Vehicle Interior Cleaning Tips

Keeping the Interior of Your Mazda Looking Great is Easy

Thelen Mazda in Bay City, MI, is here to help you keep up on making the cabin of your Mazda as inviting and comfortable as possible. By keeping up with regular tasks to maintain your vehicle’s interior, you and your family will continue to enjoy every moment you spend cruising across mid-Michigan. Let us share six of our favorite ways that we keep the interiors of our vehicles as clean and enjoyable as possible and can work for you in the Great Lakes Bay Region!

Six Great Interior Care Tips for Your Mazda

Regular Trash Removal – 

While on the road, it can be easy to leave a food wrapper or bottle in your vehicle to discard later. Over time, this can start to clutter up your cabin and leave it feeling stale. We recommend taking a trash bag once a week and do a thorough rummage through the interior to find any trash that may have accumulated throughout the week. 

Weekly Vacuuming –

Much like going through to remove any left-behind trash, taking a few moments to vacuum out the carpet in your Mazda will leave the entire cabin feeling fresher. More importantly, vacuuming can remove allergens and other airborne irritants that have settled into your vehicle’s carpet such as dust and dirt. A dedicated handheld vacuum for your Mazda is a great idea to purchase for this purpose. 

Wipe Down the Inside of Your Windows & Windshield –

Whether you use glass cleaning wipes or a spray bottle of glass cleaner and a lint-free cloth, the inside of your windows and windshield need the same care as the outside. This is because your view can be hindered by smudges and other issues that can happen over time. This is a vital step to make sure to do weekly to keep to keep your view of the road as clear as possible. 

Wipe All Surfaces with a Disinfecting Wipe –

You take the time to wipe down all the surfaces in your home with disinfectant to keep germs at bay. With how much time you regularly spend in your Mazda, why not make sure to do the same in your vehicle? Taking a disinfecting spray or wipe to all your vehicle’s surfaces such as the dashboard and the seating can help keep the interior feeling clean and fresh.

Use Dedicated Cleaning Products to Properly Clean Surfaces –

After an initial wipe with a disinfecting wipe, we highly recommend you purchase dedicated cleaning products that meet whatever surfaces are fitted in your Mazda. For example, if you have leather seats in your vehicle, there are plenty of great cleaning options available for proper leather care. This will help restore the shine and comfort you have come to expect and love from your leather seating. 

Use Your Favorite Scent After Every Clean –

After you have spent time cleaning out the inside of your Mazda, the perfect way to finish it is with an air freshener or spray of your favorite scent. Making your vehicle feel like home after you clean it will help everyone in the Mazda feel invited to spend a long trip across Central Michigan.

Mazda Vehicle Service

Let Thelen Mazda Help You Test & Replace Your Battery When Needed

Has it been a while since you’ve had the battery in your Mazda tested and/or replaced? The Thelen Mazda Service Center in Bay City, MI, is here to help you take care of these important service tasks in mid-Michigan. Routine maintenance on your vehicle’s battery is vital to the overall health of your family cruiser throughout the year. This is especially true as we have shifted from cold winter weather to warmer spring days. Let us share with you the warning signs to look out for if you need to schedule an appointment with us to have your battery looked at.

Warning Signs That Your Battery Might Need to Be Replaced

Dashboard Lights Flicker / Other Electronics Randomly Cut Out – 

As your battery gets weaker, it struggles to supply the same amount of power to all the important areas of your vehicle. You may notice that your dashboard lights may randomly flicker, or your infotainment system may abruptly cut out for a second or two. These may also be accompanied by a light on the dashboard that resembles a battery. If any of these things occur, please have your battery tested as soon as possible for safety. 

Longer Start-Up Time –

A properly functioning battery in your Mazda will allow the vehicle to start up immediately. However, this isn’t the case as the battery gets older. If you find that it takes a noticeable amount of time to get the engine started, you should take this as a sign to have our team test your battery and other related components to make sure you don’t need a replacement.

Visible Damage / Corrosion –

If you look under the hood of your Mazda and see that the battery has visible cracking or denting, immediately contact us at the Thelen Mazda Service Center to have our technicians replace the battery. Driving on a damaged battery can cause more problems than just power cutting out. The same is true if you see corrosion around the terminals, as this indicates that your battery is in dire need of replacement before long-term damage is sustained. 

Mazda Vehicle Service

The Thelen Mazda Service Center is Here to Get Your Vehicle Spring Ready

Transitioning from the cold weather that Michigan winters bring to the warmer days that await us in spring can be made much easier on your Mazda with proper maintenance. Thelen Mazda in Bay City, MI, is here with our excellent Service Center staff to help get your favorite family cruiser ready for the upcoming driving conditions we will be experiencing in the mid-Michigan region. If you are curious about any of the services that we recommend you consider for your Mazda as spring goes forward, we encourage you to ask your questions to the staff member who is taking care of your appointment so you remain thoroughly informed about what is being done to your vehicle while it is with us. 

Recommended Services to Prepare for Spring in Michigan

Fluid Changes & Battery Replacement – 

Your vehicle will function much more efficiently and with robust overall performance when it has fresh fluids and a properly functioning battery equipped. When you choose the Thelen Mazda Service Center as your mid-Michigan destination for maintenance, you can count on us using brand-recommended fluids and having batteries that are suited for use in your Mazda. As such, you’ll appreciate the longevity, efficiency, and performance that are associated with these appropriate elements being used in your vehicle. 

Tire-Related Services –

Having your tires checked after winter is another recommended selection of services to have done on your Mazda. Checking tire health and tread depth for grip levels is a good first step to determining the best course of action going forward. If your tires still have good tread on them, just having them rotated and balanced is a great way to stay on top of their overall health. If you have been riding on winter tires this past season, or your current set of all-season tires appears to be running short of tread depth, we will find you a quality set of tires for the new season!

Air Filter Replacement –

Between your engine and cabin air filters, there is plenty of air that flows through your vehicle to keep performance strong and you feeling great while cruising around Central Michigan. If you haven’t had these filters checked and/or replaced recently, we highly recommend having them replaced. This will help them combat all the increased airborne debris and irritants that will be floating around outside in the warmer weather. 

Certified Pre-Owned Soul Red Crystal 2021 Mazda CX-5

Gorgeous CPO 2021 Mazda CX-5 Available in Mid-Michigan Today

For a visually stunning and energetic crossover SUV to experience across the mid-Michigan region, Thelen Mazda in Bay City has a Certified Pre-Owned 2021 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring ready for purchase at our Central Michigan location. This Soul Red Crystal family cruiser comes with vibrant performance and coveted AWD maneuverability to effortlessly fit itself into the ever-changing Michigan driving environment. Inside, you and your family have access to numerous premium amenities that enhance the comfort and the infotainment capabilities of the Mazda to their fullest extent. Add on the quality you are assured by purchasing a CPO Mazda thanks to these vehicles meeting a wide array of strict criteria, and you can’t go wrong stepping behind the wheel of this CX-5. 

Information About the Certified Pre-Owned 2021 Mazda CX-5

Noteworthy Everyday Power Meets AWD Versatility for Michigan – 

Recent model year Mazda vehicles are equipped with engines that promise to thrill with every press of the gas pedal. The 2021 CX-5 is no exception with its dynamic 2.5L SKYACTIV-G four-cylinder engine under the hood. Partnered with the six-speed SKYACTIV-Drive automatic transmission, every second of acceleration is flawlessly seamless. You will also appreciate the precision you have driving throughout the year in Michigan thanks to the responsive i-Activ AWD platform that the crossover SUV is equipped with. 

Premium Interior Amenities Await Everyone in the Family –

Being the Grand Touring trim level of the CX-5, you can expect plenty of high-end features for elevated comfort and entertainment value during your daily trips around town. Heated front seating and an excellent dual-zone automatic climate control system offer superior all-season comfort. Led by the excellent 10-speaker Premium Sound System by Bose, media outlets such as satellite radio capability and Bluetooth Streaming Audio offer enhanced audio quality to accentuate the experience of listening to your favorite songs as you travel throughout mid-Michigan in style. 

2024 Mazda CX-90

Deluxe 2024 Mazda CX-90 SUV Ready for Excellent Michigan Travel 

A high-end SUV like the 2024 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo Preferred with AWD that is available at Thelen Mazda in Bay City, MI, is a prime choice for a versatile and enjoyable family cruiser. Plenty of performance, a dynamic AWD platform, and a cavernous interior full of quality features await you when you step into this superb SUV. By choosing to shop with Thelen in the Great Lakes Bay Region for a new Mazda, you get to experience the level of customer service that you deserve when you are shopping for a fantastic vehicle like the 2024 CX-90. 

2024 Mazda CX-90 Preferred Information

Superior Performance Meets Versatile AWD Maneuverability – 

Michigan driving conditions around town or on the highway will be much more enjoyable to undertake when behind the wheel of a vehicle that can confidently handle everything from a sunny day to a less-than-ideal winter storm. The excellent turbocharged 3.3L SKYACTIV-G six-cylinder engine under the hood of the 2024 Mazda CX-90 generates more than enough performance to make easy work of any adventure or daily trip you have to undertake in the Central Michigan region. Handling versatility through the i-Activ AWD platform allows you to have a top level of all-season maneuverability that you can trust while getting your family safely around mid-Michigan in any weather. 

A Spacious Cabin That is Loaded with Premium Amenities –

Performance that exceeds expectations isn’t the only thing that helps set the CX-90 apart as a deluxe family cruiser in Michigan. Take a seat in the SUV and activate the heated front seating or dual-zone automatic climate control system for premier temperature customization excellence. The Mazda Connect mobile Wi-Fi hotspot allows everyone in the vehicle with an applicable device to stay connected to the Internet across the Central Michigan region. With multimedia outlets such as smartphone connection options and HD Radio capability, convenience and entertainment opportunities are abundant in the 2024 Mazda CX-90 Preferred. 

Vehicle Emergency Kit

Preparing an Emergency Kit for Your Mazda

Even when we do everything perfectly on the road, there is always the potential of an emergency arising. Maybe you are driving across Central Michigan during winter and driving conditions become virtually impossible to tackle confidently. Or, you might find yourself with a mechanical issue that leaves you roadside. Regardless of the potential reason, you should consider making an emergency kit and keeping it in your Mazda at all times. This selection of items will ensure that even if you are caught stranded by the side of the road, you have provisions and equipment to keep you and your family safe while waiting for the appropriate services to arrive. Let Thelen Mazda in Bay City, MI, share with you six items we feel you should make sure you add to your vehicle’s emergency kit.  Some of the items are an important part of your daily emergency kit while other items might be better suited to a more extensive kit for when you travel.

Six Important Additions to Your Vehicle’s Emergency Kit 

Non-Perishable Food & Water – 

No matter what emergency you find yourself in, having nutritious non-perishable food and water bottles that can be quickly retrieved is important if you find yourself needing nourishment while waiting for an emergency vehicle. Trail mix, dried fruits, or granola bars can be great food items that keep your family satisfied and healthy. If you have pets, keep a small bag of their favorite food and/or treats on hand as well.

A Radio and/or Walkie-Talkies + Batteries –

If you are in a weather emergency such as a blizzard or you need extra information about an event you are caught in such as a road closure, having access to a radio where you can tune into local radio stations without running your vehicle is a great idea. Walkie-talkies are also a good idea if you need to communicate with a vehicle occupant who leaves the vehicle. Most importantly, keep a spare set of applicable batteries to make sure you always have access to these tools. 

Blankets & Extra Sets of Warm Clothes –

Being stranded in winter for a longer period means you need to conserve your vehicle’s fuel as best as possible which means not running the vehicle consistently. It also means that you’re going to need to keep yourself and your passengers warm. We advise keeping a blanket or two, as well as sets of extra gloves, socks, and other important clothing that can be used to keep everyone warm while waiting out the conditions. 

Warning Triangle or Other Warning Signs –

Fixing a tire on the side of the road can be dangerous if you find yourself needing to do so especially on a busier road. Keeping a hazard triangle or some other form of warning signage or cone that you can use to give yourself a buffer from the shoulder of the roadway will help prevent drivers from potentially running close to you while trying to fix your problem.

Fire Extinguisher –

A small fire extinguisher that can fit neatly into the trunk of your Mazda is a valuable item to keep on hand. Whether you have a spontaneous fire, or you are trying to help out with a minor fire situation you come across, it doesn’t hurt to keep one of these in your vehicle as an easy way to quickly reduce the situation before fire crews arrive. 

Extra Oil / Coolant / Other Fluids –

We recommend keeping an emergency bottle of various fluids that are vital to the function of your Mazda in your vehicle if you find yourself running low. This can help you get yourself safely to whatever destination you need to and also provide you with a buffer until you can schedule an appointment with our Service Center to have them appropriately replaced and topped off. 

(Photo Credit: iStock)

2024 Mazda CX-30

The Elements of Your Dream Mazda Vehicle in Mid-Michigan

There are plenty of things to think about when you are looking for your next family vehicle in 2024. When looking at any of the excellent new Mazda models available at Thelen Mazda in Bay City, MI, you know you are getting a refined and modernized vehicle that you and your family will love riding around the Central Michigan region. What elements should you be considering to make sure you find the perfect Mazda for your preferences and needs? Let us provide you with our list of noteworthy vehicle elements that should be at the top of your list to make your research even easier!

Five Vehicle Considerations for a Top Mazda Shopping Experience

Vehicle Size & Body Style – 

Are you in need of a sportier model such as the Mazda3 sedan or hatchback, or do you need the larger cabin of a CX-90 SUV? Knowing what your regular travels across Michigan will entail helps make sure you aren’t purchasing a vehicle that doesn’t meet your specifications. Fortunately, there is a Mazda to fit any body style need. 

Safety Elements –

Even though every Mazda comes well-equipped with plenty of driver assistance and other excellent forms of safety technology, we know there are certain systems that you want to make sure you have. Knowing which systems you want most will ensure you are looking at trim levels that come with the technology you have in mind. Our team is always happy to help discover which models come with a specific system. 

Storage Capability –

If you have a family who has plenty of activities throughout the week, you’ll need the storage to easily carry any extra items such as sporting goods and other important things your family wants. A larger SUV such as the CX-90 also allows you to make grocery runs easier to take with everyone in the family along for the ride. Alternatively, a smaller sedan like the Mazda3 or a sports car like the Mazda Miata MX-5 is perfect if you don’t need the extra space associated with an SUV. 

Handling Versatility –

Living in mid-Michigan, you know that winter driving will always be a challenge. As such, having a Mazda with i-Activ AWD equipped can make easy work of more slippery road conditions. Are you interested in how Mazda’s dynamic AWD platform makes Michigan driving easier? Speak with one of our sales associates today!

Interior Features –

Finally, what features do you want or need inside the Mazda you’re looking at purchasing? Do you prefer premium comfort and infotainment amenities that are found in the highest trim levels, or do you like having a more down-to-earth driving experience that still provides plenty of comfort and convenience? When you shop for a modern Mazda vehicle with Thelen Mazda, you’ll be happy to know we make sure you get into a vehicle that treats you and your family to the premier ride you deserve. 

Finance Options

You Can Finance a Vehicle with Less-Than-Perfect Credit in Michigan

Many drivers across mid-Michigan are currently struggling with less-than-perfect credit, and they might be wondering if they can get into a trustworthy vehicle in 2024. Thelen Mazda wants everyone in Bay City and surrounding communities to know that it is entirely possible to finance a quality vehicle they will enjoy driving across the Great Lakes Bay Region. As long you factor in several key pieces of information when you start your shopping experience, you will find that purchasing a vehicle in 2024 is not a scary proposition. Bad credit, slow credit or no credit? Following this advice can help you start on the path towards building or rebuilding your credit. 

What Should You Remember About Financing with Weaker Credit

Higher Average Monthly Payments & Loan Interest Rates – 

When compared to those with good credit, those looking at purchasing a vehicle with weaker credit have to contend with higher interest rates on their loans. As such, their average monthly payments will be higher than those with lower interest rates. However, there are ways you can offset this higher monthly payment issue. For example, you can put more money down at signing to reduce the amount of your monthly payments. Additionally, you can trade in your current vehicle if you have one to possibly further reduce the payments. Are you curious about what your potential monthly payments might be? Use our convenient Payment Calculator to determine an idea of your overall purchasing power. 

Consider Shopping Quality Pre-Owned Vehicles – 

While the allure of a new vehicle is enticing, you may find that the monthly payments get out of your comfortable range of affordability. This is especially true if you are financing a vehicle to try and rebuild your credit. As such, we highly recommend our great selection of quality pre-owned vehicles at Thelen Mazda. Shopping pre-owned means getting lower average monthly payments when compared to new counterparts. Our sales and finance teams will be happy to work with you to not only find a vehicle that you’ll love driving around Michigan, but they will also make sure you are getting monthly payments that you can confidently incorporate into your budget.  Making timely payments that are comfortably budgeted will help rebuild your credit.

(Photo Credit: Pexels)

Mazda Vehicle Service

Make Thelen Mazda Your 2024 Mid-Michigan Service Destination

With a new year comes new opportunities to treat your family Mazda to the quality care it deserves. If you are a resident of a mid-Michigan community such as Midland, Saginaw, or Mt. Pleasant, Thelen Mazda wants to help you maintain and repair your vehicle in 2024. Our Bay City Service Center is home to knowledgeable technicians you can trust to provide quality work on your family cruiser in 2024. We also strive to use OEM Mazda parts during any routine maintenance or repair appointment so that your vehicle functions at its peak after its time with us has concluded. When you choose Thelen for your Central Michigan Mazda needs, you will never be disappointed by the quality service you receive from us. Contact us at 989-259-1013, or use our Online Scheduler to book your first appointment of the year. 

Why You Should Make Thelen Mazda Your 2024 Service Destination

Fantastic Service Center Staff – Our technicians are a special group of individuals. You will appreciate all the care and attention to detail that they place into every procedure they do. Whether it is a standard service such as an oil change, or a more extensive repair is needed, your vehicle will be handled with the dedication that you would want your personal Mazda to be handled with. This is why so many mid-Michigan Mazda owners make us their preferred destination for trustworthy work.

Quality OEM Mazda Parts – Having a group of knowledgeable technicians is not the only thing that makes Thelen Mazda the preferred choice for so many local owners. It is the use of quality Mazda parts that sets us apart from other conventional repair shops in the Great Lakes Bay Region. When you use after-market parts in your service, you run a greater risk of potential performance degradation and even lowered longevity in other areas of your Mazda. When you have OEM Mazda parts installed, your vehicle continues to function in the way the brand intended it to. Therefore, you get peak part longevity and optimal performance long after your service with us is done. 

Happy Holidays from Thelen Mazda in Bay City, MI

Have a Happy Holiday Season from the Thelen Mazda Team

From a trusted mid-Michigan destination for new and quality pre-owned Mazda vehicles, Happy Holidays from the staff at Thelen Mazda in Bay City, MI! We hope that you and your family have a great end of 2023 by spending time with each other in this season of love and generosity. Our staff would also like to thank everyone who has made us their go-to choice in the Great Lakes Bay Region for their Mazda purchasing and servicing needs throughout the year. We will be observing the Christmas Day holiday by closing from Saturday, Dec. 23rd through Monday, Dec. 25th. We will reopen on Tuesday, Dec. 26th at our normal operating hours so that you can wrap up your 2023 behind the wheel of a stylish and accessible new Mazda.

Alternatively, are you scrambling to find that one last-minute gift that will absolutely wow that special someone this holiday season? Stop by our Central Michigan dealership and ask one of our sales associates about any of the special incentives that apply to both our new and pre-owned Mazda inventories.