2011 MAZDA MODEL 3 HATCHBACK ground clearance

Black plate (353,1)
CAUTION
ØWhen using the temporary spare
tire, driving stability may decrease
compared to when using only the
conventional tire. Drive carefully.
Ø To avoid damage to the temporary
spare tire or to the vehicle, observe
the following precautions:
ØDo not exceed 80 km/h (50
mph).
ØAvoid driving over obstacles.
Also, do not drive through an
automatic car wash. This tire's
diameter is smaller than a
conventional tire, so the ground
clearance is reduced about
10 mm (0.4 in).
ØDo not use a tire chain on this
tire because it will not fit
properly.
ØDo not use your temporary
spare tire on any other vehicle,
it has been designed only for
your Mazda.
ØUse only one temporary spare
tire on your vehicle at the same
time.
Ø (With limited slip differential)
When using the temporary spare
tire on the front axle, replace it
with a standard tire as soon as
possible. The size difference
between the spare and the
standard tire will cause the limited
slip differential to malfunction.
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 5-32).
To remove the spare tire
4 Door
1. Remove the trunk mat.
2. Turn the tire hold-down bolt counterclockwise using the lug wrench.
5 Door
1. Remove the trunk mat.
In Case of an Emergency
Flat Tire
7-7
Mazda3_8BM6-EC-10F_Edition1 Page353
Monday, June 7 2010 2:34 PM
Form No.8BM6-EC-10F

Black plate (407,1)
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 caps 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 10-11)
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.
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-35
Mazda3_8BM6-EC-10F_Edition1 Page407
Monday, June 7 2010 2:35 PM
Form No.8BM6-EC-10F

Black plate (412,1)
CAUTION
ØA wrong-sized wheel may
adversely affect:
ØTire fit
ØWheel and bearing life
ØGround clearance
ØSnow-chain clearance
ØSpeedometer calibration
ØHeadlight aim
ØBumper height
ØTire Pressure Monitoring
System
ØLimited-Slip Differential System
Ø (With Tire Pressure Monitoring
System)
ØWhen 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.
ØThe 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.
NOTE
Be sure to install the tire pressure sensors
whenever tires or wheels are replaced. Refer to
Tires and Wheels on page 5-34.
When replacing a wheel, make sure the
new one is the same as the original factory
wheel in diameter, rim width, and offset.
Proper tire balancing provides the best
riding comfort and helps reduce tread
wear. Out-of-balance tires can cause
vibration and uneven wear, such as
cupping and flat spots.
8-40
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
Mazda3_8BM6-EC-10F_Edition1 Page412
Monday, June 7 2010 2:35 PM
Form No.8BM6-EC-10F