First came the speedometer, then came the odometer and finally its cousin the thermometer. If you could add a new gauge to the dash of your car, what would it measure?

 

Take a look at one of only three of Mazda's new SpeedSource race cars based on the all-new 2014 Mazda6 being dyno tested before the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona.

Car Tip of the Week: Renew fabric upholstery

Spraying fabric car seats and carpets with a fabric protectant, such as Scotchgard, will make them resist dirt and stains, and make them easier to clean. Thoroughly clean the fabrics before using one of these products and then test the product on an inconspicuous place to be sure the treatment will not discolor the fabric.

Source: Reader’s Digest

Mazda3, CX-5 earn IIHS Top Safety Picks

Mazda technologies like SkyActiv-Body and SkyActiv-Chassis, plus ultra-high-tensile steel, six airbags, "crusable" brake and accelerator pedal assembly and collapsible steering column have helped the 2013 Mazda3 and 2014 Mazda CX-5 win Top Safety Pick laurels from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It's the second year in a row for the Mazda3.

The accolade is earned by receiving "Good" marks for frontal moderate overlap crashes, side and rear impact crashes, and tests of roof strength. Remember, the small overlap test that the IIHS commenced in August 2012 has lately tripped up some makers who have excellent safety reputations.

The Mazda3 and CX-5 join offerings like the Dodge Dart, Hyundai Elantra, Mitsubishi Outlander Sport and Subaru Forester among the 117 vehicles so far declared Top Safety Picks – which is different than the 13 named Top Safety Picks+, mind you – for this year.

Source: Autoblog

Car Tip of the Week: Preserve door and window seals

Wipe a rubber protectant (such as Armor-All) or silicone on door and window weatherstripping to keep it in good condition. Don’t use an oil based product, such as WD-40, because the oil will damage the rubber. Regular cleaning and treatment of your car’s weatherstripping will also lessen the likelihood of your door sticking to its rubber seal in cold weather, a common cause of damage to the rubber.

Source: Reader’s Digest

Join us as along with Luke Huysmans we take a closer look at the all-new Mazda6 and how it has become Driving re-energized.

Driving Tip of the Week: Keep an auto log to catch early warning signs that something isn’t right

Keep a pad and pencil in the glove compartment and use them to record your gas fill-ups and mileage. If you notice that your gas mileage worsens, mention it to your service man. It may be an early warning sign that something may be wrong with your car.

Source: Reader’s Digest