Driving Your Mazda; Tire Replacement; Driving on snow or ice- Page 168

Driving Your Mazda

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Driving on snow or ice

A 4-wheel drive vehicle has advantages
over 2-wheel drive vehicles in snow and
ice but can skid like any other vehicle. If
so equipped, keep the vehicle in 4-wheel
drive if icy or slippery conditions exist.

4x4 vehicles are unique in that they can
be driven in deep snow that would stop
a conventional two-wheel drive vehicle.
Shift to a low gear and maintain steady
pressure on the accelerator. This will
help prevent spinning the wheels while
maintaining sufficient momentum to
keep from bogging down. Using tire
chains will also help.

Never drive with chains on the front tires
of 4x4 vehicles without also putting
them on the rear tires. This could cause
the rear to slide and swing around during
braking.

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Tire Replacement
Requirements

Your 4x4 vehicle is equipped with tires
designed to provide for safe ride and
handling capability.

Do not use a size and type of tire and
wheel other than that originally provided
by Mazda because it can affect the safety
and performance of your vehicle, which
could lead to loss of vehicle control or
rollover and serious injury. Make sure all
tires and wheels on the vehicle are of the
same size, type, tread design, brand and
load-carrying capacity. If you have ques-
tions regarding tire replacement, see an
authorized Mazda dealer.