2017 MAZDA MODEL CX-9 Owners Manual (in English)

3–55
Before Driving
Driving Tips
Driving on Uneven Road
Your vehicle's suspension and underbody can be damaged if driven on rough/uneven roads
or over speed bumps at excessive speeds. Use care and reduce speed when traveling on
rough/uneven roads or over speed bumps.

Use care not to damage the vehicle's underbody, bumpers or muffl er(s) when driving under
the following conditions:
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 Ascending or descending a slope with a sharp transition angle
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 Ascending or descending a driveway or trailer ramp with a sharp transition angle



This vehicle is equipped with low profi le tires allowing class-leading performance and
handling. As a result, the sidewall of the tires are very thin and the tires and wheels can be
damaged if driven through potholes or on rough/uneven roads at excessive speeds. Use care
and reduce speed when traveling on rough/uneven roads or through potholes.
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3–56
Before Driving
Driving Tips
Turbocharger Information
CAUTION
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 After driving at freeway speeds or up a long hill, idle the engine at least 30 seconds before
stopping it. Otherwise, the turbocharger could be damaged.
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 Racing or over-revving the engine, particularly after it's just been started, can damage the
turbocharger.
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 To protect the engine from damage, the engine is designed so that it cannot be raced just
after starting it in extremely cold weather.

The turbocharger greatly enhances engine power. Its advanced design provides improved
operation and requires minimum maintenance.

To get the most from it, observe the following.

1. Change engine oil and fi lter according to Scheduled Maintenance (page 6-4 ).
2. Use only recommended engine oil (page 6-26 ). Extra additives are NOT
recommended.

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3–57
Before Driving
Towing
Trailer Towing (U.S.A. and Canada)
Your Mazda was designed and built primarily to carry passengers and cargo.
If you 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 fuel economy.
Never overload your vehicle or trailer. Consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer if you need
further details.
CAUTION
Do not tow a trailer during the fi rst 1,000 km (600 miles) of your new Mazda. If you do,
you may damage the engine, transaxle, diff erential, wheel bearings, and other power-
train components.

NOTE
Your vehicle is equipped with a Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) mechanism, which enhances
vehicle stability when towing a trailer.
Refer to Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) on page 4-76 .

Weight Limits
TTW and GCWR
The total trailer weight (TTW), gross combination weight rating (GCWR), gross
axle weight rating (GAWR), trailer load, and trailer tongue load must be within the
prescribed limits.
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 The total trailer weight (TTW) is the sum of the weights of the trailer load (trailer
weight plus cargo), trailer hitch, 2 passengers, and vehicle load (baggage, food, camp
gear, etc.). Never allow the total trailer weight (TTW) to exceed specifi cations in the
Trailer Towing-Load Table.
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 The maximum GCWR is the combination weight of the trailer and load plus the
towing vehicle (including trailer hitch, vehicle passengers, and load). It must not
exceed specifi cations in the load table.

GAWR and GVWR
Do not 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 Certifi cation Label posted on the driver's door
frame.
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3–58
Before Driving
Towing
High-altitude operation
CAUTION
Be aware of the towing load weight diff erences when towing at high altitudes. For altitudes
exceeding 1,000 meter (3,280 ft 10 in), always reduce the towing load by 10 % for every
1,000 meter (3,280 ft 10 in) increase in altitude from the load indicated under the maximum
GCWR heading in the trailer towing-load table. If the determined maximum total towing
load weight is exceeded, the engine and other power-train parts may be damaged.

TRAILER TOWING-LOAD TABLE
Because vehicle weights vary, adjustments must be made to meet the requirements in this
table.

Item Model
2WD AWD
MAX. FRONTAL
AREA

2.97 m
2 (32 ft 2 )
MAX. TTW

1,587.5 kg (3,500 lb)
MAX. GCWR

3,629 kg
(8,000.4 lb) 3,782 kg
(8,337.7 lb)
MAX. GAWR

Front 1,217 kg
(2,683 lb) 1,241 kg
(2,736 lb)
Rear 1,386 kg
(3,056 lb) 1,433 kg
(3,159 lb)
MAX. GVWR

2,568 kg
(5,661 lb) 2,638 kg
(5,816 lb)
TRAILER-
TONGUE LOAD Tongue load


Tongue load/Trailer load × 100
= 10 % to 15 %
Trailer load


DISTRIBUTION
OF TRAILER
LOAD

Front
60 %
Rear
40 %
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3–59
Before Driving
Towing
WARNING
Always keep tow loads within specifi ed limits as indicated in the Trailer Towing-Load
Table:
Attempting to tow loads greater than those specifi ed 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.

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3–60
Before Driving
Towing
Trailer 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.
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 fi ltering in, possibly endangering personal safety and
damaging your vehicle.
Do not install a hitch that stiff ens 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 modifi cations to the vehicle exhaust system.

CAUTION
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 Make all hitch adjustments with actual loads. Do not load and unload vehicle while
adjusting hitch. This action will change the vehicle height.
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 Do not use an axle-mounted hitch. This may damage the axle and related parts.
Tires
When towing a trailer, make sure all tires are infl ated 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 infl ation pressures should conform to tire manufacturer specifi cations.
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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3–61
Before Driving
Towing
Safety Chains
Safety chains must be used as a precautionary measure should the trailer become
unintentionally unhitched. They should cross under the trailer tongue and attach to the hitch.
Leave enough slack to allow full turns. Consult literature published by your trailer or hitch
manufacturer for more details.
WARNING
Make sure the safety chain is securely attached to both the trailer and the vehicle prior
to departure:
Towing a trailer without using a safety chain securely attached to both the trailer and the
vehicle is dangerous. If damage occurs to the coupling unit or hitch ball, the trailer could
wander into another lane and cause a collision.

Trailer Lights
Trailer lights must comply with all federal, state, and local regulations. Equip your trailer as
required before towing it day or night.
CAUTION
Do not connect a trailer lighting system directly to the lighting system of your Mazda. This
may damage your vehicle's electrical system and lighting systems. Have a recreational
vehicle dealer or trailer rental agency connect the system, and inspect the brake lights
and turn signals yourself before each trip.

Trailer Brakes
If the total trailer weight exceeds 450 kg (1,000 lb), trailer brakes are required. If your trailer
has brakes, make sure they comply with all federal, state, and local regulations.
WARNING
Do not connect a hydraulic trailer-brake system to your vehicle's brake system:
Connecting a hydraulic trailer-brake system directly to the vehicle brake system is
dangerous and will result in inadequate braking and possible injury.

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3–62
Before Driving
Towing
Trailer Towing Tips
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 Verify that your Mazda maintains a near-normal attitude when a loaded or unloaded trailer
is connected. Do not drive if it has an abnormal front-up or front-down position. Inspect
for incorrect tongue load, worn suspension parts, and trailer overloading.
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 Make sure the trailer is properly loaded and the cargo is secure to prevent it from shifting.
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 Make sure the mirrors conform to all government regulations. If they do not, install
required rear view mirrors appropriate for towing purposes.

The three main causes of vehicle-trailer accidents are driver error, excessive speed, and
improper trailer loading.
Before driving
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 Have your cooling and braking system checked by an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
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 Before starting out, inspect the operation of all vehicle and trailer lights and all vehicle-
to-trailer connections. Stop and re-inspect all lights and connections after driving a short
distance.

Driving
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 Your Mazda will handle differently with a trailer in tow, so practice turning, backing, and
stopping in a traffi c-free area.
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 Take time to get accustomed to the extra weight and length.
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 Allow more room between your vehicle and the one in front because braking distance
increases with a trailer. For each 16 km/h (10 mph) of speed, allow at least one vehicle
and trailer length between your Mazda and the vehicle ahead.
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 Avoid jerky starts or sudden acceleration.
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 Avoid sudden braking. It may cause loss of control and result in jackknifi ng, especially so
on wet or slippery roads.
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 Shift the shift lever to the D position when towing a trailer in hilly terrain or when heavily
loaded.

The D position will allow operating the vehicle without frequent shifting.
Lane changes and turning
Avoid quick lane changes, sudden turns, and tight turns. Slow down before turning to avoid
the need of sudden braking.
A turning trailer will make a tighter arc than the tow vehicle. Compensate with turns that are
larger than normal.
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