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Located in the western part of the state and bordered by the Ohio River, the city of Owensboro, KY offers fantastic opportunities to explore the region and go on day trips in your new 2023 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring. Whether you want to visit the museums, restaurants, and historical landmarks of a big city, or get lost in nature in a sprawling state park, here are three nearby destinations you should check out. more 1. Louisville Home to nearly one and a half million inhabitants in its metropolitan area, Louisville is the largest city in the state of Kentucky and a great destination for those wanting to learn more about the history of the area and try some traditional local food. Known as the birthplace of boxer Muhammad Ali, Louisville is an important cultural hub that has something to offer for all types of visitors. The Louisville city center is located a little over 100 miles northeast of downtown Owensboro, making it possible to get here in about one hour and 45 minutes via routes I-64 and US-231. Some of the famous landmarks you should check out while exploring the city include the Cathedral of the Assumption, the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, Muhammad Ali Center, and the charming West Main District in the downtown area. 2. Hoosier National Forest If you are searching for a lush nature reserve where you can spend an entire day hiking in the woods and enjoying your favorite outdoor activities, Hoosier National Forest is the perfect place for a day trip. Composed of four separate sections and boasting a total area of over 200,000 acres, this national forest features several miles of nature trails, archeological sites, and an extensive network of natural caves. Created in the early 1960s and managed by the U.S. Forest Service, Hoosier National Forest is located just 80 miles northeast of the Owensboro city center and can be reached in about one hour and 20 minutes via routes US-231 and I-64. Some of the activities you can enjoy while exploring this beautiful nature reserve include wildlife watching, birding, mountain biking, and horseback riding. 3. Cave-In-Rock State Park Boasting an ancient natural cave and more than 200 acres of largely undeveloped wilderness, Cave-In-Rock State Park is another great destination for a day trip from Owensboro. Created in the late 1920s and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1998, this state park can be reached in a little under two hours by car via Audubon Parkway. No matter what type of trip you are thinking of, having a trusted and comfortable vehicle is a must for anyone wanting to explore the wonders of Kentucky. Stop by Champion Mazda Owensboro today, ask about our convenient financing plans, and meet our experienced team of expert sales agents.

Brakes undergo enormous strain and pressure during even an ordinary day of driving. No matter how durable and well-designed your brakes are, they will occasionally run into trouble and need parts replacing. But if you pay careful attention and nip problems in the bud early on, you'll never face major brake-related issues. Any of the following seven problems should prompt you to visit your Mazda dealer right away for brake repair. more Your Brake Fluid's Leaking This is perhaps the most dangerous of brake issues, as leaking brake fluid can swiftly lead to total brake failure. With fluid leaking, the hose connecting your brake pedal to the calipers no longer has hydraulic pressure. As such, your foot can no longer properly stop your car. Brake fluid is yellow in color when fresh, becoming a dirtier brown when old. If you ever notice a liquid like this pooling under your vehicle, don't start your car. You'll need to be towed to your nearest repair shop. Your Brake Fluid's Too Old Like any fluid in your car, brake fluid gradually loses its function with age. Generally speaking, you should have your brake fluid flushed and renewed every two years or so. This should be more frequent if you use your brakes more often than usual, or if you carry heavy loads. Have a Mazda Dealer Change Your Fluid You can change your own brake fluid, but it's a pretty messy, time-consuming affair. You'll also need specialist tools. For this reason, it's better to have your fluid changed at your local dealership. You Hear Clicking Sounds If bits of a caliper come loose, such as a bolt, screw, or clip, then you'll usually hear it clicking or clattering whenever you brake. Any loose parts can cause larger problems so have them refastened as soon as you can. You Hear Squealing Sounds Brake pads wear down at a steady pace. When a brake pad reaches a certain thinness, it starts to emit a high-pitched squealing noise. This noise means it's time for a new one. You Hear Grinding Sounds If for some reason a brake pad wears all the way down to almost nothing, you'll start hearing the harsh sound of metal grinding on metal. This means your rotor is being scored so it's wise to replace the faulty brake pad with all haste. You Feel Odd Vibrations When a rotor disc overheats, it can become warped or damaged. This leads to odd vibrations when you brake, which you'll feel through the brake pedal or steering wheel. You'll need to have the damaged rotor resurfaced or replaced. Your Brakes Are Sluggish Sluggish or spongy brakes are the scariest of warning signs. You should never drive with sluggish, unresponsive brakes. There could be a number of underlying issues. You'll need a technician to figure it out. Have highly qualified professionals inspect and repair your brakes today at Champion Mazda Owensboro. We're a well-established local dealership committed to treating every single person who steps through our doors to consistently superb customer service.

When that first hot Kentucky summer day arrives, your automatic reaction is to switch on the AC. If you turn the dial and discover you have a car AC not working, don't despair. Your friendly Mazda dealer in Owensboro, KY, can fix your problem. These are a few signs that your AC needs some help. more Nasty Smell From the AC A damp, earthy smell from the AC vent indicates that your AC has mold or bacteria. These organisms enter the AC system through the air vent. During the winter months, when your AC isn't used, the lack of air movement allows these organisms to grow. An AC system is dark and has small traces of water which provide the perfect environment for bacteria or mold to develop. Our technicians can easily fix this problem for you. We pump an anti-mold and anti-bacterial solution into the AC and then switch it on. This solution is blown through the system and rapidly clears the infestation away. We'll also replace the air filter in case any traces of mold are left behind. Your AC will be back to normal in no time. No Cold Air If your AC is producing cool, but not cold air, you could have a lack of refrigerant. Refrigerant is the gas that chills the air in your AC, and without it, your AC can't produce cold air. This gas isn't consumed by the AC, which means a low level of refrigerant can only be due to a leak somewhere in the system. We can check this for you and repair any leak in the system. A lack of cold air could also be due to a failed compressor clutch. The compressor is the part of your AC that converts refrigerant gas into a liquid, and it also controls your AC system. The clutch will switch the compressor on and off during the cooling cycle. The clutch can fail and this prevents the compressor from engaging. Our technicians will examine the clutch and replace it if it's broken. Refrigerant Leaks As we saw above, refrigerant is essential for your AC system. This gas changes between gas and liquid states several times during the cooling process. Metal fatigue and wear can open a leak in the closed AC system. If this happens, you'll lose refrigerant, and the AC won't work correctly. Our technicians use UV dye to trace the path of the refrigerant through your system. A special UV monitor allows them to identify the source of the leak. Once we've found the leak, we'll repair it and refill the refrigerant. If your AC is failing, call us today at Champion Mazda Owensboro, KY. Our experts will have your AC working again in no time.

The fall brings with it some of the best outdoor activities, including hiking and camping. For those who like to get off the grid but don't want to be too far from home, a short drive is all you need to access great places for hiking and camping. Whether you are planning on going solo or in a group, here are some ideas for fall activities near Owensboro, KY. more Joe Ford Nature Park Joe Ford Nature Park is located on Highway 44 near Owensboro. It's a great place to visit with your family or friends. There are hiking trails that wind through the woods, a swimming pond where you can go fishing and enjoy the scenery, and even a small playground for children. There are also picnic tables available if you want to spend some time outdoors with your family. The park has many walking trails, so if you're looking for a quiet getaway or a place to stretch your legs after work, this is the place for you! There are also some great spots along the river where you can sit and enjoy nature's beauty. Smothers Park Smothers Park in Owensboro is a beautiful park located on the Ohio River and is great for hiking, biking, picnicking and more. It has plenty of trails for walks or bike rides, along with picnic tables for family gatherings. It also has an area where you can fish from shore or rent a boat to enjoy the river. If you're looking for something a little bit different than the typical fall activity, Smothers Park has a petting zoo where children can interact with animals like goats and sheep. There are also several water fountains that make this park very kid friendly during the hot summer months as well as winter months when snow is falling! Lake Malone State Park Lake Malone State Park is one of the most beautiful spots in Kentucky. It's located on Lake Malone and has hiking trails, swimming areas, and picnic areas. If you're looking for something fun and outdoorsy to do with your family this fall, this is probably your best bet. If you're an outdoor enthusiast, you may want to try your hand at fishing at Lake Malone State Park. This fishing spot is stocked with rainbow trout, largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish. If you don't have your own boat or equipment, you can rent them from the park's marina. Take your family on a fun-filled adventure they are bound to remember, and explore some new areas as a bonus. Some of these destinations mentioned above are a bit far from Owensboro, so make sure you're in a car with great gas mileage, like the Mazda CX-5, and make the trip. Check one out at Champion Mazda Owensboro today!

Each of the Mazda parts under your vehicle's hood plays its own integral role in your vehicle's overall functioning. While each of these parts was designed with longevity in mind, the road will eventually take its toll on them in the end. However, there are ways you can stretch each part's lifespan, ultimately allowing you to save on repair costs. Here are our three tips to keep each part in peak condition for longer. more Multi-Point Inspections Just as we humans require checkups from a doctor, our vehicle requires regular inspections from repair technicians to ensure everything is running smoothly under the hood. A simple multi-point inspection during one of your regular service trips can help technicians track the overall well-being of your engine, and potentially identify future repairs before they become an issue. Fluid Top-Offs Your Mazda vehicle doesn't just require fuel to operate, it also requires the help of other fluids like oil, transmission, and brake fluids to run smoothly. These additional fluids help lubricate, clean and pressurize the various hydraulic systems in your engine. Over time the levels of these fluids diminish, which can lead to engine components becoming damaged or even requiring replacement. Adjusting Driving Habits It may be fun to experience the purr of your vehicle's engine when you hit the accelerator, but it can put immense strain on your engine. Driving habits like slamming on the brakes, turning too sharply or quickly, and flooring the gas can all put unnecessary strain on your vehicle's components. Just be kind to your vehicle and it will pay you back in the end! It's never too late to start caring for your vehicle. If your vehicle needs some love, make sure to schedule your visit to the service center today. It may be inconvenient at the moment, but a hefty repair bill resulting from a lack of service will feel even worse. Visit Champion Mazda of Owensboro today!

A lot of thought and planning must be put into the Mazda financing process. Purchasing a vehicle is a milestone purchase that can be quite daunting to new buyers. The 20/4/10 rule is a great way for new buyers to begin budgeting for their new vehicle, but what exactly is the 20/4/10 rule? Here’s a closer look: more What Is The 20/4/10 Rule? The 20/4/10 rule is a general budgeting tool used to help new buyers not break the bank when buying their first vehicle. It's essentially a basic framework of how to budget for your next vehicle. According to the rule, buyers should put down a 20% down payment on a four-year loan, during which you only spend 10% of your monthly income on car payments.  These payments include insurance, loan payments, and any repairs or maintenance you should require. How Can I Apply This Rule? Using this guide to plan for your vehicle expenses is easy. You just need to consider a few things, the first being your monthly income. What is 10% of your monthly income, and is it enough to make your loan payment in addition to paying for gas and insurance? Is 10% enough to meet the four-year loan period? To consider these questions, you'll first need to have an idea of the total amount you'll be borrowing (the asking price of the vehicle). Having a general idea of what amount you can realistically save up 20% of will provide a good jumping-off point for applying this formula. Still have questions concerning the Mazda financing process? No problem, reach out to Champion Mazda today for answers! Our finance department would be more than happy to answer any of your questions. You can even check out the selection of new and used vehicles available now while you're at it!

Securing Mazda car insurance is the first order of business after securing your very own Mazda vehicle, but how do you go about enrolling? Having some form of insurance is required in all 50 states. To help all our new drivers out there, here is a step-by-step guide on how to insure your new Mazda vehicle. more Why Insurance Is Important First and foremost, you are required by law in most states to have proof of insurance to even register your vehicle. Whether you're enrolled in a private insurance plan, or self-insured, you need some proof that you can cover the costs of a collision. The only states where insurance is not required are New Hampshire and Virginia, all others require it. Secondly, having insurance provides drivers with the assurance that they are not going to go into debt because of an accident. Financial liability can cost a pretty penny, but insurance can help you cover costs should the need arise. How To Enroll in Mazda Car Insurance Firstly, you're going to have to consider what coverage you need. Different coverage options include injury and property damage liability, medical payments, and collision to name a few. Be sure to examine all of your options and consider what you need. Knowing what you're looking for, it's time to shop around for a policy that works for you. Compare different companies and policies and try to find one that you can afford and provides you with the coverage you need. Once you've found one, it's time to buy! Be sure to secure proof of insurance from your new policy before canceling your previous insurance. Still haven't decided on which Mazda vehicle is right for you? Stop by Champion Mazda today to check out our available selection! Now that you know how to insure your vehicle, the only thing between you and your next dream ride is a couple of signatures and a test drive.

Your vehicle's air filters do a lot for the cabin's interior climate. They may not be in control of your temperature, but they do help prevent the intake of any particles or dust from the road. Your vehicle's air filters also play a role in fuel efficiency, so let's take a look at some ways they can impact fuel consumption. more What Do Air Filters Do? When you engage your vehicle's HVAC system, your vehicle draws air from outside of the cabin. This outside air can be filled with pollen, dust, dirt, and small particles that can accumulate inside your closed cabin if not filtered out properly. Over time the filters can become overwhelmed with these outdoor particulates, which can begin to cause a number of issues for your vehicle. Can Air Filters Affect Efficiency? When your vehicle's air filters become clogged, your HVAC system must work harder to provide you with the same level of temperature control. You will find yourself turning up the fan and adjusting the temperature more severely due to the fact that your AC can't perform at its optimal level. This causes your vehicle to use more energy, and more fuel. It’s especially detrimental in hybrid models and electric vehicles, as electric powertrains propel your vehicle and provide climate control through the same power source. How Often Should Filters Be Changed? To prevent your vehicle from overworking itself, it is recommended that your vehicle's air filters be replaced around once a year. In miles, this comes out to roughly every 15,000 to 30,000 miles, depending on how much you drive. Are your vehicle's air filters in need of a replacement? Schedule your visit to the Champion Mazda service center online today. Let's get your vehicle's fuel consumption back on track with a simple part replacement.

Mazda SUVs may offer drivers the comfort and entertainment to keep the road ahead interesting, but they can also keep the party going without requiring a refill. To help out our customers save the planet and at the pump, here are the top three Mazda SUVs with the best gas mileage. more 2022 Mazda CX-9 Starting off strong, the 2022 Mazda CX-9 packs a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and standard i-Activ AWD®, as well as a third row of seating and a range of comfort and entertainment features. As if there wasn't enough to love about this vehicle, its powertrain has earned a 20 MPG in the city, 26 MPG on the highway, and 23 MPG combined to help you save on fuel costs. 2022 Mazda CX-5 The 2022 Mazda CX-5 comes with the choice between two powertrains, the standard 187-horsepower base engine or the available 250-horsepower turbocharged engine. Should you choose to go with the base model, you'll be rewarded with a combined 26 MPG EPA rating. It also offers features like adaptive cruise control and i-Activ AWD®, which can improve your fuel economy by keeping you on the road. 2022 Mazda CX-30 For true road-trippers, the 2022 Mazda CX-30 has a lot to love. Again, drivers are provided the choice between a standard and turbocharged engine, only this time the standard engine has a 31 MPG on the highway, 24 MPG in the city, and 26 MPG combined. Now that you know which three Mazda SUVs to look out for, why not take them out for a test drive? Make your way to Champion Mazda today to check out what else these amazing vehicles have to offer.

Have you performed an online search for an “ oil change near me”? Do you recognize the signs that your car may be low on oil? Oil changes are best left to a Mazda-certified technician. more Here are the signs that the oil in your car is due for a replacement. Oil Discoloration Pull out the oil dipstick when the engine is cold. Examine the oil on the tip of the stick. Healthy oil should be brownish yet clear. If the oil appears almost completely black and gunk-like, then it may be time for a replacement. Car Vibrations Shaking and vibrations can be caused by a number of issues. Vibrations when the car is idling may be a sign the oil has thickened and is not lubricating the metal engine parts properly. This leads to destructive metal-on-metal friction, causing the vehicle to vibrate. Ticking Sound During Startup The oil runs through the engine the minute you turn the ignition. If the oil has thickened, it takes longer to move. This may manifest in the form of an audible ticking sound as the engine is warming up. The ticking comes from the valve that’s working extra hard to shuttle the thickened oil. Oil Change Light Perhaps the most clear-cut indicator of your car needing fresh oil is the oil change dashboard light coming on. In most models, this icon is in the form of an oil canister with a drop of oil coming out. This is your car telling you directly to check the oil. Don’t ignore it. Have you noticed any of the above signs lately? Make an appointment at Champion Mazda to schedule an oil change. We perform an oil change and flush on all Mazda models, from the Mazda3 to the Mazda CX-9.

Purchasing a car is a great way to kickstart 2022. You don’t necessarily have to buy a new vehicle. You can settle for a used car in Owensboro, KY. If you’re unsure about this, here are five reasons choosing a pre-owned car purchase can be beneficial, especially from a money-saving standpoint. more 1. Minimum Depreciation New cars lose about 40% of their value in its first year alone. By buying a used car, there’s no need to worry about depreciation because the bulk of it has already occurred under the previous owner. 2. Lower Annual Registration Fees Registration fees are partly based on the car’s value. Since the depreciation has already occurred, a used car will naturally be lower in value than its current-year counterpart. Yearly registration fees typically go down after five years from the vehicle’s manufacturing date. 3. Acquire a Better Trim A lightly pre-owned vehicle in a premium trim may be about the same cost as the same model brand new with the base trim. Essentially, you can reap the perks of amenities like leather upholstery or an upgraded engine while staying within budget. 4. Lower Insurance Premiums Used cars are often cheaper to insure because the car’s value is less. Should the car be in a collision and require repairs, it’s going to be cheaper for the insurance to foot the bill. 5. Fully Inspected With a Mazda Certified pre-owned vehicle, the purchase is backed by a comprehensive multi-point inspection and warranty. Even non-Mazda Certified cars still undergo a basic inspection, which is seldom included when buying from a private seller. Get a strong start to 2022 with a used car purchase. Acquire a lightly owned model like the Mazda CX-5 while maintaining your budget goals.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 is in development and is pending release in dealerships as a compact SUV. Some details have been released and confirmed, so let us share with you everything we know based on official word from the developers at Mazda headquarters. more Engine and Performance Overview The base engine is a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a turbocharged variant as an optional upgrade. Whatever the engine variety, though, all trims will have a six-speed automatic transmission with an all-wheel-drive drivetrain. The manufacturer has also confirmed that a hybrid model is in development. One other detail is that the SUV will be built on the same platform as the Mazda3 and be just slightly larger than the similar Mazda CX-5. Seating and Cargo The Mazda CX-50 can seat up to five passengers. No information is available yet regarding cargo space capacity. Not much is known about the infotainment system yet, though spy photos do reveal an 8.8-inch touchscreen. Exterior and Interior Design The styling will follow the brand’s traditional use of the Kodo design. The body has a wide stance highlighted by a sleek and long silhouette. This design element is intended to help the exterior blend with the surroundings, especially in an off-road environment. In the interior, the upholstery utilizes a stitching pattern and design that enables it to blend with outdoor clothing and gear. The addition of a panoramic moonroof allows passengers to gaze at the stars on long nighttime commutes. The 2023 Mazda CX-50 is slated for a mid-2022 release. In the meantime, come by Champion Mazda and see similar models like the Mazda CX-5 and Mazda CX-30. If any of the current models interest you, then head on over to our Mazda finance center in Owensboro, KY for further assistance.