2016 MAZDA MODEL 3 4-DOOR tires

4–26
When Driving
Transaxle
Manual Transaxle
Operation
Manual Transaxle Shift Pattern
Neutral position
The shift pattern of the transaxle is
conventional, as shown.
Depress the clutch pedal all the way down
while shifting; then release it slowly.
Your vehicle is equipped with a device to
prevent shifting to R (reverse) by mistake.
Push the shift lever downward and shift
to R.
WARNING
Do not use sudden engine braking on
slippery road surfaces or at high speeds:Shifting down while driving on wet,
snowy, or frozen roads, or while driving
at high speeds causes sudden engine
braking, which is dangerous. The
sudden change in tire speed could
cause the tires to skid. This could
lead to loss of vehicle control and an
accident.
Always leave the shift lever in 1 or R
position and set the parking brake when
leaving the vehicle unattended: Otherwise the vehicle could move and
cause an accident.
CAUTION
 Keep your foot off the clutch pedal
except when shifting gears. Also, do not
use the clutch to hold the vehicle on an
upgrade. Riding the clutch will cause
needless clutch wear and damage.
 Do not apply any excessive lateral force
to the shift lever when changing from
5th to 4th gear. This could lead to the
accidental selection of 2nd gear, which
could result in damage to the transaxle.
 Make sure the vehicle comes to a
complete stop before shifting to R.
Shifting to R while the vehicle is still
moving may damage the transaxle.
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4–35
When Driving
Transaxle
To shift down to a lower gear with the
steering shift switches, pull the DOWN
switch
toward you once with your
fingers.
DOWN switch
WARNING
Do not use engine braking on slippery
road surfaces or at high speeds: Shifting down while driving on wet,
snowy, or frozen roads, or while driving
at high speeds causes sudden engine
braking, which is dangerous. The
sudden change in tire speed could
cause the tires to skid. This could
lead to loss of vehicle control and an
accident.
Keep your hands on the steering wheel
rim when using fingers on the steering
shift switches: Putting your hands inside the rim of
the steering wheel when using the
steering shift switches is dangerous.
If the driver's air bag were to deploy
in a collision, your hands could be
impacted causing injury.
NOTE
 When driving at high speeds, the gear
may not shift down. During deceleration, the gear may
automatically shift down depending on
vehicle speed.
 When depressing the accelerator fully,
the transaxle will shift to a lower gear,
depending on vehicle speed.
Second gear fixed mode
When the selector lever is moved back

while the vehicle speed is about 10 km/h
(6.2 mph) or less, the transaxle is set in the
second gear fixed mode. The gear is fixed
in second while in this mode for easier
acceleration from a stop and driving on
slippery roads such as snow-covered
roads.
If the selector lever is moved back
or
forward
while in the second gear fixed
mode, the mode will be canceled.
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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.
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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.
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4–64
When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC
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 4-62) and TCS
(page 4-63).
DSC operation is possible at speeds
greater than 20 km/h (12 mph).
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 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
 The DSC may not operate correctly
unless the following are observed:
 Use tires of the correct size specified
for your Mazda on all four wheels. Use tires of the same manufacturer,
brand and tread pattern on all four
wheels.
 Do not mix worn tires.
 The DSC may not operate correctly when
tire chains are used or a temporary spare
tire is installed because the tire diameter
changes.
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.
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4–78
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
NOTE
The timing in which the system switches the headlights changes under the\
following
conditions. If the system does not switch the headlights appropriately, manually switch
between high and low beams according to the visibility as well as road and traffic
conditions.
 When there are sources of light in the area such as street lamps, illuminated signboards,
and traffic signals. When there are reflective objects in the surrounding area such as reflective plates and
signs. When visibility is reduced under rain, snow and foggy conditions. When driving on roads with sharp turn or hilly terrain. When the headlights/r ear lamps of vehicles in front of you or in the opposite lane are dim
or not illuminated. When there is sufficient darkness such as at dawn or dusk. When the luggage compartment is loaded with heavy objects or the r ear passenger seats
are occupied. When visibility is reduced due to a vehicle in front of you spraying water from its tires
onto your windshield.
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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).
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4–10 8
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
CAUTION
 When 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. Always use tires for all wheels that are of the specified size, and the same manufacturer,
brand, and tread pattern. In addition, 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.
 The laser sensor (front) 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.
NOTE
 The Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) system will not operate if the dri\
ver is deliberately
performing driving operations (accelerator pedal and steering wheel). The Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) system will operate under the foll\
owing conditions.
 The engine is running. The Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) warning light (amber) does not i\
lluminate. 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 emittin\
g a near-infrared
laser beam and receiving the beam reflected off the reflector 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:
 Reflection of the laser is poor due to the shape of the vehicle ahead. The vehicle ahead is significantly dirty. Under bad weather condition, such as rain, fog and snow . The window washer is being used or the windshield wipers ar e not used when it's
raining. The windshield 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 profile. Vehicles with certain shapes such as a vehicle carrier.
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