Hidden Gem Restaurants: Local Favorites Off the Tourist Path

Embarking on a road trip is an exhilarating experience, and ensuring your vehicle is in top-notch condition is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable journey. Before you hit the open road, it's essential to prepare your car for the adventure ahead. In this blog post, we'll provide a comprehensive guide to getting your vehicle road trip ready. more Perform a Thorough Inspection Before anything else, conduct a comprehensive inspection of your vehicle. Check the following: Fluid Levels: Ensure that engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, coolant, and windshield washer fluid levels are appropriate. Tire Condition: Inspect tire tread depth, look for signs of uneven wear, and ensure all tires are properly inflated, including the spare. Brakes: Check the brake pads and rotors for wear. If you hear unusual noises or experience braking issues, have the brakes inspected. Lights and Signals: Verify that all lights, including headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and hazard lights, are functioning correctly. Battery: Test the battery's charge and inspect for any signs of corrosion on the terminals. Change the Oil and Filter Schedule an oil change if you're due for one. Fresh oil and a clean filter help ensure optimal engine performance during the road trip. Check the manufacturer's recommendations for the appropriate oil type and change interval. Check the Cooling System A well-functioning cooling system is vital for preventing overheating during long drives. Inspect the radiator, hoses, and coolant levels. If the coolant hasn't been changed in a while, consider flushing and refilling the system. Inspect the Brakes Brakes are crucial for safety, especially on long journeys. If you notice any signs of brake issues, such as squeaking or grinding noises, or if it's been a while since your last brake inspection, schedule a checkup. Replace brake pads or rotors as needed. Replace Wiper Blades and Fluid Clear visibility is essential for safe driving. Replace worn-out wiper blades and ensure the windshield washer fluid reservoir is filled. Summer road trips may involve unexpected rain showers, and having efficient wipers is crucial. Test the Air Conditioning A functional air conditioning system ensures a comfortable driving experience, especially during hot summer months. Test the AC system to ensure it's cooling effectively. If there are issues, schedule a professional inspection and recharge if necessary. Inspect the Suspension and Alignment A smooth ride is essential for a comfortable road trip. Check for signs of uneven tire wear, vibrations, or pulling to one side, as these could indicate issues with the suspension or wheel alignment. Address any problems before hitting the road. Pack an Emergency Kit Prepare for unexpected situations by packing an emergency kit that includes: Jumper cables Spare tire, jack, and lug wrench Flashlight with extra batteries Basic tools (screwdrivers, pliers) First aid kit Reflective triangles or flares Tire pressure gauge Verify Insurance and Documents Ensure your vehicle's insurance is up to date and pack all necessary documents, including: Driver's license Vehicle registration Insurance card Roadside assistance information Plan Your Route and Stops Plan your route in advance, considering rest stops, meals, and attractions along the way. Having a well-thought-out itinerary enhances the overall road trip experience. Address Issues Early Getting your vehicle road trip ready involves a combination of preventive maintenance, thorough inspections, and proper planning. By taking the time to address any potential issues and prepare for the unexpected, you'll not only ensure a safe and reliable journey but also set the stage for unforgettable adventures on the open road. Safe travels!

2018 Mazda Drive for Good Have you heard of the 2018 Mazda Drive for Good program? It’s one way that Mazda is able to give back to their communities. To date, Mazda has given back over $15,000,000 to charities like the American Heart Association and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. In the last four years, Mazda employees have also provided 262,839 hours of volunteer service to their communities. That equates to 30 years of worth community service! Now there are even more plans for the future. Keep reading for the details. more Re-commitment Mazda recently announced their re-commitment to the 2018 Mazda Drive for Good, their annual charity program. Now going into its 5th year, Mazda plans on providing monetary donations to four national charities and another 42 local charities. How awesome is that? Mazda has made a $5 million commitment to the communities where it does business, like right here in Myrtle Beach! Also in 2018, Mazda employees and dealers will spend 50,000 hours as volunteers in their communities. That’s over an additional five years worth of community service! “Our Mazda Drive for Good program started in 2013, as a way to unify Mazda owners, dealerships and employees around causes that are important to them,” said Masahiro Moro, president and CEO of MNAO. “What started as a winter charity event, evolved into a true way-of-life for many of our dealer partners and employees. We are proud to announce our recommitment to our local communities, and the non-profits that truly make a difference in people's’ lives, each and every day.” Beach Mazda Beach Automotive Group is so proud and honored to be a part of the Mazda family. Not only are we a part of this great company, we’re also glad to be in the position where we can give back to our own community. We look forward to all the great things we can do for Myrtle Beach and surrounding areas. Please check back with us every so often for updates about what we’re doing in the community. We can't wait to see what the 2018 Mazda Drive for Good produces this year!

When you think of Mazda performance and innovation, one term likely stands out: rotary engine. Unlike traditional piston engines, the rotary engine—also known as the Wankel engine —has become a symbol of Mazda’s engineering boldness and passion for unique driving experiences. At Beach Mazda, we believe part of what makes Mazda special is its willingness to think differently. So today, we’re diving deep into what makes the rotary engine so unique, how it works, and why it still holds a legendary status among driving enthusiasts. more 🔧 What Is a Rotary Engine? Instead of using pistons that move up and down, a rotary engine uses a triangular rotor that spins inside an oval-shaped housing. The rotor’s movement completes the four strokes of internal combustion— intake, compression, power, and exhaust —in a continuous motion. This design offers a lightweight, compact engine that delivers smooth power output and high-revving performance in a much smaller package than traditional engines. 🚘 Mazda and the Rotary Legacy Mazda didn't invent the rotary engine, but it perfected it. Starting with the Mazda Cosmo Sport 110S in 1967, Mazda brought the rotary engine to global attention. However, it was the Mazda RX-7 and later the RX-8 that truly defined the brand’s rotary reputation. These cars became beloved for their lightweight handling, distinctive engine sound, and thrilling driving dynamics. ⚙️ Key Advantages of the Rotary Engine Compact and Lightweight: Ideal for achieving balanced weight distribution and nimble handling. High Power-to-Weight Ratio: Delivers impressive horsepower for its size. Smooth Operation: Fewer moving parts and a unique rotation create a silky engine feel. High RPM Capability: Rotary engines love to rev, making them exciting for sports car fans. 🔍 Rotary Engine Challenges While the rotary engine has many perks, it’s not without its quirks: Fuel and Oil Consumption: Rotary engines are less efficient than piston engines, using more fuel and burning oil by design. Maintenance Requirements: They require more frequent attention, especially regarding seals and spark plugs. Emissions: Regulatory pressure and emissions standards eventually led to the discontinuation of the RX-8 in 2012. 🔋 A Rotary Comeback? The e-Skyactiv R-EV Mazda hasn’t given up on rotary technology. In fact, it’s returning in a new role: as a range extender for Mazda’s plug-in hybrid vehicles. The Mazda MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV reintroduces a compact rotary engine—not for driving the wheels, but for charging the battery when needed. It’s a clever use of the rotary’s lightweight, compact design, showing that Mazda still values its rotary heritage in the age of electrification. 🔧 Caring for a Rotary Engine (If You Own One) If you’re lucky enough to drive a rotary-powered Mazda like an RX-7 or RX-8, here are a few maintenance tips: Use high-quality oil and check levels often. Warm up the engine fully before pushing RPMs. Regularly replace spark plugs and ignition components. Stay on top of cooling system health to avoid overheating. Let the engine idle for a few seconds before shutting off to prevent flooding. Need help servicing a rotary engine? Our team at Beach Mazda has access to Mazda-certified parts and service experts who understand the care these engines require. 🔧 Rotary Engine, Mazda Spirit While the rotary engine is rare today, it remains a cornerstone of Mazda’s identity: innovation, driving joy, and fearless engineering. Whether in classic sports cars or cutting-edge EVs, the rotary still spins strong in Mazda’s DNA. Ready to explore Mazda’s legacy or the latest in electrified performance? Visit Beach Mazda today — where the spirit of rotary innovation lives on in every vehicle we sell and service. Want to learn more about rotary engine models or future Mazda tech? Just let us know and we’ll be glad to share more insights!