4–58
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 4-25 .
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.
N O T E
y 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.
y 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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4–59
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 4-25 .
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.
N O T E
To turn off the TCS, press the TCS OFF
switch (page 4-60 ).
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 À ashes.
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.
N O T E
y In addition to the indicator light
À ashing, a slight lugging sound will
come from the engine. This indicates
that the TCS/DSC is operating properly.
y On slippery surfaces, such as fresh
snow, it will be impossible to achieve
high rpm when the TCS is on.
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4–61
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 4-58 ) and TCS
(page 4-59 ).
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 4-25 .
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
¾ The DSC may not operate correctly
unless the following are observed:
¾ Use tires of the correct size specifi ed
for your Mazda on all four wheels.
¾ Use tires of the same manufacturer,
brand and tread pattern on all four
wheels.
¾ Do not mix worn tires.
¾ 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 À ashes.
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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4–65
When Driving
i-ACTIV AWD
i-ACTIV AWD Operation
AWD provides excellent drivability on
snow-covered and ice-packed roads, sand
and mud, as well as on steep slopes and
other slippery surfaces.
A system malfunction or operation
conditions are indicated by a warning.
Refer to Warning Lights on page 4-25 .
WARNING
Never spin a wheel that is off the
ground:
Spinning a wheel that is off the ground
as a result of the vehicle being stuck
or in a ditch is dangerous. The drive
assembly could be seriously damaged
which could lead to an accident or
could even lead to overheating, oil
leakage, and a fi re.
AWD Driving
This vehicle has not been designed for the
purpose of off-road driving or rallies. Do
not attempt to drive over uneven or rocky
surfaces, or across rivers.
Although this vehicle is equipped with
AWD, acceleration, steering and braking
operations should be conducted in the
same manner as with a non-AWD vehicle,
with the emphasis placed on safe driving.
Tires and Tire Chains
The condition of the tires plays a large
role in the performance of the vehicle.
Moreover, to prevent adverse effects to the
drive assembly, please note the following:
T i r e s
y When replacing tires, always replace all
front and rear tires at the same time.
y All tires must be of the same size,
manufacture, brand and tread pattern.
Pay particular attention when equipping
snow or other types of winter tires.
y Do not mix tread-worn tires with normal
tires.
y Inspect tire in À ation pressures at the
speci ¿ ed periods adjust to the speci ¿ ed
pressures, and initialize the tire pressure
monitoring system.
Refer to Tire Pressure Monitoring
System Initialization on page 4-129 .
N O T E
Check the tire in À ation pressure label
attached to driver's door frame for the
correct tire in À ation pressure.
y Make sure to equip the vehicle with
genuine wheels of the speci ¿ ed size, on
all wheels. With AWD, the system is
calibrated for all four wheels being of
the same dimensions.
Tire chains
y Install tire chains to the front tires.
y Do not use tire chains on the rear
wheels.
y Do not drive the vehicle faster than
30 km/h (19 mph) with the tire chains
installed.
y Do not drive the vehicle with tire chains
on road conditions other than snow or
ice.
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4–72
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
N O T E
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 traf ¿ c
conditions.
y When there are sources of light in the area such as street lamps, illuminated signboards,
and traf ¿ c signals.
y When there are re À ective objects in the surrounding area such as re À ective plates and
signs.
y When visibility is reduced under rain, snow and foggy conditions.
y When driving on roads with sharp turn or hilly terrain.
y When the headlights/rear lamps of vehicles in front of you or in the opposite lane are dim
or not illuminated.
y When there is suf ¿ cient darkness such as at dawn or dusk.
y When the luggage compartment is loaded with heavy objects or the rear passenger seats
are occupied.
y When visibility is reduced due to a vehicle in front of you spraying water from its tires
onto your windshield.
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