Protecting
Y
our Mazda
4-33
Driving
S Your Mazda will handle differently
with a trailer in tow, so practice
turning, backing, and stopping in a
traffic-free area.
S Take time to get accustomed to the
extra weight and length.
S Never drive faster than 45 mph
(72 km/h) when you tow in hilly
country on hot days.
S 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.
S Avoid sudden braking. It may cause
loss of control and result in jack-
knifing,
especially on wet or slippery
roads.
S 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.
S With an automatic transmission, use
the
following positions when towing
a trailer in hilly terrain or when
heavily loaded.
4x2 models:
S Selector in “D” (Drive)
4x4 models:
S Selector in “D” position
S 4x4 indicator light off
These
positions will allow operating the
vehicle without frequent down-and-up-
shifting.
S With a 5-speed overdrive manual
transmission
d
on’
t u
s
e o
verdriv
e g
ear
for
t
raile
r t
owing
. S
hif
t a
s t
houg
h y
ou
were
d
rivin
g a v
ehicl
e w
it
h a
4
-speed
transmission.
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