About this episode
A 2019 Mazda CX-9 was brought in for urgent brake and battery replacements after a dealer's recommendation. Upon inspection, the brakes were found to have plenty of life left, while the battery, though old, was still functional. The discussion also covered the importance of regular inspections, the longevity of batteries, and the need for spark plug replacements and engine cleaning. The episode emphasizes the value of second opinions in automotive service and highlights the experiences of satisfied customers.
Mazda Cx9
"So today's guest is a 2019 Mazda CX-9. What was going on with this vehicle?"
The Mazda CX-9 is a type of SUV that is larger and designed to carry more passengers and cargo. The 2019 version has some modern features that make it safe and comfortable for families.
The Mazda CX-9 is a midsize crossover SUV known for its spacious interior and family-friendly features. The 2019 model includes advanced safety technology and a turbocharged engine option.
front brakes
"Apparently he needed front brakes urgently. They were worn down to two millimeters, need to be replaced right away."
Front brakes are the parts of a car that help it stop when you press the brake pedal. They can wear out over time and need to be replaced to ensure the car stops safely.
Front brakes are crucial for a vehicle's stopping power, and they typically wear down faster than rear brakes due to the weight distribution during braking. Regular inspection and replacement are essential for safety.
battery
"Battery need to be replaced. There's a couple other service items they'd recommended."
The battery is what powers the car's electrical systems and helps start the engine. If it's not working well, the car might not start or have electrical problems.
The battery in a vehicle provides the electrical power needed to start the engine and run electrical components. A failing battery can lead to starting issues and electrical failures.
pads and rotors
"We were preemptive, is that the right word? We preordered all the parts that we figured we need for the job, battery, pads and rotors for the front."
Brake pads and rotors are parts that help the car stop. The pads press against the rotors when you brake, and they need to be replaced regularly to keep the brakes working well.
Brake pads and rotors are essential components of a vehicle's braking system. The pads press against the rotors to create friction and slow down the vehicle. Regular replacement is necessary for effective braking.
brake pads
"But we told them we're going to do an inspection first, make sure your brakes do need to be done... the front and rear brake pads had six millimeters remaining on them."
Brake pads are the parts that help your car stop when you press the brake pedal. They wear down over time and need to be checked regularly to ensure they work properly.
Brake pads are components of a disc brake system that press against the brake rotors to create friction and slow down or stop the vehicle. Their condition is crucial for safe braking performance.
gasoline direct injection
"we did a gasoline direct injection cleaning, which basically removes carbon deposits from the engine combustion chambers."
Gasoline direct injection is a way of getting fuel into the engine that helps it run better and use less gas. Sometimes, it can cause carbon buildup that needs to be cleaned out.
Gasoline direct injection (GDI) is a fuel delivery system that injects fuel directly into the combustion chamber of the engine, improving efficiency and performance. However, it can lead to carbon buildup over time.
brake thickness
"On the brakes, what's the general thickness of a new pair, brand new? On a car like this, it's probably in the 10 to 12 millimeter range."
Brake thickness tells you how much of the brake pad is left. If it's too thin, you need to replace the brakes to keep your car safe.
Brake thickness is a measurement of how much material is left on the brake pads. It's crucial for determining the remaining lifespan of the brakes and ensuring safe vehicle operation.
brake percentage
"some shops and people use a percentage of brakes, which to a person's mind makes more sense. All my brakes have 10% left."
Brake percentage shows how much of the brake pad is left in terms of a percentage. If you have 10% left, it's time to replace them, but measuring the thickness is a better way to know for sure.
Brake percentage refers to the remaining life of the brake pads expressed as a percentage. This can help drivers understand when their brakes need servicing, though measuring thickness is more accurate.
accessories switched off
"They'll switch the accessories off. They detect the battery low."
This means that some features in the car, like the radio or air conditioning, are turned off to save battery power when the battery is low.
When a vehicle's accessories are switched off, it means that non-essential electrical systems, such as the radio, air conditioning, and power windows, are disabled to conserve battery power.
inspection
"So this is our inspection. And there's some interesting things. When we send our inspections out to our clients, you can review it."
An inspection is when a mechanic checks a car to make sure everything is working well and safe. They look for problems that might need fixing.
A vehicle inspection is a thorough examination of a car's systems and components to ensure they are functioning correctly and safely. Inspections can identify issues that need repair or maintenance.
air filters
"...we find a lot of cars that come from a dealer service have dirty air filters, which I'm not sure why they don't inspect them more often..."
Air filters keep dirt out of the engine by filtering the air that goes in. They need to be checked and changed regularly to help the engine work better.
Air filters are components that clean the air entering the engine, preventing dirt and debris from causing damage. Regular inspection and replacement are crucial for maintaining engine efficiency and performance.
GDI cleaning
"...the spark plugs and the GDI cleaning were due. If we look at the next page of the inspection..."
GDI cleaning is a service for cars with a specific type of fuel system that helps keep the engine clean. It prevents problems caused by dirt and buildup inside the engine.
GDI stands for Gasoline Direct Injection, a technology that injects fuel directly into the combustion chamber. GDI cleaning refers to the maintenance process that removes carbon buildup from the intake valves and combustion chamber, which can occur due to this fuel delivery method.
spark plugs
"...the spark plugs and the GDI cleaning were due. If we look at the next page of the inspection..."
Spark plugs are small parts in the engine that help start the car by creating a spark. They need to be changed regularly to keep the engine running well.
Spark plugs are essential components in gasoline engines that ignite the air-fuel mixture, enabling the engine to run. They need to be replaced periodically to ensure optimal engine performance.
ball joints
"...we actually documented the actual issue that we see and have videos and photos of like loose ball joints. They don't, it was something else..."
Ball joints are parts of your car's suspension that help the wheels move up and down while keeping them aligned. If they are loose or worn out, it can affect how your car handles and drives.
Ball joints are critical components in a vehicle's suspension system that connect the control arms to the steering knuckles. They allow for smooth movement and flexibility of the suspension while maintaining the alignment of the wheels.
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