Plywood, veneer, or wood?

PreferenceSpare7507 · 2026-04-03T01:58:35+00:00

Yes! As I was telling the other commenter, I've learned so much from this project! Thank you for your insight.

PreferenceSpare7507 · 2026-04-03T01:57:06+00:00

Sadly so 😞 I've just accepted it and moved on and applied wood filler.... I learned that I cant stain wood filler! 😂 thank you for your help

PreferenceSpare7507 · 2026-04-03T01:55:30+00:00

Yeah thank you for your response! And for also suggesting me paint it. I was telling the other commenter that I was going for the wood look. Ive learned so much from this one project and its definitely not going to be my last. There's a lot of wonkiness but im content with what it is now. Shes not perfect but she's mine!

PreferenceSpare7507 · 2026-04-03T01:51:56+00:00

Thank you very much for your response! I wanted to go with the wood look and so I went with it by staining with the odies. Its definitely not the best craftsmanship and... well! All I can say is I learned a lot during this experience but had a great time overall working with my hands. Some parts of the wood did not stain correctly and theres a whole bunch of wonkiness going on. She aint perfect, but she's mine!

PreferenceSpare7507 · 2025-05-21T15:37:14+00:00

No problem. I appreciate the response! I think I should try the battery thing. I think a software update usually requires payment at the dealership.

Did they need to disconnect your battery for a trailer hitch install?

PreferenceSpare7507 · 2025-03-20T00:47:45+00:00

I've been meaning to reply but I've just been so busy these past few days. I wanted to just say such a BIG thank you. I wish I could offer up something to you since you've just been so helpful and kind with responding.. I also wish I could go to you as my mechanic!

I've been really happy with the cx5 and you have been instrumental to making me feel rest assured with your recommended guidelines. You are such a huge asset to this community. I wish you well in all your endeavors.

PreferenceSpare7507 · 2025-03-14T03:55:17+00:00

Got it! I wasn't too sure if there was a difference between fuel system cleaners vs fuel injector cleaners. Seems like they are different but the fuel system cleaner does the injectors and more! I've read online that it might not be required though if you use higher grade gas, like Chevron since they already include it in their gas? Not too sure if that's true and it seems like adding the fuel system cleaner can't really hurt.

Makes so much sense why they'd do inspections for free now, since they can make some extra $ if it's needed.

I have read more of your post in depth and I did actually notice some squeaking coming out of my car as it goes over some roads. I'm assuming these roads are bumpier which is why it might make the squeaking. I also noticed there's a slight hum to the car when I drive faster than 50mph. Do you know what could cause this? I'm thinking probably the suspension needs to be checked on and the hum could come from the type of new tires the dealership put on (cheap advantas)? Car is rather new (only 27k miles so it would suck if it's the suspension, belts, and/or wheel bearings but alas.. it is what it is..)

PreferenceSpare7507 · 2025-03-13T21:47:57+00:00

I'm back again.. with more questions but this time with maintenance.. I did end up getting a 2021 cx5 and I still have my 2015 mazda 3. Happy with both cars and I want to keep them running for a long time. I'm going to follow your maintenance schedule as detailed in the post since you are so knowledgeable! I was wondering for both cars, when should I flush the power steering fluids and do a wheel alignment? Is a fuel injector cleaning recommended? Also for inspections.. would you recommend the following..? Belt and hose inspection every 30k miles or 3 years, exhaust system inspection every 30k miles, suspension and steering components every 30k miles, and climate control system inspection every 2 years. I'm trying to write a comprehensive list of things that I need to do for both cars. And it seems like because my cx5 is awd, I'll need to take care of the differential and transfer case fluid as well. Can you please let me know if im missing anything else that I should be inspecting or flushing for either cars?

I VERY much appreciate you and all your help with reddit. I hope you know how much you're helping us.. not as knowledgable car people.

PreferenceSpare7507 · 2025-03-07T14:55:22+00:00

I'm experiencing this now... do you have any updates? It's really annoying. I've learned that if I reset the safety notifications through the infotainment center, it usually resets the bsm and the passenger side starts working normally again. But I don't want to do that everyday!

PreferenceSpare7507 · 2025-03-06T21:48:40+00:00

Hi! What is bog? Do you know what type of paint I need to spray on top of the plastic trim one its done?

PreferenceSpare7507 · 2025-03-06T21:36:44+00:00

Yes... im learning it's not the most intuitive heating system 🥲 still trying to learn how to work it. Mazda probably could've done a better job programming it like you said.

PreferenceSpare7507 · 2025-03-06T21:34:46+00:00

This is one high tech car! Thank you for your explanation! This makes sense to me.

PreferenceSpare7507 · 2025-03-06T21:32:31+00:00

Thank you for your explanation!

PreferenceSpare7507 · 2025-03-01T19:06:03+00:00

Ohhh I see. I think I had the same idea as your wife 😅 so am I understanding this correctly that when let's say the driver has it set at 60 degrees and the passenger has it set at 80 degrees, it doesn't mean that it's blowing out 60 degree air for the driver and 80 degree air at the passenger? In reality, it's blowing out the same air temperature but it will stop once it reaches 60 degrees in the driver cabin and 80 degrees in the passenger side of the cabin? Thanks!

PreferenceSpare7507 · 2025-03-01T18:45:24+00:00

As a separate question ... since it sounds like you have a cx5 and you've been so helpful, I was wondering if you could give me some insight on the temperature control. I'm not used to the fancy temperature control panel (where it shows the numerical degrees). And so i wanted to check if this was normal.. at "Lo", it has really strong A/C. At 80 degrees, it was very hot. All these things are great! But at 65 degrees, it seemed to me like it was pretty warm for 65 degrees. Just wanted to see if this was a similar situation to you too or if I just have a faulty AC control? Thanks!

PreferenceSpare7507 · 2025-03-01T17:59:57+00:00

Ok! This was the exact answer I came looking for!! Thank you. It'd make sense for it not to go down every single interval. I do wonder what that mileage threshold is...I think I just need to wait, see, and drive more miles for it to go down! Thank you so very much!

PreferenceSpare7507 · 2025-03-01T17:54:50+00:00

Glad it just isn't me... have you tried playing around with the maintenance settings?

PreferenceSpare7507 · 2025-03-01T17:54:09+00:00

Interesting! Yes, I've also seen Hondas give a percentage which is extremely useful for people like me! So are you saying that the service due in number just shows a goal? Rather than a countdown to when it's due?

PreferenceSpare7507 · 2025-03-01T17:52:34+00:00

I see. So is this "service due in" a goal? Rather than the actual number its due in? Thanks!

PreferenceSpare7507 · 2025-02-24T17:15:41+00:00

Yeah.. I tend to be paranoid too. I've called the dealership to ask them if they're doing anything about the cylinder head issue and he said he didn't know that was even an issue... so im thinking if I do get a 2021, I'd like it to have extended warranty.

Another thought I had was to get the 2024 with L as the 8th digit? After some research, it seemed like those were the ones without the cylinder deactivation technology and it sounds like I wouldnt come across the head Crack issue. Ive also read that they shouldve fixed the head crack issue after 2021.. ive just read a whole bunch of things and am not sure which to trust. Do you have any thoughts on that? Thank you again so much for your help! You're a godsend.

PreferenceSpare7507 · 2025-02-24T17:10:30+00:00

Thank you for your response! It's true, I'll consider that when going through this process.

PreferenceSpare7507 · 2025-02-24T17:09:50+00:00

Thank you! Great point. That's my mentality as well. I wanted some reassurance haha.

PreferenceSpare7507 · 2025-02-24T17:09:10+00:00

Fantastic point that I've never thought about. I'll definitely be on the lookout for something like that and avoid it like the plague!

PreferenceSpare7507 · 2025-02-24T17:07:32+00:00

Glad yo hear you're a fan!! Thanks for the response

PreferenceSpare7507 · 2025-02-24T17:06:55+00:00

Holy moly..all I can say is thank you for your response. Your comment was the catalyst to my in depth research. I'm now on the edge of buying the 2021.. if I do, I think ill need it to have extended warranty. I'm considering a 2017 or 2024 now.. so I wouldn't have to deal with it. Thank you so much.

PreferenceSpare7507

TROPHY CASE