Mazda 3 Hatchback (2018 year). Manual - part 29



Overinflation can produce a harsh ride,
uneven and accelerated tire wear, and a
greater possibility of damage from road
hazards.
Keep your tire pressure at the correct
levels. If one frequently needs inflating,
have it inspected.

▼ Tire Rotation

WARNING

Rotate tires periodically:
Irregular tire wear is dangerous. To equalize
tread wear for maintaining good
performance in handling and braking,
rotate the tires every 12,000 km (7,500
miles). However Mazda recommends to
rotate every 8,000 km (5,000 miles) to help
increase tire life and distribute wear more
evenly.
Refer to Scheduled Maintenance on page
6-4.
 

During rotation, inspect them for correct
balance.
 

Do not include (TEMPORARY USE ONLY) 
spare tire in rotation.

Forward

Also, inspect them for uneven wear and
damage. Abnormal wear is usually caused
by one or a combination of the following:
 



Incorrect tire pressure



Improper wheel alignment



Out-of-balance wheel



Severe braking

 
After rotation, inflate all tire pressures to
specification (page 9-10) and inspect the
lug nuts for tightness.
(With tire pressure monitoring system)
After adjusting the tire pressure,
initialization of the tire pressure
monitoring system is necessary to make
the system operate normally.
Refer to Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Initialization on page 4-148.

CAUTION

Rotate unidirectional tires and radial tires
that have an asymmetrical tread pattern or
studs only from front to rear, not from side
to side. Tire performance will be reduced if
rotated from side to side.

Maintenance and Care

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▼ Replacing a Tire

WARNING

Always use tires that are in good condition:
Driving with worn tires is dangerous.
Reduced braking, steering, and traction
could result in an accident.

Replace all four tires at the same time:
Replacing just one tire is dangerous. It
could cause poor handling and poor
braking resulting in loss of vehicle control.
Mazda strongly recommends that you
replace all four tires at the same time.

If a tire wears evenly, a wear indicator will
appear as a solid band across the tread.
Replace the tire when this happens.

New tread

Tread wear indicator

Worn tread

You should replace the tire before the band
crosses the entire tread.
(With tire pressure monitoring system)
After adjusting the tire pressure,
initialization of the tire pressure
monitoring system is necessary to make
the system operate normally.
Refer to Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Initialization on page 4-148.

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 8-25.

▼ Temporary Spare Tire

Inspect the temporary spare tire at least
monthly to make sure it is properly
inflated and stored.

NOTE
The temporary spare tire condition
gradually deteriorates even if it has not
been used.

The temporary spare tire is easier to
handle because of its construction which is
lighter and smaller than a conventional
tire. This tire should be used only for an
emergency and only for a short distance.
 
Use the temporary spare tire only until the
conventional tire is repaired, which should
be as soon as possible.
Refer to Tires on page 9-10.
 

CAUTION

Do not use your temporary spare tire rim

with a snow tire or a conventional tire.
Neither will properly fit and could
damage both tire and rim.

Maintenance and Care

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The temporary spare tire has a tread life

of less than 5,000 km (3,000 miles). The
tread life may be shorter depending on
driving conditions.

The temporary spare tire is for limited

use, however, if the tread wear
solid-band indicator appears, replace the
tire with the same type of temporary
spare (page 6-40).

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 8-25.

▼ Replacing a Wheel

WARNING

Always use wheels of the correct size on
your vehicle:
Using a wrong-sized wheel is dangerous.
Braking and handling could be affected,
leading to loss of control and an accident.

CAUTION

A wrong-sized wheel may adversely affect:

Tire fit
Wheel and bearing life
Ground clearance
Snow-chain clearance
Speedometer calibration
Headlight aim
Bumper height
Tire Pressure Monitoring System

*

NOTE



When replacing a wheel, make sure the
new one is the same as the original
factory wheel in diameter, rim width,
and offset (inset/outset).



For details, contact an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.

 
Proper tire balancing provides the best
riding comfort and helps reduce tread
wear. Out-of-balance tires can cause
vibration and uneven wear, such as
cupping and flat spots.

Maintenance and Care

Owner Maintenance

*Some models.

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Light Bulbs

Overhead lights (Front)/  
Map lights

Vanity mirror 
lights

Headlights (Low/High beam)

Daytime running lights/ 
Parking lights

Headlights (Low beam)

Headlights (High beam)/ 
Daytime running lights

Fog lights

Front side-marker lights

Front side-marker lights

Side turn signal lights

Side turn signal lights

Overhead lights (Front)/ 
Map lights

Vanity mirror 
lights

Some models.

Front turn signal lights

Front turn signal lights

Brake lights (LED type)

Brake lights/Taillights/Rear 
side-marker lights (Bulb type)

Taillights/Rear side-marker 
lights (LED type)

Taillights/Rear side-marker 
lights (LED type)

Rear turn signal lights

Taillights (Trunk lid side)

Reverse lights

High-mount brake light

License plate lights

Trunk light

Overhead light (Rear)

Overhead light (Rear)

Brake lights (LED type)

Luggage 
compartment light

Brake lights/Taillights/Rear 
side-marker lights (Bulb type)

Rear turn signal lights

Taillights (Liftgate side)

Reverse lights

High-mount brake light

License plate lights

4-Door

5-Door

With LED Headlights

With Halogen Headlights

Fog lights

Maintenance and Care

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WARNING

Never touch the glass portion of a halogen
bulb with your bare hands and always
wear eye protection when handling or
working around the bulbs:
When a halogen bulb breaks, it is
dangerous. These bulbs contain
pressurized gas. If one is broken, it will
explode and serious injuries could be
caused by the flying glass.
If the glass portion is touched with bare
hands, body oil could cause the bulb to
overheat and explode when lit.

Always keep halogen bulbs out of the reach
of children:
Playing with a halogen bulb is dangerous.
Serious injuries could be caused by
dropping a halogen bulb or breaking it
some other way.

CAUTION

When removing the lens or lamp unit using
a flathead screwdriver, make sure that the
flathead screwdriver does not contact the
interior terminal. If the flathead screwdriver
contacts the terminal, a short circuit may
occur.

NOTE



To replace the bulb, contact an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.



If the halogen bulb is accidentally
touched, it should be cleaned with
rubbing alcohol before being used.



Use the protective cover and carton for
the replacement bulb to dispose of the
old bulb promptly and out of the reach
of children.

▼ Replacing Exterior Light Bulbs

Headlights (With LED headlights),
Daytime running lights/Parking lights
(With LED headlights), Fog lights

*

The LED bulb cannot be replaced as a
single unit because it is an integrated unit.
The LED bulb has to be replaced with the
unit. We recommend an Authorized
Mazda Dealer when the replacement is
necessary.

Headlights (With halogen headlights)

Low-beam bulbs

1. If you are changing the right bulb, start

the engine, turn the steering wheel all
the way to the left, and turn off engine.
If you are changing the left bulb, turn
the steering wheel to the right, and turn
off engine.

2. Make sure the headlight switch is off.
3. Pull the center of each plastic retainer

and remove the retainers.
 

Removal

Installation

Maintenance and Care

Owner Maintenance

*Some models.

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4. Turn the screw counterclockwise and

remove it, and then partially peel back
the mudguard.
 

5. Disconnect the connector from the unit

by pressing the tab on the connector
with your finger and pulling the
connector downward.
 

6. Turn the socket and bulb assembly to

remove it. Carefully remove the bulb
from its socket in the reflector by
gently pulling it straight backward out
of the socket.
 

7. Install the new bulb in the reverse

order of the removal procedure.

High-beam bulbs/Daytime running
lights

1. Make sure the ignition is switched off,

and the headlight switch is off.

2. Lift the hood.
3. Disconnect the connector from the unit

by pressing the tab on the connector
with your finger and pulling the
connector downward.
 

Maintenance and Care

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4. Turn the socket and bulb assembly to

remove it. Carefully remove the bulb
from its socket in the reflector by
gently pulling it straight backward out
of the socket.
 

5. Install the new bulb in the reverse

order of the removal procedure.

Front turn signal lights, Parking lights/
Front side-marker lights (With halogen
headlights), Front side-marker lights
(With LED headlights)

1. If you are changing the right bulb, start

the engine, turn the steering wheel all
the way to the left, and turn off engine.
If you are changing the left bulb, turn
the steering wheel to the right, and turn
off engine.

2. Make sure the headlight switch is off.

3. Pull the center of each plastic retainer

and remove the retainers.
 

Removal

Installation

4. Turn the screw counterclockwise and

remove it, and then partially peel back
the mudguard.
 

Maintenance and Care

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5. (Front turn signal lights)

Disconnect the connector from the unit
by pressing the tab on the connector
with your finger and pulling the
connector.
 

6. Turn the socket and bulb assembly

counterclockwise and remove it.

7. Disconnect the bulb from the socket.

Front turn signal lights
 

Parking lights/Front side-marker
lights (With halogen headlights),
Front side-marker lights (With LED
headlights)
 

8. Install the new bulb in the reverse

order of the removal procedure.

Side turn signal lights

*

, Brake lights

(LED type), Taillights/Rear side-marker
lights (LED type), Taillights (Trunk lid
side/Liftgate side), High-mount brake
light

The LED bulb cannot be replaced as a
single unit because it is an integrated unit.
The LED bulb has to be replaced with the
unit. We recommend an Authorized
Mazda Dealer when the replacement is
necessary.

Maintenance and Care

Owner Maintenance

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*Some models.

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Rear turn signal lights, Brake lights/
Taillights/Rear side-marker lights (Bulb
type)

4–Door

1. Make sure the ignition is switched off,

and the headlight switch is off.

2. Pull the center of each plastic retainer

and remove the retainers.

3. Remove trunk end trim.

 

Installation

Removal

4. Pull the center of each plastic retainer

and remove the retainers.

5. Peel back the trunk side trim.

 

Removal

Installation

6. Turn the socket and bulb assembly

counterclockwise and remove it.
Rear turn signal lights
 

Brake lights/Taillights/Rear
side-marker lights (Bulb type)
 

Maintenance and Care

Owner Maintenance

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7. Disconnect the connector from the unit

by pressing the tab on the connector
with your finger and pulling the
connector.
Rear turn signal lights
 

Brake lights/Taillights/Rear
side-marker lights (Bulb type)
 

8. Disconnect the bulb by pulling it out.

Rear turn signal lights, Brake lights/
Taillights/Rear side-marker lights
(Bulb type)
 

Maintenance and Care

Owner Maintenance

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9. Install the new bulb in the reverse

order of the removal procedure.

5–Door

(Left side)
1. Make sure the ignition is switched off,

and the headlight switch is off.

2. Remove the cover.

 

3. Turn the socket and bulb assembly

counterclockwise and remove it.
Rear turn signal lights
 

Brake lights/Taillights/Rear
side-marker lights (Bulb type)
 

4. Disconnect the connector from the unit

by pressing the tab on the connector
with your finger and pulling the
connector.
Rear turn signal lights
 

Brake lights/Taillights/Rear
side-marker lights (Bulb type)
 

Maintenance and Care

Owner Maintenance

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5. Disconnect the bulb by pulling it out.

Rear turn signal lights, Brake lights/
Taillights/Rear side-marker lights
(Bulb type)
 

6. Install the new bulb in the reverse

order of the removal procedure.

7. Insert the cover tabs and install the

cover.

Tabs

NOTE
Verify that the cover is securely
installed.

(Right side)
1. Make sure the ignition is switched off,

and the headlight switch is off.

2. Turn the knob and remove the cover.

 

3. Turn the wing bolt and jack screw

counterclockwise.
 

4. Remove the jack
5. Turn the socket and bulb assembly

counterclockwise and remove it.

Maintenance and Care

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Rear turn signal lights
 

Brake lights/Taillights/Rear
side-marker lights (Bulb type)
 

6. Disconnect the connector from the unit

by pressing the tab on the connector
with your finger and pulling the
connector.
Rear turn signal lights
 

Brake lights/Taillights/Rear
side-marker lights (Bulb type)
 

7. Disconnect the bulb by pulling it out.

Rear turn signal lights, Brake lights/
Taillights/Rear side-marker lights
(Bulb type)
 

8. Install the new bulb.
9. Insert the wing bolt into the jack with

the jack screw pointing to the down
and turn the wing bolt clockwise to
temporarily tighten it.

Maintenance and Care

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10. Turn the jack screw in the direction

shown in the figure.
 

11. Turn the wing bolt completely to

secure the jack.

NOTE
If the jack is not completely secured, it
could rattle while driving. Make sure
the jack screw is sufficiently tightened.

12. Install the cover in the reverse order of

the removal procedure.

13. Insert the cover tabs and install the

cover.

Tabs

NOTE
Verify that the cover is securely
installed.

Reverse lights

4–Door

1. Make sure the ignition is switched off,

and the headlight switch is off.

2. Pull the center of each plastic retainer

and remove the retainers.

3. Peel back the trunk lid trim.

 

Removal

Installation

4. Disconnect the electrical connector

from the bulb by pressing the tab on
the connector with your finger and
pulling the connector.
 

5. Turn the socket and bulb assembly

counterclockwise and remove it.

Maintenance and Care

Owner Maintenance

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6. Disconnect the bulb from the socket.

 

7. Install the new bulb in the reverse

order of the removal procedure.

5–Door

1. Make sure the ignition is switched off,

and the headlight switch is off.

2. Remove the cover.

 

3. Disconnect the electrical connector

from the bulb by pressing the tab on
the connector with your finger and
pulling the connector.
 

4. Turn the socket and bulb assembly

counterclockwise and remove it.

5. Disconnect the bulb from the socket.

 

6. Install the new bulb in the reverse

order of the removal procedure.

Maintenance and Care

Owner Maintenance

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License plate lights

4–Door

1. Make sure the ignition is switched off,

and the headlight switch is off.

2. Pull the center of each plastic retainer

and remove the retainers.

3. Peel back the trunk lid trim.

 

Removal

Installation

4. Disconnect the connector from the unit

by pressing the tab on the connector
with your finger and pulling the
connector.
 

5. Turn the socket and bulb assembly

counterclockwise and remove it.

6. Disconnect the bulb from the socket.

 

7. Install the new bulb in the reverse

order of the removal procedure.

5–Door

1. Make sure the ignition is switched off,

and the headlight switch is off.

2. Wrap a flathead screwdriver with a

soft cloth to prevent damage to the
lens, and then remove the lens by
carefully prying on the edge of the lens
with a flathead screwdriver.

3. Disconnect the bulb by pulling it out.

 

4. Install the new bulb in the reverse

order of the removal procedure.

Maintenance and Care

Owner Maintenance

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