wheel size MAZDA MODEL MX-5 RF 2017 Owners Manual (in English)

2–54
Essential Safety Equipment
Active Bonnet
CAUTION
Do not touch the actuator directly after the active bonnet has activated. Otherwise, it could
result in a burn as the actuator is hot directly after the activation.
Operation and Handling
 




 Always make sure that the bonnet is closed completely before driving. Otherwise, the
system may not operate normally.
 


 The system may not operate for about 8 seconds after the ignition is switched ON.



 Use tyres of the same speci¿ ed size on all four wheels. If tyres with different sizes are
used, the system may not operate normally.
 


 If something hits the area around the front bumper, the sensor could be damaged even if
the active bonnet does not activate. Always consult an expert repairer, we recommend an
Authorised Mazda Repairer to have the vehicle inspected.
 


 Do not remove or repair parts or wiring for the active bonnet. In addition, do not test
the system’s circuitry using an electric tester. Otherwise, the active bonnet may activate
mistakenly or not operate normally. Consult an expert repairer, we recommend an
Authorised Mazda Repairer for when repairs or replacement servicing is required.
 


 Do not replace the front bumper, bonnet, suspension, aero parts, or wheels with non-
genuine Mazda parts. Otherwise, the system may not operate normally.
 


 Do not install non-genuine Mazda accessories to the front bumper. In addition, do not
install objects on the bonnet. Otherwise, the system may not operate normally.
 


 Do not close the bonnet excessively or apply a load to the actuator. Otherwise, the
actuator could be damaged and cause the system to not operate normally.
 


 Do not modify the suspension. If the vehicle height or the damping force of the
suspensions is changed, the system may not operate normally.
 


 When equipping parts, consult an expert repairer, we recommend an Authorised Mazda
Repairer. If parts are installed incorrectly, the active bonnet may not activate normally due
to the inability to detect an impact.
 


 When disposing of the vehicle, consult an expert repairer, we recommend an Authorised
Mazda Repairer. If the vehicle is not handled correctly, it could result in injury.
 


 The active bonnet cannot be reused if it has been activated. Have the system replaced at
an expert repairer, we recommend an Authorised Mazda Repairer.
/:A(.'',A'FKVKQPKPFD

3–63
Before Driving
Driving Tips
NOTE
  Do not use the parking brake in
freezing weather as it may freeze.
Instead, shift to P with an automatic
transmission and to 1 or R with a
manual transmission. Block the rear
wheels.
  Remove snow before driving. Snow
left on the windscreen is dangerous
as it could obstruct vision. In
addition, if the vehicle is driven with
snow accumulated on the bonnet,
the active bonnet system may not
activate normally in an emergency.
  Do not open or close the soft top
when the temperature is 5 °C (41 °F)
or less. The material of the soft top
could be damaged by freezing.
  Do not apply excessive force to a
window scraper when removing ice
or frozen snow on the mirror glass
and windscreen.
  Never use warm or hot water for
removing snow or ice from windows
and mirrors as it could result in the
glass cracking.
  Drive slowly. Braking performance
can be adversely affected if
snow or ice adheres to the brake
components. If this situation occurs,
drive the vehicle slowly, releasing
the accelerator pedal and lightly
applying the brakes several times
until the brake performance returns
to normal.
Snow Tyres
WARNING
Use only the same size and type tyres
(snow, radial, or non-radial) on all four
wheels:
Using tyres different in size or type is
dangerous. Your vehicle's handling
could be greatly affected and result in
an accident.
CAUTION
Check local regulations before using
studded tyres.
NOTE
If your vehicle is equipped with the tyre
pressure monitoring system (vehicle
with run-À at tyres), the system may not
function correctly when using tyres with
steel wire reinforcement in the sidewalls
(page 4-146 ).
Use snow tyres on all four wheels
Do not exceed the maximum permissible
speed for your snow tyres or legal speed
limits.
E u r o p e
When snow tyres are used, select the
speci¿ ed size and pressure (page 9-8 ).
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3–64
Before Driving
Driving Tips
Tyre Chains
Check local regulations before using tyre
chains.
CAUTION
  Chains may affect handling. 
 Do not go faster than 50 km/h (30
mph) or the chain manufacturer's
recommended limit, whichever is
lower.
  Drive carefully and avoid bumps,
holes, and sharp turns.
  Avoid locked-wheel braking. 
 Do not use chains on roads that are
free of snow or ice. The tyres and
chains could be damaged.
  Chains may scratch or chip
aluminium wheels.
NOTE
If your vehicle is equipped with the tyre
pressure monitoring system, the system
may not function correctly when using
tyre chains.
Install the chains on the rear tyres only.
Do not use chains on the front tyres.
Tyre chain selection (Europe)
Mazda recommends hexagon type
steel ring chains. Select the proper type
according to your tyre size.
Tyre size Tyre chain
195/50R16 Hexagon type
205/45R17 Hexagon type
NOTE
Although Mazda recommends hexagon
type steel ring chains, all chains within
the installation speci¿ cations may be
used.
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4–88
When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control (DSC)
The Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
automatically controls braking and engine
torque in conjunction with systems such
as ABS and TCS to help control side slip
when driving on slippery surfaces, or
during sudden or evasive manoeuvring,
enhancing vehicle safety.
Refer to ABS (page 4-86 ) and TCS
(page 4-87 ).
DSC operation is possible at speeds
greater than 20 km/h (12 mph).
The warning light turns on when the
system has a malfunction.
Refer to Warning Indication/Warning
Lights on page 4-42 .
WARNING
Do not rely on the Dynamic Stability
Control as a substitute for safe driving:
The Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
cannot compensate for unsafe and
reckless driving, excessive speed,
tailgating (following another vehicle
too closely), and hydroplaning (reduced
tyre friction and road contact because
of water on the road surface). You can
still have an accident.
CAUTION
  The DSC may not operate correctly
unless the following are observed:
 


 Use tyres of the correct size
speci¿ ed for your Mazda on all
four wheels.
 


 Use tyres of the same
manufacturer, brand and tread
pattern on all four wheels.
 


 Do not mix worn tyres. 

 The DSC may not operate correctly
when tyre chains are used or a
temporary spare tyre is installed
because the tyre diameter changes.
TCS/DSC Indicator Light
This indicator light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition is switched
ON. If the TCS or DSC is operating, the
indicator light À ashes.
If the light stays on, the TCS, DSC
or the brake assist system may have a
malfunction and they may not operate
correctly. Take your vehicle to an expert
repairer, we recommend an Authorised
Mazda Repairer.
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4–141
When Driving
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
CAUTION
  Each tyre, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly when cold
and inÀ ated to the inÀ ation pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on the
vehicle placard or tyre inÀ ation pressure label. (If your vehicle has tyres of a different
size than the size indicated on the vehicle placard or tyre inÀ ation pressure label, you
should determine the proper tyre inÀ ation pressure for those tyres.)
 As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a tyre pressure
monitoring system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tyre pressure telltale when one or
more of your tyres is signi¿ cantly under-inÀ ated. Accordingly, when the low tyre
pressure telltale illuminates, you should stop and check your tyres as soon as possible,
and inÀ ate them to the proper pressure. Driving on a signi¿ cantly under-inÀ ated tyre
causes the tyre to overheat and can lead to tyre failure. Under-inÀ ation also reduces
fuel ef¿ ciency and tyre tread life, and may affect the vehicle's handling and stopping
ability.
 Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tyre maintenance, and it is the
driver's responsibility to maintain correct tyre pressure, even if under-inÀ ation has not
reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tyre pressure telltale.
 Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate
when the system is not operating properly.
 The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with the low tyre pressure telltale.
When the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will À ash for approximately
one minute and then remain continuously illuminated. This sequence will continue
upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction exists. When the
malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system may not be able to detect or signal
low tyre pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons,
including the installation of replacement or alternate tyres or wheels on the vehicle that
prevent the TPMS from functioning properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction
telltale after replacing one or more tyres or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the
replacement or alternate tyres and wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function
properly.
  To avoid false readings, the system samples for a little while before indicating a
problem. As a result it will not instantaneously register a rapid tyre deÀ ation or blow
out.
/:A(.'',A'FKVKQPKPFD

4–14 5
When Driving
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
CAUTION
  Each tyre, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly when cold
and inÀ ated to the inÀ ation pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on the
vehicle placard or tyre inÀ ation pressure label. (If your vehicle has tyres of a different
size than the size indicated on the vehicle placard or tyre inÀ ation pressure label, you
should determine the proper tyre inÀ ation pressure for those tyres.)
 As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a tyre pressure
monitoring system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tyre pressure telltale when one or
more of your tyres is signi¿ cantly under-inÀ ated. Accordingly, when the low tyre
pressure telltale illuminates, you should stop and check your tyres as soon as possible,
and inÀ ate them to the proper pressure. Driving on a signi¿ cantly under-inÀ ated tyre
causes the tyre to overheat and can lead to tyre failure. Under-inÀ ation also reduces
fuel ef¿ ciency and tyre tread life, and may affect the vehicle's handling and stopping
ability.
 Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tyre maintenance, and it is the
driver's responsibility to maintain correct tyre pressure, even if under-inÀ ation has not
reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tyre pressure telltale.
 Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate
when the system is not operating properly.
 The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with the low tyre pressure telltale.
When the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will À ash for approximately
one minute and then remain continuously illuminated. This sequence will continue
upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction exists. When the
malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system may not be able to detect or signal
low tyre pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons,
including the installation of replacement or alternate tyres or wheels on the vehicle that
prevent the TPMS from functioning properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction
telltale after replacing one or more tyres or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the
replacement or alternate tyres and wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function
properly.
  To avoid false readings, the system samples for a little while before indicating a
problem. As a result it will not instantaneously register a rapid tyre deÀ ation or blow
out.
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6–33
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
CAUTION
  Be careful not to allow the rubber
ring shown in the ¿ gure to be
scratched or damaged.
  If the rubber ring detaches, reattach it
before inserting a new battery.
Rubber ring
Ty r e s
For reasons of proper performance, safety,
and better fuel economy, always maintain
recommended tyre inÀ ation pressures and
stay within the recommended load limits
and weight distribution.
WARNING
Using Different Tyre Types:
Driving your vehicle with different
types of tyres is dangerous. It could
cause poor handling and poor braking;
leading to loss of control.
Except for the limited use of the
temporary spare tyre, use only the same
type tyres (radial, bias-belted, bias-type)
on all four wheels.
Using Wrong-Sized Tyres:
Using any other tyre size than what is
speci¿ ed for the vehicle (page 9-8 )
is dangerous. It could seriously affect
ride, handling, ground clearance,
tyre clearance, and speedometer
calibration. This could cause you to
have an accident. Use only tyres that
are the correct size speci¿ ed for the
vehicle.
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6–35
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
NOTE
Because your vehicle is not equipped
with a spare tyre, you cannot do a tyre
rotation safely with the jack that comes
with your vehicle. Have an expert
repairer, we recommend an Authorised
Mazda Repairer perform tyre rotation.
Do not include (TEMPORARY USE ONLY)
spare tyre 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 tyre pressure



 Improper wheel alignment



 Out-of-balance wheel



 Severe braking
After rotation, inÀ ate all tyre pressures to
speci¿ cation (page 9-8 ) and inspect the
wheel nuts for tightness.
(With tyre pressure monitoring system)
After adjusting the tyre pressure,
initialization of the tyre pressure
monitoring system is necessary to make
the system operate normally.
Refer to Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
Initialization on page 4-143 .
CAUTION
Rotate unidirectional tyres and radial
tyres that have an asymmetrical tread
pattern or studs only from front to rear,
not from side to side. Tyre performance
will be reduced if rotated from side to
side.
(With limited-slip differential)
Do not use the following:
 
 Tyres not of the designated size 
 Tyres of different sizes or types at the
same time
  Tyres not suf¿ ciently inÀ ated
If these instructions are not 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.
Replacing a Tyre
WARNING
Always use tyres that are in good
condition:
Driving with worn tyres is dangerous.
Reduced braking, steering, and traction
could result in an accident.
Replace all four tyres at the same time:
Replacing just one tyre is dangerous.
It could cause poor handling and poor
braking resulting in loss of vehicle
control. Mazda strongly recommends
that you replace all four tyres at the
same time.
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6–36
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
*Some models.
If a tyre wears evenly, a wear indicator
will appear as a solid band across the
tread.
Replace the tyre when this happens.
New treadTread wear indicator
Worn tread
You should replace the tyre before the
band crosses the entire tread.
(With tyre pressure monitoring system)
After adjusting the tyre pressure,
initialization of the tyre pressure
monitoring system is necessary to make
the system operate normally.
Refer to Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
Initialization on page 4-143 .
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:
 
 Tyre ¿ t 
 Wheel and bearing life 
 Ground clearance 
 Snow-chain clearance 
 Speedometer calibration 
 Headlight aim 
 Bumper height 
 Tyre 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 expert
repairer, we recommend an
Authorised Mazda Repairer.
Proper tyre balancing provides the best
riding comfort and helps reduce tread
wear. Out-of-balance tyres can cause
vibration and uneven wear, such as
cupping and À at spots.
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7–14
If Trouble Arises
Flat Tyre
Changing a Tyre
WARNING
Be sure to follow the directions for
changing a tyre:
Changing a tyre is dangerous if not
done properly. The vehicle can slip off
the jack and seriously injure someone.
No person should place any portion
of their body under a vehicle that is
supported by a jack.
Never allow anyone inside a vehicle
supported by a jack:
Allowing someone to remain in
a vehicle supported by a jack is
dangerous. The occupant could cause
the vehicle to fall resulting in serious
injury.
NOTE
Make sure the jack is well lubricated
before using it.
1. Park on a hard, level surface off the
right-of-way and ¿ rmly set the parking
brake.
2. Put a vehicle with an automatic
transmission in Park (P), a manual
transmission in Reverse (R) or 1, and
turn off the engine.
3. Turn on the hazard warning À asher.
4. Have everyone get out of the vehicle
and away from the vehicle and traf¿ c.
5. Remove the jack and tool (page
7-5 ). 6. Block the wheel diagonally opposite
the tyre to be changed. When blocking
a wheel, place a tyre block both in front
and behind the tyre.
NOTE
When blocking a tyre, use rocks or
wood blocks of suf¿ cient size if possible
to hold the tyre in place.
Removing a Tyre
1. Loosen the wheel nuts by turning them
anticlockwise one turn each, but do not
remove any wheel nuts until the tyre
has been raised off the ground.
2. Place the jack on the ground.
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