2007 MAZDA MODEL B3000 TRUCK traction control

Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of
the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified
government test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one
and one-half (1 1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual
conditions of their use, however, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices, and
differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction AA A B C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest are AA, A, B, and C. The
grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as measured
under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction
performance.
NOTE:The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not include acceleration,
cornering, hydroplaning or peak traction characteristics.
Temperature A B C
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C, representing the
tire’s resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire
to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of performance
which all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by
law.
WARNING: The temperature grade for this tire is established
for a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded.
Excessive speed, underinflation, or excessive loading, either
separately or in combination, can cause heat buildup and
possible tire failure.
2007 B-Series (mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
113

9.M+S or M/S: Mud and Snow, or
AT: All Terrain, or
AS: All Season.
10. Tire Ply Composition and Material Used: Indicates the number
of plies or the number of layers of rubber-coated fabric in the tire
tread and sidewall. Tire manufacturers also must indicate the ply
materials in the tire and the sidewall, which include steel, nylon,
polyester, and others.
11. Maximum Load: Indicates the maximum load in kilograms and
pounds that can be carried by the tire. Refer to the Safety
Compliance Certification Label, which is located on the B-Pillar or
the edge of the driver’s door, for the correct tire pressure for your
vehicle.
12. Treadwear, Traction and Temperature Grades
• Treadwear: The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the
wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a
specified government test course. For example, a tire graded 150
would wear one and one-half (1
12) times as well on the government
course as a tire graded 100.
• Traction: The traction grades, from highest to lowest are AA, A, B,
and C. The grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement
as measured under controlled conditions on specified government test
surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor
traction performance.
• Temperature: The temperature grades are A (the highest), B and C,
representing the tire’s resistance to the generation of heat and its
ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions on a
specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
13. Maximum Permissible Inflation Pressure: Indicates the tire
manufacturers’ maximum permissible pressure and/or the pressure at
which the maximum load can be carried by the tire. This pressure is
normally higher than the manufacturer’s recommended cold inflation
pressure which can be found on the Safety Compliance Certification
Label or Tire Label which is located on the B-Pillar or the edge of
the driver’s door. The cold inflation pressure should never be set
lower than the recommended pressure on the vehicle label.
The tire suppliers may have additional markings, notes or warnings such
as standard load, radial tubeless, etc.
2007 B-Series (mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
125

SNOW TIRES AND CHAINSWARNING: Driving too fast for conditions creates the
possibility of loss of vehicle control. Driving at very high speeds
for extended periods of time may result in damage to vehicle
components.
NOTE: Snow tires must be the same size and grade as the tires you
currently have on your vehicle.
The tires on your vehicle have all weather treads to provide traction in
rain and snow. However, in some climates, you may need to use snow
tires and chains. If you need to use snow tires and chains, it is
recommended that steel wheels are used of the same size and
specifications as those originally installed.
Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and chains:
• Do not use tire chains on aluminum wheels. Chains may chip the
wheels.
• Use only SAE Class S chains.
• Install chains securely, verifying that the chains do not touch any
wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
Drive cautiously. Ensure you obtain the proper cables or chains
for you vehicle. Test fit the cables or chains before using them in
snow and/or ice. If you hear the cables or chains rub or bang
against the vehicle, stop and retighten them. If this does not
work, remove the cables or chains to prevent vehicle damage.
Have the cables or chains fitted by a professional before
proceeding.
• If possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle.
• Remove the tire chains when they are no longer needed. Do not use
tire chains on dry roads.
• The suspension insulation and bumpers will help prevent vehicle
damage. Do not remove these components from your vehicle when
using snow tires and chains.
VEHICLE LOADING – WITH AND WITHOUT A TRAILER
This section will guide you in the proper loading of your vehicle and/or
trailer, to keep your loaded vehicle weight within its design rating
capability, with or without a trailer. Properly loading your vehicle will
provide maximum return of vehicle design performance. Before loading
2007 B-Series (mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
132

•4x4 LOW – Momentarily
illuminates when the vehicle is
started. Illuminates when 4L
(4WD Low) is engaged.
Using the electronic shift 4WD system
2H (2WD High) - Power to the rear wheels only; used for street and
highway driving.
4H (4WD High) - Used for extra traction such as in snow or icy roads
or in off-road situations. Not intended for use on dry pavement.
4L (4WD Low) - Uses extra gearing to provide maximum power to all
four wheels. Intended only for off-road applications such as deep sand,
steep grades or pulling heavy objects. 4L (4WD Low) will not engage
while the vehicle is moving; this is normal and should be no reason for
concern. Refer to Shifting to/from 4L (4WD Low) for proper operation.
Shifting between 2H (2WD High) and 4H (4WD High)
• Move the 4WD control between 2H and 4H at a stop or any forward
speed.
Note: Do not perform this operation if the rear wheels are slipping.
Shifting to/from 4L (4WD Low)
Note: Some noise may be heard as the 4WD system shifts or engages.
This is normal and should be no reason for concern.
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop
2. Depress the brake
3. On vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, place the transmission in N (Neutral); on vehicles equipped with a manual
transmission, depress the clutch.
4. Move the 4WD control to the desired position.4x4
LOW
4H
2H4L
2007 B-Series (mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Driving
164

Emergency maneuvers
•In an unavoidable emergency situation where a sudden sharp turn
must be made, remember to avoid “over-driving” your vehicle, i.e.,
turn the steering wheel only as rapidly and as far as required to avoid
the emergency. Excessive steering will result in less vehicle control,
not more. Additionally, smooth variations of the accelerator and/or
brake pedal pressure should be utilized if changes in vehicle speed are
called for. Avoid abrupt steering, acceleration or braking which could
result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover
and/or personal injury. Use all available road surface to return the
vehicle to a safe direction of travel.
• In the event of an emergency stop, avoid skidding the tires and do not
attempt any sharp steering wheel movements.
WARNING: Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as
utility and four-wheel drive vehicles handle differently than
vehicles with a lower center of gravity. Utility and four-wheel
drive vehicles are not designed for cornering at speeds as high
as passenger cars any more than low-slung sports cars are
designed to perform satisfactorily under off-road conditions.
Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed and abrupt maneuvers in
these vehicles. Failure to drive cautiously could result in an
increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover,
personal injury and death.
• If the vehicle goes from one type of surface to another (i.e., from
concrete to gravel) there will be a change in the way the vehicle
responds to a maneuver (steering, acceleration or braking). Again,
avoid these abrupt inputs.
Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all four wheels on the most solid
area of the trail. Do not reduce the tire pressures but shift to a lower
gear and drive steadily through the terrain. Apply the accelerator slowly
and avoid spinning the wheels.
Mud and water
If you must drive through high water, drive slowly. Traction or brake
capability may be limited.
When driving through water, determine the depth; avoid water higher
than the bottom of the hubs (if possible) and proceed slowly. If the
ignition system gets wet, the vehicle may stall.
2007 B-Series (mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Driving
167

Once through water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop the
vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by moving
your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
After driving through mud, clean off residue stuck to the driveshafts and
tires. Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating driveshafts causes an
imbalance that could damage drive components.
If the transmission, transfer case or front axle are submerged in water,
their fluids should be checked and changed, if necessary.
Driving through deep water where the transmission vent tube is
submerged may allow water into the transmission and cause
internal transmission damage.
Replace rear axle lubricant any time the axle has been submerged in
water. The rear axle does not normally require a lubricant change for the
life of the vehicle. Rear axle lubricant quantities are not to be checked or
changed unless a leak is suspected or repair is required.
Driving on hilly or sloping terrain
When driving on a hill, avoid driving crosswise or turning on steep
slopes. You could lose traction and slip sideways. Drive straight up,
straight down or avoid the hill completely. Know the conditions on the
other side of a hill before driving over the crest.
When climbing a steep hill, start in a lower gear rather than downshifting
to a lower gear from a higher gear once the ascent has started. This
reduces strain on the engine and the possibility of stalling.
When descending a steep hill, avoid sudden braking. Shift to a lower gear
when added engine braking is desired.
When speed control is on and you are driving uphill, your vehicle speed
may drop considerably, especially if you are carrying a heavy load.
If vehicle speed drops more than 10 mph (16 km/h), the speed control
will cancel automatically. Resume speed with accelerator pedal.
If speed control cancels after climbing the hill, reset speed by pressing
and holding the SET ACCEL button (to resume speeds over 30 mph [50
km/h]).
Automatic transmissions may shift frequently while driving up steep
grades. Eliminate frequent shifting by shifting out of
(Overdrive) into
a lower gear.
2007 B-Series (mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Driving
168

Premium AM/FM stereo
CD6/MP3 .............................29, 33
Snowplowing .................................7
Spark plugs, specifications .......264
Special notice ambulance conversions ..............7
utility-type vehicles ....................6
Specification chart,
lubricants ...................................260
Speed control ..............................59
Starting your vehicle ........149–151 jump starting ..........................191
Steering wheel tilting .........................................57
Stereo Single CD ..................................21
T
Tether anchors ..........................106
Tilt steering wheel ......................57
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS) Roadside Emergencies ...........181
Tires, Wheels and Loading ....128
Tires ...........................112–114, 181 alignment ................................120
care ..........................................117
changing ..........................181, 186
checking the pressure ............117
inflating ...................................115
label .........................................127
replacing ..................................118
rotating ....................................121
safety practices .......................119
sidewall information ...............123
snow tires and chains ............132 spare tire .........................182, 184
terminology .............................114
tire grades ...............................113
treadwear ........................113, 117
Towing .......................................138 recreational towing .................147
trailer towing ..........................138
wrecker ....................................197
Traction-lok rear axle ...............156
Transfer case fluid checking .........................258
Transmission automatic operation ...............157
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....157
fluid, checking and adding
(manual) .................................257
lubricant specifications ..........260
manual operation ....................161
Turn signal ..................................48
V
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................266
Vehicle loading ..........................132 camper bodies ........................148
Ventilating your vehicle ...........152
W
Warning chimes ...........................17
Warning lights (see Lights) .......12
Washer fluid ..............................228
Water, Driving through .............169
Windows power .........................................58
2007 B-Series (mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Index
273