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 6-22.
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 6-20).
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
6-24).
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 4 wheels
Do not go faster than 120 km/h (75 mph)
while driving with sno
w 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 c old-tire pressure
shown on the tires.
The vehicle is originally equipped with all
season radials designed to be used all year
around. In some extreme climates you
may find it necessary t o 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 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.
Before Driving
Driving Tips
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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
Make all hitch adjustments with actual loads. Do not load and unload vehicle while
adjusting hitch. This action wi ll change the vehicle height.
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 inflated to the recommended cold-tire
pressure, as indicated on the ti re pressure chart on the driver's door frame. Trailer tire size,
load rating, and inflation pressures should conform to tire man ufacturer specifications.
WA R N I N G
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.
▼ Safety Chains
Safety chains must be used as a precautionary measure should th
e 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 publ ished by your trailer or hitch
manufacturer for more details.
WA R N I N G
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.
Before Driving
To w i n g
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Dynamic Stability Control(DSC)
The Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
automatically controls braking and engine
torque in conjunction with systems such as
ABS and TCS to help control side slip
when driving on slippery surfaces, or
during sudden or evasive maneuvering,
enhancing vehicle safety.
Refer to ABS (page 4 -90) and TCS (page
4-91).
DSC operation is possible at speeds
greater than 20 km/h (12 mph).
The warning light turns on when the
system has a malfunction.
Contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer and
Have Vehicle Inspected on page 7-31.
WARNING
Do not rely on the Dynamic Stability
Control as a substitute for safe driving:
The Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
cannot compensate for unsafe and reckless
driving, excessive speed, tailgating
(following another vehicle too closely), and
hydroplaning (reduced tire friction and
road contact because of water on the road
surface). You can still have an accident.
CAUTION
The DSC may not operate correctly
unless the following are observed:
Use tires of the correct size
specified for
your Mazda on all 4 wheels.
Use tires of the same manufacturer,
brand and tread pattern on all 4
wheels.
Do not mix worn tires.
The DSC may not operate correctly when
tire chains are used or a temporary spare
tire is installed because the tire diameter
changes.
▼ TCS/DSC Indicator Light
This indicator light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition is switched ON.
If the TCS, DSC or the Trailer Stability
Control (TSC) is ope
rating, the indicator
light flashes.
If the light stays on, the TCS, DSC or the
brake assist system may have a
malfunction and they may not operate
correctly. Take your vehicle to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC/Trailer Stability Control (TSC)/Off-Road Traction A ssist
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Trailer Stability Control(TSC)
If the vehicle sways while being driven
and towing a trailer, the Trailer Stability
Control (TSC) automatically controls
braking and engine torque to suppress the
swaying and enhance vehicle stability.
The Trailer Stabili ty Control (TSC) is
operable at a vehicle speed of about 65
km/h (40 mph) or more.
When the Trailer Sta bility Control (TSC)
operates while driving the vehicle, the
TCS/DSC indicator light flashes.
Refer to TCS/DSC Indicator Light on page
4-93.
WA R N I N G
Do not rely solely on the Trailer Stability
Control (TSC)
Assured vehicle stability is limited even if
the Trailer Stability Control (TSC) is
operating. Drive carefully to prevent
accidents.
In particular, if the TCS/DSC indicator light
is flashing, drive the vehicle carefully as it is
in a less stable condition and could sway
more easily. Drive with caution and in
accordance with the road, vehicle and
trailer conditions.
CAUTION
The Trailer Stability Control (TSC) may
not operate correctly unless the
following are observed:
Use tires of the correct size specified for
your Mazda on all four wheels.
Use tires of the same manufacturer,
brand and tread pattern on all four
wheels.
Do not mix worn tires.
The Trailer Stability Control (TSC) may
not operate correctly when tire chains
are used or a temp orary spare tire is
installed because the tire diameter
changes.
NOTE
The Trailer Stability Control (TSC) uses
the TCS/DSC functions. The Trailer
Stability Control (TSC) does not operate
if there is a malfunction in the TCS/DSC
(the TCS/DSC indicator light turns on).
When the Trailer Stability Control (TSC)
is operating, the brake lights may turn
on.
For information regarding trailer
towing, refer to Trailer Towing (U.S.A.
and Canada) on page 3-55.
When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC/Trailer Stability Co ntrol (TSC)/Off-Road Traction Assist
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Off-Road Traction Assist*
When the vehicle tires become embedded
in mud, sand, or deep snow, the Off-Road
Traction Assist functions to prevent
drive-wheel spinning and to assist in
freeing tires that are stuck.
Do not drive over rough rocky roads and
river beds.
WARNING
Do not rely completely on the Off-Road
Traction Assist.
The Off-Road Traction Assist has
limitations. Always drive the vehicle safely
according to the road conditions. Do not
drive the vehicle recklessly, otherwise it
may result in an accident. In addition, do
not drive the vehicle under the following
conditions while the Off-Road Traction
Assist is operating. Otherwise, it could
negatively affect the drivetrain parts which
could result in an accident.
Vehicle is driven on paved roads.
Temporary spare tire or tires of a
different specified size are used.
Tire chains are used.
CAUTION
The Off-Road Traction Assist is a function
to assist in freeing tires that are stuck.
When it is not necessary to use this
function, avoid driving the vehicle
continuously with the Off-Road Traction
Assist on.
(Vehicle equipped with Type A/ B
instrument cluster)
If the vehicle is driven continuously with
the Off-Road Traction Assist on, the AWD
warning indication may be displayed.
(Vehicle equipped with Type C instrument
cluster)
If the vehicle is driven continuously with
the Off-Road Traction Assist on, the AWD
warning light may flash.
Refer to If a Warning Light Turns On or
Flashes on page 7-28.
NOTE
The vehicle may vibrate or you might hear
an operation sound while the Off-Road
Traction Assist is operating or is
operational, however, this does not
indicate a problem.
▼ Off-Road Traction Assist Indicator
Light
When the ignition
is switched ON, the
indicator light turns on and then turns
off after a few seconds.
When pressing the Off-Road Traction
Assist switch to operate the Off-Road
Traction Assist, the indicator light turns
on.
A problem in the system might be
indicated under the following
conditions. Have your vehicle inspected
by an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
The indicator light does not turn on
when the ignition is switched ON or it
remains on.
The indicator light turns on even
though the Off-Road Traction Assist
was not operated.
When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC/Trailer Stability Control (TSC)/Off-Road Traction A ssist
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i-ACTIV AWD Operation*
AWD provides excellent drivability on
snow-covered and ice-packed roads, sand
and mud, as well as on steep slopes and
other slippery surfaces.
A system malfunction or operation
conditions are indicated by a warning.
Contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer and
Have Vehicle Inspected on page 7-31.
WARNING
Never spin a wheel that is off the ground:
Spinning a wheel that is off the ground as a
result of the vehicle being stuck or in a
ditch is dangerous. The drive assembly
could be seriously damaged which could
lead to an accident or could even lead to
overheating, oil leakage, and a fire.
▼ AWD Driving
WARNING
Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed and
abrupt maneuvers when driving this
vehicle:
Sharp turns, excessive speed and abrupt
maneuvering of this vehicle is dangerous
as it could result in the increased risk of loss
of vehicle control, vehicle roll-over,
personal injury or death.
This vehicle has a higher center of gravity.
Vehicles with a higher center of gravity
such as utility and AWD vehicles handle
differently
than vehicles with a lower center
of gravity.
Utility and AWD vehicles are not designed
for cornering at high speeds any more than
low profile sports cars are designed to
perform satisfactorily under off-road
conditions. In addition, utility vehicles have
a significantly higher rollover rate than
other types of vehicles.
Drive carefully when the vehicle is loaded
by lowering vehicle speed and applying the
brakes earlier:
Abrupt maneuvering and sudden braking
when driving a loaded vehicle is dangerous
as the driving behavior of a vehicle with a
high center of gravity is different when it is
loaded compared to when it is not, and
could result in the loss of vehicle control
and an accident.
▼ Tires and Tire Chains
The condition of the ti
res plays a large role
in the performance of the vehicle.
Moreover, to prevent adverse effects to the
drive assembly, please note the following:
Tires
When replacing tires, always replace all
front and rear tires at the same time.
All tires must be of the same size,
manufacture, brand and tread pattern.
Pay particular attention when equipping
snow or other types of winter tires.
Do not mix tread-worn tires with normal
tires.
Inspect tire inflation pressures at the
specified periods adjust to the specified
pressures.
NOTE
Check the tire inflation pressure label
attached to driver's door frame for the
correct tire inflation pressure.
When Driving
i-ACTIV AWD
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Make sure to equip the vehicle with
genuine tires of the specified size, on all
wheels. With AWD, the system is
calibrated for all 4 wheels being of the
same dimensions.
Tire chains
Install tire chains to the front tires.
Do not use tire chains on the rear
wheels.
Do not drive the vehicle faster than 30
km/h (19 mph) with the tire chains
installed.
Do not drive the vehicle with tire chains
on road conditions other than snow or
ice.
▼ To w i n g
If the vehicle requ
ires towing, have it
towed with all 4 wheel s completely off the
ground.
Refer to Towing De scription on page
7-25.
When Driving
i-ACTIV AWD
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Driving on roads with tight curves.
Driving under bad weather conditions (rain, fog, and snow).
Slippery roads such as ice or snow-bound roads.
Roads with heavy traffic and insufficient distance between vehicles.
Roads with no white (yellow) lane lines.
Narrow roads resulting from road construction or lane closures.
The vehicle is driven on a temporary lane or section with a closed lane resulting from road
construction where there may be multiple white (yellow) lane lines or they are interrupted.
Vehicle is driven on roads oth er than expressways and highways.
The tire pressures are not adjusted to the
specified pressure.
The vehicle is being used to tow a camper or boat trailer.
Tires of a
different
specified size are used, such as an emergency spare tire.
CAUTION
Heed the following cautions so that the LAS & LDWS can operate normally.
Do not modify the suspensions.
Always use wheels of the specified type and size for the front and rear wheels. Consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer for tire replacement.
NOTE
When the turn signal lever is operated for a lane change, the LAS & LDWS is
automatically disabled. The LAS & LDWS becomes operational again when the turn
signal lever is returned and the system detects white (yellow) lane lines while the vehicle
is being driven normally within its vehicle lane.
If the steering wheel, accelerator pedal, or brake pedal is operated abruptly and the
vehicle moves close to a white (yellow) line, the system de termines that the driver is
making a lane change and the LAS & LDWS operation is temporarily canceled. The LAS
& LDWS becomes operational again when the system detects white (yellow) lane lines
while the vehicle is being driven normally within its vehicle lane.
If the vehicle deviates from its lane repeatedly within a short period of time, the LAS &
LDWS may not operate.
When white (yellow) lane lines are not detected, the LAS & LDWS does not operate.
Under the following conditions, the LAS & LDWS may not be able to detect white (yellow)
lane lines correctly and it may not operate normally.
If an object placed on the dashboard is reflected in the windshield and picked up by the
camera.
Heavy luggage is loaded in the luggage compartment or on the rear seat and the
vehicle is tilted.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
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