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I agree about accuracy with the Kill-a Watt but I think it's super useful for tracking usage and computing cost. The line splitter works good enough for my purposes, at least for now. I have however contemplated buying a KaW a few times in the past but couldn't justify it. *** PSA -- as of now...

Great. I hope it works for you. I got it because it seemed like a decent unit for only about $10-15 more than the XYZ brands. Anyway, I don't know your experience with electrical matters but this is my first clamp meter whose purchase was inspired by AL Cx5's interesting posts here and my...

This is the clamp meter I have. It's pretty sensitive and smaller than some but doesn't have a bigger ,brighter display that other brands offer and is limited to 100 amps (which is fine for my uses). I got it because OWON is a real instrument company and feel it would give better reliability and...

I think that part is for the center hold down to allow carrying a spare ( non donut) tire with a wider rim.

I take it you don't have AAA or some roadside assistance plan. Would your local police unlock it if you prove ownership with registration.

I think the engine and surrounding compartment needs a good bath.

About 1-1/2 years ago at ~72k miles the brake hoses on my 2014 got replaced (proactively) and naturally system bled. After bleeding the pedal would go almost to the floor but could be pumped up to provide good braking. Questioning whether there truly was some air left and that the service manual...

If doing spark plugs yourself just remember the usual guidelines. 1) reliable source for correct plugs to avoid counterfeits. See other threads on this forum. 2) plug threads do not get coated with anti-seize. 3) Observe proper torque when tightening plug. Stripping threads in soft aluminum...

Fakes from Amazon and ebay

On my 2014 the coolant temp#1 is the normal engine coolant temp and temp #2 is the temp of the coolant exiting the heater core. The sensor is at the firewall on the passenger side. With the engine hot and at idle, with heat selected (no a/c on) and with the heater fan off, both temps track...

Transmission breather hose I do believe.

Isn't there a release procedure (maybe in shop manual) where a person can crawl underneath and with a wrench/socket manually release the brakes.

I'll admit that I've never heard of a coolant vacuum fill system but to my cynical self it sounds like it could be more trouble than it's worth. Might be easier to fill the old fashioned way and check and add as needed the next few mornings after sitting overnight.

Has the fuel filter(s) ever been changed?

My first thought is "sticky lifters". With that much mileage and 5k oil change intervals I'd be inclined to do an oil change with one of the newer motor oils that are formulated for increased cleaning properties such as Valvoline's Restore and Protect. Mobil has one also. You could also try an...

That's pretty early , 50k miles, for struts (as in plural, not just one) to be leaking. Get a second opinion. Mazda even has criteria to judge if replacement needed.

With the suspension hanging free, to check for play, I just grab the ends and try to force the stud in and out of the "socket".

If you want to experiment a little, try a can of Free All. I don't use penetrants often but this worked at least as good as others I've tried. With any of them it seems that time and repeated application is the key. https://fedpro.com/products/free-all%C2%AE-deep-penetrating-oil

Going from memory here, I had my LCA's replaced at ~60k miles because of bad bushings. I used OEM Mazda because I didn't know of a reliable aftermarket brand and they weren't too expensive at the time at ~ $165 each. Today they cost considerably more and I would go aftermarket if needed again...

See my comments about Costco in post #8. The Interstate battery you buy today isn't the same as a few years ago. Also, regarding Costco AGM batteries, last year I was walking by the auto dept. counter and saw a cart with "old" batteries there. Out of ~8-10 of them at least half were the gray...