tires MAZDA MODEL MX-5 MIATA 2018 User Guide

Traction Control System(TCS)
The Traction Control System (TCS)
enhances traction and safety by controlling
engine torque and braking. When the TCS
detects driving wheel slippage, it lowers
engine torque and operates the brakes to
prevent loss of traction.

This means that on a slick surface, the
engine adjusts automatically to provide
optimum power to the drive wheels,
limiting wheel spin and loss of traction.

The warning light turns on when the
system has a malfunction.
Refer to Warning Indication/Warning
Lights on page 4-26.
WA R N I N G
Do not rely on the Traction Control System
(TCS) as a substitute for safe driving:
The Traction Control System (TCS) 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.
Use snow tires or tire chains and drive at
reduced speeds when roads are covered
with ice and/or snow:
Driving without proper traction devices on
snow and/or ice-covered roads is
dangerous. The Traction Control System
(TCS) alone cannot provide adequate
traction and you co uld still have an
accident.
NOTE
To turn off the TCS, press the DSC OFF
switch (page 4-67).
▼ 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 flashes.

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
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
NOTE
In addition to the indicator light
flashing, a slight lugging sound will
come from the engine. This indicates
that the TCS/DSC is operating properly.
On slippery surfaces, such as fresh
snow, it will be impossible to achieve
high rpm when the TCS is on.
When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC
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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 maneuvering,
enhancing vehicle safety.

Refer to ABS (page 4-64) and TCS (page
4-65).

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 4-26.
WA R N I N G
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
 The DSC may not operate correctly
unless the following are observed:
 Use tires of the correct size
specified for
your Mazda on all four wheels.
 Use tires of the same manufacturer,
brand and tread pattern on all four
wheels.
 Do not mix worn tires.
 The DSC may not operate correctly when
tire chains are used or a temporary spare
tire is installed because the tire 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 flashes.

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
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC
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NOTE
The timing in which the system switches the headlights changes under the following
conditions. If the system does not switch the headlights appropriately, manually switch
between high and low beams according to the visibility as well as road and traffic
conditions.
When there are sources of light in the area such as street lamps, illuminated signboards,
and traffic signals.
When there are reflective objects in the surrounding area such as reflective plates and
signs.
When visibility is reduced under rain, snow and foggy conditions.
When driving on roads with sharp turn or hilly terrain.
When the headlights/rear lamps of vehicles in front of you or in the opposite lane are dim
or not illuminated.
When there is sufficient darkness such as at dawn or dusk.
When the luggage compartment is loaded with heavy objects.
When visibility is reduced due to a vehicle in front of you spraying water from its tires
onto your windshield.
▼ To Operate the System
The HBC operates to s
witch the headlights
automatically between high and low
beams after the igni tion is switched ON
and the headlight sw itch is in the AUTO
and high beam position.
The HBC determines that it is dark based
on the brightness of the surrounding area.
At the same time, the HBC indicator light
(green) in the instrument cluster
illuminates.

The HBC determines that it is dark based
on the brightness of the surrounding area.
NOTE
When the vehicle speed is about 30 km/h
(19 mph) or more, the headlights
automatically switch to high beams
when there are no vehicles ahead or
approaching in the opposite direction.
When the vehicle speed is less than
about 20 km/h (12 mph), the HBC
switches the headlights to low beams.
The low beams may not switch to high
beams when cornering.
Operation of the HBC function can be
disabled. Refer to Personalization
Features on page 9-9.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
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Tire Pressure Monitoring System
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) monitors the pressure for each tire.
If tire pressure is too low in o ne or more tires, the system wi ll inform the driver via the
warning light in the instrument cluster and by the warning beep sound.
Refer to Warning Indication/Warning Lights on page 4-26.
Refer to Tire Inflation Pressu re Warning Beep on page 7-52.

The tire pressure sensors installed on each wheel send tire pre ssure data by radio signal to
the receiver unit in the vehicle.
Tire pressure sensors
NOTE
When the ambient temperature is low due to seasonal changes, tire temperatures are also
lower. When the tire temperature decreases, the air pressure decreases as well. The TPMS
warning light may illuminate more frequently. Vi sually inspect the tires daily before driving,
and check tire pressures monthly with a tire pressure gauge. When checking tire pressures,
use of a digital tire pressure gauge is recommended.

TPMS does not alleviate your need to check the pressure and con dition of all four tires
regularly.
CAUTION
 Each 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.)
When Driving
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
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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-infla tion also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may
affect the vehicle's handlin g 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 ti re pressure, even if under-inflation has not
reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been eq uipped 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 w ill flash for approximately one minute and then
remain continuously illuminated. This sequen ce 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 reaso ns, including the installation of replacement
or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle th at prevent the TPMS from functioning properly.
Always check the TPMS malfunction telltale af ter 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.
 To avoid false readings, the system samples for a little while before indicating a problem. As
a result it will not instantaneously regis ter a rapid tire deflation or blow out.
▼System Error Activation
When the warning light flashes, there may
be a system malfunction. Consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
A system error activation may occur in the
following cases:
When there is equipment or a device
near the vehicle using the same radio
frequency as that of the tire pressure
sensors.
When 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.
When using the following devices in the
vehicle that may cause radio
interference with the receiver unit.
A digital device such as a personal
computer.
A current converter device such as a
DC-AC converter.
When excess snow or ice adheres to the
vehicle, especially around the wheels.
When the tire pressure sensor batteries
are exhausted.
When using a wheel with no tire
pressure sensor installed.
When using tires with steel wire
reinforcement in the side walls.
When using tire chains.
When Driving
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
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▼Tires and Wheels
CAUTION
When inspecting or adjusting the tire air
pressures, do not apply excessive force to
the stem part of the wheel unit. The stem
part could be damaged.
Changing tires and wheels
The following procedure allows the TPMS
to recognize a tire pressure sensor's unique
ID signal code whenever tires or wheels
are changed, such as changing to and from
winter tires.
NOTE
Each tire pressure sensor has a unique ID
signal code. The signal code must be
registered with the
TPMS before it can
work. The easiest way to do it is to have
an Authorized Mazda Dealer change your
tire and complete ID signal code
registration.
When having tires changed at an
Authorized Mazda Dealer
When an Authorized Mazda Dealer
changes your vehicle's tires, they will
complete the tire pressu re sensor ID signal
code registration.

When changing tires yourself
If you or someone else changes tires, you
or someone else can also undertake the
steps for the TPMS to complete the ID
signal code registration.
1. After tires have been changed, switch the ignition ON, then back to ACC or
OFF.
2. Wait for about 15 minutes.
3. After about 15 minutes, drive the vehicle at a speed of at least 25 km/h
(16 mph) for 10 minutes and the tire
pressure sensor ID signal code will be
registered automatically.
NOTE
If the vehicle is driven within about 15
minutes of changing tires, the tire pressure
monitoring system warning light will flash
because the sensor ID signal code would
not have been registered. If this happens,
park the vehicle for about 15 minutes,
after which the sensor ID signal code will
register upon driving the vehicle for 10
minutes.
Replacing tires and wheels
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.
 The wheels equipped on your Mazda are
specially designed for installation of the
tire pressure sensors. Do not use
non-genuine wheels, otherwise it may
not be possible to install the tire pressure
sensors.
Be sure to have the ti re pressure sensors
installed whenever tires or wheels are
replaced.
When having a tire or wheel or both
replaced, the following types of tire
pressure sensor installations are possible.
The tire pressure sensor is removed
from the old wheel and installed to the
new one.
When Driving
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
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6Maintenance and Care
How to keep your Mazda in top condition.
Essential Information........................6-2 Introduction.................................. 6-2
Scheduled Maintenance.................... 6-4 Scheduled Maintenance (U.S.A.,
Canada, and Puerto Rico)............. 6-4
Scheduled Maintenance
(Mexico)..................................... 6-10
Maintenance Monitor................. 6-15
Owner Maintenance........................ 6-17 Owner Maintenance
Precautions................................. 6-17
Hood........................................... 6-19
Engine Compartment
Overview.................................... 6-21
Engine Oil...................................6-22
Engine Coolant........................... 6-24
Brake/Clutch Fluid ..................... 6-26
Washer Fluid............................... 6-26
Body Lubrication...... .................. 6-27
Wiper Blades.............................. 6-28
Battery........................................ 6-31
Key Battery Replacement........... 6-33
Tires............................................ 6-36
Light Bulbs................................. 6-40
Fuses........................................... 6-49
Appearance Care............................. 6-54
Exterior Care.............................. 6-54
Interior Care................................6-64
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You can customize settings in the setup display as follows:
Ta bI t e m E x p l a n a t i o n
Scheduled Setting
Notification can be switched on/off.
Time (months) Displays the time or distance until maintenance is due.
Select this item to set the maintenance period.
The wrench indication/indicator light in the instrument cluster
will be illuminated when the remaining distance is less than 1, 000
km or 600 mile, or the remaining number of days is less than 15
(whichever comes first).
Distance (km or mile)
Reset
Resets the time and distance to the initial values.
Once the system turns on, it needs to be reset whenever carrying
out maintenance.
Tire Rotation Setting
Notification can be switched on/off.
Distance (km or mile) Displays the distance until tire rotation is due.
Select this item to set the tire rotation distance.
The wrench indication/indicator
light in the instrument cluster
will be illuminated when the remaining distance is less than 1, 000
km or 600 mile.
Reset Resets the remaining distance to the initial value.
Once the system turns on, it need
s to be reset whenever rotating
the tires.
Oil Change Setting Interval
Oil replacement period can be sel
ected from the flexible setting
or fixed setting, or it can be set to non-display.
The flexible setting is available only in the United States and Pu-
erto Rico. Once engine oil flex ible maintenance is selected, the
vehicle calculates the remaining oil life based on the engine oper-
ating conditions. The vehicle let s you know when an oil change is
due by illuminating the wrench i ndicator light in the instrument
cluster. Mazda Genuine 0W-20 oil and Castrol
® 0W-20 oil are re-
quired to achieve optimum performance.
Distance (km or mile)
(Displays only in fixed set-
ting) Displays the distance until
the oil replacement is due.
Select this item to set the oil replacement distance.
The wrench indication/indicator light in the instrument cluster
will be illuminated when the remaining distance is less than 1, 000
km or 600 mile.
Oil life (km or mile)
(Displays only in flexible
setting) Displays the engine oil life u
ntil the oil replacement is due.
The wrench indication/indicator light in the instrument cluster
will be illuminated when the remaining oil life distance is les s
than 1,000 km or 600 mile.
Reset Resets the remaining distance to the initial value.
Once the system turns on, it need
s to be reset whenever replacing
the engine oil.
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
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Tires
For reasons of proper performance, safety,
and better fuel economy, always maintain
recommended tire inflation pressures and
stay within the recommended load limits
and weight distribution.
WA R N I N G
Using Different Tire Types:
Driving your vehicle with different types of
tires is dangerous. It could cause poor
handling and poor braking; leading to loss
of control.
Except for the limited use of the temporary
spare tire, use only the same type tires
(radial, bias-belted, bias-type) on all four
wheels.
Using Wrong-Sized Tires:
Using any other tire size than what is
specified for the vehicle (page 9-8) is
dangerous. It could seriously affect ride,
handling, ground clearance, tire clearance,
and speedometer calibration. This could
cause you to have an accident. Use only
tires that are the correct size specified for
the vehicle.
▼ Tire Inflation Pressure
WA R N I N G
Always
inflate the tires to the correct
pressure:
Overinflation or
underinflation of tires is
dangerous. Adverse handling or
unexpected tire failure could result in a
serious accident.
Refer to Tires on page 9-8.
Use only a Mazda-genuine tire valve cap:
Use of a non-genuine part is dangerous as
the correct tire air pressure cannot be
maintained if the tire valve becomes
damaged. If the vehicle is driven under this
condition, the tire air pressure will decrease
which could result in a serious accident. Do
not use any part for the tire valve cap that
is not a Mazda-genuine part.
Inspect all tire pressures monthly when the
tires are cold. Maintain recommended
pressures for the best ride, handling, and
minimum tire wear.
Refer to the specification charts (page 9-
8).
NOTE
Always check tire pressure when tires
are cold.
Warm tires normally exceed
recommended pressures. Do not release
air from warm tires to adjust the
pressure.
Underinflation 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.
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
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Overinflation 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.
▼Tire Rotation
WA R N I N G
Rotate tires periodically:
Irregular tire wear is dangerous. To
equalize tread wear for maintaining good
performance in handling and braking,
rotate the tires every 12,000 km (7,500
miles). However Mazda recommends to
rotate every 8,000 km (5,000 miles) to help
increase tire life and distribute wear more
evenly.
Refer to Scheduled Maintenance on page
6-4.

During rotation, inspect them for correct
balance.

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:

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 reduced if
rotated from side to side.
(With limited-slip differential)
Do not use the following:
 Tires not of the designated size
 Tires of
different sizes or types at the
same time
 Tires not sufficiently inflated
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.
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
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