Before Driving Your Mazda; Trailer Towing Tips; Lane changes and turning- Page 117

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Before Driving Your Mazda

Towing

Form No. 8Q44-EA-01K

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Trailer Towing Tips

•

Verify that your Mazda maintains 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 suspension parts, and trailer overloading.

•

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

•

Make sure the mirrors conform to all government regulations. If they do not, install 
required rear view mirrors appropriate for towing purposes.

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

Before driving

•

Have your cooling and braking system checked by an Authorized Mazda Dealer.

•

Before starting out, inspect the operation of all vehicle and trailer lights and all vehicle-
to-trailer connections. Stop and re-inspect all lights and connections after driving a short 
distance.

Driving

•

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

•

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

•

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

•

Avoid jerky starts or sudden acceleration.

•

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

•

Use the following positions when towing a trailer in hilly terrain or when heavily 
loaded.

• OD (overdrive) off

• Shift lever in D

These positions will allow operating the vehicle without frequent shifting.

Lane changes and turning

Avoid quick lane changes, sudden turns, and tight turns. Slow down before turning to avoid 
the need of sudden braking.
A turning trailer will make a tighter arc than the tow vehicle. Compensate with turns that 
are larger than normal.

J16L_EA.book  Page 17  Friday, February 22, 2002  11:34 AM