Black plate (120,1)
lBraking performance can be adversely
affected if snow or ice adheres to the
brake components. If this situation
occurs, drive the vehicle slowly,
releasing the accelerator pedal and
lightly applying the brakes several
times until the brake performance
returns to normal.
qSnow Tires
Use snow tires on all four wheels
Do not go faster than 120 km/h (75 mph)
while driving with snow tires. Inflate
snow tires 30 kPa (0.3 kgf/cm
2, 4.3 psi)
more than recommended on the tire
pressure label (driver's door frame), but
never more than the maximum cold-tire
pressure shown on the tires.
Your vehicle is originally equipped with
all season radials designed to be used all
year around. In some extreme climates
you may find it necessary to replace them
with snow tires during the winter months
to further improve traction on snow and
ice covered roads.
WARNING
Use only the same size and type tires
(snow, radial, or non-radial) on all four
wheels:
Using tires different in size or type is
dangerous. Your vehicle's handling
could be greatly affected and result
in an accident.
CAUTION
Check local regulations before using
studded tires.
qTire Chains
Check local regulations before using tire
chains.
CAUTION
ØChains may affect handling.
ØDo not go faster than 50 km/h (30
mph) or the chain manufacturer's
recommended limit, whichever is
lower.
ØDrive carefully and avoid bumps,
holes, and sharp turns.
ØAvoid locked-wheel braking.
ØDo not use chains on a temporary
spare tire; it may result in damage
to the vehicle and to the tire.
ØDo not use chains on roads that
are free of snow or ice. The tires
and chains could be damaged.
ØChains may scratch or chip
aluminum wheels.
NOTE
The tire pressure monitoring system may not
function correctly when using tire chains.
Install the chains on the front tires only.
Do not use chains on the rear tires.
Please consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
Installing the chains
1. Secure the chains on the front tires as
tightly as possible.
Always follow the chain
manufacturer's instructions.
2. Retighten the chains after driving 1/2
―1 km (1/4―1/2 mile).
3-48
Before Driving
Driving Tips
Mazda6_8DQ8-EA-13L_Edition3 Page120
Friday, June 13 2014 6:21 PM
Form No.8DQ8-EA-13L
Black plate (158,1)
CAUTION
ØIf any of the following cases
occurs, the system may have a
malfunction. Have the vehicle
inspected at an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
ØThe light flashes while the
vehicle is being driven.
ØThe light does not illuminate
when the ignition is switched
ON.
ØAlways use tires for all wheels that
are of the specified size, and the
same manufacture, brand, and
tread pattern. In addition, do not
use tires with significantly
different wear patterns on the
same vehicle. If such improper
tires are used, the LDWS may not
operate normally.
ØWhen an emergency spare tire is
used, the system may not operate
normally.
LDWS indicator light (Green)
When illuminated
lThe LDWS indicator light illuminates
from the standby condition when the
following conditions are met.
lThe vehicle speed is 65 km/h (40
mph) or faster.
lWhite (yellow) lines are detected.lThe indicator light turns off when the
LDWS switch is pressed.
When flashing
The indicator flashes when the system
determines that the vehicle may be
deviating from its lane.
qAutomatic Transaxle Warning
Indication/Warning Lightí
Type B
This warning light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition is switched
ON.
Type A/Type B
The light/indication illuminates when the
transaxle has a problem.
CAUTION
If the automatic transaxle warning
light/warning indication illuminates,
the transaxle has an electrical
problem. Continuing to drive your
Mazda in this condition could cause
damage to your transaxle. Consult
an Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon
as possible.
qPower Steering Malfunction
Indication/Indicator Light
Type B
This indicator light illuminates when the
ignition is switched ON, and turns off
when the engine is started.
4-34
When Driving
íSome models.
Instrument Cluster and Display
Mazda6_8DQ8-EA-13L_Edition3 Page158
Friday, June 13 2014 6:21 PM
Form No.8DQ8-EA-13L
Black plate (204,1)
NOTElIn the following cases, the radar sensor may not be able to detect vehicles ahead or obstructions.lThe rear surface of a vehicle ahead does not reflect radio waves effectively, such as an
unloaded trailer or an automobile with a loading platform covered by a soft top, vehicles with
a hard plastic tailgate, and round-shaped vehicles.
lVehicles ahead with low vehicle height and thus less area for reflecting radio waves.lVisibility is reduced due to a vehicle ahead casting off water, snow, or sand from its tires and
onto your windshield.
lThe trunk/luggage compartment is loaded with heavy objects or the rear passenger seats are
occupied.
lIce, snow, or soiling is on the front surface of the front emblem.lDuring inclement weather such as rain, snow, or sand storms.lWhen driving near facilities or objects emitting strong radio waves.lIn the following cases, the radar sensor may detect vehicles in the opposite lane or surrounding
obstructions, or it may not be able to detect vehicles ahead or obstructions.
lThe beginning and end of a curve.lRoads with continuous curves.lNarrow lane roads due to road construction or lane closures.lThe vehicle ahead enters the radar sensor's blind spot.lThe vehicle ahead is running abnormally due to accident or vehicle damage.lRoads with repeated up and down slopeslDriving on poor roads or unpaved roads.lThe distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead is extremely short.lA vehicle suddenly comes close such as by cutting into the lane.lTo prevent incorrect operation of the system, use tires of the same specified size, manufacturer,
brand, and tread pattern on all four wheels. In addition, do not use tires with significantly
different wear patterns or tire pressures on the same vehicle. (Including the temporary spare tire)
lIf the battery power is weak, the system may not operate correctly.lWhen driving on roads with little traffic and few vehicles ahead or obstructions for the radar
sensor to detect,“Radar blocked”may be temporarily displayed, however, this does not indicate a
problem.
4-80
When Driving
Radar Sensor
Mazda6_8DQ8-EA-13L_Edition3 Page204
Friday, June 13 2014 6:21 PM
Form No.8DQ8-EA-13L
Black plate (212,1)
CAUTION
ØWhen driving off-road in areas where there is grass or forage, it is recommended
that the Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) system be turned off.
ØAlways use tires for all wheels that are of the specified size, and the same
manufacture, brand, and tread pattern. In addition, do not use tires with
significantly different wear patterns on the same vehicle. Do not use tires with
significantly different wear patterns on the same vehicle as the Smart City Brake
Support (SCBS) system may not operate normally.
ØThe laser sensor includes a function for detecting a soiled windshield and
informing the driver, however, depending on the conditions, it may not detect
plastic shopping bags, ice or snow on the windshield. In such cases, the system
cannot accurately determine a vehicle ahead and may not be able to operate
normally. Always drive carefully and pay attention to the road ahead.
4-88
When Driving
Brake
Mazda6_8DQ8-EA-13L_Edition3 Page212
Friday, June 13 2014 6:21 PM
Form No.8DQ8-EA-13L
Black plate (218,1)
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)
The Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
automatically controls braking and engine
torque in conjunction with systems such
as ABS and TCS to help control side slip
when driving on slippery surfaces, or
during sudden or evasive maneuvering,
enhancing vehicle safety.
Refer to ABS (page 4-92) and TCS (page
4-93).
DSC operation is possible at speeds
greater than 20 km/h (12 mph).
A system malfunction or operation
conditions are indicated by a warning.
Refer to Warning/Indicator Lights on page
4-23.
WARNING
Do not rely on the Dynamic Stability
Control as a substitute for safe driving:
The Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
cannot compensate for unsafe and
reckless driving, excessive speed,
tailgating (following another vehicle
too closely), and hydroplaning
(reduced tire friction and road
contact because of water on the road
surface). You can still have an
accident.
CAUTION
ØThe DSC may not operate correctly
unless the following are observed:
ØUse tires of the correct size
specified for your Mazda on all
four wheels.
ØUse tires of the same
manufacturer, brand and tread
pattern on all four wheels.
ØDo not mix worn tires.
ØThe DSC may not operate correctly
when tire chains are used or a
temporary spare tire is installed
because the tire diameter changes.
qDSC OFF Switch
Press the DSC OFF switch to turn off the
TCS/DSC. The DSC OFF indicator light
in the instrument cluster will illuminate.
Press the switch again to turn the TCS/
DSC back on. The DSC OFF indicator
light will turn off.
4-94
When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC
Mazda6_8DQ8-EA-13L_Edition3 Page218
Friday, June 13 2014 6:21 PM
Form No.8DQ8-EA-13L
Black plate (242,1)
CAUTION
Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly when cold
and inflated to the inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on
the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle has tires of a
different size than the size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure
label, you should determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a tire pressure
monitoring system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when one or
more of your tires is significantly under-inflated. Accordingly, when the low tire
pressure telltale illuminates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as
possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving on a significantly under-
inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation
also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle's handling
and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire maintenance, and it is
the driver's responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation
has not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure
telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate
when the system is not operating properly.
The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with the low tire pressure telltale.
When the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for approximately one
minute and then remain continuously illuminated. This sequence will continue upon
subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction exists. When the
malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system may not be able to detect or signal
low tire pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons,
including the installation of replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle
that prevent the TPMS from functioning properly. Always check the TPMS
malfunction telltale after replacing one or more tires or wheels on your vehicle to
ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to
continue to function properly.
To avoid false readings, the system samples for a little while before indicating a
problem. As a result it will not instantaneously register a rapid tire deflation or blow
out.
4-118
When Driving
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Mazda6_8DQ8-EA-13L_Edition3 Page242
Friday, June 13 2014 6:21 PM
Form No.8DQ8-EA-13L
Black plate (243,1)
NOTE
Because this system detects slight changes in tire conditions, the timing of the warning may be faster
or slower in the following cases:
lThe size, manufacturer, or the type of tires is different from the specification.lThe size, manufacturer, or the type of a tire is different from the others, or the level of tire wear is
excessively different between them.
lA run-flat tire, studless tire, snow tire, or tire chains are used.lAn emergency tire is used (The tire pressure monitoring system warning light may flash and then
continue illuminating).
lA tire is repaired using the emergency flat tire repair kit.lThe tire pressure is excessively higher than the specified pressure, or the tire pressure is suddenly
lowered for some reason such as a tire burst during driving.
lThe vehicle speed is lower than about 15 km/h (9.3 mph) (including when the vehicle is stopped),
or the drive period is shorter than 5 minutes.
lThe vehicle is driven on an extremely rough road or a slippery, icy road.lHard steering and rapid acceleration/deceleration are repeated such as during aggressive driving
on a winding road.
lLoad on the vehicle is applied to a tire such as by loading heavy luggage to one side of the
vehicle.
lSystem initialization has not been implemented with the specified tire pressure.
qTire Pressure Monitoring System
Initialization
In the following cases, system
initialization must be performed so that
the system operates normally.
lA tire pressure is adjusted.lTire rotation is performed.lA tire or wheel is replaced.lThe battery is replaced or completely
drained.
lThe tire pressure monitoring system
warning light is illuminated.
Initialization method
1. Park the car in a safe place and firmly
apply the parking brake.2. Let the tires cool, then adjust the tire
pressure of all four (4) tires to the
specified pressure indicated on the tire
pressure label located on the door jamb
of the driver's door (door open). Refer
to Tires on page 9-7.
3. Switch the ignition ON.
When Driving
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
4-119
Mazda6_8DQ8-EA-13L_Edition3 Page243
Friday, June 13 2014 6:21 PM
Form No.8DQ8-EA-13L
Black plate (428,1)
CAUTION
ØBe careful not to allow the rubber
ring shown in the figure to be
scratched or damaged.
ØIf the rubber ring detaches,
reattach it before inserting a new
battery.
Rubber ring
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 9-7) 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.
6-34
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
Mazda6_8DQ8-EA-13L_Edition3 Page428
Friday, June 13 2014 6:23 PM
Form No.8DQ8-EA-13L