Driving Tips
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.
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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.
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:
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Have the proper ratio of antifreeze in the radiator.
Refer to Engine Coolant (Search).
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Inspect the battery and its leads. Cold reduces battery capacity.
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Use an engine oil appropriate for the lowest ambient temperatures that the vehicle will be driven in (Search).
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Inspect the ignition system for damage and loose connections.
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Use washer fluid made with antifreeze―but do not use engine coolant antifreeze for washer fluid (Search).
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Remove snow before driving. Snow left on the windscreen is dangerous as it could obstruct vision. In addition, if the vehicle is driven with snow accumulated on the bonnet, the active bonnet system may not activate normally in an emergency.
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Do not apply excessive force to a window scraper when removing ice or frozen snow on the mirror glass and windscreen.
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Never use warm or hot water for removing snow or ice from windows and mirrors as it could result in the glass cracking.
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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
Tyre Chains
Check local regulations before using tyre chains.
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Chains may affect handling.
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Do not go faster than 50 km/h (30 mph) or the chain manufacturer's recommended limit, whichever is lower.
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Drive carefully and avoid bumps, holes, and sharp turns.
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Avoid locked-wheel braking.
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Do not use chains on a temporary spare tyre; it may result in damage to the vehicle and to the tyre.
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Do not use chains on roads that are free of snow or ice. The tyres and chains could be damaged.
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Chains may scratch or chip aluminium wheels.
Install the chains on the front tyres only.
Do not use chains on the rear tyres.
Please consult an expert repairer, we recommend an Authorised Mazda Repairer.
Installing the chains
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Secure the chains on the front tyres as tightly as possible.
Always follow the chain manufacturer's instructions.
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Retighten the chains after driving 1/2―1 km (1/4―1/2 mile).
