tires MAZDA MODEL 3 5-DOOR 2016 Owner's Guide

6–69
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
Water Marks
Occurrence
Rain, fog, dew, and even tap water can
contain harmful minerals such as salt and
lime. If moisture containing these minerals
settles on the vehicle and evaporates, the
minerals will concentrate and harden to
form white rings. The rings can damage
your vehicle's finish.
Prevention
It is necessary to wash and wax your
vehicle to preserve its finish according to
the instructions in this section. These steps
should be taken immediately after you find
water marks on your vehicle's finish.
Paint Chipping
Occurrence
Paint chipping occurs when gravel thrown
in the air by another vehicle's tires hits
your vehicle.
How to avoid paint chipping
Keeping a safe distance between you and
the vehicle ahead reduces the chances
of having your paint chipped by flying
gravel.NOTE
 The paint chipping zone varies with the
speed of the vehicle. For example, when
traveling at 90 km/h (56 mph), the paint
chipping zone is 50 m (164 ft).
 In low temperatures a vehicle's finish
hardens. This increases the chance of
paint chipping.
 Chipped paint can lead to rust forming
on your Mazda. Before this happens,
repair the damage by using Mazda
touch-up paint according to the
instructions in this section. Failure to
repair the affected area could lead to
serious rusting and expensive repairs.
Follow all label and container directions
when using a chemical cleaner or polish.
Read all warnings and cautions.
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7–5
If Trouble Arises
Flat Tire
4. Insert the cover tabs and install the
cover.
(4-Door)
Tabs
Tabs
(5-Door)
NOTE
Verify that the cover is securely installed.
Maintenance
 Always keep the jack clean. Make sure the moving parts are kept
free from dirt or rust. Make sure the screw thread is
adequately lubricated.
Spare Tire
Your Mazda has a temporary spare tire.
The temporary spare tire is lighter and
smaller than a conventional tire, and is
designed only for emergency use and
should be used only for VERY short
periods. Temporary spare tires should
NEVER be used for long drives or
extended periods.
WARNING
Do not install the temporary spare tire
on the front wheels (driving wheels):Driving with the temporary spare tire
on one of the front driving wheels is
dangerous. Handling will be affected.
You could lose control of the vehicle,
especially on ice or snow bound roads,
and have an accident. Move a regular
tire to the front wheel and install the
temporary spare tire to the rear.
CAUTION
 When using the temporary spare tire,
driving stability may decrease compared
to when using only the conventional tire.
Drive carefully.
 To avoid damage to the temporary
spare tire or to the vehicle, observe the
following precautions:
 Do not exceed 80 km/h (50 mph). Avoid driving over obstacles. Also, do
not drive through an automatic car
wash. This tire's diameter is smaller
than a conventional tire, so the
ground clearance is reduced.
 Do not use a tire chain on this tire
because it will not fit properly. Do not use your temporary spare
tire on any other vehicle, it has been
designed only for your Mazda.
 Use only one t emporary spare tire on
your vehicle at the same time.
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7–10
If Trouble Arises
Flat Tire
*Some models.
9. Remove the lug nuts by turning them
counterclockwise; then remove the
wheel and center cap.
Locking Lug Nuts*
If your vehicle has Mazda optional
antitheft wheel lug nuts, one on each
wheel will lock the tires and you must
use a special key to unlock them. This
key will attach to the lug wrench.
Register them with the lock manufacturer
by filling out the card provided in the
glove compartment and mailing it in the
accompanying envelope. If you lose this
key, consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer
or use the lock manufacturer's order form,
which is with the registration card.
Accessory wheel locks cannot be used on
steel wheels. This includes situations when
the spare tire is installed. If the spare tire
is installed, one of the original lug nuts
(which should still be in the vehicle) must
be installed in place of the wheel lock.
Special key
Antitheft lug nut
To remove an antitheft lug nut
1. Obtain the special key for the antitheft
lug nut.
2. Place the special key on top of the
antitheft lug nut, and be sure to hold
the key square to it. If you hold the key
at an angle, you may damage both key
and nut. Do not use a power impact
wrench.
3. Place the lug wrench on top of the key
and apply pressure. Turn the wrench
counterclockwise.
To install the antitheft lug nut
1. Place the special key on top of the nut,
and be sure to hold the key square to
it. If you hold the key at an angle, you
may damage both key and nut. Do not
use a power impact wrench.
2. Place the lug wrench on top of the
special key, apply pressure, and turn it
clockwise.
Nut tightening torque
N·m (kgf·m, ft·lbf) 108—147
(12—14, 80—108)
Mounting the Spar e Tire
1. Remove dirt and grime from the
mounting surfaces of the wheel and
hub, including the hub bolts, with a
cloth.

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7–11
If Trouble Arises
Flat Tire
WARNING
Make sure the mounting surfaces of
the wheel, hub and lug nuts are clean
before changing or replacing tires:When changing or replacing a tire,
not removing dirt and grime from the
mounting surfaces of the wheel, hub
and hub bolts is dangerous. The lug
nuts could loosen while driving and
cause the tire to come off, resulting in
an accident.
2. Mount the spare tire.
3. Install the lug nuts with the beveled
edge inward; tighten them by hand.

WARNING
Do not apply oil or grease to lug nuts
and bolts and do not tighten the
lug nuts beyond the recommended
tightening torque:Applying oil or grease to lug nuts and
bolts is dangerous. The lug nuts could
loosen while driving and cause the tire
to come off, resulting in an accident.
In addition, lug nuts and bolts could
be damaged if tightened more than
necessary.
4. Turn the lug wrench counterclockwise
and lower the vehicle. Use the lug
wrench to tighten the nuts in the order
shown.

If you are unsure of how tight the nuts
should be, have them inspected at an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Nut tightening torque
N·m (kgf·m, ft·lbf) 108—147
(12—14, 80—108)
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7–14
If Trouble Arises
Flat Tire
12. Pass the belt through the buckle, then
pull the belt end to secure the flat tire.

13. (Split-folding type seat)
Return the rear seatback on the right
side of the rear seatback to its original
position.
14. Remove the tire blocks and store the
tools and jack.
15. Check the inflation pressure. Refer to
Tires on page 9-10.
16. Have the flat tire repaired or replaced
as soon as possible.
NOTE
Do not press the tire pressure monitoring
system set switch after installing the spare
tire. The switch is only to be pressed after
installing the repaired flat tire or installing
a replacement tire (page 4-20).
WARNING
Do not drive with any tires that have
incorrect air pressure:
Driving on tires with incorrect air
pressure is dangerous. Tires with
incorrect pressure could affect
handling and result in an accident.
When you check the regular tires' air
pressure, check the spare tire, too.
NOTE
To prevent the jack and tool from rattling,
store them properly.
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7–28
If Trouble Arises
Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds
*Some models.
SignalWarning
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Warning Light*
If the tire pressure monitoring system has a malfunction, the tire press\
ure warning
light flashes for about 1 minute when the ignition is switched ON and then continues
illuminating. Have your vehicle checked by an Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as
possible.
WARNING
If the tire pressure monitoring system warning light illuminates or flashes, or the tire pressure warning beep sound is heard, decrease vehicle speed immediately and avoid
sudden maneuvering and braking: If the tire pressure monitoring system warning light illuminates or flashes, or the tire
pressure warning beep sound is heard, it is dangerous to drive the vehicle at high
speeds, or perform sudden maneuvering or braking. Vehicle drivability could worsen
and result in an accident.
To determine if you have a slow leak or a flat, pull over to a safe position where you can
check the visual condition of the tire and determine if you have enough air to proceed
to a place where air may be added and the system monitored again by an Authorized
Mazda Dealer or a tire repair station.
Do not ignore the TPMS Warning Light: Ignoring the TPMS warning light is dangerous, even if you know why it is illuminated.
Have the problem taken care of as soon as possible before it develops into a more
serious situation that could lead to tire failure and a dangerous accident.
(Red)(Illuminate)
KEY Warning Light If any malfunction occurs in the keyless entry system, it illuminates co\
ntinuously.
CAUTION
If the key warning indicator light illuminates or the push button start indicator light (amber) flashes, the engine may not start. If the engine cannot be started, try starting it
using the emergency operation for starting the engine, and have the vehicle inspected
at an Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.
Refer to Emergency Operation for Starting the Engine on page
4-9.
(Amber)(Flashes)
Lane Departure
Warning System
(LDWS) Warning Light
*
The warning light flashes when the system has a malfunction. Have your vehicle inspected
at an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
The LDWS does not operate when the warning light flashes.
CAUTION
If any of the following cases occurs, the system may have a malfunction. Have the vehicle
inspected at an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
The light flashes while the vehicle is being driven.The light does not illuminate when the ignition is switched ON.Always use tires for all wheels that are of the specified size, and the same manufacture,
brand, and tread pattern. In addition, do not use tires with significantly different wear
patterns on the same vehicle. If such improper tires are used, the LDWS may not operate
normally.
When an emergency spare tire is used, the system may not operate normally.
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7–31
If Trouble Arises
Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds
*Some models.
SignalWarning Action to be taken
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Warning Light*
When the warning light illuminates, and
the warning beep sound is heard (about 3
seconds), tire pressure is too low in one or
more tires.
WARNING
If the tire pressure monitoring system warning light illuminates or flashes,
or the tire pressure warning beep
sound is heard, decrease vehicle
speed immediately and avoid sudden
maneuvering and braking: If the tire pressure monitoring system
warning light illuminates or flashes, or
the tire pressure warning beep sound
is heard, it is dangerous to drive the
vehicle at high speeds, or perform
sudden maneuvering or braking.
Vehicle drivability could worsen and
result in an accident.
To determine if you have a slow leak or
a flat, pull over to a safe position where
you can check the visual condition
of the tire and determine if you have
enough air to proceed to a place where
air may be added and the system
monitored again by an Authorized
Mazda Dealer or a tire repair station.
Do not ignore the TPMS Warning Light: Ignoring the TPMS warning light is
dangerous, even if you know why it is
illuminated. Have the problem taken
care of as soon as possible before it
develops into a more serious situation
that could lead to tire failure and a
dangerous accident. Inspect the tires and adjust to the specified
inflation pressure (page
6-43).
NOTE
Perform tire pressure adjustment when
the tires are cold. Tire pressure will vary
according to the tire temperature, therefore
let the vehicle stand for 1 hour or only drive
it 1.6 km (1 mile) or less before adjusting
the tire pressures. When pressure is adjusted
on hot tires to the cold inflation pressure,
the TPMS warning light/beep may turn on
after the tires cool and pressure drops below
specification.
Also, an illuminated TPMS warning light,
resulting from the tire air pressure dropping
due to cold ambient temperature will remain
illuminated even if the ambient temperature
rises. In this case, it will also be necessary
to adjust the tire air pressures. If the TPMS
warning light illuminates due to a drop in
tire air pressure, make sure to check and
adjust the tire air pressures.
Tires lose air naturally over time and the TPMS cannot tell if the tires are getting
too soft over time or you have a flat.
However, when you find one low tire in a
set of four-that is an indication of trouble;
you should have someone drive the vehicle
slowly forward so you can inspect any low
tire for cuts and any metal objects sticking
through tread or sidewall. Put a few drops
of water in the valve stem to see if it bubbles
indicating a bad valve. Leaks need to be
addressed by more than simply reinflating
the tire as leaks are dangerous — take it to
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
(Amber)Forward
Obstruction
Warning/Smart
City Brake Support (FOW/SCBS)
Warning Light
*
The light turns on if the windshield and
the radar sensor are dirty or there is a
malfunction in the system. Verify the reason why the warning light
is illuminated on the center display (page
7-24).
If the reason why the warning light is
illuminated is due to a dirty windshield, clean
the windshield.
If the warning light is illuminated because of
a dirty radar sensor, clean the front emblem.
For any other reasons, have the vehicle
inspected at an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
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8–22
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Uniform Tire Quality Grading System (UTQGS)
Uniform Tire Quality Grading System (UTQGS)
This information relates to the tire grading system developed by the U.S. National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration for grading tires by tread wear, traction, and temperature
performance.
Tread Wear
The tread wear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of t\
he tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified government test course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one-and-a-half times as well o\
n the government
course as a tire graded 100.
The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual conditions of \
their use, however,
and may depart significantly from the norm because of variations in driving habits, service
practices and differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction-AA, A, B, C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C. These grades represent the
tire's ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions on specified
government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction
performance.
WARNING
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on braking (straight ahead) traction tests
and does not include acceleration cornering (turning), hydroplaning, or peak traction
characteristics.
Temperature-A, B, C
The temperature grades A (the highest), B, and C, represent the tire's resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under c\
ontrolled conditions on
a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire to degener\
ate and reduce tire
life, and excessive temperatures can lead to sudden tire failure.
Grade C corresponds to a level of performance which all passenger vehicle tires must meet
under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher
levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by law.
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8–23
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Uniform Tire Quality Grading System (UTQGS)
WARNING
Keep your vehicle's tires properly inflated and not overloaded:
Driving with improperly inflated or overloaded tires is dangerous. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive loading, either separately or in combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure. The temperature grade for this tire is established for a
tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded.
These grades will be added to the sidewalls of passenger vehicle tires o\
ver the next several
years according to a schedule established by the NHTSA and the tire manufacturers.
The grade of tires available as standard or optional equipment on Mazda vehicles may vary
with respect to grade.
ALL PASSENGER VEHICLE TIRES MUST CONFORM TO THESE GRADES AND TO
ALL OTHER FEDERAL TIRE-SAFETY REQUIREMENTS.
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING
Quality grades can be found where applicable on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder
and maximum section width.
For example:
TREADWEAR 200 TRACTION AA TEMPERATURE A
UTQGS MARK (example)
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8–24
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
Tire Labeling
Federal law requires tire manufacturers to place standardized information on the sidewall of
all tires. This information identifies and describes the fundamental characteristics of the tire
and also provides a tire identification number for safety standard certification and in case of
a recall.
Information on Passenger Vehicle Tires
Please refer to the sample below.
1. TIN: U.S. DOT tire identification number
2. Passenger car tire
3. Nominal width of tire in millimeters
4. Ratio of height to width (aspect ratio)
5. Radial
6. Run-flat tire
7. Rim diameter code
8. Load index & speed symbol
9. Severe snow conditions
10. Tire ply composition and materials used
11. Max. load rating
12. Tread wear, traction and temperature grades
13. Max. permissible inflation pressure
14. SAFETY WARNING
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