Towing

Towing Caravans and Trailers

Your Mazda was designed and built primarily to carry passengers and cargo.

If you tow a trailer, follow these instructions because driver and passenger safety depends on proper equipment and safe driving habits. Towing a trailer will affect handling, braking, durability, performance, and economy.

Never overload vehicle or trailer. Consult an expert repairer (we recommend an Authorised Mazda Repairer) if you need further details.

Towing a trailer during the first 1,000 km (600 miles) of your new Mazda is not recommended. If you do, you may damage the power train components.

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When towing a trailer, do not use the following safety systems (If a Mazda genuine trailer hitch is used, these systems are automatically turned off):
- Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
- Smart Brake Support [Rear] (SBS-R)
- Smart Brake Support [Rear Crossing] (SBS-RC)
- Parking Sensor System (Rear)

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Load Limits

Be aware of the towing load weight differences when towing at high altitudes. For altitudes exceeding 1,000 m, always reduce the towing load by 10% for every 1,000 m increase in altitude from the total weight (gross vehicle weight and load limit). If the determined maximum total towing load weight is exceeded, the engine and other power train parts may be damaged.

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The total weight of a trailer or other towed vehicle must not exceed the following:

Trailer with brakes 1,200 kg (2,645.5 lb)

Trailer without brakes 600 kg (1,322.7 lb)

The downward load on the tow ball must not exceed 80 kg (176.3 lb).

Towing Instructions

Follow these instructions to make your towing as safe and efficient as possible.

Use only a Mazda-approved tow bar.
Never exceed recommended load limits and always refer to the identification plate affixed to the tow bar.
Before towing, inflate all tyres to the maximum recommended pressures.

You'll find these specifications on the edge of the driver's door.
When on a hill or towing with heavy loads, always use a lower gear. This helps maintain speed. It also prevents engine and transmission overloading when going up hills and reduces the need for braking when going down hills.
Always allow a greater stopping distance than normal to prevent excessive braking, and avoid sudden stops that could cause loss of control.
Frequently inspect oil and fluid levels.
Because of the extra stress on your Mazda from towing, more frequent maintenance than usual is necessary.
Your Mazda's behaviour changes while towing. Get accustomed to these changes over a short and safe trial distance before starting a long trip.
Headlights may need re-aiming after a trailer has been attached, especially if a load equalizing hitch is not used.
Due to the additional stress on the engine cooling system when towing, the airflow to the radiator must not be restricted in any way.
Make sure the towed vehicle complies with all local regulations, especially in regard to lighting, mirrors, and safety chains. The tow bar should not obscure the rear number plate.
Whenever you remove the tow bar, seal all mounting holes in the underbody to prevent the entry of exhaust fumes, dust, and water.
Avoid parking on an incline with a trailer. If this must be done, follow these instructions.

Parking on an Incline

Set the parking brake and the brakes.
Have someone block the wheels of the vehicle and trailer while you apply the brakes.
After the wheels are blocked, release the parking brake and the brakes slowly, allowing the blocks to bear the load.
Set the parking brake firmly.
If the vehicle has an automatic transmission, put the selector lever in the P position. If it has a manual transmission, place the gear shift in 1 or R.

Starting on an Incline

Start the engine (Search).
Release the parking brake and slowly pull away a short distance from the wheel blocks.
Stop on the nearest level ground, set the parking brake, and pick up the wheel blocks.