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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:
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Have the proper ratio of antifreeze in the radiator.
Refer to Engine Coolant (Search).
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Inspect the battery and its cables. Cold reduces battery capacity.
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Use an engine oil appropriate for the lowest ambient temperatures that the vehicle will be driven in (Search).
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Inspect the ignition system for damage and loose connections.
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Use washer fluid made with antifreeze―but do not use engine coolant antifreeze for washer fluid (Search).
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Remove snow before driving. Snow left on the windshield is dangerous as it could obstruct vision.
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Do not apply excessive force to a window scraper when removing ice or frozen snow on the mirror glass and windshield.
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Never use warm or hot water for removing snow or ice from windows and mirrors as it could result in the glass cracking.
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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/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.
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 to replace them with snow tires during the winter months to further improve traction on snow and ice covered roads.
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.
Check local regulations before using studded tires.
Tire Chains
Check local regulations before using tire chains.
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Chains may affect handling.
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Do not go faster than 50 km/h (30 mph) or the chain manufacturer's recommended limit, whichever is lower.
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Drive carefully and avoid bumps, holes, and sharp turns.
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Avoid locked-wheel braking.
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Do not use chains on a temporary spare tire; it may result in damage to the vehicle and to the tire.
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Do not use chains on roads that are free of snow or ice. The tires and chains could be damaged.
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Chains may scratch or chip aluminum wheels.
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If your vehicle is equipped with the tire pressure monitoring system, the system may not function correctly when using tire chains.
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Use of tire chains on a vehicle equipped with P255/50R20 specification tires could cause interference with the vehicle body and scratching. If tire chains are to be used, replace both front and rear tires with P255/60R18 tires. Please consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Install the chains on the front tires only.
Do not use chains on the rear tires.
Please consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Installing the chains
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Secure the chains on the front tires as tightly as possible.
Always follow the chain manufacturer's instructions.
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Retighten the chains after driving 1/2―1 km (1/4―1/2 mile).
