Penny Test for Your Own Safety | Mark Mitsubishi Phoenix

It only takes a penny to see if your tires are worn or losing tread. Examining your tires for wear and tear, along with checking tire pressure and alignment, are essential to ensuring your vehicle’s safety on the road and helping to improve gas mileage and performance. It is recommended to check tire condition and pressure regularly.

The use of a single penny allows you to check the safety of the tire tread on your vehicle. Place the penny on its side with Lincoln's head facing down and if you see Lincoln's head, it is time to bring your car into Northridge Toyota. No one knows how to care for your Toyota better than the experts at your dealership. Tires are selected to provide an exceptional driving experience with characteristics including superior handling for wet or dry traction, stability, tread life, acoustics, comfort and rolling resistance, which impacts fuel economy. These considerations, as well as load and speed ratings, determine which brands and tire types are approved for use on your vehicle.

Vehicle owners should check the pressure of all tires, including the spare, on a monthly basis and more often during colder weather. In addition, the tread should be checked for uneven or irregular wear as well as cuts or bruises along sidewalls. Tires should be inflated to recommended pressure levels, rotated every 6,000 miles to promote uniform tire wear and be replaced if worn or damaged.

If the vehicle shakes or pulls to one side, it could be a sign of an alignment issue. Because uneven or accelerated tire wear may indicate an alignment problem, it’s a good idea to have the alignment checked at least once a year. Wheel balance can change as a result of normal tire wear and unbalanced wheels can cause rapid wear of shock absorbers and struts.

Let us help you get the right rubber for the road. Find your tires HERE and schedule an appointment ONLINE or call (602) 892-3780.

6 Maintenance Tips for the Non-Mechanic | Mark Mitsubishi Phoenix

Oil Level
Depending on the make, year and model of a car, the average oil change comes every 3,000 to 7,000 miles. Without proper oil maintenance, the engine may seize and constitute a much larger bill than a regularly scheduled oil change.

In between changes, check your oil by taking a rag, pulling out the dipstick and wiping it clean. Reinsert the dipstick and pull it out to get a reading on oil level. There will be markings for an acceptable range to help determine whether you need a top off or change.

Tire Pressure 
Once a month, use a tire gauge to ensure you’re maintaining a proper pressure. You can find the desired level in the owner’s manual and often in the door jam, fuel door or glove compartment.

If the pressure is too low, tires wear quicker and more gas is used. If too high, tires wear easily and have less grip on the road.

Tire Treading 
Feel the treading of your tires for any height differentiation or smooth areas. If there are any irregularities, you may be able to preserve tires for a longer period by getting them rotated. If there is extreme wearing or signs of damage, you should take your car in to a service center to avoid flat tires and other dangerous situations.

Air Filter
Owner’s manuals will have recommended timing for filter replacements to keep your car air intake and exhaust emission ideal. With a clogged filter, cars lose fuel efficiency and power. The Internet provides how-to’s in checking air filters if you’re unsure a change is required.

Car Fluids
While most people just consider gas and windshield fluid, there are a number of fluids needed to run a car, including brake fluid, engine oil, radiator/engine coolant and antifreeze, transmission fluid and power steering fluid.

All fluids can be topped off at a service station and typically are during an oil change. Washer fluid is easily filled by yourself but for other fluids, AutoUpkeep.com offers advice, recommendations and how-to’s.

Drive Time 
This is most pertinent for those storing cars for long periods of time, such as a deployment. Idle cars have to be started and run for a certain amount of time on a regular basis in order to keep everything working properly and ensure that when you return it’s ready to be used again.

A healthy battery can last up to three months without a car being started, but without a consistent start up, condensation may accumulate and rust out the engine. It’s recommended a car be started at least once a week and run for 10 to 15 minutes.

If you just don't have the patience or time you can schedule an appointment at (602) 892-3780 or online SCHEDULE SERVICE and let us take care of it for you at Mark Mitsubishi Phoenix. 

Tips for the Holiday Road Trip with Your Dog | Mark Mitsubishi Phoenix

It is time to start gearing up if you plan to bring your furry friend with you this holiday 

season. Millions will take to the roads over the Christmas period, making it one of the busiest times of year to travel. Many of us have our families spread far and wide and will be taking a trip over the festive period to share time with our loved ones.

As dog owners we don’t want to leave our furry family member alone for Christmas, as a family celebration it wouldn’t feel right not to have him involved in the festivities. Finding someone to feed your dog whilst you’re away is extremely difficult over this period, most people are too busy celebrating and enjoying their families company to pop over and feed, water and walk the dog. For many of us the only option is to take our four legged friend with us at Christmas.

Every summer we are reminded of the dangers of taking or leaving a dog in a hot car however literature on travelling with a dog in the winter is a lot less common. If you’re travelling with your dog this winter remember to consider the following to ensure he is as comfortable and safe as possible.

Keeping Warm

Whilst you and I will wrap up in hats, scarves, gloves and coats dogs only have a slightly thicker coat in the winter to keep the cold out and the heat in – winter can be bone chillingly cold. You may have the heat on in the car but the boot area where you keep your dog will be cooler than the rest of the car. Invest in a dog jacket like this fleece lined one, if you have a smaller dog or a dog who is more sensitive to heat purchase a blanket for the back of your car that he can use if he needs to.
Protecting your Dog (And You)

We’ve all heard the warnings, if you don’t wear a seatbelt and you have an accident you could injure the person in front of you or go through the windshield. Whilst most of us are sensible enough to wear a seatbelt now that we fully understand the dangers and fines have been introduced, cars don’t come fitted with a doggy-belt and his safety is as paramount as yours. Ensure you purchase either a dog car cage, dog safety harness (like a seat belt) or a dog guard. These products will not only ensure your dog’s safety but will also protect you from being distracted by your dog climbing into the front of the car – or onto your lap.

Protecting your Car
Whilst your dog may be the calmest of dogs at home, a car journey can be both exciting and traumatic for your pup. Your dog could get travel sick, away from his usual surroundings he may be unable to let you know he needs the bathroom and he may get over excited and scratch and chew at the fixtures. In order to prevent this it is best to purchase a waterproof car protector for any journey’s you take with your dog. Allow your dog to spend some time in the car protector in the house before you first take him in the car, place a couple of the dogs toys or blankets in the car protector on your first journey – the smells and toys will be familiar comforting him and making the journey less traumatic for your dog.

Things to Remember

• Antifreeze is an essential to the winter and also delicious but highly dangerous for your dog. Keep dogs away from bottles or antifreeze you may usually keep in your trunk.
• Cars in the cold do the opposite of cars in the heat – instead of an oven your car becomes a refrigeration unit. If you leave a dog in the car in the winter the temperature can plummet dangerously low.
• Do not feed your dog a large meal before taking him in the car.
• If your journey is longer than two hours make sure you stop every two hours for him to stretch his legs, use the bathroom and drink some water.
• Take your dog for a long walk before an extended drive, this will tire him out and he will be more inclined to rest and possibly sleep for the journey.

Source: http://www.petguide.com/insurance/dog/tips-for-travelling-with-your-dog-over-the-christmas-holidays/

Mitsubishi Mirage Rolls Into a New Model Year for 2017 | Mark Mitsubishi Phoenix

The new Mitsubishi Mirage enters the 2017 model year with a new exterior design, improved performance and enhanced interior appeal. Despite all that is new for Mirage in 2017, a few things didn't change at all—Mirage still offers outstanding fuel economy, attractive pricing and industry leading new vehicle and powertrain warranties.

Mirage receives a fresh new look with redesigned hood, grille, front and rear bumper, fog and headlamps, rear spoiler and wheels. The exterior styling was given purpose, with an aerodynamic design to improve fuel-efficiency and a simple, restrained form to help reduce weight, creating a car in which form and function come together. The new styling enhancements made to the 2017 Mirage give it a sleek, clean look and reduce the coefficient of drag (Cd) to 0.27.

Inside, Mirage receives a design update with new seat fabrics, gauge cluster, steering wheel and shift panel. In addition, a new available 300-watt Rockford-Fosgate™ audio system with EcoPunch™ is available with Smartphone Link Display Audio, Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ the first Mitsubishi model to feature this popular infotainment system in the States.

The 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage comes equipped with the following standard features:

Interior

• New front and rear seat materials
• 4-way adjustable driver's and front passenger seat
• New steering wheel with decorative bezel
• New panel design for air conditioning
• 4-speaker, 140-watt AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system
• Keyless entry with panic feature
• New illuminated semi high-contrast combination gauge cluster (speedometer/tachometer) (SE/GT)
• High-gloss, piano-black shift panel (SE/GT)

Exterior

• New front fascia with chrome upper/lower grille
• New hood design
• LED tail lamps
• Rear spoiler
• Color-keyed front and rear bumpers, folding side-view mirrors, door handles and tailgate handle
• New 14-inch alloy wheel design; 15-inch alloy wheels (SE/GT)
• HID automatic on/off headlights (SE/GT)
• Beveled fog lamps (SE/GT)
• Colors: Wine Red, Sunrise Orange, Sapphire Blue, Infra Red, Pearl White, Mystic Black, Starlight Silver, Mercury Gray

Safety

• Advanced seven (7) air bag SRS system including driver's side knee air bag, dual-stage front air bags with occupant seat position sensors, front seat mounted side-impact air bags and front and rear curtain side air bags
• Anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
• Active Stability Control (ASC) with Traction Control Logic (TCL)
• Hill Start Assist (HSA)
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• Engine immobilizer anti-theft security alarm system
• Mitsubishi Motors' patented Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) safety cell body construction

Warranty

• Fully transferable 5-year/60,000 mile new vehicle limited warranty
• 10-year/100,000 mile powertrain limited warranty
• 7-year/100,000 mile anti-corrosion perforation limited warranty
• 5-year/unlimited mile roadside assistance

New Sleek Exterior

With its refreshed design for 2017, the Mirage features a more unique appearance with higher-quality materials. The entire front fascia has been updated to give it a bold new signature design. The new hood, wheels and rear bumper and taillights round out the new exterior design.

Two new paint colors are available: Wine Red and Sunrise Orange.

Upgraded Interior 
Several enhancements were made to the Mirage to give it a more sophisticated quality. All models feature a new redesigned steering wheel, shift panel and air conditioning panel. Additionally, the front and rear seats get new materials. Standard on SE and GT models is a new illuminated semi high-contrast combination meter.

Purposefully Aerodynamic 
The 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage's outstanding efficiency is the result of a number of key design elements engineered into the vehicle. The fascia bumper features a chiseled crease for a very smooth airflow. The front tire air dam is optimized, and a rear tire air dam is added, to reduce drag resistance. The shape of the rear bumper is optimized for better air flow, while the angle of the rear spoiler has been changed to reduce lift, while the side surface is changed to reduce drag. These aero enhancements help the 2017 Mirage achieve a very low coefficient of drag at only 0.27 (Cd).

Mirage also features high-tensile steel to key sections of its body and chassis, which gives the vehicle a very low curb weight of less than one ton (1,973 lbs.) while possessing excellent structural rigidity.

Added Horsepower and Increased Brake Size 
The 2017 Mirage continues to utilize a 1.2-liter 3-cylinder DOHC engine featuring the latest version of Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control (MIVEC) variable valve-timing system that maximizes fuel efficiency and power output while greatly minimizing exhaust emissions.

With the addition of a roller-type camshaft, Mirage increases its horsepower to 78 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 74 lb-ft torque at 4,000 rpm.

Mirage's handling and brakes are improved for 2017 as well. Optimizing the spring rate and damping the force of the shock absorbers while adding front stiffener achieve the handling and stability improvements. In addition, bigger diameter brakes are used in the front (discs), and rear (drums).

Exemplary Safety Features and Vehicle Warranty
Every 2017 Mirage comes equipped with a wide array of safety features and technologies. These include a seven (7) air bag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) comprised of dual front air bags, dual front seat-mounted side-impact air bags, dual side-impact curtain air bags, and a driver's knee air bag; 4-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist; a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS); and Active Stability Control (ASC) with Traction Control Logic (TCL). Mirage models equipped with the continuously-variable transmission-equipped (CVT) also include Hill Start Assist (HSA).

Additional protection is provided to the vehicle's occupants by Mitsubishi Motors' patented high-tech Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) impact-absorbing safety cell technology. In the event of a collision, the RISE system's energy-absorbing body structure helps to dissipate kinetic energy away from the driver and passengers.

Mirage boasts Mitsubishi's industry leading powertrain and new vehicle warranty: 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty; 5-year/60,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty; 7-year/100,000 mile anti-corrosion/perforation limited warranty; and 5-year/unlimited mileage roadside assistance program.

Call us at (602)-892-3870 or contact us if you would like to know when the 2017 Mirage starts arriving. 

Keep These Tips in Mind for the Long Holiday Weekend | Mark Mitsubishi Phoenix

With low gas prices expected for the upcoming holiday, you should expect heavy traffic throughout the state during this Thanksgiving weekend. Make sure you take proper precautions if taking to the busy roadways for the holiday. Taking the proper precautions and practicing safe driving habits saves lives.

Before setting out on the road remember to bring plenty of water. Check the condition of your tires for sufficient tread. Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Be sure to check your gauges.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) has developed a list of several of the top causes of traffic collisions.

Attentiveness/Fatigue – Make sure you are well rested before setting out on the road. Sleep deprived drivers pose a significant danger on Arizona highways. Reaction times are adversely affected when drivers are not alert. Get plenty of rest before you begin your journey. A number of fatal collisions investigated by DPS involved fatigued drivers. Don’t be one of them.

Impaired Driving – If you are planning on drinking this holiday weekend make sure you have a designated driver or plans to call a cab. Once you start drinking your ability to make sound decisions decreases with each drink. Impaired driving extends beyond just the consumption of alcohol. Never use illegal drugs or drive while taking prescription drugs that may impair your driving ability.

Buckle Up – A seatbelt will ensure that you stop with your car. Without it, you may end up being thrown from the vehicle if you are involved in a collision.

Speeding – Speeding greatly increases the chances of a collision and reduces the amount of time to avoid one. Following the speed limits will decrease the chances of serious injury or death in a collisions.

Make sure your car is in tip top shape for the holiday weekend. Schedule an appointment online today or call (602) 892-3780

2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

The best-selling vehicle in the Mitsubishi lineup is poised to stay on top with the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. Just bring your sense of adventure – the Outlander Sport will take care of everything else.

Distinctive Exterior

The Outlander Sport was originally introduced to customers as a more economical version of its big brother, the Outlander. The 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport entered the automotive realm with a distinctive angular look, which held its own against similar compact SUVs. This tradition will continue, and the 2016 Outlander Sport is expected to bring a more refreshed look to its exterior without draining your wallet. New rails along the roof in either black or silver color will add function alongside design. You will also notice a modification in the front bumper and side panels, giving the 2016 Outlander Sport more curves than previous versions.

Sophisticated Interior

A leather wrapped steering wheel and gear shifting knob brings a touch of luxury to the redesigned interior. Heated seats and a spacious cabin add to the comfort of the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander. The redesigned sound system will provide a musical ambiance to any journey and a strong navigation system to guide your way. The sophisticated changes in materials and technology will provide drivers and passengers alike with a redefined user experience.

Safety Features

Advanced safety features are abundant in the 2015 Outlander Sport and expected in the 2016 model. Safety and dependability will continue its theme throughout all of the features of the 2016 Outlander Sport, including the Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) Body Construction, Active Stability Control (ASC) and an available rear view camera for a wide-angle view. The 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport will allow you to drive with peace of mind knowing you and your family are protected.

Coming Soon

Great gas mileage, an affordable price, and a host of other features sets the stage for the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport to be a success. At Mark Mitsubishi Phoenix, we anxiously await the arrival of this sophisticated crossover. Feel free to contact us if you want to be notified and first in line to test drive the new 2016 Outlander Sport.

Fall Driving Safety Tips

As weather and road conditions change with the season, following fall driving safety tips will help keep you safe as you enjoy the cool crisp air and the beautiful colors of the autumn leaves.

The Dangers of Leaves on the Roads
When leaves accumulate on the roadway and become wet, they can get extremely slippery, making the driving conditions similar to driving on ice. If the temperature drops below freezing, the wet leaves will freeze and turn into dangerous icy leaves on the roadway. Besides reducing the car's traction, causing skidding and the possibility of losing control of the vehicle, leaves often cover the painted road markings, making it difficult to know the locations of the lanes.

• Slow down if you are driving on a road covered with leaves, especially when driving around turns.
• Allow yourself plenty of room to stop in an emergency. Keep a greater distance between you and the car in front of you.
• Leaves make it difficult to see potholes and bumps in the road.
• A pile of leaves raked to the side of the road is an inviting place to a child. Children enjoy jumping into the leaf piles or burrowing down into them and hiding. Never drive through a leaf pile. Use caution going around turns and where children are playing.
• Keep your windshield leaf free to avoid wet leaves getting stuck under the windshield wiper blades.
• In order to avoid the possibility of a fire hazard from the exhaust system or catalytic converter, never park your vehicle over a pile of leaves .

Changing Weather Conditions
In many areas, autumn is a damp, wet season. There are many rainy or foggy days and nights. As the temperatures drop, frost often coats the ground at night.

• When driving in fog, set your headlight to low beam. This setting aims the beam of light down toward the roadway.
• In the fall as temperatures drop, frost often forms on the roadway, causing hazardous driving conditions. Drive slowly and break gently at overpasses and bridges as these areas frost over more quickly than other roadway surfaces.
• Be aware of areas where black ice forms on the roadway.

Adjust for Fewer Hours of Daylight
In the fall there are fewer hours of daylight. In the earlier darkness it is common to see children outside playing or riding their bicycles. People are walking their dogs, jogging or taking late afternoon or evening walks. In the fading light of dusk it is more difficult to see the children and pedestrians.

• Watch out for children at their bus stops in the morning and as they return home in the afternoon.
• Halloween is a fun fall holiday. Take special care where children are out trick or treating. They may be wearing masks or costumes that limit their visibility.
• Always drive defensively.

Vehicle Maintenance

• Keep your headlights cleaned and in proper working order, making sure they are aligned.
• Replace your windshield wiper blades if they show any signs of wear.
• Keep an emergency car safety kit in your vehicle.

Additional Fall Safety Driving Tips

• Always keep a pair of sunglasses in your vehicle. Fall sunrises and sunsets can be very brilliant. The bright sun often creates a large amount of glare, making it difficult to see other vehicles, the roadway or the road's shoulder. Wearing sunglasses during these times reduces the danger.
• If you live in an area where there are deer, they are more apt to run into the roadway especially at dawn and dusk since the fall is an active breeding time. If you see a deer cross the roadway, proceed very slowly as they often travel in groups.

Naturally safe driving practices are essential all through the year. However, being aware of the unique autumn driving hazards and following the fall driving safety tips here will make you a safer driver.

Source: safety.lovetoknow.com