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 Mazda Dealer to check
the following:
Have the proper ratio of antifreeze in the
radiator.
Refer to Engine Coolant on page 6-24.
Inspect the battery 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 6-22).
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
6-26).
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
WA R N I N G
Use only the same size and type tires (snow,
radial, or non-radial) on all 4 wheels:
Using tires
different in size or type is
dangerous. Your vehi cle's handling could
be greatly affected and result in an
accident.
CAUTION
Check local regulations before using
studded tires.
NOTE
The tire pressure monitoring system may
not function correctly when using tires
with steel wire reinforcement in the
sidewalls (page 4-218).
Use snow tires on all 4 wheels
Do not exceed the maximum permissible
speed for your snow tires or legal speed
limits.
▼ Tire Chains
Check local regulations before using tire
chains.
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 hill, trailer towing for a long time, idle the
engine at least 30 seconds before stoppi ng 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 accordi ng to Scheduled Maintenance (page 6-4).
2. Use only recommended engine oil (page 6-22). 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 will affect handling, braking,
durability, performance, and fuel economy.
Never overload your vehicle or trailer. Cons ult an Authorized Mazda Dealer if you need
further details.
CAUTION
Do not 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.
NOTE
When towing, use of gasoline with a octane rating of 91 or higher is recommended.
Your vehicle is equipped with a Trailer Stability Control (TSC) mechanism, which
enhances vehicle stability when towing a trailer.
Refer to Trailer Stability Control (TSC) on page 4-103.
▼ We i g h t L i m i t s
TTW and GCWR
The total trailer weight (
TTW), gross combination weight rating (GCWR), gross axle
weight rating (GAWR), trailer load, and tr ailer tongue load must be within the
prescribed limits.
The total trailer weight (TTW ) is the sum of the weights of the trailer load (trailer
weight plus cargo), trailer hitch, 2 passen gers, and vehicle load (baggage, food, camp
gear, etc.). Never allow the to tal trailer weight (TTW) to exceed specifications in the
Trailer Towing-Load Table.
The maximum GCWR is the combination weig ht of the trailer and load plus the
towing vehicle (including tr ailer 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) and GVWR (gross vehicle
weight rating). If you do, vehicle handling, brak ing, and performance will be affected. These
values are also on the Motor Vehicle 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 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
FWD 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 1,225 kg (2,701 lb) 1,250 kg (2,756 lb)
Rear 1,383 kg (3,049 lb) 1,427 kg (3,146 lb)
MAX. GVWR
2,572 kg (5,670 lb) 2,641 kg (5,822 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
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Avoid jerky starts or sudden acceleration.
Avoid sudden braking. It may cause loss of control and result in jackknifing, especially so
on wet or slippery roads.
Shift the selector lever to the D position wh en towing a trailer in hilly terrain or when
heavily loaded.
The D position will allow operating th e 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 th e tow vehicle. Compensate with turns that are
larger than normal.
Passing
Plan well ahead to pass other vehicles, and provide plenty of room before changing lanes.
Crosswinds from passing vehicles, especially larger ones, and the effects of rough roads will
affect handling.
If swaying occurs, firmly grip the steering wheel and reduce speed immediately, but
gradually.
Steer straight ahead. If no extreme correc tion of steering or braking is made, the
combination of less speed and firm steering will result in stability.
Backing up
Backing a vehicle with a trailer requires practice and patience. Back slowly, and have a
helper outside at the rear of the trailer to reduce the risk of an accident.
To turn the trailer, place your hand at the bott om 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 redu ce the possibility of overloading or overheating the engine, or
both.
Descending a hill
Shift into a lower gear and use engine compression as a braking effect.
Before Driving
To w i n g
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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 air conditioner, drive safely to
the side of the road, park off the right-of- way and wait for engine to cool. Refer to
Overheating on page 7-23.
Parking
Always make sure the tires of the trailer and the tow vehicle are 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 all 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 the 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 depress 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.
Fuel consumption
Trailer towing causes higher fuel consumption.
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....................... 4-6
Turning the Engine Off...............4-10
Instrument Cluster and Display ............
........................................................... 4-12 Instrument Cluster and
Display........................................4-12
Instrument Cluster (Type A)....... 4-13
Instrument Cluster (Type B)....... 4-30
Instrument Cluster (Type C)....... 4-45
Active Driving Display
*............. 4-56
Automatic Transaxle....................... 4-59 Automatic Transaxle
Controls...................................... 4-59
Shift-Lock System...................... 4-60
Transaxle Ranges........................4-60
Manual Shift Mode..................... 4-62
Driving Tips................................4-67
Switches and Controls..................... 4-68
Lighting Control......................... 4-68
Fog Lights
*................................. 4-73
Turn and Lane-Change
Signals........................................ 4-73
Windshield Wipers and
Washer........................................ 4-74
Rear Window Wiper and
Washer........................................ 4-78
Rear Window Defogg er.............. 4-78
Horn............................................ 4-80
Hazard Warning Flasher............. 4-80
HomeLink Wireless Control System
(Type A)
*.................................... 4-81
HomeLink Wireless Control System
(Type B)...................................... 4-84
Brake................................................ 4-89 Brake System.............................. 4-89
AUTOHOLD.............................. 4-93
Hill Launch Assist (HLA).......... 4-97
ABS/TCS/DSC/Trailer Stability
Control (TSC)/Off-Road Traction
Assist................................................. 4-99 Antilock Brake System
(ABS)..........................................4-99
Traction Control System
(TCS)........................................ 4-100
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)........................................4-102
Trailer Stability Control
(TSC)........................................ 4-103
Off-Road Traction Assist
*........ 4-104
*Some models.4-1
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