Emergency Towing
Towing Description
Towing Description
We recommend that towing be done only by an expert repairer (we recommend an Authorised Mazda Repairer) or a commercial tow-truck service.
Proper lifting and towing are necessary to prevent damage to the vehicle. Particularly when towing a AWD vehicle, where all the wheels are connected to the drive train, proper transporting of the vehicle is absolutely essential to avoid damaging the drive system. Government and local laws must be followed.
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Wheel dollies
A towed FWD vehicle should have its drive wheels (front wheels) off the ground. If excessive damage or other conditions prevent this, use wheel dollies.
When towing a FWD vehicle with the rear wheels on the ground, release the parking brake.
Refer to Electric Parking Brake (EPB) (Search).
A towed AWD vehicle must have all its wheels off the ground.
Always tow a AWD vehicle with all four wheels off the ground:
Towing a AWD vehicle with either the front or rear wheels on the ground is dangerous as the drive train could be damaged, or the vehicle could trail away from the tow truck and cause an accident. If the drive train has been damaged, transport the vehicle on a flatbed truck.
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Do not tow the vehicle pointed backward with driving wheels on the ground. This may cause internal damage to the transmission.
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Do not tow with sling-type equipment. This could damage your vehicle. Use wheel-lift or flatbed equipment.
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If the parking brake cannot be released when towing the vehicle, transport the vehicle with all front and rear wheels raised off the ground as shown in the figure. If the vehicle is towed without raising the wheels off the ground, the brake system could be damaged.
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Wheel dollies
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If towing service is not available in an emergency, the vehicle may be towed with all four wheels on the ground using the towing hook at the front of the vehicle.
Only tow the vehicle on paved surfaces for short distances at low speeds.
Follow these instructions when towing the vehicle with all wheels on the ground.
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Shift to neutral (Manual transmission), or the N position (Automatic transmission).
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Switch the ignition to ON.
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Release the parking brake.
Refer to Electric Parking Brake (EPB) (Search).
Remember that power assist for the brakes and steering will not be available when the engine is not running.
Towing Hooks
Towing Hooks
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The towing eyelet should be used in an emergency (to get the vehicle out of a ditch or a snow bank, for example).
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When using the towing eyelets, always pull the lead or chain in a straight direction with respect to the eyelet. Never apply a sideways force.
When towing with chain or lead, wrap the chain or lead with a soft cloth near the bumper to prevent damage to the bumper.
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Remove the towing eyelet, wheel brace, and the jack lever or equivalent from the luggage compartment (Search).
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Wrap a flathead screwdriver or jack lever or a similar tool with a soft cloth to prevent damage to a painted bumper, and open the cap located on the front or rear bumper.
Front
Rear
Do not use excessive force as it may damage the cap or scratch the painted bumper surface.
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Securely install the towing eyelet using the wheel brace or equivalent.
Consult an expert repairer (we recommend an Authorised Mazda Repairer).
Front
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Wheel brace
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Towing eyelet
Rear
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Wheel brace
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Towing eyelet
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Hook the towing rope to the towing eyelet.
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If the towing eyelet is not securely tightened, it may loosen or disengage from the bumper when towing the vehicle. Make sure that the towing eyelet is securely tightened to the bumper.
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Be careful not to damage the towing eyelet and towing hook, vehicle body, or transmission system when towing under the following conditions:
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Do not tow a vehicle heavier than yours.
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Do not suddenly accelerate your vehicle as it will apply a severe shock to the towing eyelet and towing hook or rope.
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Do not attach any rope other than to the towing eyelet and towing hook.
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