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Passing
For extra power when passing another
vehicle or climbing steep grades, depress
the accelerator fully. The transaxle will
shift to a lower gear, depending on vehicle
speed.
Climbing steep grades from a stop
To climb a steep grade from a stopped
position:
1. Depress the brake pedal.
2. Shift to D or 1, depending on the loadweight and grade steepness.
3. Release the brake pedal while gradually accelerating.
Descending steep grades
When descending a steep grade, shift to 2
or 1, depending on load weight and grade
steepness. Descend slowly, using the
brakes only occasionally to prevent them
from overheating.
Power Steering
Power steering is only operable when the
engine is running. If the engine is off or if
the power steering system is inoperable,
you can still steer, but it requires more
physical effort.
If the steering feels stiffer than usual
during normal driving, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
qPower Steering Malfunction
Indicator Light
This indicator light illuminates or flashes
when the ignition is switched ON, and
turns off when the engine is started.
If the light remains illuminated or flashing
after the engine is started, or illuminates
while driving, turn off the engine after
parking in a safe place, and then start the
engine again.
If the light does not illuminate after
restarting the engine, this indicates that
the power steering is restored and normal
steering is possible.
If the light remains illuminated, the power
steering is still inoperable. Consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
5-15
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Front passenger seat
If the front passenger seat belt is not
fastened while the ignition is switched
ON, the driver and the passenger will be
informed by the warning light.
If the front passenger seat belt is not
fastened and the vehicle is driven at a
speed faster than about 20 km/h (12 mph),
the warning light will flash and a beep
sound will be heard.
Placing heavy items on the front
passenger seat may cause the front
passenger seat belt warning function to
operate depending on the weight of the
item.
Once the beep sound is heard, it continues
sounding even if the vehicle speed lowers
to 20 km/h (12 mph) or less until the seat
belt is fastened or the beep sound period
has passed.NOTE
lTo allow the front passenger seat weight
sensor to function properly, do not place
and sit on an additional seat cushion on the
front passenger seat. The sensor may not
function properly because the additional
seat cushion could cause sensor
interference.
lWhen a small child sits on the front
passenger seat, it is possible that neither
the warning light nor the warning beep
operate.
q
Door-Ajar Warning Light
This warning light illuminates when any
door or liftgate is not securely closed.
Close the door or liftgate securely before
driving the vehicle.
qLow Washer Fluid Level
Warning Lightí
This warning light indicates that little
washer fluid remains. Add fluid (page
8-18).
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
5-43íSome models.
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Tires
For reasons of proper performance, safety,
and better fuel economy, always maintain
recommended tire inflation pressures and
stay within the recommended load limits
and weight distribution.
WARNING
Using Different Tire Types:Driving your vehicle with different
types of tires is dangerous. It could
cause poor handling and poor
braking; leading to loss of control.
Except for the limited use of the
temporary spare tire, use only the
same type tires (radial, bias-belted,
bias-type) on all four wheels.
Using Wrong-Sized Tires: Using any other tire size than what is
specified for your Mazda (page 10-6)
is dangerous. It could seriously affect
ride, handling, ground clearance, tire
clearance, and speedometer
calibration. This could cause you to
have an accident. Use only tires that
are the correct size specified for your
Mazda.
qTire Inflation Pressure
WARNING
Always inflate the tires to the correct
pressure:
Overinflation or underinflation of
tires is dangerous. Adverse handling
or unexpected tire failure could result
in a serious accident.
Refer to Tires on page 10-6.
Use only a Mazda-genuine tire valve
cap: Use of a non-genuine part is
dangerous as the correct tire air
pressure cannot be maintained if the
tire valve becomes damaged. If the
vehicle is driven under this condition,
the tire air pressure will decrease
which could result in a serious
accident. Do not use any part for the
tire valve cap that is not a Mazda-
genuine part.
8-26
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
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11. Max. load rating
12. Tread wear, traction and temperature grades
13. Max. permissible inflation pressure
14. SAFETY WARNING
P215/65R15 95H is an example of a tire size and load index rating. Here is an explanation
of the various components of that tire size and load index rating. Note that the tire size and
load index rating may be different from the example.
P
Indicates a tire that may be installed on cars, SUVs, minivans and light trucks as designated
by the Tire and Rim Association (T&RA).
NOTE
If your tire size does not begin with a letter this may mean it is designated by either ETRTO
(European Tire and Rim Technical Organization) or JATMA (Japan Tire Manufacturing Association).
215
“215 ”is the nominal width of the tire in millimeters. This three-digit number gives the
width in millimeters of the tire from sidewall edge to sidewall edge. In general, the larger
the number, the wider the tire.
65
“ 65 ”is the aspect ratio. This two-digit number indicates the tire's ratio of height to width.
R
“R” is the tire construction symbol. R indicates “Radial ply construction ”.
15
“15 ”is the wheel rim diameter in inches.
95
“95 ”is the Load Index. This two-or three-digit number indicates how much weight each
tire can support.
9-22
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (except Canada)
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H
“H ”is the speed rating. The speed rating denotes the maximum speed for which the use of
the tire is rated.
Letter Rating Speed Rating
Q 99 mph
R 106 mph
S 112 mph
T 118 mph
U 124 mph
H 130 mph
V 149 mph
W 168
*mph
Y 186*mph
* For tires with a maximum speed capability over 149 mph, tire manufacturers sometimes use the letters ZR. For tires with a maximum speed capability over 186 mph, tire manufacturers always use the letters ZR.
MS or M/S: Mud and Snow
AT: All Terrain.
AS: All Season. The “M
S” or“M/S ”indicates that the tire has some functional use in
mud and snow.
U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number (TIN)
This begins with the letters “DOT ”which indicates the tire meets all federal standards. The
next two numbers or letters are the plant code where it was manufactured, and the last four
numbers represent the week and year the tire was manufactured. For example, the numbers
457 means the 45st week of 1997. After 2000 the numbers go to four digits. For example,
the number 2102 means the 21th week of 2002. The other numbers are marketing codes
used at the manufacturer's discretion. This information is used to contact consumers if a tire
defect requires a recall.
Tire Ply Composition and Materials Used
The number of plies indicates the number of layers of rubber-coated fabric in the tire. In
general, the greater the number of plies, the more weight a tire can support. Tire
manufacturers also must indicate the tire materials, which include steel, nylon, polyester,
and other.
Maximum Load Rating
This number indicates the maximum load in kilograms and pounds that can be carried by
the tire.
Maximum Permissible Inflation Pressure
This number is the greatest amount of air pressure that should ever be put in the tire under
normal driving conditions.
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (except Canada)
9-23
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70
“70 ”is the aspect ratio. This two-digit number indicates the tire's ratio of height to width.
D
“D ”is the tire construction symbol. D indicates “diagonal ply construction ”.
16
“16 ”is the wheel rim diameter in inches.
90
“90 ”is the Load Index. This two-or three-digit number indicates how much weight each
tire can support.
M
“ M ”is the speed rating. The speed rating denotes the maximum speed for which the use of
the tire is rated.
Letter Rating Speed Rating
M 81 mph
9-26
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (except Canada)
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qGlossary of Terms
Tire Placard: A label indicating the OE tire sizes, recommended inflation pressure, and
the maximum weight the vehicle can carry.
Tire Identification Number (TIN): A number on the sidewall of each tire providing
information about the tire brand and manufacturing plant, tire size, and date of
manufacture.
Inflation Pressure: A measure of the amount of air in a tire.
kPa: Kilopascal, the metric unit for air pressure.
psi: Pounds per square inch, the English unit for air pressure.
B-pillar: The structural member at the side of the vehicle behind the front door.
Original Equipment (OE): Describes components originally equipped on the vehicle.
Vehicle Load Limit: The maximum value of the combination weight of occupants and
cargo.
Bead Area of the Tire: Area of the tire next to the rim.
Sidewall Area of the Tire: Area between the bead area and the tread.
Tread Area of the Tire: Area on the perimeter of the tire that contacts the road when it's
mounted on the vehicle.
Seating capacity means the total allowable number of vehicle occupants. Seating capacity
is described on the tire label.
Production options weight is the combination weight of installed regular production
options weighing over 2.3 kilograms in excess of the standard items which they replace,
and not previously considered in the curb weight or accessory weight, including heavy
duty brakes, ride levelers, roof rack, heavy duty battery, and special trim.
Rim is the metal support (wheel) for a tire or a tire and tube assembly upon which the tire
beads are seated.
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (except Canada)
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Vehicle Loading
WARNING
Do not tow a trailer with this vehicle:Towing a trailer with this vehicle is dangerous because it has not been designed to
tow a trailer and doing so will affect the drive system which could result in vehicle
damage.
This section will guide you in the proper loading of your vehicle, to keep your loaded
vehicle weight within its design rating capability. Properly loading your vehicle will
provide maximum return of vehicle design performance. Before loading your vehicle,
familiarize yourself with the following terms for determining your vehicle's weight ratings,
from the vehicle's Safety Certification Label and Tire and Load Information Label:
WARNING
Overloaded Vehicle: Overloading a vehicle is dangerous. The results of overloading can have serious
consequences in terms of passenger safety. Too much weight on a vehicle's
suspension system can cause spring or shock absorber failure, brake failure,
handling or steering problems, irregular tire wear, tire failure or other damage.
Overloading makes a vehicle harder to drive and control. It also increases the
distance required for stopping. In cases of serious overloading, brakes can fail
completely, particularly on steep grades. The load a tire will carry safely is a
combination of the size of the tire, its load range, and corresponding inflation
pressure.
Never overload the vehicle and always observe the vehicle's weight ratings from the
vehicle's Safety Certification and Tire and Load Information labels.
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (except Canada)
9-33
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