Protecting Your Mazda- Page 130

Protecting Your Mazda

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Trailer-towing tips

The three main causes of vehicle-trailer
accidents are driver error, excessive speed,
and improper trailer loading.

Before driving

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Verify that your Mazda maintain a
near-normal attitude when a loaded or
unloaded trailer is connected. Don’t
drive if it has an abnormal front-up
or front-down position. Inspect for
incorrect tongue load, worn suspen-
sion parts, and trailer overloading.
Have the vehicle inspected by an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.

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Make sure the trailer cargo is secure
to prevent it from shifting.

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Make sure the mirrors meet all gov-
ernment regulations. Inspect them
regularly.

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Before starting out, inspect the
operation of all vehicle and trailer
lights and all vehicle-to-trailer lights
and all vehicle-to-trailer connections.
Stop and reinspect all lights and con-
nections after driving a short distance
(about 50 miles [80 km]).

Servicing

If you tow a trailer for a long distance,
your vehicle will need to be serviced
more frequently.