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The Mazda CX-9 has always been a safe car. But improvements can always be made to be better. That’s exactly what Mazda did this past winter. It made modifications to the headlights on the CX-9 to improve the SUV’s overall safety rating. Now, it’s a Top Safety Pick Plus by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. A Closer Look at the Safety Ratings The IIHS previously rated the 2020 Mazda CX-9 was rated a Top Safety Pick, which is already very good. The SUV earned ratings of “Good” – the highest ranking possible – for all crash testing, including small overlap front for the driver and passenger side, moderate overlap front, and side. It also received Good rankings for roof strength, head restraints, and seats. The one “negative” mark on the scorecard for the CX-9 was a “Marginal” rating for the headlights. Mazda upgraded the headlights, and now they are rated as “Good.” Updated Headlights Mazda updated the CX-9 to have curve-adaptive headlights. Previously, the headlights were static. The new headlights create improved visibility, which has earned the CX-9 the improved safety rating. In addition to updating the headlights on the CX-9, Mazda has also updated the optional headlights on the 2020 Mazda3 sedan and hatchback. Both vehicles were already rated a Top Safety Pick Plus by the IIHS, which is the highest safety rating. Dating for the Updates Mazda updated the headlights on the CX-9 starting in December 2019. What that means is that there are 2020 Mazda CX-9 models for sale that have the older headlights, and there are some models for sale with the newer headlights. You aren’t likely to notice the difference just by looking at the headlights. What you need to look for, instead, is the date of manufacture. You can find this by looking on the inside of the driver door. There should be a sticker there with information about the vehicle, including the date of manufacture. Look for vehicles that were produced in 2020 to be sure that you have the newer, safer headlights. Other Safety Features The 2020 Mazda CX-9 has numerous other safety features that make it a great choice. Daytime running lights are standard, as are blind-spot detection and front-crash detection systems for vehicles and pedestrians. Optional equipment includes lane departure warning and lane departure prevention. If you are looking for a family vehicle, or you just prioritize safety when you are evaluating potential new vehicles, the 2020 Mazda CX-9 has much to offer. Not only is it one of the safest vehicles on the road, but it is also a gorgeous SUV that handles well and that offers plenty of comfort and convenience features to make driving fun. Visit us at Seacoast Mazda to check out the 2020 CX-9 and to take it for a test drive. You’ll fall in love with this stylish SUV, and you’ll love the way it drives. You’ll also feel confident driving it, knowing that it has the highest safety rating possible. Visit us today to learn more!

If you're looking for a small crossover SUV that has a long list of standard safety features that will keep you and your family as safe as possible on the road, we'd like to introduce you to the 2018 Mazda CX-5. The 2018 CX-5 comes equipped with a huge variety of advanced safety features, many of which cost extra on most competitors. Interested in learning all about the 2018 Mazda CX-5 safety features? Read on and we'll fill you in on everything you need to know! more You might also be interested in: 2018 Mazda CX-5 engine performance What safety features come standard in the 2018 Mazda CX-5? The 2018 Mazda CX-5 comes in three well-equipped trim levels: Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring. Even the entry-level Sport trim comes standard with a huge variety of standard safety features, including: Smart City Brake Support Rearview camera Advanced Blind Spot Monitoring Rear Cross-Traffic Alert Dynamic Stability Control Traction Control System Anti-lock Brake System Electronic Brakeforce Distribution Tire Pressure Monitoring System Hill Launch Assist Advanced front airbags Side-impact air curtains with rollover protection Moving up the lineup, the Touring and Grand Touring trims tack on extra standard safety features like Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Smart Brake Support, Lane Departure Warning, and Lane-Keep Assist. Additionally, the trims come standard with even more exterior safety features, including Adaptive Front-Lighting and High Beam Control. Read more: Is the Mazda CX-5 bigger than the Mazda CX-3? Car shoppers interested in seeing the 2018 Mazda CX-5's standard safety features at work firsthand are encouraged to schedule an obligation-free test drive online or stop right in and see us at our location in Portsmouth! Have additional questions about the 2018 CX-5 before getting in the driver's seat? No problem! Simply contact our team today, and we'll fill you in on everything you need to know!

Driving at night can be unnerving as it is, but if your car's lights aren't working or environmental factors prevent you from having a good view of the road ahead, it can be downright scary. Luckily for us, Mazda has developed an advanced safety feature to protect us in this exact situation. The Adaptive Front-Lighting System is designed to keep drivers safe while on the road at night, but how does it work? Read on to find out! more You might also be interested in: How does Smart City Brake Support work? What does Mazda's Adaptive Front-Lighting System do? Mazda's Adaptive Front-Lighting System uses factors such as vehicle speed and steering input to point the vehicle's low beam headlights in the direction the driver is intending to travel. So, in simple terms, if you're rounding a corner, the system will adjust the headlights to illuminate more of the bend ahead. We all know how tiring driving at night can be, and the Adaptive Front-Lighting System is specifically designed to help relieve driver fatigue when it's dark outside. With the system's auto-leveling function and stable distribution of light, drivers won't have to strain their eyes when rounding curves. Interested in learning more about this highly-advanced piece of technology? Take a look at the video below! Read more: Mazda Radar Cruise Control advanced safety feature Have additional questions about Mazda's Adaptive Front-Lighting System or how it works? If so, feel free to drop us a line in the comments below or contact a member of our team here at Seacoast Mazda! Those interested in getting behind the wheel of any Mazda model equipped with the advanced technology are encouraged to schedule an obligation-free test drive online today!

With all of the high-tech features available in today’s vehicles, it’s important to understand how they work and how they help you stay safe on the road. One of Mazda’s most innovative driver-assistance systems is Smart City Brake Support (SCBS)—a key part of the brand’s i-ACTIVSENSE suite of safety technologies. If you’re wondering what it does and how it works, here’s what you should know. more Understanding Mazda Smart City Brake Support Using a laser sensor mounted on the windshield, Mazda Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) continuously monitors the traffic ahead of you. When driving at speeds up to 18 mph, it can detect if a collision with the vehicle in front is likely. If it senses danger, the system prepares the brakes for maximum stopping power. If the driver doesn’t react in time by braking or steering away, SCBS will automatically apply the brakes and reduce engine output to help avoid the crash or lessen the impact. This is especially helpful in heavy city traffic or during sudden stops at intersections—exactly where many low-speed accidents occur. Mazda Smart City Brake Support in Reverse Mazda’s safety innovation doesn’t stop at forward motion. Mazda Smart City Brake Support – Reverse uses two ultrasonic sensors on the rear bumper to detect obstacles behind your vehicle when backing up at speeds up to 5 mph. If the system senses a potential collision, it automatically engages the brakes to help prevent contact. For models with an automatic transmission, SCBS also integrates Acceleration Control, which helps if you mistakenly press the accelerator instead of the brake while reversing or stopped. When this happens, the system sounds a warning and cuts engine power, reducing the chance of a fender bender in parking lots or tight spaces. Read more: How does Mazda Radar Cruise Control work? Mazda i-ACTIVSENSE Safety Suite Smart City Brake Support is one of many advanced driver-assistance systems in Mazda’s i-ACTIVSENSE lineup, which also includes: Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) – Helps maintain a safe following distance automatically. Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) – Alerts you to vehicles in your blind spots. Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) – Warns of approaching traffic when backing out of parking spots. Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) – Notifies you if the vehicle drifts unintentionally. Together, these systems create a safer and more confident driving experience in all conditions. Experience Smart City Brake Support at Seacoast Mazda Want to see how Mazda Smart City Brake Support works in real life? Visit Seacoast Mazda to explore our latest new Mazda models equipped with this intelligent safety feature. Schedule a test drive today and experience how Mazda’s advanced safety technology makes every drive smoother, smarter, and safer. New Mazda Inventory

Although there are several factors to consider when shopping for a new vehicle, safety is among the most important. You want a vehicle that is equipped to keep you safe in a variety of circumstances, such as warning against potential collisions and protecting riders during impact. Fortunately, the 2017 Mazda CX-9 has a wide array of safety features and ratings on all trim levels that speak for themselves. more 2017 Mazda CX-9 safety ratings and features On top of a comprehensive air bag system, a durable body, and advanced seatbelt technology, the Mazda CX-9 has a wide array of standard and available safety elements. Standard Safety: Anti-lock Brake System with Electronic Brake force Distribution & Brake Assist Rearview camera Dynamic Stability Control with Traction Control System and Trailer Stability Assist Hill Launch Assist Roll Stability Control Side-impact door beams Available Safety: Advanced Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert Smart City Brake Support Smart Brake Support Lane Keep Assist Lane Departure Warning Distance Recognition Support System Rear backup sensors Read more: What color options are available for the 2017 Mazda CX-9? IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award for the 2017 CX-9 Recently, the 2017 Mazda CX-9 was awarded a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), which happens to be the highest accolade offered by the IIHS. The CX-9 received "Good" ratings for collision and occupancy protection tests and passed the headlight test with flying colors, thanks to its standard LED lighting. If you are interested in getting behind the wheel of the 2017 Mazda CX-9 and experiencing its safety components firsthand, we invite you to check out our new CX-9 inventory at Seacoast Mazda and schedule a test drive at your convenience. New CX-9 Inventory Schedule Test Drive

With all of the advanced safety technology now available in cars, many of you may be curious to learn about the elements behind these features and how they work. For instance, here, you can get a better idea about how Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) functions in Mazda vehicles. more The technology behind Mazda Radar Cruise Control Using a millimeter wave radar, MRCC is able to judge the relative speed of and distance from the car ahead of you. As the driver, you set your car’s designated speed range, and MRCC automatically adjusts to maintain a safe following distance behind the car in front. Not only does this help relieve some of the burden of drivers during long trips, but it also helps reduce the risk of accidents by maintaining a safe distance between cars. MRCC includes a Distance Recognition Support System (DRSS), which allows drivers to be aware of important safety considerations. Other Mazda active safety technologies In addition to Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC), Mazda offers a number of other active safety technologies that are designed to help prevent accidents on the road. These include: Adaptive front-lighting system High-beam control system Adaptive LED headlight Driver attention alert Lane-keep assist system Blind spot monitoring Hill launch assist Rear vehicle monitoring Lane departure warning system Emergency signal system Forward obstruction warning Read more: What are the Mazda i-ACTIVSENSE safety features? If you are interested in learning more about Mazda Radar Cruise Control or experiencing Mazda’s innovative safety technologies in person, we invite you to check out our new Mazda inventory at Seacoast Mazda and schedule a time to get behind the wheel at your convenience. New Mazda Inventory

Each year, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) evaluates vehicles across the industry based on a number of safety tests, This year, three Mazda vehicles--the CX-3, Mazda3, and Mazda6--earned Top Safety Pick+ awards, and here’s why. more IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Evaluation and Testing In order to be considered a Top Safety Pick+, vehicles must earn at least a Good rating for the following evaluations: small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength, and head restraint. They must also get either Advanced or Superior ratings for front crash prevention and pass comprehensive headlight evaluations. In the end, the Mazda CX-3, Mazda3, and Mazda6 made quite an impression to receive an award that gets more competitive with each passing year. The 2017 Mazda CX-5 and CX-9 have yet to be tested. Stay tuned for the end results for those evaluations. Who knows? Mazda could end up with 5 models with 2017 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ awards. Key Mazda Safety Features The only way these Mazda vehicles were able to earn IIHS Top Safety Pick+ awards is because of Mazda’s advanced safety technologies, which include: SKYACTIV Technology - a suite of high-tech components, such as fuel-efficient engines, comfort-tuned suspensions, and more Smart City Brake Support & Smart Brake Support - automatic emergency braking systems that help drivers avoid potential collisions Adaptive LED headlights Straight frame rails If you are interested in getting behind the wheel of one of Mazda’s safety-award-winning vehicles, we encourage you to take a look at our new Mazda inventory at Seacoast Mazda and schedule a test drive at your convenience. New Mazda Inventory Schedule a Test Drive

When Do I Need to Replace My Tires? Winter is upon us here in Portsmouth, NH, which means snow and ice are right around the corner. We all know winter weather is unpredictable, to say the least, so now is the time many people begin to prepare their vehicle for the poor driving conditions that follow in winter’s wake. This is known as “winterizing” your vehicle, and one of the most important aspects of the process is making sure your tires are ready to keep you safe and on the road as conditions begin to worsen. But how do you know when you need to replace your tires? How do you know if they’ll last another season or if now’s the time to install a new set? Well, that’s why we’re here – to make sure your automobile is ready for winter and everything that comes with it. more Checking Your Tire Tread The easiest way to check the condition of your tires is to reach in your pocket and find a penny. Place the penny into the tread grooves of your tires in multiple different spots. If you can always see most of Lincoln’s head, then you’re probably in need of new tires. If most of Lincoln’s head is covered, then you should be, too. This may not seem like the most scientific way to check on your tires, but it’s easy and it works. Tire Age and Exposure Two other elements play a big part in wearing down your tires. Both exposure to heat and the sun’s ultraviolet rays can negatively affect your tires. This isn’t a huge concern here in New Hampshire, but our hot summer days can play a role in tire degradation. Tire age also plays a role. No matter what your tread looks like, if your tires are between 6 and 10 years old, then it’s probably time to get a new set. If you find yourself in need of new tires, or would like an expert opinion on the status of your tires, look no further than the Seacoast Mazda Service Department. Our experienced and certified technicians will ensure your new tires are a perfect match for your vehicle and your driving style. And you can even schedule a service appointment right here on our website.

2017 Mazda CX-5 New Safety and Technology Features The release date of the 2017 Mazda CX-5 is getting closer and closer, especially now that production has officially started on the new vehicle. As you can probably guess, we’re very excited about that here at Seacoast Mazda. And once you hear everything new in the 2017 CX-5, it’ll be easy to see why we’re so excited. Not only does the all-new CX-5 feature a freshly redesigned interior and exterior with excellent color options and a choice between three different engines; it also includes a comprehensive suite of advanced new safety systems. more 2017 Mazda CX-5 Active Driving Display At the top of the list of new safety features found in the 2017 Mazda CX-5 is its new Active Driving Display system. This new features projects information from the navigation system and other safety systems directly onto the windshield so that you don’t have to take your eyes off the road in order to get the information you need. This includes traffic sign recognition, which reads speed limits and other road signs to let you know what’s happening on the road around you. 2017 Mazda CX-5 Advanced New Safety Features The Active Driving Display isn’t the only advanced new safety feature found in the new 2017 Mazda CX-5. It also features a number of new active and passive safety systems that will help keep you safe and sound on the road. The top new active safety system is the latest edition of Mazda Radar Cruise Control, which can match the speed of the vehicle in front of you from a standing stop and beyond. The all-new Mazda CX-5, available in various trim levels, features passive safety systems anchored by its high-strength SKYACTIV-BODY, which absorbs and disperses impact force to suppress cabin deformation. Head and leg injuries are also reduced thanks to new safety structures under the hood and front bumper. If you have any questions about everything else the new 2017 Mazda CX-5 brings to the table, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly and knowledgeable Seacoast Mazda staff. They’re always ready to help in any and every way they can.

Modern vehicles do much more than provide transportation. Advanced driver assistance systems now help drivers identify hazards, avoid collisions, and stay aware of their surroundings. Mazda's i-ACTIVSENSE safety features are designed to improve driver awareness and help reduce the risk of accidents through a combination of cameras, radar sensors, and intelligent safety technologies. Whether you're shopping for a new Mazda or simply want to understand the technology in your vehicle, here's what you should know about Mazda i-ACTIVSENSE. What Is Mazda i-ACTIVSENSE? Mazda i-ACTIVSENSE is a suite of advanced safety and driver-assistance technologies designed to help drivers recognize potential hazards and react more effectively. The system uses cameras, radar sensors, and monitoring technologies to track road conditions, nearby vehicles, pedestrians, and lane markings. The goal of Mazda i-ACTIVSENSE is to enhance driver awareness, help prevent accidents when possible, and reduce the severity of collisions when they cannot be avoided. How Does Mazda i-ACTIVSENSE Work? Mazda i-ACTIVSENSE continuously monitors the area around your vehicle using a combination of: Forward-facing cameras Millimeter-wave radar sensors Vehicle monitoring systems Intelligent software and safety controls When the system detects a potential hazard, it can provide visual alerts, audible warnings, or assist with braking and vehicle control depending on the situation. more What Active Safety Features Are Included in Mazda i-ACTIVSENSE? Mazda divides its i-ACTIVSENSE technologies into active safety systems and pre-crash safety systems. Active safety features help drivers identify and avoid potential dangers before an accident occurs.Common Mazda i-ACTIVSENSE active safety features include: Adaptive Front-Lighting System Mazda's Adaptive Front-Lighting System adjusts headlight direction based on steering input, helping drivers see better around curves and corners during nighttime driving. High Beam Control High Beam Control automatically switches between high and low beams when other vehicles are detected, improving visibility without distracting other drivers. Mazda Radar Cruise Control Mazda Radar Cruise Control maintains a preset speed while monitoring traffic ahead. The system can automatically adjust speed to maintain a safe following distance. Rear Vehicle Monitoring System This feature helps detect vehicles approaching from the rear or traveling in adjacent lanes, improving awareness during lane changes and merging. Lane Departure Warning System The Lane Departure Warning System alerts drivers when the vehicle begins drifting outside its lane without a turn signal being activated. Forward Obstruction Warning System This technology monitors the road ahead and warns drivers when a potential collision risk is detected. What Pre-Crash Safety Features Are Included in Mazda i-ACTIVSENSE? Pre-crash safety technologies are designed to reduce collision severity when an accident becomes difficult to avoid. Smart City Brake Support Smart City Brake Support monitors traffic and obstacles in front of the vehicle. If a collision risk is detected and the driver does not react in time, the system can automatically apply braking assistance. Acceleration Control for Automatic Transmissions This feature helps reduce unintended acceleration caused by accidentally pressing the accelerator pedal when obstacles are detected nearby. These systems work together to help minimize the impact of collisions and improve overall vehicle safety. What Are the Benefits of Mazda i-ACTIVSENSE Safety Features? The benefits of Mazda i-ACTIVSENSE include: Improved driver awareness Enhanced visibility in changing conditions Better monitoring of surrounding traffic Reduced risk of lane departure incidents Additional braking assistance in emergency situations Increased confidence behind the wheel While these technologies support safer driving, drivers should always remain attentive and maintain control of their vehicle. Frequently Asked Questions About Mazda i-ACTIVSENSE Is Mazda i-ACTIVSENSE standard on all Mazda models? Availability varies by model year, trim level, and vehicle configuration. Many newer Mazda vehicles include several i-ACTIVSENSE features as standard equipment, while others may offer them as optional packages. Does Mazda i-ACTIVSENSE drive the vehicle automatically? No. Mazda i-ACTIVSENSE is a driver-assistance system, not an autonomous driving system. Drivers must remain attentive and responsible for operating the vehicle safely. What sensors does Mazda i-ACTIVSENSE use? Mazda i-ACTIVSENSE uses cameras, radar sensors, and vehicle monitoring technology to detect potential hazards and assist drivers. Can Mazda i-ACTIVSENSE prevent accidents? The system is designed to help drivers avoid certain accidents and reduce collision severity, but it cannot prevent every accident or replace safe driving practices. Learn More About Mazda i-ACTIVSENSE Safety Technology Mazda i-ACTIVSENSE combines active safety systems and pre-crash technologies to help drivers stay aware of their surroundings and respond more effectively to potential hazards. Features such as Lane Departure Warning, Mazda Radar Cruise Control, Smart City Brake Support, and High Beam Control work together to enhance safety and confidence on the road. If you have any questions about these features, our friendly Seacoast Mazda staff can provide all the answers you need. All you need to do is contact us and we’ll take it from there. And if you’d like to see these features in action, you can schedule a test drive right here on our website.

Features to Look for in a Used Car for a Teen It’s every parent’s worst nightmare. Or maybe it will be the best day ever, if you need help running errands and hauling the younger kids around. It’s the day your teen gets their driver’s license. Immediately after they get their license – or, who are we kidding, in the weeks and months leading up to it – they’re going to be begging you to get them a vehicle. And they’re going to want the most stylish, sporty, powerful vehicle on the market. You know, the one with all the bells and whistles and latest tech toys. And maybe they’ve been a great kid up to this point, so you’re going to spoil them a little. Or maybe you’re going to get them a reliable used vehicle for their starter car. If that’s the case, here’s what to look for in a used car for a teen. more Safety and Reliability The number one thing on the mind of every parent of a first-time driver is safety. So when picking out a used car for your teen, you’re going to want to make sure it comes equipped with state-of-the-art safety features. That includes the old standards like anti-lock brakes and a wide array of airbags, plus newer features like electronic stability control and driver assistance systems. Recent model years have included such driver assistance features as collision warning systems, lane departure warning systems and adaptive cruise control. All of these will help make sure your teen always returns home safe and sound. Fuel Efficiency Having a teen is expensive enough as it is. There’s no reason to add huge gas expenditures to the list. More likely than not, your teen is going to want to drive anywhere and everywhere possible once they get their license. So why not make sure they’re not using too much gas along the way? Fuel efficiency has become a popular feature in almost every make and model on the market, so it shouldn’t be too hard to find a used car that won’t break the bank at the pump. Technology Chances are, your teen is always on their phone. And no matter how many lectures you give them, they’re probably going to take it out while they’re driving. So why not get a car with hands-free features to make things safer? Many used cars come with these features, allowing your teen to talk on the phone, get directions and listen to music or messages without taking their hands off the wheel. The best bet is always to keep the phone tucked away while driving, but that’s not a realistic bet. Might as well make using the phone as safe as possible for your teen driver. Watching your teen back out of the driveway and head down the road on their own for the first time is a nerve-racking experience. Might as well make things as easy on yourself as possible by following these tips. And if you’re heading out to get your teen’s first car, be sure to check out our inventory of quality used vehicles and schedule your test drive right here on our website.

2017 Mazda CX-3 Available Package Features There aren’t a whole lot of new features in the 2017 Mazda CX-3 when compared to the 2016 model year version, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a ton to get excited about. Each trim level received new upgrades both inside and out, including new standard features like new wheels, new safety features, new driver assistance systems and new connectivity and entertainment features. But the fun doesn’t have to stop there. The 2017 Mazda CX-3 also comes with two new available packages which allow you to customize your new CX-3 so it perfectly matches your needs. It also has two available premium exterior paint options – crystal while pearl and soul red metallic – to choose from for further customization. more 2017 Mazda CX-3 Touring Premium Package Features If you’re looking to get out and enjoy all the open road has to offer, there’s no better vehicle than the 2017 Mazda CX-3. The 2017 CX-3 Touring model includes new wheels and driver assistance systems, among other features, to ensure you have everything you need to get the most out of your road trip. But if you want even more – and, really, who doesn’t? – you can add the Touring Premium Package, which features the BOSE seven-speaker premium audio system, a power Moonroof, satellite radio, HD radio and a cargo cover. With all of that, you’ll feel right at home even when out on the open road. 2017 Mazda CX-3 i-ACTIVSENSE Package Features The 2017 Mazda CX-3 is already one of the safest vehicles on the market, but you can never have too many advanced safety and driver assistance features, right? With the i-ACTIVSENSE Package, your 2017 CX-3 will include Mazda Radar Cruise Control, automatic Smart City Brake Support and Smart Brake Support, a lane departure warning system, high beam control, automatic on/off headlights and rain-sensing windshield wipers. If you have any questions at all about the new 2017 CX-3 or any of our other Mazda models, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly Seacoast Mazda sales staff. They’re always ready and willing to help in any and every way possible.