2015 MAZDA MODEL 3 HATCHBACK towing

3–68
Before Driving
Towing
C
Unit:mm(in)
A
BCA:350—420 (13.8—16.5)
B:931.3 (36.67)
C:1046.9 (41.217) Trailer hitch installation area (Hatchback)
MAX 75 Kg (165 lb)
Hitch coupling point
Ty r e s
When towing a trailer, make sure all tyres are infl ated to the recommended cold-tyre
pressure, as indicated on the tyre pressure chart on the driver's door frame. Trailer tyre size,
load rating, and infl ation pressures should conform to tyre manufacturer specifi cations.
WARNING
Never use the temporary spare tyre when towing:
Using the temporary spare tyre on your vehicle when towing a trailer is dangerous as it
could result in tyre failure, loss of control, and injury to vehicle occupants.
.B[EB@&'&&"@&EJUJPOJOEC







3–69
Before Driving
Towing
Safety Chains
Safety chains must be used as a precautionary measure should the trailer become
unintentionally unhitched. They should cross under the trailer tongue and attach to the hitch.
Leave enough slack to allow full turns. Consult literature published by your trailer or hitch
manufacturer for more details.
WARNING
Make sure the safety chain is securely attached to both the trailer and the vehicle prior
to departure:
Towing a trailer without using a safety chain securely attached to both the trailer and
the vehicle is dangerous. If damage occurs to the coupling unit or hitch ball, the trailer
could wander into another lane and cause a collision.
Trailer Lights
CAUTION
Do not connect a trailer lighting system directly to the lighting system of your Mazda.
This may damage your vehicle's electrical system and lighting systems. To connect the
lighting system, consult an Authorised Mazda Dealer.
Trailer Brakes
Check the Maximum trailer towing-load table in Weight Limits (page 3-61 ), and if your
trailer weight exceeds the value in the TOTAL TRAILER WEIGHT (Trailer without brake),
trailer brakes are required.
If your trailer has brakes, make sure they meet regulations.
WARNING
Do not connect a hydraulic trailer-brake system to your vehicle's brake system:
Connecting a hydraulic trailer-brake system directly to the vehicle brake system is
dangerous and will result in inadequate braking and possible injury.
.B[EB@&'&&"@&EJUJPOJOEC







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.
.B[EB@&'&&"@&EJUJPOJOEC







3–71
Before Driving
Towing
Parking
Avoid parking on an incline with a trailer. If this must be done, follow these instructions.
Parking on an Incline
1. Set the parking brake and the brakes.
2. Have someone block the wheels of the vehicle and trailer while you apply the brakes.
3. After the wheels are blocked, release the parking brake and the brakes slowly, allowing
the blocks to bear the load.
4. Set the parking brake fi rmly.
5. If the vehicle has an automatic transaxle, put the selector lever in P. If it has a manual
transaxle, place the gear shift in 1 or R.
Starting on an Incline
1. Start the engine (page 4-5 ).
2. Release the parking brake and slowly pull away a short distance from the wheel blocks.
3. Stop on the nearest level ground, set the parking brake, and pick up the wheel blocks.
.B[EB@&'&&"@&EJUJPOJOEC







4–21
When Driving
Start/Stop Engine
WARNING
The vehicle roll prevention function is a supplementary function which operates for
a maximum of four seconds after releasing the brake pedal when starting the vehicle
after the vehicle is stopped with the i-stop function operating:
 
 Over reliance on the system may result in an unexpected accident if the vehicle were
to suddenly accelerate. Before starting to drive the vehicle, always confi rm the safety
of the surroundings and operate the selector lever, brake pedal, and accelerator
pedal appropriately.
  The vehicle could roll unexpectedly depending on the vehicle's load or if it is towing
something. Note that the vehicle may move suddenly after the vehicle roll prevention
function is released while the vehicle is under the following conditions:
 (The selector lever is in the N position.)  If the selector lever is shifted to the N position and the brake pedal is released while
the i-stop function is operating, the brake force is gradually released. To accelerate
the vehicle, release the brake pedal after the engine restarts and shift the selector
lever to a position other than the N position.
NOTE
  When the vehicle is stopped on a steep grade, the vehicle roll prevention function does
not operate because the idling stop does not operate.
  The brake pedal response may change, sound may occur from the brakes, or the
brake pedal could vibrate from the operation of the vehicle roll prevention function.
However, this does not indicate a malfunction.
.B[EB@&'&&"@&EJUJPOJOEC







4–86
When Driving
Brake
WARNING
Do not rely completely on Hill Launch
Assist (HLA):
Hill Launch Assist (HLA) is an
auxiliary device for accelerating from
a stop on a slope. The system only
operates for about two seconds and
therefore, relying only on the system,
when accelerating from a stop is
dangerous because the vehicle may
move (roll) unexpectedly and cause an
accident.
The vehicle could roll depending on
the vehicle's load or if it is towing
something. In addition, for vehicles
with a manual transaxle, the vehicle
could still roll depending on how the
clutch pedal or the accelerator pedal is
operated.
Always confi rm the safety around the
vehicle before starting to drive the
vehicle.
NOTE
  Hill Launch Assist (HLA) does not
operate on a gentle slope. In addition,
the gradient of the slope on which
the system will operate changes
depending on the vehicle's load.
  Hill Launch Assist (HLA) does
not operate if the parking brake is
applied, the vehicle has not stopped
completely, or the clutch pedal is
released.
  While Hill Launch Assist (HLA) is
operating, the brake pedal may feel
stiff and vibrate, however, this does
not indicate a malfunction.
  Hill Launch Assist (HLA) does not
operate while the TCS/DSC indicator
light is illuminated.
 Refer to Warning/Indicator Lights on
page 4-40 .
  Hill Launch Assist (HLA) does
not turn off even if the DSC OFF
switchis pressed to turn off the TCS/
DSC.
  (Automatic Transaxle)  Although the Hill Launch Assist
(HLA) does not operate during idling
stop, the vehicle roll prevention
function operates to prevent vehicle
roll.
.B[EB@&'&&"@&EJUJPOJOEC







4–124
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
WARNING
Do not rely completely on the Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) system and always
drive carefully:
The Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) system is designed to reduce load on the
driver, and although it maintains a constant vehicle speed, or specifi cally, it maintains
a constant distance between your vehicle and the detected vehicle ahead according to
the vehicle speed, the system has detection limitations depending on the type of vehicle
ahead and its conditions, the weather conditions, and the road conditions. Additionally,
the system may be unable to decelerate suffi ciently to avoid hitting the vehicle ahead if
the vehicle ahead applies the brakes suddenly or another vehicle cuts into the driving
lane, which could result in an accident. Always verify the safety of the surrounding area
and depress the brake pedal or accelerator pedal while keeping a safer distance from
vehicles ahead or on-coming vehicles.
Do not use the Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) system in the following locations.
Otherwise, it could lead to an accident:
 
 Roads with sharp curves and where vehicle traffi c is heavy and there is insuffi cient
space between vehicles. Roads where frequent and repetitive acceleration and
deceleration occur (Driving under these conditions using the Mazda Radar Cruise
Control (MRCC) system is not possible).
  When entering and exiting interchanges, service areas, and parking areas of
highways (If you exit a highway while headway control is in use, the vehicle ahead
will no longer be tracked and your vehicle may accelerate to the set speed).
  Slippery roads such as ice or snow-bound roads (The tyres could spin causing you to
lose vehicle control).
  Long descending slopes (to maintain distance between vehicles, the system
automatically and continuously applies the brakes which could result in the loss of
brake power).
For the purposes of safety, switch the Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) system off
when it is not being used.
CAUTION
If the vehicle is towed or you are towing something, switch the Mazda Radar Cruise
Control (MRCC) system off to prevent an incorrect operation.
.B[EB@&'&&"@&EJUJPOJOEC







4–142
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
NOTE
  The Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) system will not operate if the driver is
deliberately performing driving operations (accelerator pedal and steering wheel).
  The Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) system will operate under the following
conditions.
 


 The engine is running.



 The Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) warning light (amber) does not illuminate.



 The vehicle speed is between about 4 to 30 km/h (2 to 18 mph).



 The Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) system is not turned off.



 The DSC operation is not turned off using the DSC OFF switch.



 The DSC is not malfunctioning. 

 The Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) detects a vehicle ahead by emitting a near-
infrared laser beam and receiving the beam refl ected off the refl ector of the vehicle
ahead, and then using it for the measurement. Consequently, the Smart City Brake
Support (SCBS) may not operate under the following conditions:
 


 Refl ection of the laser is poor due to the shape of the vehicle ahead.



 The vehicle ahead is signifi cantly dirty.



 Under bad weather condition, such as rain, fog and snow.



 The window washer is being used or the windscreen wipers are not used when it's
raining.
 


 The windscreen is dirty.



 The steering wheel is turned completely left or right, or the vehicle is accelerated
rapidly and comes close to the vehicle ahead.
 


 Trucks with low loading platforms and vehicles with an extremely low or high
profi le.




 Vehicles with certain shapes such as a vehicle carrier. 

 Under the following conditions, the Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) system may not
operate normally.
 


 Heavy luggage is loaded in the luggage compartment or on the rear seat.



 If there is the possibility of partial contact with a vehicle ahead.



 When driving on continuously curving roads, and entering and exiting exits.



 Elongated luggage or cargo is loaded onto installed roof rails and covers the laser
sensor (front).
 


 Exhaust gas from the vehicle in front, sand, snow, and water vapour rising from
manholes and grating, and water splashed into the air.
 


 When towing a malfunctioning vehicle.
.B[EB@&'&&"@&EJUJPOJOEC