flat tire MAZDA MODEL MX-5 2020 (in English) Service Manual

Action to be taken
Inspect the tires and adjust to the specified inflation pressur e (page 6-38).
CAUTION
When replacing/repairing the tires or wheels or both, have the work done by an Authorized Mazda Dealer, or the
tire pressure sensors may be damaged.
NOTE
Perform tire pressure adjustment when the tires are cold. Tire pressure will vary according to the tire temper ‐
ature, therefore let the vehicle stand for 1 hour or only drive it 1.6 km (1 mile) or less before adjusting the
tire pressures. When pressure is adjusted on hot tires to the cold inflation pressure, the TPMS warning light/
beep may turn on after the tires cool and pressure drops below specification.
Also, an illuminated TPMS warning light, resulting from the tire air pressure dropping due to cold ambient
temperature, may turn off if the ambient temperature rises. In this case, it will also be necessary to adjust the
tire air pressures. If the TPMS warnin g light illuminates due to a drop in tire air pressure, make sure to check
and adjust the tire air pressures.
After adjusting the tire air pressures, it may require some time for the TPMS warning light to turn off. If the
TPMS warning light remains illuminate d, drive the vehicle at a speed of at least 25 km/h (16 mph) for 10
minutes, and then verify that it turns off.
Tires lose air naturally over time and the TPMS cannot tell if the tires are getting too soft over time or you
have a flat. However, when you find one low tire in a set of four-that is an indication of trouble; you should
have someone drive the vehicle slowly forward so you can inspect any low tire for cuts and any metal objects
sticking through tread or sidewall. Put a few drops of water in the valve stem to see if it bubbles indicating a
bad valve. Leaks need to be addressed by more than simply refilling the trouble tire as leaks are dangerous
― take it to an Authorized Mazda Dealer which has all the equipment to fix tires, TPMS systems and order
the best replacement tire for your vehicle.
If the warning light illuminates again even after the tire pressures are adjusted, there may be a tire puncture.

If Trouble Arises
Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds
7-43
MX-5_8JA4-EA-19K_Edition2 _old 2019-8-29 16:18:06

Vehicles without advanced keyless
function
If the key is taken out of the vehicle while
the ignition is not switched OFF and all
the doors are closed, a beep will be heard
in the cabin 6 times.
NOTE
Because the key utilizes low-intensity
radio waves, the Key Removed From
Vehicle Warning may activate if the key is
carried together with a metal object or it
is placed in a poor signal reception area.
▼Request Switch Inoperable Warning
Beep (With the advanced keyless
function)
If the request switch is pressed with the
door open or ajar, or the ignition is not
switched OFF with a key being carried, a
beep will be heard outside for about 2
seconds to notify the driver that the door
or trunk lid cannot be locked.
▼Key Left-in-trunk Compartment
Warning Beep (With the advanced
keyless function)
If the key is left in the trunk with all the
doors locked and the trunk lid closed, a
beep will be heard outside for about 10
seconds to notify the driver that the key is
in the trunk. In this case, take out the key
by pressing the electric trunk lid opener
and opening the trunk lid. The key taken
out of the trunk may not operate because
its functions have been temporarily
stopped. To restore the key's functions,
perform the applicable procedure (page
3-10).
▼Key Left-in-vehicle Warning Beep
(With the advanced keyless
function)
If all the doors and trunk are locked using
another key while the key is left in the
cabin, the beep which sounds outside of
the vehicle will be heard for about 10
seconds to notify the driver that the key is
in the cabin. In this case, take out the key
by opening the door. A key taken out of
the vehicle using this method may not
operate because its functions have been
temporarily stopped. To restore the key's
functions, perform the applicable
procedure (page 3-10).
▼Power Steering Warning Buzzer
If the power steering system has a
malfunction, the power steering
malfunction indication/malfunction
indicator light turns on or flashes and the
buzzer operates at the same time.
Refer to Stop Vehicle in Safe Place
Immediately on page 7-33.
▼Tire Inflation Pressure Warning
Beep
The warning beep sound will be heard for
about 3 seconds if the tire pressures
decrease.
Refer to Tire Pressure Monitoring System
on page 4-116.
▼Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
Warning Beep
*
Driving forward
The warning beep operates when the turn
signal lever is operated to the side where
the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning
light is illuminated.
If Trouble Arises
Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds
7-50*Some models.
MX-5_8JA4-EA-19K_Edition2 _old 2019-8-29 16:18:06

WARNING
Keep your vehicle's tires properly inflated and not overloaded:
Driving with improperly inflated or overl oaded tires is dangerous. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive loading, either separately or in combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure. The temperatur e grade for this tire is established for a tire
that is properly inflated and not overloaded.

These grades will be added to the sidewalls of passenger vehicl e tires over the next several
years according to a schedule established by the NHTSA and the tire manufacturers.

The grade of tires available as standard or optional equipment on Mazda vehicles may vary
with respect to grade.

ALL PASSENGER VEHICLE TIRES MUST CONFORM TO THESE GRADES AND TO
ALL OTHER FEDERAL TIRE-SAFETY REQUIREMENTS.
▼UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING
Quality grades can be found where applicable on the tire sidewa ll between tread shoulder
and maximum section width.
For example:
TREADWEAR 200 TRACTION AA TEMPERATURE A
UTQGS MARK (example)
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Uniform Tire Quality Grading System (UTQGS)
8-24
MX-5_8JA4-EA-19K_Edition2 _old 2019-8-29 16:18:06

Tire Labeling
Federal law requires tire manufacturers to place standardized information on the sidewall of
all tires. This inform ation identifies and describes the fundam ental characteristics of the tire
and also provides a tire identification number for safety standard certification and in case of
a recall.
▼Information on Passenger Vehicle Tires
Please refer to the sample below.
1. TIN: U.S. DOT tire identification number
2. Passenger car tire
3. Nominal width of tire in millimeters
4. Ratio of height to width (aspect ratio)
5. Radial
6. Run-flat tire
7. Rim diameter code
8. Load index & speed symbol
9. Severe snow conditions
10. Tire ply composition and materials used
11. Max. load rating
12. Tread wear, traction and temperature grades
13. Max. permissible inflation pressure
14. SAFETY WARNING
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
8-25
MX-5_8JA4-EA-19K_Edition2 _old 2019-8-29 16:18:06

Letter RatingSpeed Rating
V 149 mph
W 168
* mph
Y 186
* mph
* For tires with a maximum speed capability over 149 mph, tire m anufacturers sometimes use the letters ZR. For
tires with a maximum speed cap ability over 186 mph, tire manufa cturers always use the letters ZR.
MS or M/S: Mud and Snow
AT: All Terrain.
AS: All Season. The “M
S” or “M/S” indicates that the tire has some functional use in mud
and snow.
U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number (TIN)
This begins with the letters “DOT” which indicates the tire mee ts all federal standards. The
next two numbers or letters are the plant code where it was man ufactured, and the last four
numbers represent the week and year the tire was manufactured. For example, the numbers
457 means the 45st week of 1997. After 2000 the numbers go to f our digits. For example,
the number 2102 means the 21th week of 2002. The other numbers are marketing codes
used at the manufacturer's discretion. This information is used to contact consumers if a tire
defect requires a recall.
Tire Ply Composition and Materials Used
The number of plies indicates the number of layers of rubber-co ated fabric in the tire. In
general, the greater the number of plies, the more weight a tir e can support. Tire
manufacturers also must indicate the tire materials, which incl ude steel, nylon, polyester,
and other.
Maximum Load Rating
This number indicates the maximum load in kilograms and pounds that can be carried by the
tire.
Maximum Permissible Inflation Pressure
This number is the greatest amoun t of air pressure that should ever be put in the tire under
normal driving conditions.
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 governme nt 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.
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
8-27
MX-5_8JA4-EA-19K_Edition2 _old 2019-8-29 16:18:06

Traction: The traction grades, from highe st to lowest are AA, A, B, and C. The grades
represent the tire's ability to stop on wet pavement as measure d 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, represent ing the tire's
resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipa te heat when tested under
controlled conditions on a spec ified indoor laboratory test whe el.
Snow Tires
In some heavy snow areas, local governments may require true sn ow tires, those with very
deeply cut tread. These tires should only be used in pairs or p laced 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:
EXPLOSION OF TIRE/RIM ASSEMBLY DUE TO IMPROPER MOUNTING-MATCH
TIRE DIAMETER TO RIM D IAMETER; NEVER EXCEED 40 psi (275 kPa) TO SEAT
BEADS-ONLY SPECIALLY TRAINED PERSONS SHOULD MOUNT TIRES.
TIRE FAILURE DUE TO UNDER-INFLATION/OVERLOADING/
DAMAGE-FOLLOW OWNER'S MANUAL AND PLACARD IN
VEHICLE-FREQUENTLY CHECK INFLATION PRESSURE AND INSPECT FOR
DAMAGE.
▼Information on Temporary Tires
Please refer to the sample below.
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
8-28
MX-5_8JA4-EA-19K_Edition2 _old 2019-8-29 16:18:06

Location of the Tire Label (Placard)
You will find the tire label containing tire inflation pressure by tire size and other important
information on the driver's side B-pillar or on th e edge of the driver's door frame.

SAMPLE
▼Recommended Tire Inflation Pressure
On the tire label you will find the recommended tire inflation pressure in both kPa and psi
for the tires installed as orig inal equipment on the vehicle. I t is very important that the
inflation pressure of the tires on your vehicle is maintained a t the recommended pressure.
You should check the tire pressure regularly to insure that the proper inflation pressure is
maintained.
Refer to Tires on page 9-8.
NOTE
Tire pressures listed on the vehicle placar d or tire information label indicate the
recommended cold tire inflation pressure, measured when the tires are cold, after the vehicle
has been parked for at least 3 hours. As you drive, the temperature in the tire warms up,
increasing the tire pressure.
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
8-30
MX-5_8JA4-EA-19K_Edition2 _old 2019-8-29 16:18:06

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 inc reases 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 ti re 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.
▼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, b ulges, cracks or other
irregularities.
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
8-31
MX-5_8JA4-EA-19K_Edition2 _old 2019-8-29 16:18:06

▼Glossary of Terms
Tire Placard: A label indicating the OE tire sizes, recommended inflation pr essure, and the
maximum weight the vehicle can carry.
Tire Identification Number (TIN): A number on the sidewall of each tire providing
information about the tire brand and manufacturing plant, tire size, and date of manufacture.
Inflation Pressure: A measure of the amo unt of air in a tire.
kPa: Kilopascal, the metric unit for air pressure.
psi: Pounds per square inch, the English unit for air pressure.
B-pillar: The structural member at the side of the vehicle behind the fr ont door.
Original Equipment (OE): Describes components originally equipped on the vehicle.
Vehicle Load Limit: The maximum value of the combination weight of occupants and
cargo.
Bead Area of the Tire: Area of the tire next to the rim.
Sidewall Area of the Tire: Area between the bead area and the tread.
Tread Area of the Tire: Area on the perimeter of the tire that contacts the road when it's
mounted on the vehicle.

Seating capacity means the total allowable number of vehicle occupants. Seating capacity
is described on the tire label.

Production options weight is the combination weight of installed regular production
options weighing over 2.3 kilograms in excess of the standard i tems which they replace, and
not previously considered in the curb weight or accessory weigh t, including heavy duty
brakes, ride levelers, roof rack, heavy duty battery, and speci al trim.

Rim is the metal support (wheel) fo r a tire or a tire and tube assembly upon which the tire
beads are seated.
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
8-32
MX-5_8JA4-EA-19K_Edition2 _old 2019-8-29 16:18:06

Tire Maintenance
Improper or inadequate vehicle maintenance can cause tires to w ear abnormally. Here are
some important maintenance points:
▼Tire Inflation Pressure
Inspect all tire pressu re monthly (including the spare) when th e tires are cold. Maintain
recommended pressures for the best ride, top handling, and mini mum tire wear. Use the
pressures specified on the vehicle tire information placard or tire label for optimum service.
▼Tire Rotation
To equalize tread wear, rotate the tires every 12,000 km (7,500 miles) at the latest or sooner
if irregular wear develops. Mazda recommends to rotate every 8, 000 km (5,000 miles) to
help increase tire life and distribute wear more evenly.
Do not include (TEMPORARY USE ONLY)
spare tire in rotation. Forward
Inspect the tires 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 9-8) and inspect the lug nuts
for tightness.
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.

Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
8-33
MX-5_8JA4-EA-19K_Edition2 _old 2019-8-29 16:18:06