tires MAZDA MODEL 3 4-DOOR 2016 User Guide

4–62
When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)
The ABS control unit continuously
monitors the speed of each wheel. If
one wheel is about to lock up, the ABS
responds by automatically releasing and
reapplying that wheel's brake.
The driver will feel a slight vibration in
the brake pedal and may hear a chattering
noise from the brake system. This is
normal ABS system operation. Continue to
depress the brake pedal without pumping
the brakes.
The warning light turns on when the
system has a malfunction.
Refer to Warning Lights on page 4-21.
WARNING
Do not rely on ABS as a substitute for
safe driving:
The ABS cannot compensate for unsafe
and reckless driving, excessive speed,
tailgating (following another vehicle
too closely), driving on ice and snow,
and hydroplaning (reduced tire friction
and road contact because of water on
the road surface). You can still have an
accident.
NOTE
 Braking distances may be longer on
loose surfaces (snow or gravel, for
example) which usually have a hard
foundation. A vehicle with a normal
braking system may require less
distance to stop under these conditions
because the tires will build up a wedge
of surface layer when the wheels skid.
 The sound of the ABS operating may
be heard when starting the engine
or immediately after starting the
vehicle, however, it does not indicate a
malfunction.
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4–63
When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC
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 Warning Lights on page 4-21.
WARNING
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 could still
have an accident.
NOTE
To turn off the TCS, press the DSC OFF
switch (page 4-65).
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 fr esh
snow, it will be impossible to achieve
high rpm when the TCS is on.
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4–64
When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC
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 4-62) and TCS
(page 4-63).
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 Lights on page 4-21.
WARNING
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 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.
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4–78
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
NOTE
The timing in which the system switches the headlights changes under the\
following
conditions. If the system does not switch the headlights appropriately, manually switch
between high and low beams according to the visibility as well as road and traffic
conditions.
 When there are sources of light in the area such as street lamps, illuminated signboards,
and traffic signals. When there are reflective objects in the surrounding area such as reflective plates and
signs. When visibility is reduced under rain, snow and foggy conditions. When driving on roads with sharp turn or hilly terrain. When the headlights/r ear lamps of vehicles in front of you or in the opposite lane are dim
or not illuminated. When there is sufficient darkness such as at dawn or dusk. When the luggage compartment is loaded with heavy objects or the r ear passenger seats
are occupied. When visibility is reduced due to a vehicle in front of you spraying water from its tires
onto your windshield.
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4–98
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC)
The Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) system is designed to maintain headway control*1
according to the vehicle speed using a radar sensor (front) to detect \
the distance to a vehicle
ahead, and by presetting the vehicle speed between 30 km/h (19 mph) an\
d 145 km/h (90
mph), the driver is freed from having to constantly use the accelerator\
or brake pedals.
*1 Headway Control: Control of the distance between your vehicle and the ve\
hicle ahead
detected by the Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) system.
Additionally, if your vehicle starts closing in on the vehicle ahead because, for ex\
ample, the
vehicle ahead brakes suddenly, a warning sound and a warning indication in the display are
activated simultaneously to alert you to maintain a sufficient distance between the vehicles.
Use the Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) system on expressways and other highways
which do not require a lot of repeated acceleration and deceleration.
WARNING
Do not rely completely on the Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) system and always
drive carefully: The Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) system is designed to reduce load on the
driver, and although it maintains a constant vehicle speed, or specifically, it maintains
a constant distance between your vehicle and the detected vehicle ahead according to
the vehicle speed, the system has detection limitations depending on the type of vehicle
ahead and its conditions, the weather conditions, and the road conditions. Additionally,
the system may be unable to decelerate sufficiently to avoid hitting the vehicle ahead
if the vehicle ahead applies the brakes suddenly or another vehicle cuts into the driving
lane, which could result in an accident. Always verify the safety of the surrounding area
and depress the brake pedal or accelerator pedal while keeping a safer distance from
vehicles ahead or on-coming vehicles.
Do not use the Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) system in the following locations.
Otherwise, it could lead to an accident:
 Roads with sharp cur ves and where vehicle traffic is heavy and there is insufficient
space between vehicles. Roads where frequent and repetitive acceleration and
deceleration occur (Driving under these conditions using the Mazda Radar Cruise
Control (MRCC) system is not possible).
 When entering and exiting interchanges, service areas, and parking areas of highways
(If you exit a highway 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 ice or snow-bound roads (The tires could spin causing you to
lose vehicle control). 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).
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4–10 8
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
CAUTION
 When driving off-road in areas where there is grass or forage, it is recommended that the
Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) system be turned off. Always use tires for all wheels that are of the specified size, and the same manufacturer,
brand, and tread pattern. In addition, do not use tires with significantly different wear
patterns on the same vehicle as the Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) system may not
operate normally.
 The laser sensor (front) includes a function for detecting a soiled windshield and informing
the driver, however, depending on the conditions, it may not detect plastic shopping bags,
ice or snow on the windshield. In such cases, the system cannot accurately determine a
vehicle ahead and may not be able to operate normally. Always drive carefully and pay
attention to the road ahead.
NOTE
 The Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) system will not operate if the dri\
ver is deliberately
performing driving operations (accelerator pedal and steering wheel). The Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) system will operate under the foll\
owing conditions.
 The engine is running. The Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) warning light (amber) does not i\
lluminate. The vehicle speed is between about 4 to 30 km/h (2 to 18 mph). The Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) system is not turned off. The DSC operation is not turned off using the DSC OFF switch. The DSC is not malfunctioning.
 The Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) detects a vehicle ahead by emittin\
g a near-infrared
laser beam and receiving the beam reflected off the reflector of the vehicle ahead, and
then using it for the measurement. Consequently, the Smart City Brake Support (SCBS)
may not operate under the following conditions:
 Reflection of the laser is poor due to the shape of the vehicle ahead. The vehicle ahead is significantly dirty. Under bad weather condition, such as rain, fog and snow . The window washer is being used or the windshield wipers ar e not used when it's
raining. The windshield is dirty. The steering wheel is turned completely left or right, or the vehicle is\
accelerated
rapidly and comes close to the vehicle ahead. Trucks with low loading platforms and vehicles with an extremely low or high profile. Vehicles with certain shapes such as a vehicle carrier.
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4–109
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
*Some models.
 Under the following conditions, the Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) sy\
stem may not
operate normally.
 Heavy luggage is loaded in the luggage compartment or on the rear seat. If there is the possibility of partial contact with a vehicle ahead. When driving on continuously curving roads, and entering and exiting exits. Elongated luggage or cargo is loaded onto installed roof rails and covers the laser
sensor (front). Exhaust gas from the vehicle in front, sand, snow, and water vapor rising from
manholes and grating, and water splashed into the air. When towing a malfunctioning vehicle.
 In the following cases, the laser sensor (fr ont) may inadvertently determine that there is a
vehicle ahead and the Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) system may opera\
te.
 Objects on the road at the entrance to a curve. Vehicles passing in the opposite lane while making a curve. Metal objects, bumps, or pr otruding objects on the road. When passing through a toll gate. When passing under a vinyl curtain or flag. Plastic objects such as pylons. Two-wheeled vehicles, pedestrians, animals or standing trees. Vehicle is driven with some of the tires having significant wear.
 When the system operates, the user is notified by the flashing Sm art City Brake Support
(SCBS) indicator light (red) and the active driving display*. The Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) warning light (amber) turns on w\
hen the system
has a malfunction.
Refer to Warning Lights on page 4-21.
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4–115
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
NOTE
 In the following cases, the radar sensor (front) may not be able to detect vehicles ahead
or obstructions.
 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 trunk/luggage compartment is loaded with heavy objects or the r ear 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 str ong radio waves.
 In the following cases, the radar sensor (front) may detect vehicles in the opposite lane or
surrounding obstructions, or it 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 damag\
e.  Roads with repeated up and down slopes Driving on poor r oads or unpaved roads. The distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead is extr emely 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 on roads with little traffic and few vehicles ahead or obstructions for the
radar sensor (front) to detect, Forward Obstruction Warning/Smart City Brake Support
(FOW/SCBS) warning light (amber) temporarily illuminates, however, this does not
indicate a problem.
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4–123
When Driving
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
*Some models.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System*
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) monitors the air pressure of all\
four tires. If
the air pressure of one or more tires is too low, the system warns the driver by indicating the
tire pressure monitoring system warning light in the instrument cluster \
and operating a beep
sound. The system monitors the tire pressures indirectly using the data sent from the ABS
wheel speed sensors.
To allow the system to operate correctly, the system needs to be initialized with the specified
tire pressure (value on the tire pressure label). Follow the procedure\
and perform the
initialization.
Refer to Tire Pressure Monitoring System Initialization on page 4-126.
The warning light flashes when the system has a malfunction.
Refer to Warning Lights on page 4-21.
ABS wheel speed sensor
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4–124
When Driving
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
CAUTION
 Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly when cold and
inflated to the inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle
placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the
size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should determine
the proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a tire pressure monitoring
system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when one or more of your tires
is significantly under-inflated. Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates,
you should stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper
pressure. Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can
lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may
affect the vehicle's handling and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire maintenance, and it is the
driver's responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation has not
reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when
the system is not operating properly.
The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with the low tire pressure telltale. When the
system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for approximately one minute and then
remain continuously illuminated. This sequence will continue upon subsequent vehicle
start-ups as long as the malfunction exists. When the malfunction indicator is illuminated,
the system may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended. TPMS
malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons, including the installation of replacement
or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning properly.
Always check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or more tires or wheels on
your vehicle to ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to
continue to function properly.
 To avoid false readings, the system samples for a little while before indicating a problem. As
a result it will not instantaneously register a rapid tire deflation or blow out.
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