Black plate (217,1)
qLocking Lug Nutsí
If your vehicle has optional antitheft
wheel lug nuts, one on each wheel will
lock the tires and you must use a special
key to unlock them. This key is attached
to the lug wrench and is stored with the
spare tire. Register them with the lock
manufacturer by filling out the card
provided in the glove box and mailing it
in the accompanying envelope. If you lose
your key, consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer or use the lock manufacturer's
order form, which is with the registration
card.
Special key Antitheft lug nut
To remove an antitheft lug nut
1. Get the key for the locking lug nut.
2. Place it on top of the nut, and be sure
to hold the key square to it. If you hold
the key at an angle, you may damage
both key and nut. Don't use a power
impact wrench.
3. Place the lug wrench on top of the key
and apply pressure. Turn the wrench
counterclockwise.
To replace the nut
1. Place the key on top of the nut.
2. Place the lug wrench on top of the key,
apply pressure, and turn it clockwise.
qMounting the Spare Tire
1. Remove dirt and grime from the
mounting surfaces of the wheel and
hub, including the hub bolts, with a
cloth.
WARNING
Removing Dirt and Grime from
Wheels, Hubs and Hub Bolts:
When changing or replacing a tire,
not removing dirt and grime from the
mounting surfaces of the wheel, hub
and hub bolts is dangerous. The lug
nuts could loosen while driving and
cause the tire to come off, resulting in
an accident. Make sure the mounting
surfaces of the wheel, hub and lug
nuts are clean before changing or
replacing tires.
2. Mount the spare tire.
In Case of an Emergency
Flat Tire
7-9íSome models. Mazda3_8T97-EC-04J_Edition1 Page217
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Form No.8T97-EC-04J
Black plate (219,1)
WARNING
Metric Studs and Lug Nuts:
Because the wheel studs and lug nuts
on your Mazda have metric threads,
using a non-metric nut is dangerous.
On a metric stud, it would not secure
the wheel and would damage the stud,
which could cause the wheel to slip off
and cause an accident. Be sure to
reinstall the same nuts you removed or
replace them with metric nuts of the
same configuration.
Incorrect Tire Air Pressure:
Driving on tires with incorrect air
pressure is dangerous. Tires with
incorrect pressure could affect
handling and result in an accident.
Don't drive with any tires that have
incorrect air pressure. When you
check the regular tires' air pressure,
check the spare tire, too.
5. Store the damaged tire, using the tire
hold-down bolt to hold it in place.
Have the damaged tire repaired as soon
as possible.
Tire clampTire hold-down bolt
NOTE
(With Tire Pressure Monitoring
System)
A tire pressure sensor is not installed to
the temporary spare tire. The warning
light will flash continuously while the
temporary spare tire is being used (page
5-22).
NOTE
To prevent the jack and tool from
rattling, store them properly.
In Case of an Emergency
Flat Tire
7-11
Mazda3_8T97-EC-04J_Edition1 Page219
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Form No.8T97-EC-04J
Black plate (260,1)
lRinse off spilled electrolyte
immediately with a solution of water
and baking soda.
lIf the vehicle will not be used for an
extended time, disconnect the battery
cables.
qInspecting Electrolyte Level
A low level of electrolyte fluid will cause
the battery to discharge quickly.
Upper level
Lower level
Inspect the electrolyte level at least once a
week. If it's low, remove the cap and add
enough distilled water to bring the level
between the upper and lower level
(illustration).
Don't overfill.
Examine the specific gravity of the
electrolyte with a hydrometer, especially
during cold weather. If it's low, recharge
the battery.
Tires
For reasons of proper performance, safety,
and better fuel economy, always maintain
recommended tire inflation pressures and
stay within the recommended load limits
and weight distribution.
WARNING
Using Different Tire Types:
Driving your vehicle with different
types of tires is dangerous. It could
cause poor handling and poor
braking; leading to loss of control.
Except for the limited use of the
temporary spare tire, use only the
same type tires (radial, bias-belted,
bias-type) on all four wheels.
Using Wrong-Sized Tires:
Using any other tire size than what is
specified for your Mazda (page 10-7)
is dangerous. It could seriously affect
ride, handling, ground clearance, tire
clearance, and speedometer
calibration. This could cause you to
have an accident. Use only tires that
are the correct size specified for your
Mazda.
8-30
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
Mazda3_8T97-EC-04J_Edition1 Page260
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Form No.8T97-EC-04J
Black plate (261,1)
qTire Inflation Pressure
WARNING
Incorrect Tire Inflation:
Overinflation or underinflation of tires
is dangerous. Adverse handling or
unexpected tire failure could result in
a serious accident. Always inflate the
tires to the correct pressure (page
10-7).
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System
í
does not alleviate the need to check the
tire condition every day, including
whether the tires all look inflated properly.
Inspect all tire pressure monthly
(including the spare) when the tires are
cold. Maintain recommended pressures
for the best ride, top handling, and
minimum tire wear.
Refer to the specification charts (page
10-7).
NOTE
lAlways check tire pressure when
tires are cold.
lWarm tires normally exceed
recommended pressures. Don't
release air from warm tires to adjust
the pressure.
lUnderinflation can cause reduced
fuel economy and poor sealing of the
tire bead, which will deform the
wheel and cause separation of tire
from rim.
lOverinflation can produce a harsh
ride and a greater possibility of
damage from road hazards.
Keep your tire pressure at the correct
levels. If one frequently needs
inflating, have it inspected.
qTire Rotation
To equalize tread wear, rotate the tires
every 12,000 km (7,500 miles)/8,000 km*
(5,000 miles) or sooner if irregular wear
develops. During rotation, inspect them
for correct balance.
* Unique driving conditions for U.S.A.,
Canada and Puerto Rico
Do not include (TEMPORARY USE ONLY)
spare tire in rotation.Forward
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-31íSome models. Mazda3_8T97-EC-04J_Edition1 Page261
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Form No.8T97-EC-04J
Black plate (263,1)
You should replace it before the band is
across the entire tread.
qTemporary Spare Tire
Inspect the temporary spare tire at least
monthly to make sure it's properly inflated
and stored.
The temporary spare tire is easier to
handle because of its construction. It is
lighter and smaller than a conventional
tire and should be used only for an
emergency and only for a short distance.
Use the temporary only until the
conventional tire is repaired, which should
be as soon as possible.
Maintain its pressure at 420 kPa (4.2 kgf/
cm
2or bar, 60 psi).
CAUTION
lDon't use your temporary spare tire
rim with a snow tire or a
conventional tire. Neither will
properly fit and could damage both
tire and rim.
lThe temporary spare tire has a tread
life of up to 5,000 km (3,000 miles),
depending on road conditions and
driving habits.
lThe temporary spare tire is for
limited use, however, if the tread
wear solid-band indicator appears,
replace the tire with the same type of
temporary spare (page 8-32).
qReplacing a Wheel
WARNING
Using a Wrong-Sized Wheel:
Using a wrong-sized wheel is
dangerous. Braking and handling
could be affected, leading to loss of
control and an accident. Always use
wheels of the correct size on your
vehicle.
CAUTION
lA wrong-sized wheel may adversely
affect:
lTire fitlWheel and bearing lifelGround clearancelSnow-chain clearancelSpeedometer calibrationlHeadlight aimlBumper heightlTire Pressure Monitoring System
l(With Tire Pressure Monitoring
System)
lWhen replacing/repairing the tires
or wheels or both, have the work
done by an Authorized Mazda
Dealer, or the tire pressure sensors
may be damaged.
lThe wheels equipped on your
Mazda are specially designed for
installation of the tire pressure
sensors. Do not use non-genuine
wheels, otherwise it may not be
possible to install the tire pressure
sensors.
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-33
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Form No.8T97-EC-04J
Black plate (321,1)
P
Parking Brake ..................................... 5-5
Parking in an Emergency .................... 7-2
Power Door Locks .............................. 3-8
Power Steering .................................. 5-16
Fluid ........................................... 8-19
Power steering malfunction indicator
light ............................................ 5-16
Power Windows ................................ 3-16
Push-Starting ..................................... 7-18
R
Rear Door Child Safety Locks ............ 3-9
Rear Seat ............................................. 2-5
Rear Window Defroster .................... 5-50
Rear Window Washer ....................... 5-49
Rear Window Wiper .......................... 5-49
Rearview Mirror ................................ 3-29
Recreational Towing ......................... 7-22
Registering Your Vehicle in A Foreign
Country ............................................. 9-12
Rocking the Vehicle ............................ 4-8
S
Safety Defects, Reporting ................. 9-18
Seat Belt System
3-point type ................................ 2-12
Automatic locking ...................... 2-11
Belt minder ................................. 2-20
Emergency locking .................... 2-11
Extender ..................................... 2-18
Pregnant women ......................... 2-11
Pretensioner and load limiting .... 2-14
Rear-center lap/shoulder ............. 2-16
Seat belt precautions .................... 2-9
Warning light/beep ..................... 2-19
S
Seats
Front seat ...................................... 2-2
Rear seat ....................................... 2-5
Security System
Immobilizer system .................... 3-23
Theft-deterrent system ............... 3-26
Service Publications .......................... 9-20
Spare Tire and Tool Storage ................ 7-3
Specifications .................................... 10-4
Speedometer ...................................... 5-26
SRS Air Bags
How the Air Bags Work ............. 2-43
Supplemental restraint systems
precautions ................................. 2-36
Starting the Engine .............................. 5-3
Steering Wheel .................................. 3-28
Horn ........................................... 5-51
Storage Compartments ...................... 6-42
Cargo securing loops .................. 6-43
Cargo sub-compartment ............. 6-43
Center console ............................ 6-43
Flexible Floor Board .................. 6-44
Glove box ................................... 6-42
Sunshade ........................................... 3-22
Sunvisors .......................................... 6-35
T
Tachometer ........................................ 5-28
Temporary Spare Tire ....................... 8-33
Theft-Deterrent System ..................... 3-26
Tiedown
Hook .......................................... 7-20
Tire Pressure Monitoring System ...... 5-21
System error activation .............. 5-23
Tire pressure monitoring system
warning light .............................. 5-22
Tires and wheels ......................... 5-23
Index
11-5
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Form No.8T97-EC-04J
Black plate (322,1)
T
Tires
Inflation pressure ........................ 8-31
Replacement ............................... 8-32
Rotation ...................................... 8-31
Snow tires .................................... 4-9
Spare tire and tool storage ............ 7-3
Specifications ............................. 10-7
Flat Tire ........................................ 7-3
Tire chains .................................. 4-10
Uniform tire quality grading system
(UTQGS) ................................... 9-16
Tool ..................................................... 7-3
Towing
Description ................................. 7-19
Emergency towing ..................... 7-19
Recreational towing ................... 7-22
Towing caravan and trailers
(Europe) ..................................... 4-12
Trailer towing ............................. 4-12
Trailer Towing .................................. 4-12
Trip Meter ......................................... 5-26
Trunk Lid .......................................... 3-12
Trunk Light ....................................... 3-14
Turn and Lane-Change Signals ......... 5-45
V
Vanity Mirrors ................................... 6-35
Vehicle Information Labels ............... 10-2
W
Warning Lights ................................. 5-30
ABS ............................................ 5-34
Air bag system ........................... 5-34
Automatic transaxle ................... 5-36
Brake system .............................. 5-32
Charging system ......................... 5-33
Check engine .............................. 5-33
Door-ajar .................................... 5-36
Engine oil pressure ..................... 5-33
Front seat belt pretensioner
system ........................................ 5-34
Low fuel ..................................... 5-35
Low washer fluid level ............... 5-36
Seat belt ...................................... 5-35
Tire pressure monitoring
system ........................................ 5-37
Warranty .............................................. 9-9
Washer Fluid ..................................... 8-21
Weights ............................................. 10-5
Wheel Replacement .......................... 8-33
Windows
Power windows .......................... 3-16
Windshield Washer ........................... 5-49
Windshield Wipers ............................ 5-47
Blades replacement .................... 8-24
Winter Driving .................................... 4-9
11-6
Index
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Form No.8T97-EC-04J