2007 Mazda MAZDA3 Owner's Manual - Page 133

Mazda3_8V66-EA-06F_Edition2 Page132 Friday, May 26 2006 10:54 AM Black plate (132,1) Driving Your Mazda Starting and Driving Downshifting When you must slow down in heavy traffic or on a steep upgrade, downshift before the engine starts to overwork. This reduces the chance of stalling and gives better acceleration when you need more speed. On a steep downgrade, downshifting helps maintain safe speed and prolongs brake life. CAUTION l Keep your foot off the clutch pedal except when shifting gears. Also, don't use the clutch to hold the vehicle on an upgrade. Riding the clutch will cause needless clutch wear and damage. Make sure the vehicle comes to a complete stop before shifting to R. Shifting to R while the vehicle is still moving may damage the transaxle. l NOTE If shifting to R is difficult, shift back into neutral, release the clutch pedal, and try again. qRecommendations for Shifting Upshifting For normal acceleration, we recommend these shift points. Gear 1 to 2 2 to 3 3 to 4 4 to 5 5 to 6 5-speed transaxle 21 km/h (13 mph) 39 km/h (24 mph) 55 km/h (34 mph) 79 km/h (49 mph) ― 6-speed transaxle 24 km/h (15 mph) 40 km/h (25 mph) 65 km/h (40 mph) 73 km/h (45 mph) 81 km/h (50 mph) For cruising Gear 1 to 2 2 to 3 3 to 4 4 to 5 5 to 6 5-speed transaxle 18 km/h (11 mph) 29 km/h (18 mph) 47 km/h (29 mph) 68 km/h (42 mph) ― 6-speed transaxle 24 km/h (15 mph) 40 km/h (25 mph) 65 km/h (40 mph) 73 km/h (45 mph) 81 km/h (50 mph) 5-10 Form No.8V66-EA-06F