grand Touring Reserve, and Signature. Every model showcases an eye-catching exterior, while the base includes standard LED headlights and keyless ignition. Exterior upgrades on the higher trim levels include keyless entry, a sunroof, and a power-operated liftgate. Read the rest of this entry »
On the Road Activities to Keep Kids Entertained
Family road trips are exciting and a great way to explore new and interesting things as a family. If you have children that are going to be coming along on the trip, it is important to prepare some activities ahead of time so that they remain entertained or preoccupied throughout the whole trip. If a young child (or even an older one) gets bored, hungry, or cranky, it is likely to ruin the trip for everyone in the car.
Road Games
Get the whole family involved! See who can spot things starting with the letters of the alphabet, or with certain colors. Another popular game is to look for license plates from different states, especially on long trips. Some families may enjoy taking turns to create part of a story, piece by piece, or singing karaoke together on the radio. These fun activities together as a family are what make road trips most memorable, so have fun and be creative with them! Read the rest of this entry »
Know the Signs it’s Time for a Tune-up
We rely on our cars to get us to school, work, and everywhere in between. A car that is not running well or broken down costs us both time and money. Pay attention to these warning signs to keep your vehicle running smoothly and safely.
Warning Lights
It can be tempting to ignore the dashboard indicator lights when you are busy, but an indicator light that persists should always be investigated. Dashboard warning lights can signal everything from a burned-out fuse to a major transmission issue. Warning lights that are ignored often lead to more costly secondary issues. Paying attention to warning lights can save you both time and money.
Unusual Noises or Vibrations
If your car suddenly develops new sounds or vibrations, have it checked out by a service professional. Squealing noises can indicate low fluids or engine belt issues. Damaged or loose parts often make a clunking sound. Wobbling or shaking can indicate worn tires, flat tires, or a problem with the fuel system. Worrisome noises or vibrations can be intermittent or constant. A trained auto mechanic can identify the source of the noise or vibration, and get your vehicle back on the road.
Engine Stalling or Shifting Hard
Manual transmissions can stall when at the hands of an inexperienced driver. Automatic transmissions that stall usually indicate a problem. Stalling when you hit the gas or stop at an intersection is not only an engine issue but a safety issue. If your car is stalling, a tune-up is in order.
Similarly, your automatic vehicle should shift seamlessly. If shift changes are dramatic and causing you to pitch around in your vehicle’s cabin, it’s time for a tune-up. Striking shift changes can indicate a serious transmission problem.
Changes in Acceleration, Braking, or Steering
Pay close attention to your vehicle’s acceleration, braking, and steering. If you notice that your car feels sluggish when accelerating, have it looked at by a professional. Sluggish acceleration is especially dangerous when merging or passing at high speeds. Brakes that are squeaking, vibrating, or feeling soft should be looked at. You may have an issue with your brake pads, rotors, or brake fluid. If your vehicle is drifting to the right or left and you are constantly steering your car back to center, a wheel alignment may be in order.
Decreased Fuel Efficiency
A reduction in gas mileage means your car is working harder and less efficiently. Everything from low tire pressure to sticky brakes can cause your engine to use more fuel than average. If you are suddenly getting fewer miles per tank of gas than you used to, seek the help of a professional. Keeping track of your mileage per tank in a notebook will make it easier to notice changes in fuel economy faster.
If you have noticed any of these warning signs in your vehicle, seek the help of an automotive service professional. The friendly staff at Rochester Mazda can get your car back on the road and running better than ever.
2020 Miata MX-5 – Club or Grand Touring
The 2020 Mazda Miata MX-5 is the next in line for the Mazda’s sexy Miata line of sports cars. The Miata is a sporty coupe with a reputation of being fun to drive, and the MX-5 has some upgrades in features and exterior colors for 2020. The most popular trims available are the mid and top-tier trims: the Club and Grand Touring.
Power and Technology
Both the Club and the Grand Touring have 181 horsepower and come standard with a manual transmission. SkyActiv Technology allows for a light, responsive design that both protects you and improves handling. All trims are available in either six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The automatic transmission is available with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters on the Grand Touring model. Read the rest of this entry »
3 Upcoming Car Shows in Southeast MN
At a car show, you and your friends or family members can enjoy chrome bumpers, the rumbles of souped-up motors, unique custom wheels, pinstripes, and more. These events are fun for kids and adults, and they’re a great way to learn more about automotive history. Here are some upcoming car shows near southeast Minnesota.
- MN Cars & Coffee
MN Cars & Coffee is the largest monthly car show in the United States. Tyler Christopherson and Luis Fraguada founded it in 2008, and it features everything from American muscle cars, to Italian luxury models, to British classics. It’s also the starting spot of The Kannonball Rally. At the June show, 100 teams embark on a journey more than 300 miles long to raise money for local schools. There’s a canned food drive in July, and The KannonFALL Rally happens in fall to benefit The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Read the rest of this entry »
Get to Know the 2020 Mazda CX-30
The Mazda CX-30 is the latest in Mazda’s fun-to-drive, fuel-efficient line of SUVs. The CX-30 is available in four trim packages including the base model CX-30, Select, Preferred, and Premium. Read on to get to know the 2020 Mazda CX-30.
Performance
Every CX-30 features a 186-horsepower, 2.5-liter engine. The standard transmission is a six-speed automatic that includes manual-shift and sport modes. All models are equipped with front-wheel drive, with an available all-wheel-drive option. Mazda’s optional cylinder deactivation tech (CDA) actively increases fuel efficiency by closing half of the CX-30’s cylinders.
The CX-30 has an impressive fuel economy. Front-wheel-drive models have an EPA-estimated fuel efficiency rating of 33 mpg combined city/highway. All-wheel-drive models have a fuel economy rating of 31 mpg combined city/highway. All-wheel-drive equipped with Mazda’s CDA tech have a fuel efficiency of 32 combined city/highway. Read the rest of this entry »
Changes to the Mazda CX-3
The ever-popular Mazda CX-3 has undergone some revisions in the 2020 model year. With the introduction of the CX-30, Mazda has made some changes to the trim packages, infotainment features, and safety features on this fan-favorite subcompact SUV. Read on to learn more about the upcoming changes to the 2020 Mazda CX-3.
Trim Packages
The CX-3 lineup will only include the Sport model in 2020. The CX-3 Touring and CX-3 Grand Touring will no longer be available. The exterior features of the Sport include a rear spoiler, a roof rack capable of carrying 165 pounds, rain-detecting windshield wipers, and power door mirrors with integrated turn signals. Exterior colors available for the CX-3 include ceramic metallic, deep crystal blue mica, eternal blue mica, jet black mica, machine gray metallic, snowflake white pearl mica, soul red crystal metallic, and titanium flash metallic. Read the rest of this entry »
3 Best Car Washes in Rochester
Keeping your vehicle clean is important. Not only does a clean car look newer longer, but cleaning your car also protects your paint job from the wear and tear that builds-up from daily driving. If you live in the city of Rochester Minnesota, or the surrounding area, you have plenty of options to choose from when it comes to car washes. Looking for the ideal place to get your car shining like new? Check out one of the Rochester area car washes listed below.
Rochester Auto Spa
The Rochester Auto Spa is an independently-owned car wash that offers full-service detailing. They pride themselves on providing the best service to their customers, regardless of their vehicle cleaning needs. Their service is always delivered in a professional and prompt manner. Chris Pike, owner and founder of Rochester Auto Spa, found his passion for vehicles at a young age and translated this passion into a successful business. You can choose from multiple detail packages, waxing, and washing services as well as a variety of services a la carte. After you visit, your car will look like new again. Read the rest of this entry »
Top 5 Reasons to Own a 2020 CX-5
If you’re looking for a new, sleek crossover SUV, check out the 2020 Mazda CX-5. Several driver-assistance features are now standard on the base model, making it even safer. Keep reading to
learn about five other features that might just make the CX-5 the right fit for you and your family.
Various Trim Levels
The 2020 Mazda CX-5 comes in five trim levels, so you can better customize this crossover to meet your driving needs and preferences. The base model is the Sport trim, which is followed by the Touring, Grand Touring, Grand Touring Reserve, and Signature trims. If you’re looking for a more luxurious interior and several extra standard features, you’ll want to check out the Signature trim. For example, the Signature includes Caturra Brown Nappa leather-trimmed seats, genuine layered wood trim, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a 360-degree view monitor, and a Mazda navigation system. Read the rest of this entry »
Top 4 Chinese Restaurants in Rochester
Whether you live in the Rochester, Minnesota, area, or are just visiting, if you’re in the mood for Chinese cuisine, you’re in luck. There are several fantastic Chinese restaurants around Rochester.
Let’s take a look at some of the top options and what they have to offer.
Hunan Chinese Restaurant
Hunan Chinese Restaurant offers a variety of dishes sure to satisfy any craving. Start your meal off with an order of spring rolls, fried wontons, or crab rangoons for the table. Hunan’s must-try specialties include the crispy shrimp, happy family, and the lobster Cantonese. The restaurant also offers classic lamb, pork, and beef dishes such as Mongolian beef, Hunan lamb, and Moo Shu pork. Curry chicken, cashew chicken, and crispy duck are other diner favorites. Read the rest of this entry »
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