2004 Mazda MPV Owner's Manual - Page 138

Before Driving Your Mazda Towing Parking Always make sure the tires of the trailer and the tow vehicle are blocked while parked. Apply the parking brake firmly and put the transaxle in P. Avoid parking on an incline, but if you must, follow these instructions: 1. Depress and hold down the brake pedal. 2. Have a helper put wheel blocks against the downhill side of all vehicle and trailer tires. 3. Then release the brake pedal slowly until the blocks bear the load. • If the grade is downhill, turn the steering wheel so that the front of the front tires face the curb. • If it is uphill, face the rear of the front tires against the curb. 4. Firmly apply the parking brake. 5. Shift the transaxle into P, and stop the engine. To restart after parking on an incline: 1. With the transaxle in P, start the engine. (Be sure to depress and hold the brake pedal.) 2. Shift into gear. 3. Release the parking brake (also the foot brake) and pull away from the wheel blocks. Stop; apply the parking brake and shift into P. 4. Have a helper retrieve the wheel blocks. Fuel consumption Trailer towing causes higher fuel consumption. Maintenance If you tow a trailer frequently, have your vehicle serviced as shown in Scheduled Maintenance (page 8-3). 4-19