Black plate (312,1)
CAUTION
(With Tire Pressure Monitoring
System)
When 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.
NOTE
(With Tire Pressure Monitoring
System)
lWhen tires with steel wire
reinforcement in the sidewalls are
used, the system may not function
correctly even with a genuine wheel.
Refer to System Error Activation on
page 5-29.
lBe sure to install the tire pressure
sensors whenever tires or wheels are
replaced.
Refer to Tires and Wheels on page
5-29.
If a tire wears evenly, a wear indicator
will appear as a solid band across the
tread.
Replace the tire when this happens.
New treadTread wear indicator
Worn tread
You should replace it before the band is
across the entire tread.
NOTE
Tires degrade over time, even when
they are not being used on the road. It is
recommended that tires generally be
replaced when they are 6 years or older.
Heat caused by hot climates or frequent
high loading conditions can accelerate
the aging process. You should replace
the spare tire when you replace the
other road tires due to the aging of the
spare tire. Regarding the manufacturing
week and year is indicated with 4 digit.
Refer to The tire labeling on page 9-22.
qTemporary Spare Tire
Inspect the temporary spare tire at least
monthly to make sure it's properly inflated
and stored.
NOTE
The temporary spare tire condition
gradually deteriorates even if it has not
been used.
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).
8-38
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
Mazda3_8V66-EA-06F_Edition3 Page312
Wednesday, August 23 2006 11:21 AM
Form No.8V66-EA-06F
Black plate (313,1)
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 less than 5,000 km (3,000
miles). The tread life may be shorter
depending on driving conditions.
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 8-37).
NOTE
Tires degrade over time, even when
they are not being used on the road. It is
recommended that tires generally be
replaced when they are 6 years or older.
Heat caused by hot climates or frequent
high loading conditions can accelerate
the aging process. You should replace
the spare tire when you replace the
other road tires due to the aging of the
spare tire. Regarding the manufacturing
week and year is indicated with 4 digit.
Refer to The tire labeling on page 9-22.
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 SystemlLimited-Slip Differential 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
8-39
Mazda3_8V66-EA-06F_Edition3 Page313
Wednesday, August 23 2006 11:21 AM
Form No.8V66-EA-06F
Black plate (369,1)
WARNING
Tire Under-Inflation:
Driving your vehicle with under-inflated tires is dangerous.
Under-inflation is the most common cause of failures in any kind of tire and may
result in severe cracking, tread separation or“blowout”, with unexpected loss of
vehicle control and increased risk of injury. Under-inflation increases sidewall flexing
and rolling resistance, resulting in heat buildup and internal damage to the tire. It
results in unnecessary tire stress, irregular wear, loss of control and accidents. A tire
can lose up to half of its air pressure and not appear to be flat!
It is impossible to determine whether or not tires are properly inflated just by looking
at them.
Always check the tire inflation pressures on a regular basis according to the
recommended tire inflation pressure on the tire label and in conjunction with the
information in this owner's manual.
qChecking Tire Pressure
1. When you check the air pressure, make sure the tires are cold―meaning they are not
hot from driving even a mile.
2. Remove the cap from the valve on one tire.
3. Firmly press a tire gauge onto the valve.
4. Add air to achieve recommended air pressure.
5. If you overfill the tire, release air by pushing on the metal stem in the center of the
valve. Then recheck the pressure with your tire gauge.
6. Replace the valve cap.
7. Repeat with each tire, including the spare.
NOTE
Some spare tires require higher inflation pressure.
8. Visually inspect the tires to make sure there are no nails or other objects embedded that
could poke a hole in the tire and cause an air leak.
9. Check the sidewalls to make sure there are no gouges, cuts, bulges, cracks or other
irregularities.
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
9-29
Mazda3_8V66-EA-06F_Edition3 Page369
Wednesday, August 23 2006 11:22 AM
Form No.8V66-EA-06F
Black plate (371,1)
Tire Maintenance
Improper or inadequate vehicle maintenance can cause tires to wear abnormally. Here are
some important maintenance points:
qTire Inflation Pressure
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. Use the
pressures specified on the vehicle tire information placard or tire label for optimum service.
qTire Rotation
To equalize tread wear, rotate the tires every 12,000 km (7,500 miles) or sooner if irregular
wear develops. During rotation, inspect them for correct balance.
Forward
Inspect the tires for uneven wear and damage. Abnormal wear is usually caused by one or a
combination of the following:
lIncorrect tire pressure
lImproper wheel alignment
lOut-of-balance wheel
lSevere braking
After rotation, inflate all tire pressures to specification (page 10-8) and inspect the lug nuts
for tightness.
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
9-31
Mazda3_8V66-EA-06F_Edition3 Page371
Wednesday, August 23 2006 11:22 AM
Form No.8V66-EA-06F
Black plate (373,1)
NOTE
Tires degrade over time, even when they are not being used on the road. It is
recommended that tires generally be replaced when they are 6 years or older. Heat
caused by hot climates or frequent high loading conditions can accelerate the aging
process. You should replace the spare tire when you replace the other road tires due to
the aging of the spare tire. Regarding the manufacturing week and year is indicated with
4 digit. Refer to The tire labeling on page 9-22.
qSafety Practices
The way you drive has a great deal to do with your tire mileage and safety. So cultivate
good driving habits for your own benefit.
lObserve posted speed limits
lAvoid fast starts, stops and turns
lAvoid potholes and objects on the road
lDo no run over curbs or hit the tire against the curb when parking
CAUTION
If you feel a sudden vibration or ride disturbance while driving or you suspect your tire
or vehicle has been damaged, immediately reduce your speed. Drive with caution until
you can safely pull off the road. Stop and inspect the tire for damage. If the tire is under-
inflated or damaged, deflate it, remove the tire and rim and replace it with your spare
tire. If you cannot detect a cause, have the vehicle towed to the nearest vehicle or tire
dealer to have the vehicle inspected.
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
9-33
Mazda3_8V66-EA-06F_Edition3 Page373
Wednesday, August 23 2006 11:22 AM
Form No.8V66-EA-06F
Black plate (393,1)
Temporary spare tire
Tire size Inflation pressure
T115/70D15 90M
420 kPa (60 psi) T125/70D16 96M
T125/70D17 98M
qFuses
Refer to the fuse rating on page 8-52.
Specifications
10-9
Mazda3_8V66-EA-06F_Edition3 Page393
Wednesday, August 23 2006 11:22 AM
Form No.8V66-EA-06F
Black plate (397,1)
C
Customer Assistance ........................... 9-2
D
Dashboard Illumination .................... 5-36
Daytime Running Lights ................... 5-54
Defroster
Rear window .............................. 5-60
Dimensions ....................................... 10-6
Door Locks ......................................... 3-9
Driving In Flooded Area ................... 4-11
Driving Tips ........................................ 4-7
Automatic transaxle ................... 5-17
Break-in period ............................ 4-7
Driving in flooded area .............. 4-11
Hazardous driving ........................ 4-8
Money-saving suggestions ........... 4-7
Rocking the vehicle ...................... 4-9
Turbocharged vehicles ............... 4-13
Winter driving .............................. 4-9
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) ..... 5-23
DSC OFF indicator light ............ 5-24
DSC OFF switch ........................ 5-24
TCS/DSC Indicator light ............ 5-24
E
Emergency Starting ........................... 7-15
Flooded engine ........................... 7-15
Jump-starting .............................. 7-16
Push-starting .............................. 7-19
Emergency Towing ........................... 7-20
Emission Control System .................... 4-4
E
Engine
Coolant ....................................... 8-21
Exhaust gas .................................. 4-5
Hood release .............................. 3-22
Oil .............................................. 8-18
Overheating ................................ 7-13
Starting ......................................... 5-3
Engine Compartment Overview ........ 8-17
Engine Coolant
Overheating ................................ 7-13
Engine Coolant Temperature
Gauge ................................................ 5-35
Exhaust Gas ........................................ 4-5
Exterior Care ..................................... 8-62
F
Flasher
Hazard warning .......................... 5-61
Headlights .................................. 5-51
Flat Tire ............................................... 7-3
Changing ...................................... 7-7
Spare tire and tool storage ............ 7-3
Flexible Floor Board ......................... 6-64
Fluids
Classification .............................. 10-5
Owner maintenance ................... 8-15
Fog Lights ......................................... 5-55
Foot Brake .......................................... 5-4
Front Seats .......................................... 2-2
Fuel
Filler lid and cap ........................ 3-21
Gauge ......................................... 5-35
Requirements ............................... 4-2
Tank capacity ............................. 10-5
Fuses ................................................. 8-52
Panel description ........................ 8-55
Replacement ............................... 8-52
Index
11-3
Mazda3_8V66-EA-06F_Edition3 Page397
Wednesday, August 23 2006 11:22 AM
Form No.8V66-EA-06F
Black plate (399,1)
M
Manual Transaxle Operation ............... 5-9
Recommendations for shifting.... 5-10
Map Lights ........................................ 6-53
Mirrors
Outside mirrors .......................... 3-31
Rearview mirror ......................... 3-32
Money-Saving Suggestions ................ 4-7
Moonroof .......................................... 3-24
O
Odometer and Trip Meter .................. 5-33
Outside Mirrors ................................. 3-31
Overhead Lights ................................ 6-53
Overheating ....................................... 7-13
Overloading ...................................... 4-12
P
Paint Damage .................................... 8-60
Parking Brake ..................................... 5-5
Parking in an Emergency .................... 7-2
Power Door Locks ............................ 3-10
Power Steering .................................. 5-18
Fluid ........................................... 8-24
Power steering malfunction indicator
light ............................................ 5-18
Power Windows ................................ 3-19
Push-Starting ..................................... 7-19
R
Rear Door Child Safety Locks .......... 3-11
Rear Seat ............................................. 2-5
Rear Window Defroster .................... 5-60
Rear Window Washer ....................... 5-59
Rear Window Wiper .......................... 5-59
Rearview Mirror ................................ 3-32
R
Recreational Towing ......................... 7-22
Registering Your Vehicle in A Foreign
Country ............................................. 9-15
Rocking the Vehicle ............................ 4-9
S
Safety Defects, Reporting ................. 9-42
Seat Belt System
Automatic locking ...................... 2-12
Belt minder ................................. 2-22
Center-rear position .................... 2-18
Emergency locking .................... 2-12
Except center-rear position ......... 2-13
Extender ..................................... 2-21
Pregnant women ........................ 2-12
Pretensioner and load limiting .... 2-15
Seat belt precautions .................. 2-10
Warning light/beep ..................... 2-22
Seats
Front seat ...................................... 2-2
Rear seat ....................................... 2-5
Security System
Immobilizer system .................... 3-26
Theft-deterrent system ............... 3-29
Service Publications .......................... 9-44
Spare Tire and Tool Storage ................ 7-3
Specifications .................................... 10-4
Speedometer ...................................... 5-33
SRS Air Bags
How the Air Bags Work ............. 2-49
Supplemental restraint systems
precautions ................................. 2-41
Starting the Engine .............................. 5-3
Steering Wheel .................................. 3-31
Horn ........................................... 5-61
Index
11-5
Mazda3_8V66-EA-06F_Edition3 Page399
Wednesday, August 23 2006 11:22 AM
Form No.8V66-EA-06F