Protecting Your Mazda- Page 131

Protecting Your Mazda

4-33

Driving

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Your Mazda will handle differently
with a trailer in tow, so practice
turning, backing, and stopping in a
traffic-free area.

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Take time to get accustomed to the
extra weight and length.

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Never drive faster than 45 mph
(72 km/h) when you tow in hilly
country on hot days.

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Allow more room between your
vehicle and the one in front because
braking distance increases with a
trailer. For each 10 mph (16 km/h) of
speed, allow at least one vehicle and
trailer length behind the vehicle
ahead.

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Avoid sudden braking. It may cause
loss of control and result in jack-
knifing, especially on wet or slippery
roads.

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Avoid abrupt starts and fast accelera-
tion. Start in 1 (First) gear and gradu-
ally release the clutch pedal (manual
transmission) at low engine speed to
prevent clutch slippage.

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With an automatic transmission, use
the following positions when towing
a trailer in hilly terrain or when
heavily loaded.

4x2 models:

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Selector in “D” (Drive)

4x4 models:

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Selector in “D” position

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4x4 indicator light off

These positions will allow operating the
vehicle without frequent down-and-up-
shifting.

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With a 5-speed overdrive manual
transmission don’t use overdrive gear
for trailer towing. Shift as though you
were driving a vehicle with a 4-speed
transmission.