Driving Your Mazda; Driving Tips; Power Steering- Page 110

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Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

Form No. 8R29-EA-02I

Downshifting

When you must slow down in heavy 
traffic or on a steep 

upgrade

 , downshift 

before the engine starts to overwork. This 
gives better acceleration when you need 
more speed.

On a steep 

downgrade

 , downshifting 

helps maintain safe speed and prolongs 
brake life.

▼

Driving Tips

Passing

For extra power when passing another 
vehicle or climbing steep grades, depress 
the accelerator fully. The transaxle will 
shift to a lower gear, depending on vehicle 
speed.

Climbing steep grades from a stop

To climb a steep grade from a stopped 
position:

1. Depress the brake pedal.

2. Shift to D or M1, depending on the 

load weight and grade steepness.

3. Release all brakes while gradually 

accelerating.

Descending steep grades

When descending a steep grade, shift to 
lower gears, depending on load weight 
and grade steepness. Descend slowly, 
using the brakes only occasionally to 
prevent them from overheating.

Power steering is only operable when the 
engine is running. If the engine is off or if 
the power steering system is inoperable, 
you can still steer, but it requires more 
physical effort.

If the steering feels rigid during normal 
driving, consult an Authorized Mazda 
Dealer.

Power Steering

Never hold the steering wheel to the 
extreme left or right for more than 5 
seconds with the engine running.
This could damage the power steering 
system.

CAUTION

J56J_8R29_EA_02I_Edition4.book  Page 16  Monday, April 21, 2003  3:44 PM