Maintenance Tips for Your Mazda

Regular inspections are crucial to ensure that your Mazda is functioning properly. The manufacturer usually provides maintenance schedules that outline which systems need to be inspected and at what intervals. However, it’s important to note that each Mazda model has a unique schedule that takes into account the vehicle’s specific design features. This guide provides general recommendations that should be applicable to any Mazda model.

General Guide for Maintenance 

As a general rule, it’s recommended to follow Mazda’s maintenance regulations for any model. It’s important to go in for regular maintenance either once a year or every 9,000 miles, whichever comes first. For cars produced before 2008, the service interval is 12,000 miles. 

Mazda service centers use only OEM parts and original consumables for all work performed. The maintenance schedule can differ for cars with gasoline engines, diesel engines (engine oil and oil filter replacement is carried out every 6,000 miles), and Mazda CX-9 with a 2.5T gasoline engine. 

Here are the service intervals for Mazdas:

• 12 months or 9,000 miles (whichever comes first or after the indicator appears on the dashboard) – for vehicles with gasoline engines.
• 12 months or 9,000 miles, and intermediate oil and oil filter change every 6,000 miles (whichever comes first or after the indicator appears on the dashboard) – for vehicles with diesel engines.
• 12 months or 9,000 miles (whichever comes first, or after the indicator appears on the dashboard) – for Mazda CX-9 with a 2.5T gasoline engine.

It’s worth noting that the service interval may be tighter depending on the driving style and operating conditions.

A Maintenance Schedule 

Maintaining your vehicle is essential to ensure its proper functioning, safety, and longevity. The following checks and replacements need to be performed every 12, 36, 60, 84, 108, and 132 months

• Check accessory drive belts.
• Change the engine oil filter.
• Check spark plugs.
• Check battery electrolyte level and density.
• Check parking brakes.
• Check disc brakes.
• Check steering function and steering linkages.
• Check front and rear suspension, axial clearances of ball joints, and wheel hub bearings.
• Check protective covers on wheel drive joints.
• Check the exhaust system and heat shields.
• Tighten the chassis and body threads.
• Lubricate hinges, latches, and locks.
• Check vehicle electrical equipment.
• Check tires (including the spare tire) and adjust tire pressure to the nominal value.

In addition, you should perform the following maintenance tasks every 24, 48, 72, 96, 120, and 144 months:

• Perform all of the above checks and replacements.
• Check the engine cooling system, including refilling the coolant.
• Check fuel lines and hoses.
• Replace brake fluid.
• Check valve timing clearances by ear every 28,000 miles or every three years. If there is excessive noise, adjust it.
• Change MAZDA engine coolant FL22*3 every 121,000 miles or ten years. For other engines, change the coolant for the first time after 56,000 miles or four years, then every two years.
• Perform a technical inspection of the vehicle body every 12 months if there is damage to the paintwork and signs of corrosion. Repair any paintwork damage and corrosion.
• Check the tire repair kit (if available on the vehicle) annually.

Remember, following this maintenance schedule will help keep your vehicle in optimal condition, ensure safety, and help retain your warranty.

Adhering to the manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule is crucial for prolonging the service life of your vehicle, retaining its value, and ensuring optimal performance. Therefore, it’s important to stay on top of your maintenance and always pay attention to your car. By doing so, you can catch any potential issues early and address them before they become bigger problems, saving you time, money, and hassle in the long run.

Photo Source: Mazda USA