Top Tips for Taking Your New Mazda CX5 in the Snow

The new Mazda CX5 is a fantastic city vehicle, but if you really want to explore its potential considering a winter weekend adventure. If you want true Alpine conditions, you are likely to head for the snowfields, but before you set off, it is worth taking note of these top tips for taking your CX5 in the snow.

Use a Roof Rack:

No winter weekend adventure is complete without a little skiing. While the CX5 has a decent cargo area, the best place to carry your snowboard or skis is mounted on the roof rack. Using your roof rack means that you’ll have plenty of room for your safety equipment on board, and there is no risk of your skis being damaged. Your emergency safety kit should include gloves, a torch, a spade and a tarp. All these items are essential if you need to stop in snowy conditions, and it should all be easily accommodated in the CX5 boot.

Perform a Check Up:

Before you attempt driving in any potentially challenging conditions, it is worth performing a quick check of your vehicle. Check that all fluid levels are optimum and that you have added antifreeze to radiator and wiper fluid. You will need to check your lights are all working, and that tyres have sufficient tread. Don’t forget you are likely to need to carry snow chains, even if your vehicle is AWD like the CX5. Your snow chains will need to be the correct size for your CX5 and will need to be fitted to the driving wheels, in the case of the CX5, this is the front wheels.

Fuel Up With Alpine Diesel:

As you get closer to the mountains, it is a good idea to fuel up your diesel CX5 with Alpine Diesel. This fuel is formulated for lower temperatures and will help to prevent a wax build up that could clog your filters.

Take it Slow and Steady:

Like any challenging conditions, it is important to take the driving slow and steady. Take time for breaks where you can stretch your legs and clear your head to improve your concentration. Water and ice create very slippery road conditions even when you are driving an AWD vehicle. Many mountain access roads are narrow, but to maintain traction, you will need to avoid sudden driving inputs such as harsh braking or steering especially if another vehicle approaches.

Defrost With Care:

Once you’ve arrived, you are likely to park your car for at least a day or two. Ensure that the wipers are left up to avoid the rubber freezing to the glass. Your wipers should never be used to clear any ice as it will cause damage to the rubber. When you do need to leave, you will need to clear any snow or ice slowly. Resist the temptation to use hot water on the glass as it is likely to crack. Instead, use the demister and heater inside the CX5 to slowly warm up your car. You must also remove any snow from the vehicle roof; it is not only illegal to leave snow on the roof, but it is dangerous for you and other road users.

If you would like to know more about the potential of Mazda CX5 Australia adventures, contact us at (08) 9403 9777. Our Wanneroo Mazda sales team would be delighted to answer any questions you may have and schedule a test drive, so you can check out the new Mazda CX5 for yourself.

Hello Everyone. I am a car enthusiast and have been writing about the cars as a hobby for the past 5 years. I'm a automobile graduate and fascinated towards Automotives.