octane MAZDA MODEL MX-5 MIATA 2002 Owners Manual

4-2
Before Driving Your Mazda
Form No. 8Q42-EA-01F
Fuel and Engine Exhaust Precautions
Vehicles with catalytic converters must use ONLY UNLEADED FUEL, which will reduce
exhaust emissions and keep spark plug fouling to a minimum.
Fuel with a lower rating could cause the emission control system to lose effectiveness. It
could also cause engine knocking and serious engine damage.
Your Mazda will perform best with fuel listed in the table.
*U.S. federal law requires that octane ratings be posted on gasoline station pumps.
You may use a regular unleaded fuel with Octane Rating from 87 to 90 (91 to 95 RON) but
this will slightly reduce performance.
Gasoline blended with oxygenates such as alcohol or ether compounds are generally
referred to as oxygenated fuels. The common gasoline blend that can be used with your
vehicle is ethanol blended at no more than 10%. Gasoline containing alcohol, such as
ethanol or methanol, may be marketed under the name "Gasohol".
Vehicle damage and drivability problems resulting from the use of the following may not
be covered by the Mazda warranty.
•Gasohol containing more than 10% ethanol.
• Gasoline or gasohol containing methanol.
• Leaded fuel or leaded gasohol.
Fuel Requirements
Fuel
Octane Rating* (Anti-knock index)
Premium unleaded fuel 91 [ (R+M)/2 method] or above (96 RON or above)
•USE ONLY UNLEADED FUEL.
Leaded fuel is harmful to the catalytic converter. The lead will accumulate on the
oxygen sensor and the catalyst inside the converter. This will result in a malfunction
of the emission control system, causing poor performance.
• Your vehicle can only use oxygenated fuels containing no more than 10% ethanol by
volume. Damage to your vehicle may occur when ethanol exceeds this
recommendation, or if the gasoline contains any methanol. Stop using gasohol of any
kind if your vehicle engine is performing poorly.
• Never add fuel system additives. Never add cleaning agents other than those specified
by Mazda. Other cleaning agents and additives may damage the system. Consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
CAUTION
J07L(02MY).book Page 2 Monday, June 11, 2001 4:52 PM

9-9
Customer Information
Wa r r a n t y
Form No. 8Q42-EA-01F
Government regulations in the United States and Canada require that automobiles meet
specific emission regulations and safety standards. Therefore, vehicles built for use in the
United States, its territories, and Canada may differ from those sold in other countries.
The differences may make it difficult or even impossible for your vehicle to receive
satisfactory servicing in other countries. We strongly recommend that you NOT take your
Mazda outside these areas.
You may have these problems if you do:
•Recommended fuel may be unavailable. Any kind of leaded fuel or low-octane fuel will
affect vehicle performance and damage the emission controls and engine.
• Proper repair facilities, tools, testing equipment, and replacement parts may not be
available.
The Mazda warranty applies only to Mazda vehicles registered and normally operated in
the United States, its territories, and Canada.
Outside the United States and Canada
J07L(02MY).book Page 9 Monday, June 11, 2001 4:52 PM