Winter Driving
Carry emergency gear, including tire
chains, window scraper, flares, 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 6-25.
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 6-23).
Inspect the ignition system for damage
and loose connections.
Use washer fluid made with
antifreeze―but do not use engine
coolant antifreeze for washer fluid (page
6-27).
NOTE
(Without electric parking brake (EPB))
Do not use the parking brake in freezing
weather as it may freeze. Instead, shift
to P with an automatic transaxle and to
1 or R with a manual transaxle. Block
the rear wheels.
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 sno
w tires. Inflate 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 c old-tire pressure
shown on the tires.
Except Mexico (18–inch wheel vehicle)
The vehicle is originally equipped with all
season radials designed to be used all year
around. In some extreme climates you
may find it necessary t o replace them with
snow tires during the winter months to
further improve traction on snow and ice
covered roads.
Mexico (18–inch wheel vehicle)
The vehicle is originally equipped with
summer tires designed for optimum
traction on wet and dry roads. If your
vehicle is to be used on snow and ice
covered roads, Mazda recommends that
you replace the tires originally equipped
on your vehicle with snow tires during the
winter months.
Before Driving
Driving Tips
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NOTE
If an indicator light stays on without
flashing or if it flashes abnormally, one
of the turn signal bulbs may be burned
out.
A personalized function is available to
change the turn indicator sound volume.
(page 9-12)
▼Lane-Change Signals
Move the lever halfway toward the
direction of the lane change―until the
indicator flashes― and hold it there. It
will return to the off position when
released.
▼Three-Flash Turn Signal
After releasing the turn signal lever, the
turn signal indicator flashes three times.
The operation can be cancelled by moving
the lever in the direction opposite to which
it was operated.
NOTE
The three-flash turn signal function can be
switched to operable/inoperable using the
personalization function.
Refer to Personalization Features on page
9-12.
Windshield Wipers and
Wa s h e r
The ignition must be switched ON to use
the wipers.
WA R N I N G
Use only windshield washer fluid or plain
water in the reservoir:
Using radiator antifreeze as washer fluid is
dangerous. If sprayed on the windshield, it
will dirty the windshield, affect your
visibility, and could result in an accident.
Only use windshield washer fluid mixed
with anti-freeze protection in freezing
weather conditions:
Using windshield washer fluid without
anti-freeze protection in freezing weather
conditions is dangerou s as it could freeze
on the windshield and block your vision
which could cause an accident. In addition,
make sure the windshield is sufficiently
warmed using the defroster before
spraying the washer fluid.
When Driving
Switches and Controls
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▼Pre-Crash Safety Technology
Pre-crash safety technology is designed to assist the driver in
averting collisions or reduce
their severity in situations where they cannot be avoided.
Collision damage reduction in low vehicle speed range
Forward driving
Smart City Brake Support (SCBS).......................................................................... page 4-124
Collision damage reduction in medium/high speed range
Smart Brake Support (SBS)..................................................................................... page 4-128
▼Camera and Sensors
Forward Sensing Camera (FSC)
The Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) detects lane indications and r
ecognizes headlights,
taillights and city lights during nighttime driving. In addition, it also detects the vehicle
ahead, pedestrians, or obstructions. The following systems also use the Forward Sensing
Camera (FSC).
High Beam Control system (HBC)
Lane-keep Assist System (LAS) & Lane Departure Warning System ( LDWS)
Traffic Sign Recognition System (TSR)
Smart City Brake Support (SCBS)
Smart Brake Support (SBS)
The Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) is installed at the top of the windshield near the
rearview mirror.
Refer to Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) on page 4-131.
Radar sensor (front)
The radar sensor (front) function s by detecting the radio waves reflected off a vehicle ahead
sent from the radar sensor. The following systems also use the radar sensor (front).
Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC)
Distance Recognition Support System (DRSS)
Smart Brake Support (SBS)
The radar sensor (front) is moun ted behind the radiator grille.
Refer to Radar S ensor (Front) on page 4-136.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
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The Smart City Brake Support (SCBS)
has operated.
When traveling on a downslope for a
long period of time.
There is a problem with the system.
The radar sensor (front) cannot detect
target objects (during rain, fog, snow or
other inclement weather conditions, or
when the radiator grille is dirty).
The vehicle speed decreases to less than
25 km (16 mph).
(Manual transaxle)
The shift lever is shifted to neutral (N)
for a certain period of time.
The clutch is depressed for a certain
period of time.
The engine stalls.
Resuming control
If the MRCC system is canceled, you can
resume control at the previously set speed
by pressing the RES switch and after all of
the operation conditions have been met.
NOTE
If the set speed is not indicated in the
display, the control does not resume even
if the RES switch is pressed.
Turning off the system
Press the OFF/CAN switch two times
while the MRCC system is operating to
switch off the system.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
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Radar Sensor (Front)
Your vehicle is equipped with a radar sensor (front).
The following systems also use the radar sensor (front).
Distance Recognition Support System (DRSS)
Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC)
Smart Brake Support (SBS)
The radar sensor (front) function s by detecting the radio waves reflected off a vehicle ahead
or an obstruction sent from the radar sensor.
The radar sensor (front) is m ounted behind the front emblem.
Radar sensor (front)
If the Smart Brake Support/Smart City Brake Support (SBS/SCBS) Warning Light (amber)
is illuminated, the area around the radar sensor may be dirty. Refer to “Warning Guidance”
in the center display (Type B audio).
Refer to If a Warning Light Turns On or Flashes on page 7-25.
CAUTION
Heed the following precautions to assure correct operation of each system.
Do not adhere stickers (includi ng transparent stickers) to the surface of the radiator grille
and front emblem in and around the radar sensor (front), and do not replace the radiator
grille and front emblem with any product that is not a genuine product designed for use
with the radar sensor (front).
The radar sensor (front) includes a function for detecting soiling of the radar sensor's front
surface and informing the driver, however, de pending on the conditions, it may require time
to detect or it may not detect plastic shopping bags, ice or snow. If this occurs, the system
may not operate correctly, therefore always keep the radar sensor (front) clean.
Do not install a grille guard.
If the front part of the vehicle has been dama ged in a vehicle accident, the position of the
radar sensor (front) may have moved. Stop the system immediately and always have the
vehicle inspected at an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
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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 overfill 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
WA R N I N G
Do not use a match or live flame 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 indefinitely 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.
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
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NOTE
Changing the coolant should be done by
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Inspect the antifreeze protection and
coolant level in the coolant reservoir at
least once a year―at the beginning of the
winter season―and before traveling where
temperatures may drop below freezing.
Inspect the condition and connections of
all cooling system and heater hoses.
Replace any that are swollen or
deteriorated.
The coolant should be at full in the
radiator and between the F and L marks on
the coolant reservoir when the engine is
cool.
If it is at or near L, add enough coolant to
the coolant reservoir to provide freezing
and corrosion protection and to bring the
level to F.
Securely tighten the coolant reservoir tank
cap after adding coolant.
CAUTION
Radiator coolant will damage paint.
Rinse it off quickly if spilled.
If the “FL22” mark is shown on or near
the cooling system cap, 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.
If the coolant reserv oir is empty or new
coolant is required frequently, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
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Brake/Clutch Fluid
▼Inspecting Brake/Clutch Fluid Level
WA R N I N G
If the brake/clutch fluid level is low, have
the brakes inspected:
A low brake/clutch
fluid level is dangerous.
A low level could indicate brake lining wear
or a brake system leak which could cause
the brakes to fail and lead to an accident.
The brakes and clutch draw fluid from the
same reservoir.
Inspect the fluid level in the reservoir
regularly. It should be kept between the
MAX and MIN lines.
The level normally drops with
accumulated distance, a condition
associated with wear of brake and clutch
linings. If it is excessively low, have the
brake/clutch system inspected by an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Wa s h e r F l u i d
▼ Inspecting Washer Fluid Level
WA R N I N G
Use only windshield washer fluid or plain
water in the reservoir:
Using radiator antifreeze as washer
fluid is
dangerous. If sprayed on the windshield, it
will dirty the windshield, affect your
visibility, and could result in an accident.
Using Washer Fluid Without Anti-freeze
Protection in Cold Weather:
Operating your vehicle in temperatures
below 4 degrees C (40 degrees F) using
washer fluid without anti-freeze protection
is dangerous as it could cause impaired
windshield vision and result in an accident.
In cold weather, always use washer fluid
with anti-freeze protection.
NOTE
State or local regulations may restrict the
use of volatile organic compounds
(VOCs), which are commonly used as
anti-freeze agents in washer fluid. A
washer fluid with limited VOC content
should be used only if it provides adequate
freeze resistance for all regions and
climates in which the vehicle will be
operated.
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
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