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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! 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!

How to get a car loan with bad credit in Portsmouth NH Shopping for a new or new-to-you car isn't easy, and if your credit is less than perfect, it can be downright stressful. Whether you're finally ready to purchase your dream car or you're looking for something more budget-conscious, our team at Seacoast Mazda is here to help. Keep reading to find out how to get a car loan with bad credit in Portsmouth, NH! You might also be interested in: Benefits of buying a used car Tips for getting a car loan with bad credit Our financial team here at Seacoast Mazda has experience working with car shoppers in all types of credit situations, and we're dedicated to helping you find the right vehicle to fit your budget, lifestyle, and needs. That being said, there are a few things you can do prior to applying for credit approval that may help raise your score. 1. Avoid adding extra dings to your credit If you know you're going to be shopping for a new vehicle in the coming months, it's important to try to clean up your credit as much as possible. Try to avoid adding any additional late payments, opening new credit card accounts, or taking on extra credit obligations. 2. Determine what you can afford to pay You are more likely to get approved for a car loan if you aren't trying to overextend your means budget-wise. We recommend thorough research before applying for credit approval to determine an exact budget. Most importantly, once you set a budget, stick to it. 3. Make a bigger down payment Having poor credit may limit your options for loan offers, and high-interest rates are also a factor that needs to be taken into account. If you are able to, we recommend making as large of a down payment as you can. A larger down payment will help offset interest, taxes, and fees. Apply for online credit approval online! If you have additional questions about Seacoast Mazda's credit approval process, don't hesitate to contact a member of our team today! We'll fill you in on everything you need to know and answer any questions you may have. Car shoppers who prefer to apply for credit approval in person are invited to stop in and see us at our location in Portsmouth 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! 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!

Although every vehicle undergoes normal wear and tear during its lifetime, there are several driving habits and maintenance steps you can take to make your brakes last longer. Following these guidelines can help extend the life of your car's brakes while keeping you safer on the road. Read more: 5 Tips for taking care of your tires Coasting is your friend – Rather than waiting until the last minute to press on the brakes, let your car coast to slow down before stopping; this is one of the easiest ways to make your brakes last longer since less speed means less wear on the pads. Lose some weight – Remove unnecessary items from your vehicle, especially heavy ones, since extra weight forces your brakes to work harder and shortens their lifespan. Don't play the imitation game – Keep a big enough distance between you and the car ahead so you aren't forced to slam on the brakes if traffic changes suddenly; maintaining that gap also lets you anticipate stops early, which naturally helps brakes last longer. Stay up-to-date with routine maintenance – Keeping up with regular brake service allows experienced mechanics to catch potential issues before they become serious, which is essential if you want your brakes to last as long as possible. Get your left foot off the pedal – Using only your right foot while driving avoids the risk of pressing the gas and brake pedals at the same time, preventing unnecessary wear that shortens brake life. Cheaper is not better – When it comes to brake parts, paying extra for higher-quality components is one of the smartest ways to help make your brakes last longer, since they tend to be more durable and reliable over time. If you have any questions or concerns about your vehicle's brakes or making them last longer, feel free to reach out to our team at Seacoast Mazda. Our service technicians are ready to help you out! Contact Us

Wondering how to improve fuel economy on your current vehicle? You're not alone. Everybody wants to get the most out of their tank of gas in order to keep more hard-earned money in their pockets. Here at Seacoast Mazda, we’ve come up with 4 simple tips that anyone can do improve the gas mileage on their vehicle. TL;DR Wondering how to improve fuel economy without buying a new car? Start with the basics: swap your air filter, keep tires properly inflated, ditch unused roof racks, and drive more smoothly. Small habits and quick maintenance checks add up to real savings at the pump — and if your current vehicle still isn't cutting it, a newer, more efficient model might be worth considering. Key Takeaways Air filter: A clean air filter improves airflow to your engine and helps your vehicle run more efficiently. Tire pressure: Low tire pressure increases rolling resistance, which directly hurts fuel efficiency — check it regularly. Roof racks: Unused roof racks and boxes add drag and lower your miles per gallon; remove them when not needed. Driving habits: Smooth acceleration and braking at moderate speeds is one of the most effective answers to how to improve fuel economy. Vehicle age: If you've tried these fixes and still aren't seeing results, an older vehicle with outdated technology may be the real culprit. What Should You Do to Increase Fuel Economy? Anyone out there looking to save some extra money should first take a look at their vehicle to determine whether or not they are unnecessarily losing any extra gas mileage. There are many different ways that can help such as doing simple changes to your driving habits, and changes to your vehicle itself that can improve fuel economy. Learning how to improve fuel economy isn't just about driving smarter, sometimes it comes down to the technology under the hood. While getting yourself into a brand new vehicle may not seem like the most cost-effective approach at first, in the long run a newer vehicle with better technology under the hood can play a huge role in how much of your hard-earned money is spent at the pump. If your vehicle is older and reaching high mileage it might be time to start thinking about a newer model, we can help get you into a nicer and newer vehicle here at Seacoast Mazda. Fuel Efficient Vehicles Air Filter Much like replacing your spark plugs, changing the air filter in your vehicle is a great way to not only increase airflow to your engine, but to increase the dollar amount in your bank account. Check Tire Pressure Tires, believe it or not, can greatly impact your fuel economy. When tire pressure is low, rolling resistance increases, which can rob you of fuel efficiency. This is one of the easiest and most overlooked answers to how to improve fuel economy — a quick pressure check can make a real difference. Remove Roof Racks While having the roof rack on your vehicle is a great way to increase your storage capabilities, it can really harm how many miles your vehicle gets per gallon. Roof rails and the “aerodynamic roof boxes increase your vehicle’s drag and that isn’t good for those trying to maximize fuel efficiency. Improved Driving Habits While putting the pedal to the metal off of those pesky red lights might be fun and can create an exhilarating driving experience, it does nothing but harm your miles per gallon. The same can be said for suddenly hitting the brakes when travelling at higher speeds. We know that driving fast is something that everybody enjoys, but the best fuel efficiency is achieved in lower speeds. These are just a handful of simple tricks for how to improve fuel economy, but they're a great place to start. Check your tire pressure, remove your roof rails if you don't need them, and ease off the gas pedal a bit. If you've tried all these tips and still aren't getting the mileage you want, it might be time for a new vehicle. Check out our inventory of Mazda vehicles to find the perfect fit for your family's needs — and keep your wallet happy. Mazda Research

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. 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

Most of the time, when you find out you have bad credit, you have just applied for something important--like a credit card, mortgage, or car loan --and were rejected. In addition to throwing a wrench in your plans, finding out you have bad credit can make you feel stuck with no way move forward. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to rebuild your credit and improve your credit score. Read more: Used vehicle financing options at Seacoast Mazda What to do when you find out you have bad credit The first thing you'll want to do is obtain your credit reports and credit scores. You can get free copies of your credit reports once a year from each of the major credit reporting agencies, and you can check your credit scores for free every month on credit.com. Next, you want to keep in mind that the path to rebuilding your credit is a long one. Credit repair does not happen overnight. That being said, it is possible and worthwhile to get your finances back on track. Steps to rebuild your credit The process of improving your credit can vary depending on your credit score issues, but here are some tips to get you started: Figure out what is damaging your credit score. The main credit factors are payment history, credit utilization, age of credit accounts, mix of credit accounts, and history of applying for credit. Attempt to clean up your credit report by disputing mistakes with each credit bureau. Since payment history accounts for the most impact on your credit score, you should make plans to catch up on your payments as quickly as possible. Going forward, you'll want to pay special attention to your bills and their due dates so you can avoid missing future payments. Do not close your credit accounts. Instead, keep the accounts you have but avoid using them until you have completely paid off the balance. This can help boost your score based on the age of your accounts. We hope this helps you get started on a path toward rebuilding your credit and improving your credit score. If you would like additional information on how your credit may affect your ability to obtain a car loan, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our team at Seacoast Mazda. Contact Us

Proper tire care is crucial for making sure your vehicle is running efficiently and correctly. Taking care of your vehicle's tires also helps you save money on gas and keeps you safe on the road. Here are 5 important tire care tips for taking care of your tires that will help you to be sure they are working properly. 5 Tire Care Tips Check your tire pressure regularly – One of the simplest tire care tips is inspecting inflation levels at least once a week and before long trips, always checking when tires are cold, and following the manufacturer's recommended PSI on your driver's door placard. Respect your car's load capacity – Following this tire care tip means avoiding overloading your vehicle beyond its rated weight limit, as excess weight puts extra stress on your tires and accelerates wear. Inspect your tires regularly – A key tire care tip is checking monthly, ideally when refueling, for stones, glass, nails, or other embedded objects, as well as cuts or damage, while monitoring tread depth closely. Choose matching replacement tires – When purchasing new tires, get four of the same type and size unless your vehicle manufacturer specifies otherwise, since mismatched tires can affect handling and safety. Have your tires routinely rotated and inspected – This tire care tip involves following your vehicle manufacturer's recommended rotation schedule in your Owner's Manual to promote even wear and extend tire life. Read more: Are your tires ready for winter? Frequently Asked Tire Care Questions How Often Should I Check My Tire Pressure? As part of these tire care tips, you should check tire pressure at least once a week and always before long trips, using an accurate pressure gauge while the tires are cold. If a tire loses more than 2 PSI per month, following good tire care tips means having it inspected by a professional, as this may indicate a slow leak. When Should I Replace My Tires? One of the most important tire care tips is knowing when to replace a tire, a common cadence is doing so once tread depth drops below 3/32 inch. A simple way to apply this tire care tip at home is the penny test: insert a penny upside down into the tread grooves, and if you can see all of Lincoln's head, it's time for new tires. How Often Should Tires Be Rotated? Rotation intervals vary by vehicle, so one of the best tire care tips is to follow the schedule listed in your Owner's Manual. As a general guideline, most manufacturers recommend rotation every 5,000 to 8,000 miles, or at every other oil change, making this a simple tire care tip to build into your regular maintenance routine. What Happens if My Tire Pressure Is Checked While Hot? An important tire care tip to remember is adding about 4 PSI above the recommended cold air pressure if you check your tires while they're still hot from driving. Never release air from a hot tire to try to reach the "cold" recommended pressure, since ignoring this tire care tip can leave your tires dangerously under-inflated once they cool down. What Is the 3% Rule for Tires? Following proper tire care tips means respecting the "3% rule," a fitment guideline stating that any replacement tire size should stay within 3% of your vehicle's original equipment (OEM) tire diameter. This is one of the most important tire care tips to follow before upgrading to larger or sportier tires, since staying within range preserves accurate speedometer readings and proper clearance. What Is the 4 PSI Rule on Tires? One of the most practical tire care tips is the "4 PSI rule," which applies when you must check pressure while your tires are still warm from driving: add approximately 4 PSI above the recommended cold tire pressure listed on your vehicle's door placard. This is an essential tire care tip to remember, since you should never let air out of a hot tire to hit the "cold" spec number. Tire Service in Portsmouth, NH At Seacoast Mazda, we offer a variety of tire services, from rotations to alignment checks. We also carry a selection of new tires for you to choose from when your tires need replacing. Whether you want to have your tires inspected or inquire about a new set of tires, feel free to get in touch with our service professionals at Seacoast Mazda Contact Us

Used Car Specials in Portsmouth NH At Seacoast Mazda, we know there are many reasons why people choose to purchase a used car instead of a new model. And we know, a lot of the time, financial restraints top that list. Used cars are invariably cheaper than new models. And as an added bonus, they usually come equipped with pretty much all of the features found on new models. That’s why, as part of our ongoing efforts to be the first stop for used cars for everyone in Portsmouth, NH, and the surrounding area, we strive to make finding the best used car deals and specials as easy as possible. And it all starts right here on our website. Finding the Best Used Car Deals in Portsmouth NH We’ve got a lot of used cars to choose from. We’ve got pre-owned models from Acura, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Honda, Kia, Nissan, Toyota, Volkswagen and more, including, of course, Mazda. That’s great because it means you’re sure to find your perfect used car, but it can be a hassle searching through all of them until you find the one you’re looking for. That’s why our used online inventory has a tool that lets you narrow down your search parameters so you can look at only the cars that meet your needs. But the tools don’t stop there. We’ve also got sections devoted to our current used car specials and deals on used cars under $15,000. We also have sections dedicated to our certified pre-owned vehicles and our used models that get over 30 miles per gallon. And if you still can’t find what you’re looking for, you can always reach out to our friendly Seacoast Mazda staff. Their number one goal is making your car-buying experience an easy and enjoyable one. Lower the Cost of Your Used Car Purchase with a Trade-In One of the best ways to mitigate the cost of purchasing a car is by trading in another. And in today’s technologically-advanced world, all the information you need to find out what your trade-in is worth is right at your fingertips. All you have to do is fill out the short and simple form right here on our website. As you can probably tell, we take a lot of pride in our used car selection. If you have any questions or would like to know more, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. We’re here to help in any and every way we can.

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. 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.

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. 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.

Used Vehicle Financing Options at Seacoast Mazda Here at Seacoast Mazda, we talk a lot about our expansive selection of used vehicles. That’s because we want people to know we’re more than just a new Mazda dealer. Yes, we take a great amount of pride in our extensive selection of new Mazda models, but we also have a lot of pride in our used inventory. We have used vehicles of every make and model you can imagine, from Volkswagen to Ford to Honda to Jeep to Kia to Toyota and beyond. And these aren’t just junkers thrown aside by their previous owners because they were no longer up to the task of being a reliable mode of transportation. All of our pre-owned vehicles must pass through a thorough inspection process before making it onto our lot. And since we know financial restraints are sometimes the reason people shop used, we make sure to have a variety of financing options for our customers looking to purchase a model from our Seacoast Mazda used lot. Used Cars, Trucks and SUVs in Portsmouth NH Like we said, we know a customer’s financial situation can be a big reason why they choose to purchase a used vehicle instead of a new one. That’s why we offer so many different tools on our website to help people find the best deal. For starters, our used inventory is broken into different sections. We have our used specials listed. We have a section for used vehicles under $15,000. We have a section for our used models that get over 30 miles per gallon. And we have a special section just for our certified used inventory. Those are all great when finding the right used automobile, but what about financing? We can help with that, too. Not only can you get pre-approved instantly on our website, you can find second-chance auto loans, calculate your payments, calculate your savings when switching to a more fuel efficient vehicle and calculate the value of your trade-in should you have one. And if you have any questions at all about our used vehicles, our new Mazda models or any of our financing options, feel free to contact our friendly Seacoast Mazda staff. We’re here to make sure you have an easy-going and easy-to-understand vehicle-buying experience.