
6–71
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
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 damage the
protective coating; also, cleaners and
detergents may discolor or deteriorate
the paint.
Pay special attention to removing salt, dirt,
mud, and other foreign material from the
underside of the fenders, and make sure
the drain holes in the lower edges of the
doors and rocker panels are clean.
Insects, tar, tree sap, bird droppings,
industrial fallout, and similar deposits
can damage the finish if not removed
immediately. When prompt washing with
plain water is ineffective, use a mild soap
made for use on vehicles.
Thoroughly rinse off all soap with
lukewarm or cold water. Do not allow
soap to dry on the finish.
After washing the vehicle, dry it with a
clean chamois to prevent water spots from
forming.
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.
When using an automatic car wash
Retract the door mirrors. The automatic car wash brushes could
reduce the paint lustre or hasten paint
deterioration.
When using a high water pressure car
wash
High water temperature and high water
pressure car washers are available
depending on the type of car wash
machine. If the car washer nozzle is
put too close to the vehicle, the force of
the spray could damage or deform the
molding, affect the sealability of parts,
and allow water to penetrate the interior.
Keep a sufficient space (30 cm (12 in) or
more) between the nozzle and the vehicle.
In addition, do not spend too much time
spraying the same area of the vehicle, and
be very careful when spraying between
gaps in doors and around windows.
Mazda3_8FA4-EA-15G_Edition1.indb 712015/05/11 14:02:31

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

6–75
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

7–1*Some models.
7If Trouble Arises
Helpful information on what to do if a problem arises with the vehicle.
Parking in an Emergency
..................................................................7-2
Parking in an Emergency
..............................................................7-2
Flat Tire ........................................................................\
....................... 7-3
Spare Tire and Tool Storage
..........................................................7-3
Changing a Flat Tire
......................................................................7-6
Battery Runs Out
........................................................................\
.....7-15
Jump-Starting
........................................................................\
......7-15
Emergency Starting
........................................................................\
.7-18
Starting a Flooded Engine
...........................................................7-18
Push-Starting
........................................................................\
.......7-18
Overheating
........................................................................\
..............7-19
Overheating
........................................................................\
.........7-19
Emergency Towing
........................................................................\
...7-21
Towing Description
.....................................................................7-21
Tiedown Hooks* ........................................................................\
..7-22
Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds
...........................7-24
If a Warning Light Turns On or Flashes ......................................7-24
Message Indicated on Display
* ...................................................7-33
Warning Sound is Activated
........................................................7-35
When Liftgate/Trunk Lid Cannot be Opened
...............................7-40
When Liftgate/Trunk Lid Cannot be Opened
.............................7-40
Active Driving Display Does Not Operate
* ....................................7-42
If the Active Driving Display Does Not Operate
........................7-42
Mazda3_8FA4-EA-15G_Edition1.indb 12015/05/11 14:02:33

7–2
If Trouble Arises
Parking in an Emergency
Parking in an Emergency
The hazard warning lights should always
be used when you stop on or near a
roadway in an emergency.
The hazard warning lights warn other
drivers that your vehicle is a traffic hazard
and that they must take extreme caution
when near it.
Depress the hazard warning flasher and
all the turn signals will flash. The hazard
warning indicator lights in the instrument
cluster flash simultaneously.
NOTE
The turn signals do not work when the
hazard warning lights are on. Check local regulations about the use of
hazard warning lights while the vehicle
is being towed to verify that it is not in
violation of the law.
Mazda3_8FA4-EA-15G_Edition1.indb 22015/05/11 14:02:33

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

7–17
If Trouble Arises
Battery Runs Out
1. Remove the battery cover.
2. Make sure the booster battery is 12
V and that its negative terminal is
grounded.
3. If the booster battery is in another
vehicle, do not allow both vehicles
to touch. Turn off the engine of the
vehicle with the booster battery and
all unnecessary electrical loads in both
vehicles.
4. Connect the jumper cables in the exact
sequence as in the illustration.
Connect one end of a cable to the
positive terminal on the discharged
battery (1).
Attach the other end to the positive
terminal on the booster battery (2). Connect one end of the other cable to
the negative terminal of the booster
battery (3).
Connect the other end to the ground
point indicated in the illustration away
from the discharged battery (4).
5. Start the engine of the booster vehicle
and run it a few minutes. Then start the
engine of the other vehicle.
6. (With i-ELOOP system)
The i-ELOOP indicator light may flash
after the engine is started. The indicator
light turns off when the engine is
running and the charging is completed.
Make sure the i-ELOOP indicator light
is turns off before driving.
NOTE
If the vehicle is driven with the
i-ELOOP indicator light flashing, a
beep sound is heard.
If the steering wheel is operated with
the i-ELOOP indicator light flashing, it
may feel heavier than normal, however,
this does not indicate a malfunction.
The steering operation will return to
normal when the i-ELOOP indicator
light turns off.
Do not remove the jumper cables while
the i-ELOOP indicator light is flashing.
7. When finished, carefully disconnect the
cables in the reverse order described in
the illustration.
8. If the battery cover has been removed,
install it in the reverse order of
removal.
NOTE
Verify that the covers are securely
installed.
Mazda3_8FA4-EA-15G_Edition1.indb 172015/05/11 14:02:39