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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.

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!

No other compact car comes close to the Mazda3 when it comes to value! Looking good in its sedan or its hatchback form, the car delivers truly impressive performance, a snazzy interior, and advanced technology at a great price. Here's why drivers have fallen hard for the 2022 Mazda3! more Stirring Powertrain Strong acceleration and passing power come from the Mazda3's base 2.0L Skyactiv-G inline-4 engine, which produces 155 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque. Then, there's a larger 186-horsepower 2.5L motor that raises torque to 186 lb-ft. If you're a track enthusiast, then you'll definitely want to consider the turbocharged 2.5L Dynamic Pressure engine, which makes up to 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque while achieving sub-six-second 0 to 60 runs. Most versions of the Mazda3 are available with either a 6-speed short-throw manual transmission or an electronically controlled 6-speed sport automatic. Whichever model you choose, your driving experience will be enhanced by Mazda's innovative G-Vectoring Control technology, which subtly adjusts power delivery for an improved cornering feel. Available i-Activ AWD brings added confidence in tricky conditions. Sport-Tuned Chassis Take the Mazda3 through its paces on twisty roads and you'll be stunned at how well it hugs the corners. That's because the car's suspension, featuring an independent MacPherson strut and a torsion beam axle, has been obsessively tuned by Mazda's engineers until its handling felt perfect. This refinement also leads to direct steering and minimal body roll. The car quickly comes to a stop thanks to standard electronic brakeforce distribution. Stylish and Comfortable Interior You'll be hard-pressed to find another car in the Mazda3's segment that comes close to matching it when it comes to interior design. Not only does the passenger cabin boast sophisticated styling, but it also features a generous amount of high-quality materials. The ergonomic seating can be upholstered with genuine greige or red leather, and creature comforts like the available dual-zone climate control and heated steering wheel keep things cozy. With over 90 cubic feet of passenger space, both the sedan and hatchback provide ample room to stretch out. Comprehensive Infotainment System All Mazda3 models come standard with the Mazda Connect infotainment system and its 8.8-inch display. Users can easily access their favorite apps by using intuitive voice commands and the Multifunction Commander control knob. Along with dual USB ports, HD Radio, and Bluetooth hands-free technology, most trims feature Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration. For your listening enjoyment, the car's infotainment system also offers Pandora internet radio and SiriusXM satellite radio. Incredible theater-quality sound comes from the available 12-speaker Bose premium audio system and its Centerpoint 2 technology. Who knew that such an affordable and practical car could offer such a thrilling list of features? Visit Champion Mazda Owensboro today and check out the Mazda3 for yourself!

Are you ready to indulge in a freshly brewed cup of coffee or a tasty flavored latte in your Mazda CX-5 on the way to work in the morning? When you drive through Owensboro, KY, you'll discover plenty of fantastic coffee shops, cafes, and takeout options to order a delicious cup of joe on your commute or your next road trip. more 1. The Spot Coffee and Finery This local café is the ideal spot to enjoy a coffee early in the morning, with a light snack or pastry for the road. You'll find the atmosphere laid-back, colorful decorations, friendly service, and a fantastic selection of quality gifts and items. There is an excellent variety of coffee and espresso-based beverages, chilled drinks, teas, smoothies, and signature drinks. You can visit seven days a week, and live music and events are featured year-round. 2. Creme Coffee House Creme Coffee House is a unique place that serves a wonderful selection of specialty drinks, lattes, coffees, sandwiches, desserts, and light fare. You'll love the nostalgic décor, down-to-earth dining space, and outdoor tables where you can enjoy your favorite drink and tasty breakfast or lunch. This local gem's menu features delicious soups, sandwiches, bagels, scones, and other freshly baked goods. 3. Red Swing Coffee Red Swing Coffee is a spectacular café where you'll find excellent blended drinks, coffees, and signature homemade waffles. This bright and cheerful café is perfect for a quick coffee, breakfast, or a weekend treat with family or friends. It's conveniently located downtown, so you can visit between shopping and errands. Red Swing Coffee is the ideal place for excellent coffee and unique, gourmet desserts. 4. Gramps Coffee & Donuts If you're looking for tasty, handmade donuts and fantastic espresso drinks, you'll want to visit Gramps Coffee & Donuts. This wonderful shop offers a spacious dining area, outdoor seating, and friendly service in the heart of the city. You'll find all your favorite coffees, teas, and chilled beverages served at this café, including a creative selection of customized donuts and baked treats to order for dine-in or takeout. 5. Twelve Cities Café Twelve Cities Café is a local favorite with delicious coffee, juice, smoothies, and homemade food. This health-conscious shop is a relaxing place to enjoy a light meal and visit with friends for breakfast or lunch. All the menu items are made with natural, high-quality ingredients, and vegetarian and gluten-free options are available. There are many fantastic coffee houses, shops, and takeout counters with amazing teas, espressos, and caffeinated beverages to enjoy on your next drive through town. Contact us at Champion Mazda Owensboro, KY, and discover what we have to offer you from our spectacular showroom. Image by Craig Melville from Pixabay

If you're looking for an impressive ride with a smooth, well-designed exterior and excellent performance, you'll love the 2022 Mazda CX-5. You'll find great features to enhance your driving experience, such as impressive suspension, drive-mode settings, and superb engine and transmission performance. It's the perfect choice for family vacations and commuting. more 1. Cargo Space and Interior Comfort You'll find the interior of the 2022 CX-5 offers top-notch materials that are durable and visually appealing, which provide an upscale appearance. This Mazda features well-designed pedals, precise steering, and comfortable front seat armrests. There is spacious room for up to nine carry-on bags, a large center console, and lots of small cubbies and pockets to store essential travel items, including smartphones and keys. 2. Driver Assistance and Safety Technology This Mazda model offers excellent standard safety features, including pedestrian detection, automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-departure warning. 3. Fuel Efficiency Ratings and Engine Performance There are two fuel economy ratings for the CX-5 based on the engine options. These include a turbocharged engine with a rating of 27 mpg on the highway and 22 mpg in the city and a 2.5-liter engine with a rating of 30 mpg on the highway and 24 mpg in the city. You'll find the standard engine for this CX-5, a four-cylinder with 187 horsepower, offers a great throttle response and exceptional performance at higher speeds. You can also choose the turbocharged engine with 256 horsepower, which has a much faster acceleration. Both engines are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, which performs well on various road surfaces. 4. Connectivity and Infotainment Features Mazda CX-5's infotainment system features a large 10.3-inch screen conveniently positioned on the center console with a volume knob and rotary controller. You'll find the interface easy to use, which includes steering wheel buttons and voice commands. There are great options included with this 2022 Mazda, which include compatibility with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Mazda Connected Services, and remote functions with a smartphone app. You'll also have the option of adding a Wi-Fi hotspot through a subscription service. 5. Excellent Accessories Mazda offers an impressive variety of accessories and features to customize your SUV, including all-weather floor mats, flexible cargo trays, liners, splash guards, and covers to protect your vehicle from the outdoor elements. You'll find a great selection of enhanced products, including a smart mirror system that adjusts to reduce glare and improve visibility and a retractable cargo cover for added protection. Mazda's 2022 CX-5 is the ideal SUV for all your traveling needs. Visit us at Champion Mazda Owensboro, KY, and see what we have to offer you from our incredible showroom inventory today.

There will be times when the temperature gets a little warm, but it doesn't have to be that hot for you to decide you must go out for ice cream. If you're in the Owensbor o, KY orbit and in search of something chilly in a bowl, dish, or cone, you might like to check out any of the following fine purveyors of icy goodness. more 1. Lic's Ice-Cream & Deli At Lic's, you could go "healthy" and start off with something other than dessert, since it's a full-service deli with sandwiches and salads, not to mention soups. But we understand that you want to get to the good stuff! There are more than 20 flavors, plus sorbet, too! If you like milkshakes or smoothies, well, they do those, as well. Sundaes, splits, and "choco-cremes," which are ice-cream-filled bites dipped in chocolate, move the sweet needle even further! 2. Ritzy's Ritzy's is actually a local two-shop fast food diner drive-through place, and people love it for the burgers and fries. But the cold dessert could sneak up on you, with flavor choices like Swiss almond chocolate and the seasonal candy cane, which is, of course, all about the peppermint. An "Itzy Ritzy meal" comes with a scoop, which is more than many fast-food joints can ever boast. Try the milkshakes, too. 3. Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers Okay, we could be stretching it a bit here, but we think frozen custard pretty much counts! In addition to the fairly extensive menu of steakburgers, Freddy's offers frozen custard in flavors like Chocolate Brownie Delight, Key Lime Pie Concrete, and Dirt n' Worms. The latter can be a tall or short cup of vanilla custard, topped with crumbled Oreo cookies and gummy worms. You get the idea! 4. Pinky's SnowCones & Snacks You'll find bakery treats here as well as savory items like loaded chili cheese dogs to build a foundation to top with your cold dessert! This too is a little of a departure from the title treat and features snow cones with intense colors and flavors to refresh you! Try the Funky Monkey glowing in bright red and yellow (strawberry and banana), the blue raspberry-based Crowe's Delight, the Pink Bubble Gum, and the Blue Cotton Candy, plus many more. On a warm day when you're up for frozen treats, try a swoopy, aerodynamic Mazda CX-30 so you can cut coolly across town to pick them up. A used Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring SUV would also be a fine choice when you have a whole crew to haul over to the dessert parlor. Have a look at either one or many more Mazdas at Champion Mazda Owensboro today! Photo by Kamaji Ogino: https://www.pexels.com/photo/little-child-with-dirty-mouth-standing-with-ice-cream-on-street-5094387/

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.