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WARNING
Use only the same size and type tires
(snow, radial, or non-radial) on all
four wheels:
Using tires different in size or type is
dangerous. Your vehicle's handling
could be greatly affected and result in
an accident.
CAUTION
Check local regulations before using
studded tires.
NOTE
If your vehicle is equipped with the tire
pressure monitoring system, the system
may not function correctly when using
tires with steel wire reinforcement in
the sidewalls (page 5-28).
qTire Chains
Check local regulations before using tire
chains.
CAUTION
lChains may scratch or chip
aluminum wheels. Install tire chains
on steel wheels only.
lChains may affect handling.
lDon't go faster than 50 km/h (30
mph) or the chain manufacturer's
recommended limit, whichever is
lower.
lDrive carefully and avoid bumps,
holes, and sharp turns.
lAvoid locked-wheel braking.
lDon't use chains on a temporary
spare tire; it may result in damage to
the vehicle and to the tire.
lDon't use chains on roads that are
free of snow or ice. The tires and
chains could be damaged.
NOTE
If your vehicle is equipped with the tire
pressure monitoring system, the system
may not function correctly when using
tire chains.
Install the chains on the front tires.
Don't use chains on the rear tires.
Use only genuine Mazda tire chains.
Please consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
Before Driving Your Mazda
Driving Tips
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Installing the chains
1. Remove the wheel covers, or the chain
bands will scratch them.
2. Secure the chains on the front tires as
tightly as possible. Always follow the
chain manufacturer's instructions.
3. Retighten the chains after driving 1/2
―1 km (1/4―1/2 mile).Driving In Flooded Area
WARNING
Dry wet brakes by driving very slowly
and applying the brakes lightly until
brake performance returns to normal:
Driving with wet brakes is dangerous.
Increased stopping distance or the
vehicle pulling to one side when
braking could result in a serious
accident. Light braking will indicate
whether the brakes have been affected.
CAUTION
Make sure water does not enter the
vehicle interior or the engine area.
Interior materials could get moldy, and
many electronic devices in the cabin
and the engine could be damaged.
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Driving Tips
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Overloading
WARNING
Be careful not to overload your
vehicle:
The gross axle weight rating (GAWR)
and the gross vehicle weight rating
(GVWR) of your vehicle are on the
Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Label
on the driver's door frame. Exceeding
these ratings can cause an accident or
vehicle damage. You can estimate the
weight of your load by weighing the
items (or people) before putting them
in the vehicle.
Before Driving Your Mazda
Driving Tips
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Turbocharger Information
The turbocharger greatly enhances engine power. Its advanced design provides improved
operation and requires minimum additional maintenance. To get maximum performance
from your turbocharged engine, take note of the following tips:
lThe turbocharged engine is designed for optimal operation with premium unleaded
gasoline (page 4-2). Do not use fuel with a lower octane rating. Extra fuel additives are
NOT recommended.
lChange the engine oil and filter using the turbo engine interval outlined in the
maintenance schedule (for your driving condition).
lUse only the recommended engine oil (page 8-12). Extra oil additives are NOT
recommended.
lAfter driving at freeway speeds or up a long hill, idle the engine at least 30 seconds to
cool the turbo before turning off the engine. Avoid simply shutting the engine off
abruptly after a hard or long drive. Damage to the turbocharger may result.
lDon't race or over-rev the engine when starting. This should not be done with ANY
engine, especially not with one that's turbocharged.
lDo not add any aftermarket devices to alter the engine's ignition timing, fuel delivery, or
turbo boost pressure. This may lead to serious engine damage and may void your
warranty.
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Trailer Towing
Your Mazda was designed and built primarily to carry passengers and cargo.
If you must tow a trailer, follow these instructions because driver and passenger safety
depends on proper equipment and safe driving habits. Towing a trailer will affect handling,
braking, durability, performance, and economy.
Never overload vehicle or trailer. Consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer if you need further
details.
CAUTION
Don't tow a trailer during the first 1,000 km (600 miles) of your new Mazda. If you do,
you may damage the engine, transaxle, differential, wheel bearings, and other power
train components.
qWeight Limits
TTW and GCWR
The total trailer weight (TTW), gross combined weight rating (GCWR), gross axle
weight rating (GAWR), trailer load, and trailer tongue load must be within the
prescribed limits.
lThe total trailer weight (TTW) is the sum of the weights of the trailer load (trailer
weight plus cargo), trailer hitch, vehicle passengers, and vehicle load. Never allow
the total trailer weight (TTW) to exceed specifications in the Trailer Towing-Load
Table.
lThe maximum GCWR is the combined weight of the trailer and load plus the
towing vehicle (including trailer hitch, vehicle passengers, and load). It must not
exceed specifications in the load table.
GAWR and GVWR
Don't exceed front and rear GAWR (gross axle weight rating) and GVWR (gross vehicle
weight rating). If you do, vehicle handling, braking, and performance will be affected.
These values are also on the Motor Vehicle Safety Certification Label posted on the driver's
door frame.
High-altitude operation
In a high-altitude operating environment, a gasoline engine loses power at a rate of 3% to
4% per 304 m (1,000 ft) of elevation. In these conditions, a reduction in gross vehicle
weight and gross combined weight is recommended.
Before Driving Your Mazda
Towing
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TRAILER TOWING-LOAD TABLE
Because vehicle weights vary, adjustments must be made to meet the requirements in this
table.
ItemModel
2WD 4WD
MAX. FRONTAL
AREA
2.97 m2(32 ft2)
MAX. TTWAdd trailer's weight, load and hitch; vehicle
passengers and vehicle load
*
* i.e. baggage, food, camp gear
907 kg (2,000 lb)
MAX. GCWR
2,815 kg (6,206 lb) 2,914 kg (6,424 lb)
MAX. GAWR
Front 1,150 kg (2,535 lb) 1,189 kg (2,621 lb)
Rear 1,022 kg (2,253 lb) 1,083 kg (2,388 lb)
MAX. GVWR
2,168 kg (4,780 lb) 2,267 kg (4,998 lb)
TRAILER-TON-
GUE LOADTongue load
Tongue load/Trailer load × 100 = 10% to
15%
Trailer load
DISTRIBUTION
OF TRAILER
LOADFront 60%
Rear 40%
GCWR: Gross Combined Weight Rating (sum of TTW, vehicle weights and 2 passengers)
GAWR: Gross Axle Weight Rating
GVWR: Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
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WARNING
Always keep tow loads within specified limits as indicated in the Trailer Towing-Load
Table:
Attempting to tow loads greater than those specified is dangerous as it may cause
serious handling and performance problems that could result in personal injury or
vehicle damage, or both.
Load your trailer with the weight about 60% toward the front and 40% toward the
rear:
Loading the trailer with more weight in the rear than in the front is dangerous. Doing
so could cause you to lose control. The trailer tongue load must be 10%―15% of the
total trailer load (sum of the weights of the trailer and cargo).
Always have the total trailer weight and tongue load determined prior to departure:
Attempting to tow loads without determining the total trailer weight and tongue load is
dangerous. Trailer sway from crosswinds, rough roads or other causes could result in
loss of control and a serious accident.
CAUTION
The total trailer weight and tongue load can be determined by weighing the trailer on
platform scales at a highway weight station or a trucking company.
qTrailer Hitch
Use only a hitch ball recommended by the trailer manufacturer that conforms to the gross
trailer weight requirement.
When not towing a trailer, remove the trailer hitch (if detachable) to reduce the possibility
of damage as a result of the vehicle being rear-ended.
Before Driving Your Mazda
Towing
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WARNING
Always make sure the trailer hitch is securely attached before departure:
An unsecured trailer hitch is dangerous as it causes greater trailer sway from
crosswinds, rough roads or other causes, resulting in loss of control and a serious
accident.
Examine all trailer-hitch mounting bolts regularly and tighten any that are loose. If
the hitch is removed, seal any open mounting holes to prevent exhaust, dust, water,
dirt and other foreign elements from filtering in, possibly endangering personal safety
and damaging your vehicle.
Do not install a hitch that stiffens the bumper as it will reduce the bumper's
performance.
Make sure there are no exhaust gas leaks into the passenger compartment if any
mounting bolts are connected to the body:
Modifying your vehicle exhaust system is dangerous. Exhaust gas entering the vehicle
could cause loss of consciousness or even death.
When mounting the trailer hitch, make no modifications to the vehicle exhaust system.
CAUTION
lMake all hitch adjustments with actual loads. Don't load and unload vehicle while
adjusting hitch. This action will change the vehicle height.
lDon't use an axle-mounted hitch. This may damage the axle and related parts.
qTires
When towing a trailer, make sure all tires are inflated to the recommended cold-tire
pressure, as indicated on the tire pressure chart on the driver's door frame. Trailer tire size,
load rating, and inflation pressures should conform to tire manufacturer specifications.
WARNING
Never use the temporary spare tire when towing:
Using the temporary spare tire on your vehicle when towing a trailer is dangerous as it
could result in tire failure, loss of control, and injury to vehicle occupants.
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Towing
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