Read this first
Winter Driving
Carry emergency gear, including tyre chains, window scraper, flares, a small shovel, jumper leads, and a small bag of sand or salt.
Ask an expert repairer, we recommend an Authorised Mazda Repairer to check the following:
-
Have the proper ratio of antifreeze in the radiator.
Refer to Engine Coolant (Search).
-
Inspect the battery and its leads. Cold reduces battery capacity.
-
Use an engine oil appropriate for the lowest ambient temperatures that the vehicle will be driven in (Search).
-
Inspect the ignition system for damage and loose connections.
-
Use washer fluid made with antifreeze―but do not use engine coolant antifreeze for washer fluid (Search).
-
(Without electric parking brake)
Do not use the parking brake in freezing weather as it may freeze. Instead, shift to P with an automatic transaxle and to 1 or R with a manual transaxle. Block the rear wheels.
-
Remove snow before driving. Snow left on the windscreen is dangerous as it could obstruct vision.
-
Do not apply excessive force to a window scraper when removing ice or frozen snow on the mirror glass and windscreen.
-
Never use warm or hot water for removing snow or ice from windows and mirrors as it could result in the glass cracking.
-
Drive slowly. Braking performance can be adversely affected if snow or ice adheres to the brake components. If this situation occurs, drive the vehicle slowly, releasing the accelerator pedal and lightly applying the brakes several times until the brake performance returns to normal.
