Driving Tips

Running-In Period

Running-In Period

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.

  • Do not race the engine.

  • Do not maintain one constant speed, either slow or fast, for a long period of time.

  • Do not drive constantly at full-throttle or high engine rpm for extended periods of time.

  • Avoid unnecessary hard stops.

  • Avoid full-throttle starts.

  • Do not tow a trailer.

Saving Fuel and Protection of the Environment

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.

  • Avoid long warm-ups. Once the engine runs smoothly, begin driving.

  • Avoid fast starts.

  • Drive at lower speeds.

  • Anticipate when to apply the brakes (avoid sudden braking).

  • Follow the maintenance schedule and have an expert repairer, we recommend an Authorised Mazda Repairer perform inspections and servicing.

    Refer to Australia and New Zealand (Search).

  • Use the air conditioner only when necessary.

  • Slow down on rough roads.

  • Keep the tyres properly inflated.

  • Do not carry unnecessary weight.

  • Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal while driving.

  • Keep the wheels in correct alignment.

  • Keep windows closed at high speeds.

  • 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

Floor Mat

Rocking the Vehicle

Winter Driving

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).

 


  • 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.

Snow Tyres

 


Use only the same size and type tyres (snow, radial, or non-radial) on all 4 wheels:

Using tyres different in size or type is dangerous. Your vehicle's handling could be greatly affected and result in an accident.

 


Check local regulations before using studded tyres.

 


The tyre pressure monitoring system may not function correctly when using tyres with steel wire reinforcement in the sidewalls (Search).

Use snow tyres on all 4 wheels

Do not exceed the maximum permissible speed for your snow tyres or legal speed limits.

Driving In Flooded Area

Driving In Flooded Area

 


Dry off brakes that have become wet by driving slowly, releasing the accelerator pedal and lightly applying the brakes several times until the brake performance returns to normal:

Driving with wet brakes is dangerous. Increased stopping distance or the vehicle pulling to one side when braking could result in a serious accident. Light braking will indicate whether the brakes have been affected.

 


Do not drive the vehicle on flooded roads as it could cause short circuiting of electrical/electronic parts, or engine damage or stalling from water absorption. If the vehicle has been immersed in water, consult an expert repairer, we recommend an Authorised Mazda Repairer.

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