Emergency Towing

Towing Description

We recommend that towing be done only by an Authorized Mazda Dealer or a commercial tow-truck service.

 

Proper lifting and towing are necessary to prevent damage to the vehicle. Particularly when towing an AWD vehicle, where all the wheels are connected to the drive train, proper transporting of the vehicle is absolutely essential to avoid damaging the drive system. Government and local laws must be followed.

 

A towed 2WD vehicle should have its drive wheels (front wheels) off the ground. If excessive damage or other conditions prevent this, use wheel dollies.

 

When towing a 2WD vehicle with the rear wheels on the ground, release the parking brake.

Refer to Electric Parking Brake (EPB) (Search).

 

A towed AWD vehicle must have all its wheels off the ground.

 


Always tow an AWD vehicle with all four wheels off the ground:

Towing an AWD vehicle with either the front or rear wheels on the ground is dangerous as the drive train could be damaged, or the vehicle could trail away from the tow truck and cause an accident. If the drive train has been damaged, transport the vehicle on a flatbed truck.

 


  • Do not tow the vehicle pointed backward with driving wheels on the ground. This may cause internal damage to the transaxle.

  • Do not tow with sling-type equipment. This could damage your vehicle. Use wheel-lift or flatbed equipment.

  • If the parking brake cannot be released when towing the vehicle, transport the vehicle with all front and rear wheels raised off the ground as shown in the figure. If the vehicle is towed without raising the wheels off the ground, the brake system could be damaged.

Towing Hooks

  1. Remove the towing eyelet and the lug wrench from the luggage compartment (Search).

  2. Wrap a flathead screwdriver or similar tool with a soft cloth to prevent damage to a painted bumper, and open the cap located on the front or rear bumper.

    Front

     

    Rear

     

     


    Do not use excessive force as it may damage the cap or scratch the painted bumper surface.

     


    Remove the cap completely and store it so as not to lose it.

  3. Securely install the towing eyelet using the lug wrench.

    Front

     

    Rear

     

  4. Hook the towing rope to the towing eyelet.

     


    • If the towing eyelet is not securely tightened, it may loosen or disengage from the bumper when towing the vehicle. Make sure that the towing eyelet is securely tightened to the bumper.

    • Be careful not to damage the towing eyelet and towing hook, vehicle body, or transaxle system when towing under the following conditions:

      • Do not tow a vehicle heavier than yours.

      • Do not suddenly accelerate your vehicle as it will apply a severe shock to the towing eyelet and towing hook or rope.

      • Do not attach any rope other than to the towing eyelet and towing hook.

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