tow bar MAZDA MODEL TRIBUTE 4WD 2001 Owners Manual

Recreational towing
An example of ªrecreational towingº is towing your vehicle behind a
motorhome.
If your vehicle is automatic transmission equipped, with a 4x2
(front-wheel drive only) configured powertrain, ªrecreational towingº is
permitted by trailering the vehicle with its front wheels on a dolly. This
protects the transmission's internal mechanical components from
potential lack of lubrication damage.
If your vehicle is automatic transmission equipped, with a 4x4 (all-wheel
drive) configured powertrain, ªrecreational towingº is permitted only if
the vehicle is trailered with all four (4) wheels off the ground. Otherwise,
no ªrecreational towingº is permitted.
If your vehicle is manual transmission equipped, shifting the transmission
into neutral permits ªflat-towingº (all wheels on the ground) for pulling
behind a motorhome. Your vehicle may be towed up to a speed of
120 km/h (75 mph) but you should always obey local speed limits.
For other towing requirements, refer toWrecker Towingin the
Roadside emergencies chapter.
LUGGAGE RACK
Your vehicle is equipped with a roof rack. The maximum load for the roof
rack is 44 kg (100 lbs), evenly distributed on the crossbars. If it is not
possible to evenly distribute the load, position it in the center or as far
forward on the crossbars as possible. Always use the adjustable tie down
loops to secure the load.
To adjust the cross-bar position: 1. Loosen the thumbwheel at both ends of the cross-bar (both
cross-bars are adjustable).
2. Slide the cross-bar to the desired location.
3. Tighten the thumbwheel at both ends of the cross-bar.
Driving
131

To reinstall the cross-bar assembly to the roof rack side rails:1. Ensure that both cross-bar assemblies are installed with the
F (front) arrow facing towards
the front of the vehicle.
2. Use a long, flat object to depress the tongue in the
endcaps on both sides of the
cross-bar.
3. Slide the tie down loops and the cross-bar assemblies over the end cap tongue and into the side rails.
4. Tighten thumbwheel at both ends of the cross-bar.
Driving
133

²Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go driving.
Maintenance
²Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
² Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of alignment will reduce fuel
economy.
² Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found in your vehicle service maintenance section.
Conditions
²Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
² Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
0.4 km/L [1 mpg] is lost for every 180 kg [400 lb] of weight carried).
² Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example bug
deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks) may
reduce fuel economy.
² Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
² Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
12±16 km (8±10 miles) of driving.
² Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to
driving on hilly terrain.
² Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure on the gas pedal.
² Close windows for high speed driving.
EPA window sticker
Every new vehicle should have the EPA window sticker. Contact your
dealer if the window sticker is not supplied with your vehicle. The EPA
window sticker should be your guide for the fuel economy comparisons
with other vehicles.
It is important to note the box in the lower left corner of the window
sticker. These numbers represent the Range of L/100 km (MPG)
expected on the vehicle under optimum conditions. Your fuel economy
may vary depending upon the method of operation and conditions.
Maintenance and care
197