2004 Mazda MPV Owner's Manual - Page 137

Before Driving Your Mazda Towing Passing Plan well ahead to pass other vehicles, and provide plenty of room before changing lanes. Crosswinds from passing vehicles, especially larger ones, and the effects of rough roads will affect handling. If swaying occurs, firmly grip the steering wheel and reduce speed immediately, but gradually. Steer straight ahead. If no extreme correction of steering or braking is made, the combination of less speed and firm steering will result in stability. Backing up Backing a vehicle with a trailer requires practice and patience. Back slowly, and have a helper outside at the rear of the trailer to reduce the risk of an accident. To turn the trailer, place your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel and turn it in the direction you want the trailer to go. Make only slight movements to prevent sharp or prolonged turning. Ascending a hill Shift into a lower gear to reduce the possibility of overloading or overheating the engine, or both. Descending a hill Shift into a lower gear and use engine compression as a braking effect. WARNING Over Use of the Brake Pedal: Holding the brake pedal down too long or too frequently is dangerous as it could cause the brakes to overheat and lose power, resulting in loss of control and a serious accident. Use lower gears (1st and 2nd) to help reduce speed. Pull off the road and allow brakes to cool down whenever braking performance feels reduced. Always use lower gears to reduce speed. Overheated engine The extra weight of the trailer may strain the engine on hot days and on long or steep upgrades. If the temperature gauge indicates overheating, turn off the air conditioner, drive safely to the side of the road, park off the right-of-way and wait for engine to cool. Refer to Overheating (page 7-15). 4-18