Winter Driving

It is recommended to carry an emergency kit including tire chains, an ice scraper, road flares, a small shovel, jumper cables for the battery, and a bag of sand or salt.

Have an authorized Mazda dealer perform the following precautions:

• Make sure the radiator contains a correct antifreeze mixture.

  Refer to Engine Coolant on page 6-23.

• Check the battery and cables. Cold temperatures reduce battery capacity.
• Use an engine oil suitable for the lowest ambient temperatures the vehicle will be driven in (page 6-21).
• Inspect the ignition system for damage or poor connections.
• Use windshield washer antifreeze fluid. Never use engine coolant antifreeze (page 6-27).
• In very cold weather, do not use the parking brake as it may freeze. With an automatic transmission, place the selector lever in P, or with a manual transmission, engage first (1) or reverse (R) gear. Chock the rear wheels.
• Snow left on the windshield is dangerous because it may obstruct visibility. Remove the snow before driving.
• Do not apply excessive force with the ice scraper when removing ice or frozen snow adhering to the glass of the mirror or windshield.
• Never use lukewarm or hot water to remove snow or ice adhering to windows and mirrors, as the glass may crack.
• Brake effectiveness may be adversely affected if snow or ice adheres to the brake system. In this case, drive the vehicle at low speed, releasing the accelerator pedal and lightly applying the brakes repeatedly until braking returns to normal.

Snow Tires

Use snow tires on all four wheels

Do not exceed 120 km/h when driving on snow tires. Inflate snow tires to 30 kPa (0.3 kgf/cm2, 4.3 psi) more than the pressure shown on the tire placard (driver's door frame), but never exceed the maximum cold tire pressure shown on the tire sidewall.

This vehicle is factory-equipped with all-season radial tires designed for year-round use. Under certain conditions it may be necessary to replace them with snow tires during the winter months to improve traction on snow-covered or icy roads.

WARNING

Use only tires of the same size and type (snow, radial, or non-radial) on all four wheels:

Using tires of a different size or type is dangerous. Vehicle handling may be affected and an accident may result.

WARNING

Check local regulations before using studded tires.

Snow Chains

Check local regulations before using chains.

WARNING

• Chains may affect driving.
• Do not exceed 50 km/h or the maximum speed recommended by the chain manufacturer, whichever is lower.
• Drive carefully and avoid bumps, holes, and sharp turns.
• Avoid locking the wheels when braking.
• Do not fit chains on the temporary-use spare tire; this may cause damage to the vehicle and the wheel.
• Do not use chains on roads that are not covered with snow or ice. Otherwise, the tires and chains may be damaged.
• Chains may scratch or damage aluminum wheels.

NOTE

The tire pressure monitoring system may not operate properly when snow chains are used.

Install chains on the front wheels only.

Do not use chains on the rear wheels.

Consult an authorized Mazda dealer.

Installing Chains

1. 1
   Secure the chains on the front wheels, as tight as possible.

   Always follow the instructions provided by the chain manufacturer.

2. 2
   Drive 0.5 to 1 km (1/4 to 1/2 mile) and retighten the chains.