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Mazda CX-7 (2012 year). Instruction - part 9

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NOTE

For the manual day/night mirror, perform the
adjustment with the day/night lever in the day
position.

Reducing glare from headlights

Manual day/night mirror

Push the day/night lever forward for day
driving. Pull it back to reduce glare of
headlights from cars at the rear.

Night

Day

Day/Night lever

Auto-dimming mirror

The auto-dimming mirror automatically
reduces glare of headlights from cars at
the rear when the ignition is switched ON.

Press the OFF button (

) to cancel the

automatic dimming function. The
indicator light will turn off.
To reactivate the automatic dimming
function, press the ON button (

). The

indicator light will illuminate.

Indicator light

OFF button

ON button

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Knowing Your Mazda

Steering Wheel and Mirrors

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NOTE

Do not use glass cleaner or suspend objects
on or around the light sensor. Otherwise,
light sensor sensitivity will be affected and
may not operate normally.

Light sensor

For information regarding the 3 buttons
(

) on the auto-dimming

mirror, refer to HomeLink Wireless Control
System (page 5-75).

Knowing Your Mazda

Steering Wheel and Mirrors

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Before Driving Your Mazda

Important information about driving your Mazda.

Fuel and Engine Exhaust Precautions ........................................ 4-2

Fuel Requirements .................................................................... 4-2
Emission Control System .......................................................... 4-4
Engine Exhaust (Carbon Monoxide) ......................................... 4-5

Before Starting the Engine ........................................................... 4-6

Before Getting In ...................................................................... 4-6
After Getting In ......................................................................... 4-6

Driving Tips ................................................................................... 4-7

.................................................... 4-14

Towing ......................................................................................... 4-15

Trailer Towing (U.S.A. and Canada) ...................................... 4-15

4-1

Some models.

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Fuel Requirements

Vehicles with catalytic converters or oxygen sensors must use ONLY UNLEADED FUEL,
which will reduce exhaust emissions and keep spark plug fouling to a minimum.

Your Mazda will perform best with fuel listed in the table.
2.3-liter engine

Fuel

Octane Rating

(Anti-knock index)

Premium unleaded fuel

91 [ (R

M)/2 method] (96 RON) recommended

* U.S. federal law requires that octane ratings be posted on gasoline station pumps.

This vehicle is designed to use 91 [ (R

M)/2 method] (96RON) or higher gasoline for

best performance. If 91 [ (R

M)/2 method] (96RON) is not available, 87[ (R

M)/2

method] (91RON) gasoline can be used. Use of gasoline lower than 91 [ (R

M)/2

method] (96RON) can decrease performance, deteriorate shift quality and cause engine
knocking during its use.

2.5-liter engine

Fuel

Octane Rating

(Anti-knock index)

Regular unleaded fuel

87 [ (R

M)/2 method] or above (91 RON or above)

* U.S. federal law requires that octane ratings be posted on gasoline station pumps.

Fuel with a rating lower than 87 octane (91 RON) could cause the emission control system
to lose effectiveness. It could also cause engine knocking and serious engine damage.

CAUTION

Ø USE ONLY UNLEADED FUEL.

Leaded fuel is harmful to the catalytic converter and oxygen sensors and will lead
to deterioration of the emission control system and or failures.

Ø Your vehicle can only use oxygenated fuels containing no more than 10 % ethanol

by volume. Damage to your vehicle may occur when ethanol exceeds this
recommendation, or if the gasoline contains any methanol. Stop using gasohol of
any kind if your vehicle engine is performing poorly.

Ø Never add fuel system additives. Otherwise, the emission control system could be

damaged. Consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer for details.

Gasoline blended with oxygenates such as alcohol or ether compounds are generally
referred to as oxygenated fuels. The common gasoline blend that can be used with your
vehicle is ethanol blended at no more than 10 %. Gasoline containing alcohol, such as
ethanol or methanol, may be marketed under the name

“Gasohol”.

Vehicle damage and drivability problems resulting from the use of the following may not
be covered by the Mazda warranty.

Gasohol containing more than 10 % ethanol.

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Before Driving Your Mazda

Fuel and Engine Exhaust Precautions

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Gasoline or gasohol containing methanol.

Leaded fuel or leaded gasohol.

Before Driving Your Mazda

Fuel and Engine Exhaust Precautions

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Emission Control System

Your vehicle is equipped with an emission control system (the catalytic converter is part of
this system) that enables your vehicle to comply with existing exhaust emissions
requirements.

WARNING

Never park over or near anything flammable:

Parking over or near anything flammable, such as dry grass, is dangerous. Even with
the engine turned off, the exhaust system remains very hot after normal use and
could ignite anything flammable. A resulting fire could cause serious injury or death.

CAUTION

Ignoring the following precautions could cause lead to accumulate on the catalyst
inside the converter or cause the converter to get very hot. Either condition will
damage the converter and cause poor performance.

Ø USE ONLY UNLEADED FUEL.

Ø Do not drive your Mazda with any sign of engine malfunction.

Ø Do not coast with the ignition switched off.

Ø Do not descend steep grades in gear with the ignition switched off.

Ø Do not operate the engine at high idle for more than 2 minutes.

Ø Do not tamper with the emission control system. All inspections and adjustments

must be made by a qualified technician.

Ø Do not push-start or pull-start your vehicle.

NOTE

Under U.S. federal law, any modification to the original-equipment emission control system before
the first sale and registration of a vehicle is subject to penalties. In some states, such modification
made on a used vehicle is also subject to penalties.

NOTE

While the engine is off, the sound of a valve opening and closing can be heard at the middle rear of
the vehicle, however this does not indicate an abnormality. Your vehicle has a self-checking device
and it operates while the engine is off.

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Before Driving Your Mazda

Fuel and Engine Exhaust Precautions

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Engine Exhaust (Carbon Monoxide)

WARNING

Do not drive your vehicle if you smell exhaust gas inside the vehicle:

Engine exhaust gas is dangerous. This gas contains carbon monoxide (CO), which is
colorless, odorless, and poisonous. When inhaled, it can cause loss of consciousness
and death. If you smell exhaust gas inside your vehicle, keep all windows fully open
and contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer immediately.

Do not run the engine when inside an enclosed area:

Running the engine inside an enclosed area, such as a garage, is dangerous. Exhaust
gas, which contains poisonous carbon monoxide, could easily enter the cabin. Loss
of consciousness or even death could occur.

Open the windows or adjust the heating or cooling system to draw fresh air when
idling the engine:

Exhaust gas is dangerous. When your vehicle is stopped with the windows closed
and the engine running for a long time even in an open area, exhaust gas, which
contains poisonous carbon monoxide, could enter the cabin. Loss of consciousness or
even death could occur.

Clear snow from underneath and around your vehicle, particularly the tail pipe,
before starting the engine:

Running the engine when a vehicle is stopped in deep snow is dangerous. The
exhaust pipe could be blocked by the snow, allowing exhaust gas to enter the cabin.
Because exhaust gas contains poisonous carbon monoxide, it could cause loss of
consciousness or even death to occupants in the cabin.

Before Driving Your Mazda

Fuel and Engine Exhaust Precautions

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Before Getting In

Be sure the windows, outside mirrors,
and outside lights are clean.

Inspect inflation pressures and
condition of tires.

Look under the vehicle for any sign of
fluid leaks.

If you plan to back up, make sure
nothing is in your way.

NOTE

Engine oil, engine coolant, brake fluid, washer
fluid, and other fluid levels should be
inspected. See Maintenance, Section 8.

After Getting In

Are all doors closed and locked?

Is the seat adjusted properly?

Are the inside and outside mirrors
adjusted?

Is the steering wheel adjusted properly?

Is everyone's seat belt fastened?

Check all gauges.

Check all warning lights when the
ignition is switched ON.

Release the parking brake and make
sure the brake warning light goes off.

Always be thoroughly familiar with your
Mazda.

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Before Driving Your Mazda

Before Starting the Engine

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Break-In Period

No special break-in is necessary, but a few
precautions in the first 1,000 km (600
miles) may add to the performance,
economy, and life of your Mazda.

Do not race the engine.

Do not maintain one constant speed,
either slow or fast, for a long period of
time.

Do not drive constantly at full-throttle
or high engine rpm for extended
periods of time.

Avoid unnecessary hard stops.

Avoid full-throttle starts.

Do not tow a trailer.

Money-Saving Suggestions

How you operate your Mazda determines
how far it will travel on a tank of fuel. Use
these suggestions to help save money on
fuel and repairs.

Avoid long warm-ups. Once the engine
runs smoothly, begin driving.

Avoid fast starts.

Keep the engine tuned. Follow the
maintenance schedule (page 8-3) and
have an Authorized Mazda Dealer
perform inspections and servicing.

Use the air conditioner only when
necessary.

Slow down on rough roads.

Keep the tires properly inflated.

Do not carry unnecessary weight.

Do not rest your foot on the brake
pedal while driving.

Keep the wheels in correct alignment.

Keep windows closed at high speeds.

Slow down when driving in crosswinds
and headwinds.

WARNING

Never stop the engine when going
down a hill:

Stopping the engine when going
down a hill is dangerous. This causes
the loss of power steering and power
brake control, and may cause
damage to the drivetrain. Any loss of
steering or braking control could
cause an accident.

Before Driving Your Mazda

Driving Tips

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Hazardous Driving

qDriving on Slippery Surface

WARNING

Be extremely careful if it is necessary to
downshift on slippery surfaces:

Downshifting into lower gear while
driving on slippery surfaces is
dangerous. The sudden change in tire
speed could cause the tires to skid.
This could lead to loss of vehicle
control and an accident.

Do not rely on ABS as a substitute for
safe driving:

The ABS cannot compensate for
unsafe and reckless driving, excessive
speed, tailgating (following another
vehicle too closely), driving on ice and
snow, and hydroplaning (reduced tire
friction and road contact because of
water on the road surface). You can
still have an accident.

When driving on ice or in water, snow,
mud, sand, or similar hazards:

Be cautious and allow extra distance
for braking.

Avoid sudden braking and sudden
maneuvering.

Do not pump the brakes. Continue to
press down on the brake pedal.

If you get stuck, select a lower gear and
accelerate slowly. Do not spin the front
wheels.

For more traction in starting on
slippery surfaces such as ice or packed
snow, use sand, rock salt, chains,
carpeting, or other nonslip material
under the front wheels.

NOTE

Use snow chains only on the front wheels.

qRoll-over

WARNING

Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed and
abrupt maneuvers when driving this
vehicle:

Sharp turns, excessive speed and
abrupt maneuvering of this vehicle is
dangerous as it could result in the
increased risk of loss of vehicle
control, vehicle roll-over, personal
injury or death.
This vehicle has a higher center of
gravity. Vehicles with a higher center
of gravity such as utility and AWD
vehicles handle differently than
vehicles with a lower center of
gravity.
Utility and AWD vehicles are not
designed for cornering at high speeds
any more than low profile sports cars
are designed to perform satisfactorily
under off-road conditions. In
addition, utility vehicles have a
significantly higher rollover rate than
other types of vehicles.

Drive carefully when the vehicle is
loaded by lowering vehicle speed and
applying the brakes earlier:

Abrupt maneuvering and sudden
braking when driving a loaded
vehicle is dangerous as the driving
behavior of a vehicle with a high
center of gravity is different when it is
loaded compared to when it is not,
and could result in the loss of vehicle
control and an accident.

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Before Driving Your Mazda

Driving Tips

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Floor Mat

WARNING

Make sure the floor mats are hooked
on the retention pins to prevent them
from bunching up under the foot
pedals:

Using a floor mat that is not secured
is dangerous as it will interfere with
the accelerator and brake pedal
operation, which could result in an
accident.

Do not install two floor mats, one on
top of the other, on the driver's side:

Installing two floor mats, one on top
of the other, on the driver's side is
dangerous as the retention pins can
only keep one floor mat from sliding
forward.
In using a heavy duty floor mat for
winter use always remove the
original floor mat.
Loose floor mat(s) will interfere with
the foot pedal and could result in an
accident.

When setting a floor mat, position the
floor mat so that its eyelets are inserted
over the pointed end of the retention
posts.

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 speed is
dangerous. The spinning tire could
overheat and explode. This could
cause serious injuries.

CAUTION

Too much rocking may cause engine
overheating, transaxle failure, and
tire damage.

If you must rock the vehicle to free it from
snow, sand or mud, depress the
accelerator slightly and slowly move the
shift lever from D to R.

Before Driving Your Mazda

Driving Tips

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Winter Driving

Carry emergency gear, including tire
chains, 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 on page 8-23.

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

Use only cold-weather engine oil (page
8-19).

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
(page 8-29).

Do not use the parking brake in
freezing weather as it may freeze.
Instead, shift to P and block the rear
wheels.

Do not apply excessive force to a
window scraper when removing ice or
frozen snow on the mirror glass and
windshield.

Never use warm or hot water for
removing snow or ice from windows
and mirrors as it could result in the
glass cracking.

Braking performance can be adversely
affected if snow or ice adheres to the
brake equipment. If this situation
occurs, drive the vehicle slowly,
releasing the accelerator pedal and
lightly applying the brakes several
times until the brake performance
returns to normal.

qSnow 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/cm

, 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.

NOTE

If your vehicle is equipped with the tire
pressure monitoring system, the system may
not function correctly when using tires with
steel wire reinforcement in the sidewalls (page
5-33).

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Before Driving Your Mazda

Driving Tips

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qTire Chains

Check local regulations before using tire
chains.

CAUTION

Ø Chains may affect handling.

Ø Do not go faster than 50 km/h (30

mph) or the chain manufacturer's
recommended limit, whichever is
lower.

Ø Drive carefully and avoid bumps,

holes, and sharp turns.

Ø Avoid locked-wheel braking.

Ø Do not use chains on a temporary

spare tire; it may result in damage
to the vehicle and to the tire.

Ø Do not use chains on roads that

are free of snow or ice. The tires
and chains could be damaged.

Ø Chains may scratch or chip

aluminum wheels.

NOTE

If your vehicle is equipped with the tire
pressure monitoring system, the system may
not function correctly when using tire chains.

Install the chains on the front tires.
Do not use chains on the rear tires.
Please consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.

Installing the chains

1. Secure the chains on the front tires as

tightly as possible. Always follow the
chain manufacturer's instructions.

2. Retighten the chains after driving 1/2

―1 km (1/4―1/2 mile).

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 vehicle pulling to one
side when braking could result in a
serious accident. Light braking will
indicate whether the brakes have
been affected.

CAUTION

Do not drive the vehicle on flooded
roads as it could cause short
circuiting of electrical/electronic
parts, or engine damage or stalling
from water absorption. If the vehicle
has been immersed in water, consult
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.

Before Driving Your Mazda

Driving Tips

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Overloading

WARNING

Be careful not to overload your vehicle:

The gross axle weight rating (GAWR)
and the gross vehicle weight rating
(GVWR) of your vehicle are on the
Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Label
on the driver's door frame. Exceeding
these ratings can cause an accident
or vehicle damage. You can estimate
the weight of your load by weighing
the items (or people) before putting
them in the vehicle.

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Before Driving Your Mazda

Driving Tips

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Driving on Uneven Road

Your vehicle's suspension and underbody can be damaged if driven on rough/uneven roads
or over speed bumps at excessive speeds. Use care and reduce speed when traveling on
rough/uneven roads or over speed bumps.

Use care not to damage the vehicle's underbody, bumpers or muffler(s) when driving under
the following conditions:

Ascending or descending a slope with a sharp transition angle

Ascending or descending a driveway or trailer ramp with a sharp transition angle

Your vehicle is equipped with low profile tires allowing class-leading performance and
handling. As a result, the sidewall of the tires are very thin and the tires and wheels can be
damaged if driven through potholes or on rough/uneven roads at excessive speeds. Use
care and reduce speed when traveling on rough/uneven roads or through potholes.

Before Driving Your Mazda

Driving Tips

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