When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
1. There is a difference between a coolant flush and simply draining and refilling the cooling system.
Yes, I am aware of that. Typically, I have drained it out, filled it with tap water, let the engine run a bit and then drain it. Do this three or four times until the water is clear - then drain it all out again. Let it cool a bit and then fill it with a 50/50 mixture of coolant and distilled water. Start it up, let it run before shutting it off again. Top it off - including the reservoir and watch for leaks.
I think I located the little petcock (driver's side next to the large hose at the bottom of the radiator). Reaching it might require removing the big plastic 'pan' under the front of the car.
2. The transmission service should IMO based on experience and empirical data every 40k miles max
That's sort of what I was thinking too. Still, why doesn't Mazda even mention it at all in their owner's manual? You'd think they would put it in the maintenance schedule. They don't mention anything about the differential or transfer case, either. ( Our CX-30 is all-wheel-drive. )
3. On all brake systems with ABS it really is better to have a service shop do the brake complete brake fluid replacement.
Agreed! It's not the 1980s anymore. Bleeding brakes can be messy, but newer cars have a lot of electronics, sensors, ABS, etc., which might necessitate some extra TLC.
4.IMO and based on experience and data there are no spark plugs that can give their claimed performance more then 30k miles. As well if the the engine has more then 50k miles the coil spark plug boots should be replaced.
Do you mean the coil packs? I used to have a Silverado where it had the "coil-on-plug" system - instead of the distributor cap - and I had them replaced at the same time as the plugs. The Mazda owner's guide says 75k for the non-turbo engine, but I was planning on doing it before our car hits the 50k mark. Most of our driving is on the highway, which helps a bit.
The information in the owners manual for all services are only recommended times and miles. Driving conditions and environment has a huge factor into the actual service time intervals which in most all cases is shorter.
You got that right. Most people are closer to "severe" driving than they might realize, especially with more cars than ever on the highway and wasting so much time idling in rush hour traffic.
Because labor rates vary from each state and in some cases which part of the state you live anyone giving estimates of labor cost w old need to at least live in the same state . Best advise is to shop around for estimates. Keep in mind you pay for better quality and experience which also means less chance of problems from having any service done.
Definitely need to do my homework - but you are correct about wide variations in labor rates.
Either a Mazda dealer or a shop that is ASE rated are the best service shops for both getting estimates and quality work.
That's a fair point. I am probably going to consider going to the dealership for the transmission, spark plugs and possibly the brake flush.........maybe the coolant too if the price is right. I have seen ASE and SAE signs at some shops. The Nextdoor app always has a lot of people bragging about their favorite mechanics too.
Your Mazda does not have a Skid Plate, only a plastic under carriage cover.
Yes - skid plate was the wrong term to use. It is a big plastic plate for sure. I'm probably going to have to remove it in order to be able to access the petcock for the radiator.
1. It does not work that way on your Mazda. You are referring to old school service method. The Mazda's HVAC system is very different.
2. Attempting to answer why and why an auto manufacture prints service advisories in a owner or for the matter Factory service manual does not still mean there are service procedures as an owner that would like a reliable vehcle beyond the warranty period which is really all they cover. Assuming some things are not suggested would not be advisable and usually end very costly to the owner.
3. it has nothing to do with being messy and everything to do with the correct and SAFE way on a system with ABS and other monitoring system that can control the braking. This takes the person doing the job to be correctly educated trained and have the proper tools and diagnostic equipment. I don't know how to emphasize that to DIY on a forum??? When ABS first became available DIY and even service shops were screwing up their brake systems long before there was internet to see a how- to from a non-trained individuals.
4. the boot and springs. But now that you mention it the complete coil-on-plug at no more than 75-100k miles. Even the best manufactured coil-on-plug stars to show declining performance at the 50k miles of service.
I do not recommend going to the dealer for the transmission work, very few will recommend doing the service and less then 3% of all dealerships actually have a Shop grade professional Transmission service machine. Let alone the topic of trained service individuals knowing how to do a proper transmission service.
When your Mazda is raised on ramps and you remove the lower panels you will see the petcock and if there is none then you use the lower radiator hose. While you are there on your back looking up follow the many coolant hoses and see where they all go to understand why I said about. There are some that will not flow water until the coolant has reached over 195-200F.
1. It does not work that way on your Mazda. You are referring to old school service method. The Mazda's HVAC system is very different.
2. Attempting to answer why and why an auto manufacture prints service advisories in a owner or for the matter Factory service manual does not still mean there are service procedures as an owner that would like a reliable vehcle beyond the warranty period which is really all they cover. Assuming some things are not suggested would not be advisable and usually end very costly to the owner.
3. it has nothing to do with being messy and everything to do with the correct and SAFE way on a system with ABS and other monitoring system that can control the braking. This takes the person doing the job to be correctly educated trained and have the proper tools and diagnostic equipment. I don't know how to emphasize that to DIY on a forum??? When ABS first became available DIY and even service shops were screwing up their brake systems long before there was internet to see a how- to from a non-trained individuals.
4. the boot and springs. But now that you mention it the complete coil-on-plug at no more than 75-100k miles. Even the best manufactured coil-on-plug stars to show declining performance at the 50k miles of service.
I do not recommend going to the dealer for the transmission work, very few will recommend doing the service and less then 3% of all dealerships actually have a Shop grade professional Transmission service machine. Let alone the topic of trained service individuals knowing how to do a proper transmission service.
When your Mazda is raised on ramps and you remove the lower panels you will see the petcock and if there is none then you use the lower radiator hose. While you are there on your back looking up follow the many coolant hoses and see where they all go to understand why I said about. There are some that will not flow water until the coolant has reached over 195-200F.
I went by the local Mazda dealership - as I had to go to the DMV today and it's only a mile from there. I was honestly surprised at what the service writer told me. He said that the coolant "shouldn't need to changed" for several years. Their computer said 10 years or 120,000 miles! That is just way too long in my view.
With cars that were older, I always tended to do the Prestone coolant replacement about every three years. More modern cars went to the seven year anti-freeze and the obligatory color change. Green for the old-school stuff, orange for Dexcool, Yellow for Ford products, red for Freightliner/International/Kenworth trucks, blue for Asian cars and purple for European vehicles. I'm likely to have that on the list of things to do very soon. The car is four years old now, so the coolant and the brake fluid are on my mind.
He said that they don't do transmission oil changes on the late model models with the SkyActiv drivetrain. It is supposed to be 'lifetime' fluid - which kind of makes me laugh. If you never change it, then isn't the lifetime of it shorter? Probably well after the warranty expires. Doh! I am going to have to check with an independent shop on that one. You wouldn't think that a dealership service department would advise against doing that service. It'd be easy money for them! Would you recommend AAMCO or some place like that? Does this Mazda need an entire system 'flush' or can they just drop the pan, drain the fluid, replace the filter and fill it with new fluid? I know that draining it doesn't get out the fluid that is in the torque converter - but a complete flush might sometimes knock stuff loose and cause problems. How do I know if a transmission shop has the right equipment to do it right?
They said that replacing the spark plugs AND the differential/transfer case service were recommended at 75,000 miles. I'm not likely going to wait that long, but I don't need to do those things right now.
When I change my oil next time, I'll check out removing that lower panel for a better look. Maybe I'll see where the coolant drain plug is. New things can be learned every day!
ROLMAO...
First I think you have looked at what I may know about such things???
A few things.. I suggest when you are bored spend 10-15 minutes go run through my thread and look at the service that members, mechanic's and even dealership don't say you need to do? WOW! lol
Just please respect that I do not answer questions of any technical topic. I try to be more or less just another guy owning and working on my own car. Mazda3 Things I like to do - Mazda Forum - Mazda Enthusiast Forums
Cooling system service coolant:
So the Mazda dealership with out doing a quick refractometer sample of your coolant test let alone a longer 10 minute chemical test concluded by years in service or miles when you needed to do a coolant change service. Alrighty then LOL
Transmission basic service:
This one is easy, whomever you talked to don't give a rats **** because it is not his car. And when the transmission "smokes at 101,ooo thousand miles out of warranty you will purchase a new vehicle Or he personally has NEVER done any form of oil analysis having to do with a transmission let alone a engine? hahahaha!
Ignition system parts:
Spark plugs and coil does not matter what 12 or 6 volt ignition system a 15 minute run on an oscilloscope can show the condition of all spark plugs ,sparkplug wire and coils . But here again we have so many in the automotive service industry that without doing this simple test stick with what the service recommendation is and not how well the engine is running or the decline in power, MPG and emission raising up? rolmao
Differential service:
Let just toss common sense right out the window at 15,00 feet of cruising altitude with the magic of metal to metal frictional contact as newly machined parts that seeming by some don't have a wear in and during the wear in don't shed small amounts of metalic small shaving or metal flake material. And then they must have a theory that that said material in a closed unfiltered operating environment would never cause wear any wear, premature or other if left in that said environment for years and thousands to tens of thousands of miles operations. LOL
I know that SAE is Society of Automotive Engineers..........but that's a different animal altogether.
Regarding the service writers, I generally am very distrustful of those clowns - as they are often more concerned with "upselling" you on service or prescribing something you don't need. What floored me was that they almost turned down some easy money for a coolant flush & an automatic transmission service. That is truly a first. Normally, they'll be encouraging you to buy a left-handed smokeshifter and a new fallopian tube as a recommended service. LOL!
I suppose I am going to see if there is an independent AAMCO shop around here. I typically thought they were a place to go when your transmission actually failed - but it stands to reason they do maintenance as well.
I know that SAE is Society of Automotive Engineers..........but that's a different animal altogether.
Regarding the service writers, I generally am very distrustful of those clowns - as they are often more concerned with "upselling" you on service or prescribing something you don't need. What floored me was that they almost turned down some easy money for a coolant flush & an automatic transmission service. That is truly a first. Normally, they'll be encouraging you to buy a left-handed smokeshifter and a new fallopian tube as a recommended service. LOL!
I suppose I am going to see if there is an independent AAMCO shop around here. I typically thought they were a place to go when your transmission actually failed - but it stands to reason they do maintenance as well.
There is actually a considerable number of Diagnostic transmission service testing that AAMCO will do to determine your transmission state of health. Some shops IDK about AAMCO will actually run a fluid pressure test?
Service departments like many retail business is the job and task of the salesperson (which a service writer is) to suggest various services. While I often chuckle when I read them, I also slightly defend them in that a dealership being a privately owned business bread and butter is not from the sales of the vehicles which is not the highest in the GP but what comes after the sale. So, if they don't try to get the income then that dealership could fail. If to many fails in the end it makes it more difficult to get Warranty item taken care of without having to journey 50-100 or more miles. Most in the US and Canada are lucky that dealerships are almost like taco bells they are everywhere. Not so in some countries.
The other thing that makes me LOL is all the how to get what a dealership actually paid for a vehcle. Those are all BS and harm dealerships as a company. Some things and the biggest is the flooring cost for every new vehcle on the lot and the flooring increases daily the longer they are not sold. I don't see any http or written articles about how to but a new vehcle EVER talk about that? Nor do I see any business reports of any dealership stating what their overhead is just to remain in business. SAD! This at some point will harm more than just auto manufactures. As they say sheet rolls downhill. Fewer vehicles will be manufactured, parts retailers will start to close service shops as well will slowly close. This is partially going on now but not published. Electric vehicles REQUIRES a separately trained individual to work on them as will specialized diagnostic equipment. This is why in most all countries auto service shops decline to work on electric vehicles.
I looked into getting a certification as a EV Technician until I got the cost for that certification. in the thousands. LOL Sorry my day have to sit in a classroom and learn how to work on a vehcle were gone decades ago. I am eve certified ASE L2 but never work on and almost never respond on any forms regarding diesels. LOL They smell and sound funny. LOL
There is actually a considerable number of Diagnostic transmission service testing that AAMCO will do to determine your transmission state of health. Some shops IDK about AAMCO will actually run a fluid pressure test?
Service departments like many retail business is the job and task of the salesperson (which a service writer is) to suggest various services. While I often chuckle when I read them, I also slightly defend them in that a dealership being a privately owned business bread and butter is not from the sales of the vehicles which is not the highest in the GP but what comes after the sale. So, if they don't try to get the income then that dealership could fail. If to many fails in the end it makes it more difficult to get Warranty item taken care of without having to journey 50-100 or more miles. Most in the US and Canada are lucky that dealerships are almost like taco bells they are everywhere. Not so in some countries.
The other thing that makes me LOL is all the how to get what a dealership actually paid for a vehicle. Those are all BS and harm dealerships as a company. Some things and the biggest is the flooring cost for every new vehicle on the lot and the flooring increases daily the longer they are not sold. I don't see any http or written articles about how to but a new vehicle EVER talk about that? Nor do I see any business reports of any dealership stating what their overhead is just to remain in business. SAD! This at some point will harm more than just auto manufactures. As they say sheet rolls downhill. Fewer vehicles will be manufactured, parts retailers will start to close service shops as well will slowly close. This is partially going on now but not published. Electric vehicles REQUIRES a separately trained individual to work on them as will specialized diagnostic equipment. This is why in most all countries auto service shops decline to work on electric vehicles.
I looked into getting a certification as a EV Technician until I got the cost for that certification. in the thousands. LOL Sorry my day have to sit in a classroom and learn how to work on a vehicle were gone decades ago. I am eve certified ASE L2 but never work on and almost never respond on any forms regarding diesels. LOL They smell and sound funny. LOL
I may have to check into AAMCO for doing a drain & fill on the transmission. I know what the service writer told me..............but the concept of "lifetime" fluid in something like a transmission is a bit worrisome for me. In the past, I have typically done auto transmission services about every 30 to 40 thousand miles. With manual transmission vehicles, I had the gear oil swapped out around 60k miles and it still looked darn good without any metal shavings. Obviously, a manual transmission is less likely to fail than an automatic and doesn't work under the same pressure.
Yeah, a franchised dealership has several profit centers - all of which make more money than what they get from selling new cars. They have used cars, the finance & insurance office, parts, service, extended warranties, etc. The business is more complicated than many people realize. While I believe that the traditional 'brick and mortar' dealership model is archaic, costly, burdensome, inefficient and irritating..........it will be quite some time before it is replaced. Look at what a fight the NADA put up to keep Tesla out of certain states! They were not so worried about more people buying Tesla vehicles, but it was an ominous threat to their old school way of doing business. Can you imagine ordering a car on-line, having it built to your specs and delivered right to your home without ever setting foot in a showroom? Then for service, a tech comes to your home or office with a van full of tools, parts, etc.? There's certainly something to be said for that level of convenience!
The overhead of a dealership is pretty high. I get that. Still, I don't think most consumers want to deny the dealership the chance to make a reasonable profit - but far too often, they end up ripping people off and there is a severe lack of transparency. Buying a car should - ideally - be like purchasing a dishwasher, television set or a new couch. The gamesmanship and skullduggery should have disappeared decades ago. Other than some aspects of buying real estate, it is hard to find a more convoluted buying process. I have bought several new cars (and more than a few used ones) during my lifetime and I have found that it is more pleasing to undergo a root canal or colonoscopy. As you said, though, we in the USA are fortunate that we have many dealerships - often within reasonable driving distance from our home.
Regarding EVs, I was surprised that Meineke in Charlottesville works on Tesla vehicles. They have an EV tech on their payroll. No idea if the labor rate is higher, though. As EVs become more common, I suppose that the market will adjust for that with more repair shops offering to work on them. You mention diesels, which are not as popular in the USA as they are elsewhere. My wife and I returned to the USA from living in Germany for couple of years. Diesels are ubiquitous in Europe - probably because the taxes on diesel fuel are lower than on gasoline (the opposite of the USA) and they get many more miles per gallon - or kilometers per liter. LOL! Manual transmissions are still common in Europe too. Everybody getting a license in Germany is supposed to know how to drive a stick-shift............a lost art in the USA, it seems. New Mazdas sold in the EU can be ordered with a manual transmission, unlike their offerings in the US.
We got about 8 or 9 inches of snow in the past 24 hours, so we're not bothering to go out anywhere - unless it is necessary. I shoveled the sidewalk and our driveway three times already. One more might do it today. Even though we're in the South, we still do get some snowfall because of being close to the mountains.
. In the past, I have typically done auto transmission services about every 30 to 40 thousand miles. With manual transmission vehicles, I had the gear oil swapped out around 60k miles and it still looked darn good without any metal shavings. Obviously, a manual transmission is less likely to fail than an automatic and doesn't work under the same pressure.
And you still should 'As for the longevity and reliability of a modern (at least for the last 2 decades) auto vs manual transmission the life is the same with neither going long or less for faults and failures.
Yeah, a franchised dealership has several profit centers - all of which make more money than what they get from selling new cars. This is an often misunderstood concept. every dealership has outstanding loans and most every dealership has loan financed flooring of their stock. They have used cars, the finance & insurance office, parts, service, extended warranties, etc. The business is more complicated than many people realize. Yes but it is really no different than a small business owner that has several different shops and retail out outlets. I know from personally experiencing it e!! While I believe that the traditional 'brick and mortar' dealership model is archaic, costly, burdensome, inefficient and irritating..........it will be quite some time before it is replaced. I should caution you that we ALL hope that never happens. Go buy a Tesla and see how that works out for you when you need service! Look at what a fight the NADA put up to keep Tesla out of certain states! They were not so worried about more people buying Tesla vehicles, but it was an ominous threat to their old school way of doing business. It goes much deeper then that and they are still fighting challenges that are not always on the top news of the day. Can you imagine ordering a car on-line, having it built to your specs and delivered right to your home without ever setting foot in a showroom? What are you talking about you can get this now with most all the top auto manufactures? In fact while it may not have always been deliver right to your door ,ordering a car built to all the option you want has been going on since the 1960's? Delivering right to your door was being done by many dealerships in the 80's I know as i worked for one for a short time and always offered it to my customers. Then for service, a tech comes to your home or office with a van full of tools, parts, etc.? There's certainly something to be said for that level of convenience! Well you need to dig further as this has been a challenge now for Teasla. BIG CVHALLENGE and many complaints. It is a logistic thing and waiting time can be reported from customer 1-2 months. Things because it is so few that you really need to watch and look for when researching an auto manufacturing company.
The overhead of a dealership is pretty high. I get that. Still, I don't think most consumers want to deny the dealership the chance to make a reasonable profit - but far too often, they end up ripping people off and there is a severe lack of transparency. Sorry but not to totally defend any dealership but it is still a business, and NO a business should never have to divulge or be required via transparency what and where their profits are made and what they are to the general public. Do you want your Tax filing to be public? There really is little difference in the cbig concept of what you are suggesting???? Buying a car should - ideally - be like purchasing a dishwasher, television set or a new couch. Ok so this is so unrealistic in so many ways I would not even know how to begin to respond. LOL The gamesmanship and skullduggery should have disappeared decades ago. Ok so this is so unrealistic in so many ways I would not even know how to begin to respond. LOL Other than some aspects of buying real estate, it is hard to find a more convoluted buying process. So now you pick and choose the criteria of your thoughts? I have bought several new cars (and more than a few used ones) during my lifetime and I have found that it is more pleasing to undergo a root canal or colonoscopy. This is because you do not really have a choice in the procedure more do you for the most part get to choose or barter the cost? This is why there is a thing call Medical coding and Medical billing . Look it up it what my wife does for a living. As you said, though, we in the USA are fortunate that we have many dealerships - often within reasonable driving distance from our home.
Regarding EVs, I was surprised that Meineke in Charlottesville works on Tesla vehicles. They have an EV tech on their payroll. No idea if the labor rate is higher, though. As EVs become more common, I suppose that the market will adjust for that with more repair shops offering to work on them. You mention diesels, which are not as popular in the USA as they are elsewhere. My wife and I returned to the USA from living in Germany for couple of years. Diesels are ubiquitous in Europe - probably because the taxes on diesel fuel are lower than on gasoline (the opposite of the USA) and they get many more miles per gallon - or kilometers per liter. LOL! Manual transmissions are still common in Europe too. Everybody getting a license in Germany is supposed to know how to drive a stick-shift............a lost art in the USA, it seems. New Mazdas sold in the EU can be ordered with a manual transmission, unlike their offerings in the US. That because of the Federal strict safety an EPA requirements Why do you think that out of USA and Canada( a few other countries) that those not having the regulation do better in performance but less in the environment? Please don't debate... some less scrupulous people to avoid are some "tooners" (untrained ECU/EFI Performance Calibrators) have over decades acquired the ECU mapping of foreign vehicles and then market them as a (canned tune) chip that claims to improve the engine output. In reality all they did was copy the non regulated ECUI files and sold it (stole it) under that premise.
We got about 8 or 9 inches of snow in the past 24 hours, so we're not bothering to go out anywhere - unless it is necessary. I shoveled the sidewalk and our driveway three times already. One more might do it today. Even though we're in the South, we still do get some snowfall because of being close to the mountains.
You misunderstood what I mean about price transparency. I was not referring to "getting into the dealer's business" and looking into how much net profit they made. Not my intent at all. I simply referred to the misleading advertisements and dishonesty pertaining to pricing. If a car is $26,995, the only extra should be the state sale tax + any title fee required by DMV. In my state, they'll have $799 'processing fee' + a $450 acquisition fee and maybe a bogus 'paint protection package' for $299 or so. Just advertise the vehicle for the actual price you want for it.
Some dealerships will automatically add a huge charge for a pinstripe, locking lug nuts, a 'paint sealant' and even nitrogen in the freaking tires! Gimme a break! The atmosphere is something like 78 percent nitrogen anyway. Rather than having to 'opt out' of add-ons, perhaps you should have to opt IN for them I guess I don't care much for the games. Sadly, I don't see an end to it anytime soon. I share your admonition about Tesla. I wasn't planning to buy an EV - I just mentioned them because they scared the heck out of the NADA and threatened their business model.
I read an article in a car magazine not long ago that discussed the change of the dealership model. They brought up a lot of points that were quite relevant.
I'm aware of the safety, fuel economy and environmental standards being different in Europe. For what it's worth, their gasoline is better over there. The lowest grade they sell is called "Super 95" and is the same as 90 octane in the States. Premium is called Super +98 and is like 93 octane in the USA. Ethanol content is 5 percent or 10 percent, with some stations offering you a choice. I have not seen E15 or E85 anywhere in Europe. Drivers of diesel vehicles still have to buy that DEF for them in Germany. They call it AdBlue, though. To me, that'd be a drawback of having an oil burner.
Gasoline and octane is another subject often misunderstood. I will say you need to go state by state and supplier by supplier with the full analysis and required available to the public information about the fuel. Looking at what some would not think to look is a the SDS data. Yup it is available for fuels. However get ready to see a lot of proprietary blend is a collection of ingredients. LOL
Read that and learn about fuel in the USA But I don't want to go on that subject. Tried once on another forum that was went stupid by the third member responding! It really went super stupid by the sheer mention of measuring specific gravity of any gas offered at the pump.
The gamesmanship and skullduggery should have disappeared decades ago. Ok so this is so unrealistic in so many ways I would not even know how to begin to respond. LOL Other than some aspects of buying real estate, it is hard to find a more convoluted buying process. So now you pick and choose the criteria of your thoughts? I have bought several new cars (and more than a few used ones) during my lifetime and I have found that it is more pleasing to undergo a root canal or colonoscopy. This is because you do not really have a choice in the procedure more do you for the most part get to choose or barter the cost? This is why there is a thing call Medical coding and Medical billing . Look it up it what my wife does for a living. As you said, though, we in the USA are fortunate that we have many dealerships - often within reasonable driving distance from our home.
However get ready to see a lot of proprietary blend is a collection of ingredients. LOL