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 perform the following precautions: - Have the proper ratio of antifreeze in the radiator.
Refer to Engine Coolant.
- Inspect the battery and its cables. Cold reduces battery capacity.
- Inspect the ignition system for damage and loose connections.
- Use washer fluid made with antifreeze―but don't use engine coolant antifreeze for washer fluid.
- Don't use the parking brake in freezing weather as the parking brake may freeze. Instead, shift to P and block the rear wheels.
Snow Tires
Use snow tires on all four wheels
Don't go faster than 120 km/h (75 mph) while driving with snow tires. Inflate snow tires 30 kPa (0.3 kgf/cm2, 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.
WARNING:
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.
NOTE:
If your vehicle is equipped with the tire
pressure monitoring system, the system may
not function correctly when using tires with
steel wire reinforcement in the sidewalls.
Tire Chains
Check local regulations before using tire chains.
CAUTION:
Chains may affect handling.
Do not go faster than 50 km/h (30
mph) or the chain manufacturer's
recommended limit, whichever is
lower.
Drive carefully and avoid bumps,
holes, and sharp turns.
Avoid locked-wheel braking.
Do not use chains on a temporary
spare tire; it may result in damage
to the vehicle and to the tire.
Do not use chains on roads that
are free of snow or ice. The tires
and chains could be damaged.
Chains may scratch or chip
aluminum wheels.
NOTE:
If your vehicle is equipped with the tire
pressure monitoring system, the system may
not function correctly when using tire chains.
Install the chains on the front tires.
Do not use chains on the rear tires.
Please consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Installing the chains
1. Secure the chains on the front tires as tightly as possible. Always follow the chain manufacturer's instructions.
2. Retighten the chains after driving 1/2 ―1 km (1/4―1/2 mile).
See also:
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CAUTION:
Hot waxes applied by automatic
car washers have been known to
affect the wiper's ability to clean
windows.
To prevent damage to the wiper
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