The Mada maintenance schedule lists all the services that will keep your vehicle in good condition and prolong its life. As your Mazda dealership, we want to tell you about some of the types of routine maintenance we provide and why they’re necessary.
3 Types of Routine Maintenance at Your Mazda Dealership
Brake Pad Replacement
The brake pads have a rough material covering, and they fit into the brake calipers, which are positioned above the wheel rotors. When you hit the brakes, pressurized brake fluid is pushed through the brake hoses and forces the calipers to clamp against the rotors. The friction material on the pads generates friction against the smooth rotors, and this stops your wheels.
The material on a brake pad gradually wears down over time, and thinner material generates less friction. This increases your stopping distance and slows brake response as worn pads take longer to stop your vehicle. Pads are usually replaced every 30,000 to 65,000 miles. Once the pads are replaced, braking response and strength will increase.
Coolant Replacement
Coolant is the liquid used to control the engine temperature. When your engine temperature reaches a preset level, coolant is released and pumped through the engine, absorbing heat as it moves. The heat is transported to the radiator, where it’s removed by heat exchange with the cooler air flowing in through the radiator grille.
As coolant ages, it becomes less effective at absorbing heat as it slows down and thickens due to the accumulation of dirt and other debris collected inside the engine. This less efficient coolant causes the engine temperature to rise, increasing wear and tear on engine components. Coolant is usually replaced at 120,000 miles. A coolant replacement will immediately return the engine temperature to normal.
Air Filter Replacement
The engine air filter is housed in a small box positioned inside the radiator grille. Air enters through the radiator grille and passes into the filter, which traps dirt, dust, and other junk, allowing only clean air to enter the engine and mix with the fuel. Once the fuel and air have mixed correctly, they’re drawn into the cylinders, compressed, and then ignited to produce combustion.
The filter will eventually become blocked by dirt, restricting airflow into the engine. The lack of air turns the fuel-air mixture fuel-rich. A fuel-rich engine wastes fuel, as much of it can’t burn due to a lack of air. The fuel-rich atmosphere in the engine also damages the spark plugs, ignition coils, and other components. This filter is usually changed every 12,000 to 15,000 miles, and once it’s replaced, engine performance and fuel economy will increase.
If you’d like to know more about routine maintenance or to book maintenance, contact us at Alexandria Mazda in Alexandria, MN.
