4 Tips to Improve Fuel Economy

We've all been a situation where we've been running late in the morning. Whether you slept in or you took an extra few minutes to perfect your look, being behind schedule can be stressful. What makes it even worse? Have to scrape stubborn ice or frost off your window. Not only does it take extra time, but you also don't want to spend any extra time in the harsh cold. So how can you prevent ice and frost from forming on your windshield? Read on to find out! more You might also be interested in: How to pack a winter roadside emergency kit Best DIY tricks for keeping frost from forming on your windshield There are a lot of tips and tricks you can find on the internet regarding how to keep ice and frost from forming on your windshield, but which ones actually work and which are little more than old wives' tales? We are personally big fans of the vinegar method. The trick is to fill a spray bottle with 3 parts vinegar and one part room-temperature water, then spray your windshield with the mixture at night. When you wake up in the morning, there should be little to no frost on your windshield. However, make sure that the water you are using to mix with the vinegar is room temp, as warm water can cause cracks in the glass. Don't feel like spending money buying vinegar if you don't have it laying around the house? We have also tried using cardboard to protect our windshield from the elements and are happy to report the DIY trick also works. Simply slide a few pieces of cardboard under your windshield wipers in place before going to bed, and when you wake up, all you'll have to do is remove the cardboard and you'll be good to go! Read more: Where to ice skate near Manchester NH Have additional questions or know of any other tips to keep frost off your windshield? If so, let us know in the comments below! And if you would like any other tips and tricks for staying safe in the winter season, don't hesitate to contact us today!

Portsmouth isn't exactly the snowiest area in the United States, but that doesn't mean we shouldn’t be prepared for white fluff if and when it does fall during winter. Driving conditions are greatly affected not only by snow, but by the winter season in general, so it's important to have a roadside emergency kit kept in your car at all times just in case. Wondering how to pack a winter emergency kit for your vehicle? Keep reading and we'll fill you in on everything you need to know! more Read more tips and tricks! What to pack in a winter emergency kit for your car There are a number of items you'll want to pack in your winter roadside emergency kit, with the most important items protecting you from the elements. We don't get too much snow here in Portsmouth, but it has been known to snow on occasion so we recommend keeping a small handheld shovel in your trunk. This will allow you to shovel yourself out if you happen to get stuck in the snow. Additionally, you'll want less obvious items in your kit to keep you warm if you happen to break down on the side of the road. Blankets, winter hats, gloves, and mittens are all great items to keep in your pack, as are non-perishable snacks like granola bars or mixed nuts. Finally, we suggest keeping items like jumper cables, flares or reflectors, a flashlight and batteries, and a car-adaptable phone charger in your roadside emergency kit as well. You might also be interested in: Do I need winter tires? Have any other additional items you think should be packed in your winter roadside emergency kit? If so, let us know in the comments below so we can add it to our list!

Car shoppers face several important decisions throughout the entire buying process. One of the first choices they must make, however, is whether to buy a new or used vehicle. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, so car buyers must weigh the pros and cons before making a final decision. In order to assist shoppers, here are a few key benefits of buying a used car. more You may be interested in: Used car financing options at Seacoast Mazda Why Buy a Used Car Instead of a New One? New cars have their perks, but the benefits of buying a used car often make it the smarter choice for budget-conscious shoppers. Here's what you gain when you go pre-owned: Lower price tag – Used cars have already absorbed the steepest depreciation, some models losing up to 20-40% of their value in the first year alone, making them significantly less expensive than comparable new vehicles. More model options – Instead of choosing only from the last year or two of releases, a used car lets you pick from a wide range of years, makes, and models, including discontinued trims no longer available new. Reduced insurance rates – Because used vehicles carry a lower market value, insurance premiums are typically cheaper since insurers base rates largely on the vehicle's worth. Avoiding rapid depreciation – New cars lose the most value in their first few years, while used cars depreciate at a much slower, more stable rate after that initial hit. Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) protection – Many used Mazdas still carry remaining factory warranty coverage, and Mazda CPO vehicles undergo rigorous multi-point inspections plus often have extended warranty coverage for added peace of mind. Fewer hidden fees – Used cars typically avoid the shipping and dealer prep charges that get tacked onto new car sticker prices Together, these benefits of buying a used car make pre-owned shopping an appealing option for anyone looking to save money without sacrificing quality or choice. Frequently Asked Questions Is It Financially Smart to Buy a Used Car? Yes, for most buyers a used car is the more financially sound choice. Since new vehicles lose a significant chunk of value the moment they're driven off the lot, buying used lets you skip that initial depreciation hit while also benefiting from lower insurance premiums and financing costs tied to a lower purchase price. A Mazda CPO vehicle adds extra financial security since it typically includes warranty coverage similar to a new car, but at a fraction of the cost. What Is the $3,000 Rule for Cars? The "$3,000 rule" is a common consumer rule of thumb (not an official Mazda policy) suggesting that if a single repair bill exceeds roughly $3,000 on an older vehicle, it may be more cost-effective to replace the car rather than keep repairing it. This guideline helps used car owners decide when ongoing maintenance costs outweigh the vehicle's remaining value, though the right threshold varies by vehicle age, condition, and market value. What Are Two Disadvantages of Buying a Used Car? While used cars offer strong savings, there are trade-offs to consider: Unknown history – Unless you buy a Certified Pre-Owned model with a documented inspection and warranty, a used car may come with unknown maintenance history, prior accidents, or wear that isn't immediately visible. Higher financing rates – Used car loans often carry higher interest rates than new car loans, since lenders view older vehicles as higher risk, which can offset some of the upfront savings. What Is the Cheapest but Most Reliable Car? Among Mazda's lineup, the Mazda3 is frequently cited as one of the brand's most dependable and affordable models, combining low ownership costs with strong reliability ratings even as a used vehicle. Mazda as a brand consistently ranks well for reliability, with owner-reported issues typically limited to normal wear items like brake pads and suspension bushings rather than chronic mechanical failures, even in higher-mileage used models Buying a used car in Portsmouth, NH Ready to explore your options? If you're searching for a reliable used car in Portsmouth, NH, browse our used car inventory at Seacoast Mazda today. You can also filter our pre-owned inventory by price (vehicles under $15,000) or fuel efficiency (models achieving over 30 mpg), making it easy to find a used car that fits your budget and lifestyle. Used Cars Under $15,000