Winter driving

Carry tire chains, an ice scraper, a warning lamp, a small shovel, jumper cables, and a small bag of sand or salt.

Ask a specialist workshop (we recommend an Authorized Mazda Service Center) to perform the following:

• Check the level and freezing point of the coolant in the radiator.

See the "Engine Coolant" section on page 6-29.

Check the battery condition and its connections. Low temperatures significantly reduce battery performance.

Use engine oil suitable for the lowest ambient temperatures in which the vehicle will be operated (page 6-23).

Check the ignition system for damage or loose connections.

Use winter windshield washer fluid.

Do not use engine coolant as windshield washer fluid (page 6-32).

CAUTION

• Do not use the parking brake in low temperatures, as it may freeze. Instead, place the automatic transmission selector lever in P, or engage first or reverse gear in a manual transmission.

  Chock the rear wheels.

• Before driving, remove snow from the windshield. Snow left on the front windshield endangers safety, as it may reduce your view of the road.

• Do not use excessive force when removing ice from the windows and mirrors.

• Do not use boiling or warm water to remove ice from the windows and mirrors, as this may cause the glass to crack.

• Drive slowly. Snow or ice adhering to the brake system may adversely affect its performance. If this occurs, drive slowly, releasing the accelerator pedal and gently pressing the brake pedal several times until the system returns to normal operation.

Winter tires

WARNING

Always use tires of the same size and type (winter, radial, or non-radial) on all four wheels: Using tires of different sizes and types endangers safety. It may cause loss of control of the vehicle and even lead to an accident.

CAUTION

Check local regulations before using studded tires.

Use winter tires on all four wheels

Do not exceed the maximum speed permitted for winter tires or the speed limit set by law.

Europe

Before fitting winter tires, select the correct size and pressure for them (page 9-10).

Snow chains

Check local regulations before using tire chains.

CAUTION

• Chains may affect the vehicle's handling on the road.
• Do not exceed 50 km/h or the speed recommended by the chain manufacturer, whichever is lower.
• Drive carefully and avoid bumps, potholes and sudden steering inputs.
• Avoid braking with the wheels locked.
• Do not fit snow chains to the temporary-use spare wheel; this may cause damage to the vehicle and the tire.
• Do not use snow chains on roads where there is no snow or ice.

Tires and chains may be damaged

Chains may scratch or chip the paint on aluminum wheels.

CAUTION

Fitting chains to a vehicle equipped with 185/60R16 tires may cause the chains to contact the body and damage it. If chains must be used, replace both the front and rear wheels with the original 15-inch wheels and 185/65R15 tires, and only then fit the original chains to the wheels. Consult a specialist service; we recommend a Mazda Authorized Service Center.

If your vehicle is equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system, the system may not operate correctly while snow chains are in use.

Fit chains to the front wheels only.

Do not use chains on the rear wheels.

Selecting snow chains (Europe)

Mazda recommends hexagonal-pattern snow chains with steel links.

Select the correct type that matches the size of your tire.

CAUTION

Although Mazda recommends hexagonal-pattern snow chains with steel links, all chains may be used within the range specified in the fitting specifications.

Fitting specifications (Europe)

When fitting snow chains, the clearance between the tire tread and the chain must be within the limits shown in the table below.

Fitting snow chains

1. If your vehicle has wheel covers, remove them. Otherwise the chains will scratch them.

2. Fasten the chains on the front wheels as tightly as possible.

Always follow the chain manufacturer's instructions.

3. Check the chain fastening again after driving 1/2 - 1 km.