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 do not use engine coolant antifreeze for washer fluid.
- Do not use the parking brake in freezing weather as it may freeze.
Instead, shift to P with an automatic transmission and to 1 or R with a manual transmission. Block the rear wheels.
- 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.
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/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.
Your vehicle is originally equipped with summer tires designed for optimum traction on wet and dry roads. If your vehicle is to be used on snow and ice covered roads, Mazda recommends that you replace the tires originally equipped on your vehicle with snow tires during the winter months.
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 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 rear tires.
Do not use chains on the front tires.
Please consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Installing the chains
1. Secure the chains on the rear 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:
Automatic Transaxle Fluid (ATF)
Inspecting Automatic Transaxle
Fluid Level
The automatic transaxle fluid level should
be inspected regularly. Measure it as
described below.
5AT
CAUTION:
Always check the automatic
transaxle ...
Warning/Indicator Lights
Warning/Indicator lights will appear in any of the highlighted areas
Brake System Warning Light
This warning has the following functions:
Parking brake warning
The light illuminates when t ...
Cruise Control
With cruise control, you can set and
automatically maintain any speed of more
than about 32 km/h (20 mph).
WARNING:
Do not use the cruise control under the
following conditions:
Using the cruise ...