The 2018 Mazda CX-5 has an incredible rating for a compact SUV. Ranked number one in its class, the Mazda CX-5 is a top performer and received a 9.1 in performance rating. As far as compact SUVs, the CX-5 has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine in the base model. However, the design of other trims allows for more power and acceleration.

The design of the Mazda CX-5 is sleek and classy, providing a refreshed design on the exterior. In the interior, the soft-touch materials and high-grade trim make it one more of the better SUVs on the market. 

In 1970, the United States government passed and enacted the Clean Air Act. Included in that piece of legislation was the requirement for all car manufacturers to include a catalytic converter in each car’s exhaust system. The Clean Air Act was the first of a short line of government actions to clean the environment. Recognizing the poisonous nature of car fumes, the act attempted to rid the environment of the ills created by the internal combustion engine.

The catalytic converter has the simple task of eliminating as much of the harmful elements produced in internal combustion engines. 

Knowing the differences between conventional and synthetic engine oils is important for vehicle owners, as certain types of engine oils are directed at different vehicles and different driving conditions. Sometimes auto manufacturers require specific types of oil, and sometimes the type of driving conditions you experience most often dictate the type of engine oil to be used.

Conventional oil is made from crude oil and has not been altered. This type of engine oil is stable for long periods of time, provides excellent lubrication and is also inexpensive, comparatively. 

The ignition is a complex system that provides the energy that is needed for your car to start. If the ignition fails, your vehicle won’t start. However, there are warning signs you can look out for that may let you know it’s time for your ignition to be serviced.

The most common symptom of a failed ignition is a car that fails to start, which may be caused by corrosion on the electrical circuit. Another symptom is engine stalling. 

Being able to test your car battery will give you the chance to get to the service center before the car winds up stranded somewhere. You'll need a voltmeter, wire brush, safety glasses, and some gloves. Turn the car engine and lights off, now open the hood and inspect the car battery.

If you see any signs of corrosion on the battery terminal, clean with the wire brush. Take the voltmeter, and attach cable that is red to the positive side of the car battery. The black cable gets attached on the negative side of the car battery. 

The first Tuesday of every month we introduce a different face of Steet Ponte Mazda to help you get to know us better! This month, we're introducing Mike Day! Mike is a longtime employee of Steet Ponte Mazda and is a Parts Consultant and Parts Delivery Driver, you've probably seen him all over the place in our Parts Truck! Mike lives locally in Deerfield, NY, and is a huge sports fan. His favorite teams are: Syracuse University, the Utica Comets, and New York Yankees! Mike's favorite Mazda is the Mazda6. 

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The tires on your vehicle are very expensive, and the costs can quickly add up, especially if you have had a tire blowout which can lead to additional damage to your vehicle in a worst case scenario. That is why we here at Steet Ponte Mazda of Yorkville want to be sure that you know all about how a single penny can help avoid this situation.

Many tire blowouts occur because of lack of tread on tires. 

Normal wear and tear can dim headlights and you might not realize they aren't bright enough until you drive down a country road at night. Headlight glass or plastic can become scratched, cloudy, or yellow. A few simple DIY tricks can brighten the lights by removing clouds and scratches.

One of the simplest DIY techniques to brighten dull headlights is toothpaste. Dampen a rag and put a small amount of toothpaste on it. Apply to the headlight and rub until the clouding clears.