2016 MAZDA MODEL 3 4-DOOR maintenance

6–72
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
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 does not need it.
Repairing 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.
Bright-Metal Maintenance
 Use tar remover to remove road tar and
insects. Never do this with a knife or
similar tool.
 To prevent corrosion on bright-
metal surfaces, apply wax or chrome
preservative and rub it to a high luster.
 During 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
Do not 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.
Underbody 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.
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6–73
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
*Some models.
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 off brakes that have become
wet by driving slowly, releasing the
accelerator pedal and lightly applying
the brakes several times until the brake
performance returns to 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.
Aluminum Wheel Maintenance*
A protective coating is provided over the
aluminum wheels. Special care is needed
to protect this coating.
CAUTION
Do not use any detergent other than
mild detergent. Before using any
detergent, verify the ingredients.
Otherwise, the product could discolor
or stain the aluminum wheels.
NOTE
 Do not use a wir e brush or any abrasive
cleaner, polishing compound, or solvent
on aluminum wheels. They may damage
the coating.
 Always use a sponge or soft cloth to
clean the wheels.
Rinse the wheels thor oughly with
lukewarm or cold water. Also, be sure
to clean the wheels after driving on
dusty or salted roads to help prevent
corrosion.
 Avoid washing your vehicle in an
automatic car wash that uses high-
speed or hard brushes.
Plastic Part Maintenance
 When cleaning the plastic lenses of the
lights, do not use gasoline, kerosene,
rectified spirit, paint, thinner, highly
acidic detergents, or strongly alkaline
detergents. Otherwise, these chemical
agents can discolor or damage the
surfaces resulting in a significant loss
in functionality. If plastic parts become
inadvertently exposed to any of these
chemical agents, flush with water
immediately.
 If plastic parts such as the bumpers
become inadvertently exposed to
chemical agents or fluids such as
gasoline, oil, engine coolant, or battery
fluid, it could cause discoloration,
staining, or paint peeling. Wipe off any
such chemical agents or fluids using a
soft cloth immediately.
Mazda3_8FA4-EA-15G_Edition1.indb 732015/05/11 14:02:32

6–74
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
 High water temperature and high water
pressure car washers are available
depending on the type of high pressure
car washer device. If the car washer
nozzle is put too close to the vehicle or
aimed at one area for an extended period
of time, it could deform plastic parts or
damage the paint.
 Do not use wax containing compounds
(polish). Otherwise, it could result in
paint damage.
 In addition, do not use an electrical or
air tool to apply wax. Otherwise, the
frictional heat generated could result
in deformation of plastic parts or paint
damage.
Interior Care
WARNING
Do not spray water into the vehicle
cabin:Spraying water into the vehicle cabin is
dangerous as electrical devices such as
the audio and switches could get wet
resulting in a malfunction or vehicle
fire.
NOTE
 Do not wipe the interior using alcohol,
chlorine bleach, or organic solvents
such as thinner, benzene, and gasoline.
Otherwise, it may cause discoloration
or stains.
 Rubbing har d with a stiff brush or cloth
may cause damage.
If the vehicle interior becomes soiled
by any of the following, wipe it off
immediately using a soft cloth.
Leaving it uncleaned could cause
discoloration, stains, cracks, or peeling
of the coating, and it will make it hard to
wipe off later.
 Beverage or fragrance Grease or oil Soiling
Mazda3_8FA4-EA-15G_Edition3.indb 742015/12/04 19:25:31

6–75
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
*Some models.
Seat Belt Maintenance
1. Clean the soiled area by lightly dabbing
it with a soft cloth soaked in a mild
detergent (approx. 5%) diluted with
water.
2. Wipe off the remaining detergent using
a cloth soaked in clean water and
wrung out well.
3. Before retracting seat belts which have
been pulled out for cleaning, dry them
off thoroughly and make sure there is
no remaining moisture on them.
WARNING
If a seat belt appears frayed or has
abrasions, have it replaced by an
Authorized Mazda Dealer:If a seat belts is used under such a
condition, it cannot function at its full
capacity which could result in serious
injury or death.
Use a mild detergent to remove soiling
from a seat belt: If organic solvents are used for
cleaning the seat belts or they
become stained or bleached, there
is the possibility of them becoming
weakened and as a result, they may
not function at their full capacity
which could cause serious injury or
death.
NOTE
Clean seat belts diligently if they get
dirty. Leaving them uncleaned will make
it difficult to clean them later, and it may
affect the smooth retracting of the seat
belt.
Vinyl Upholstery Maintenance
Remove dust and dirt from the vinyl
upholstery using a brush or vacuum.
Remove soiling from vinyl upholstery
using a leather and vinyl upholstery
cleaner.
Upholstery Maintenance
1. Clean the soiled area by lightly dabbing
it with a soft cloth soaked in a mild
detergent (approx. 5%) diluted with
water.
2. Wipe off the remaining detergent using
a cloth soaked in clean water and
wrung out well.
Leather Upholstery Maintenance*
1. Remove dust and sand using a vacuum
cleaner.
2. Wipe off the soiled area with a soft
cloth and a suitable, special cleaner or
a soft cloth soaked in a mild detergent
(about 5%) diluted with water.
3. Wipe off the remaining detergent using
a cloth soaked in clean water and
wrung out well.
4. Remove moisture with a dry , soft cloth
and allow the leather to further dry in
a well-ventilated, shaded area. If the
leather gets wet such as from rain,
remove the moisture and dry it as soon
as possible.
Mazda3_8FA4-EA-15G_Edition3.indb 752015/12/04 19:25:31

6–76
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
*Some models.
NOTE
 Because genuine leather is a natural
material, its surface is not uniform and
it may have natural scars, scratches,
and wrinkles.
 To maintain the quality for as long as
possible, periodical maintenance, about
twice a year, is recommended.
 If the leather upholstery comes into
contact with any of the following, clean
it immediately.
Leaving it uncleaned could cause
premature wear, mold, or stains.
 Sand or dirt Grease or oil, such as hand cream Alcohol, such as in cosmetic or hair
dressing items
 If the leather upholstery gets wet,
promptly remove moisture with a dry
cloth. Remaining moisture on the
surface may cause deterioration such as
hardening and shrinkage.
 Exposure to direct sunlight for long
periods may cause deterioration and
shrinkage. When parking the car under
direct sunlight for long periods, shade
the interior using sunshades.
 Do not leave vinyl products on the
leather upholstery for long periods.
They may affect the leather quality
and coloring. If the cabin temperature
becomes hot, the vinyl may deteriorate
and adhere to the genuine leather.
Plastic Part Maintenance
CAUTION
Do not use polishing agents.
Depending on the product ingredients,
they could cause discoloration, stains,
cracks or peeling of the coating.
Instrument Panel Top (Soft pad)
Maintenance
Extremely soft material is used for the
soft pad surface. If the soft pad surface is
rubbed harshly with a dry cloth, it could
result in the surface being damaged and
leaving white scratch marks.
1. Wipe the soiled area with a soft cloth
soaked in a mild detergent (approx.
5%) diluted with water.
2. Wipe off the remaining detergent using
a cloth soaked in clean water and
wrung out well.
Active Driving Display
Maintenance*
The combiner and mirror surface have
a special coating. When cleaning it, do
not use a hard cloth, a cloth with a rough
surface, or cleaning detergent. Use a fine-
textured, soft cloth.
If a chemical solvent gets on the combiner
or mirror surface, wipe it off immediately.
Otherwise, they could be damaged and the
surface coating could be scratched.
Panel Maintenance
If a panel becomes soiled, wipe it off with
a soft cloth soaked in clean water and
thoroughly wrung out.
If some areas require further cleaning, use
the following procedure:
1. Wipe the soiled area with a soft cloth
soaked in a mild detergent (approx. 5
%) diluted with water.
2. Wipe off the remaining detergent using
a cloth soaked in clean water and
wrung out well.
Mazda3_8FA4-EA-15G_Edition3.indb 762015/12/04 19:25:32

6–77
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
NOTE
Be particularly careful when cleaning
shiny surface panels and metallic parts
such as plating as they can be scratched
easily.
Cleaning the Window Interiors
If the windows become covered with an
oily, greasy, or waxy film, clean them with
glass cleaner. Follow the directions on the
container.
CAUTION
 Do not scrape or scratch the inside of
the window glass. It could damage the
thermal filaments and the antenna lines.
 When washing the inside of the window
glass, use a soft cloth dampened in
lukewarm water, gently wiping the
thermal filaments and the antenna lines.
Use of glass cleaning pr oducts could
damage the thermal filaments and the
antenna lines.
Cleaning the Floor Mats
Rubber floor mats should be cleaned with
mild soap and water only.
WARNING
Do not use rubber cleaners, such as tire
cleaner or tire shine, when cleaning
rubber floor mats:
Cleaning the rubber floor mats with
rubber cleaning products makes the
floor mats slippery.
This may cause an accident when
depressing the accelerator, brake, or
clutch (Manual transaxle) pedal or
when getting in or out of the vehicle.
After removing the floor mats for cleaning,
always reinstall them securely (page
3-45).
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7–5
If Trouble Arises
Flat Tire
4. Insert the cover tabs and install the
cover.
(4-Door)
Tabs
Tabs
(5-Door)
NOTE
Verify that the cover is securely installed.
Maintenance
 Always keep the jack clean. Make sure the moving parts are kept
free from dirt or rust. Make sure the screw thread is
adequately lubricated.
Spare Tire
Your Mazda has a temporary spare tire.
The temporary spare tire is lighter and
smaller than a conventional tire, and is
designed only for emergency use and
should be used only for VERY short
periods. Temporary spare tires should
NEVER be used for long drives or
extended periods.
WARNING
Do not install the temporary spare tire
on the front wheels (driving wheels):Driving with the temporary spare tire
on one of the front driving wheels is
dangerous. Handling will be affected.
You could lose control of the vehicle,
especially on ice or snow bound roads,
and have an accident. Move a regular
tire to the front wheel and install the
temporary spare tire to the rear.
CAUTION
 When using the temporary spare tire,
driving stability may decrease compared
to when using only the conventional tire.
Drive carefully.
 To avoid damage to the temporary
spare tire or to the vehicle, observe the
following precautions:
 Do not exceed 80 km/h (50 mph). Avoid 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.
 Do not use a tire chain on this tire
because it will not fit properly. Do not use your temporary spare
tire on any other vehicle, it has been
designed only for your Mazda.
 Use only one t emporary spare tire on
your vehicle at the same time.
Mazda3_8FA4-EA-15G_Edition1.indb 52015/05/11 14:02:34

8–1
8
Customer Information and Reporting
Safety Defects
Important consumer information including warranties and add-on
equipment.



Customer Assistance ........................... 8-2 Customer Assistance (U.S.A.) ....... 8-2
Customer Assistance (Canada) ...... 8-6
Customer Assistance
(Puerto Rico) .................................. 8-9
Customer Assistance (Mexico) .... 8-10

Mazda Importer/Distributors .......... 8-12 Importer/Distributor ..................... 8-12

Reporting Safety Defects .................. 8-13 Reporting Safety Defects
(U.S.A.) ........................................ 8-13
Reporting Safety Defects
(Canada) ....................................... 8-14

Warranty ............................................ 8-15 Warranties for Your Mazda .......... 8-15
Outside the United States/
Canada .......................................... 8-16
Registering Your Vehicle in A Foreign
Country (Except United States and
Canada) ........................................ 8-17
Add-On Non-Genuine Parts and
Accessories .................................. 8-18

Cell Phones ........................................ 8-19 Cell Phones Warning .................... 8-19

Event Data Recorder ........................ 8-20 Event Data Recorder (U.S.A. and
Canada) ........................................ 8-20 Recording of Vehicle Data ................ 8-21
Recording of Vehicle Data ........... 8-21

Uniform Tire Quality Grading System
(UTQGS) ............................................ 8-22 Uniform Tire Quality Grading System
(UTQGS) ...................................... 8-22

Tire Information (U.S.A.) ................. 8-24 Tire Labeling ................................ 8-24
Location of the Tire Label
(Placard) ....................................... 8-30
Tire Maintenance ......................... 8-33
Vehicle Loading ........................... 8-36
Steps for Determining the Correct
Load Limit ................................... 8-42

Declaration of Conformity ............... 8-43 Declaration of Conformity ........... 8-43


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