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 Maz da Dealer to check
the following:
•Have the proper ratio of antifreeze in the
radiator.
Refer to Engine Coolant on page 6-27.
•Inspect the ba ttery 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 6-25).
•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
6-29).
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. 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 cold-tire pressure
shown on the tires.
The vehicle is origina lly equipped with all
season radials designed to be used all year
around. In some extreme climates you
may find it necessary to replace them with
snow tires during the winter months to
further improve traction on snow and ice
covered roads.
WA R N I N G
Use only the same size and type tires (snow,
radial, or non-radial) on all four wheels:
Using tires different in size or type is
dangerous. Your vehicle's handling could
be greatly affected and result in an
accident.
CAUTION
Check local regulations before using
studded tires.
Before Driving
Driving Tips
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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 modifications to the vehicle exhaust system.
CAUTION
Make all hitch adjustments with actual load s. Do not load and unload vehicle while
adjusting hitch. This action w ill 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 inflated 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 inflation pressu res should conform to tire manufacturer specifications.
WA R N I N G
Never use the temporary spare tire when towing:
Using the temporary spare tire on your vehicle wh en towing a trailer is dangerous as it could
result in tire failure, loss of control, and injury to vehicle occupants.
▼ Safety Chains
Safety chains must be used as a
precautionary measure should th e trailer become
unintentionally unhitched. They should cross under the trailer tongue and attach to the hitch.
Leave enough slack to allow ful l turns. Consult literature published by your trailer or hitch
manufacturer for more details.
WA R N I N G
Make sure the safety chain is securely attached to both the trailer and the vehicle prior to
departure:
Towing a trailer without using a safety chain securely attached to both the trailer and the
vehicle is dangerous. If damage occurs to the coupling unit or hitch ball, the trailer could
wander into another lane and cause a collision.
Before Driving
To w i n g
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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 -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.
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, DSC or the Trailer Stability
Assist (TSA)
* 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/Trailer Stability Assist (TSA)
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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 flashes.
Refer to TCS/DSC Indicator Light on page
4-75.
WA R N I N G
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 flashing, 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 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 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 3-56.
When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC/Trailer St ability Assist (TSA)
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▼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:
Tires
•When replacing tires, always replace all
front and rear tires at the same time.
•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.
•Do not mix tread-wor
n tires with normal
tires.
•Inspect tire inflation pressures at the
specified periods adjust to the specified
pressures.
NOTE
Check the tire inflation pressure label
attached to driver's door frame for the
correct tire inflation pressure.
•Make sure to equip the vehicle with
genuine wheels of the specified size, on
all wheels. With AWD , the system is
calibrated for all four wheels being of
the same dimensions.
Tire chains
•Install tire chains to the front tires.
•Do not use tire chains on the rear
wheels.
•Do not drive the vehicle faster than 30
km/h (19 mph) with the tire chains
installed.
•Do not drive the vehicle with tire chains
on road conditions other than snow or
ice.
▼ To w i n g
If the vehicle requires towing, have it
towed with all four w
heels completely off
the ground.
Refer to Towing Description on page 7-
27.
When Driving
i-ACTIV AWD
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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 traffic and insufficient 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 temp orary lane or section with a closed lane resulting from road
construction where there may be multiple white (yellow) lane lines or they are interrupted.
Vehicle is driven on roads other than expressways and highways.
The tire pressures are not adjusted to the
specified pressure.
Tires of a different specified size are used, such as an emergency spare tire.
CAUTION
Heed the following cautions so that the LAS&LDWS can operate normally.
Do not modify the suspensions.
Always use wheels of the
specified type and size for the front and rear wheels. Consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer for tire replacement.
NOTE
•When the turn signal lever is operated for a lane change, the LAS&LDWS is
automatically disabled. The LAS&LDWS becomes operational again when the turn signal
lever is returned and the system detects white (yellow) lane lines while the vehicle is being
driven normally within its vehicle lane.
•If the steering wheel, accelerator pedal, or brake pedal is operated abruptly and the
vehicle moves close to a white (yellow) line, the system determines that the driver is
making a lane change and the LAS&LDWS operation is temporarily canceled. The
LAS&LDWS becomes operational again when the system detects white (yellow) lane lines
while the vehicle is being driven normally within its vehicle lane.
•If the vehicle deviates from its lane repe atedly within a short period of time, the
LAS&LDWS may not operate.
•When white (yellow) lane lines are not detected, the LAS&LDWS does not operate.
•Under the following conditions, the LAS&LDWS may not be able to detect white (yellow)
lane lines correctly and it may not operate normally.
•If 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.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
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Do not disassemble or modify the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC).
Disassembly or modification of the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) will cause a malfunction
or mistaken operation. Consequently, each sy stem may not operate normally which could
lead to an unexpected accident.
Heed the following cautions to assure the correct operation of the Forward Sensing Camera
(FSC).
Be careful not to scratch the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) lens or allow it to get dirty.
Do not remove the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) cover.
Do not place objects on the dashboard which reflect light.
Always keep the windshield glass around the camera clean by removing dirt or fogging.
Use the windshield defroster to remove fogging on the windshield.
Consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer regardi ng cleaning the interior side of the
windshield around the Forw ard Sensing Camera (FSC).
Consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer before performing repairs around the Forward
Sensing Camera (FSC).
The Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) is installe d to the windshield. Consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer for windshield repair and replacement.
When cleaning the wind shield, do not allow glass cleaners or similar cleaning fluids to
get on the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) le ns. In addition, do not touch the Forward
Sensing Camera (FSC) lens.
When performing repairs around the rearv iew mirror, consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
Consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer regarding cleaning of the camera lens.
Do not hit or apply strong force to the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) or the area around
it. If the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) is severely hit or if there are cracks or damage
caused by flying gravel or debris in the area around it, stop using the following systems
and consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
High Beam Control System (HBC)
Lane-keep Assist System (LAS) & Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS)
Traffic Sign Recognition System (TSR)
Advanced Smart City Brak e Support (Advanced SCBS)
Smart City Brake Support (SCBS)
Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go function (MRCC with Stop & Go function)
Smart Brake Support (SBS)
The direction in which the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) is pointed has been
finely
adjusted. Do not change the installation posi tion of the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) or
remove it. Otherwise, it could result in damage or malfunction.
Always use tires for all wheels that are of the specified size, and the same manufacturer,
brand, and tread pattern. In addition, do no t use tires with significantly different wear
patterns on the same vehicle as the system may not operate normally.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
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Do not use the front bumper to push other vehicles or obstructions such as when pulling
out of a parking space. Otherwise, the radar sensor (front) could be hit and its position
deviated.
Do not remove, disassemble, or mo dify the radar sensor (front).
For repairs, replacement or paint work ar ound the radar sensor (front), consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Do not modify the suspension. If the suspensi on are modified, the vehicle's posture could
change and the radar sensor (front) may not be able to correctly detect a vehicle ahead or
an obstruction.
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 reflect 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 reflecting 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 specified size,
manufacturer, brand, and tread pattern on all four wheels. In addition, do not use tires
with significantly 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
i-ACTIVSENSE
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