warning MAZDA MODEL MX-5 MIATA 2008 Owners Manual

Black plate (366,1)
Tread Wear, Traction and Temperature Grades
Tread wear:The tread wear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire
when tested under controlled conditions on a specified government test course. For
example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and one-half (1 1/2) times as well on the
government course as a tire graded 100.
Traction: The traction grades, from highest to lowest are AA, A, B, and C. The grades
represent the tire's ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions
on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have
poor traction performance.
Temperature: The temperature grades are A (the highest), B and C, representing the tire's
resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under
controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Snow Tires
In some heavy snow areas, local governments may require true snow tires, those with very
deeply cut tread. These tires should only be used in pairs or placed on all four wheels.
Make sure you purchase snow tires that are the same size and construction type as the other
tires on your vehicle.
SAFETY WARNING
The following safety warning appears on the tire's sidewall.
SERIOUS INJURY MAY RESULT FROM:
lEXPLOSION OF TIRE/RIM ASSEMBLY DUE TO IMPROPER MOUNTING-
MATCH TIRE DIAMETER TO RIM DIAMETER; NEVER EXCEED 40 psi (275 kPa)
TO SEAT BEADS-ONLY SPECIALLY TRAINED PERSONS SHOULD MOUNT
TIRES.
lTIRE FAILURE DUE TO UNDER-INFLATION/OVERLOADING/DAMAGE-
FOLLOW OWNER'S MANUAL AND PLACARD IN VEHICLE-FREQUENTLY
CHECK INFLATION PRESSURE AND INSPECT FOR DAMAGE.
9-26
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
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Black plate (370,1)
WARNING
Always check the tire inflation pressures on a regular basis according to the
recommended tire inflation pressure on the tire label and in conjunction with the
information in this owner's manual:Driving your vehicle with under-inflated tires is dangerous.
Under-inflation is the most common cause of failures in any kind of tire and may
result in severe cracking, tread separation or “blowout ”, with unexpected loss of
vehicle control and increased risk of injury. Under-inflation increases sidewall flexing
and rolling resistance, resulting in heat buildup and internal damage to the tire. It
results in unnecessary tire stress, irregular wear, loss of control and accidents. A tire
can lose up to half of its air pressure and not appear to be flat!
It is impossible to determine whether or not tires are properly inflated just by looking
at them.
q Checking Tire Pressure
1. When you check the air pressure, make sure the tires are cold ―meaning they are not
hot from driving even a mile.
2. Remove the cap from the valve on one tire.
3. Firmly press a tire gauge onto the valve.
4. Add air to achieve recommended air pressure.
5. If you overfill the tire, release air by pushing on the metal stem in the center of the valve. Then recheck the pressure with your tire gauge.
6. Replace the valve cap.
7. Repeat with each tire, including the spare.
NOTE
Some spare tires require higher inflation pressure.
8. Visually inspect the tires to make sure there are no nails or other objects embedded that could poke a hole in the tire and cause an air leak.
9. Check the sidewalls to make sure there are no gouges, cuts, bulges, cracks or other irregularities.
NOTE
Warm tires normally exceed recommended pressures. Don't release air from warm tires to adjust the
pressure.
Under-inflation can cause serious failures and accidents.
Over-inflation can produce a harsh ride and the greater possibility of damage from road hazards.
9-30
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
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Black plate (373,1)
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
weakened if rotated from side to side.
(With limited-slip differential)
Don't use the following:
ØTires not of the designated size
Ø Tires of different sizes or types at the same time
Ø Tires not sufficiently inflated
If these instructions aren't followed, the rotation of the left and right wheels will be
different and will thus apply a constant load on the limited-slip differential.
This will cause a malfunction.
q 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.
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 it before the band is across the entire tread.
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. Regarding the manufacturing week and year is
indicated with 4 digit. Refer to The tire labeling on page 9-23.
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
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Black plate (375,1)
Vehicle Loading
WARNING
Do not taw 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 and/or trailer, to keep
your loaded vehicle weight within its design rating capability, with or without a trailer.
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, with or without a trailer, 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.
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
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Black plate (379,1)
SAMPLE
WARNING
Exceeding Axle Weight Rating Limits:Exceeding the Safety Certification Label axle weight rating limits is dangerous and
could result in death or serious injury as a result of substandard vehicle handling,
performance, engine, transmission and/or structural damage, serious damage to the
vehicle, or loss of control.
Always keep the vehicle within the axle weight rating limits.
Do not taw 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.
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
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Black plate (381,1)
WARNING
Exceeding GVWR or GAWR Specifications:Exceeding the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the certification label is dangerous.
Exceeding any vehicle rating limitation could result in a serious accident, injury, or
damage to the vehicle.
Do not use replacement tires with lower load carrying capacities than the originals
because they may lower the vehicle's GVWR and GAWR limitations. Replacement
tires with a higher limit than the originals do not increase the GVWR and GAWR
limitations.
Never exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the certification label.
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
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Black plate (396,1)
A
Accessory Socket .............................. 6-44
Add-On Non-Genuine Parts and
Accessories ....................................... 9-17
Advanced Key ..................................... 3-2Advanced key maintenance ......... 3-5
Advanced key suspend
function ...................................... 3-16
Auxiliary key .............................. 3-16
Locking, unlocking with request
switch ........................................... 3-8
Opening the trunk lid with request
switch ........................................... 3-9
Operation range ............................ 3-7
Remote control function ............. 3-14
Service ......................................... 3-6
When warning indicator/beep is
activated ..................................... 3-20
Air Bag Systems ............................... 2-28
Antenna ............................................... 6-9
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ......... 5-8 Warning light ............................... 5-8
Appearance Care ............................... 8-50
Audio System ..................................... 6-9 Audio control switch .................. 6-38
Audio set .................................... 6-19
Operating tips for audio system .... 6-9
Safety certification ..................... 6-40
Automatic Transmission Driving tips ................................ 5-18
Manual shift mode ..................... 5-14
Shift-lock system ....................... 5-14
Transmission ranges ................... 5-13
B
BatteryEmergency starting .................... 7-20
Maintenance ............................... 8-30
Specifications ............................. 10-4
Beep Sounds Ignition key reminder ................. 5-52
Lights-on reminder ..................... 5-52
Seat belt warning beep ............... 5-52
Tire inflation pressure warning
beep ............................................ 5-52
Before Starting the Engine .................. 4-5
After getting in ............................. 4-5
Before getting in .......................... 4-5
Body Lubrication .............................. 8-27
Bottle Holder ..................................... 6-42
Brake/Clutch Fluid ........................................... 8-25
Brakes Anti-lock brake system (ABS) ..... 5-8
Foot brake .................................... 5-5
Pad wear indicator ........................ 5-9
Parking brake ............................... 5-6
Warning light ............................... 5-7
Break-In Period ................................... 4-6
Bulb Replacement ............................. 8-37
C
Capacities .......................................... 10-5
Carbon Monoxide ............................... 4-4
Catalytic Converter ............................. 4-3
Cell Phones ....................................... 9-18
Child Restraint Child restraint precautions ......... 2-17
LATCH child-restraint
systems ....................................... 2-25
Climate Control System ...................... 6-2
Gas specifications ...................... 10-6
11-2
Index
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Black plate (397,1)
C
Convertible TopPower Retractable Hardtop ........ 3-52
Soft Top ...................................... 3-39
Cruise Control ................................... 5-19
Cup Holder ........................................ 6-42
Customer Assistance ........................... 9-2
D
Dashboard Illumination .................... 5-38
Daytime Running Lights ................... 5-55
Defroster Rear window .............................. 5-58
Detachable Hardtop .......................... 3-44
Dimensions ....................................... 10-5
Door Locks ....................................... 3-26
Driving In Flooded Area ................... 4-10
Driving Tips ........................................ 4-6 Automatic transmission .............. 5-18
Break-in period ............................ 4-6
Driving in flooded area .............. 4-10
Hazardous driving ........................ 4-7
Money-saving suggestions ........... 4-6
Rocking the vehicle ...................... 4-8
Winter driving .............................. 4-8
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) ..... 5-24 DSC OFF indicator light ............ 5-25
DSC OFF switch ........................ 5-25
TCS/DSC Indicator light ............ 5-24
E
Emergency Starting ........................... 7-20Flooded engine ........................... 7-20
Jump-starting .............................. 7-21
Push-starting .............................. 7-24
Emergency Towing ........................... 7-25
Emission Control System .................... 4-3
E
Engine Coolant ....................................... 8-23
Exhaust gas .................................. 4-4
Hood release .............................. 3-37
Oil .............................................. 8-21
Overheating ................................ 7-18
Starting ......................................... 5-4
Engine Compartment Overview ........ 8-20
Engine Coolant Overheating ................................ 7-18
Engine Coolant Temperature
Gauge ................................................ 5-36
Exhaust Gas ........................................ 4-4
Exterior Care ..................................... 8-52
F
Flasher Hazard warning .......................... 5-59
Headlights .................................. 5-54
Flat Tire ............................................... 7-3 Changing .................................... 7-13
Instant Mobility System
(IMS) Emergency Flat Tire Repair
Kit ................................................ 7-7
Tool storage .................................. 7-5
Fluids Classification .............................. 10-4
Owner maintenance ................... 8-18
Fog Lights ......................................... 5-56
Foot Brake .......................................... 5-5
Fuel Filler lid and cap ........................ 3-36
Gauge ......................................... 5-37
Requirements ............................... 4-2
Tank capacity ............................. 10-5
Index
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Black plate (398,1)
F
Fuses ................................................. 8-45Panel description ........................ 8-47
Replacement ............................... 8-45
G
Glove Box ......................................... 6-43
H
Hazard Warning Flasher .................... 5-59
Hazardous Driving .............................. 4-7
HeadlightsControl ....................................... 5-54
Flashing ...................................... 5-55
High-low beam .......................... 5-55
On reminder ............................... 5-54
Hood Release .................................... 3-37
Horn .................................................. 5-59
I
Ignition
Keys ........................................... 3-21
Switch .......................................... 5-2
Immobilizer System
(with Advanced Key) ........................ 3-67
Immobilizer System
(without Advanced Key) ................... 3-69
Indicator Lights ................................. 5-39 Cruise ......................................... 5-51
DSC OFF .................................... 5-51
Headlight high-beam .................. 5-50
Security ...................................... 5-49
Shift position .............................. 5-50
TCS/DSC ................................... 5-51
Turn-signal/hazard warning ....... 5-52
Inside Trunk Release Lever ............... 3-32
I
Instrument Cluster ............................. 5-34
Interior Care ...................................... 8-56
Interior Lights ................................... 6-41
J
Jump-Starting .................................... 7-21
K
Keyless Entry System ....................... 3-22
Keys .................................................. 3-21
L
Label Information ............................. 10-2
Lane-Change Signals ........................ 5-56
Light Bulbs Replacement ............................... 8-37
Specifications ............................. 10-6
Lighting Control ............................... 5-54
Lubricant Quality .............................. 10-4
M
Maintenance Introduction .................................. 8-2
Owner maintenance
precautions ................................. 8-19
Owner maintenance schedule ..... 8-18
Scheduled ..................................... 8-3
Manual Transmission Operation ....... 5-10 Recommendations for shifting .... 5-11
Mesh Pocket ..................................... 6-44
Mirrors Outside mirrors .......................... 3-74
Rearview mirror ......................... 3-75
Money-Saving Suggestions ................ 4-6
11-4
Index
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Black plate (399,1)
O
Odometer and Trip Meter .................. 5-35
Outside Mirrors ................................. 3-74
Overhead Lights ................................ 6-41
Overheating ....................................... 7-18
Overloading ...................................... 4-10
P
Paint Damage .................................... 8-50
Parking Brake ..................................... 5-6
Parking in an Emergency .................... 7-2
Power Door Locks ............................ 3-28
Power Retractable Hardtop ............... 3-52
Power Steering .................................. 5-19Fluid ........................................... 8-26
Power Windows ................................ 3-33
Push-Starting ..................................... 7-24
R
Rear Window Defroster .................... 5-58
Rearview Mirror ................................ 3-75
Recreational Towing ......................... 7-27
Registering Your Vehicle in A Foreign
Country ............................................. 9-16
Rocking the Vehicle ............................ 4-8
S
Safety Defects, Reporting ................. 9-43
S
Seat Belt System 3-point type .................................. 2-9
Automatic locking ........................ 2-8
Belt minder ................................. 2-15
Caution label .............................. 2-10
Emergency locking ...................... 2-7
Extender ..................................... 2-13
Pregnant women .......................... 2-7
Pretensioner and load limiting .... 2-11
Seat belt precautions .................... 2-5
Warning light/beep ..................... 2-15
Seats .................................................... 2-2 Seat warmer .................................. 2-4
Security System Immobilizer system
(with advanced key) ................... 3-67
Immobilizer system
(without advanced key) .............. 3-69
Theft-deterrent system ............... 3-72
Service Publications .......................... 9-45
Soft Top ............................................ 3-39
Specifications .................................... 10-4
Speedometer ...................................... 5-35
SRS Air Bags How the Air Bags Work ............. 2-38
Starting the Engine .............................. 5-4
Steering Wheel .................................. 3-74 Horn ........................................... 5-59
Storage Compartments ...................... 6-43 Back trim storage box ................ 6-43
Glove box ................................... 6-43
Mesh pocket ............................... 6-44
Seat side box .............................. 6-43
Sunvisors .......................................... 6-41
T
Tachometer ........................................ 5-36
Index
11-5
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