Mazda Mazda6: Winter Driving - Before Driving Your Mazda - Mazda6 Owners ManualMazda Mazda6: Winter Driving

l Carry emergency gear, window scraper, flares, a small shovel, jumper cables, and a small bag of sand or salt.

Ask an Authorized Mazda Dealer to perform the following precautions:

- Have the proper ratio of antifreeze in the radiator.

Refer to Engine Coolant.

- Inspect the battery and its cables. Cold reduces battery capacity.

- Use only cold-weather engine oil.

- Inspect the ignition system for damage and loose connections.

- Use washer fluid made with antifreeze―but do not use engine coolant antifreeze for washer fluid.

- Do not use the parking brake in freezing weather as it may freeze.

Instead, shift to P with an automatic transaxle and to 1 or R with a manual transaxle. Block the rear wheels.

Snow Tires

Use snow tires on all four wheels

Do not go faster than 120 km/h (75 mph) while driving with snow tires. Inflate snow tires 30 kPa (0.3 kgf/cm2, 4.3 psi) more than recommended on the tire pressure label (driver's door frame), but never more than the maximum cold-tire pressure shown on the tires.

Your vehicle is originally equipped with all season radials designed to be used all year around. In some extreme climates you may find it necessary to replace them with snow tires during the winter months to further improve traction on snow and ice covered roads.

WARNING:

Use only the same size and type tires (snow, radial, or non-radial) on all four wheels:

Using tires different in size or type is dangerous. Your vehicle's handling could be greatly affected and result in an accident.

CAUTION:

Check local regulations before using studded tires.

Tire Chains

This vehicle cannot be operated with tire chains because it could cause interference with the vehicle body and scratching.

    Rocking the Vehicle
    WARNING: Do not spin the wheels at more than 56 km/h (35 mph), and do not allow anyone to stand behind a wheel when pushing the vehicle: When the vehicle is stuck, spinning the wheels at high spee ...

    Driving In Flooded Area
    WARNING: Dry wet brakes by driving very slowly and applying the brakes lightly until brake performance returns to normal: Driving with wet brakes is dangerous. Increased stopping distance or the v ...

    See also:

    Indicators and warning lights
    The indicator and warning lights on the instrument cluster, center panel and outside rear view mirrors inform the driver of the status of the vehicle’s various systems. ...

    Battery Power Protection
    The battery saver feature is designed to protect the vehicle's battery. If the exterior lamps or any interior light is left on and the ignition is turned off, the battery rundown protection ...

    Fuel recommendation
    Use unleaded regular gasoline with an octane rating of at least 87 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) number (Research octane number 91). CAUTION ● Using a fuel other than that specified could adversel ...