brake MAZDA MODEL 3 HATCHBACK 2020 (in English) Owner's Guide

Driving Tips
▼Driving Tips
WA R N I N G
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.
Passing
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.
While the selector lever is in the M
position and the DSC is turned off,
manual shift mode does not switch to
automatic shift mode even if the
accelerator pedal is completely
depressed. Operate the selector lever.
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. Desce nd slowly, using the
brakes only occasionally to prevent them
from overheating.
When Driving
Automatic Transmission
4-43
Mazda3_8HZ1-EA-19G_Edition1_old 2019-5-17 13:49:03

Brake System
▼Foot Brake
This vehicle has pow
er-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.
WA R N I N G
Do not coast with the engine stalled or
turned off,
find a safe place to stop:
Coasting with the engi ne 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
clutch pedal or brake pedal, or hold the
clutch pedal depressed halfway
unnecessarily. Doing so could result in
the following:
 The clutch and 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.
When Driving
Brake
4-63
Mazda3_8HZ1-EA-19G_Edition1_old 2019-5-17 13:49:03

▼Electric Parking Brake (EPB)
The EPB system applies the parking brake
using an electric motor. The system can
operate automatically and manually.
The EPB switch indica
tor light turns on
when applying the parking brake and it
turns off when releasing the parking brake.
1. Indicator light
WA R N I N G
Do not drive the vehicle with the parking
brake applied:
If the vehicle is driven with the parking
brake applied, the brake parts may
generate heat and the brake system may
not operate, leading to an accident.
Before driving the vehicle, release the
parking brake and make sure that the EPB
indicator light in the instrument cluster
turns off.
Apply the parking brake when leaving the
vehicle:
Not applying the parking brake when
parking the vehicle is dangerous as the
vehicle may move unexpectedly and result
in an accident. Before leaving the vehicle,
apply the parking brake and make sure
that the EPB indicator light in the
instrument cluster turns on.
NOTE
The parking brake cannot be applied or
released while the vehicle battery is
dead.
Refer to If a Jump-Starting on page
7-17.
When the charging system warning light
in the instrument cluster turns on, the
parking brake cannot be applied after
switching the ignition OFF. Before
switching the igniti on OFF, apply the
parking brake manually.
The sound of the parking brake being
applied or released can be heard,
however, this does not indicate a
problem.
If the EPB is not used for long periods,
an automatic inspection of the system is
performed while the vehicle is parked.
An operation sound can be heard,
however, this does not indicate a
problem.
When applying the parking brake and
switching OFF the ignition, an
operation sound can be heard, however,
this does not indicate a problem.
The brake pedal may move while
applying or releasing the parking brake,
however, this does not indicate a
problem.
When Driving
Brake
4-64
Mazda3_8HZ1-EA-19G_Edition1_old 2019-5-17 13:49:03

If there is a problem with the brake
system (foot brake) while driving the
vehicle, 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.
If the parking brake is applied with the
ignition switched OFF or in ACC, the
EPB indicator light in the instrument
cluster and the indicator light in the
switch may turn on for 15 seconds.
When using an automatic car wash
which moves the vehicle with the front
tires mounted, it is necessary to cancel
the parking brake auto operation before
the vehicle enters the automatic car
wash. For details, refer to Canceling the
parking brake automatic operation.
Manual operation
Applying the parki ng brake manually
When the brake pedal is firmly depressed
and the EPB switch is pulled up, the
parking brake is applied regardless of the
ignition position. When the parking brake
is applied, the EPB indicator light in the
instrument cluster a nd the EPB switch
indicator light turn on.
Releasing the parking brake manually
When the brake pedal is firmly depressed
and the EPB switch is pressed while the
ignition is switched ON or the engine is
running, the parking brake is released.
When the parking brake is released, the
EPB indicator light in the instrument
cluster and the EPB sw itch indicator light
turn off.
If the EPB switch is pressed without
depressing the brake pedal, a message is
displayed on the multi-information display
to notify the driver to depress the brake
pedal.
Refer to Message Indicated on
Multi-information Disp lay on page 7-38.
Auto operation
Applying the parking brake
automatically
When the ignition is switched from ON to
ACC or OFF, the par king brake will be
applied automatically. When the parking
brake is applied, the EPB indicator light in
the instrument cluster and the EPB switch
indicator light turn on.
When Driving
Brake
4-65
Mazda3_8HZ1-EA-19G_Edition1_old 2019-5-17 13:49:03

NOTE
To release the parking brake when the
ignition is switched OFF, it is necessary to
cancel the parking brake auto operation.
For details, refer to Canceling the parking
brake automatic operation.
Releasing the parking brake
automatically
If the accelerator pedal is depressed with
the parking brake ap plied and all of the
following conditions met, the parking
brake is released automatically. When the
parking brake is released, the EPB
indicator light in the instrument cluster
and the EPB switch indicator light turn
off.
The engine is running.
The driver's door is closed.
The driver's seat belt is fastened.
(Manual transmission vehicle)
The shift lever is i n a position other
than neutral.
The clutch pedal is depressed halfway.
(Automatic trans mission vehicle)
The selector lever is in the D, M, or R
position.
NOTE
If something such as the driver's foot
contacts the accelerator pedal with the
engine running and the parking brake
applied, the parking brake might be
released automatically. If you do not
intend to start driving the vehicle
immediately, shift the shift lever to the
neutral position for a manual
transmission, or shift the selector lever to
the P or N position for an automatic
transmission.
Canceling the parking brake automatic
operation
The parking brake automatic operation can
be canceled by doing any of the following
after switching the ignition from ON to
OFF.
Auto operation cancel method 1
1. Switch the ignition ON.
2. Turn off the AUTOHOLD.
3. Press the EPB switch continuously for 2 seconds or longer (until a sound is
activated).
4. Release the EPB switch and switch the ignition OFF within 5 seconds after the
sound was activated.
After the auto opera tion is canceled, a
sound is activated one time, and the
EPB switch indicato r light switches
from illumination t o flashing, and then
turns off afte r 3 seconds.
Auto operation cancel method 2
1. Switch the ignition ON.
2. Turn off the AUTOHOLD.
3. Switch the ignition OFF with the EPB switch pressed.
When the auto operation is canceled, a
sound is activated one time, and the
EPB switch indicator light 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 shift lever to the 1st gear or the R
position for a manual transmission, or
shift the selector l ever to the P position
for an automatic transmission, and then
use wheel blocks.
When Driving
Brake
4-66
Mazda3_8HZ1-EA-19G_Edition1_old 2019-5-17 13:49:03

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.
▼ Warning Light
The warning light turns on when the
system has a malfunction.
Refer to Brake System Warning
Indication/Warning Li
ght on page 7-27.
▼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.
WA R N I N G
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.
When Driving
Brake
4-67
Mazda3_8HZ1-EA-19G_Edition1_old
2019-5-17 13:49:03

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
4-68
Mazda3_8HZ1-EA-19G_Edition1_old 2019-5-17 13:49:03

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 w hen you start driving the vehicle.
WA R N I N G
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 appr opriately in accordance with the road and surrounding conditions.
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 no t 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 posi tion 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 position (automatic transmi ssion vehicle) and apply the parking brake.
When Driving
Brake
4-69
Mazda3_8HZ1-EA-19G_Edition1_old 2019-5-17 13:49:03

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 wi th 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/shift 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
Vehicle tilts forward
Operates
Level ground
Does not operate, canceled
Vehicle tilts rearward
Does not operate, canceled
: Reverse driving (selector lever/sh ift lever in the reverse (R) position)
When Driving
Brake
4-70
Mazda3_8HZ1-EA-19G_Edition1_old 2019-5-17 13:49:03

▼AUTOHOLD System is Turned On
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).
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 stopped
position 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 swit ched ON (engine is
running).
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
Parking Brake (EPB) function.
(Automatic transmission vehicle)
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 do any of the following actions to
resume driving the vehicle, the brakes will
be released automatically and the
AUTOHOLD active indi cator light turns
off.
(Manual transmission vehicle)
You start to release the clutch pedal with
the shift lever shifted to a position other
than the neutral position
(Automatic transmission vehicle)
The accelerator pedal is depressed.
When Driving
Brake
4-71
Mazda3_8HZ1-EA-19G_Edition1_old 2019-5-17 13:49:03