
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).
Mazda3_8FA4-EA-15G_Edition3.indb 772015/12/04 19:25:32

7–11
If Trouble Arises
Flat Tire
WARNING
Make sure the mounting surfaces of
the wheel, hub and lug nuts are clean
before changing or replacing tires:When changing or replacing a tire,
not removing dirt and grime from the
mounting surfaces of the wheel, hub
and hub bolts is dangerous. The lug
nuts could loosen while driving and
cause the tire to come off, resulting in
an accident.
2. Mount the spare tire.
3. Install the lug nuts with the beveled
edge inward; tighten them by hand.
WARNING
Do not apply oil or grease to lug nuts
and bolts and do not tighten the
lug nuts beyond the recommended
tightening torque:Applying oil or grease to lug nuts and
bolts is dangerous. The lug nuts could
loosen while driving and cause the tire
to come off, resulting in an accident.
In addition, lug nuts and bolts could
be damaged if tightened more than
necessary.
4. Turn the lug wrench counterclockwise
and lower the vehicle. Use the lug
wrench to tighten the nuts in the order
shown.
If you are unsure of how tight the nuts
should be, have them inspected at an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Nut tightening torque
N·m (kgf·m, ft·lbf) 108—147
(12—14, 80—108)
Mazda3_8FA4-EA-15G_Edition1.indb 112015/05/11 14:02:37

7–25
If Trouble Arises
Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds
SignalWarning
Electronic Brake Force Distribution System
Warning If the electronic brake force distribution control unit determines that \
some components
are operating incorrectly, the control unit may illuminate the brake system warning
light and the ABS warning light simultaneously. The problem is likely to be the
electronic brake force distribution system.
WARNING
Do not drive with both the ABS warning light and brake warning light illuminated. Have the vehicle towed to an Authorized Mazda Dealer to have the brakes
inspected as soon as possible:
Driving when the brake system warning light and ABS warning light are
illuminated simultaneously is dangerous.
When both lights are illuminated, the rear wheels could lock more quickly in an
emergency stop than under normal circumstances.
Charging System Warning Light If the warning light illuminates while driving, it indicates a malfuncti\
on of the
alternator or of the charging system.
Drive to the side of the road and park off the right-of-way. Consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.CAUTION
Do not continue driving when the charging system warning light is illuminated because the engine could stop unexpectedly.
Engine Oil Warning LightThis warning light indicates low engine oil pressure.
CAUTION
Do not run the engine if the oil pressure is low. Otherwise, it could result in extensive engine damage.
If the light illuminates or the warning indication is displayed while dr\
iving:
1.Drive to the side of the road and park off the right-of-way on level ground.
2.Turn off the engine and wait 5 minutes for the oil to drain back into the oil p\
an.
3.Inspect the engine oil level 6-30. If it's low, add the appropriate amount of engine
oil while being careful not to overfill.
CAUTION
Do not run the engine if the oil level is low. Otherwise, it could result in extensive engine damage.
4.Start the engine and check the warning light.
If the light remains illuminated even though the oil level is normal or \
after adding oil,
stop the engine immediately and have your vehicle towed to an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
Mazda3_8FA4-EA-15G_Edition1.indb 252015/05/11 14:02:42

9–5
Specifications
Specifications
Lubricant Quality
LubricantClassification
Engine oil Refer to Recommended Oil on page
6-27.
Manual transaxle oil API Service
GL-4
SAE 75W-80
Automatic transaxle fluid Mazda Genuine ATF FZ
Brake/Clutch fluid SAE J1703 or FMVSS116 DOT-3
NOTE
Refer to Introduction on (page 6-2) for owner's responsibility in protecting your
investment.
Capacities
(Approximate Quantities)
Item Capacity
Engine oil SKYACTIV-G
2.0
With oil filter replacement
4.2 L (4.4 US qt, 3.7 Imp qt)
Without oil filter replacement 4.0 L (4.2 US qt, 3.5 Imp qt)
SKYACTIV-G
2.5 With oil filter replacement
4.5 L (4.8 US qt, 4.0 Imp qt)
Without oil filter replacement 4.3 L (4.5 US qt, 3.8 Imp qt)
Coolant SKYACTIV-G
2.0 For vehicle
identification
number beginning
with JM1
*1
Manual transaxle
6.3 L (6.7 US qt, 5.5 Imp qt)
Automatic transaxle 6.5 L (6.9 US qt, 5.7 Imp qt)
For vehicle
identification
number beginning
with 3MZ
*1
Manual transaxle 6.7 L (7.1 US qt, 5.9 Imp qt)
Automatic transaxle 6.9 L (7.3 US qt, 6.1 Imp qt)
SKYACTIV-G
2.5 U.S.A. and
Canada
Manual transaxle
6.5 L (6.9 US qt, 5.7 Imp qt)
Automatic transaxle 6.8 L (7.2 US qt, 6.0 Imp qt)
Mexico Manual transaxle
6.5 L (6.9 US qt, 5.7 Imp qt)
Automatic transaxle 6.7 L (7.1 US qt, 5.9 Imp qt)
Manual transaxle oil 1.70 L (1.80 US qt, 1.50 Imp qt)
Automatic transaxle fluid 7.8 L (8.2 US qt, 6.9 Imp qt)
Fuel tank U.S.A. and Canada
50.0 L (13.2 US gal, 11.0 Imp gal)
Mexico 51.0 L (13.5 US gal, 11.2 Imp gal)
Check oil and fluid levels with dipsticks or reservoir gauges.
*1 Check the vehicle identification number on the vehicle identifica tion number plate. Refer to Vehicle Identification Number on page 9-2.
Mazda3_8FA4-EA-15G_Edition3.indb 52015/12/04 19:26:15

10–3
Index
Climate Control System ........................5-2
Automatic Climate Control
.............5-9
Dual-Zone Automatic Climate
Control ........................................... 5-12
Gas specifications
............................9-9
Manual Climate Control
..................5-5
Operating Tips
.................................5-2
Vent Operation
................................5-3
Clock
...................................................5-28
Collision warning
................................7-38
Control Status Display
........................4-70
Cruise Control
...................................4-119
Cruise Control Switch
.................4-119
Cruise Control Set Vehicle Speed
Display
................................................4-16
Cup Holder
........................................5-138
Customer Assistance
.............................8-2
D
Dashboard Illumination ......................4-15
Daytime Running Lights
.....................4-45
Defogger Mirror
............................................4-53
Rear window
.................................4-52
Dimensions
...........................................9-6
Direct Mode Automatictransaxle
.......................4-38
Door Locks
..........................................3-11
Drive selection
....................................4-71
Driving In Flooded Area
.....................3-48
Driving Tips Automatic transaxle
......................4-39
Break-in period .............................. 3-44
Driving in flooded area ..................3-48
Driving on uneven road
.................3-50
Floor mat
.......................................3-45
Hazardous driving
.........................3-45
Overloading
...................................3-49
Rocking the vehicle
.......................3-46
Winter driving
...............................3-46
Driving on Uneven Road
....................3-50 Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
.......4-64
DSC OFF Indicator Light ..............4-65
DSC OFF Switch ...........................4-65
TCS/DSC Indicator Light
.............4-64
E
Emergency Starting Push-Starting
.................................7-18
Starting a Flooded Engine
.............7-18
Emergency Towing Tiedown Hooks
.............................7-22
Towing Description
.......................7-21
Emission Control System
....................3-27
Ending Screen Display
........................4-70
Engine Coolant
..........................................6-30
Engine Compartment Overview
....6-26
Exhaust gas .................................... 3-28
Hood release
..................................6-24
Oil
..................................................6-27
Starting
............................................4-5
Essential information
............................6-2
Event Data Recorder
...........................8-20
Exhaust Gas
........................................3-28
Exterior Care
.......................................6-68
Aluminum Wheel Maintenance
....6-73
Bright-Metal Maintenance
............6-72
Maintaining the Finish
..................6-70
Plastic Part Maintenance
...............6-73
F
Flasher Hazard warning
.............................4-54
Headlights
.....................................4-40
Flat Tire
.................................................7-3
Mounting the Spare Tire ................7-10
Removing a Flat Tire
.......................7-7
Floor Mat
............................................3-45
Fluid Brake/Clutch
.................................6-32
Washer
...........................................6-32
Mazda3_8FA4-EA-15G_Edition1.indb 32015/05/11 14:03:02