Do you know what a timing belt is? Maybe you've heard your mom or someone else talk about them, but especially if you are a newer driver, you might not be 100% sure on what the timing belt does. It's useful to know because a timing belt that goes bad at the wrong time can cost thousands of dollars in repairs. To help you out, here is an explanation of what a timing belt does and how it can cost you if it breaks.

The pistons and valves on the vehicle's engine have to open and close…

There are so many different working parts on your vehicle and it can become overwhelming to consider everything that you need to maintain and pay attention to. One of these such things is your windshield wiper blades.

Designed to keep your windshield clear of any kind of precipitation, ice, and debris, your wiper blades will wear down just like other parts of your vehicle will. Don't fear though, here at Putnam Mazda, we have a wide selection of wiper blades that will work with a variety of vehicles to accomplish exactly what you are looking for. We have wiper…

It may not happen right away, but in time you will notice your car starting to drift either to the right or left when you drive. When you check it out, you may see that your car tires are pointing in different directions. Chances are good that your car needs a wheel alignment.

Several things can knock your car out of alignment. Hitting a curb, driving over roads with potholes, or general wear and tear can cause your wheels to start pointing in the wrong direction. Misaligned wheels can cause...

Seasonal Maintenance Milestones For Your Vehicle https://t.co/JoGN4AZa31 pic.twitter.com/EIU3xfTuNR

— Scamper smith (@ScamperSmith) October 4, 2017

Creative travelers living in Burlingame are subject to go on any number of travel holidays that require a vehicle. It is important that the cars they drive remain in top performance mode at all times. Desert terrain, or off the path back roads, do not leave room for cars that overheat or fail to start. Putnam Mazda has just the kind of maintenance experts on staff to keep their cars in top running order.

A car breakdown is a valuable…

Understanding your vehicle's electrical system may seem like a daunting goal, but it is necessary to stay on top of your vehicle's required maintenance. The electrical system is important for the general function of your vehicle, as well as, the comfort that you experience driving. One of the key components to keeping all things electrical running in your vehicle is the alternator.

The alternator is basically a generator. Once your vehicle is running, the alternator provides the electricity that powers the electronics and also recharges the battery.

Some people buy any tire for a spare. These are emergency tires that are not made for long-term use. However, you can purchase high-quality spare tires that are full-size spares that last longer and provide equal performance for your original tires. Manufacturers do not typically include full-size tires as spares.

Compact, donut tires are typically included and placed in the trunk of your car. These are lightweight solutions that usually only last up to 50 miles. If you have placed a spare on your car, then you know these tires only work to get you to a service center where…

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Move Over laws are implemented in all 50 states in hopes of reducing the number of injuries and fatalities that occur on our highways every year. They are not particularly well-known, so we at Putnam Mazda want to remind you that they are there and that they are laws and are not just suggestions.

Be sure to reduce speed and switch to the left lane when passing a stopped vehicle on the highway. If you can't do that safely, be sure to slow down. You should reduce your speed to at least 15 miles per hour below the posted…

Depending on your driving style and what kind of vehicle you drive, you may not have to change your oil as often as you might think. It used to be the norm to get your oil changed every 3,000 miles but these days you can probably get away with changing your oil every 7,500 miles instead thanks to more sophisticated engines and oil formulas.

If you're not sure how often to get your oil changed you can check your owner's manual or come see us here at Putnam Mazda so we can help you out.

There is a stigma when it comes to used cars, but that's a wrong view. Used cars are precious cars that can perform the task that is needed. Our used cars are of the highest value, and they can get you where you need to go and do what they are intended to do.

The great things about used cars are the fact they cost less, making them much more economical, especially for that teen or that mother who is going back to work. Used cars are very reliable and can get you back into the groove or introduce…

Use these travel safety tips to keep your holiday travels seamless: https://t.co/5qZkhGa2AJ pic.twitter.com/RpDvAnd4g2

— Cars.com (@carsdotcom) December 24, 2016

You have been planning the road trip details for months, and you are so excited about driving across the state in your new car. Well, our team at Putnam Mazda had to make sure you do not forget anything and came up with a road trip checklist just for you.

Get your car inspected before you go anywhere. You want to make sure you will not get stuck in the middle of wherever with help…