4–62
When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)
The ABS control unit continuously
monitors the speed of each wheel. If
one wheel is about to lock up, the ABS
responds by automatically releasing and
reapplying that wheel's brake.
The driver will feel a slight vibration in
the brake pedal and may hear a chattering
noise from the brake system. This is
normal ABS system operation. Continue to
depress the brake pedal without pumping
the brakes.
The warning light turns on when the
system has a malfunction.
Refer to Warning Lights on page 4-21.
WARNING
Do not rely on ABS as a substitute for
safe driving:
The ABS cannot compensate for unsafe
and reckless driving, excessive speed,
tailgating (following another vehicle
too closely), driving on ice and snow,
and hydroplaning (reduced tire friction
and road contact because of water on
the road surface). You can still have an
accident.
NOTE
Braking distances may be longer on
loose surfaces (snow or gravel, for
example) which usually have a hard
foundation. A vehicle with a normal
braking system may require less
distance to stop under these conditions
because the tires will build up a wedge
of surface layer when the wheels skid.
The sound of the ABS operating may
be heard when starting the engine
or immediately after starting the
vehicle, however, it does not indicate a
malfunction.
Mazda3_8FA4-EA-15G_Edition1.indb 622015/05/11 14:00:56
4–63
When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC
Traction Control System
(TCS)
The Traction Control System (TCS)
enhances traction and safety by controlling
engine torque and braking. When the TCS
detects driving wheel slippage, it lowers
engine torque and operates the brakes to
prevent loss of traction.
This means that on a slick surface, the
engine adjusts automatically to provide
optimum power to the drive wheels,
limiting wheel spin and loss of traction.
The warning light turns on when the
system has a malfunction.
Refer to Warning Lights on page 4-21.
WARNING
Do not rely on the Traction Control
System (TCS) as a substitute for safe
driving:
The Traction Control System (TCS)
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.
Use snow tires or tire chains and drive at
reduced speeds when roads are covered
with ice and/or snow: Driving without proper traction devices
on snow and/or ice-covered roads
is dangerous. The Traction Control
System (TCS) alone cannot provide
adequate traction and you could still
have an accident.
NOTE
To turn off the TCS, press the DSC OFF
switch (page 4-65).
TCS/DSC Indicator Light
This indicator light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition is switched
ON. If the TCS or DSC is operating, the
indicator light flashes.
If the light stays on, the TCS, DSC
or the brake assist system may have a
malfunction and they may not operate
correctly. Take your vehicle to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
NOTE
In addition to the indicator light
flashing, a slight lugging sound will
come from the engine. This indicates
that the TCS/DSC is operating properly.
On slippery surfaces, such as fr esh
snow, it will be impossible to achieve
high rpm when the TCS is on.
Mazda3_8FA4-EA-15G_Edition1.indb 632015/05/11 14:00:56
4–98
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC)
The Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) system is designed to maintain headway control*1
according to the vehicle speed using a radar sensor (front) to detect \
the distance to a vehicle
ahead, and by presetting the vehicle speed between 30 km/h (19 mph) an\
d 145 km/h (90
mph), the driver is freed from having to constantly use the accelerator\
or brake pedals.
*1 Headway Control: Control of the distance between your vehicle and the ve\
hicle ahead
detected by the Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) system.
Additionally, if your vehicle starts closing in on the vehicle ahead because, for ex\
ample, the
vehicle ahead brakes suddenly, a warning sound and a warning indication in the display are
activated simultaneously to alert you to maintain a sufficient distance between the vehicles.
Use the Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) system on expressways and other highways
which do not require a lot of repeated acceleration and deceleration.
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 specifically, 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 sufficiently 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 cur ves and where vehicle traffic is heavy and there is insufficient
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 tires 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).
Mazda3_8FA4-EA-15G_Edition1.indb 982015/05/11 14:01:05
4–10 0
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
During headway control travel, the system accelerates and decelerates your vehicle in
conjunction with the speed of the vehicle ahead. However, if it is necessary to accelerate
for a lane change or if the vehicle ahead brakes suddenly causing you to\
close in on the
vehicle rapidly, accelerate using the accelerator pedal or decelerate using the brake
pedal depending on the conditions.
While the Mazda Radar Cruise Contr ol (MRCC) system is in use, it does not cancel even
if the selector lever (automatic transaxle)/shift lever (manual trans\
axle) is operated and
any intended engine braking will not occur. If deceleration is required, lower the vehicle
speed setting or depress the brake pedal.
The brake lights are illuminated while the Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC)
automatic braking is operating. The Mazda Radar Cruise Contr ol (MRCC) warning light (amber) turns on when the
system has a malfunction. Refer to Warning/Indicator Lights on page 4-20.
Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) Display Indication
The setting status and operation conditions of the Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC)
system are indicated in the active driving display.
Vehicle ahead display
MRCC Distance between vehicle display
MRCC Set vehicle
speed
Close Proximity Warning
If your vehicle rapidly closes in on the vehicle ahead because the vehic\
le applies the brakes
suddenly while you are traveling in headway control, the warning sound a\
ctivates and
the brake warning is indicated in the display. Always verify the safety of the surrounding
area and depress the brake pedal while keeping a safer distance from the\
vehicle ahead.
Additionally, always keep a safer distance from the vehicles behind you.
Mazda3_8FA4-EA-15G_Edition1.indb 1002015/05/11 14:01:06
4–106
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
Smart City Brake Support (SCBS)
The Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) system is designed to reduce damage in the event
of a collision by operating the brake control (SCBS brake) when the system's laser sensor
(front) detects a vehicle ahead and determines that a collision with a\
vehicle ahead is
unavoidable. It may also be possible to avoid a collision if the relativ\
e speed between your
vehicle and a vehicle ahead is less than about 15 km/h (9.3 mph).
In addition, when the driver depresses the brake pedal while the system \
is in the operation
range at about 4 to 30 km/h (2 to 18 mph), the brakes are applied firmly and quickly to
assist. (Brake Assist (SCBS brake assist))
Laser sensor
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 tire friction and road contact
because of water on the road surface). You can still have an accident.
Mazda3_8FA4-EA-15G_Edition1.indb 1062015/05/11 14:01:08
6–4
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
Scheduled Maintenance (U.S.A., Canada, and Puerto
Rico)
Follow Schedule 1 if the vehicle is operated mainly where none of the fo\
llowing conditions
(severe driving conditions)apply.
Repeated short-distance driving Driving in dusty conditions Driving with extended use of brakes Driving in areas where salt or other corrosive materials are used Driving on rough or muddy roads Extended periods of idling or low-speed operation Driving for long periods in cold temperatures or extremely humid climate\
s Driving in extremely hot conditions Driving in mountainous conditions continually
If any do apply, follow Schedule 2. (Puerto Rico residents follow Schedule 2.)
Vehicles using Engine Oil Flexible Maintenance
Engine Oil Flexible Maintenance is available for U.S.A. and Puerto Rico residents whose
vehicle is operated mainly where none of the following conditions apply:\
Extended periods of idling or low-speed operation such as police car, taxi or driving
school car Driving in dusty conditions
If any do apply, follow Schedule 2 with engine oil fixed maintenance.
Once engine oil flexible maintenance is selected, the vehicle calculates the remaining oil life
based on engine operating conditions. The vehicle lets you know when an oil change is due
by illuminating the wrench indicator light in the instrument cluster. Change the oil as soon
as possible within the next 500 km (300 mile) or 15 days. Refer page 6-20 for the details.
Mazda Genuine 0W-20 Oil and Castrol
® 0W-20 Oil are required to achieve optimum
performance.
NOTE
Please ensur e that the Flexible Oil Maintenance Setting is reset after each Oil and Filter
replacement. For maintenance guidelines beyond the miles/months listed, follow the ma\
intenance
intervals provided in the Scheduled Maintenance Tables.
Mazda3_8FA4-EA-15G_Edition1.indb 42015/05/11 14:02:09
6–5
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
Schedule 1
U.S.A. residents - Engine oil flexible maintenance interval
Use when the maintenance monitor for “Oil Change” is set to “Flexible”. For details, see
maintenance monitor. (page 6-20)
Maintenance Interval Number of months or kilometers (miles), whichever comes first.
Months 1224364860728496
×1000 km 16324864809611 2 128
×1000 miles 1020304050607080
ENGINE
Drive belts II
Engine oil & filter
*1Replace when wrench indicator light is ON. (Max interval: 12 months/16,000 km (10,000 miles))
COOLING SYSTEM
Engine coolant
*2Replace at first 192,000 km (120,000 miles) or 10 years; after that, every 96,000 km (60,000 miles) or 5 years.
FUEL SYSTEM
Air filter Replace when any equivalent timing of replacing engine oil.
(Max interval: 36 months/60,000 km (37,500 miles))
Fuel lines and hoses
*3I III
Hoses and tubes for emission
*3I I
IGNITION SYSTEM
Spark plugs Replace every 120,000 km (75,000 miles).
CHASSIS and BODY
Brake lines, hoses and connections IIII
Disc brakes IIIIIIII
Tire (Rotation)
*4Rotate every 8,000 km (5,000 miles).
Steering operation and linkages IIII
Front and rear suspension, ball joints and wheel
bearing axial play I
III
Driveshaft dust boots IIII
Bolts and nuts on chassis and body TTTT
Exhaust system and heat shields II
AIR CONDITIONER SYSTEM
Cabin air filter Replace when any equivalent timing of replacing engine oil.
(Max interval: 24 months/48,000 km (30,000 miles))
Chart symbols:
I: Inspect: Inspect and clean, repair, adjust, fill up, or replace if necessary.
T: Tighten
Mazda3_8FA4-EA-15G_Edition1.indb 52015/05/11 14:02:09
6–7
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
U.S.A. residents - Fixed maintenance interval
Use when the maintenance monitor for “Oil Change” is set to “Fixed”. For details, see
maintenance monitor. (page 6-20)
Maintenance Interval Number of months or kilometers (miles), whichever comes first.
Months 612 182430364248
×1000 km 1224364860728496
×1000 miles 7.51522.5 3037.5 4552.5 60
ENGINE
Drive belts I
Engine oil & filter RRRRRRRR
COOLING SYSTEM
Engine coolant
*1Replace at first 192,000 km (120,000 miles) or 10 years; after that, every 96,000 km (60,000 miles) or 5 years.
FUEL SYSTEM
Air filter R
Fuel lines and hoses
*2I I
Hoses and tubes for emission
*2I
IGNITION SYSTEM
Spark plugs Replace every 120,000 km (75,000 miles).
CHASSIS and BODY
Brake lines, hoses and connections II
Disc brakes IIII
Tire (Rotation)
*3*4Rotate every 12,000 km (7,500 miles).
Steering operation and linkages II
Front and rear suspension, ball joints and wheel
bearing axial play I
I
Driveshaft dust boots II
Bolts and nuts on chassis and body TT
Exhaust system and heat shields Inspect every 72,000 km (45,000 miles) or 5 years.
AIR CONDITIONER SYSTEM
Cabin air filter RR
Chart symbols:
I: Inspect: Inspect and clean, repair, adjust, fill up, or replace if necessary.
R: Replace
T: Tighten
Mazda3_8FA4-EA-15G_Edition1.indb 72015/05/11 14:02:10