Driving Tips

Saving Fuel and Protection of the Environment

Saving Fuel and Protection of the Environment

How you operate your Mazda determines how far it will travel on a tank of fuel. Use these suggestions to help save fuel and reduce CO2.

  • Avoid long warm-ups. Once the engine runs smoothly, begin driving.

  • Avoid fast starts.

  • Drive at lower speeds.

  • Anticipate when to apply the brakes (avoid sudden braking).

  • Follow the maintenance schedule (Search) and have an Authorized Mazda Dealer perform inspections and servicing.

  • Use the air conditioner only when necessary.

  • Slow down on rough roads.

  • Keep the tires properly inflated.

  • Do not carry unnecessary weight.

  • Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal while driving.

  • Keep the wheels in correct alignment.

  • Keep windows closed at high speeds.

  • Slow down when driving in crosswinds and headwinds.

 

Never stop the engine when going down a hill:

Stopping the engine when going down a hill is dangerous. This causes the loss of power steering and power brake control, and may cause damage to the drivetrain. Any loss of steering or braking control could cause an accident.

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Hazardous Driving

Hazardous Driving

 

Be extremely careful if it is necessary to downshift on slippery surfaces:

Downshifting into lower gear while driving on slippery surfaces is dangerous. The sudden change in tire speed could cause the tires to skid. This could lead to loss of vehicle control and an accident.

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When driving on ice or in water, snow, mud, sand, or similar hazards:

  • Be cautious and allow extra distance for braking.

  • Avoid sudden braking and sudden maneuvering.

  • Do not pump the brakes. Continue to press down on the brake pedal.

    Refer to Antilock Brake System (ABS) (Search).

  • If you get stuck, select a lower gear and accelerate slowly. Do not spin the front wheels.

  • For more traction in starting on slippery surfaces such as ice or packed snow, use sand, rock salt, chains, carpeting, or other nonslip material under the front wheels.

 

Use snow chains only on the front wheels.

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Winter Driving

Tire Chains

Check local regulations before using tire chains.

 

  • 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.

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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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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

  1. If your vehicle is equipped with wheel covers remove them, otherwise the chain bands will scratch them.

  2. Secure the chains on the front tires as tightly as possible.

    Always follow the chain manufacturer's instructions.

  3. Retighten the chains after driving 1/2―1 km (1/4―1/2 mile).

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