How to guides?

[Porcupine]

I love my parents and I love my new '09 GT (they gave me lots of euros to pay for it).

Never really felt a need to take care of my first car (pre-owned Saturn SC1), but sure want to try and take car of my red toy.

For a complete and utter car rookie, are there any good MS3 "How To" guides that will give me some general info I need but also a lot of info specific to Mazdaspeeds3?

 

[sl0wthe0ry]

read up on the speed3 forums here. read thoroughly through the how to's and modification forums. you'll find alot of information.

 

[coololddude]

do the basics. keep it clean & waxed. check the fluids. service according to the mazda manual. (in glove box) drive it like a maniac!! ooops, did i say that out loud?

 

[lestat13]

If you love your car at all, don't start modding it. I seriously can't stop Rent? Cell phone? Student loans? Food? Why do I have all these bills that slow my modding?

 

[Moultese]

If you're a complete rookie to cars, then just make sure to take your car in for it's regular schedule maintenence. They'll check it over and make sure your car is in tip-top shape.

 

[jaxmazda5]

As for keeping the appearance of your car, I suggest visiting Autopia.org or Autogeek.net. At the very least, you'll learn the best ways to clean/detail your ride. Worst thing that can happen (like it did to me) is you'll become obsessed with detailing and spend lots of money.

 

[Mocoso]

Read the owners manual and follow the break in period recommended in the owners manual.. you WILL get 1001 different opinions as to break in period and what to do and given you are a rookie your best bet is to stick to what the owners manual says...
Also the search function is your best friend.. but some things NOT to do:
1. Put 87 Octane in the car (shoulda stuck to the regular 3 if ya cant afford premium)
2. Assume tires dont deflate or that the tire sensor will do the job (check tire pressure regularly)
3. Assume dealer will check your fluids for you - best gamble is they wont!