2010 Mazda CX-7 Owner's Manual - Page 150

CX-7_8AS7-EA-09E_Edition2 Page150 Friday, June 5 2009 2:25 PM Black plate (150,1) Before Driving Your Mazda Driving Tips Hazardous Driving qDriving on Slippery Surface 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. 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. l If you get stuck, select a lower gear and accelerate slowly. Do not spin the front 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 front wheels. NOTE Use snow chains only on the front wheels. 4-8 Form No.8AS7-EA-09E