Driving Tips
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.
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).
Driving In Flooded Area
Dry off brakes that have become wet by driving slowly, releasing the accelerator pedal and lightly applying the brakes several times until the brake performance returns to normal:
Driving with wet brakes is dangerous. Increased stopping distance or the vehicle pulling to one side when braking could result in a serious accident. Light braking will indicate whether the brakes have been affected.
Do not drive the vehicle on flooded roads as it could cause short circuiting of electrical/electronic parts, or engine damage or stalling from water absorption. If the vehicle has been immersed in water, consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Turbocharger Information
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After driving at freeway speeds or up a long hill, trailer towing for a long time, idle the engine at least 30 seconds before stopping it. Otherwise, the turbocharger could be damaged.
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Racing or over-revving the engine, particularly after it's just been started, can damage the turbocharger.
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To protect the engine from damage, the engine is designed so that it cannot be raced just after starting it in extremely cold weather.
The turbocharger greatly enhances engine power. Its advanced design provides improved operation and requires minimum maintenance.
To get the most from it, observe the following.
