2006 Mazda MAZDA6 Owner's Manual - Page 151

Mazda6_8U66-EA-05F_Edition2 Page151 Tuesday, July 26 2005 11:24 AM Black plate (151,1) Driving Your Mazda Starting and Driving Recommendations for shifting Upshifting For normal acceleration and cruising, we recommend these shift points. (2.3-liter engine model) Gear M1 to M2 M2 to M3 M3 to M4 M4 to M5 Vehicle speed 24 km/h (15 mph) 40 km/h (25 mph) 65 km/h (40 mph) 73 km/h (45 mph) 2. Shift to D or M1, depending on the load weight and grade steepness. 3. Release the brake pedal while gradually accelerating. Descending steep grades When descending a steep grade, shift to lower gears, depending on load weight and grade steepness. Descend slowly, using the brakes only occasionally to prevent them from overheating. (3.0-liter engine model) Gear M1 to M2 M2 to M3 M3 to M4 M4 to M5 M5 to M6 Vehicle speed 24 km/h (15 mph) 40 km/h (25 mph) 65 km/h (40 mph) 73 km/h (45 mph) 80 km/h (50 mph) Downshifting When you must slow down in heavy traffic or on a steep upgrade, downshift before the engine starts to overwork. This gives better acceleration when you need more speed. On a steep downgrade, downshifting helps maintain safe speed and prolongs brake life. qDriving Tips Passing For extra power when passing another vehicle or climbing steep grades, depress the accelerator fully. The transaxle will shift to a lower gear, depending on vehicle speed. Climbing steep grades from a stop To climb a steep grade from a stopped position: 1. Depress the brake pedal. 5-17 Form No.8U66-EA-05F