During the 2020 pandemic, many automakers stepped up to produce ventilators and other essential medical supplies. To thank medical workers who worked tirelessly last year, Mazda offered free oil changes and even gave away 50 MX-5 Miata 100th Anniversary Special Editions to heroes who helped their communities. Mazda's Essential Car Care Program for healthcare workers was so successful, the company will now offer a new program.

Available now through participating dealers, Mazda North American Operations will once again offer free oil changes, this time for the education community. The program began in July and will run until September 3. Most makes and models are eligible, even for educators who don't drive a Mazda MX-5 Miata or any other Mazda vehicle. During last year's initiative, Mazda mentioned a few exclusions, including exotic cars, classic cars, and vehicles with greater than an eight-quart engine oil capacity.

"Mazda has a history of serving communities and this program is our way of expressing gratitude to the education community," MNAO President and CEO Jeff Guyton said. "By partnering with our dealer network to provide vehicle maintenance, we hope to assist educators who have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic as the new school year begins."

In addition to the oil change, educators will receive a complimentary interior and exterior cleaning. Some dealers will even include free school supplies, and vehicle pick-up/return, so educators do not need to leave school during the day. The special program is offered to teachers, coaches, and school staff at all education levels.

Mazda previously invested a $5 million minimum to this program and has likely contributed even more to the initiative this time around.

"Mazda dealers are at our best when we're serving the community in which we work," said NDAC Chair Philip Van Riper. "Throughout this difficult pandemic, we've been proud to partner with Mazda, from the Essential Car Care program providing healthcare workers free oil changes, through Mazda Heroes and now the new Essential Car Care for teachers, coaches and staff at all levels of education in our communities."