I gave my son a second-hand Mazda Navajo for his high school graduation gift since it is a great beginner SUV. However, my son reported that lately he hears a growling noise when he turns the wheel. What is the cause of this problem?

The most common cause of this problem is a contaminated power steering fluid. The fluid is in good condition if it's clear with a reddish-brown hue. If you observe that the fluid is darker than it's supposed to be, then it has been contaminated with bits of chrome and rubber coming from the connecting hoses or seals. The contaminated fluid may cause damage and/or undue stress to the power steering pump, causing the growling noise. Foaming or bubbling is also a sign that oxygen has entered the reservoir, therefore check the power steering pump for holes that cause leaking. If you determine that the pump is indeed damaged, then a replacement would be in order. Also, you would need to bleed the fluid and replenish it with a fresh supply. Checking the quality of the fluid often will add more years to the life of your power steering system.

I find that the Mazda Navajo burns a lot of gas. How do I improve its fuel economy?

There are many ways on how to improve your vehicle's mileage. One of the most basic tips is to improve your driving habits. Strive to drive at steady acceleration and avoid harsh braking. Also, ensure that your tires are properly inflated. When it comes to tires, selecting low-resistance compound tires can do the trick. These tires are known to increase fuel economy up to a few percent. If you can consider replacing the tire set completely, then choose the narrowest tires possible. Having narrow tires reduce aerodynamic drag since they have less frontal area. However, be particular in choosing ones that are compatible with the Navajo. Another way to increase your Navajo's mileage is to put on some synthetic oil additive. Mixing a little bit of this additive to the present fuel supply can increase fuel mileage by up to 15%.

The A/C of my Mazda Navajo keeps on running hot and cold, literally. It also slightly emits a foul, old smell. How do I get the AC system running as good as new?

Erratic A/C temperatures are typically caused by leaking coolant fluid. Determine if there is damage to hoses and seals which may be the source of leaking. If there is noise present, then something might be wrong with the compressor. The compressor might already be damaged or not properly lubricated. This will cause the A/C temperatures to fluctuate. The thermostat and electrical wiring should be checked as well. Sometimes, the air conditioning system's mechanical parts are intact but refuses to work as it should due to a fault in electrical wiring. Have this checked by a technician. Regarding the smell, then it's likely due to microbe buildup somewhere in the air vents. This can be solved by cleaning the air vents with an antiseptic spray such as Lysol.

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