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:

    Cargo & Towing
    If it's not carrying six occupants, the Mazda5's measly cargo area can be expanded to 44 cubic feet by folding the third-row seat down. Fold the second- and third-row seats and there's 70.9 cubic ...

    Driving on Uneven Road
    Your vehicle's suspension and underbody can be damaged if driven on rough/uneven roads or over speed bumps at excessive speeds. Use care and reduce speed when traveling on rough/uneven roads or ...

    Manual Transaxle Operation
    Manual Transaxle Shift Pattern The vehicle is equipped with either a 5- speed or 6-speed manual transaxle. The shift pattern for each is shown above. Depress the clutch pedal all the way down w ...