Winter Driving

l Carry emergency gear, 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.

- Use only cold-weather engine oil.

- 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.

Tire Chains

This vehicle cannot be operated with tire chains because it could cause interference with the vehicle body and scratching.

    See also:

    Starting the Engine
    NOTE: Engine-starting is controlled by the spark ignition system. This system meets all Canadian Interference- Causing Equipment Standard requirements regulating the impulse electrical field stre ...

    Engine Coolant
    Inspecting Coolant Level WARNING. Do not use a match or live flame in the engine compartment. DO NOT ADD COOLANT WHEN THE ENGINE IS HOT: A hot engine is dangerous. If the engine has been running ...

    Floor Mat
    WARNING: Make sure the floor mats are hooked on the retention pins to prevent them from bunching up under the foot pedals: Using a floor mat that is not secured is dangerous as it will interfere ...