MAZDA MODEL 3 4-DOOR 2012 Owners Manual

Black plate (451,1)
Exterior Care
Followalllabel and container directions
when using a chemical cleaner or polish.
Read all warnings and cautions.
q Maintaining the Finish
Washing
CAUTION
Ø When the wiper lever is in the
AUTO position and the ignition is
switched ON, the wipers may
move automatically in the
following cases:
ØIf the windshield above the rain
sensor is touched or wiped with
a cloth.
ØIf the windshield is struck with
a hand or other object from
either outside or inside the
vehicle.
Keep hands and scrapers clear of
the windshield when the wiper
lever is in the AUTO position and
the ignition is switched ON as
fingers could be pinched or the
wipers and wiper blades damaged
when the wipers activate
automatically.
If you are going to clean the
windshield, be sure the wipers are
turned off completely ―this is
particularly important when
clearing ice and snow ―when it is
most likely that the engine is left
running.
Ø Do not spray water in the engine
compartment. Otherwise, it could
result in engine-starting problems
or damage to electrical parts. To help protect the finish from rust and
deterioration, wash your Mazda
thoroughly and frequently, at least once a
month, with lukewarm or cold water.
If the vehicle is washed improperly, the
paint surface could be scratched. Here are
some examples of how scratching could
occur.
Scratches occur on the paint surface
when:
lThe vehicle is washed without first
rinsing off dirt and other foreign
matter.
lThe vehicle is washed with a rough,
dry, or dirty cloth.
lThe vehicle is washed at a car wash
that uses brushes that are dirty or too
stiff.
lCleansers or wax containing abrasives
are used.
NOTE
lMazda is not responsible for scratches
caused by automatic car washes or
improper washing.
lScratches are more noticeable on vehicles
with darker paint finishes.
To minimize scratches on the vehicle's
paint finish:
lRinse off any dirt or other foreign
matter using lukewarm or cold water
before washing.
lUse plenty of lukewarm or cold water
and a soft cloth when washing the
vehicle. Do not use a nylon cloth.
lRub gently when washing or drying the
vehicle.
lTake your vehicle only to a car wash
that keeps its brushes well maintained.
lDo not use abrasive cleansers or wax
that contain abrasives.
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
8-65
Mazda3_8BY6-EA-11F_Edition3 Page451
Thursday, March 1 2012 10:19 AM
Form No.8BY6-EA-11F

Black plate (452,1)
CAUTION
Do not use steel wool, abrasive
cleaners, or strong detergents
containing highly alkaline or caustic
agents on chrome-plated or anodized
aluminum parts. This may damage
the protective coating; also, cleaners
and detergents may discolor or
deteriorate the paint.
Pay special attention to removing salt,
dirt, mud, and other foreign material from
the underside of the fenders, and make
sure the drain holes in the lower edges of
the doors and rocker panels are clean.
Insects, tar, tree sap, bird droppings,
industrial fallout, and similar deposits can
damage the finish if not removed
immediately. When prompt washing with
plain water is ineffective, use a mild soap
made for use on vehicles.
Thoroughly rinse off all soap with
lukewarm or cold water. Do not allow
soap to dry on the finish.
After washing the vehicle, dry it with a
clean chamois to prevent water spots from
forming.
WARNING
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.
When using a high water pressure car
wash
High water temperature and high water
pressure car washers are available
depending on the type of car wash
machine. If the car washer nozzle is put
too close to the vehicle, the force of the
spray could damage or deform the
molding, affect the sealability of parts,
and allow water to penetrate the interior.
Keep a sufficient space (30 cm or more)
between the nozzle and the vehicle. In
addition, do not spend too much time
spraying the same area of the vehicle, and
be very careful when spraying between
gaps in doors and around windows.
Waxing
Your vehicle needs to be waxed when
water no longer beads on the finish.
Always wash and dry the vehicle before
waxing it. In addition to the vehicle body,
wax the metal trim to maintain its luster.
1. Use wax which contains no abrasives. Waxes containing abrasive will remove
paint and could damage bright metal
parts.
8-66
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
Mazda3_8BY6-EA-11F_Edition3 Page452
Thursday, March 1 2012 10:19 AM
Form No.8BY6-EA-11F

Black plate (453,1)
2. Use a good grade of natural wax formetallic, mica, and solid colors.
3. When waxing, coat evenly with the sponge supplied or a soft cloth.
4. Wipe off the wax with a soft cloth.
NOTE
A spot remover to remove oil, tar, and similar
materials will usually also take off the wax.
Rewax these areas even if the rest of the
vehicle does not need it.
q Repairing Damage to the Finish
Deep scratches or chips on the finish
should be repaired promptly. Exposed
metal quickly rusts and can lead to major
repairs.
CAUTION
If your Mazda is damaged and needs
metal parts repaired or replaced,
make sure the body shop applies
anti-corrosion materials to all parts,
both repaired and new. This will
prevent them from rusting.
qBright-Metal Maintenance
lUse tar remover to remove road tar and
insects. Never do this with a knife or
similar tool.
lTo prevent corrosion on bright-metal
surfaces, apply wax or chrome
preservative and rub it to a high luster.
lDuring cold weather or in coastal areas,
cover bright-metal parts with a coating
of wax or preservative heavier than
usual. It would also help to coat them
with noncorrosive petroleum jelly or
some other protective compound.
CAUTION
Don't use steel wool, abrasive
cleaners, or strong detergents
containing highly alkaline or caustic
agents on chrome-plated or anodized
aluminum parts. This may result in
damage to the protective coating and
cause discoloration or paint
deterioration.
qUnderbody Maintenance
Road chemicals and salt used for ice and
snow removal and solvents used for dust
control may collect on the underbody. If
not removed, they will speed up rusting
and deterioration of such underbody parts
as fuel lines, frame, floor pan, and exhaust
system, even though these parts may be
coated with anti-corrosive material.
Thoroughly flush the underbody and
wheel housings with lukewarm or cold
water at the end of each winter. Try also
to do this every month.
Pay special attention to these areas
because they easily hide mud and dirt. It
will do more harm than good to wet
down the road grime without removing
it.
The lower edges of doors, rocker panels,
and frame members have drain holes that
should not be clogged. Water trapped
there will cause rusting.
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
8-67
Mazda3_8BY6-EA-11F_Edition3 Page453
Thursday, March 1 2012 10:19 AM
Form No.8BY6-EA-11F

Black plate (454,1)
WARNING
Dry wet brakes by driving very slowly
and applying the brakes lightly until
brake performance is 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.
qAluminum Wheel Maintenanceí
A protective coating is provided over the
aluminum wheels. Special care is needed
to protect this coating.
CAUTION
Do not use any detergent other than
mild detergent. Before using any
detergent, verify the ingredients.
Otherwise, the product could discolor
or stain the aluminum wheels. NOTE
lDo not use a wire brush or any abrasive
cleaner, polishing compound, or solvent on
aluminum wheels. They may damage the
coating.
lAlways use a sponge or soft cloth to clean
the wheels.
Rinse the wheels thoroughly with lukewarm
or cold water. Also, be sure to clean the
wheels after driving on dusty or salted
roads to help prevent corrosion.
lAvoid washing your vehicle in an automatic
car wash that uses high-speed or hard
brushes.
lIf your aluminum wheels lose luster, wax
the wheels.
(With Tire Pressure Monitoring System)
Check special requirements for Tire Pressure
Monitoring System.
Refer to Tires and Wheels on page 5-35.
q Plastic Part Maintenance
lWhen cleaning the plastic lenses of the
lights, do not use gasoline, kerosene,
rectified spirit, paint, thinner, highly
acidic detergents, or strongly alkaline
detergents. Otherwise, these chemical
agents can discolor or damage the
surfaces resulting in a significant loss
in functionality. If plastic parts become
inadvertently exposed to any of these
chemical agents, flush with water
immediately.
lIf plastic parts such as the bumpers
become inadvertently exposed to
chemical agents or fluids such as
gasoline, oil, engine coolant, or battery
fluid, it could cause discoloration,
staining, or paint peeling. Wipe off any
such chemical agents or fluids using a
soft cloth immediately.
8-68
Maintenance and Care
íSome models.
Appearance Care
Mazda3_8BY6-EA-11F_Edition3 Page454
Thursday, March 1 2012 10:19 AM
Form No.8BY6-EA-11F

Black plate (455,1)
lHigh water temperature and high water
pressure car washers are available
depending on the type of high pressure
car washer device. If the car washer
nozzle is put too close to the vehicle or
aimed at one area for an extended
period of time, it could deform plastic
parts or damage the paint.
lDo not use wax containing compounds
(polish). Otherwise, it could result in
paint damage.
lIn addition, do not use an electrical or
air tool to apply wax. Otherwise, the
frictional heat generated could result in
deformation of plastic parts or paint
damage.
Interior Care
WARNING
Do not spray water in the cabin:Splashing water on electrical parts
such as the audio unit and switches
is dangerous as it could cause a
malfunction or a fire.
qDashboard Precautions
Prevent caustic solutions such as perfume
and cosmetic oils from contacting the
dashboard. They'll damage and discolor
the dashboard. If these solutions get on
the dashboard, wipe them off
immediately.
CAUTION
Do not use glazing agents.
Glazing agents contain ingredients
which may cause discoloration,
wrinkling, cracks and peeling.
Front passenger's side instrument panel
top (soft pad)
lExtremely soft material is used for the
soft pad surface. When cleaning, it is
recommended that you use a clean
towel dampened in a mild detergent to
remove soiling.
lIf the soft pad surface is rubbed
harshly, it could result in the surface
being damaged leaving white scratch
marks.
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
8-69
Mazda3_8BY6-EA-11F_Edition3 Page455
Thursday, March 1 2012 10:19 AM
Form No.8BY6-EA-11F

Black plate (456,1)
qCleaning the Upholstery and
Interior Trim
Vinyl
Remove dust and loose dirt from vinyl
with a whisk broom or vacuum cleaner.
Clean vinyl with a leather-and-vinyl
cleaner.
Leatherí
Remove dust and sand first using a
vacuum cleaner or other means, then wipe
dirt off using a soft cloth with a leather
cleaner or a soft cloth soaked in mild
soap.
Wipe off the remaining cleaner or soap
using a cloth soaked in clean water and
wrung out well.
Remove moisture with a dry, soft cloth
and allow the leather to further dry in a
well-ventilated, shaded area. If the leather
gets wet such as from rain, also remove
moisture and dry it as soon as possible. NOTE
lBecause genuine leather is a natural
material, its surface is not uniform and it
may have natural scars, scratches, and
wrinkles.
lTo maintain the quality for as long as
possible, periodical maintenance, about
twice a year, is recommended.
lSand and dust on the seat surface may
damage the overcoat of the genuine leather
surfaces and accelerate wear.
lGreasy soiling on genuine leather may
cause molding and stains.
lRubbing hard with a stiff brush or cloth
may cause damage.
lDo not wipe the leather using alcohol,
chlorine bleach, or organic solvents such as
thinner, benzene, or gasoline. Otherwise, it
may cause discoloration or stains.
lIf the seats get wet, promptly remove
moisture with a dry cloth. Remaining
moisture on the surface may cause
deterioration such as hardening and
shrinkage.
lExposure to direct sunlight for long periods
may cause deterioration and shrinkage.
When parking the car under direct sunlight
for long periods, shade the interior using
sunshades.
lDo not leave vinyl products on the seats for
long periods as they may affect the leather
quality and coloring. If the cabin
temperature becomes hot, the vinyl may
deteriorate and adhere to the genuine
leather.
Fabric
Remove dust and loose dirt from fabric
with a whisk broom or vacuum cleaner.
Clean it with a mild soap solution good
for upholstery and carpets. Remove fresh
spots immediately with a fabric spot
cleaner.
8-70
Maintenance and Care
íSome models.
Appearance Care
Mazda3_8BY6-EA-11F_Edition3 Page456
Thursday, March 1 2012 10:19 AM
Form No.8BY6-EA-11F

Black plate (457,1)
To keep the fabric looking clean and
fresh, take care of it. Otherwise its color
will be affected, it can be stained easily,
and its fire-resistance may be reduced.
CAUTION
Use only recommended cleaners and
procedures. Others may affect
appearance and fire-resistance.
Piano black panelí
The following parts are fitted with panels
that have been treated with a special
coating that resists scratching.
· Shift lever panel
When the panel needs to be cleaned, use a
soft cloth to wipe off dirt from the surface.
NOTE
Scratches or nicks on the panels resulting from
the use of a hard brush or cloth may not be
repairable.
Multi information display edge panelí,
Panel beside the multi information
displayí
Multi information display edge panel and
panel beside the multi information display
are fitted with panels that have been
treated with a special coating that resists
scratching.
When the panel needs to be cleaned, use a
soft cloth to wipe off dirt from the surface.
NOTE
Scratches or nicks on the panels resulting from
the use of a hard brush or cloth may not be
repairable.
qCleaning the Lap/Shoulder Belt
Webbing
Clean the webbing with a mild soap
solution recommended for upholstery or
carpets. Follow instructions. Don't bleach
or dye the webbing; this may weaken it.
After cleaning the belts, thoroughly dry
the belt webbing and make sure there is
no remaining moisture before retracting
them.
WARNING
Have an Authorized Mazda Dealer
replace damaged seat belts
immediately:
Using damaged seat belts is
dangerous. In a collision, damaged
belts cannot provide adequate
protection.
qCleaning the Window Interiors
If the windows become covered with an
oily, greasy, or waxy film, clean them
with glass cleaner. Follow the directions
on the container.
CAUTION
Ø Do not scrape or scratch the inside
of the window glass. It could
damage the thermal filaments
and the antenna lines.
Ø When washing the inside of the
window glass, use a soft cloth
dampened in lukewarm water,
gently wiping the thermal
filaments and the antenna lines.
Use of glass cleaning products
could damage the thermal
filaments and the antenna lines.
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
8-71íSome models.
Mazda3_8BY6-EA-11F_Edition3 Page457
Thursday, March 1 2012 10:19 AM
Form No.8BY6-EA-11F

Black plate (458,1)
qCleaning the Floor Mats
Rubber floor mats should be cleaned with
mild soap and water only.
WARNING
Do not use rubber cleaners, such as tire
cleaner or tire shine, when cleaning
rubber floor mats:
Cleaning the rubber floor mats with
rubber cleaning products makes the
floor mats slippery.
This may cause an accident when
depressing the accelerator, brake, or
clutch (Manual transaxle) pedal or
when getting in or out of the vehicle.
After removing the floor mats for
cleaning, always reinstall them
securely.Refer to Floor Mat on page 4-8.
8-72
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
Mazda3_8BY6-EA-11F_Edition3 Page458
Thursday, March 1 2012 10:19 AM
Form No.8BY6-EA-11F

Black plate (459,1)
9Customer Information
Important consumer information including warranties and add-on equipment.
Customer Assistance ............................... 9-2 Customer Assistance (U.S.A.) ............ 9-2
Customer Assistance (Canada) ........... 9-7
Customer Assistance (Puerto Rico) ... 9-10
Customer Assistance (Mexico) ......... 9-11
Mazda Importer/Distributors ............... 9-13 Importer/Distributor .......................... 9-13
Distributor in Each Area ................... 9-13
Warranty ................................................ 9-15 Warranties for Your Mazda ............... 9-15
Outside the United States .................. 9-16
Outside Canada ................................. 9-17
Registering Your Vehicle in A Foreign
Country (Except United States and
Canada) ............................................. 9-18
Add-On Non-Genuine Parts and
Accessories ....................................... 9-19
Cell Phones ............................................. 9-20 Cell Phones Warning ......................... 9-20
Event Data Recorder ............................. 9-21 Event Data Recorder ......................... 9-21
Uniform Tire Quality Grading System
(UTQGS) ................................................ 9-22 Uniform Tire Quality Grading System
(UTQGS) .......................................... 9-22 Tire Information (U.S.A.) ..................... 9-24
Tire Labeling ..................................... 9-24
Location of the Tire Label
(Placard) ............................................ 9-30
Tire Maintenance .............................. 9-33
Vehicle Loading ................................ 9-36
Steps for Determining the Correct Load
Limit: ................................................ 9-42
Reporting Safety Defects ....................... 9-43 Reporting Safety Defects (U.S.A.) .... 9-43
Reporting Safety Defects (Canada) ... 9-44
Service Publications .............................. 9-45 Service Publications .......................... 9-45
9-1
Mazda3_8BY6-EA-11F_Edition3 Page459
Thursday, March 1 2012 10:19 AM
Form No.8BY6-EA-11F

Black plate (460,1)
Customer Assistance (U.S.A.)
Your complete and permanent satisfaction is our business. We are here to serve you. All
Authorized Mazda Dealers have the knowledge and the tools to keep your Mazda vehicle
in top condition.
If you have any questions or recommendations for improvement regarding the service of
your Mazda vehicle or servicing by Mazda Dealer personnel, we recommend that you take
the following steps:
NOTE
If it becomes necessary to have the components or wiring system for the supplementary restraint
system modified to accommodate a person with certain medical conditions in accordance with a
certified physician, contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
qSTEP 1: Contact Your Mazda Dealer
Discuss the matter with an Authorized Mazda Dealer. This is the quickest and best way to
address the issue.
lIf your concern has not been resolved by the CUSTOMER RELATIONS, SALES,
SERVICE, or PARTS MANAGER, then please contact the GENERAL MANAGER of
the dealership or the OWNER.
lIf it becomes necessary to have the components or wiring system for the supplementary
restraint system modified to accommodate a person with certain medical conditions in
accordance with a certified physician, go to STEP2.
qSTEP 2: Contact Mazda North American Operations
If for any reason you feel the need for further assistance after contacting your dealership
management or it becomes necessary to have the components or wiring system for the
supplementary restraint system modified to accommodate a person with certain medical
conditions in accordance with a certified physician, you can reach Mazda North American
Operations by one of the following ways.
Log on: at www.mazdaUSA.com
Answers to many questions, including how to locate or contact a local Mazda dealership in
the U.S., can be found here.
E-mail: click on “Contact Us ”located on the “Inside Mazda ”tab, or at the bottom of the
page at www.mazdaUSA.com
By phone at: 1 (800) 222-5500
9-2
Customer Information
Customer Assistance
Mazda3_8BY6-EA-11F_Edition3 Page460
Thursday, March 1 2012 10:19 AM
Form No.8BY6-EA-11F