3–46
Before Driving
Driving Tips
Rocking the Vehicle
WARNING
Do not spin the wheels at more than
56 km/h (35 mph), and do not allow
anyone to stand behind a wheel when
pushing the vehicle:When the vehicle is stuck, spinning the
wheels at high speed is dangerous.
The spinning tire could overheat and
explode. This could cause serious
injuries.
CAUTION
Too much rocking may cause engine
overheating, transaxle failure, and tire
damage.
If you must rock the vehicle to free it from
snow, sand or mud, depress the accelerator
slightly and slowly move the shift lever
from 1 (D) to R.
Winter Driving
Carry emergency gear, including tire
chains, window scraper, flares, a small
shovel, jumper cables, and a small bag of
sand or salt.
Ask an Authorized Mazda Dealer to check
the following:
Have the proper ratio of antifreeze in the
radiator.
Refer to Engine Coolant on page
6-30.
Inspect the battery and its cables. Cold
reduces battery capacity. Use an engine oil appropriate for the
lowest ambient temperatures that the
vehicle will be driven in (page 6-27).
Inspect the ignition system for damage
and loose connections. Use washer fluid made with antifreeze—
but do not use engine coolant antifreeze
for washer fluid (page 6-32).
NOTE
Do not use the parking brake in fr eezing
weather as it may freeze. Instead, shift
to P with an automatic transaxle and to
1 or R with a manual transaxle. Block
the rear wheels.
Remove snow before driving. Snow left
on the windshield is dangerous as it
could obstruct vision.
Do not apply excessive for ce to a
window scraper when removing ice or
frozen snow on the mirror glass and
windshield.
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4–47
When Driving
Switches and Controls
NOTE
If an indicator light stays on without
flashing or if it flashes abnormally, one
of the turn signal bulbs may be burned
out.
A personalized function is available to
change the turn indicator sound volume.
(page 9-12)
Lane-Change Signals
Move the lever halfway toward the
direction of the lane change—until the
indicator flashes— and hold it there. It will
return to the off position when released.
Three-Flash Turn Signal
After releasing the turn signal lever, the
turn signal indicator flashes three times.
The operation can be cancelled by moving
the lever in the direction opposite to which
it was operated.
NOTE
The three-flash turn signal function can be
switched to operable/inoperable using the
personalization function.
Refer to Personalization Features on page
9-12.
Windshield Wipers and
Washer
The ignition must be switched ON to use
the wipers.
WARNING
Use only windshield washer fluid or
plain water in the reservoir:Using radiator antifreeze as washer
fluid is dangerous. If sprayed on the
windshield, it will dirty the windshield,
affect your visibility, and could result in
an accident.
Only use windshield washer fluid mixed
with anti-freeze protection in freezing
weather conditions: Using windshield washer fluid without
anti-freeze protection in freezing
weather conditions is dangerous as
it could freeze on the windshield and
block your vision which could cause
an accident. In addition, make sure
the windshield is sufficiently warmed
using the defroster before spraying the
washer fluid.
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4–75
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
Camera and Sensors
Forward sensing camera (FSC)
The Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) determines the conditions ahead of th\
e vehicle while
traveling at night and detects traffic lanes. The following systems also use the Forward
Sensing Camera (FSC).
High Beam Control system (HBC) Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS)
The Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) is installed at the top of the windsh\
ield near the
rearview mirror.
Refer to Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) on page 4-111.
Radar sensor (front)
The radar sensor (front) functions by detecting the radio waves reflected off a vehicle ahead
sent from the radar sensor. The following systems also use the radar sensor (front).
Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW)
The radar sensor (front) is mounted behind the radiator grille.
Refer to Radar Sensor (Front) on page 4-113.
Laser sensor (front)
The laser sensor (front) emits a near-infrared laser beam and receives the beam reflected
off the reflective surface of a vehicle in front, and the detected beam is then used for
measurement. The following systems also use the laser sensor (front).
Smart City Brake Support (SCBS)
The laser sensor (front) is installed at the top of the windshield nea\
r the rearview mirror.
Refer to Laser Sensor (Front) on page 4-116.
Radar sensors (rear)
The radar sensors (rear) function by detecting the radio waves reflected off a vehicle
approaching from the rear or an obstruction sent from the radar sensors.\
The following
systems also use the radar sensors (rear).
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) System Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
The radar sensors (rear) are installed inside the rear bumper, one each on the left and right
sides.
Refer to Radar Sensors (Rear) on page 4-118.
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When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
NOTE
The Mazda Radar Cruise Control
(MRCC) system may be canceled during
rain, fog, snow or other inclement
weather conditions, or the front surface
of the radiator grille is dirty.
If the Mazda Radar Cruise Contr ol
(MRCC) system has been temporarily
canceled, you can return to the
previously set vehicle speed by pressing
the RESUME switch after the following
conditions have been met.
All of the Mazda Radar Cruise
Control (MRCC) operation
conditions have been met.
A certain period of time has elapsed
since the system was automatically
canceled while driving for a long
time on a down slope.
If the SET/SET or RESUME switch
is pressed before a certain period of
time has elapsed since the system was
automatically canceled while driving
for a long time on a down slope,
“MRCC Not available” is displayed in
the display.
If the OFF switch is pr essed to cancel
the Mazda Radar Cruise Control
(MRCC), the system does not return to
the previously set speed even if the RES
switch is pressed.
Shift-up/Shift-down Request
Display (Manual Transaxle)
The shift-up or shift-down request display
in the active driving display may be
displayed while the Mazda Radar Cruise
Control (MRCC) system is operating.
When this occurs, shift gears because the
gear position is not appropriate.
RequestIndication on display
Shift up
Shift down
NOTE
If the gears ar e not shifted up even
though the shift-up request indication
is displayed, load will be applied
to the engine and the Mazda Radar
Cruise Control (MRCC) system may
be automatically canceled or engine
damage could occur.
If the gears are not shifted down even
though the shift-down request indication
is displayed, the Mazda Radar Cruise
Control (MRCC) system may be
automatically canceled or engine
stalling could occur.
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When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
CAUTION
Heed the following precautions to assure correct operation of each system.
Do not adhere stickers (including transparent stickers) to the surface of the radiator
grille and front emblem in and around the radar sensor (front), and do not replace
the radiator grille and front emblem with any product that is not a genuine product
designed for use with the radar sensor (front).
The radar sensor (fr ont) includes a function for detecting soiling of the radar
sensor's front surface and informing the driver, however, depending on the
conditions, it may require time to detect or it may not detect plastic shopping bags,
ice or snow. If this occurs, the system may not operate correctly, therefore always
keep the radar sensor (front) clean.
Do not install a grille guar d. If the front part of the vehicle has been damaged in a vehicle accident, the posi\
tion
of the radar sensor (front) may have moved. Stop the system immediately and
always have the vehicle inspected at an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Do not use the front bumper to push other vehicles or obstructions such as when
pulling out of a parking space. Otherwise, the radar sensor (front) could be hit and
its position deviated.
Do not remove, disassemble, or modify the radar sensor (front). For repairs, replacement or paint work around the radar sensor (front), consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer. Do not modify the suspension. If the suspension ar e modified, the vehicle's posture
could change and the radar sensor (front) may not be able to correctly detect a
vehicle ahead or an obstruction.
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6–30
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
Inspecting Engine Oil Level
1. Be sure the vehicle is on a level
surface.
2. Warm up the engine to normal
operating temperature.
3. Turn it off and wait at least 5 minutes
for the oil to return to the oil pan.
4. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, and
reinsert it fully.
MAXOK
MIN
5. Pull it out again and examine the level.
The level is normal if it is between the
MIN and MAX marks.
If it is near or below MIN, add enough
oil to bring the level to MAX.
CAUTION
Do not overfill the engine oil. This may
cause engine damage.
6. Make sure the O-ring on the dipstick is
positioned properly before reinserting
the dipstick.
7. Reinsert the dipstick fully .
Engine Coolant
Inspecting Coolant Level
WARNING
Do not use a match or live flame in the
engine compartment. DO NOT ADD
COOLANT WHEN THE ENGINE IS HOT:
A hot engine is dangerous. If the
engine has been running, parts of the
engine compartment can become very
hot. You could be burned. Carefully
inspect the engine coolant in the
coolant reservoir, but do not open it.
Pull over to a safe location, then
switch the ignition off and make sure
the fan is not running before attempting
to work near the cooling fan:Working near the cooling fan when it
is running is dangerous. The fan could
continue running indefinitely even if
the engine has stopped and the engine
compartment temperature is high. You
could be hit by the fan and seriously
injured.
Do not remove either cooling
system cap when the engine and
radiator are hot:When the engine and radiator are hot,
scalding coolant and steam may shoot
out under pressure and cause serious
injury.
NOTE
Changing the coolant should be done by
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
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6–31
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
Inspect the antifreeze protection and
coolant level in the coolant reservoir at
least once a year—at the beginning of the
winter season—and before traveling where
temperatures may drop below freezing.
Inspect the condition and connections of
all cooling system and heater hoses.
Replace any that are swollen or
deteriorated.
The coolant should be at full in the
radiator and between the F and L marks
on the coolant reservoir when the engine
is cool.
If it is at or near L, add enough coolant to
the coolant reservoir to provide freezing
and corrosion protection and to bring the
level to F.
Securely tighten the coolant reservoir tank
cap after adding coolant.
CAUTION
Radiator coolant will damage paint.
Rinse it off quickly if spilled.
Use only soft (demineralized) water in
the coolant mixture. Water that contains
minerals will cut down on the coolant's
effectiveness.
Do not add only water. Always add a
proper coolant mixture. The engine has aluminum parts and
must be protected by an ethylene-glycol-
based coolant to prevent corrosion and
freezing.
DO NOT USE coolants Containing
Alcohol, methanol, Borate or Silicate.
These coolants could damage the
cooling system. DO NOT MIX alcohol or methanol with
the coolant. This could damage the
cooling system.
Do not use a solution that contains more
than 60% antifreeze.
This would reduce effectiveness.
If the “FL22” mark is shown on or near
the cooling system cap, use of FL-22 is
recommended when replacing engine
coolant. Using engine coolant other
than FL-22 may cause serious damage to
the engine and cooling system.
If the coolant reservoir is empty or new
coolant is required frequently, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
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6–32
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
Brake/Clutch Fluid
Inspecting Brake/Clutch Fluid
Level
WARNING
If the brake/clutch fluid level is low, have
the brakes inspected:A low brake/clutch fluid level is
dangerous.
A low level could indicate brake lining
wear or a brake system leak which
could cause the brakes to fail and lead
to an accident.
The brakes and clutch draw fluid from the
same reservoir.
Inspect the fluid level in the reservoir
regularly. It should be kept between the
MAX and MIN lines.
The level normally drops with
accumulated distance, a condition
associated with wear of brake and clutch
linings. If it is excessively low, have
the brake/clutch system inspected by an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Washer Fluid
Inspecting Washer Fluid Level
WARNING
Use only windshield washer fluid or
plain water in the reservoir: Using radiator antifreeze as washer
fluid is dangerous. If sprayed on the
windshield, it will dirty the windshield,
affect your visibility, and could result in
an accident.
Using Washer Fluid Without Anti-freeze
Protection in Cold Weather: Operating your vehicle in temperatures
below 4 degrees C (40 degrees F)
using washer fluid without anti-freeze
protection is dangerous as it could
cause impaired windshield vision and
result in an accident. In cold weather,
always use washer fluid with anti-
freeze protection.
NOTE
State or local regulations may restrict the
use of volatile organic compounds (VOCs),
which are commonly used as anti-freeze
agents in washer fluid. A washer fluid with
limited VOC content should be used only
if it provides adequate freeze resistance
for all regions and climates in which the
vehicle will be operated.
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