Driving Tips
Running-In
No special running-in is necessary, but a few precautions in the first 1,000 km (600 miles) may add to the performance, economy, and life of the vehicle.
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Do not race the engine.
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Do not maintain one constant speed, either slow or fast, for a long period of time.
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Do not drive constantly at full-throttle or high engine rpm for extended periods of time.
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Avoid unnecessary hard stops.
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Avoid full-throttle starts.
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Do not tow a trailer.
Saving Fuel and Protection of the Environment
How you operate your Mazda determines how far it will travel on a tank of fuel. Use these suggestions to help save fuel and reduce CO2.
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Avoid long warm-ups. Once the engine runs smoothly, begin driving.
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Avoid fast starts.
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Drive at lower speeds.
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Anticipate when to apply the brakes (avoid sudden braking).
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Follow the maintenance schedule (Search) and have an expert repairer, we recommend an Authorised Mazda Repairer perform inspections and servicing.
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Use the air conditioner only when necessary.
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Slow down on rough roads.
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Keep the tyres properly inflated.
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Do not carry unnecessary weight.
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Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal while driving.
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Keep the wheels in correct alignment.
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Keep windows closed at high speeds.
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Slow down when driving in crosswinds and headwinds.
Never stop the engine when going down a hill:
Stopping the engine when going down a hill is dangerous. This causes the loss of power steering and power brake control, and may cause damage to the drivetrain. Any loss of steering or braking control could cause an accident.
Hazardous Driving
Be extremely careful if it is necessary to downshift on slippery surfaces:
Downshifting into lower gear while driving on slippery surfaces is dangerous. The sudden change in tyre speed could cause the tyres to skid. This could lead to loss of vehicle control and an accident.
When driving on ice or in water, snow, mud, sand, or similar hazards:
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Be cautious and allow extra distance for braking.
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Avoid sudden braking and sudden manoeuvring.
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Do not pump the brakes. Continue to press down on the brake pedal.
Refer to Antilock Brake System (ABS) (Search).
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If you get stuck, select a lower gear and accelerate slowly. Do not spin the front wheels.
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For more traction in starting on slippery surfaces such as ice or packed snow, use sand, rock salt, chains, carpeting, or other nonslip material under the front wheels.
Rocking the Vehicle
Do not spin the wheels at high speed, and do not allow anyone to stand behind a wheel when pushing the vehicle:
When the vehicle is stuck, spinning the wheels at high speed is dangerous. The spinning tyre could overheat and explode. This could cause serious injuries.
Too much rocking may cause engine overheating, transaxle failure, and tyre damage.
If you must rock the vehicle to free it from snow, sand or mud, depress the accelerator slightly and slowly move the shift lever/selector lever from 1 (D) to R position.
Turbocharger Information (SKYACTIV-D 1.5)
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After driving at freeway speeds or up a long hill, trailer towing for a long time, idle the engine at least 30 seconds before stopping it. Otherwise, the turbocharger could be damaged. However, when i-stop operates, idling is unnecessary.
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Racing or over-revving the engine, particularly after it's just been started, can damage the turbocharger.
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To protect the engine from damage, the engine is designed so that it cannot be raced just after starting it in extremely cold weather.
The turbocharger greatly enhances engine power. Its advanced design provides improved operation and requires minimum maintenance.
To get the most from it, observe the following.
