Mazda 2008 Mazda6 Owner's Manual page 138

Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
WARNING
Do not use sudden engine braking on
slippery road surfaces or at high
speeds:
Shifting down while driving on wet,
snowy, or frozen roads, or while
driving at high speeds causes sudden
engine braking, which 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.
Be sure to leave the shift lever in 1 or R
position and set the parking brake
when leaving the vehicle unattended:
Otherwise the vehicle could move
and cause an accident.
CAUTION
Ø Keep your foot off the clutch pedal
except when shifting gears. Also,
don't use the clutch to hold the
vehicle on an upgrade. Riding the
clutch will cause needless clutch
wear and damage.
Ø Make sure the vehicle comes to a
complete stop before shifting to R.
Shifting to R while the vehicle is
still moving may damage the
transaxle.
NOTE
If shifting to R is difficult, shift back into
neutral, release the clutch pedal, and try
again.
5-10
qRecommendations for Shifting
Upshifting
2.3-liter engine
For normal acceleration, we recommend
these shift points.
Gear
1 to 2 26 km/h (16 mph)
2 to 3 45 km/h (28 mph)
3 to 4 53 km/h (33 mph)
4 to 5 63 km/h (39 mph)
For cruising
Gear
1 to 2 13 km/h (8 mph)
2 to 3 32 km/h (20 mph)
3 to 4 50 km/h (31 mph)
4 to 5 68 km/h (42 mph)
3.0-liter engine
For normal acceleration, we recommend
these shift points.
Gear
1 to 2 27 km/h (17 mph)
2 to 3 48 km/h (30 mph)
3 to 4 56 km/h (35 mph)
4 to 5 63 km/h (39 mph)
For cruising
Gear
1 to 2 13 km/h (8 mph)
2 to 3 34 km/h (21 mph)
3 to 4 52 km/h (32 mph)
4 to 5 66 km/h (41 mph)
Vehicle speed
Vehicle speed
Vehicle speed
Vehicle speed