3–52
Before Driving
Driving Tips
Winter Driving
Carry emergency gear, including tire
chains, window scraper, fl ares, 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
6-29 .
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 6-26 ).
Inspect the ignition system for damage
and loose connections.
Use washer fl uid made with antifreeze—
but do not use engine coolant antifreeze
for washer fl uid (page 6-31 ).
NOTE
Remove snow before driving. Snow left
on the windshield is dangerous as it
could obstruct vision.
Do not apply excessive force to a
window scraper when removing ice or
frozen snow on the mirror glass and
windshield.
Never use warm or hot water for
removing snow or ice from windows and
mirrors as it could result in the glass
cracking.
Drive slowly. Braking performance
can be adversely affected if snow or
ice adheres to the brake components. If
this situation occurs, drive the vehicle
slowly, releasing the accelerator pedal
and lightly applying the brakes several
times until the brake performance
returns to normal.
Snow Tires
Use snow tires on all four wheels
Do not go faster than 120 km/h (75 mph)
while driving with snow tires. Infl ate snow
tires 30 kPa (0.3 kgf/cm
2 , 4.3 psi) more
than recommended on the tire pressure
label (driver's door frame), but never
more than the maximum cold-tire pressure
shown on the tires.
The vehicle is originally equipped with
all season radials designed to be used all
year around. In some extreme climates you
may fi nd it necessary to replace them with
snow tires during the winter months to
further improve traction on snow and ice
covered roads.
WARNING
Use only the same size and type tires
(snow, radial, or non-radial) on all four
wheels:
Using tires diff erent in size or type is
dangerous. Your vehicle's handling
could be greatly aff ected and result in
an accident.
CAUTION
Check local regulations before using
studded tires.
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4–141
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
NOTE
Under the following conditions, the radar sensor (front) may not be able to detect
vehicles ahead or obstructions correctly and each system may not operate normally.
The rear surface of a vehicle ahead does not refl ect radio waves effectively, such as
an unloaded trailer or an automobile with a loading platform covered by a soft top,
vehicles with a hard plastic tailgate, and round-shaped vehicles.
Vehicles ahead with low vehicle height and thus less area for refl ecting radio waves.
Visibility is reduced due to a vehicle ahead casting off water, snow, or sand from its
tires and onto your windshield.
The luggage compartment is loaded with heavy objects or the rear passenger seats are
occupied.
Ice, snow, or soiling is on the front surface of the front emblem.
During inclement weather such as rain, snow, or sand storms.
When driving near facilities or objects emitting strong radio waves.
Under the following conditions, the radar sensor (front) may not be able to detect
vehicles ahead or obstructions.
The beginning and end of a curve.
Roads with continuous curves.
Narrow lane roads due to road construction or lane closures.
The vehicle ahead enters the radar sensor's blind spot.
The vehicle ahead is running abnormally due to accident or vehicle damage.
Roads with repeated up and down slopes
Driving on poor roads or unpaved roads.
The distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead is extremely short.
A vehicle suddenly comes close such as by cutting into the lane.
To prevent incorrect operation of the system, use tires of the same specifi ed size,
manufacturer, brand, and tread pattern on all four wheels. In addition, do not use tires
with signifi cantly different wear patterns or tire pressures on the same vehicle (Including
the temporary spare tire).
If the battery power is weak, the system may not operate correctly.
When driving on roads with little traffi c and few vehicles ahead or obstructions for
the radar sensor (front) to detect, “Front Radar Sensor Blocked” may be temporarily
displayed, however, this does not indicate a problem.
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6–8
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
Maintenance Interval Number of months or kilometers (miles), whichever comes fi rst.
Months 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72
×1000 km 8 16 24 32 40 48 56 64 72 80 88 96
×1000 miles 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60
CHASSIS and BODY
Brake lines, hoses and connections I I I
Brake and clutch fl uid level I I I I I I I I I I I I
Disc brakes I I I I I I
Tire (Rotation)
*6 Rotate when any equivalent timing of replacing engine oil.
(Max interval: 8,000 km (5,000 miles))
Tire infl ation pressure and tire wear
*6
I I I I I I I I I I I I
Steering operation and linkages I I I
Front and rear suspension, ball joints and wheel
bearing axial play I I I
Rear differential oil
*7
Transfer oil *7
Driveshaft dust boots I I I
Bolts and nuts on chassis and body T T T
Exhaust system and heat shields Inspect every 72,000 km (45,000 miles) or 5 years.
All locks and hinges L L L L L L L L L L L L
Washer fl uid level I I I I I I I I I I I I
Emergency fl at tire repair kit (if installed)
*8
Inspect annually.
AIR CONDITIONER SYSTEM
Cabin air fi lter Replace every 40,000 km (25,000 miles) or 2 years.
Chart symbols:
I : Inspect: Inspect and clean, repair, adjust, fi ll up, or replace if necessary.
R : Replace
L : Lubricate
T : Tighten
Remarks:
*1 Engine oil fl exible maintenance is available for U.S.A. and Puerto Rico residents whose vehicle is operated
mainly where none of the following conditions apply.
Extended periods of idling or low-speed operation such as police car, taxi or driving school car
Driving in dusty conditions If any do apply, follow fi xed maintenance.
The engine oil and fi lter must be changed at least once a year or within 12,000 km (7,500 miles) since last
engine oil and fi lter change. The system must be reset whenever replacing the engine oil regardless of the
message/wrench indicator light display.
*2 Reset the engine oil data whenever replacing the engine oil regardless of the message/wrench indicator light
display.
*3 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.
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6–21
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
Owner Maintenance Precautions
The owner or a qualifi ed service technician should make these vehicle inspections at the
indicated intervals to ensure safe and dependable operation.
Bring any problem to the attention of an Authorized Mazda Dealer or qualifi ed service
technician as soon as possible.
When Refueling
Brake fl uid level (page 6-31 )
Engine coolant level (page 6-29 )
Engine oil level (page 6-29 )
Washer fl uid level (page 6-31 )
At Least Monthly
Tire infl ation pressures (page 6-43 )
At Least Twice a Year (For Example, Every Spring and Fall)
You can do the following scheduled maintenance items if you have some mechanical ability
and a few basic tools and if you closely follow the directions in this manual.
Engine coolant (page 6-29 )
Engine oil (page 6-26 )
Improper or incomplete service may result in problems. This section gives instructions only
for items that are easy to perform.
As explained in the Introduction (page 6-2 ), several procedures can be done only by a
qualifi ed service technician with special tools.
Improper owner maintenance during the warranty period may affect warranty coverage.
Refer to Introduction (page 6-2 ) for owner's responsibility in protecting your investment.
For details, read the separate Mazda Warranty statement provided with the vehicle. If you
are unsure about any servicing or maintenance procedure, have it done by an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.
There are strict environmental laws regarding the disposal of waste oil and fl uids. Please
dispose of your waste properly and with due regard to the environment.
We recommend that you entrust the oil and fl uid changes of your vehicle to an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.
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6–29
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.
MAX
MINOK
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 overfi ll 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 fl ame 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 indefi nitely 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.
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6–68
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
Plastic Part Maintenance
When cleaning the plastic lenses of the
lights, do not use gasoline, kerosene,
rectifi ed spirit, paint, thinner, highly
acidic detergents, or strongly alkaline
detergents. Otherwise, these chemical
agents can discolor or damage the
surfaces resulting in a signifi cant loss
in functionality. If plastic parts become
inadvertently exposed to any of these
chemical agents, fl ush with water
immediately.
If plastic parts such as the bumpers
become inadvertently exposed to
chemical agents or fl uids such as
gasoline, oil, engine coolant, or battery
fl uid, it could cause discoloration,
staining, or paint peeling. Wipe off any
such chemical agents or fl uids using a
soft cloth immediately.
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
fi r e .
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 hard 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
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7–31
If Trouble Arises
Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds
Signal Warning
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 Indication/
Warning Light If the warning light illuminates while driving, it indicates a malfunction 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
Light This 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 driving:
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 pan.
3. Inspect the engine oil level 6-29 . If it's low, add the appropriate amount of engine
oil while being careful not to overfi ll.
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.
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