Preparing for Summer Road Trips

With the kids home from school for the summer, many families decide to pack up the family vehicle and hit the open road to visit family or see America. Being confined to an enclosed space can be stressful enough, so basic preparations before the trip can help keep unexpected disasters to a minimum.

First up is checking the condition of all the tires. With gas prices of nearly $4 per gallon, an easy way to save at the pump is to make sure the tires are properly inflated. Check the sticker on the driver’s door jamb for the recommended pressures, and make sure all four tires are up to spec. Before a road trip, it’s equally important to check the pressure in the spare. While you’re at it, do a visual inspection of the tires and replace tires showing excessive or uneven wear.

Compact spares are typically inflated to between 80 and 90 psi, compared to about 30 to 35 psi for conventional tires. While checking the spare, don’t forget to take out the jack and make sure it’s working and all the parts are there. If your wheels have locking lug nuts, you wouldn’t want to get stranded with a flat tire that can’t be removed so make sure the key is in the car, as well. A first aid kit in the vehicle is always a good idea, too.

Cranky kids confined to a steamy car on a hot summer day are not conducive to a fun family outing, so if you haven’t already checked out the air conditioning, make sure it’s properly chilling the cabin air. If necessary get it recharged with refrigerant or get other repairs done.

Of course, the passengers aren’t alone in needing cooling in the summer. Make sure the engine coolant reservoir is filled to the proper level and the coolant is in good condition. It should be either a bright green color or bright orange if it uses Dex-Cool coolant. If there are any signs of brown discoloration, have the system inspected by your dealer’s service department, as it could be an indication of a leaking head gasket that’s allowing oil to mix with the coolant.

Don’t forget to check under the vehicle after it has been parked to make sure there are no leaks. If there are signs of any fluids other than water (which may just be condensation from the air conditioning compressor) get it checked and repaired as soon as possible.

If you are planning a long trip and your car is close to the mileage where it needs an oil change, take it in early to get fresh oil.

No matter how much you prepare for a trip, the unexpected can sometimes happen. Thankfully, roadside assistance services are always ready to come to your aid. Many automakers now offer complimentary roadside assistance that includes towing, tire changes, emergency fuel delivery and other services during the warranty period on new and sometimes pre-owned vehicles. Cell phone providers also frequently offer similar assistance services for just a few dollars per month added to your bill. For those that prefer the traditional approach, automobile clubs like AAA are also a great option. No matter what service you opt for, make sure you know your account number and program the phone number into your cell phone.

Speaking of cell phones, remember to bring a 12-volt charging adapter so you can keep the battery charged while driving. If you are planning to use a smartphone as a navigation device, check out your local cell phone store for a windshield mount for the phone so you don’t have to hold it in your hand.

Thanks to modern consumer electronics, kids can also stay entertained on the road––listening to whatever music they like, or using laptops or tablets to play games or watch movies––without annoying parents. The batteries in those devices have a habit of running down at inopportune times, however, so having suitable charging capabilities is important.

For devices that can charge from USB ports, if the car doesn’t have extra ports, get a couple of extra 12-volt to USB chargers and, if needed, a multi-outlet adapter. If using a laptop on the road, investing in a 400-watt power inverter will provide one or two AC outlets just like at home, so everyone can stay occupied.

Stop by the dealership today and let us make sure your car is in the right shape before you take it out on a long road trip. Some basic preparation will help minimize the chances of avoidable disasters on the road and allow everyone to come home with memories of a great trip.

This article is presented by Antelope Valley Ford Lincoln Mazda in Lancaster, California.

Vehicle Profile: 2014 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring

The 2013 Mazda CX-5 changed the compact crossover segment, proving you can have power, utility and efficiency in an attractive package that is still fun to drive. For 2014, the CX-5 offers the new equipment and better highway mileage than any SUV in America, including hybrids. When you select the CX-5 Grand Touring trim, on sale now here at Antelope Valley Ford Lincoln Mazda in Lancaster, California, you get a ground-breaking small utility that thinks it’s a luxury car.

The five-passenger 2014 Mazda CX-5 (MSRP starting at $21,195) is available in Sport, Touring and, the focus of this article, Grand Touring trims. The CX-5 was ranked second the U.S. News Ranking and Review’s “Affordable Compact SUVs” category, ahead of stiff competition that included the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Chevy Equinox, Subaru Forester and Kia Sportage.

The 2014 Grand Touring features a SKYACTIV-G (“G” for “gasoline”) 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with Variable Valve Timing (a SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter four-cylinder powers the Sport trim). Power numbers have increased, from 155 hp to 184 hp, and from 155 lb/ft of torque to 185 lb/ft. The Grand Touring channels that power through a SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift mode. CX-5 Grand Touring drivers can expect up to 25 mpg city and 32 mpg highway with front-wheel drive; with the available Active Torque-Split All-Wheel Drive system, which maximizes driving performance in all conditions, drivers can still expect up to 24 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. Even when equipped with the AWD system, CX-5 Grand Touring mileage still beats some of the competition in their front-wheel drive setups. The right-sized CX-5 can tow up to 2,000 pounds when properly equipped and can swallow up to 65.4 cubic feet of cargo with the second-row seats folded.

The “Soul of Motion,” or “KODO,” design provides a unique look that stands out from the rest of the boring, small SUV crowd. Standard exterior features include standard auto on/off headlights (High-Intensity-Discharge (HID) Bi-Xenon headlights with auto leveling are available), a power moonroof, heated side mirrors and 19-inch wheels. Four-wheel independent suspension helps the CX-5 drive far more like a sports sedan than a practical utility vehicle. A MacPherson strut suspension setup in front, multilink rear and stabilizer bars at both ends join the Electronic Power Assist steering system for an effortless drive.

Inside, the Grand Touring model really sets itself apart from its Sport and Touring siblings with a bevy of standards. That list includes dual-zone automatic climate control with pollen filter; an eight-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar adjustments and three level heating; leather-trimmed sport seats; a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift-knob; and push-button start. Audio is provided by a nine-speaker Bose® Centerpoint® surround-sound system with Bluetooth, HD Radio™ and Pandora Internet radio capability. A 5.8-inch full-color touch-screen display is also standard. For true technophiles, the available Grand Touring Technology Package bundles a TomTom® navigation system, auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink® universal remote control, Mazda advanced keyless entry system, High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps, and safety equipment that includes a Smart City Brake Support system (SCBS). The SCBS system can automatically intervene when you are traveling between three and 19 mph if it senses a collision is imminent. The CX-5 also has a large list of accessories to make your CX-5 as unique as you are.

Safety is a Mazda staple, so the CX-5 Grand Touring comes standard with six airbags; Dynamic Stability Control with Traction Control; Roll Stability Control; four-wheel, four-channel antilock disc brakes with Brake Assist and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution; a Tire Pressure Monitoring System and E911 automatic emergency notification. A Blind Spot Monitoring System is also featured in the Grand Touring trim. These features and others earned the 2013 CX-5 a “Top Safety Pick” from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and a “5-Star” Overall crash test score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Consumer Guide added, “The CX-5 feels a bit sportier than its main rivals, with little penalty in ride quality or overall practicality. We also like the tastefully finished interior and promising EPA fuel economy estimates.”

The 2014 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring has an MSRP of $27,620 and is available now, so stop by today to see and drive it for yourself.

Vehicle Profile: 2013 MAZDA5

Minivans offer plenty of versatility, passenger comfort and utility, but being fun to drive isn’t a quality that’s ever mentioned. The MAZDA5 Multi-Activity Vehicle, on sale now here at Antelope Valley Ford Lincoln Mazda in Lancaster, California, delivers all the benefits and practicality of a minivan, together with signature Mazda driving dynamics.

The six-passenger 2013 MAZDA5 starts at an MSRP of $19,940 and is available in Sport, Touring and Grand Touring trims, each piling on extra amenities and comfort. The 2013 MAZDA5 has been named “Best Minivan for the Money” by U.S. News, which also ranks the MAZDA5 ahead of the Nissan Quest and the Chrysler Town & Country in the Minivan category. Consumer Guide noted that the “MAZDA5 deserves consideration as a well-made, sensibly sized wagon that's sedan nimble, minivan versatile, and priced right.”

All MAZDA5 trims are powered by a DOHC 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with Variable Valve Timing and multi-port fuel-injection that produces 157 hp and 163 lb/ft of torque through either a six-speed manual transmission (no other minivan offers this feature) or an available five-speed Sport automatic transmission with Adaptive Shift Logic and manual-shift mode. A curb weight of less than 3,500 pounds––more than 1,000 pounds less than the Nissan Quest SL and the Chrysler Town & Country––helps the MAZDA5 achieve up to 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, five more city mpg than a Town & Country and three more highway mpg than the Quest.

The driving dynamics of the MAZDA5 are second to none thanks to a four-wheel independent suspension featuring MacPherson struts with stabilizer bar in front and a multi-link rear setup with its own stabilizer bar. Electro-Hydraulic power-assisted rack and pinion steering and a tight, 36.7-foot turning radius give MAZDA5 drivers more reasons to volunteer for extra car-pool duty.

All trims come well equipped, starting with the Sport, which features 16-inch wheels; automatic climate control with second row controls; a tilting and telescoping steering wheel with cruise controls; remote keyless entry; a six-speaker audio system with auxiliary and USB inputs; six-way driver and four-way front passenger seat adjustments; and a 50/50-split/fold-down third-row seat. There’s a standard second-row fold-out table with cup holders and storage bin, second-row under-seat storage and under-floor storage in the cargo area, too. Cargo capacity is 44.4 cubic feet behind the second row and up to 97.7 cubic feet behind the first row.

The MAZDA5 Touring adds the automatic transmission to the list of standards, as well as 17-inch wheels, halogen foglamps, side sill extensions and a roof-mounted spoiler. Inside, Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and a trip computer add some pizzazz. Rear backup sensors are also included, to help make parking easier.

The Grand Touring is the cream of the MAZDA5 crop with heated side mirrors, Xenon High-Intensity Discharge headlamps, rain-sensing windshield wipers and a moonroof on the equipment list. Leather covers the seats, and the front seats are heated. A Rear DVD Entertainment System is available on all trims, and available accessories include cargo nets and covers, a roof rack and remote engine start.

Safety and security are provided by six-airbags, including full-length side curtains, throughout the cabin; Dynamic Stability and Traction Control; four-wheel, four-channel antilock disc brakes with Brake Assist and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution; and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System. In the event of an accident, the Mazda Triple-H body construction, collapsible steering column and side-impact door beams help ensure safety.

The MAZDA5 comes standard with a five-year/60,000-mile Limited Powertrain Warranty, a three year/36,000-mile Bumper-to-Bumper Limited Warranty and 24/7 Roadside Assistance.