2018 MAZDA MODEL 3 5-DOOR tires

Manual Transaxle ShiftPattern
Neutral position
The shift pattern o f the transaxle is
conventional, as shown.

Depress the clutch pedal all the way down
while shifting; then release it slowly.

Your vehicle is equipped with a device to
prevent shifting to R (reverse) by mistake.
Push the shift lever downward and shift to
R.

WA R N I N G
Do not use sudden engine braking on
slippery road surfaces or at high speeds:
Shifting down while driving on wet, snowy,
or frozen roads, or while driving at high
speeds causes sudden engine braking,
which is dangerous. The sudden change in
tire speed could cause the tires to skid. This
could lead to loss of vehicle control and an
accident.
Always leave the shift lever in 1 or R
position and set the parking brake when
leaving the vehicle unattended:
Otherwise the vehicle could move and
cause an accident.
CAUTION
 Keep your foot off the clutch pedal except
when shifting gears. Also, do not use the
clutch to hold the vehicle on an upgrade.
Riding the clutch will cause needless
clutch wear and damage.
 Do not apply any excessive lateral force
to the shift lever when changing from 5th
to 4th gear. This could lead to the
accidental selection of 2nd gear, which
could result in damage to the transaxle.
 Make sure the vehicle comes to a
complete stop before shifting to R.
Shifting to R while the vehicle is still
moving may damage the transaxle.
When Driving
Manual Transaxle Operation
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NOTE
When driving slowly, the gears may not
shift up.
Do not drive the vehicle with the
tachometer needle in the RED ZONE
while in manual shift mode. In addition,
manual shift mode switches to automatic
shift mode while the accelerator pedal is
completely depressed.
This function is canceled while the DSC
is turned off. However, if the vehicle is
continuously driven at a high rpm, the
gears may automatically shift up to
protect the engine.
The steering shift switch can be used
temporarily even if the selector lever is
in the D position while driving. In
addition, it returns to automatic shift
mode when the UP switch (
) is
pulled rearward for a sufficient amount
of time.
▼ Manually Shifting Down
You can shift gears down by operating the
selector lever or the steering shift
switches
*.
M6 → M5 → M4 → M3 → M2→ M1
Using selector lever
To shift down to a lower gear, tap the
selector lever forward
once.

Using steering shift switch*
To shift down to a l ower gear with the
steering shift switches, pull the DOWN
switch
toward you once with your
fingers.

DOWN switch
WA R N I N G
Do not use engine braking on slippery road
surfaces or at high speeds:
Shifting down while driving on wet, snowy,
or frozen roads, or while driving at high
speeds causes sudden engine braking,
which is dangerous. The sudden change in
tire speed could cause the tires to skid. This
could lead to loss of vehicle control and an
accident.
Keep your hands on the steering wheel rim
when using fingers on the steering shift
switches:
Putting your hands inside the rim of the
steering wheel when using the steering
shift switches is dangerous. If the driver's air
bag were to deploy in a collision, your
hands could be impacted causing injury.
When Driving
Automatic Transaxle
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Antilock Brake System(ABS)
The ABS control unit continuously
monitors the speed o f 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 brak e pedal without
pumping the brakes.

The warning light turns on when the
system has a malfunction.
Refer to Warning Lights on page 4-24.
WA R N I N G
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.
NOTE
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 wi ll build up a wedge
of surface layer when the wheels skid.
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.
When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC
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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 4-24.
WA R N I N G
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.
NOTE
To turn off the TCS, press the DSC OFF
switch (page 4-69).
▼ 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 flashes.

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.
NOTE
In addition to the indicator light
flashing, a slight lugging sound will
come from the engine. This indicates
that the TCS/DSC is operating properly.
On slippery surfaces, such as fresh
snow, it will be impossible to achieve
high rpm when the TCS is on.
When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC
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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 4-66) and TCS (page
4-67).

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 4-24.
WA R N I N G
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 specified 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 or DSC is operating, the
indicator light flashes.

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.
When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC
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NOTE
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 traffic
conditions.
When there are sources of light in the area such as street lamps, illuminated signboards,
and traffic signals.
When there are reflective objects in the surrounding area such as reflective plates and
signs.
When visibility is reduced under rain, snow and foggy conditions.
When driving on roads with sharp turn or hilly terrain.
When the headlights/rear lamps of vehicles in front of you or in the opposite lane are dim
or not illuminated.
When there is sufficient darkness such as at dawn or dusk.
When the luggage compartment is loaded with heavy objects or the rear passenger seats
are occupied.
When visibility is reduced due to a vehicle in front of you spraying water from its tires
onto your windshield.
▼ To Operate the System
The HBC operates to sw
itch the headlights
automatically between high and low
beams after the ignition is switched ON
and the headlight switch is in the AUTO
and high beam position.
The HBC determines t hat it is dark based
on the brightness of the surrounding area.
At the same time, th e HBC indicator light
(green) in the instrument cluster
illuminates.

The HBC determines t hat it is dark based
on the brightness of the surrounding area.
NOTE
When the vehicle speed is about 30 km/h
(19 mph) or more, the headlights
automatically switch to high beams
when there are no vehicles ahead or
approaching in the opposite direction.
When the vehicle speed is less than
about 20 km/h (12 mph), the HBC
switches the headlights to low beams.
The low beams may not switch to high
beams when cornering.
Operation of the HBC function can be
disabled. Refer to Personalization
Features on page 9-12.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
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Stop sign
WA R N I N G
Always check the traffic signs visually while driving.
The TSR helps prevent the driver from overlooking traffic signs and provides support for safer
driving. Depending on the weather conditions or problems with traffic signs, a traffic sign may
not be recognized or a traffic sign different from the actual traffic sign may be displayed.
Always make it your responsibility as a driver to check the actual traffic signs. Otherwise, it
could result in an accident.
NOTE
The TSR does not operate if there is a malf unction in the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC).
Under the following conditions, the TSR may not operate normally.
An object placed on the dashboard is reflected in the windshield and picked up by the
camera.
Heavy luggage is loaded in the luggage compartment or on the rear seat and the
vehicle is tilted.
The tire pressures are not adjusted to the specified pressure.
Tires other than standard tires are equipped.
The vehicle is driven on the ramp and surrounding area to or from a rest area or a
tollgate on a highway.
When surrounding brightness suddenly changes such as when entering or exiting a
tunnel.
The illumination of the headlights is weakened because of dirt or the optical axis is
deviated.
The windshield is dirty or foggy.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
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Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC)*
The MRCC system is designed to maintain headway control*1 with a vehicle ahead
according to your vehicle's speed using a radar sensor (front) to detect the distance to the
vehicle ahead and a preset vehicle speed without you having to use the accelerator or brake
pedals.
*1 Headway Control: Control of the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead
detected by the MRCC system.
Additionally, if your vehicle starts closing in on the vehicle ahead such as if the vehicle
ahead brakes suddenly, a warning sound and a warning indication in the display are
activated simultaneously to alert you to maintain a sufficient distance between the vehicles.
Also refer to the following before using the MRCC.
Radar sensor (front) (page 4-136)
WA R N I N G
Do not rely completely on the MRCC:
The MRCC system has detection limitations depending on the type of vehicle ahead and its
conditions, the weather conditions, and the road conditions. Additionally, the system may be
unable to decelerate sufficiently to avoid hitting the vehicle ahead if the vehicle ahead applies
the brakes suddenly or another vehicle cuts into the driving lane, which could result in an
accident.
Always drive carefully and verify the surrounding conditions and depress the brake pedal or
accelerator pedal while keeping a safer distance from vehicles ahead or on-coming vehicles.
Do not use the MRCC system in the following locations, using the MRCC system at the
following locations may result in an unexpected accident:
 General roads other than highways (Driving under these conditions using the MRCC system
is not possible.)
 Roads with sharp curves and where vehicle tr affic is heavy and there is insufficient space
between vehicles.
 Roads where frequent and repeti tive acceleration and deceleration occur (Driving under
these conditions using the MRCC system is not possible).
 When entering and exiting interchanges, servic e areas, and parking areas of highways (If
you exit a highway while headway control is in use, the vehicle ahead will no longer be
tracked and your vehicle may accelerate to the set speed).
 Slippery roads such as ice or snow-bound roads (Tires could sp in causing you to lose vehicle
control, or the stop hold control may not operate.)
 Long, descending slopes (to maintain distan ce between vehicles, the system automatically
and continuously applies the brakes which could result in the loss of brake power.)
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
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