WA R N I N G
Never stop the engine when going down a
hill:
Stopping the engine when going down a
hill is dangerous. This causes the loss of
power steering and power brake control,
and may cause damage to the drivetrain.
Any loss of steering or braking control
could cause an accident.
Hazardous Driving
▼Hazardous Driving
WA R N I N G
Be extremely careful if it is necessary to
downshift on slippery surfaces:
Downshifting into lower gear while driving
on slippery surfaces 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.
When driving on ice or in water, snow,
mud, sand, or similar hazards:
Be cautious and allow extra distance for
braking.
Avoid sudden braking and sudden
maneuvering.
Do not pump the brakes. Continue to
press down on the brake pedal.
Refer to Antilock Brake System (ABS)
on page 4-74.
If you get stuck, sele
ct a lower gear and
accelerate slowly. Do not spin the front
wheels.
For more traction in starting on slippery
surfaces such as ice or packed snow, use
sand, rock salt, cha ins, carpeting, or
other nonslip material under the front
wheels.
NOTE
Use snow chains only on the front wheels.
Before Driving
Driving Tips
3-44
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Winter Driving
▼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 6-17.
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 6-15).
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
6-19).
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 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.
Mexico
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.
Except Mexico
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.
Before Driving
Driving Tips
3-46
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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 vehi cle's handling could
be greatly affected and result in an
accident.
CAUTION
Check local regulations before using
studded tires.
NOTE
The tire pressure monitoring system may
not function correctly when using tires
with steel wire re inforcement in the
sidewalls (page 4-215).
▼ Tire Chains
Check local regulations before using tire
chains.
CAUTION
Chains may
affect 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
The tire pressure monitoring system may
not function correctly when using tire
chains.
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. If your vehicle is equipped with wheel
covers remove them, otherwise the
chain bands will scratch them.
2. Secure the chains on the front tires as tightly as possible.
Always follow the chain
manufacturer's instructions.
3. Retighten the chains after driving 1/2―1 km (1/4―1/2 mile).
Before Driving
Driving Tips
3-47
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Traction Control System(TCS)
▼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 TCS/DSC Indication/Indicator
Light (Turns on) on page 7-31.
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 co uld still have an
accident.
NOTE
To turn off the TCS, press the DSC OFF
switch (page 4-77).
▼ 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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i-ACTIV AWD Operation*
▼i-ACTIV AWD Operation
AWD provides excellent drivability on
snow-covered and ice-packed roads, sand
and mud, as well as on steep slopes and
other slippery surfaces.
A system malfunction or operation
conditions are indicated by a warning.
Refer to Contact Authorized Mazda
Dealer and AWD Warning Indication/
Warning Light on page 7-30.
WA R N I N G
Never spin a wheel that is
off the ground:
Spinning a wheel that is off the ground as a
result of the vehicle being stuck or in a
ditch is dangerous. The drive assembly
could be seriously damaged which could
lead to an accident or could even lead to
overheating, oil leakage, and a fire.
▼ AWD Driving
This vehicle has not been designed for the
purpose of off-road driving or rallies. Do
not attempt to drive over uneven or rocky
surfaces, or across rivers.
Although this vehicle is equipped with
AWD, acceleration, steering and braking
operations should be conducted in the
same manner as with a non-AWD vehicle,
with the emphasis placed on safe driving.
▼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-worn 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 4 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 veh icle 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 4 wheels completely off the
ground.
Refer to Towing Description on page
7-22.
When Driving
i-ACTIV AWD
4-80*Some models.
Mazda3_8HE9-EA-18K_Edition1
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Lane Departure WarningSystem (LDWS)
*
▼Lane Departure Warning System
(LDWS)
The LDWS alerts the driver that the
vehicle may be deviating from its lane. If
the white (yellow) lin
es on the traffic lane
are detected using the Forward Sensing
Camera (FSC) and the system determines
that the vehicle may be deviating from its
lane, it notifies the driver by flashing the
LDWS warning light and activating the
LDWS warning beep, and by the
multi-information display.
Refer to Forward Sen sing Camera (FSC)
on page 4-198.
Use the LDWS when you drive the vehicle
on roads with white (yellow) lines.
1. Forward sensing camera (FSC)
2. Multi-information display
WA R N I N G
Do not rely completely on the LDWS.
The LDWS system is not designed to
compensate for a driver’s lack of caution
and relying too much on the system
could lead to an accident.
The functions of the LDWS have
limitations. Always stay on course using
the steering wheel and drive with care.
Do not use the LDWS under the following
circumstances, otherwise it may result in
an accident.
The vehicle is driven on slippery roads
such as icy or snow-covered roads, and
unpaved roads.
Tires of a different specified size are
used, such as a temporary spare tire.
Tires with insufficient tread are used.
The tire pressures are not adjusted to
the specified pressure.
The vehicle is being used to tow a
camper or boat trailer.
Tire chains are used.
The vehicle is driven on roads with lane
lines other than white (yellow) lines,
such as an expressway.
CAUTION
Heed the following cautions so that the
LDWS can operate normally.
Do not modify the vehicle's suspensions.
Always use wheels of the specified type
and size for the front and rear wheels.
Consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer for
tire replacement.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
4-90*Some models.
Mazda3_8HE9-EA-18K_Edition1 2018-10-17 19:05:10
When entering and exiting interchanges,
service areas, and parking areas of
expressways (If you exit an expressway
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 icy or
snow-covered roads (Tires could spin
causing you to lose vehicle control, or the
stop hold control may not operate.)
Long, descending slopes (to maintain
distance between vehicles, the system
automatically and continuously applies
the brakes which could result in the loss
of brake power.)
The vehicle ahead is traveling at an
extremely slow speed.
Two-wheeled vehicles such as
motorcycles or bicycles are ahead.
(Automatic transmission vehicle)
Slopes with a steep gradient (The vehicle
ahead may not be detected correctly,
your vehicle may slip while stopped by
the stop hold control, or it may
accelerate suddenly after it starts
moving.)
Driving under bad weather conditions
(rain, fog, and snow).
The CTS cannot detect lane lines.
Narrow roads resulting from road
construction or lane closures.
The vehicle is driven on slippery roads
such as icy or snow-covered roads, and
unpaved roads.
Tires of a different specified size are used,
such as a temporary spare tire.
Tires with
insufficient tread are used.
The tire pressures are not adjusted to the
specified pressure. The vehicle is being used to tow a
camper or boat trailer.
Tire chains are used.
The vehicle is driven on roads with lane
lines other than white (yellow) lines, such
as an expressway.
(Automatic transmission vehicle)
Do not get out of the vehicle while the stop
hold control is operating.
Getting out of the vehicle while the stop
hold control is operating is dangerous as
the vehicle may move unexpectedly and
result in an accident. Before getting out of
the vehicle, switch the CTS off, apply the
parking brake, and then shift the selector
lever to the P position.
CAUTION
Turn the system off when the vehicle is
running on a chassis roller.
Heed the following cautions so that the CTS
can operate normally.
Do not modify the vehicle's 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
The headway control does not detect the
following as physical objects.
Vehicles approaching in the opposite
direction
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
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Lane-keep Assist System(LAS)
*
▼Lane-keep Assist System (LAS)
The LAS provides steering assistance to
help the driver stay within the vehicle lane
if the vehicle might be deviating.
The forward sensing camera (FSC) detects
the white lines (ye
llow lines) of the
vehicle lane in which the vehicle is
traveling and if the system determines that
the vehicle may deviate from its lane, it
operates the electri c power steering to
assist the driver’s steering operation. The
system also alerts the driver by displaying
an alert on the mult i-information display
or the active driving display. Use the
system when you drive the vehicle on
roads with white (ye llow) lines such as
expressways and highways.
1. Forward sensing camera (FSC)
WA R N I N G
Do not rely completely on the LAS.
The LAS is not an automated 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 functions of the LAS have limitations.
Always stay on course using the steering
wheel and drive with care.
Do not use the LAS under the following
circumstances, otherwise it may result in
an accident.
The vehicle is driven on slippery roads
such as icy or snow-covered roads, and
unpaved roads.
Tires of a different specified size are
used, such as a temporary spare tire.
Tires with insufficient tread are used.
The tire pressures are not adjusted to
the specified pressure.
The vehicle is being used to tow a
camper or boat trailer.
Tire chains are used.
The vehicle is driven on roads with lane
lines other than white (yellow) lines,
such as an expressway.
CAUTION
Heed the following cautions so that the LAS
can operate normally.
Do not modify the vehicle's 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
The system may not operate normally
under the following conditions.
The white (yellow) lane lines are less
visible because of dirt or paint flaking.
White (yellow) lane lines are less visible
because of bad weather (rain, fog, or
snow).
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
4-150*Some models.
Mazda3_8HE9-EA-18K_Edition1 2018-10-17 19:05:10