Hazardous Driving - Mazda RX-8 Owner's Manual

RX-8_8BQ7-EA-10H_Edition1 Page135
Wednesday, July 14 2010 11:50 AM
WARNING
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.
Form No.8BQ7-EA-10H
Black plate (135,1)
Before Driving Your Mazda
Driving Tips

Hazardous Driving

WARNING
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 tire
speed could cause the tires to skid.
This could lead to loss of vehicle
control and an accident.
Do not rely on ABS as a substitute for
safe driving:
The ABS cannot compensate for
unsafe and reckless driving, excessive
speed, tailgating (following another
vehicle too closely), driving on ice and
snow, and hydroplaning (reduced tire
friction and road contact because of
water on the road surface). You can
still have an accident.
When driving on ice or in water, snow,
mud, sand, or similar hazards:
Be cautious and allow extra distance
l
for braking.
Avoid sudden braking and sudden
l
maneuvering.
Do not pump the brakes. Continue to
l
press down on the brake pedal.
Refer to Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS) on page 5-9.
If you get stuck, select a lower gear and
l
accelerate slowly. Do not spin the rear
wheels.
For more traction in starting on
l
slippery surfaces such as ice or packed
snow, use sand, rock salt, chains,
carpeting, or other nonslip material
under the rear wheels.
NOTE
Use snow chains only on the rear wheels.
4-7