Choosing a Collision Center

When your Mazda needs a service, you always have the choice between your dealer and a non-Mazda repair shop. As your Mazda dealership, we want to tell you about some of the many service benefits you get from choosing us to keep your vehicle in top shape. 3 Service Benefits of Choosing Your Mazda Dealership for All Your Maintenance Expert Knowledge When you visit us, all the technicians who service and maintain your vehicle are repair experts. Our technicians compete in training courses at a Mazda factory, where they study the specialized components and systems that make your Mazda the vehicle it is. In addition, their knowledge of new systems is always current due to continual training and daily servicing of Mazda vehicles. more If you choose a non-Mazda mechanic, their knowledge of your vehicle and its specialized systems will always be lower than that of a Mazda-trained expert. Standard mechanics work on many different makes and models, so they lack the familiarity to speedily and efficiently service or repair your vehicle, which translates into higher costs. Latest Technology As a dealership, we have cutting-edge technology and the latest equipment directly from Mazda to ensure we always have the right tools to keep your vehicle in great shape. The software used to monitor and control this technology is also continually updated to ensure it works perfectly and no potential issues are missed. A non-dealership won't have this specialized equipment, as they will use standard equipment meant to be used on as many different types of vehicles as possible. In addition, some repair shops will have older equipment that isn't compatible with advanced Mazda systems. This can result in misdiagnosing an issue and potentially causing avoidable damage. Warranty Protection When you choose us for your servicing needs, all labor is protected by warranty. The replacement parts also carry warranties, as they're identical to the original parts they replace and have met the same stringent design, engineering, and testing requirements. This gives you peace of mind, as in the unlikely event of an issue with labor or materials, it would be corrected at no cost. Warranty repairs can also be performed at any Mazda dealer. If you choose a non-dealer, you aren't guaranteed warranty protection. Non-dealers use aftermarket parts for servicing and repairs, and they aren't covered by warranty. These parts are designed to fit numerous vehicle makes and models, so they may not fit or work correctly when used on your Mazda. ​If the repair shop provides a labor warranty, you would have to return to the same shop to fix the cause of the problem. These are just some of the many reasons to choose your trusted dealer. Contact us today at Acadiana Mazda in Lafayette, LA.

Have you noticed a slight roughening to your car's handling? Is your steering wheel off-center, or is your car refusing to drive perfectly straight? These and the other issues below might indicate misaligned wheels, which occurs in most cars over time. If you routinely have wheel alignment at your local Mazda dealership, you'll avoid the worst symptoms and risks that result from misaligned wheels. The Importance of Wheel Alignment in Mazdas: Symptoms and Solutions Offset Steering Wheel When all's well with your car, the steering wheel should be sitting centered when you're not turning it. If you find yourself needing to hold the wheel at an angle to keep going straight, you probably have misaligned wheels. Steering Wheel Slow To Centralize After cornering, when you release the steering wheel, it should also return smoothly to its centered position. If your steering wheel seems reluctant to do this, you likely have the same problem. Drifting to One Side If one or more of your wheels is slightly angled, it will pull the car in that direction. In this situation, you'll need to hold the wheel slightly off-center to stay in the middle of your lane. If you know that centering the wheel will see your car veer off the road, have your wheels realigned at once. Harder Handling Cars are designed to have all four wheels perfectly parallel and aligned. As soon as one or more wheels become edged out of shape by knocks against curbs or potholes, your overall handling with diminish. This lessens your control over the vehicle, which poses a safety threat. Strange Vibrations Misaligned wheels also create more friction and road noise. You'll find your ordinarily smooth drives becoming steadily noisier with excess vibrations. In particular, the steering wheel is likely to vibrate strangely. Reduced Fuel Efficiency The extra friction generated by misaligned wheels means your engine needs to burn more fuel for each mile you travel. As a result, you may notice an increase in your monthly fuel expenses. Uneven or Squealing Tires Misaligned wheels accelerate uneven tire wear, reducing the lifespan of your tires. If you notice your tires wearing down in mismatching patterns, your wheels may be to blame. Misaligned wheels also put awkward pressure on the tires, which can cause them to squeal loudly when you corner. The Solution: Wheel Realignment at Your Local Mazda Dealership Wheel realignment is a delicate process involving a sophisticated alignment machine that precisely measures camber, caster, and toe alignment. Working with the machine, the technicians carefully adjust the suspension for each wheel until all four are perfectly parallel once again. Have your car's wheels realigned today at Acadiana Mazda in Lafayette, LA. We're a local family-owned and run dealership that promises prompt, hassle-free service, whatever your automotive purchasing or servicing needs may be.

Caring for your vehicle’s oil is one of the most common maintenance services that a mechanic will handle. However many vehicle owners have a limited understanding of the types of oil and what engine oil does. Here is a list of the most commonly FAQ about Mazda oil changes that we hear in Lafayette: Why do I need to change my oil? Oil lubricates the engine's moving parts, reduces friction, and helps dissipate heat. Over time, oil breaks down and becomes contaminated with dirt, dust, and debris from the engine and the environment. Changing the oil and filter regularly helps keep the engine running smoothly and prevents premature wear and damage. How often should I change my oil? The frequency of oil changes can vary depending on your vehicle's make, model, and year, as well as your driving habits. A common recommendation is for conventional oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles and every 5,000 to 10,000 miles for synthetic oil. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the manufacturer's recommendations. What's the difference between synthetic and conventional oil? Synthetic oil is a man-made lubricant that provides higher performance and protection than conventional oil, especially in extreme temperatures. It's designed to last longer, reduce engine wear, and improve fuel efficiency. Conventional oil is derived from crude oil and provides adequate lubrication at a lower cost but may need to be changed more frequently. Can I switch between synthetic and conventional oil? Yes, you can switch between synthetic and conventional oil without harming your engine. However, once you switch to synthetic oil, you might not want to go back to conventional oil due to its superior protection and performance. How Long Can You Go Without an Oil Change? Failing to change your oil can lead to a buildup of contaminants that will wear away at engine components, potentially leading to engine overheating, reduced efficiency, and ultimately, engine failure. Because of this, it is usually only possible to go about 10,000 to 15,000 miles without changing your oil. Failing to change your oil can also void portions of your factory warranty. Always check your vehicles Owners Manual for specific information related to your driving habits. How do I know if my vehicle needs an oil change? Signs that your vehicle may need an oil change include the oil change or check engine light turning on, darker and thicker oil, lower engine performance, unusual engine noises, and excessive exhaust smoke. Regularly checking your oil level and condition can also help determine when an oil change is needed. Also, the Maintance or Service Soon indicator may turn on. What is included in an oil change service at Acadiana Mazda? An oil change service typically includes draining the old oil, replacing the oil filter, adding new oil, and a general safety inspection of your vehicle. Some services may also include checking and topping off other fluids, inspecting belts and hoses, and checking tire pressure. We also perform a 180 Point Full Circle Inspection. This provides a comprehensive check up on your vehicle. We will also text you a sshort video alerting you to any areas of the vehicle that may need additional attention now or in the near future. How long does an oil change take? The time it takes to perform an oil change can vary depending on the service provider, but at Acadiana Mazda, it generally takes between 30 minutes to an hour. Can I change my oil myself? Yes, you can change your oil yourself if you have the necessary tools, space, and knowledge. However, it's important to properly dispose of the old oil and oil filters according to local regulations to protect the environment. Do you need an appointment for an oil change? While some service centers accept walk-ins, it's always best to make an appointment to ensure prompt service. An appointment can help minimize your wait time and ensure the service center is prepared for your vehicle. Schedule a time to have your Mazda vehicle serviced and get a great deal on oil changes and vehicle service work. You can also easily schedule your next service visit using the MyMazda app or simply visit our Acadiana Mazda Website to set your next appointment. Perfer to call? 337-232-9666. We look for to servicing your vehicle soon!