tow MAZDA MODEL 3 SEDAN 2022 Owner's Guide

To w i n g D e s c r i p t i o n
▼Towing Description
We recommend that towing be done
only by an Authorized Mazda Dealer
or a commercial tow-truck service.

Proper lifting and towing are necessary
to prevent damage to the vehicle.
Particularly when towing an AWD
vehicle, where all the wheels are
connected to the drive train, proper
transporting of the vehicle is absolutely
essential to avoid damaging the drive
system. Government and local laws
must be followed.
1. Wheel dollies

A towed FWD vehicle should have its
drive wheels (front wheels)
off the
ground. If excessive damage or other
conditions prevent this, use wheel
dollies.

When towing a FWD vehicle with the
rear wheels on the ground, release the
parking brake.
Refer to Electric Parking Brake (EPB) on
page 4-76.

A towed AWD vehicle must have all its
wheels off the ground.
WARNING
Always tow an AWD vehicle with all
four wheels
off the ground:
Towing an AWD vehicle with either the
front or rear wheels on the ground is
dangerous as the drive train could be
damaged, or the vehicle could trail
away from the tow truck and cause an
accident. If the drive train has been
damaged, transport the vehicle on a
flatbed truck.
CAUTION

Do not tow the vehicle pointed
backward with driving wheels on the
ground. This may cause internal
damage to the transmission.
If Trouble Arises
Emergency Towing
7-23
Mazda3_8KH1-EA-21K_Edition1_new 2021-7-27 16:02:22

Do not tow with sling-type
equipment. This could damage your
vehicle. Use wheel-lift or flatbed
equipment.
If the parking brake cannot be
released when towing the vehicle,
transport the vehicle with all front
and rear wheels raised off the ground
as shown in the figure. If the vehicle
is towed without raising the wheels
off the ground, the brake system
could be damaged.
1. Wheel dollies
Tiedown Hooks*
▼ Tiedown Hooks
CAUTION
Do not use the front and rear tiedown
eyelets for towing the vehicle.
They have been designed only for
securing the vehicle to a transport
vessel during shipping.
Using the eyelets for any other purpose
could result in the vehicle being
damaged.
1. Remove the tiedown eyelet and the
lug wrench from the luggage
compartment (page 7-3).
2. Wrap a flathead screwdriver or similar tool with a soft cloth to
prevent damage to a painted
bumper, and open the cap located
on the front or rear bumper.
Front
(4–Door)
If Trouble Arises
Emergency Towing
7-24*Some models.
Mazda3_8KH1-EA-21K_Edition1_new 2021-7-27 16:02:22

(5–Door)
Rear
(4–Door)
(5–Door)
CAUTION
Do not use excessive force as it may
damage the cap or scratch the
painted bumper surface.
NOTE
Remove the cap completely and
store it so as not to lose it.
3. Securely install the tiedown eyelet using the lug wrench.
Front
(4–Door)
1. Lug wrench
2. Tiedown eyelet

(5–Door)
1. Lug wrench
2. Tiedown eyelet

If Trouble Arises
Emergency Towing
7-25
Mazda3_8KH1-EA-21K_Edition1_new 2021-7-27 16:02:22

Rear
(4–Door)
1. Lug wrench
2. Tiedown eyelet

(5–Door)
1. Lug wrench
2. Tiedown eyelet
4. Hook the tying rope to the tiedown eyelet.
CAUTION
If the tiedown eyelet is not securely
tightened, it may loosen or
disengage from the bumper when
tying the vehicle. Make sure that
the tiedown eyelet is securely
tightened to the bumper.
If Trouble Arises
Emergency Towing
7-26
Mazda3_8KH1-EA-21K_Edition1_new 2021-7-27 16:02:22

CAUTION
In addition, the
effectiveness of the
braking may diminish so you may
need to depress the brake pedal
more strongly than normal to stop
the vehicle.

▼ Electronic Brake Force Distribution
System Warning
If the electronic brake force
distribution control unit determines
that some components are operating
incorrectly, the control unit may
illuminate the brake system warning
light and the ABS warning light
simultaneously. The problem is likely to
be the electronic brake force
distribution system.
WARNING
Do not drive with both the brake
system warning light and ABS warning
light illuminated. Have the vehicle
towed to an Authorized Mazda
Dealer to have the brakes inspected as
soon as possible:
Driving when the brake system warning
light and ABS warning light are
illuminated simultaneously is
dangerous.
When both lights are illuminated, the
rear wheels could lock more quickly in
an emergency stop than under normal
circumstances.
▼
Charging System Warning
Indication/Warning Light
If the warning light illuminates while
driving , it indicates a malfunction of
the alternator or of the charging
system.
Drive to the side of the road and park
off the right-of-way. Consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving when the
charging system warning light is
illuminated because the engine could
stop unexpectedly.
▼Engine Oil Warning Indication/
Warning Light
This warning light indicates low engine
oil pressure.
CAUTION
Do not run the engine if the oil
pressure is low. Otherwise, it could
result in extensive engine damage.
If the light illuminates or the warning
indication is displayed while driving:
1. Drive to the side of the road and
park off the right-of-way on level
ground.
2. Turn off the engine and wait 5
minutes for the oil to drain back
into the oil pan.
If Trouble Arises
Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds
7-28
Mazda3_8KH1-EA-21K_Edition1_new 2021-7-27 16:02:22

3. Inspect the engine oil level (page6-18). If it's low, add the
appropriate amount of engine oil
while being careful not to overfill.
CAUTION
Do not run the engine if the oil
level is low. Otherwise, it could
result in extensive engine damage.
4. Start the engine and check the warning light.

If the light remains illuminated even
though the oil level is normal or after
adding oil, stop the engine
immediately and have your vehicle
towed to an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
▼ High Engine Coolant Temperature
War n in g I nd ic at ion
Displays if the engine coolant
temperature has increased excessively.
“Elevated Engine Coolant Temp. Drive
Slowly” displayed
Drive slowly to reduce engine load
until you can find a safe place to stop
the vehicle and wait for the engine to
cool down.
“Excessive Engine Coolant Temp. Stop
the Vehicle in a Safe Location”
displayed
This indicates the possibility of
overheating. Park the vehicle in a safe
place immediately and stop the
engine.
Refer to Overheating on page 7-21.
CAUTION
Do not drive the vehicle with the high
engine coolant temperature warning
light illuminated. Otherwise, it could
result in damage to the engine.
▼Power Steering Malfunction
Indication/Indicator Light
The message is displayed if the electric
power steering has a malfunction.
If the message is displayed, stop the
vehicle in a safe place and do not
operate the steering wheel. There is no
problem if the indication turns off
when the engine is restarted after
some time has passed. If the indication
displays even after the engine is
restarted, contact an Authorized
Mazda Dealer if the message is
displayed continuously.
NOTE
If the message is displayed, the
power steering will not operate
normally. In this case, the steering
wheel can still be operated,
however, the operation may feel
heavy compared to normal, or the
steering wheel could vibrate when
turning.
Repeatedly jerking the steering
wheel left and right while the vehicle
is stopped or moving extremely
slowly will cause the power steering
system to go into protective mode
which will make the steering feel
heavy, but this does not indicate a
problem. If this occurs, park the
vehicle safely and wait several
minutes for the system to return to
normal.
If Trouble Arises
Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds
7-29
Mazda3_8KH1-EA-21K_Edition1_new
2021-7-27 16:02:22

NOTE
Tires degrade over time, even when
they are not being used on the road. It
is recommended that tires generally be
replaced when they are 6 years or
older. Heat caused by hot climates or
frequent high loading conditions can
accelerate the aging process. You
should replace the spare tire when you
replace the other road tires due to the
aging of the spare tire. The period in
which the tire was manufactured (both
week and year) is indicated by a 4-digit
number.
Refer to Tire Labeling on page 8-23.▼Safety Practices
The way you drive has a great deal to
do with your tire mileage and safety.
So cultivate good driving habits for
your own benefit.
Observe posted speed limits and
drive at speeds that are safe for the
existing weather conditions
Avoid fast starts, stops and turnsAvoid potholes and objects on the
road
Do not run over curbs or hit the tire
against the curb when parking
CAUTION
If you feel a sudden vibration or ride
disturbance while driving or you
suspect your tire or vehicle has been
damaged, immediately reduce your
speed. Drive with caution until you can
safely pull
off the road. Stop and
inspect the tire for damage. If the tire
is under-inflated or damaged, deflate
it, remove the tire and rim and replace
it with your spare tire. If you cannot
detect a cause, have the vehicle towed
to the nearest vehicle or tire dealer to
have the vehicle inspected.
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
8-30
Mazda3_8KH1-EA-21K_Edition1_new 2021-7-27 16:02:22

Ve h i c l e L o a d i n g
▼Ve h i c l e L o a d i n g
WARNING
Do not tow a trailer with this vehicle:
Towing a trailer with this vehicle is
dangerous because it has not been
designed to tow a trailer and doing so
will
affect the drive system which could
result in vehicle damage.
This section will guide you in the
proper loading of your vehicle, to keep
your loaded vehicle weight within its
design rating capability. Properly
loading your vehicle will provide
maximum return of vehicle design
performance. Before loading your
vehicle, familiarize yourself with the
following terms for determining your
vehicle's weight ratings, from the
vehicle's Safety Certification Label and
Tire and Load Information Label:
WARNING
Overloaded Vehicle:
Overloading a vehicle is dangerous.
The results of overloading can have
serious consequences in terms of
passenger safety. Too much weight on
a vehicle's suspension system can
cause spring or shock absorber failure,
brake failure, handling or steering
problems, irregular tire wear, tire
failure or other damage.
Overloading makes a vehicle harder to
drive and control. It also increases the
distance required for stopping. In cases
of serious overloading, brakes can fail
completely, particularly on steep
grades. The load a tire will carry safely
is a combination of the size of the tire,
its load range, and corresponding
inflation pressure.
Never overload the vehicle and always
observe the vehicle's weight ratings
from the vehicle's Safety Certification
and Tire and Load Information labels.
Base Curb Weight is the weight of the
vehicle including a full tank of fuel
and all standard equipment. It does
not include passengers, cargo, or
optional equipment.

Vehicle Curb Weight is the weight of
your new vehicle when you picked it
up from your dealer plus any
aftermarket equipment.

PAY LOA D
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
8-31
Mazda3_8KH1-EA-21K_Edition1_new 2021-7-27 16:02:22

Steps for Determining the Correct Load Limit
▼Steps for Determining the Correct Load Limit
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit-
(1) Locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and cargo should
never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your vehicle's placard.
(2) Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.
(3) Subtract the combined weight of the dr iver and passengers from XXX kg or XXX
lbs.
(4) The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will befive 150 lb passengers in your vehicle,
the amount of available cargo and
luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400 － 750 (5 × 150) = 650 lbs.)
(5) Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on the
vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the available cargo and luggage load
capacity calculated in Step 4.
(6) If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be transferred to
your vehicle. Consult this manual to determine how this reduces the available
cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
8-34
Mazda3_8KH1-EA-21K_Edition1_new 2021-7-27 16:02:22

Index
Cruise Control........................ 4-225Cruise control switch.......... 4-225
Cruise standby indication (white)/
cruise set indication (green) ..........
......................................... 4-225
Cup Holder.............................. 5-43
Customer Assistance (Canada)..... 8-6
Customer Assistance (Mexico)..... 8-9
Customer Assistance (Puerto
Rico).......................................... 8-8
Customer Assistance (U.S.A.)....... 8-2
D
Daytime Running Lights............. 4-61
Defogger.................................. 4-68 Mirror.................................. 4-69
Rear window........................ 4-68
Dimensions.................................9-6
Display..................................... 4-18
Distance & Speed Alert (DSA).. 4-119 Indication on display...........4-120
Door Locks............................... 3-11
Door-ajar Warning Beep............ 7-48
Driver Attention Alert (DAA).... 4-120
Driver Monitoring Camera....... 4-223
Driver Monitoring (DM)...........4-122
Drive Selection..........................4-92
Driving In Flooded Area............. 3-51
Driving on Uneven Road............ 3-52
Driving Position Memory........... 2-11
Driving Tips...............................3-46 Automatic transmission......... 4-51
Break-in period.................... 3-46
Driving in flooded area......... 3-51
Driving on uneven road.........3-52
Floor mat............................. 3-48
Hazardous driving.................3-47
Overloading......................... 3-51
Rocking the vehicle...............3-48
Saving fuel and protection of the
environment.........................3-46
Turbocharged vehicles (SKYACTIV-
G 2.5T)................................ 3-52
Winter driving...................... 3-49
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)....................................... 4-90 DSC OFF indicator light........ 4-91
DSC OFF switch................... 4-91
TCS/DSC indicator light........4-90
E
Electric Parking Brake (EPB)........ 4-76
Electric Parking Brake (EPB) Warning
Beep.........................................7-46
Emergency StartingPush-starting........................ 7-20
Starting a flooded engine...... 7-20
Emergency Towing Tiedown hooks..................... 7-24
Towing description............... 7-23
Emission Control System............ 3-27
Engine Coolant............................... 6-19
Engine compartment
overview.............................. 6-14
Exhaust gas.......................... 3-27
Hood release....................... 6-12
Oil....................................... 6-16
Starting.................................. 4-5
Essential Information................... 6-2
Event Data Recorder.................. 8-19
Excessive Speed Warning........... 7-48
Exterior Care............................. 6-47 Aluminum wheel
maintenance........................ 6-52
Bright-metal maintenance..... 6-51
Maintaining the finish........... 6-48
Plastic part maintenance....... 6-52
10-3
Mazda3_8KH1-EA-21K_Edition1_new 2021-7-27 16:02:22