Common reasons behind the tire pressure light of the Mazda 3 staying on include:
- Low tire pressure
- Tire puncture
- Wheel leaking air
- Drastic temperature changes
- Faulty tire pressure sensors
- Malfunctioning Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
However, you may want to know the underlying issues behind the tire pressure light of your Mazda 3 staying on. Keep reading till the end of this article for a detailed information about the common reasons, solutions, and other facts.
Key Takeaways
In this article, the main points that you will know are:
- If the tire pressure light of your Mazda 3 keeps blinking or stays turned on, it is a serious problem.
- Usually, you can take a quick guess about the possible reason behind the tire pressure light by seeing the way it blinks.
- A tire puncture and low tire pressure are the main reasons behind the tire pressure light for your Mazda 3.
- Replacing the tires, wheels, or the Tire Pressure Monitoring System are common solutions for your Mazda 3’s tire pressure light issue.
- The estimated cost of repairing the tire pressure light of your Mazda 3 ranges from $1 to almost $800.
Is The Tire Pressure Light Of The Mazda 3 Coming On A Problem?
The tire pressure light of your Mazda 3 blinks on and off a few times, as you start the engine- this is a normal case.
But, if the light continues blinking or keeps turned on, you may have a serious problem with your Mazda 3.
A blinking tire pressure light on your Mazda 3 signals that one or more tires are underinflated or completely flat.
Underinflated tires can negatively effect your Mazda 3 vehicle. And you should treat it as a serious concern since underinflated tires can:
- Reduce the fuel economy
- Reduce the tire lifespan
- Increase the risk of a tire blowout
- Reduce the driving stability and balance
- Increase the possibility of accidents
If the tire pressure light turns on while you are driving, it is legally possible to continue driving. But, you should slow down to a safe spot to check the tires.
However, it is a smart decision to visit the nearby repairing center at the earliest.
Common Reasons And Repairs For Your Mazda 3 Tire Pressure Light Staying On
If your Mazda 3 has its tire pressure light illuminating, there could be a lot of reasons behind it.
But, before knowing the common reasons, it is important to observe the pattern in which the light illuminates.
Usually, the tire pressure light on the dashboard appears in the following way:
- Flashing tire pressure light
- Intermittent tire pressure light
- Constant tire pressure light
By seeing the way the light illuminates you can have a quick guess about the possible reason behind it. Take a look at the table provided for a better idea.
| Light Pattern | Possible Reasons |
| Flashing | Faulty Tire Pressure SensorsMalfunctioning Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) |
| Intermittent Flashing | Drastic Temperature Change |
| Constantly Turned On | Low Tire PressureTire Puncture Wheel Leaking Air |
Now, let’s discuss the common reasons behind the tire pressure light of your Mazda 3 in greater detail.
Based on the reasons behind the tire pressure light of your Mazda 3 staying on, the corresponding repairs are:
| Reasons | Repairs |
| Low tire pressure | Pumping the tires |
| Tire puncture | Tire replacement |
| Wheel leaking air | Wheel replacement |
| Faulty tire pressure sensors | Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Sensor Replacement |
| Malfunctioning Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) | Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) ResetTire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Module Replacement |
Low Tire Pressure:
A constantly turned on light indicates that one or more tires of your Mazda 3 may have low pressure.
Check the dashboard to see which tire is causing the issue.
Record the air pressure in the tire immediately. To record the air pressure of the tires of your Mazda 3 car, you need a high-quality tire pressure gauge at first.
If you do not have a tire pressure gauge, take a look at this high-quality pressure gauges before purchasing one.
| Product Name | Key Features |
| Joes Racing Products Tire Pressure Gauge | Glow-in-the-dark dial faceAccurate and long-lasting |
| Milton Pencil Tire Pressure Gauge | Nylon and brass materialSimple and highly accurate |
| Jaco ElitePro Tire Pressure Gauge | Made from steel and brassLifetime warranty |
If you don’t know how to check the air pressure on your tires, perform these steps:
- Detach the cap from the air valve of the tire
- Insert the pressure gauge into the air valve
- Record the tire pressure from the gauge
- Check this pressure with the recommended tire pressure
- Put the air valve’s cap into place
- Repeat the same process for each tire
And pump air into it as soon as possible to avoid unsafe conditions while driving.
Repair: Pumping The Tires
To solve the low tire pressure issue of your Mazda 3, you need to pump the tires correctly. You should pump the tires at 36 psi as it is the recommended pressure for a Mazda 3
But, if you want to use the exact tire pressure for your Mazda 3, check the specified pressure. You will find it on the driver’s door frame.
If for some reason, the tire pressure label is missing from your Mazda 3, you need to know:
- Tire serial number based on your Mazda 3’s model and trim configuration
- Recommended inflation pressure of the front and rear tires based on the load capacity
Standard Tire
| Tire size | Inflation pressure | |||
| Up to 3 persons | ― Full load | |||
| 205/60R16 92V | Front | 250 kPa (2.5 bar, 36 psi) | 280 kPa (2.8 bar, 41 psi) | |
| Rear | 250 kPa (2.5 bar, 36 psi) | 320 kPa (3.2 bar, 46 psi) | ||
| 215/45R18 89W | Type A*1 | Front | 240 kPa (2.4 bar, 35 psi) | 280 kPa (2.8 bar, 41 psi) |
| Rear | 230 kPa (2.3 bar, 33 psi) | 300 kPa (3.0 bar, 44 psi) | ||
| Type B*1 | Front | 250 kPa (2.5 bar, 36 psi) | 280 kPa (2.8 bar, 41 psi) | |
| Rear | 250 kPa (2.5 bar, 36 psi) | 300 kPa (3.0 bar, 44 psi) | ||
| 215/45ZR18 93W | Front | 240 kPa (2.4 bar, 35 psi) | 280 kPa (2.8 bar, 41 psi) | |
| Rear | 230 kPa (2.3 bar, 33 psi) | 300 kPa (3.0 bar, 44 psi) | ||
Temporary Spare Tire (Some Models)
| Tyre size | Inflation pressure |
| T125/70D16 96M | 420 kPa (60 psi) |
| 185/55R16 87M | 320 kPa (3.2 bar, 46 psi) |
Winter Tire
| Tyre size | Inflation pressure | ||
| Up to 3 persons | ― Full load | ||
205/60R16*1 M S | Front | 250 kPa (2.5 bar, 36 psi) | 280 kPa (2.8 bar, 41 psi) |
| Rear | 270 kPa (2.7 bar, 39 psi) | 320 kPa (3.2 bar, 46 psi)*3,340 kPa (3.4 bar, 49 psi)*4 | |
215/45R18*2 M S | Front | 240 kPa (2.4 bar, 35 psi) | 280 kPa (2.8 bar, 41 psi) |
| Rear | 250 kPa (2.5 bar, 36 psi) | 320 kPa (3.2 bar, 46 psi) | |
After you have figured out exact tire pressure, pump the tires accordingly, from a local car garage or tire repair store. Or you can do it yourself if you prefer to do so.
If you prefer pumping the tires yourself, you need few equipments, including:
- Tire gauge
- Air compressor
- Valve stem cover remover
When pumping the tires yourself, perform these steps:
- Detach all the stem covers from the tires
- Record all the tire pressures using the gauge
- Pump the tires with lower pressure with the air compressor
- Check the tire pressures again
- Re-insert the valve stem covers again
If you want to speed up the pumping process, you can use a portable air inflator. You should always use the best portable tire inflators for your Mazda 3.
| Product Name | Key Features |
| Avid Power Cordless Pistol Grip | Rubberized handle Backup of for each type of inflation attachment |
| Teromas Handheld Corded | Two corded power optionsAvailable in four colors |
| Black+Decker 20V MAX Multi-Purpose Inflator | Three power source optionsQuitest inflator as tested |
| Viair 88P Corded Portable | Crazy-fast inflationAttractive neo-industrial design |
| AstroAI Pistol Grip | 10-foot power cord with two wall outlet adaptersLightweight and easy to use |
Tire Puncture:
The tire pressure light that is turned on could also signal that your Mazda 3 may a tire puncture.
Again check the dashboard to detect the faulty tire.
Repair this tire puncture from a nearby car garage at the earliest.
Repair: Tire Repair/Replacement
You can resolve the tire puncture issue of your Mazda 3 by repairing the puncture area or by completely replacing the tires.
If the puncture is within the tire’s tread area, the puncture can be repaired or sealed. But, the tire needs to be completely replaced, if the puncture is on the sidewall or the shoulder area.
When replacing the tires for your Mazda 3, buy the best tires that are most suited for it.
| Product Name | Key Features |
| Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 | Good corneringImpressive braking performance |
| Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 Plus | Stable movement on wet surfacesGood snow brake performance |
| Michelin CrossClimate2 | Good dry brake performanceImpressive wet grip and brakes |
| Vredestein Quatrac Pro | Sensitive handlingHigh traction |
| Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 | Competitive price Remarkable wet performance |
Wheel Leaking Air:
Air leaking through the rim of your Mazda 3 also causes the tire pressure light to be turned on constantly.
Air can leak through the wheels due to:
- Rim corrosion
- Incorrect wheel weights
- Average casting of the rims
- Damged tire beads
- Damaged valve systems in the
- Over-tightened valve cores
- Bent or damaged wheel
In this case, it is best you replace the wheel with the help of a car mechanic right away.
Repair: Wheel Replacement
You need to replace the wheel of your Mazda 3, if it is damaged and leaks air from the tire.
Commonly, the Mazda 3 comes standard with stock wheel sizes, including:
- 16-inch rims
- 17-inch rims
- 18-inch rims
When replacing the wheels for your Mazda 3, use the best wheels (right-sized) that offer the most corrosion resistance. For this purpose, wheels made from stainless steel work the best for your Mazda 3.
Temperature Changes:
The tire pressure light of your Mazda 3 may blink intermittently when there is a sudden temperature change. A sudden drop in temperature usually causes this.
As for an instance, in cold weather, the air pressure in the tires of your Mazda 3 drops drastically. But, it returns to correct level as your drive the car.
You should still pay a visit to a local garage to check the tire pressure.
Faulty Tire Pressure Sensors:
If the light still keeps turned on after starting the engine, your car may have a faulty TPMS sensor. The tire pressure light may also keep blinking if there are battery issues within the tire pressure sensors.
The sensor may be detecting false issues.
Anyways, you should still have it checked from a digital car garage and fix it. Also keep in mind whether spare tires require a pressure sensor or not.
Repair: Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Sensor Replacement
If resetting the TPMS of your Mazda 3 doesn’t solve the issue, then, the tire pressure sensors may need replacing. It may also be that the sensors are having battery issues.
In case of battery issues, check whether the sensor’s battery needs replacing or not.
It is a smart decision to replace the sensors with the assistance of trained professionals.
But, if you prefer to do it yourself, you can take a look at this video for guidance.
Malfunctioning Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS):
A flashing tire pressure light on your Mazda 3 also indicates that the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is malfunctioning.
For this case, you need to visit a car mechanic with a more technical expertise.
Repair 01: Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Reset
You need to reset the tire pressure light, if it turns on even after fixing the tire pressure. For this case, you need to reset the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) of your Mazda 3.
To reset the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) of your Mazda 3, perform these steps:
STEP 1: Drive your Mazda 3 with 50mph speed for atleast 10 minutes
STEP 2: Stop the car after that and let the tires cool
STEP 3: Turn on the car without starting the engine
STEP 4: Press the TPMS reset button until it flashes three times
STEP 5: Start the engine and keep it on for 20 minutes to refresh the sensors
STEP 6: Pump the tires to 3 psi over the suggested pressure
STEP 7: Deflate the tires completely
STEP 8: Turn off the engine again
STEP 9: Disconnect the battery from the positive terminal
STEP 10: Start the engine again and press the horn for three seconds
STEP 11: Reconnect the battery to its positive terminal again
Repair 02: Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Control Module Replacement
If the tire pressure light is not malfunctioning due to faulty sensors, then, the TPMS control module needs replacing.
It is highly recommended to seek professional help from car technicians to replace the TPMS control module of your Mazda 3.
Estimated Costs For Repairing The Mazda 3 Tire Pressure Light
The costs for repairing the tire pressure light of your Mazda 3 depends the parts that require replacements.
The price for repairing the tire pressure light also includes additional costs.
So, the exact price for the repair is never fixed. It can only be based on estimations.
You can check the table below to get a brief idea about the estimated ranges for the repairs.
| Repair Name | Estimated Price Range |
| Pumping the tires | $1~$2 |
| Tire replacement | $80~$800 |
| Wheel replacement | $786-$798 |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Reset | $35-$44 |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Sensor Replacement | $205-$252 |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Control Module Replacement | $422-$437 |
Keep in mind that these prices may sometimes change due to the marketplace’s policies.
Therefore, the estimated cost of repairing the tire pressure light of your Mazda 3 ranges from $1 to almost $800. .
I recommend you first carefully review each repair that needs to be done. And then compare their prices from different platforms to choose the best one for your buck.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What Tire Pressure Is Considered Too Low?
A tire pressure of 20 PSI is considered too low for your car. Tires with pressure below 20 PSI are considered as flat tires. Commonly, a tire pressure between the range 32-35 PSI is the manufacturers’ recommended range for passenger vehicles.
Can I Use Different Tire Brands On My Car?
It is legally possible to use tires from different brands on your car. But, it is highly recommended to use tirer from same brands with the same tread patterns. Always use tires with the same brand, size, tread pattern, load index, and speed rating on the front and rear tires.
Should I Have My Tires Replaced At The Dealer Or Auto Repair Shop?
You should take replacement services from the dealer or auto repair based on the expertise level required. If the part you’re replacing requires high auto-repair expertise, replace the tire from the dealer.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the repairs for the tire pressure light coming on Mazda 3 are easy to perform with the right knowledge.
I recommend that you shortlist your available repairs and select specifically the things you want to place. Lastly, consider important factors before repairing the tire pressure light of your Mazda 3.