spare tire MAZDA MODEL MX-5 MIATA 2012 Owners Manual

Black plate (183,1)
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)
í
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 maneuvering,
enhancing vehicle safety.
Refer to ABS (page 5-9) and TCS (page
5-26).
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 tire friction and road
contact because of water on the road
surface). You can still have an
accident.
CAUTION
ØThe DSC may not operate correctly
unless the following are observed:
ØUse tires of the correct size
specified for your Mazda on all
four wheels.
ØUse tires of the same
manufacturer, brand and tread
pattern on all four wheels.
ØDo not mix worn tires.
Ø The DSC may not operate correctly
when tire chains are used or a
temporary spare tire is installed
because the tire diameter changes.
Ø If repair or replacement of the
steering or other surrounding
equipment is necessary, have it
done at an Authorized Mazda
Dealer. If the center position of the
steering deviates, the DSC may not
operate correctly because there is
a sensor in the steering which
detects driving conditions.
qTCS/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 flashes.
If the light stays on, the TCS or DSC may
have a malfunction and they may not
operate correctly. Take your vehicle to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
5-27íSome models.
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CAUTION
ØEach tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly when cold
and inflated to the inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer
on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle has tires of a
different size than the size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation
pressure label, you should determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those
tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a tire pressure
monitoring system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when one
or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated. Accordingly, when the low tire
pressure telltale illuminates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as
possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving on a significantly under-
inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation
also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle's
handling and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire maintenance, and it
is the driver's responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-
inflation has not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire
pressure telltale.
Ø 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 tire pressure telltale.
When the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash 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 tire pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a
variety of reasons, including the installation of replacement or alternate tires or
wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning properly. Always
check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or more tires or wheels on
your vehicle to ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow
the TPMS to continue to function properly.
Ø 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 tire deflation or
blow out.
NOTE
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
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If the warning light illuminates again even
after the tire pressures are adjusted, there
may be a tire puncture.
Refer to Vehicle with run-flat tires on
page 7-3.
Vehicles with Instant Mobility System
(IMS) emergency flat tire repair kit
If an emergency tire repair is needed,
repair the punctured tire with the
emergency flat tire repair kit (page 7-7).
CAUTION
Do not use non-genuine tire sealant.
It may damage the tire pressure
sensor.
Vehicles with optional temporary spare
tire
If you have bought the optional temporary
spare tire, replace the punctured tire with
the temporary spare tire. Refer to the
manufacturer's instructions.
Warning light flashes
When the warning light flashes, there may
be a system malfunction. Consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
q Flat Tire Warning Light
This warning light illuminates for a few
seconds when the ignition is switched
ON.
Warning light illuminates/Warning
beep sounds
If the tire pressures decrease extremely
after the TPMS warning light has
illuminated, or if a tire is punctured, the
flat tire warning light also illuminates, and
a beep sound will be heard for
approximately 30 seconds.
Refer to Vehicle with run-flat tires on
page 7-3.
qSystem Error Activation
When the TPMS warning light flashes,
there may be a system malfunction.
Consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
A system error activation may occur in
the following cases:
lWhen there is equipment or a device
near the vehicle using the same radio
frequency as that of the tire pressure
sensors.
lWhen a metallic device such as a non-
genuine navigation system is equipped
near the center of the dashboard, which
may block radio signals from the tire
pressure sensor to the receiver unit.
lWhen using the following devices in
the vehicle that may cause radio
interference with the receiver unit.
lA digital device such as a personal
computer.
lA current converter device such as a
DC-AC converter.
lWhen excess snow or ice adheres to
the vehicle, especially around the
wheels.
lWhen the tire pressure sensor batteries
are exhausted.
lWhen using a wheel with no tire
pressure sensor installed.
lWhen using tires with steel wire
reinforcement in the side walls.
lWhen using tire chains.
5-34
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Starting and Driving
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Black plate (206,1)
If the warning light illuminates again even
after the tire pressures are adjusted, there
may be a tire puncture.
Refer to Vehicle with run-flat tires on
page 7-3.
Vehicles with Instant Mobility System
(IMS) emergency flat tire repair kit
If an emergency tire repair is needed,
repair the punctured tire with the
emergency flat tire repair kit (page 7-7).
CAUTION
Do not use non-genuine tire sealant.
It may damage the tire pressure
sensor.
Vehicles with optional temporary spare
tire
If you have bought the optional temporary
spare tire, replace the punctured tire with
the temporary spare tire. Refer to the
manufacturer's instructions.
Warning light flashes
When the warning light flashes, there may
be a system malfunction. Consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
q Flat Tire Warning Lightí
This warning light illuminates for a few
seconds when the ignition is switched
ON.
Warning light illuminates/Warning
beep sounds
If the tire pressures decrease extremely
after the TPMS warning light has
illuminated, or if a tire is punctured, the
flat tire warning light also illuminates, and
a beep sound will be heard for
approximately 30 seconds.
Refer to Vehicle with run-flat tires on
page 7-3.
qKEY Warning Light (Red)/KEY
Indicator Light (Green) (with
Advanced Key)
This indicator has two colors.
KEY Warning Light (Red)
When illuminated
lWhen the ignition is switched ON, it
illuminates momentarily and then goes
out.
lIf any malfunction occurs in the
advanced keyless system, it illuminates
continuously.
5-50
Driving Your Mazda
íSome models.
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
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Maximum vehicle speed with a
punctured run-flat tire: 80 km/h (49
mph)
Maximum driving distance with a
punctured run-flat tire: 80 km (49
miles)
CAUTION
The maximum driving distance may
be shorter depending on the driving
conditions.
If a run-flat tire is punctured, carefully
drive the vehicle to the nearest Mazda
Dealer and have the tire changed.
NOTE
lA spare tire or Instant Mobility System
(IMS) emergency flat tire repair kit is not
equipped on vehicles with run-flat tires as
standard.
lReplacing a punctured run-flat tire with a
new run-flat tire is recommended.
lDo not use run-flat tires and conventional
tires on the same vehicle.
q Vehicle with conventional tires
If the following occurs while driving, it
could indicate a flat tire.
lSteering becomes difficult.lThe vehicle begins to vibrate
excessively.
lThe vehicle pulls in one direction. If a
conventional tire is punctured, refer to
“Tool Storage ”(page 7-5) and “Instant
Mobility System (IMS) Emergency
Flat Tire Repair Kit ”(page 7-7).
7-4
In Case of an Emergency
Flat Tire
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Black plate (313,1)
Instant Mobility System
(IMS) Emergency Flat
Tire Repair Kit
í
The IMS emergency flat tire repair kit
included with your Mazda is for a
temporary repair of a slightly damaged
flat tire resulting from running over nails
or similar sharp objects on the road
surface.
NOTE
Your vehicle is not equipped with a spare tire.
In the event of a flat tire, use the emergency
flat tire repair kit to repair the tire temporarily.
When doing the repair, refer to the instructions
included in the emergency flat tire repair kit. If
an emergency repair was performed on a flat
tire using the emergency flat tire repair kit,
have an Authorized Mazda Dealer, repair or
replace the tire as soon as possible.
qAbout the IMS Emergency Flat
Tire Repair Kit
The IMS emergency flat tire repair kit
includes the following items.
Tire sealant
Injection hose Compressor
Repaired tire
sticker
Valve core
tool
Spare valve
core
Speed restriction
sticker
Instructions
Case
WARNING
Do not allow children to touch the tire
sealant: Ingestion of tire sealant is dangerous.
In the event tire sealant is
accidentally swallowed, drink large
amounts of water immediately and
seek medical assistance.
Do not allow children to touch the tire
sealant: Tire sealant that comes into contact
with the eyes and skin is dangerous.
If tire sealant enters the eyes or
contacts the skin, flush immediately
with large amounts of water and
seek medical assistance.
In Case of an Emergency
Flat Tire
7-7íSome models.
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Black plate (324,1)
If you're unsure of how tight the nuts
should be, have them inspected at an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Nut tightening torque
N·m (kgf·m, ft·lbf) 88
―118
(9 ― 12, 65 ―87)
WARNING
Always securely and correctly tighten
the lug nuts:
Improperly or loosely tightened lug
nuts are dangerous. The wheel could
wobble or come off. This could result
in loss of vehicle control and cause a
serious accident.
Be sure to reinstall the same nuts you
removed or replace them with metric
nuts of the same configuration: Because the wheel studs and lug nuts
on your Mazda have metric threads,
using a non-metric nut is dangerous.
On a metric stud, it would not secure
the wheel and would damage the
stud, which could cause the wheel to
slip off and cause an accident.
5. Remove the tire blocks and store the tools, jack, and damaged tire.
6. Check the inflation pressure. Refer to Tires on page 10-7.
7. Have the flat tire repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
WARNING
Do not drive with any tires that have
incorrect air pressure: Driving on tires with incorrect air
pressure is dangerous. Tires with
incorrect pressure could affect
handling and result in an accident. NOTE
To prevent the jack and tool from rattling, store
them properly.
(With Tire Pressure Monitoring System)
A tire pressure sensor is not installed to the
temporary spare tire. The warning light will
flash continuously while the temporary spare
tire is being used (page 5-32).
7-18
In Case of an Emergency
Flat Tire
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The Tire Pressure Monitoring Systemí
does not alleviate the need to check the
tire condition every day, including
whether the tires all look inflated properly.
Inspect all tire pressure monthly when the
tires are cold. Maintain recommended
pressures for the best ride, handling, and
minimum tire wear.
When checking the tire pressures, use of a
digital tire pressure gauge is
recommended.
Refer to the specification charts (page
10-7).
NOTE
lAlways check tire pressure when tires are
cold.
lWarm tires normally exceed recommended
pressures. Don't release air from warm tires
to adjust the pressure.
lUnderinflation can cause reduced fuel
economy, uneven and accelerated tire wear,
and poor sealing of the tire bead, which
will deform the wheel and cause separation
of tire from rim.
lOverinflation can produce a harsh ride,
uneven and accelerated tire wear, and a
greater possibility of damage from road
hazards.
Keep your tire pressure at the correct
levels. If one frequently needs inflating,
have it inspected.
qTire Rotation
WARNING
Rotate tires periodically:
Irregular tire wear is dangerous. To
equalize tread wear for maintaining
good performance in handling and
braking, rotate the tires according to
the scheduled maintenance charts.
Refer to Scheduled Maintenance on
page 8-3.
During rotation, inspect them for correct
balance.
NOTE
Because your vehicle is not equipped with a
spare tire, you cannot do a tire rotation safely
with the jack that comes with your vehicle.
Have an Authorized Mazda Dealer perform
tire rotation.
Do not include (TEMPORARY USE ONLY)
spare tire in rotation. Forward
Also, inspect them for uneven wear and
damage. Abnormal wear is usually caused
by one or a combination of the following:
lIncorrect tire pressurelImproper wheel alignmentlOut-of-balance wheellSevere braking
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-31íSome models.
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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 (428,1)
Tire Maintenance
Improper or inadequate vehicle maintenance can cause tires to wear abnormally. Here are
some important maintenance points:
qTire Inflation Pressure
Inspect all tire pressure monthly (including the spare) when the tires are cold. Maintain
recommended pressures for the best ride, top handling, and minimum tire wear. Use the
pressures specified on the vehicle tire information placard or tire label for optimum service.
qTire Rotation
To equalize tread wear, rotate the tires every 12,000 km (7,500 miles) or sooner if irregular
wear develops. During rotation, inspect them for correct balance.
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:
lIncorrect tire pressurelImproper wheel alignmentlOut-of-balance wheellSevere braking
After rotation, inflate all tire pressures to specification (page 10-7) and inspect the lug nuts
for tightness.
9-32
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
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Form No.8CC1-EA-11F