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 transaxle and to 1 or R with a manual transaxle. Block the rear wheels.
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 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.
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 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.
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 front tires.
Do not use chains on the rear tires.
Use only genuine Mazda tire chains.
Please consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Installing the chains
1. Remove the wheel covers, or 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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