Driving Your Mazda; Driving on hill or steep terrain- Page 166

Driving Your Mazda

5-30

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Mud

Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle
speed or direction when you are driving
in mud. Even 4x4 vehicles can lose trac-
tion in slick mud. As when you are driv-
ing over sand, apply the accelerator
slowly and avoid spinning your wheels.
If the vehicle does slide, steer in the
direction of the slide until you regain
control of the vehicle.

After driving through mud, clean off
residue stuck to rotating driveshafts and
tires. Excess mud stuck on tires and
rotating driveshafts causes an imbalance
which could damage drive components.

NOTE

If the transmission, transfer case or
front axle are submerged in water,
their fluids should be checked and
changed, if necessary.

Replace rear axle lubricant any time the
axle has been submerged in water. The
rear axle does not normally require a
lubricant change for the life of the
vehicle. Rear axle lubricant quantities
are not to be checked or changed unless
a leak is suspected or repair is required.

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Driving on hill or steep terrain

Although natural obstacles may make it
necessary to travel diagonally up or
down a hill or steep incline, you should
always try to drive straight up or straight
down. Avoid driving crosswise or turn-
ing on steep slopes or hills. A danger lies
in losing traction, slipping sideways and
possibly rolling over. Whenever driving
on a hill, determine beforehand the route
you will use. Do not drive over the crest
of a hill without seeing what conditions
are on the other side. Do not drive in
reverse over a hill without the aid of an
observer.