The importance of tuning up your Mazda cannot be stressed enough. It is the only way to keep the vehicle running at its best. Granted, it is always an option to wait until something breaks on the car, and leaves you stranded on the side of the road. Why would you want to take the chance when giving your Mazda a tune-up is simple and, for most models, can cost less than $100 to complete.
If you are new to the world of automotive maintenance and repair, you can still get the job done. It may just take you a little longer than it would with a professional. But, the wonder of the internet can help you because you can look up your specific make and model on YouTube. A mechanic will show you the steps to get the job done right, and they will let you know upfront if there are any specific things you need to look out for.
The good thing is that all cars are basically the same when it comes to giving them a tune-up, so let’s take a quick look at a rundown of what you will need to deal with so you can get the parts, roll your sleeves up, and get greasy.
- Spark Plugs – The first item you need to replace is the spark plugs. Remember that you will have at least one spark plug for each cylinder, so if the Mazda has a 6-cylinder engine, you must replace 6 plugs. The best way to find them all is to trace from the wires over to the engine. From there, unplug one wire at a time and remove the plug. Clean the area around where the spark plug was, use a gapping tool to set the spark correctly, and then reinstall the plug into the hole.
- Spark Plug Wires – You will want to replace the spark plug wires next. Only replace one at a time so you do not get confused about where they go. If you do get them crossed, the engine will not run correctly. If this happens, you may have to get the diagram from a forum online, or you can ask your friendly local used Mazda dealership to give you a hand.
- Cap and Rotor – If your car is old enough to have a cap and rotor system, it should also be replaced. There is no point in doing half the components because it will not result in a smooth-running car with stellar gas mileage.
- Air Filter – One of the most forgotten parts of a tune-up is changing the air filter. If you drive on dusty roads, you may want to take the time to replace it more often, but for now, find where it is on the engine and see what has to be disconnected or removed to get to it. Once you have access, pull it out, replace it with a new one, and connect the hoses back up to the air filter housing.
- Hoses and Belts – Visually check all the hoses to ensure none have been accidentally disconnected or decayed due to prolonged use. If anything needs to be replaced, do it while you are under the hood. The same goes for the belts. Check to see if they have any cracks or tears or if they are no longer grooved. Change them if needed. Otherwise, make sure you follow the routine maintenance guides for your Mazda and change them out when suggested.
- Fluids – Check all the fluids to make sure they are full. If you notice one that is extremely low, it is important to not only fill it with the proper liquids but to trace the lines once it is topped off to see if there are any leaks.
That is all that there is to a basic tune-up on your Mazda. The project may be simple or slightly complicated, depending on the model and year. Either way, with the help of YouTube and a little bit of common sense, you can complete the job in no time.
