The Mazda CX-5 is one of the most popular midsized SUV. It is by far Mazda’s best-selling vehicle, with the CX-5 model outselling all of Mazda’s other models.
New buyers typically want to know how to extend or prolong the life of the CX-5. Unfortunately, all electro-mechanical equipment isn’t built like the old days. The addition of more electronics within cars have only made reliability worse overtime.
However, there are some proven methods that can help increase reliability and assist drivers hit over 150,000 miles on their vehicles. Although, please note that these methods aren’t rocket science and miles may vary depending on a multitude of factors (potential factory deficiencies, accidents, driving style, environment, etc.).
Here are five (5) things you can do as the driver to prolong the life of your Mazda CX-5.
Tip #1: Oil Changes
Changing your engine oil in a timely fashion is possibly the most crucial way to keep your car going for hundreds of thousands of miles.
Engine oil plays an important role in helping lubricate all the different mechanical parts within your car’s engine. If you have a CX-5 with a turbo, then you should change your oil more frequently.
For standard oil change intervals, all you must do is reference your driver manual. However, a good rule of thumb is to get an oil change (synthetic oil) at least every 5,000 miles. If you have the 2.5L with turbo, then anywhere between 3,000-3,500 miles for oil change will be beneficial.
It is recommended to take your car to the Mazda dealership to perform such services like oil change, especially within the 36,000 miles warranty period. Furthermore, be sure to keep good records of your oil changes (especially if you go to a local mechanic rather than the dealership). Having a good record of your maintenance history will help with any type of warranty claim and will also be an asset if you plan to sell the car.
Tip #2: Shift gear only when stopped
Do not shift your gears from drive, neutral, reverse, or park when your vehicle is in motion. The easiest way to damage your transmission is to shift your gear when the car isn’t at a complete halt. Remember that the transmission in Mazda’s have physical gears and unnatural changes may put unnecessary strain.
These newer cars have ways to protect the transmission from dangerous gear shifts, for example when you put the car in manual mode. The computer operates in such a way that it won’t let you change gears without checking to make sure it wouldn’t strain the transmission.
Tip #3: Remote start is your friend
The newer Mazda’s come with remote start through the Mazda phone app. However, you can also pick up a 3rd party remote starter kit that your local mechanic can install.
Remote start is a nice feature to have as it allows you to start your car from afar and get it to normal operating temperature before driving. Unlike older cars, modern vehicles don’t really need that long of a startup time (some may argue they don’t need any!). While that may be true, it is still beneficial to wait a bit so that the oil can get around and lubricate the different mechanical part. This goes back to our tip #1 regarding engine oil change and why it is so important to be on top of that.
Tip #4: Let your turbo breathe
This tip only really applies to the Mazda CX-5 models that have a turbo. It is important to let your turbo cool down after you drive your car (especially for short city drives). The turbo is a piece of equipment that helps push more air into the engine to help make more horsepower efficiently. While the concept is efficient, a turbo still puts some added strain to the engine and on itself.
After driving your vehicle for some time, you should let it stay on for about 5 minutes or so after you park it. This will allow the oil to be pumped throughout the system, helping lubricate and cool all the interior parts and pieces. This tip will help save you money on turbo replacement or having to get rid of the car earlier then you envisioned.
Tip #5: Pay attention to your vehicle
Cars are very complex machinery, and their internal computers are able to pick up on unnatural occurrence and instability. However, the driver should supplement the computer and watch out for anything that may be out of the norm. This includes:
- Hearings sounds and whistles
- Feeling stiffness when accelerating or breaking
- Any sort of unnatural turbulence
- Uneven tire treads
- Decreased power output
The driver should utilize all of their senses to pinpoint any abnormality that may pop up at any time. It doesn’t matter if it is a brand-new car or a 5-year-old vehicle, the driver needs to be diligent and willing to investigate.
These tips are only meant to guide drivers in maintaining their vehicles. A good maintenance program has shown to help prolong the life of most machinery.
While you are diligently maintaining your car, why not look at some of the must have accessories for the Mazda CX-5.
A roof rack may not prolong the life of your car but it sure can free up a lot of trunk space! Also, take a look at this cool key fob hack, which can open all your car windows from afar.