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Winter Driving
Carry emergency gear, including tire
chains, window scraper, flares, a small
shovel, jumper cables, and a small bag
of sand or salt.
Ask an Authorized Mazda Dealer to
check the following:
Have the proper ratio of antifreeze in
the radiator.
Refer to Inspecting the Coolant on
page 9-18.
Inspect the battery and its cables.
Cold reduces battery capacity.
Use an engine oil appropriate for the
lowest ambient temperatures that
the vehicle will be driven in (page
9-22).
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
(page 9-21).
When driving on ice or in water, snow,
mud, sand, or similar hazards:
Be cautious and allow extra distance
for braking.
Avoid sudden braking and sudden
maneuvering.
Do not pump the brakes. Continue
to press down on the brake pedal.
Refer to Antilock Brake System (ABS)
on page 5-84.
If you get stuck, select a lower gear
and accelerate slowly. Do not spin
the front wheels.
For more traction in starting on
slippery surfaces such as ice or
packed snow, use sand, rock salt,
chains, carpeting, or other nonslip
material under the front wheels.
NOTE
Remove snow before driving. Snow
left on the windshield 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 windshield.
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.
Driving
Winter Driving
5-209
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