2004 Mazda MAZDA6 Owner's Manual - Page 113

J56J_8S11-EA-03G_Edition1.book Page 17 Tuesday, June 24, 2003 6:29 PM Driving Your Mazda Starting and Driving Recommendations for shifting Upshifting For normal acceleration and cruising, we recommend these shift points. (2.3-liter engine) M1 to M2 M2 to M3 M3 to M4 24 km/h (15 mph) 40 km/h (25 mph) 65 km/h (40 mph) M 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. (3.0-liter engine) For normal acceleration and cruising, we recommend these shift points. M1 to M2 M2 to M3 M3 to M4 M4 to M5 24 km/h (15 mph) 40 km/h (25 mph) 65 km/h (40 mph) 73 km/h (45 mph) 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. 5-17 Form No. 8S11-EA-03G