Winter Driving
Carry emergency gear, including tire
chains, window scraper, flares, a small
shovel, jumper cables, and a small bag of
sand or salt.
Ask an Authorized Maz da Dealer to check
the following:
•Have the proper ratio of antifreeze in the
radiator.
Refer to Engine Coolant on page 6-27.
•Inspect the ba ttery and its cables. Cold
reduces battery capacity.
•Use an engine oil appropriate for the
lowest ambient temperatures that the
vehicle will be driven in (page 6-25).
•Inspect the ignition system for damage
and loose connections.
•Use washer fluid made with
antifreeze―but do not use engine
coolant antifreeze for washer fluid (page
6-29).
NOTE
•Remove snow before driving. Snow left
on the windshield is dangerous as it
could obstruct vision.
•Do not apply excessive force to a
window scraper when removing ice or
frozen snow on the mirror glass and
windshield.
•Never use warm or hot water for
removing snow or ice from windows and
mirrors as it could result in the glass
cracking.
•Drive slowly. Braking performance can
be adversely affected if snow or ice
adheres to the brake components. If this
situation occurs, drive the vehicle
slowly, releasing the accelerator pedal
and lightly applying the brakes several
times until the brake performance
returns to normal.
▼ Snow Tires
Use snow tires on all four wheels
Do not go faster than 120 km/h (75 mph)
while driving with snow tires. Inflate snow
tires 30 kPa (0.3 kgf/cm
2, 4.3 psi) more
than recommended on the tire pressure
label (driver's door frame), but never more
than the maximum cold-tire pressure
shown on the tires.
The vehicle is origina lly equipped with all
season radials designed to be used all year
around. In some extreme climates you
may find it necessary to replace them with
snow tires during the winter months to
further improve traction on snow and ice
covered roads.
WA R N I N G
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.
Before Driving
Driving Tips
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Driving In Flooded Area
WA R N I N G
Dry off brakes that have become wet by
driving slowly, releasing the accelerator
pedal and lightly applying the brakes
several times until the 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
Do not drive the vehicle on flooded roads
as it could cause short circuiting of
electrical/electronic parts, or engine
damage or stalling from water absorption.
If the vehicle has been immersed in water,
consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Overloading
WA R N I N G
Be careful not to overload your vehicle:
The gross axle weight rating (GAWR) and
the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of
the 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 the load by
weighing the items (or people) before
putting them in the vehicle.
Before Driving
Driving Tips
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Turbocharger Information
CAUTION
After driving at freeway speeds or up a long h ill, idle the engine at least 30 seconds before
stopping it. Otherwise, the turbocharger could be damaged.
Racing or over-revving the engine, particularly after it's just been started, can damage the
turbocharger.
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 filter according to Scheduled Maintenan ce (page 6-4).
2. Use only recommended engine oil (page 6-25). Extra additives are NOT recommended.
Before Driving
Driving Tips
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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 w ill affect handling, braking,
durability, performance , and fuel economy.
Never overload your vehicle or trailer. Consult an Authorized M azda Dealer if you need
further details.
CAUTION
Do not tow a trailer during the first 1,000 km (6 00 miles) of your new Mazda. If you do, you
may damage the engine, transaxle, differenti al, wheel bearings, and other power-train
components.
NOTE
Your vehicle is equipped with a Trailer St ability 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 l oad, and trailer tongue load mus t be within the
prescribed limits.
•The total trailer weight (TTW) i s the sum of the weights of the trailer load (trailer
weight plus cargo), trailer hitc h, 2 passengers, and vehicle load (baggage, food, camp
gear, etc.). Never allow the total trailer weight (TTW) to exceed specifications in the
Trailer Towing-Load Table.
•The maximum GCWR is the combinat ion weight of the trailer and load plus the
towing vehicle (includ ing trailer hitch, vehicle passengers, and load). It must not
exceed specifications in the load table.
GAWR and GVWR
Do not exceed front and rear GAWR (gross axle weight rating) an d GVWR (gross vehicle
weight rating). If you do, vehicle handling, braking, and perfo rmance will be affected. These
values are also on the Motor Vehi cle Safety Certification Label posted on the driver's door
frame.
Before Driving
To w i n g
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High-altitude operation
CAUTION
Be aware of the towing load weight differences 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 ot her 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. FRON-
TA L A R E A
2.97 m2 (32 ft2)
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)
TRAIL-
ER-TONGUE
LOAD Tongue load
Tongue load/Trailer load × 100 = 10 % to 15 %
Trailer load
DISTRIBU-
TION OF
TRAILER
LOADFront 60 %
Rear 40 %
Before Driving
To w i n g
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Driving
•Your Mazda will handle differently with a trailer in tow, so practice turning, backing, and
stopping in a traffic-free area.
•Take time to get accustomed to the extra weight and length.
•Allow more room between your vehicle and the one in front becau se braking distance
increases with a trailer. For eac h 16 km/h (10 mph) of speed, a llow at least one vehicle
and trailer length between your Mazda and the vehicle ahead.
•Avoid jerky starts or sudden acceleration.
•Avoid sudden braking. It may cau se loss of control and result in jackknifing, especially so
on wet or slippery roads.
•Shift the selector lever to the D position when towing a traile r in hilly terrain or when
heavily loaded.
The D position will allow opera ting the vehicle without frequen t shifting.
Lane changes and turning
Avoid quick lane changes, sudden turns, and tight turns. Slow d own before turning to avoid
the need of sudden braking.
A turning trailer will make a tigh ter arc than the tow vehicle. Compensate with turns that are
larger than normal.
Passing
Plan well ahead to pass other vehicles, and provide plenty of r oom before changing lanes.
Crosswinds from passing vehicles, especially larger ones, and t he effects of rough roads will
affect handling.
If swaying occurs, fir mly grip the steering wheel and reduce speed immediately, but
gradually.
Steer straight ahead. If no extreme correction of steering or b raking is made, the
combination of less speed and firm steering will result in stab ility.
Backing up
Backing a vehicle with a trailer requires practice and patience . Back slowly, and have a
helper outside at the rear of th e trailer to reduce the risk of an accident.
To turn the trailer, place your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel and turn it in the
direction you want the trailer to go. Make only slight movements to prevent sharp or
prolonged turning.
Ascending a hill
Shift into a lower gear to reduce the possibility of overloadin g or overheating the engine, or
both.
Before Driving
To w i n g
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Descending a hill
Shift into a lower gear and use engine compression as a braking effect.
WA R N I N G
Always use lower gears to reduce speed:
Holding the brake pedal down too long or too frequently is dangerous as it could cause the
brakes to overheat and lose power, resulting in loss of control and a serious accident. Use
lower gears to help reduce speed. Pull off the road and allow brakes to cool down whenever
braking performance feels reduced.
Overheated engine
The extra weight of the trailer may strain the engine on hot days and on long or steep
upgrades.
If the temperature gauge indicates overheating, turn off the ai r conditioner, drive safely to
the side of the road, park off the right-of-way and wait for en gine to cool. Refer to
Overheating on page 7-25.
Parking
Always make sure the tires of the trailer and the tow vehicle a re blocked while parked.
Apply the parking brake firmly and put the transaxle in P.
Avoid parking on an incline, but if you must, follow these instructions:
1. Depress and hold down the brake pedal.
2. Have a helper put wheel blocks against the downhill side of a ll vehicle and trailer tires.
3. Then release the brake pedal slowly until the blocks bear the load.
•If the grade is downhill, turn the steering wheel so that the front of the front tires face
the curb.
•If it is uphill, face the rear of the front tires against the curb.
4. Firmly apply t he parking brake.
5. Shift the transaxle into P, and stop the engine.
To restart after parking on an incline:
1. With the transaxle in P, start the engine. (Be sure to depres s and hold the brake pedal.)
2. Shift into gear.
3. Release the parking brake (also the foot brake) and pull away from the wheel blocks.
Stop; apply the parking brake and shift into P.
4. Have a helper retrieve the wheel blocks.
Before Driving
To w i n g
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4When Driving
Information concerning safe driving and stopping.
Start/Stop Engine.............................. 4-4 Ignition Switch........ ..................... 4-4
Starting the Engine....................... 4-5
Turning the Engine Off...............4-10
Instrument Cluster and Display............
........................................................... 4-12 Meters and Gauges..................... 4-12
Multi-information Display and INFO
Switch
*....................................... 4-20
Active Driving Display
*............. 4-28
Warning/Indicator Lights............4-31
Automatic Transaxle....................... 4-40 Automatic Transaxle
Controls...................................... 4-40
Shift-Lock System...................... 4-41
Transaxle Ranges........................4-41
Manual Shift Mode..................... 4-43
Driving Tips................................4-48
Switches and Controls..................... 4-49
Lighting Control......................... 4-49
Fog Lights
*................................. 4-54
Turn and Lane-Change
Signals........................................ 4-54
Windshield Wipers and
Washer........................................ 4-55
Rear Window Wiper and
Washer........................................ 4-59
Rear Window Defogg er.............. 4-59
Horn............................................ 4-61
Hazard Warning Flasher............. 4-61
HomeLink Wireless Control
System
*.......................................4-62
Brake................................................ 4-66 Brake System.............................. 4-66
Hill Launch Assist (HLA).......... 4-70
ABS/TCS/DSC/Trailer Stability Assist
(TSA)................................................ 4-72 Antilock Brake System
(ABS)..........................................4-72
Traction Control System
(TCS).......................................... 4-73
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)..........................................4-75
Trailer Stability Assist (TSA)..... 4-76
Fuel Economy Monitor................... 4-77 Fuel Economy Monito r...............4-77
Drive Selection................................. 4-79 Drive Selection........................... 4-79
*Some models.4-1
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