Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) announced an expansion of its Essential Car Care Program in August 2021. The program was first rolled out for health care workers and has now been expanded to include educators. Educators across the country are preparing for the start of school as we reach the end of the summer.

Mazda has found a way to help by recognizing the challenges educators have faced and continue to face during the pandemic. Here’s a look at the Mazda perks available in August and September for educators.

Mazda’s Essential Car Care Program for health care workers

Mazda has worked to serve its community during the ongoing pandemic. The company first ran its Essential Car Care Program for qualified health care workers between April 16, 2020 and June 1, 2020. This program offered free standard oil changes and enhanced car cleaning services for U.S. health care workers.

That included anyone working at hospitals, doctors’ offices, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, mental health providers, addiction treatment centers, testing facilities, public health agencies, laboratory and research centers, public health agencies, medical equipment providers, blood banks, telehealth providers, and other medical locations.

The enhanced cleanings used cleansers approved by both the company and the EPA to promote safety while focusing on high-touch interior and exterior surfaces. According to Inside Mazda, the company then added the Mazda Heroes program, recognizing people who “dedicated themselves to their communities throughout 2020.” Mazda Heroes awarded 50 heroes a Mazda MX-5 Miata 100th Anniversary Special Edition.

Essential Car Care Educators Program from Mazda

The Essential Car Care Educators Program provides a free standard oil change, inspection, and interior and exterior vehicle cleaning for professionals involved in learning through participating dealers nationwide. That includes teachers, coaches, and school staff at all education levels. Some of the dealers are offering free school supplies plus vehicle pick-up and return.

The program started in early July 2021 at select dealers and expanded nationwide in August. It will remain available for most makes and models through September 30. In announcing the new program, MNAO President and CEO Jeff Guyton said, “Mazda has a history of serving communities, and this program is our way of expressing gratitude to the education community. 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.”

Which educators and vehicles are eligible?

Educators can receive the services once from this program through September 30, 2021. Proof of employment is required, along with a current driver’s license. That proof could be an employment ID badge or a pay stub. Educators who have been teachers, professors, aides, assistants, administrators, coaches, or support staff within 12 months of service at schools from preschool through post-graduate instruction are all eligible.

It is not necessary to own a Mazda vehicle, but not every vehicle is eligible. Educators can bring in any vehicle except “exotic vehicles, classic car vehicles, off-road vehicles, and vehicles with greater than 8-quart engine oil capacity or any other vehicles with special manufacturer requirements or that require specialized tools or training.” All of the Essential Car Care Educators Program information can be found on the Mazda USA website.

While most vehicles are eligible, Mazda likely hopes this program will entice people to buy Mazda vehicles in the future. The brand presently offers crossovers and SUVs, including the Mazda CX-3, Mazda CX-30, Mazda CX-5, and Mazda CX-9 for 2021. Its sedans and hatchbacks include the Mazda3 Sedan, Mazda3 Hatchback, and Mazda6. Sports cars include the Mazda MX-5 Miata and the Mazda MX-5 Miata RF.

It can be helpful to feel appreciated in a time of professional difficulties and stress. The automaker has come up with a way to thank health care workers and educators, two groups among many essential workers. While the Essential Car Care Educators Program certainly shines a positive light on the brand, it is available to many vehicles from any brand.