2010 Mazda MAZDA3 Owner's Manual - Page 168

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 gives better acceleration when you need more speed. On a steep downgrade, downshifting helps maintain safe speed and prolongs brake life. Power Steering Power steering is only operable when the engine is running. If the engine is off or if the power steering system is inoperable, you can still steer, but it requires more physical effort. If the steering feels stiffer than usual during normal driving, consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer. 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. 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. CAUTION Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme left or right for more than 5 seconds with the engine running. This could damage the power steering system. qPower Steering Malfunction Indicator Light This indicator light illuminates when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position and goes off when the engine is started. 5-18