Mazda Problems

You need to take it to a mechanic for a diagnostic check to find the cause of the problem. It sounds like it could be in the transmission; perhaps the powertrain module could be at fault.

Without being able to view it and hear it firsthand it's hard to suggest what might be wrong. It could be a bearing in the turbo, but that's only an educated guess. I would have a mechanic check it.

It’s unclear from the information you have given us just what the problem is, but I can make a guess that the belt is not tightening around you when you put it on. Whatever the problem take it to your Mazda dealer and have it checked, it could be a fault with the retractor; it could be a problem with the webbing.

The Mazda3 uses a 5x114.3mm bolt pattern, otherwise known as Pitch Circle Diameter (PCD). Many Nissans and large Fords use this same PCD measurement but you would need to check hub bore size and offset.

Sit in the driver's seat with the smart key in the centre console. Press the start engine button and jiggle the wheel side-to-side.

Depending on the wheel package optioned on the car the Mazda3 will come with one of three tyre size, ranging from 205/50 R16, to 205/60-R16, up to 215/45-R18.

Turn on Bluetooth on your phone and set it to discoverable, then use the Menu button on the Mazda3 audio screen to scroll through to BT Setup. Select BT Setup using the volume dial, then use that same button to select Pair Device. The system will display a four digit PIN on the screen, accept that by pressing the volume button. The screen should then flash Pairing on the screen, so select the car's Bluetooth name on your phone, then enter the four digit PIN on your phone. The car's audio screen system should show Pair Success if it works as intended. Further details will be in your owner's manual.

The grille is integrated to the bumper bar on Mazda's volume-selling small car, but is still fairly easy to remove. Open the bonnet (hood) and remove the plastic trim piece behind the front bumper, in front of the radiator and intake. You will have to remove two fasteners holding the edge of the air intake down, along with pop-up clips across the panel. Remove the 10 bolts holding the splash guards to the bumper under the front edge of the car. There are 3 on the left, 3 on the right, and 4 across the front, then you can pop out the lip of the centre panel which rests on the inner edge of the bumper as there are 2 more fasteners hidden behind that lip. Pop out the fasteners holding each side of the front of the inner guards to the bumper, and then remove the 8mm bolt hidden behind the inner guards holding the bumper to the metal front guard panel on both sides. Pop the bumper out of its clips by levering the edges of the bumper out first, then tugging on the grille to pull the bumper out. Disconnect turn signals and driving lights and the bumper is ready to come out. The grille can then be unscrewed from the bumper shell.

Given the CX-8 only arrived on the market in June 2018, it's a bit too early to say conclusively, but the current CX-5 diesel (which shares its mechanicals with the CX-8) seems to be trouble free under these conditions. 

Early versions of the first-generation CX-5 diesel had diesel particulate filter (DPF) issues that caused diesel fuel to leak into the engine oil, but this was fixed with hardware and software upgrades under warranty in 2012. 

Having said that, any car will likely benefit from the odd highway run, but I wouldn't have any concerns about the CX-8 around town. 

When you lower a car you are normally simply swapping the coil springs for lower, stiffer units which reduce the ride height of the car, and makes the suspension firmer as there is less space for soft coils to absorb the bumps you drive over on the road. It requires specialised tools like coil spring compressors to safely remove the old suspension (which is held under tension) and fit the new parts. Sometimes you will need to replace the dampers (shock absorbers) with new units suited to the lowered ride height, too, and you will always need to get a new wheel alignment done by professionals once done. Due to the risks to your safety and the legality of your car, you should only have a professional suspension workshop lower your car for you - people have been killed while lowering their cars, such is the potential danger of this job.