2023 MAZDA CX3 brakes

Driving Tips
▼Driving Tips
WARNING
Do not let the vehicle move in a
direction opposite to the direction
selected by the selector lever:
Do not let the vehicle move backward
with the selector lever in a forward
position, or do not let the vehicle
move forward with the selector lever in
the reverse position. Otherwise, the
engine may stop, causing the loss of
the power brake and power steering
functions, and make it difficult to
control the vehicle which could result
in an accident.
Pa s s i n g
For extra power when passing another
vehicle or climbing steep grades,
depress the accelerator fully. The
transmission will shift to a lower gear,
depending on vehicle speed.
NOTE
The accelerator pedal may initially
feel heavy as it is being depressed,
then feel lighter as it is depressed
further. This change in pedal force
aids the engine control system in
determining how much the
accelerator pedal has been
depressed for performing kickdown,
and functions to control whether or
not kickdown should be performed.
Climbing steep grades from a stop
To climb a steep grade from a stopped
position:
1. Depress the brake pedal.
2. Shift to D or M1, depending on the
load weight and grade steepness.
3. Release the brake pedal while
gradually accelerating.
Descending steep grades
When descending a steep grade, shift
to lower gears, depending on load
weight and grade steepness. Descend
slowly, using the brakes only
occasionally to prevent them from
overheating.
When Driving
Automatic Transmission
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Brake System
▼Foot Brake
This vehicle has power-assisted brakes
that adjust automatically through
normal use.

Should power-assist fail, you can stop
by applying greater force than normal
to the brake pedal. But the distance
required to stop will be greater than
usual.
WARNING
Do not coast with the engine stalled
or turned off, find a safe place to stop:
Coasting with the engine stalled or
turned off is dangerous. Braking will
require more effort, and the brake's
power-assist could be depleted if you
pump the brake. This will cause longer
stopping distances or even an
accident.
Shift to a lower gear when going
down steep hills:
Driving with your foot continuously on
the brake pedal or steadily applying
the brakes for long distances is
dangerous. This causes overheated
brakes, resulting in longer stopping
distances or even total brake failure.
This could cause loss of vehicle control
and a serious accident. Avoid
continuous application of the brakes.
Dry off brakes that have become wet
by driving slowly, releasing the
accelerator pedal and lightly applying
the brakes several times until the
brake performance returns to normal:
Driving with wet brakes is dangerous.
Increased stopping distance or the
vehicle pulling to one side when
braking could result in a serious
accident. Light braking will indicate
whether the brakes have been
affected.
CAUTION

Do not drive with your foot held on
the brake pedal. Doing so could
result in the following:
 The brake parts will wear out more
quickly.
 The brakes can overheat and
adversely
affect brake
performance.
 Always depress the brake pedal with
the right foot. Applying the brakes
with the unaccustomed left foot
could slow your reaction time to an
emergency situation resulting in
insufficient braking operation.
 Wear shoes appropriate for driving in
order to avoid your shoe contacting
the brake pedal when depressing the
accelerator pedal.
▼ Electric Parking Brake (EPB)
The EPB system applies the parking
brake using an electric motor. The
When Driving
Brake
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2. Release the parking brake manually.
3. Turn off the AUTOHOLD.
4. Press the EPB switch continuouslyfor 2 seconds or longer (until a
sound is activated).
5. Release the EPB switch and switch the ignition OFF within 5 seconds
after the sound was activated.
After the auto operation is
canceled, a sound is activated one
time, and the EPB switch indicator
light switches from illumination to
flashing , and then turns off after 3
seconds.
Auto operation cancel method 2
1. Switch the ignition ON.
2. Release the parking brake manually.
3. Turn off the AUTOHOLD.
4. Switch the ignition OFF with the EPB switch pressed while the brake
pedal is not depressed.
When the auto operation is
canceled, a sound is activated one
time, and the EPB switch indicator
light goes from normal flashing to
faster flashing, and then turns
off
after 3 seconds.
NOTE
When canceling the parking brake
auto operation and parking the
vehicle, shift the selector lever to the
P position and then use wheel
blocks.
The auto operation may not cancel if
the vehicle is parked on a steep
slope.
When the ignition is switched ON, the
parking brake auto operation is
restored.
How to use Emergency Brake
If there is a problem with the brake
system (foot brake) while driving the
vehicle or in an emergency situation
where the driver cannot step on the
brake pedal, continually pulling up the
EPB switch will apply the brakes and
decelerate or stop the vehicle. The
parking brake on-reminder sound is
activated while the brake is applied. In
addition, when releasing the switch,
the brake is released and the sound
stops.
WARNING
Use Emergency Brake only in an
emergency situation:
Excessive use may cause the brake
parts to wear quickly or the brakes to
heat up and become less effective.
▼ Warning Light
The warning light turns on when the
system has a malfunction.
Refer to Brake System Warning
Indication/Warning Light on page
7-22.
▼Brake Pad Wear Indicator
When the disc brake pads become
worn, the built-in wear indicators
contact the disc plates. This causes a
screeching noise to warn that the pads
should be replaced.
When you hear this noise, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as
possible.
When Driving
Brake
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WARNING
Do not drive with worn disc pads:
Driving with worn disc pads is
dangerous. The brakes could fail and
cause a serious accident. As soon as
you hear a screeching noise consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
NOTE
In high humidity weather conditions,
brake noises, such as brake squeak or
brake squeal can be heard. It does not
indicate a malfunction.
▼Brake Assist
During emergency braking situations
when it is necessary to depress the
brake pedal with greater force, the
brake assist system provides braking
assistance, thus enhancing braking
performance.

When the brake pedal is depressed
hard or depressed more quickly, the
brakes apply more
firmly.
NOTE
When the brake pedal is depressed
hard or depressed more quickly, the
pedal will feel softer but the brakes
will apply more firmly. This is a
normal effect of the brake assist
operation and does not indicate a
malfunction.
When the brake pedal is depressed
hard or depressed more quickly, a
motor/pump operation noise may
be heard. This is a normal effect of
the brake assist and does not
indicate a malfunction.
The brake assist equipment does not
supersede the functionality of the
vehicle's main braking system.
▼ Brake Override System
The brake override system applies the
brake first for safety if the brake pedal
and accelerator pedal are depressed at
the same time.
NOTE
Operation of the brake override system
can be turned on or
off.
Refer to the Settings section in the
Mazda Connect Owner's Manual.
When Driving
Brake
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AUTOHOLD
▼AUTOHOLD
The AUTOHOLD function automatically holds the vehicle stopped, even if you take
your foot
off the brake pedal. This function can be best used while stopped in
traffic
or at a traffic light. The brakes are released when you start driving the vehicle.
WARNING
Do not rely completely on the AUTOHOLD function:
The AUTOHOLD function is only designed to assist the brake operation while the
vehicle is stopped. Neglecting to operate the brakes and relying only on the
AUTOHOLD system is dangerous and could result in an unexpected accident if the
vehicle were to suddenly move. Operate the brakes appropriately in accordance
with the road and surrounding conditions.
Note that the vehicle may move suddenly depending on the vehicle's load or if it is
towing something.
Do not release your foot from the brake pedal while the vehicle is stopped on a
steep grade:
Because there is a possibility of the vehicle not being held in the stopped position by
the AUTOHOLD function, the vehicle may move unexpectedly and result in an
accident.
Do not use the AUTOHOLD function on slippery roads such as icy or
snow-covered roads, or unpaved roads:
Even if the vehicle is held in the stopped position by the AUTOHOLD function, the
vehicle may move unexpectedly and result in an accident. Operate the accelerator
pedal, brakes, or steering wheel appropriately as necessary.
Immediately depress the brake pedal in the following cases:
Because the AUTOHOLD function is canceled forcibly, the vehicle may move
unexpectedly and result in an accident.

“Depress Brake Pedal. Brake Hold Disabled” is displayed in the multi-information
display and the warning sound is activated at the same time.
Always apply the parking brake when parking the vehicle:
Not applying the parking brake when parking the vehicle is dangerous as the vehicle
may move unexpectedly and result in an accident. When parking the vehicle, shift
the selector lever to the P posi tion and apply the parking brake.
When Driving
Brake
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CAUTION
If you stop operating the accelerator pedal before the vehicle starts moving, the
force holding the vehicle in the stopped position may weaken. Firmly depress the
brake pedal or depress the accelerator pedal to accelerate the vehicle.
NOTE
Under the following conditions, a problem with the AUTOHOLD is occurring.
Have your vehicle inspected at an Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.
A message is indicated on the multi-information display and a warning sound is
activated for about 5 seconds while the AUTOHOLD is operating or when you
press the AUTOHOLD switch.
If you switch the ignition OFF while the AUTOHOLD is operating, the parking
brake is applied automatically to assist you with parking the vehicle.
The AUTOHOLD is canceled when the selector lever is shifted to R position while
the vehicle is on level ground, or facing up a hill or grade (as shown below).
Vehicle posture and road surface gradient AUTOHOLD operation status
Ve h i c l e t i l t s f o r wa rd
Operates
Level ground
Does not operate, canceled
Ve h i c l e t i l t s re a r wa rd
Does not operate, canceled
: Reverse driving (selector lever in the reverse (R) position)
The brake pedal response may change, sound may occur from the brakes, or the
brake pedal could vibrate from the operation of the AUTOHOLD function.
However, this does not indicate a malfunction.
When Driving
Brake
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▼To Turn On AUTOHOLD System
Press the AUTOHOLD switch and
when the AUTOHOLD standby
indicator light turns on, the
AUTOHOLD function turns on.
1. AUTOHOLD standby indicator light
NOTE
When all of the following conditions
are met, the AUTOHOLD standby
indicator light turns on when the
AUTOHOLD switch is pressed and the
AUTOHOLD function turns on.
The ignition is switched ON (engine
is running or stopped by i-stop).
The driver's seat belt is fastened.The driver's door is closed.There is no problem with the
AUTOHOLD function.
To operate AUTOHOLD and hold the
brakes
1. Depress the brake pedal and bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. The AUTOHOLD active indicator light in the instrument cluster turns
on and the brakes are held.
3. The vehicle is held in its stoppedposition even with the brake pedal
released.
NOTE
When all of the following conditions
are met, the AUTOHOLD operates and
the brakes are held.
The ignition is switched ON (engine
is running or stopped by i-stop).
The vehicle is stopped.The brake pedal is being depressed.The AUTOHOLD active indicator
light turns on.
The accelerator pedal is not
depressed.
The driver's seat belt is fastened.The driver's door is closed.There is no problem with the
AUTOHOLD function.
The parking brake is released.There is no problem with the Electric
Pa r k i n g B ra ke ( E P B ) f u n c t i o n .
The selector lever is in a position
other than R position or the vehicle
tilts forward with the selector lever in
the R position.
To release AUTOHOLD and start
driving the vehicle
If you try to resume driving the vehicle,
the brakes will be released
automatically and the AUTOHOLD
active indicator light turns off.
NOTE
If the Electric Parking Brake (EPB)
switch is pulled while the
AUTOHOLD is operating, the
parking brake is applied and the
AUTOHOLD is released. In addition,
if the parking brake is released under
this condition, the AUTOHOLD
operates to hold the brakes.
When Driving
Brake
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Under the following conditions, the
parking brake is automatically
applied and the AUTOHOLD is
released. The AUTOHOLD is
re-enabled when the conditions
before the AUTOHOLD is released
are restored.
The driver’s seat belt is unfastened.The driver’s door is opened.When about 10 minutes or longer
have passed since the AUTOHOLD
operation started, the parking brake
is automatically applied. Because the
AUTOHOLD is restored when
releasing the parking brake, the hold
on the brakes by AUTOHOLD
function resumes.
The AUTOHOLD can be canceled
forcibly by fully depressing the
accelerator pedal for 1 second or
longer while the AUTOHOLD is
operating. Forcibly cancel the
AUTOHOLD only when the
AUTOHOLD cannot be canceled due
to a system malfunction or it is
necessary to cancel the AUTOHOLD
in an emergency.
▼To Turn Off AUTOHOLD System
Depress the brake pedal and press the
AUTOHOLD switch. The AUTOHOLD
is turned off and the AUTOHOLD
standby indicator light turns off.
1. AUTOHOLD standby indicator light
NOTE
When the brakes are not held such
as while driving the vehicle, the
AUTOHOLD can be turned off only
by pressing the AUTOHOLD switch.
If the AUTOHOLD switch is pressed
without depressing the brake pedal
while AUTOHOLD is operating
(AUTOHOLD active indicator light in
instrument cluster is turned on), the
message “Depress Brake Pedal and
Operate Switch to Release” is
indicated on the multi-information
display to notify the driver to depress
the brake pedal.
If any of the following conditions
occurs while the AUTOHOLD
function is operating (AUTOHOLD
active indicator light is turned on),
the parking brake is applied
automatically and the AUTOHOLD
function turns off. For the Electric
Parking Brake (EPB) operation, refer
to the Electric Parking Brake (EPB) on
page 4-72.
The ignition is switched OFF.
When Driving
Brake
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