3–53
Before Driving
Driving Tips
Tire Chains
Check local regulations before using tire
chains.
CAUTION
Chains may aff ect handling.
Do not go faster than 50 km/h (30
mph) or the chain manufacturer's
recommended limit, whichever is lower.
Drive carefully and avoid bumps, holes,
and sharp turns.
Avoid locked-wheel braking.
Do not use chains on a temporary spare
tire; it may result in damage to the
vehicle and to the tire.
Do not use chains on roads that are free
of snow or ice. The tires and chains could
be damaged.
Chains may scratch or chip aluminum
wheels.
NOTE
If your vehicle is equipped with the tire
pressure monitoring system, the system
may not function correctly when using
tire chains.
Use of tire chains on a vehicle equipped
with P255/50R20 specifi cation tires
could cause interference with the
vehicle body and scratching. If tire
chains are to be used, replace both front
and rear tires with P255/60R18 tires.
Please consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
Install the chains on the front tires only.
Do not use chains on the rear tires.
Please consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
Installing the chains
1. Secure the chains on the front tires as
tightly as possible.
Always follow the chain manufacturer's
instructions.
2. Retighten the chains after driving
1/2—1 km (1/4—1/2 mile).
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3–60
Before Driving
Towing
Trailer Hitch
Use only a hitch ball recommended by the trailer manufacturer that conforms to the gross
trailer weight requirement.
When not towing a trailer, remove the trailer hitch (if detachable) to reduce the possibility of
damage as a result of the vehicle being rear-ended.
WARNING
Always make sure the trailer hitch is securely attached before departure:
An unsecured trailer hitch is dangerous as it causes greater trailer sway from crosswinds,
rough roads or other causes, resulting in loss of control and a serious accident.
Examine all trailer-hitch mounting bolts regularly and tighten any that are loose. If the
hitch is removed, seal any open mounting holes to prevent exhaust, dust, water, dirt
and other foreign elements from fi ltering in, possibly endangering personal safety and
damaging your vehicle.
Do not install a hitch that stiff ens the bumper as it will reduce the bumper's performance.
Make sure there are no exhaust gas leaks into the passenger compartment if any
mounting bolts are connected to the body:
Modifying your vehicle exhaust system is dangerous. Exhaust gas entering the vehicle
could cause loss of consciousness or even death.
When mounting the trailer hitch, make no modifi cations to the vehicle exhaust system.
CAUTION
Make all hitch adjustments with actual loads. Do not load and unload vehicle while
adjusting hitch. This action will change the vehicle height.
Do not use an axle-mounted hitch. This may damage the axle and related parts.
Tires
When towing a trailer, make sure all tires are infl ated to the recommended cold-tire pressure,
as indicated on the tire pressure chart on the driver's door frame. Trailer tire size, load rating,
and infl ation pressures should conform to tire manufacturer specifi cations.
WARNING
Never use the temporary spare tire when towing:
Using the temporary spare tire on your vehicle when towing a trailer is dangerous as it
could result in tire failure, loss of control, and injury to vehicle occupants.
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4–75
When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC/Trailer Stability Assist (TSA)
*Some models.
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 4-72 ) and TCS
(page 4-73 ).
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 Indication/Warning
Lights on page 4-32 .
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
The DSC may not operate correctly
unless the following are observed:
Use tires of the correct size specifi ed
for your Mazda on all four wheels.
Use tires of the same manufacturer,
brand and tread pattern on all four
wheels.
Do not mix worn tires.
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, DSC or the Trailer Stability
Assist (TSA)
* is operating, the indicator
light fl 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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4–76
When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC/Trailer Stability Assist (TSA)
Trailer Stability Assist
(TSA)
If the vehicle sways while being driven
and towing a trailer, the Trailer Stability
Assist (TSA) automatically controls
braking and engine torque to suppress the
swaying and enhance vehicle stability.
The Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) is
operable at a vehicle speed of about 65
km/h (40 mph) or more.
When the Trailer Stability Assist (TSA)
operates while driving the vehicle, the
TCS/DSC indicator light fl ashes.
Refer to TCS/DSC Indicator Light on page
4-75 .
WARNING
Do not rely solely on the Trailer Stability
Assist (TSA)
Assured vehicle stability is limited even
if the Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) is
operating. Drive carefully to prevent
accidents.
In particular, if the TCS/DSC indicator
light is fl ashing, drive the vehicle
carefully as it is in a less stable
condition and could sway more easily.
Drive with caution and in accordance
with the road, vehicle and trailer
conditions.
CAUTION
The Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) may not
operate correctly unless the following
are observed:
Use tires of the correct size specifi ed
for your Mazda on all four wheels.
Use tires of the same manufacturer,
brand and tread pattern on all four
wheels.
Do not mix worn tires.
The Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) may not
operate correctly when tire chains are
used or a temporary spare tire is installed
because the tire diameter changes.
NOTE
The Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) uses
the TCS/DSC functions. The Trailer
Stability Assist (TSA) does not operate
if there is a malfunction in the TCS/DSC
(the TCS/DSC indicator light turns on).
When the Trailer Stability Assist (TSA)
is operating, the brake lights may turn
on.
For information regarding trailer
towing, refer to Trailer Towing (U.S.A.
and Canada) on page 3-57 .
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4–117
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
WARNING
Do not rely completely on the Lane-keep Assist System (LAS) & Lane Departure
Warning System (LDWS):
The Lane-keep Assist System (LAS) & Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) is not an
automatic driving system. In addition, the system is not designed to compensate for a
driver's lack of caution, and over-reliance on the system could lead to an accident.
The detection ability of the Lane-keep Assist System (LAS) & Lane Departure Warning
System (LDWS) is limited. Always stay on course using the steering wheel and drive
with care.
Do not use the Lane-keep Assist System (LAS) & Lane Departure Warning System
(LDWS) in the following cases:
The system may not operate adequately according to the actual driving conditions,
resulting in an accident.
Driving on roads with tight curves.
Driving under bad weather conditions (rain, fog, and snow).
Slippery roads such as ice or snow-bound roads.
Roads with heavy traffi c and insuffi cient distance between vehicles.
Roads with no white (yellow) lane lines.
Narrow roads resulting from road construction or lane closures.
The vehicle is driven on a temporary lane or section with a closed lane resulting from
road construction where there may be multiple white (yellow) lane lines or they are
interrupted.
The tire pressures are not adjusted to the specifi ed pressure.
Tires of a diff erent specifi ed size are used, such as an emergency spare tire.
CAUTION
Heed the following cautions so that the Lane-keep Assist System (LAS) & Lane Departure
Warning System (LDWS) can operate normally.
Do not modify the suspensions.
Always use wheels of the specifi ed type and size for the front and rear wheels. Consult
an Authorized Mazda Dealer for tire replacement.
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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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4–151
When Driving
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
CAUTION
Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly when cold and
infl ated to the infl ation pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle
placard or tire infl ation pressure label. (If your vehicle has tires of a diff erent size than the
size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire infl ation pressure label, you should determine
the proper tire infl ation pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a tire pressure monitoring
system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when one or more of your tires
is signifi cantly under-infl ated. Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates,
you should stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and infl ate them to the proper
pressure. Driving on a signifi cantly under-infl ated tire causes the tire to overheat and can
lead to tire failure. Under-infl ation also reduces fuel effi ciency and tire tread life, and may
aff ect the vehicle's handling and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire maintenance, and it is the
driver's responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-infl ation has not
reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when
the system is not operating properly.
The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with the low tire pressure telltale. When the
system detects a malfunction, the telltale will fl ash for approximately one minute and then
remain continuously illuminated. This sequence will continue upon subsequent vehicle
start-ups as long as the malfunction exists. When the malfunction indicator is illuminated,
the system may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended. TPMS
malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons, including the installation of replacement
or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning properly.
Always check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or more tires or wheels on
your vehicle to ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to
continue to function properly.
To avoid false readings, the system samples for a little while before indicating a problem. As
a result it will not instantaneously register a rapid tire defl ation or blow out.
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4–154
When Driving
Rear View Monitor
*Some models.
Rear View Monitor *
The rear view monitor provides visual images of the rear of the vehicle when reversing.
WARNING
Always drive carefully confi rming the safety of the rear and the surrounding conditions
by looking directly with your eyes:
Reversing the vehicle by only looking at the screen is dangerous as it may cause an
accident or a collision with an object. The rear view monitor is only a visual assist device
when reversing the vehicle. The images on the screen may be diff erent from the actual
conditions.
CAUTION
Do not use the rear view monitor under the following conditions: Using the rear view
monitor under the following conditions is dangerous and could result in injury or vehicle
damage or both.
Icy or snow-covered roads.
Tire chains or a temporary spare tire is installed.
The liftgate is not fully closed.
The vehicle is on a road incline.
When the display is cold, images may course across the monitor or the screen and may be
dimmer than usual, which could cause diffi culty in confi rming the surrounding conditions
of the vehicle. Always drive carefully confi rming the safety of the rear and the surrounding
conditions by looking directly with your eyes.
Do not apply excessive force to the camera. The camera position and angle may deviate.
Do not disassemble, modify, or remove it as it may no longer be waterproof.
The camera cover is made of plastic. Do not apply degreasing agents, organic solvents,
wax, or glass coating agents to the camera cover. If any are spilled on the cover, wipe off
with a soft cloth immediately.
Do not rub the camera cover forcefully with an abrasive or hard brush. The camera cover or
lens may be scratched which might aff ect the images.
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