2015 MAZDA MODEL 3 HATCHBACK suspension

2–42
Essential Safety Equipment
SRS Air Bags
WARNING
Never install any front-end equipment to your vehicle:
Installation of front-end equipment, such as frontal protection bar (kangaroo bar,
bull bar, push bar, or other similar devices), snowplow, or winches, is dangerous. The
air bag crash sensor system could be affected. This could cause air bags to infl ate
unexpectedly, or it could prevent the air bags from infl ating during an accident. Front
occupants could be seriously injured.
Do not modify the suspension:
Modifying the vehicle suspension is dangerous. If the vehicle's height or the suspension
is modifi ed, the vehicle will be unable to accurately detect a collision resulting in
incorrect or unexpected air bag deployment and the possibility of serious injuries.
Do not modify the supplementary restraint system:
Modifying the components or wiring of the supplementary restraint system is
dangerous. You could accidentally activate it or make it inoperable. Do not make any
modifi cations to the supplementary restraint system. This includes installing trim,
badges, or anything else over the air bag modules. It also includes installing extra
electrical equipment on or near system components or wiring. An expert repairer, we
recommend an Authorised Mazda Repairer can provide the special care needed in the
removal and installation of front seats. It is important to protect the air bag wiring and
connections to assure that the bags do not accidentally deploy and that the seats retain
an undamaged air bag connection.
Do not place luggage or other objects under the front seats:
Placing luggage or other objects under the front seats is dangerous. The components
essential to the supplementary restraint system could be damaged, and in the event of
a side collision, the appropriate air bags may not deploy, which could result in death
or serious injury. To prevent damage to the components essential to the supplementary
restraint system, do not place luggage or other objects under the front seats.
Do not operate a vehicle with damaged air bag/seat belt pretensioner system
components:
Expended or damaged air bag/seat belt pretensioner system components must be
replaced after any collision which caused them to deploy or damage them. Only a
trained expert repairer, we recommend an Authorised Mazda Repairer can fully
evaluate these systems to see that they will work in any subsequent accident. Driving
with an expended or damaged air bag or pretensioner unit will not afford you the
necessary protection in the event of any subsequent accident which could result in
serious injury or death.
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3–70
Before Driving
Towing
Trailer Towing Tips
Before driving
 




 Verify that your Mazda maintains a near-normal attitude when a loaded or unloaded trailer
is connected. Do not drive if it has an abnormal front-up or front-down position. Inspect
for incorrect nose weight, worn suspension parts, and trailer overloading. Have the vehicle
inspected by an expert repairer, we recommend an Authorised Mazda Repairer.
 


 Make sure the trailer cargo is secure to prevent it from shifting.



 Make sure the mirrors meet all government regulations. Inspect them.



 Before starting out, inspect the operation of all vehicle and trailer lights and all vehicle-
to-trailer connections. Stop and re-inspect all lights and connections after driving a short
distance.
Driving
 




 Your Mazda will handle differently with a trailer in tow, so practice turning, backing, and
stopping in a traffi c-free area.




 Take time to get accustomed to the extra weight and length.



 Do not exceed 100 km/h (62 mph) with a trailer in tow. If the local legal maximum speed
with a trailer in tow is less than 100 km/h (62 mph), do not exceed the legal speed.
CAUTION
If the vehicle exceeds 100 km/h (62 mph) with a trailer in tow, the vehicle could be
damaged.
 


 When ascending a hill, shift into a lower gear to reduce the possibility of overloading or
overheating the engine, or both.
 


 When descending a hill, shift into a lower gear and use engine compression as a braking
effect. Pay constant attention to speed and use the brakes only as needed. Holding the
brake pedal down for a prolonged period may cause the brakes to overheat and lose
power.
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4–10 8
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
WARNING
Do not use the LDWS under the following conditions:
The system may not operate adequately according to the actual driving conditions,
resulting in an accident.
 
 Driving on roads with tight curves. 
 Driving under bad weather conditions (rain, fog, and snow).
The functions of the LDWS have limitations:
Always stay on course using the steering wheel and drive with care. The system is not
designed to compensate for a driver’s lack of caution and if you rely too much on the
LDWS it could lead to an accident. The driver is responsible for assuring lane changes
and other manoeuvres. Always pay attention to the direction in which the vehicle is
travelling and the vehicle’s surroundings.
CAUTION
Do not modify the suspension. If the vehicle height or the damping force of the
suspensions is changed, the LDWS may not operate correctly.
NOTE
  If your vehicle deviates from its traffi c lane, the LDWS operates (warning sound and
indicator light). Steer the vehicle adequately to drive the vehicle to the centre of the
lane.
  When the direction indicator lever is operated for a lane change, the LDWS warning
is automatically cancelled. The LDWS warning becomes operable when the direction
indicator lever is returned and the system detects the white or yellow lines.
  If the steering wheel, accelerator pedal, or brake pedal is operated abruptly and the
vehicle moves close to a white or yellow line, the system determines that the driver is
making a lane change and the LDWS warning is automatically cancelled.
  The LDWS may not operate during the period immediately after the vehicle has
deviated from its lane and the LDWS has operated, or the vehicle deviates from its
lane repeatedly within a short period of time.
  The LDWS does not operate if it does not detect the white or yellow lines of the traffi c
lane.
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4–14 0
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
WARNING
Do not rely on the Smart City Brake Support System (SCBS) as a substitute for safer
driving:
The Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) system cannot compensate for unsafe and
reckless driving, excessive speed, tailgating (following another vehicle too closely), and
driving on slippery roads such as wet, snowy, and icy roads (reduced tyre friction and
road contact because of water on the road surface). You can still have an accident.
Do not rely completely on the Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) system:
 
 The Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) system is only designed to reduce damage in
the event of a collision. Over reliance on the system leading to the accelerator pedal
or brake pedal being mistakenly operated could result in an accident.
  The Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) is a system which operates in response to a
vehicle ahead. The system may not be able to detect or react to 2-wheeled vehicles or
pedestrians.
  The laser sensor (front) for the Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) system is installed
near the rearview mirror. To assure the correct operation of the Smart City Brake
Support (SCBS), heed the following cautions.
 

 
 Do not apply stickers to the surface of the windscreen near the laser sensor (front)
(including transparent stickers). Otherwise, the laser sensor (front) may not be
able to detect vehicles ahead which could result in an accident.
 

 
 Do not apply coating agent to the windscreen. Otherwise, the laser sensor (front)
may not be able to detect vehicles or obstructions in front which could result in an
accident.
 

 
 Do not disassemble the laser sensor (front).


 
 If cracks or damage caused by fl ying gravel or debris is visible near the
laser sensor (front), stop using the Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) system
immediately and have your vehicle inspected by an expert repairer, we recommend
an Authorised Mazda Repairer. If the vehicle continues to be driven with cracks or
scratch marks left on the windscreen near the laser sensor (front), the system may
operate unnecessarily and cause an unexpected accident.
  Refer to Stopping The Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) System Operation on
page 4-144 .
 

 
 When replacing the windscreen wipers or windscreen, consult an expert repairer,
we recommend an Authorised Mazda Repairer.
Do not modify the suspension:
If the vehicle height or inclination is changed, the system will not be able to correctly
detect vehicles ahead. This will result in the Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) system
not operating normally or mistakenly operating, which could cause a serious accident.
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4–151
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
CAUTION
Heed the following precautions to assure correct operation of each system.
 
 Do not adhere stickers (including transparent stickers) to the surface of the radiator
grille and front emblem in and around the radar sensor (front), and do not replace
the radiator grille and front emblem with any product that is not a genuine product
designed for use with the radar sensor (front).
  The radar sensor (front) includes a function for detecting soiling of the radar sensor's
front surface and informing the driver, however, depending on the conditions, it may
require time to detect or it may not detect plastic shopping bags, ice or snow. If this
occurs, the system may not operate correctly, therefore always keep the radar sensor
(front) clean.
  Do not install a grille guard. 
 If the front part of the vehicle has been damaged in a vehicle accident, the position of
the radar sensor (front) may have moved. Stop the system immediately and always
have the vehicle inspected at an Authorised Mazda Repairer.
  Do not use the front bumper to push other vehicles or obstructions such as when
pulling out of a parking space. Otherwise, the radar sensor (front) could be hit and its
position deviated.
  Do not remove, disassemble, or modify the radar sensor (front). 
 For repairs, replacement or paint work around the radar sensor (front), consult an
Authorised Mazda Repairer.
  Do not modify the suspension. If the suspension are modifi ed, the vehicle's posture
could change and the radar sensor (front) may not be able to correctly detect a vehicle
ahead or an obstruction.
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6–4
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
Europe
Maintenance Interval Number of months or kilometres (miles), whichever comes fi rst.
Months 12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96 108
×1000 km 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180
×1000 miles 12.5 25 37.5 50 62.5 75 87.5 100
112.5
MZR 1.6, SKYACTIV-G 1.5 AND SKYACTIV-G 2.0
Engine valve clearance (Only MZR1.6) Audibly inspect every 120,000 km, if noisy, adjust.
Spark plugs
*1
SKYACTIV-G
1.5 and
SKYACTIV-G
2.0
Replace every 120,000 km (75,000 miles).
MZR1.6 R R R R
Air fi lter
*2 R R R
Evaporative system (if installed) I I I
SKYACTIV-D 2.2
Fuel fi lter R R R
Fuel injection system
*3 I I I
Air fi lter
*2 C C R C C R C C R
MZR 1.6, SKYACTIV-G 1.5, SKYACTIV-G 2.0 AND SKYACTIV-D 2.2
Drive belts
*4 I I I
Engine oil & fi lter Flexible
*5 Replace when indicator is ON. (Max interval: 12
months/20,000 km (12,500 miles))
Other than
fl exible
*6*7 R R R R R R R R R
Cooling system I I I I
Engine coolant
*8 Replace at fi rst 200,000 km (125,000 miles) or 10 years; after
that, every 100,000 km (62,500 miles) or 5 years.
Fuel lines and hoses I I I I
Battery
*9 I I I I I I I I I
Brake lines, hoses and connections I I I I I I I I I
Brake fl uid
*10 R R R R
Parking brake I I I I I I I I I
Disc brakes I I I I I I I I I
Steering operation and linkages I I I I
Manual transaxle oil Replace every 180,000 km (112,500 miles).
Front and rear suspension, ball joints and wheel
bearing axial play I I I I
Driveshaft dust boots I I I I
Exhaust system and heat shields Inspect every 80,000 km (50,000 miles) or 5 years.
Bolts and nuts on chassis and body T T T T
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6–7
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
Except Europe
Israel
Maintenance Interval Number of months or kilometres, whichever comes fi rst.
Months 12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96 108 120 132 144
×1000 km 15 30 45 60 75 90 105 120 135 150 165 180
Spark plugs Replace every 120,000 km or 6 years.
Fuel fi lter Replace every 135,000 km.
Evaporative system (if installed) I I I
Fuel lines and hoses I I I I I I
Drive belts
*1 I I I I I I I I I I I I
Engine oil *2 R R R R R R R R R R R R
Engine oil fi lter *2 R R R R R R R R R R R R
Air fi lter *3 C C C R C C C R C C C R
Cooling system I I I I I I
Engine coolant
*4 Replace at fi rst 195,000 km or 10 years; after that, every
90,000 km or 5 years.
Battery
*5 I I I I I I I I I I I I
Brake lines, hoses and connections I I I I I I I I I I I I
Brake fl uid
*6 I R I R I R I R I R I R
Parking brake I I I I I I I I I I I I
Power brake unit (Brake booster) and hoses I I I I I I I I I I I I
Disc brakes I I I I I I I I I I I I
Steering operation and linkages I I I I I I
Front and rear suspension, ball joints and wheel
bearing axial play I I I I I I I I I I I I
Driveshaft dust boots I I I I
Exhaust system and heat shields Inspect every 75,000 km.
Bolts and nuts on chassis and body T T T T T T T T T T T T
Body condition (for rust, corrosion and
perforation) Inspect annually.
Cabin air fi lter (if installed) R R R R R R R R R R R R
Tyres (including spare tyre) (with infl ation
pressure adjustment)
*7 I I I I I I I I I I I I
Chart symbols:
I : Inspect: Inspect and clean, repair, adjust, fi ll up, or replace if necessary.
R : Replace
C : Clean
T : Tighten
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6–9
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
Russia/Belarus/Azerbaijan/Kazakhstan
Maintenance Interval Number of months or kilometres, whichever comes fi rst.
Months 12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96 108 120 132 144
×1000 km 15 30 45 60 75 90 105 120 135 150 165 180
Engine valve clearance (Only MZR 1.6) Audibly inspect every 120,000 km, if noisy, adjust.
Drive belts *1 I I I I I I I I I I I I
Engine oil Russia/
Belarus/
Kazakhstan
*2 R R R R R R R R R R R R
Azerbaijan
*3 Replace every 5,000 km or 6 months.
Engine oil fi lter Russia/
Belarus/
Kazakhstan
*2 R R R R R R R R R R R R
Azerbaijan
*4 Replace every 10,000 km or 12 months.
Cooling system I I I I I I
Engine coolant
*5 Replace at fi rst 195,000 km or 10 years; after that, every
90,000 km or 5 years.
Air fi lter
*6
Russia/
Belarus/
Kazakhstan C C R C C R C C R C C R
Azerbaijan C R C R C R C R C R C R
Fuel fi lter Russia/
Belarus/
Kazakhstan Replace every 120,000 km.
Azerbaijan Replace every 60,000 km.
Fuel lines and hoses I I I I I I
Spark plugs
SKYACTIV-G
1.5 and
SKYACTIV-G
2.0
I I I I I I I R I I I I
MZR 1.6 I R I R I R I R I R I R
Evaporative system (if installed) I I I
Battery
*7 I I I I I I I I I I I I
Brake lines, hoses and connections I I I I I I I I I I I I
Brake fl uid
*8 R R R R R R
Parking brake I I I I I I I I I I I I
Disc brakes I I I I I I I I I I I I
Steering operation and linkages I I I I I I I I I I I I
Manual transaxle oil R R
Front and rear suspension, ball joints and wheel
bearing axial play I I I I I I I I I I I I
Driveshaft dust boots I I I I I I I I I I I I
Exhaust system and heat shields I I I I I I I I I I I I
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