Cape Cod Mazda's Official Blog | Stories, Specials and Events

The Gracenote MoodGrid

2012-01-17T07:25:00.000-08:00

Have you ever been in such a bad or good mood that you wanted your music to reflect it? Well look no further than the Gracenote MoodGrid. This technology, which is already an Android Tablet App, allows you to create a music playlist on a grid and select what kind of mood you are in. There is a different mood on each axis, Positive, Energetic, Calm and Dark. When you touch a point on the graph that is created by these four moods, Gracenote MoodGrid automatically creates a playlist to your specification. The songs are pulled from your music player, or subscription service like Spotify.

The great thing about the Gracenote MoodGrid is that it has been scaled down and implemented with Garmin which means it could be used in vehicles, such a a Mazda, this year!

What mood do you think you would mostly use with the Gracenote MoodGrid while driving? Leave your answer in the comments section below!

Source: Autoblog

Celtics win their third straight Game

2012-01-03T06:54:00.000-08:00

The Celtics have won three straight games improving to 3-3. The Washington Wizards, with rising superstar John Wall, were handed back to back losses by the Celtics with great performances by Ray Allen and Paul Pierce. The Celtics now look to make it four straight wins on Thursday when they face Deron Williams and the New Jersey Nets who are just 1-5.

Continue to check back here for more Celtics photos and news about Cape Cod Mazda!

How long do you think this Celtics win streak will last? Leave you answer in the comments section below!

Happy New Years!

2012-01-01T10:00:00.000-08:00

Happy New Years from Cape Cod Mazda! Best wishes to all for a wonderful, healthy, happy and prosperous New Year!

Celtics look to rebound after bad start

2011-12-30T07:49:00.000-08:00

With an 0-3 record, the Boston Celtics are looking to rebound against the Detroit Pistons tonight at the TD Bank North Garden. Both teams are looking for their first win tonight and Boston is looking to avoid their worst start in 42 years. With Pierce still questionable for tonight's game, Boston will have to improve their defense greatly and minimize the amount of turnovers they give up (an NBA League leading 18.7 turnovers per game).

Key Matchup: Rodney Stuckey vs. Rajon Rondo

While Rondo seems to have the upper-hand on Stuckey both offensively and defensively; If Rondo continues to commit turnovers Stuckey could have the last laugh.

Be sure to check back at our Cape Cod Mazda Blog for pictures of tonight's game!

What do you think the outcome of tonight's game will be? Let us know in our comments section below!

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-23T12:35:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays from Cape Cod Mazda! From our Family to Yours- Best Wishes for a Safe, Happy and Healthy Holiday Season!

Sincerely,
The Shaker Family and Team

Future Vehicles: Phone Technology

2011-12-06T09:06:00.000-08:00

Are you often distracted by your phone while driving? Have you ever been driving your Mazda and seen someone swerving on the road because they are on the phone? Researchers from the Stevens Institute of Technology and Rutgers in New Jersey may have a solution to this problem...

These researchers have created a program that when you are using your cellphone the Bluetooth connection and speakers in your car can detect it and shut your phone off. The even cooler part of this technology is that it can shut down a phone with about 95% accuracy but also allow passengers to make phone calls because it can tell where the signal is coming from.

What do you think about this innovation? Leave your response in our comments section below!

Source: http://www.autoblog.com/

Happy Thanksgiving from Cape Cod Mazda

2011-11-24T10:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving from everyone at Cape Cod Mazda! We are extremely thankful for our family, friends, customers and, of course, our Blog Readers. We hope you are having a great holiday with your loved ones, eating turkey, pumpkin pie and of course watching as much football as humanly possible! Happy Thanksgiving once again and we hope your are enjoying this wonderful holiday!

Congratulations to the Perkins School for the Blind on their new Building!

2011-11-23T12:26:00.000-08:00

Cape Cod Mazda would like to congratulate the Perkins School for the Blind on their new technology center! The Grousbeck Center for Students and Technology is a state of the art facility that not only allows students to try out some of the newest technological gadgets but also creates an environment where students can socialize and bond with one another. This 17,000 square foot technology center contains a cafe, fully equipped radio station, talking campus model, tactical world map and much, much more! Another great function of the Grousbeck Center for Students and Technology is that it also acts as a World class teaching facility, allowing educators all over the world to communicate with one another through iPad technology. This will lead to more communication between educators which creates the ability to learn different learning techniques, styles and curriculum.

Our very own Joe Shaker had a first hand look at the new Grousbeck Center for Students and Technology and was truly amazed; "Having a place to use the latest technology as well as an area to hangout and socialize are two huge advancements that further make Perkins the leading school of its kind. I was amazed when I saw the Grousbeck Center."

Picture of the Talking Campus Model

Picture of a student using the Tactical World Map

Picture of the Cafe inside the Grousbeck Center

For more information and our picture source go here: Perkins School for the Blind

To Donate to the School go here: Donate to Perkins School for the Blind

Cape Cod Mazda gets Rocked!

2011-11-18T08:48:00.000-08:00

Finally Cape Cod Mazda has gone to Monday Night Raw! It was our first time to this great event and we didn't know what to expect. What was the outcome of the event? Possibly one of the greatest nights we have had in a long time. Not only did we get to see the Rock "ELECTRIFY" the crowd but we also got to see a surprise wrestler step into the ring, non-other than the Hardcore Legend himself Mic Foley! The icing on the cake for us here at Cape Cod Mazda was seeing John Cena, who was born and raised in Massachusetts, comeback to Boston!

We can't wait for Survivor Series this weekend and hope that John Cena and The Rock can beat the Miz and R-Truth!

Be sure to follow Cape Cod Mazda on Facebook because we will be constantly updating about events, news and a ton of other stuff!

Happy Veteran's Day!

2011-11-11T11:01:00.000-08:00

Here at Cape Cod Mazda we would like to give a big thank you to all the service men and women past and present for all of your service to our great country. Your bravery and courage is an inspiration to us all. We think of and pray for you every day and are so very proud of you and the job you have done protecting this country. Happy Veteran’s day and remember you are forever in our hearts and minds!

Songs to drive too

2011-11-04T10:27:00.000-07:00

Earlier today I posted a question on our Facebook page that was about what your favorite song to rock out too is. As the day has gone on I was thinking about my top ten songs that I listen to when I drive my Mazda3.
This List is in no particular order:

1. AC/DC- Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap
     Reason: I love listing to this song in the car. It is a great song to just rock out too and sing along with. Also to be honest any AC/DC song could be on this list.

2. Kanye West- All of the Lights
     Reason: This song is just great. I really don't have any other reason.

3. Guns n' Roses- Patience
      Reason: Getting stuck in Rush Hour Traffic on the way home from work makes everyone stressed out. This song, with Axel's voice, makes rush hour traffic not seem that bad and allows you to relax.

4. Iron Maiden- Hallow Be Thy Name
     Reason: Its Iron Maiden. Nuff' said.

5. Black Sabbath- War Pigs (Live)
     Reason: First off this song has to be played live. The reasoning for that is when the crowd starts singing the chorus and Ozzy stops singing its one of those amazing musical moments to be listening to in your Mazda.

6. Sugar Hill Gang- Rapper's Delight
      Reason: I saw them perform live at Bentley University and since then I can't stop listening to this song.

7. Biz Markie- Just a Friend
     Reason: Biz Markie is one of rappers that is really good at telling a story. It is almost like you are listening to a book on tape instead of a rap song and is a great song to drive home too.

8. Anything by Clearance Clearwater Revival because thats just great music to listen to.

9. Drake- Forever
     Reason: I listen to this song when I am driving to play basketball or football with my friends. This song just gets me really pumped up.

10. Queen- Bohemian Rhapsody
       Reason: As seen in Wayne's World this song is just a great one to sing to in your Mazda with your friends!

What are your favorite songs to listen to/ Rock out to in your Mazda? Write them down in the comments section!

A Review of the 2012 Mazda3 SKYACTIV ® TECHNOLOGY

2011-10-21T07:17:00.000-07:00

Autoblog has recently reviewed the 2012 Mazda3 SKYACTIV ® TECHNOLOGY and it has gotten rave reviews.

Some of the highlights of the review are:

New Alloy wheel designs
40 MPG on the highway
All-new 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder Skyactiv-G engine
New Six Speed Automatic and Manual Transmissions
Reduced Curb weight
New equipment and additional features

Here at Cape Cod Mazda we can't wait to test drive the Mazda3 with SKYACTIV ® TECHNOLOGY!

The 2012 Mazda3

2011-10-14T09:46:00.000-07:00

The 2012 Mazda3, with its SKYACTIV® TECHNOLOGY, not only has new features but also is more affordable and fuel efficient than its predecessor. The Mazda3 is $600 less than the 2011 Mazda3 MSRP and contains great features such as:

16-inch aluminum alloy wheels
Rain-sensing windshield wipers
Self-leveling bi-xenon headlights
Cloth seating
A Remote starter
Automatic headlights
Mazda’s (AFS)
Power moonroof
A premium Bose sound system

These features, and many more, vary between each make and model. Be sure to check out our wide array of Mazdas at our website or come on in to Cape Cod Mazda to take a test drive!

Source:
Mazda in the News

Learn about your Mazda with the MyMazda App!

2011-10-07T10:08:00.000-07:00

Looking for Cape Cod Mazda? Need to know what your service history is? Well Mazda has made it very simple to find out Mazda information with the My Mazda iPhone App. Whether you want service reminder, factory notifications, Mazda offers or general information about Mazda is this the App for you. This App can be personalized for a particular Mazda vehicle and will be available for DROID phones in the near future!

The 2011 Franklin Medal Ceremony

2011-09-29T10:38:00.000-07:00

The Shaker Automotive Group, including Cape Cod Mazda, is a proud sponsor of the Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology. The Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology, located in the South End of Boston, was founded in 1908 and educates students to go into a technical career. Recent graduation statistics for the Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology show 53% of their students complete their program within three years. "According to the National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES) that number is twice the national average for two-year colleges, and three times greater than the graduation rate for two-year colleges in Massachusetts." Recently one of the members of our family, Joe Shaker, was given the great opportunity of giving the commencement address for this tremendous school!

Here at Cape Cod Mazda we would also like to announce that the Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology is holding the Franklin Medal Ceremony for Governor and Mrs. Michael Dukakis on Friday October 14, 2011 at the John Joseph Moakley Courthouse . Please go and be apart of this great event by purchasing tickets here! All proceeds will benefit student scholarships.

Source: Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology

Mazda Recycling Bumpers?

2011-09-23T06:58:00.000-07:00

Mazda has recently become the first automaker to recycle the bumpers from old cars and turn them into raw materials to be used to create the bumpers on new cars. Mazda's goal in this effort is to be more environmentally friendly and work towards a sustainable future. Currently, Mazda is only using this recycling process for the Mazda Biante which is sold in Japan but most likely this process will be used for other Mazda vehicles.

Here at Cape Cod Mazda we support Mazda's goal for a sustainable future and hope that they continue to innovate and make more environmentally friendly products.!

What do you think about this idea of using recycled bumpers? Give us your feedback in the comments section!

Check out our newly designed website!

2011-09-16T11:17:00.000-07:00

Here at Cape Cod Mazda we are excited to announce that our newly designed website is up and running. Whether you are looking for a new Mazda 3, a used truck, suv or car, need service, financing, parts or just want to peruse our website, head on over to Cape Cod Mazda !

The i-Stop Fuel Efficency for the Future

2011-09-12T13:57:00.000-07:00

Mazda is already planning for innovation in the United States for the year 2016. This technology is called the i-Stop and will help fuel efficiency in Mazda vehicles. Already winning awards in Japan, the i-Stop is Mazda's new start-stop system. This means that when your 2016 Mazda comes to a stop, such as when you have your foot on the break at a red light, the i-Stop technology will stop your Mazda's pistons from moving. Then when you lift your foot off the break and step on the accelerator, for instance when the stop light turns green, the engine restarts in a split second. Thus the driver never really knows it is happening but yet conserves some fuel and holds off going to the gas station for a little more time.

Here at Cape Cod Mazda we think that both the i-Stop and Mazda's SKYACTIV technology are amazing and we can't wait to see what Mazda comes up with next!

What do you think of the i-Stop? Let us know in the comments section!

Source: Mazda in the news
image source: Engine Blox

Behind the Light: The Check Engine Light

2011-09-09T06:25:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been driving down the highway and all the sudden, a faint glow comes from your car's dashboard? You realize that it is your check engine light and you immediately panic. Does this mean you need to go in for a repair on your engine or is it something more minor than that? Many people ask themselves these same questions everyday, so what are some of the main causes for your mysterious check engine light to come on?

CarMD recently collected data on 170,000 vehicles that have been repaired from 1996 to 2010 and examined what are the main reasons for that pesky check engine light to come on. The following is what they found in their analysis:

Faulty Oxygen Sensor
A Loose or Non-Existent Gas Cap
Damaged Catalytic Convertor
A Mass Air Flow Sensor Malfunction
Misfiring Spark Plugs

As you can see the reasons for your vehicle's check engine light to go off range from extremely serious issues to minor repairs. The moral of this story is when that check engine light goes off, get your vehicle checked immediately because it is better to be safe than sorry, even if it is a loose gas cap!

Source:
MSNBC

Cars of the Future: A Car for Blind Drivers?

2011-08-24T11:49:00.000-07:00

Dennis Hong, the founder and director of RoMeLa, is a central figure for several breakthroughs in robot design and engineering. His latest innovation could potentially become a huge breakthrough in the automotive industry; Mr. Hong is trying to invent a car for the blind.

Now this isn't a "self driving" car but a car where "a non-sighted driver can determine speed, proximity, route and drive independently." To make this independent driving experience available for non-sighted drivers, Mr. Hong has used such tools as GPS, laser rangefinders and robotics to build and test out his prototype.

Cape Cod Mazda is a supporter of Mr. Hong's recent innovations. We feel that this technology could lead to many new innovations that would help in other everyday activities, such as helping blind students in classrooms or helping are friends at the Perkins School for the Blind.

For the Full Interview watch it here:

t

What do you think about this future technology? Do you think this technology will be accepted by society? Leave us a comment and let us know what you think!
Source: TED TV

Check Out the Dennis SummerFest this Weekend!

2011-08-19T07:46:00.000-07:00

If you are in the South Yarmouth area be sure to checkout the Dennis SummerFest happening this weekend. There will be a lot of fun family activities to partake in all weekend! Such events include:

Friday 8/19 from 9 A.M.-12 A.M. : Old Fashioned Field Day for Kids
Saturday 8/20 at 10 A.M.:Chalk Art, create the best chalk artwork and win a prize!
Saturday 8/20 from 7 A.M.-10 A.M.: Enter into a Sand Sculpture contest at Mayflower beach.
Saturday 8/20: Family Night Out: This night includes fireworks, a bonfire, and many more fun activities!
Sunday 8/21 from 10 A.M.-4 P.M.: Arts and Crafts Fair.

For more event listings and information go here: Dennis SummerFest

Image Source: bethhiggins.com

SKYACTIV Out the End of this Year

2011-08-13T09:26:00.000-07:00

2012 MAZDA3 with SKYACTIV Technology

Cape Cod Mazda is expecting to see the first SKYACTIV engines roll in late this year on the new 2012 MAZDA 3. There are many benefits to the new engines:

Lighter:

Mazda's SKYACTIV-Body weights 8% less than previous models and the chassis is 14% lighter, giving better fuel consumption.

Faster:

SKYACTIV-G engine produces 15% more torque, increasing performance but still producing improved fuel economy.

Greener:

SKYACTIV-D clean diesel engine has the world's lowest diesel compression ratio, which boosts torque and reduces emissions.

Further:

SKYACTIV-G engine has a high 14:1 compression ratio, which reduces friction and new exhaust. That means you can go 80 miles further on one fill-up.

Stronger:

The SKYACTIV-Body is 30% tougher and will absorb energy to better protect passengers in an accident.

We are excited to see its performance in person and we will keep you up-to-date on all the latest SKYACTIV information.

[Source: ZoomZoomMagazine]

Mazda Ranks #2 in Customer Satisfaction

2011-08-05T06:26:00.000-07:00

J.D. Power's 2011 Initial Quality Survey (IQS)
Among Non-Premium Brands

Great news for the Mazda Community, the surveys are in and Mazda ranked #2 beating out brands like Toyota, Ford and Nissan in J.D Power's IQS. The IQS is a customer survey that measures the overall quality and satisfaction of the vehicle within the first 90 days of ownership.

Honda was the #1 ranking manufacturer but Mazda is working hard to close that gap. They are the most improved brand over the past five years and they continue thrive through innovation and customer service. The Mazda MX-5 Miata was ranked #1 best overall quality of non-premium brands in America.

10 Things to Take out of a Hot Car

2011-07-26T14:07:00.000-07:00

Over the past couple of days the weather has been heating up all over New England with temperatures hitting as high as 107 degrees. I decided now would be a good time to give you a list of things you shouldn't leave in your car on a hot day excluding of course humans and pets.

Aerosol Cans: They can explode in intense heat
Prescription Medications: Heat has the ability to change the chemical makeup of medications
Lighters: Also, can and will explode
Electronics: These devices such as, GPS units, IPods and cell phones don't like extreme hot or cold. It will shorten their lifespan.
CD's and DVD's
Sunglasses: If you have wire frames they can become warped in the sun.
Plastic Bottles: The chemicals making up the bottles can seep into your drink.
Crayons: This wax little buggers will melt every where. Not fun to try to clean up.
Lipsticks: Another melter.
Soda Cans: This is another item that will explode in extreme temperatures.

Cape Cod's Fun Free Fridays

2011-07-20T09:46:00.000-07:00

This summer Highland Street Foundation is sponsoring Free Fun Fridays! A chance for you and your family to visit popular museums in MA for free. There is no registration or tickets just show up and enjoy. Every Friday new attractions are available and this Friday, July 22 you can visit several exciting locations.

FRANKLIN PARK ZOO

1 Franklin Park Rd - Dorchester

THE SPORTS MUSEUM

TD Garden - 100 Legends Way - Boston

NORMAN ROCKWELL MUSEUM

9 Route 183 - Stockbridge

PEABODY ESSEX MUSEUM

161 Essex Street - Salem

Happy Fourth of July

2011-07-01T07:27:00.000-07:00

Everyone at Cape Cod Mazda would like to wish you all a Happy Fourth of July weekend.

We will be open normal hours during Saturday, 9am-5pm, and Sunday, 12pm-5pm. Due to the holiday we will be Closed Monday the 4th. Regular hours will begin on Tuesday the 5th at 9am.

Lighter than Air: Future Mazda Miata

2011-06-10T12:05:00.000-07:00

2011 Mazda Miata

Lighter than air might be a bit of an exaggeration but the future of the Mazda MX-5 Miata looks lighter than ever. The engineers have been instructed by the powers that be at Mazda to decrease the current weight of the Miata by 720 lbs. The vehicle currently stands at an impressively light weight of 2,480 lbs, placing the new model at around only 1,760 lbs.

How does Mazda plan on accomplishing this task you may ask, "turning to high-strength steel for the vehicle's chassis and contemplating a smaller-displacement engine." The most unique method I have heard is putting the owner's manual on a USB drive instead of the paper form we have all come to know and love.

Now whether or not they will be able to accomplish this daunting task has yet to be determined. None of the engineers seem to be fully convinced its possible. Even if they cannot reach the golden 1,760 lbs it will be noticeably lighter than the 2011 model.

[Source: Autoblog]

Shaker's Support Perkins School for the Blind

2011-05-27T06:23:00.000-07:00

May 2011 Perkins School for the Blind Gala

The Shaker family is a proud supporter of Perkins School for the Blind. We are excited to announce that at their recent Gala they successfully raised more than $1.5 million to help fund all the vital programs and support that Perkins provides to 150,000 people on campus, in the community and throughout the world.

Watch the performance of "It's Too Late for Me" by special musical guest Peter Wolf and the Midnight Travelers with Perkins secondary Chorus. You can also read the Press Release from the event atPerkins School for the Blind official website. You can also find out how you can help support the school.

DY High School's After Prom Extravaganza

2011-05-20T08:04:00.000-07:00

DY High School in South Yarmouth, MA. celebrated their prom last Friday. Cape Cod Mazda would like to congratulate all of the seniors on their upcoming graduation. Every year DY Police Department helps sponsor an after prom event to help keep the students safe. It was our great honor to be asked to help sponsor their after prom party at the bowling alley. Four seniors were given the chance to roll in the 7/10 Split Contest, including this year's prom king. If anyone was able to knock down the elusive 7/10 split they would win there very own brand new Mazda. Unfortunately, there were no lucky winners this year. We hope all the seniors had a blast and maybe next year someone will be leaving in a shiny new car.

Future Replacement of the Tribute: Mazda CX-5

2011-04-30T07:38:00.000-07:00

Mazda's new CX-5 is to be premiered at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September but until then they have been working tirelessly to have it ready. This small crossover has elements from not only the Minagi concept, shown at the Geneva Motor Show, but the Shinari design concept. At the moment the vehicle still gets much of its design from the CX-7 but the closer we get to September the more it becomes a whole new vehicle. The all new CX-5 will be a replacement for the Mazda Tribute, which is being taken out of production.

[Source: Autoblog]

Red Cross Blood Drive at Cape Cod Mazda

2011-04-18T08:40:00.000-07:00

Cape Cod Mazda hosted its first ever Red Cross Blood Drive this past Saturday, April 16th 2011. Even though the weather was slightly chilly, we saw a great turn out for the event. The blood drive was scheduled to run from 9am - 2pm however; due to unforeseen circumstances we had to push our start time back to 11:30am. Cape Cod Mazda and the American Red Cross would like to thank everyone who came to donate and even more for your patience. The Red Cross nurses worked tirelessly and we were able to take 14 donors during 2 and half hours, making this blood drive a success.

There is a great demand for blood throughout the world and we are glad we could do our part to help out. Find out more about the need for blood below.

Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood.
More than 38,000 blood donations are needed every day.
A total of 30 million blood components are transfused each year in the U.S. (2006).
The average red blood cell transfusion is approximately 3 pints.
The blood type most often requested by hospitals is Type O.
The blood used in an emergency is already on the shelves before the event occurs.
Sickle cell disease affects more than 80,000 people in the U.S., 98 percent of whom are African American. Sickle cell patients can require frequent blood transfusions throughout their lives.
More than 1 million new people are diagnosed with cancer each year. Many of them will need blood, sometimes daily, during their chemotherapy treatment.
A single car accident victim can require as many as 100 pints of blood.

If you would like to find more information on blood drives in your area please visit www.redcrossblood.org

Why is it making that noise?

2011-04-12T07:07:00.001-07:00

Look, Smell and Hear Your Way to a Safer Car

Many of us ignore the odd rattling noses or smells coming from our vehicles. The problem is that these are usually the sign a more serious issue. Here are a few of the warning signs your vehicle might be giving you and what they could mean.

Sight:

symptom: Vehicle is leaning to one sign
diagnosis: Could be an indication of a broken spring

symptom: Puddles underneath your vehicle
diagnosis: Leaking coolant or oil

Smell:

symptom: Turn on heater and it smells sweet
diagnosis: This is a possible leaking heater core

symptom: Turn on heater and it stinks
diagnosis: High chance that there is mildew or mold build up

symptom: A burning smell coming from your vehicle is never a good sign
diagnosis: Oil could be leaking into engine, brakes may be sticking or possibly wires are overheating and melting

Hear:

symptom: Brief squeaking sound when you turn on the car
diagnosis: Possible slipping of fan belt

symptom: Coming to a stop you hear a high pitched squeal
diagnosis: Your brake pads could be worn and need replacing

symptom: You hear a rumbling noise
diagnosis: Muffler or exhaust could be leaking

symptom: Vibrating rattle
diagnosis: Loose exhaust heat shield

symptom: Rumbling at highway speeds
diagnosis: Worn wheel bearings

symptom: Snapping or popping while turning the vehicle
diagnosis: Indication of worn ball-joint or other steering component

symptom: Tapping underneath the hood
diagnosis: Ranges from dangerously low on oil to numerous other internal engine problems

[Source: AAA]

April 16th Red Cross Blood Drive

2011-04-05T11:10:00.000-07:00

Stop by Cape Cod Mazda's Blood Drive on April 16th and help us give back to the community. By Donating blood you can help save three lives. View the flyer below for details.

Distractions While Driving: The Effect of Texting

2011-03-31T10:15:00.000-07:00

It is against the law in Connecticut and Massachusetts to text while driving. Since this info-graph (see above image) came out 11 more states have added this law to their books making a total of 30. The Governors Highway Safety Association has a great information on each state and their laws regarding cell phones.

51.4% of teenagers admitted to texting while driving and 45.1% of 20-24 year olds. Just by talking on the phone you are 4 times more likely to cause an accident which is equivalent to your chances when driving drunk (.08 BAC). The scary part? You are 8 times more likely to cause an accident texting.

Do you believe more states should ban texting while driving?

[Source: Inforgraphics Showcase]

2011 Mazda CX-9 Better Than the Rest

2011-03-22T07:22:00.000-07:00

Mazda CX-9 comes out on top in a recent Motor Trend SUV comparison testing, coming out in the May 2011 issue. The comparison took 6 SUVs and pitted them against each other and here is how they stood up against the challenge:

1st Place: Mazda CX-9
2nd Place: Dodge Durango
3rd Place: Chevrolet Traverse
5th Place: Honda Pilot
6th Place: Ford Explorer

There is was plenty of praise to go around for the CX-9 but for now I will just give you a little Teaser until the article comes out.

"As a high speed, canyon-carving seven-seater, the CX-9 is severely gifted. It actually inspires confidence when you push, quite unlike the rest of the field."

[Source: Motor Trend]

Mazda Minagi Concept: What the Future Holds.

2011-03-02T13:50:00.001-08:00

2011 Geneva Motor show was a chance for Mazda to introduce its second showcar in the Kodo design language, Minagi. In a previous post we about the first showcar to be released in the Kodo style, Shinari. So is the Mazda Minagi Concept, everything we hoped for and more? With Mazda's SkyActiv technology this car could have a lot to offer.

Firefighters Helping Firefighters

2011-02-21T08:34:00.000-08:00

Corey Shaker, a partner of the Shaker Automotive Group, has been a volunteer firefighter for the past 52 years. The Shakers' want to show their thanks and support to all firefighters and EMS personnel by giving them the best value they can on all of their Mazda inventory. So thank you for doing all you do everyday!

If you are interested in taking advantage of this offer you can visit the Cape Cod Mazda website or call us at (877) 864-3907. Just mention this blog post!

Hot New Roadster: Special Edition Mazda MX-5 Miata

2011-02-17T08:36:00.000-08:00

In order to celebrate hitting 900,000 MX-5 Miatas produced, Mazda has rolled out a special edition of the beloved roadster. It will run you around $30,925 for a manual transmission and $31,525 for a six-speed automatic. The price will be worth it considering how rare it will be to find one; Mazda is only making 750 units.

The Special Edition MX-5 Miata is based off the fully-equipped Grand Touring model with a Power Retractable Hard Top. It also comes in only two colors Sparkling Black Mica or Dolphin Gray Mica while the interior includes heated leather seats with gray stitching and chrome treatments.

Both manual and automatic transmissions can enjoy the 167-horsepower, 140 lb-ft torque 2.0-liter four cylinder engine. This vehicle is only 2,593 pounds and has a nearly 50:50 weight distribution. Not only that but it comes with track-proven suspension and responsive power. This Mazda isn't messing around.

Gas Prices Continue to Rise. What you can do to save money.

2011-02-10T07:30:00.000-08:00

5 Tips to Conserve Gas and Save Money

With gas prices soaring in the last couple of months it is no wonder many of us shudder as we see our fuel tank near empty. Here are 5 tips from AAA to help you conserve gas:

Avoid making quick stops and starts. It has been reported that you can lower your fuel economy by 33% by driving aggressively.
As hard as it sounds, drive the speed limit.Your cars fuel economy is at its peak around 55 mph. That being said, every 5 mph driven over 60 is equivalent to paying an extra $0.24 per gallon.
Tires should be fully inflated. Having your tires inflated properly can increase fuel efficiency by 3%.
Avoid putting luggage on your roof. The vehicle becomes less aerodynamic creating extra drag and decreasing fuel economy.
Having your vehicle up-to-date on maintenance repairs will help you achieve maximum fuel economy. Also, do not ignore vehicle-warning indicators. These problems can be a major cause of poor fuel economy.

Mazda Jumping on the Electric Vehicle Bandwagon

2011-02-03T11:35:00.000-08:00

2011 MAZDA2 in which the EV will be based on

Mazda has announced that it will be developing an electric vehicle (EV) to being leasing during spring 2012. The designed will be based off of the MAZDA2 and released solely in Japan. Its main purpose will be for leasing to local government bodies and fleet consumers. They are expecting their new EV to get around 124 miles per charge, that is about 24 mile more than the new Nissan Leaf.

Mazda is quoted as saying, "The internal combustion engine is expected to remain the heart of the automobile for the near future..." but "through this EV lease program, Mazda hopes to enhance its knowledge of EV usage requirements and electric drive technologies."

I am not sure whether or not the EV is the vehicle of the future but it definitely has its benefits for the average person who drives less than 100 miles a day. What are your thoughts on using electricity vs. a fuel source?

All New 2012 MAZDA5

2011-01-19T09:10:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago, at the beginning of 2011, Cape Cod Mazda received its first 2012 MAZDA5. Mazda USA has updated the look, giving it sleeker outer appearance compared to its predecessors. Not only have they amped up the design but the Mazda 5 now comes with an intensified powertrain.

SPECS:

Engine: 2.5L I4

Horsepower: 157 @6000 rpm

Torque: 163 @ 4000

EPA Mileage: 21 city/28 highway

Type: Front Wheel Drive

Manual Transmission: 6-speed Manual

Automatic Transmission: 5-speed Automatic

Price: $19,195-$23,875 MSRP

New 2012 Mazda5

Old 2010 Mazda5

There isn't anything out there like this pint-sized mini-van and wont be until Ford comes out with its C-Max later this year. This is a great vehicle for a small family who just needs a little extra room (or the ability to separate the kids during long drives). There is plenty of cargo space especially when the third row seats are folded down. The third row offers enough leg room for a child to fit comfortably. However, at age 22 I believe it would be a little tight, think sardines. Mazda has posted an awesome video from the LA Auto Show that can better illustrate just has much space this vehicle has.

Exclusive First Test Drive: 2011 MAZDA2

2011-01-12T09:48:00.000-08:00

The 2011 Mazda2 finally arrived at Wellesley Mazda! We have one sport trim level and one touring trim level, they are both manual transmission.

I took the base sport Mazda2 for a spin today and really liked it. It feels light, nimble and fast, a perfect car for city driving and highway travelling. The Mazda2 uses digital fuel gauge and doesn't have a temp gauge.

Pros:

Roomy inside, I am 6'1 and I think I have more head room in the Mazda2 than the Mazda3 and Mazda6, backseat is also livable to me, more leg room than the Mazda3.

Seats are very comfortable, better than the Mazda3 due to ample lumbar support.

Ride is quiet, fun, car is fast in 1st and 2nd gear, 0-20, 20-40 feels faster than the Mazda3 2.5L manual and Mazda6 2.5L manual.

Car is very cute.

Cons:

AC may take a while to cool down the cabin.

Manual shifter is at an awkward position to shift...

Not much room in the hatchback, I would say 2 person + overnight hiking gears will fill this car.

Stereo on base car is average.

Shinari: The New Look of Mazda

2011-01-07T13:28:00.000-08:00

Mazda showcased its concept car, Shinari, at the 2010 Los Angeles Automotive Show. It definitely stirred up some attention from the industry with its complete overhaul of the current Mazda design. It represents a more mature and luxurious direction that Mazda will be taking in the upcoming years. I believe it is unlikely that Mazda will actually manufacture the Shinari for mass consumption but I wouldn't be surprised if in the future Mazda takes its design cues from this vehicle.

Mazda3 and Cx-9: The Driver's Alternative

2010-12-20T13:09:00.000-08:00

Mazda Throughout the Ages

2010-12-17T12:03:00.000-08:00

Mazda celebrated its 90 anniversary on December 15th 2010. The company celebrated by taking a nostalgic look back at how the brand and logo evolved over the past 90 years.

1936 Mazda Logo

These were the first recorded logos for the Mazda Brand. The name Mazda was derived from a god of wisdom, intelligence and harmony, Ahura Mazda from ancient Asian culture.

1959

1975 Classic Mazda Logo

This is the classic 1975 Mazda logo that is still used today. It is what started the creation of Mazda's brand identity.

1992

This logo represents the dimension of wings, the sun and a circle of light.

Mazda has stuck with the wings when they introduced

their 1997 logo however, opting for a more visual M.

1997 Mazda

2008

In 2008 the company kept the memorable 1997 logo but added a new twist. Trying to encompass all the is zoom-zoom, with the new logo they express movement and speed.

Do your Brake Pads need to be Changed?

2010-12-10T08:15:00.000-08:00

Hello this is Erik Olson, Service Director from Cape Cod Mazda,

Brakes are probably one of the easiest repairs to understand if you know the right questions to ask.

Ask if you can go out to the shop and see the brakes.
Find out what pad thickness the brakes start out at when they are new.
Find out what the factory considers "zero lift left" or...

Brakes generally start out at 13mm in the front and 9mm in the rear

Usually the factory will discard brakes at 3mm in the front and 2mm in the rear.

If you know the size of a new brake pad and the size it is now, take your mileage now and divide by the mm used up and you will get a rough idea of how many miles you have left on your brake pads.

For instance, my front brake pads start out at a thickness of 13mm and right now, after 20,000 miles, are at 6mm. 20,000/(13-6)=2,857.14

You are estimating around 2,857 miles left on your brake pads.

Really worn brake pads

Brand new out of the box Brake pads

Knowing these facts can help you understand why you need brakes, but the best advice I can give you is to ask to go out to the shop and look for yourself.

Drained Battery? Heres how to fix it.

2010-11-27T07:21:00.000-08:00

No one wants to be caught with a dead battery, especially during the holiday season. Here are some tips on how to safely jump start your car without damaging the battery or starter.

It is possible for batteries to explode. Make sure you turn off both cars before you proceed.
Connect the positive cable end to the positive battery terminal of the dead battery.
Once that is complete connect the positive cable end to the positive end of the working battery.
Next connect the negative end of the cable to the negative terminal of the working battery.
Attach the remaining negative cable to the unpainted metal of the car engine (as far away from the battery as possible). The below image shows you what it will look like.

Now you just have to wait a few moments before you try to start your car. If it doesn’t start, start the working car and then try the dead one again.
When the car starts, make sure you disconnect the cables in the opposite order.
If your car still does not start, don’t continue to try to charge it. This could lead to damage of the car’s starter. You should take the battery to a service center to get it repaired.
If you are successful you should still make sure your car battery if fully recharged by hooking it up to a charger for the night. You can also drive for 5 or 10 miles.

I hope none of you have this problem but it is better to be prepared. Just to let everyone know I found all this information on Reader’s Digest.com. You can go there to find more details and car tips.

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-24T11:59:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving from Cape Cod Mazda. Eat, drink and be merry this holiday. And above all else please drive safely.

Fun Turkey Fact: Benjamin Franklin wanted the national bird to be a turkey.

The Need to Know: Car Buying

2010-11-19T13:32:00.000-08:00

Buying a car can be stressful experience, especially when you aren’t sure of the first step to take. I sat down with a General Manager from a store that rates incredibly high on satisfaction and asked him what someone can do to better prepare themselves for the process and what you should expect from a dealership.

Start by searching dealers in your area and seeing how past customers have rated them. Google Places and Yahoo! Local are definitely great options but you might want to try dealerrater.com which is specifically dedicated to, as the title suggests, rating automotive dealers. It is important to keep an open mind because as many of us know it is impossible to satisfy everyone. If you do find a legitimate complaint see how the dealership responded them, if at all.
If you have a trade-in find out how much money you still owe on it. Also do some research to find out how much your vehicle is worth. Autotrader.com has a new feature called the trade-in marketplace. All you have to do is simply click on the Autotrader logo and enter your zip code and vehicle information. You'll receive a fast, free and guaranteed value for your car within minutes. Bring your offer to one of the dealerships they provide and even if you aren't going to buy from them, they'll still write you a check for your vehicle. They could even possibly offer you more for your vehicle.
Do research on the car you want but not only on the car you want, the equipment and packages that are important to you. For instance, perhaps you love leather seats but couldn’t care less if they were powered. You can save a lot of money by opting out of power seating and other similar functions. Not only that but consider going for an older model, right now a new 2010 has better incentives and value than a new 2011.
When you are given a quote, watch out for incentives and rebates. Most dealers will include all incentives and rebates in their discounted price, many of which you might not be eligible for. Usually there is fine print underneath however, be aware of dealerships that hide disclaimers on separate pages. If you are receiving a quote via email just ask what the incentives are. Often, you will find there is an incentive for college grads or military personnel and you might be neither. Remember, discounted prices usually don’t include things like sales tax and registration fees.
When you are at the dealership if you feel like you are being pressured into a specific car there could be several reasons. For example, the dealership will make more money if you buy one verse another or it has been on the lot for a while and they want to get rid of it.

The main thing with purchasing a vehicle is knowledge. Make sure to do your research. If you aren’t sure which car you want go to a dealership where you know you won’t be pressured to purchase and test drive a few. Then start exploring what options are out there. With the internet at your fingers there is a limitless amount of information you can find and I hope this helps you get started.

Congratulations to Gina Davis

2010-11-10T12:57:00.000-08:00

Cape Cod Mazda would like to Congratulate Gina Davis for winning our Greenman Contest! We hope you enjoy your $100 American Express Gift Card!

Make Sure You Buckle-Up

2010-11-03T11:47:00.000-07:00

I saw this and I couldn't help but share it. Designer Thabto has created a very clever way to keep track of your keys. He has taken the seat belt buckle from cars that will soon be piled up at junk yard and turned it into an effective trendy key holder.

Important Tire Facts

2010-10-25T13:44:00.000-07:00

Tire Car Facts

ü 27% of passenger cars and 32% of pickup trucks,SUV’s and minivans have at least one significant under inflated tire.*
ü 9% of tires on the road are bald.*
ü A tire can lose as much as 50% of its inflationpressure and not appear to be flat.
ü Inflation pressure in a tire goes up (in warmweather) and down (in cold weather) 1-2 pounds for every 10 degrees oftemperature change.

*Source:National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Why Maintain Correct Pressure

Under inflation or overloadingcreates excessive stress and heat, and can lead to tire failure. This couldresult in vehicle damage and/or serious injury or death.

And over inflated tire can causeuneven wear in the center of the tread. Over inflation also can make the tiremore susceptible to road hazard damage and pose vehicle handling issues.

Check Your Tire Pressure

· Check tire pressure once a month and before longjourneys.

· When you check the inflation, make sure thetires are cool-meaning they are not hot even from driving a mile.

· Check your spare tire to make sure it has enoughair.

· Check for nails and other objects embedded thatcould poke a hole in the tire and cause an air leak.

Source: Rubber Manufacturers Association

7 days left to Cape Cod Mazda Greenman Contest

2010-10-25T11:28:00.000-07:00

MAZDA2 Music Tour Last Night

2010-10-20T13:41:00.000-07:00

Last night at the Paradise Lounge in Boston Mazda was hosting their MAZDA2 Music Tour featuring Mayer Hawthorne and DJ Jazzy Jeff (yes, he was on Fresh Prince of Belair). It was the perfect day to be going to a show and it started at 5:30 with the gathering of VIP winners. Mazda had given out around 50 VIP tickets which gave the holder a chance to meet Mayer Hawthorne and DJ Jazzy Jeff before the show.

They definitely gave us the VIP treatment. We were usered into the hall and handed 2 free drink tickets for the night. When you entered the room you were put in line to get your picture taken at the photo booth which they emailed to you and will put onto their flickr site. You also had the chance to customize a t-shirt that would be mailed to you free of charge and you could enter for a chance to win a new MAZDA2 or an Ipod. Needless to say I partook in all of these events, though please do not judge my photobooth shot. There was also finger food set out for us and I was extremely entertained with the fact that even the napkins had Mayer Hawthorne's name inprinted on them (I might have taken one home with me).

I met up with the Cape Cod Mazda VIP winner, Brendan Smith, and got an awesome picture taken with him. He is an amazing photographer and you can see the pictures he took from the show at his Flickr Page. He even got interviewed about the show by Mazda and will be up on their blog early next week! This is what Brendan had to say about the event:

"Winning tickets to this show was the pinnacle of an already amazing vacation. Through twitter, all things are possible. Mazda helped create such a fun atmosphere for the event as well. I loved the photo booth and t-mobile shirt set up and the Mazda staff were beyond helpful when it came to making sure we were having the best time possible.
It came as no surprise that the concert was spectacular, as well. All of the artists brought their A game. Gordon Voidwell was the perfect opener to get the crowd pumped. The Heavy brought the ruckus. Mayer Hawthorne proved to be the smoothest guy in the world. And Jazzy Jeff was the perfect icing on the cake, to top it all off.
The highlight of the night, for me, was the opportunity to meet Jazzy and Mayer and talk hidden record digging spots in Hawaii. "

Me and Brendan Cape Cod's VIP winner

New 2011 Mazda 2

Brendan getting interviewed by Mazda

Paradise Lounge

Sideways picture from photo booth

Win Tickets to Meet Mayer Hawthorne and The County

2010-10-15T12:14:00.000-07:00

Mazda2 Music Tour is coming to Boston this Tuesday at the Paradise Lounge. Cape Cod Mazda has VIP tickets to give away for you and a friend to meet Mayer Hawthorne and The County. For your chance to Win visit the Cape Cod Mazda facebook page and comment on our post.

'76 Mazda pickup is the perfect base for a Radio Flyer wagon.

2010-10-08T08:16:00.000-07:00

A colleague of mine sent me the link to this article and I couldn't help but post it on our blog. A couple from Alaska has actually built a Radio Flyer wagon that you can drive. This larger than life wagon was made from a '76 Mazda pickup and is completely street legal. Check out the video and the original article check out at the autoblog.com.

Mazda2 Greenman Contest at capecodmazda.com

2010-10-05T09:48:00.000-07:00

If you can find the Mazda2 Greenman hidden within the pages of our website you could be entered for a chance to win $100 American Express Gift Card.

How you play:

A small image of the Greenman has been placed somewhere on the Cape Cod Mazda website. If you find the icon just click on it and enter your information. But be warned the icon will be changing places every day.

Rules:

1. You can only enter once per day
2. However, you can enter as many times as you would like within the contest period
3. The contest ends Oct. 31th 2010
4. You do not need to be a Customer/ No purchase necessary
5. You must be able to pick up the prize from our Cape Cod Mazda store in South Yarmouth

Click here to check out regulations

Darwin Awards: Jet Pack Take Off

2010-09-20T06:27:00.001-07:00

The Arizona Highway Patrol were mystified when they came upon a pile of smoldering wreckage embedded in the side of a cliff rising above the road at the apex of a curve. The metal debris resembled the site of an airplane crash, but it turned out to be the vaporized remains of an automobile. The make of the vehicle was unidentifiable at the scene.

The folks in the lab finally figured out what it was, and pieced together the events that led up to its demise.

It seems that a former Air Force sergeant had somehow got hold of a JATO (Jet Assisted Take-Off) unit. JATO units are solid fuel rockets used to give heavy military transport airplanes an extra push for take-off from short airfields.

Dried desert lakebeds are the location of choice for breaking the world ground vehicle speed record.The sergeant took the JATO unit into the Arizona desert and found a long, straight stretch of road. He attached the JATO unit to his car, jumped in, accelerated to a high speed, and fired off the rocket.

The facts, as best as could be determined, are as follows:

The operator was driving a 1967 Chevy Impala. He ignited the JATO unit approximately 3.9 miles from the crash site. This was established by the location of a prominently scorched and melted strip of asphalt. The vehicle quickly reached a speed of between 250 and 300 mph and continued at that speed, under full power, for an additional 20-25 seconds. The soon-to-be pilot experienced G-forces usually reserved for dog-fighting F-14 jocks under full afterburners. The Chevy remained on the straight highway for approximately 2.6 miles (15-20 seconds) before the driver applied the brakes, completely melting them, blowing the tires, and leaving thick rubber marks on the road surface. The vehicle then became airborne for an additional 1.3 miles, impacted the cliff face at a height of 125 feet, and left a blackened crater 3 feet deep in the rock.

Ironically a still-legible bumper sticker was found, reading "How do you like my driving? Dial 1-800-EAT-SHIT."

Limited edition Mazda2 Yozora package comes with snow tires – how many 2s can you fit on a Mazda2?

2010-04-30T07:17:00.001-07:00

Mazda Canada Inc. today announced the launch of a special edition of its all-new 2011 Mazda2 subcompact: the Mazda2 Yozora.

Fittingly, the Mazda2 Yozora (yó-zo-ra), which means "night sky" in Japanese, is completely swathed in a brilliant black exterior finish and features a "2" themed decal package on the front driver's side bumper and fender. A unique raised rear spoiler, short stubby antenna, chrome tailpipe and 195/45R16 Toyo Proxes T1R performance tires mounted on special edition 16-inch alloy wheels finished in silver and contrasting black add to the fierce design.

"Yozora" tailgate badge, unique "Yozora Edition" floor mats and 185/55R15 winter tires mounted and balanced on Mazda steel wheels, are also included with the special edition.

The Mazda2 Yozora is based on the entry-level Mazda2 GX trim (paired with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission), with air conditioning and a Convenience package, which consists of heated door mirrors, remote keyless entry, jackknife key, steering-wheel mounted cruise control and audio controls, two additional speakers, exterior temperature gauge, trip computer, body-colored door mirrors and handles, and interior silver accents throughout.

"With its captivating design, exceptional value and fun-to-drive attributes, the Mazda2 Yozora will cater to our younger enthusiasts, who value individuality and expression," said Mike Collinson, director of marketing and product strategy, Mazda Canada. "For under $20,000, Yozora offers the most sought-after accessories and customization in one convenient package."
Exclusive to the Canadian market, the Mazda2 Yozora edition has a starting MSRP of $19,280. Only 500 units are being produced and they will be available in dealerships in July 2010.

2011 Mazda2 will be at Cape Cod Mazda this July! Starting from $14,730!

2010-04-01T08:26:00.001-07:00

Mazda announced today at the 2010 New York Auto Show that the 2011 Mazda2 hits dealerships this summer priced from $14,730 (*including the $750 destination charge). The cute little hatchback will provide some serious competition for the likes of the Honda Fit, and Ford Fiesta.

The base Mazda2 Sport model is powered by a 100-horsepower, 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine mated to either a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission.

The list of standard features is what we'd expect from a vehicle in this segment, and includes things like ABS, stability control, traction control, an AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo and 15-inch steel wheels. Upgrading to the top-trim Touring model will cost you $16,185 including destination fees, and adds alloy wheels, upgraded seat cloth, fog lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, a chrome exhaust tip and a rear spoiler.

McDreamy’s Daily Ride - Mazdaspeed3

2010-03-30T07:36:00.003-07:00

MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development today confirmed that Patrick Dempsey will race a 2010 MAZDA3 prepared by Tri-Point Motorsports in the World Challenge race during the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach weekend. Dempsey normally races a Mazda RX-8 in the Rolex Grand-Am GT series.

About the weekend and the difference in racecars, Dempsey said, "I'm thrilled to be able to race near my Los Angeles home. With the Grand-Am series, I've been able to race at many of the great tracks in North America, but now I have a chance to race locally. The Tri-Point MAZDA3 really impressed me during testing. I've never driven a front-wheel drive racecar that handled that well before. I shouldn't have been surprised though as my daily driver is a MAZDASPEED3. The weekend will also be personally rewarding to me as we'll be carrying the colors of our Dempsey Challenge."

Come to our dealership and test drive the 2010 MazdaSpeed3, driving the same car McDreamy is driving!

Shaker Auto Group sponsored Watertown Youth Hockey!

2010-03-01T14:03:00.001-08:00

Welcome to Cape Cod Mazda off Exit 8 on Rt-6 in South Yarmouth, MA!

2010-02-05T08:45:00.001-08:00