Black plate (347,1)
CAUTION
ØDon't use steel wool, abrasive
cleaners, or strong detergents
containing highly alkaline or
caustic agents on chrome-plated
or anodized aluminum parts. This
may damage the protective
coating; also, cleaners and
detergents may discolor or
deteriorate the paint.
Ø To prevent damaging the antenna,
remove it before entering a car
wash facility or passing beneath a
low overhead clearance.
Pay special attention to removing salt,
dirt, mud, and other foreign material from
the underside of the fenders, and make
sure the drain holes in the lower edges of
the doors and rocker panels are clean.
Insects, tar, tree sap, bird droppings,
industrial fallout, and similar deposits can
damage the finish if not removed
immediately. When prompt washing with
plain water is ineffective, use a mild soap
made for use on vehicles.
Thoroughly rinse off all soap with
lukewarm or cold water. Don't allow soap
to dry on the finish.
After washing the vehicle, dry it with a
clean chamois to prevent water spots from
forming.
WARNING
Dry wet brakes by driving very slowly
and applying the brakes lightly until
brake performance is normal: Driving with wet brakes is
dangerous. Increased stopping
distance or the vehicle pulling to one
side when braking could result in a
serious accident. Light braking will
indicate whether the brakes have
been affected.
Waxing
Your vehicle needs to be waxed when
water no longer beads on the finish.
Always wash and dry the vehicle before
waxing it. In addition to the vehicle body,
wax the metal trim to maintain its luster.
1. Use wax which contains no abrasives.Waxes containing abrasive will remove
paint and could damage bright metal
parts.
2. Use a good grade of natural wax for metallic, mica, and solid colors.
3. When waxing, coat evenly with the sponge supplied or a soft cloth.
4. Wipe off the wax with a soft cloth.
NOTE
A spot remover to remove oil, tar, and similar
materials will usually also take off the wax.
Rewax these areas even if the rest of the
vehicle doesn't need it.
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
8-61
Mazda3_8Z87-EA-08F_Edition1 Page347
Monday, May 19 2008 9:59 AM
Form No.8Z87-EA-08F
Black plate (348,1)
qRepairing Damage to the Finish
Deep scratches or chips on the finish
should be repaired promptly. Exposed
metal quickly rusts and can lead to major
repairs.
CAUTION
If your Mazda is damaged and needs
metal parts repaired or replaced,
make sure the body shop applies
anti-corrosion materials to all parts,
both repaired and new. This will
prevent them from rusting.
qBright-Metal Maintenance
lUse tar remover to remove road tar and
insects. Never do this with a knife or
similar tool.
lTo prevent corrosion on bright-metal
surfaces, apply wax or chrome
preservative and rub it to a high luster.
lDuring cold weather or in coastal areas,
cover bright-metal parts with a coating
of wax or preservative heavier than
usual. It would also help to coat them
with noncorrosive petroleum jelly or
some other protective compound.
CAUTION
Don't use steel wool, abrasive
cleaners, or strong detergents
containing highly alkaline or caustic
agents on chrome-plated or anodized
aluminum parts. This may result in
damage to the protective coating and
cause discoloration or paint
deterioration.
qUnderbody Maintenance
Road chemicals and salt used for ice and
snow removal and solvents used for dust
control may collect on the underbody. If
not removed, they will speed up rusting
and deterioration of such underbody parts
as fuel lines, frame, floor pan, and exhaust
system, even though these parts may be
coated with anti-corrosive material.
Thoroughly flush the underbody and
wheel housings with lukewarm or cold
water at the end of each winter. Try also
to do this every month.
Pay special attention to these areas
because they easily hide mud and dirt. It
will do more harm than good to wet
down the road grime without removing
it.
The lower edges of doors, rocker panels,
and frame members have drain holes that
should not be clogged. Water trapped
there will cause rusting.
WARNING
Dry wet brakes by driving very slowly
and applying the brakes lightly until
brake performance is normal: Driving with wet brakes is
dangerous. Increased stopping
distance or the vehicle pulling to one
side when braking could result in a
serious accident. Light braking will
indicate whether the brakes have
been affected.
8-62
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
Mazda3_8Z87-EA-08F_Edition1 Page348
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Form No.8Z87-EA-08F
Black plate (374,1)
11. Tread wear, traction and temperature grades
12. Max. permissible inflation pressure
13. SAFETY WARNING
P215/65R15 95H is an example of a tire size and load index rating. Here is an explanation
of the various components of that tire size and load index rating. Note that the tire size and
load index rating may be different from the example.
P
Indicates a tire that may be installed on cars, SUVs, minivans and light trucks as designated
by the Tire and Rim Association (T&RA).
NOTE
If your tire size does not begin with a letter this may mean it is designated by either ETRTO
(European Tire and Rim Technical Organization) or JATMA (Japan Tire Manufacturing Association).
215
“215 ”is the nominal width of the tire in millimeters. This three-digit number gives the
width in millimeters of the tire from sidewall edge to sidewall edge. In general, the larger
the number, the wider the tire.
65
“ 65 ”is the aspect ratio. This two-digit number indicates the tire's ratio of height to width.
R
“R” is the tire construction symbol. R indicates “Radial ply construction ”.
15
“15 ”is the wheel rim diameter in inches.
95
“95 ”is the Load Index. This two-or three-digit number indicates how much weight each
tire can support.
9-24
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
Mazda3_8Z87-EA-08F_Edition1 Page374
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Form No.8Z87-EA-08F
Black plate (406,1)
A
Accessory Socket .............................. 6-76
Add-On Non-Genuine Parts and
Accessories ....................................... 9-17
Air Bag Systems ............................... 2-42
Ambient Temperature Display .......... 6-66
Antenna ............................................. 6-16
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ......... 5-7Warning light ............................... 5-8
Appearance Care ............................... 8-58
Ashtray .............................................. 6-70
Audio System ................................... 6-16 Audio control switch .................. 6-56
Audio set .................................... 6-27
AUX mode ................................. 6-58
Operating tips for audio
system ........................................ 6-17
Safety certification ..................... 6-61
Automatic Transaxle Driving tips ................................ 5-18
Fluid ........................................... 8-25
Manual shift mode ..................... 5-14
Shift-lock override ..................... 5-14
Shift-lock system ....................... 5-14
Transaxle ranges ........................ 5-13
B
BatteryEmergency starting .................... 7-16
Maintenance ............................... 8-32
Specifications ............................. 10-4
Beep Sounds Ignition key reminder ................. 5-50
Lights-on reminder ..................... 5-50
Tire inflation pressure warning
beep ............................................ 5-50
Beeps
Seat belt warning beep Sounds ... 5-50
B
Before Starting the Engine .................. 4-6After getting in ............................. 4-6
Before getting in .......................... 4-6
Body Lubrication .............................. 8-28
Bottle Holder ..................................... 6-72
Brake/Clutch Fluid ........................................... 8-23
Brakes Anti-lock brake system (ABS) ..... 5-7
Brakes assist ................................. 5-9
Foot brake .................................... 5-5
Parking brake ............................... 5-6
Warning light ............................... 5-7
Break-In Period ................................... 4-7
Bulb Replacement ............................. 8-39
C
Capacities .......................................... 10-5
Carbon Monoxide ............................... 4-5
Cargo Securing Loops ...................... 6-73
Cargo Sub-Compartment .................. 6-73
Catalytic Converter ............................. 4-4
Cell Phones ....................................... 9-18
Center Console .................................. 6-73
Child Restraint Child restraint precautions ......... 2-27
Installing child-restraint
systems ....................................... 2-31
LATCH child-restraint
systems ....................................... 2-37
Child Safety Locks for Rear Doors ... 3-11
Cigarette Lighter ............................... 6-70
Climate Control System ...................... 6-2 Gas specifications ...................... 10-6
Clock ................................................. 6-66
Cruise Control ................................... 5-20
Cup Holder ........................................ 6-71
11-2
Index
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Form No.8Z87-EA-08F
Black plate (407,1)
C
Customer Assistance ........................... 9-2
D
Dashboard Illumination .................... 5-36
Daytime Running Lights ................... 5-54
DefrosterMirror ......................................... 5-60
Rear window .............................. 5-60
Dimensions ....................................... 10-5
Door Locks ......................................... 3-8
Driving In Flooded Area ................... 4-11
Driving on Uneven Road .................. 4-13
Driving Tips ........................................ 4-7 Automatic transaxle ................... 5-18
Break-in period ............................ 4-7
Driving in flooded area .............. 4-11
Driving on uneven road ............. 4-13
Hazardous driving ........................ 4-8
Money-saving suggestions ........... 4-7
Rocking the vehicle ...................... 4-9
Turbocharged vehicles ............... 4-14
Winter driving ............................ 4-10
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) ..... 5-24 DSC OFF indicator light ............ 5-25
DSC OFF switch ........................ 5-25
TCS/DSC Indicator light ............ 5-25
E
Emergency Starting ........................... 7-16
Flooded engine ........................... 7-16
Jump-starting .............................. 7-17
Push-starting .............................. 7-20
Emergency Towing ........................... 7-21
Emission Control System .................... 4-4
E
Engine Coolant ....................................... 8-21
Exhaust gas .................................. 4-5
Hood release .............................. 3-22
Oil .............................................. 8-18
Overheating ................................ 7-14
Starting ......................................... 5-4
Engine Compartment Overview ........ 8-17
Engine Coolant Overheating ................................ 7-14
Engine Coolant Temperature
Gauge ................................................ 5-35
Exhaust Gas ........................................ 4-5
Exterior Care ..................................... 8-60
F
Flasher Hazard warning .......................... 5-61
Headlights .................................. 5-51
Flat Tire ............................................... 7-3 Changing ...................................... 7-8
Spare tire and tool storage ............ 7-3
Flexible Floor Board ......................... 6-74
Fluids Classification .............................. 10-4
Owner maintenance ................... 8-15
Fog Lights ......................................... 5-55
Foot Brake .......................................... 5-5
Front Seats
(Electrically Operated Seats) ............... 2-4
Front Seats
(Manually Operated Seats) ................. 2-2
Fuel Filler lid and cap ........................ 3-20
Gauge ......................................... 5-36
Requirements ............................... 4-2
Tank capacity ............................. 10-5
Index
11-3
Mazda3_8Z87-EA-08F_Edition1 Page407
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Form No.8Z87-EA-08F
Black plate (408,1)
F
Fuses ................................................. 8-50Panel description ........................ 8-53
Replacement ............................... 8-50
G
Glove Box ......................................... 6-72
H
Hazard Warning Flasher .................... 5-61
Hazardous Driving .............................. 4-8
HeadlightsControl ....................................... 5-51
Flashing ...................................... 5-53
High-low beam .......................... 5-53
Leveling ..................................... 5-53
On reminder ............................... 5-53
Hood Release .................................... 3-22
Horn .................................................. 5-61
I
Ignition Keys ............................................. 3-2
Switch .......................................... 5-2
Illuminated Entry System ................. 6-62
Immobilizer System .......................... 3-26
Indicator Lights ................................. 5-38 Cruise ......................................... 5-48
DSC OFF .................................... 5-48
Headlight high-beam .................. 5-47
Power steering malfunction ........ 5-49
Security ...................................... 5-47
Shift position .............................. 5-47
TCS/DSC ................................... 5-48
Turn-signal/hazard warning ....... 5-49
I
Information Display .......................... 6-65Ambient temperature display ..... 6-66
Audio display ............................. 6-67
Climate control display .............. 6-67
Clock .......................................... 6-66
Information display functions .... 6-65
Trip computer ............................. 6-67
Inside Trunk Release Lever ............... 3-17
Instrument Cluster ............................. 5-33
Instrument Cluster Dimmer Select
Button ............................................... 5-36
Interior Care ...................................... 8-63
Interior Lights ................................... 6-62
J
Jump-Starting .................................... 7-17
K
Keyless Entry System ......................... 3-3
Keys .................................................... 3-2
L
Label Information ............................. 10-2
Lane-Change Signals ........................ 5-54
Liftgate .............................................. 3-11 Luggage compartment ............... 3-13
Light Bulbs Replacement ............................... 8-39
Specifications ............................. 10-7
Lighter ............................................... 6-70
Lighting Control ............................... 5-51
Lubricant Quality .............................. 10-4
Luggage Compartment Light ............ 6-63
11-4
Index
Mazda3_8Z87-EA-08F_Edition1 Page408
Monday, May 19 2008 9:59 AM
Form No.8Z87-EA-08F
Black plate (409,1)
M
MaintenanceIntroduction .................................. 8-2
Owner maintenance
precautions ................................. 8-16
Owner maintenance schedule ..... 8-15
Scheduled ..................................... 8-3
Manual Transaxle Operation ............... 5-9 Recommendations for shifting.... 5-10
Map Lights ........................................ 6-63
Mirror Defroster ................................ 5-60
Mirrors Outside mirrors .......................... 3-30
Rearview mirror ......................... 3-31
Money-Saving Suggestions ................ 4-7
Moonroof .......................................... 3-24
O
Odometer and Trip Meter .................. 5-34
Outside Mirrors ................................. 3-30
Overhead Lights ................................ 6-63
Overheating ....................................... 7-14
Overloading ...................................... 4-12
P
Paint Damage .................................... 8-58
Parking Brake ..................................... 5-6
Parking in an Emergency .................... 7-2
Power Door Locks ............................ 3-10
Power Steering .................................. 5-19 Fluid ........................................... 8-24
Power steering malfunction indicator
light ............................................ 5-19
Power Windows ................................ 3-18
Push-Starting ..................................... 7-20
R
Rear Door Child Safety Locks .......... 3-11
Rear Seat ............................................. 2-7
Rear Window Defroster .................... 5-60
Rear Window Washer ....................... 5-59
Rear Window Wiper .......................... 5-59
Rearview Mirror ................................ 3-31
Recreational Towing ......................... 7-23
Registering Your Vehicle in A Foreign
Country ............................................. 9-16
Rocking the Vehicle ............................ 4-9
S
Safety Defects, Reporting ................. 9-43
Seat Belt System Automatic locking ...................... 2-16
Belt minder ................................. 2-25
Center-rear lap/shoulder ............. 2-21
Emergency locking .................... 2-15
Except center-rear position ......... 2-17
Extender ..................................... 2-24
Pregnant women ........................ 2-15
Pretensioner and load limiting .... 2-19
Seat belt precautions .................. 2-13
Warning light/beep ..................... 2-25
Seats Front seat
(Electrically operated seats) ......... 2-4
Front seat
(Manually operated seats) ............ 2-2
Rear seat ....................................... 2-7
Seat warmer ................................ 2-11
Security System Immobilizer system .................... 3-26
Theft-deterrent system ............... 3-28
Service Publications .......................... 9-45
Spare Tire and Tool Storage ................ 7-3
Specifications .................................... 10-4
Index
11-5
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Form No.8Z87-EA-08F
Black plate (410,1)
S
Speedometer ...................................... 5-34
SRS Air BagsHow the Air Bags Work ............. 2-48
Supplemental restraint systems
precautions ................................. 2-42
Starting the Engine .............................. 5-4
Steering Wheel .................................. 3-30 Horn ........................................... 5-61
Storage Compartments ...................... 6-72 Cargo securing loops .................. 6-73
Cargo sub-compartment ............. 6-73
Center console ............................ 6-73
Flexible Floor Board .................. 6-74
Glove box ................................... 6-72
Sunshade ........................................... 3-25
Sunvisors .......................................... 6-62
T
Tachometer ........................................ 5-35
Temporary Spare Tire ....................... 8-37
Theft-Deterrent System ..................... 3-28
Tiedown
Hook .......................................... 7-22
Tire Information ................................ 9-23
Tire Pressure Monitoring System ...... 5-27
System error activation .............. 5-31
Tire pressure monitoring system
warning light .............................. 5-29
Tires and wheels ......................... 5-31
T
TiresFlat Tire ........................................ 7-3
Inflation pressure ........................ 8-35
Replacement ............................... 8-36
Rotation ...................................... 8-36
Snow tires .................................. 4-10
Spare tire and tool storage ............ 7-3
Specifications ............................. 10-8
Tire chains .................................. 4-11
Uniform tire quality grading system
(UTQGS) ................................... 9-21
Tool ..................................................... 7-3
Towing Description ................................. 7-21
Emergency towing ..................... 7-21
Recreational towing ................... 7-23
Trailer towing ............................. 4-15
Traction Control System (TCS) ........ 5-23 TCS/DSC indicator light ............ 5-24
Trailer Towing .................................. 4-15
Trip Meter ......................................... 5-34
Trunk Lid .......................................... 3-14 Inside trunk release lever ............ 3-17
Trunk Light ....................................... 3-16
Turn and Lane-Change Signals ......... 5-54
V
Vanity Mirrors ................................... 6-62
Vehicle Information Labels ............... 10-2
11-6
Index
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Form No.8Z87-EA-08F