2008 Mazda RX-8 Owner's Manual - Page 121

Before Driving Your Mazda Driving Tips Hazardous Driving 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: l Be cautious and allow extra distance for braking. l Avoid sudden braking and sudden maneuvering. l Do not pump the brakes. Continue to press down on the brake pedal. Refer to Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) on page 5-8. l If you get stuck, select a lower gear and accelerate slowly. Do not spin the rear wheels. l 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 rear wheels. NOTE Use snow chains only on the rear wheels. 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, transmission 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 1 (D) to R. 4-7