Search results

The Bridgestone Ecopias that came on my 2018 CX-9 Grand Touring were fine in the dry and rain, but appallingly bad in wintry weather where I live. Reviews on Tire Rack generally agree that they're awful in the snow...

I just swapped to Continental TerrainContact H/T: https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Continental&tireModel=TerrainContact+H%2FT&partnum=55HR0TCHTXL Discount Tire had a good rebate deal going on over Labor Day weekend (10% rebate on total cost + any manufacturer rebates, I should...

2016+ Honda Pilots are equipped with a more robust AWD system. Based on what I found online, the 2016+ Honda Pilot AWD models have a system that is mechanically identical to that of the SH-AWD systems found in the Acura MDX and, more recently, the RDX. I think I saw on one site that the default...

Yeah, good points. I meant to say that real-time AWD systems are basically FWD only until the front wheels slip and then the tears are engaged. I dont know the default power split in Subarus drivetrains, but I assumed it was 50/50. That said, they might have changed it at some point or I never...

Mazda's system is most like Honda's or Toyota's "real-time" all wheel drive systems in that it won't shift power to the rear unless the fronts slip first. That said, I've found Mazda's to be better than Honda's at least, based on my experience. However, it's not as good as the "full-time"...

Similar weight and power for the most part (based only on some Googling), with some variations depending on configuration. Makes sense to me that the vehicles stayed neck and neck. The guy mightve been running regular fuel too, which wouldve meant he had even less horsepower. We also dont know...

If this somehow makes it into a Mazda 6 w/AWD in time for my CX-9's lease to end, I will get one. My lease ends in early June 2021, but I have no idea how far along Mazda is with development on this. I'll actually be a bit sad if the timing doesn't work out. I really like the CX-9 a lot (aside...

My last vehicle was a BMW 335i xDrive sedan and I can confirm that xDrive is really good. I drove it through a blizzard to pick up dinner one day and had no issues then or any winter I had it despite the fact that I had average all season tires on it at the time. My CX-9, on the other hand, was...

I consider myself to be a very risk-averse person and I've yet to buy an extended warranty on any vehicle I've had. If you were getting a high-performance and/or luxury-type vehicle, it may be worth considering. However, it's not likely you'll need it for a Mazda and even if it did come in...

Carbon deposit buildup on the intake valves is something that I remember being an often-discussed topic from my GTI and BMW ownership days. The general consensus I found was that carbon buildup certainly occurs and if you want to get your valves cleaned, do it about every ~60k miles (or more...

Update: The dealer took a look and provided this comment: "THERMAL COEFFICIENT EXPANSION OF ISOTROPIC MATERIALS" I'm not an engineer or physicist, but in simpler terms: The issue is what they originally thought it was, rapid cooling of hot components after shutting off the engine in...

Well, it was a bit warmer (relatively speaking) today, around 10 degrees, and I didn't hear the noise after driving out to run an errand at Target this morning. I tried to listen for it again when I got home and the sound was there, but it was really faint. This leads me to believe that the...

This has only happened in cold weather so far. The fact that the engine and vehicle generally continues to run smoothly leads me to believe that this likely isn't a major issue, but we'll see what the dealership says after they look at it on Monday. It won't get warm here for a looong while, so...

This video should be better: https://youtu.be/SkPiJX4_joc (I updated the link in my original post as well) I used iMovie on my phone to increase the volume by 500% (at least that's what the app said, haha). I don't have anything on my PC for editing videos to increase their volume. You may...

You may need to turn up your volume to hear this. Anyone hear this on their vehicles? The weather has been really cold here (regularly in the single digits or negatives) but I've never had an engine make knocking noises like this when shutting it off in these temperatures, or at all, before...

Ah, didnt know that. I forgot Mazda still uses those on some vehicles. At this point I wish mine had them because they cant be worse than the Bridgestone Ecopias. If they were, Id be very surprised because the Ecopias set the bar very low for winter performance. Yet here I am, considering a...

Compared to other all season tires, the OEM tires are pretty awful. Reviewers on Tire Rack agree...

I've complained about this in another thread here (edit: it was yours! haha) and to Mazda, but I feel it's worth reiterating when I get a chance: I like to believe that the vehicle is fine, but the OEM tires are awful. My CX-9 came with Bridgestone Ecopias and it drives worse in wintry weather...

Great choice with the CX-9! I considered the CX-5 before I got mine, but I knew I wanted the extra power of the 9 (the turbo CX-5 was not formally announced yet). It truly is a vehicle that punches above its weight. It has a lot of luxury design elements and features that provide a lot of value...

Well see! It couldnt hurt to be a more conservative driver, but safer tires would always be nice. That said, my intent with airing my grievances isnt necessarily to get money, though Id interpret that as a serious sign of good will if they offered something to that effect. Id consider it...