snow chains MAZDA MODEL MX-5 MIATA 2020 Owners Manual

Hazardous Driving
WA R N I N G
Be extremely careful if it is necessary to
downshift on slippery surfaces:
Downshifting into lower gear while driving
on slippery surfaces is dangerous. The
sudden change in tire speed could cause
the tires to skid. This could lead to loss of
vehicle control and an accident.
When driving on ice or in water, snow,
mud, sand, or similar hazards:
Be cautious and allow extra distance for
braking.
Avoid sudden braking and sudden
maneuvering.
Do not pump the brakes. Continue to
press down on the brake pedal.
Refer to Antilock Brake System (ABS)
on page 4-65.
If you get stuck, select a lower gear and
accelerate slowly. Do not spin the rear
wheels.
For more traction in starting on slippery
surfaces such as ice or packed snow, use
sand, rock salt, chains, carpeting, or
other nonslip material under the rear
wheels.
NOTE
Use snow chains only on the rear wheels.
Floor Mat
We recommend the use of Genuine
Mazda floor mats.
WA R N I N G
Make sure the floor mats are hooked on the
retention pins to prevent them from
bunching up under the foot pedals:
Using a floor mat that is not secured is
dangerous as it will interfere with the
accelerator and brake pedal operation,
which could result in an accident.
Do not install two floor mats, one on top of
the other, on the driver's side:
Installing two floor mats, one on top of the
other, on the driver's side is dangerous as
the retention pins can only keep one floor
mat from sliding forward.
Loose floor mat(s) will interfere with the
foot pedals and could result in an accident.
If using an all-weather mat for winter use
always remove the original floor mat.
When setting a floor mat, position the
floor mat so that its grommets are inserted
over the pointed end of the retention posts.
Before Driving
Driving Tips
3-52
MX-5_8JA4-EA-19K_Edition1_old 2019-8-29 16:18:06

Rocking the Vehicle
WA R N I N G
Do not spin the wheels at more than 56
km/h (35 mph), and do not allow anyone
to stand behind a wheel when pushing the
vehicle:
When the vehicle is stuck, spinning the
wheels at high speed is dangerous. The
spinning tire could overheat and explode.
This could cause serious injuries.
CAUTION
Too much rocking may cause engine
overheating, transmission failure, and tire
damage.
If you must rock the vehicle to free it from
snow, sand or mud, depress the accelerator
slightly and slowly move the shift lever/
selector lever from 1 (D) to R position.
Winter Driving
Carry emergency gear, including tire
chains, window scraper, flares, a small
shovel, jumper cables, and a small bag of
sand or salt.
Ask an Authorized Mazda Dealer to check
the following:
Have the proper ratio of antifreeze in the
radiator.
Refer to Engine Coolant on page 6-25.
Inspect the battery and its cables. Cold
reduces battery capacity.
Use an engine oil appropriate for the
lowest ambient temperatures that the
vehicle will be driven in (page 6-23).
Inspect the ignition system for damage
and loose connections.
Use washer flu id made with
antifreeze―but do not use engine
coolant antifreeze for washer fluid (page
6-27).
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 windshield is dangerous as it
could obstruct vision.
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
windshield.
Before Driving
Driving Tips
3-53
MX-5_8JA4-EA-19K_Edition1_old 2019-8-29 16:18:06

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 Tires
Use snow tires on all 4 wheels
Do not go faster than 120 km/h (75 mph)
while driving with snow tires. Inflate snow
tires 30 kPa (0.3 kgf/cm
2, 4.3 psi) more
than recommended on the tire pressure
label (driver's door frame), but never more
than the maximum cold-tire pressure
shown on the tires.

The vehicle is origin ally equipped with
summer tires designed for optimum
traction on wet and dry roads. If your
vehicle is to be used on snow and ice
covered roads, Mazda recommends that
you replace the tires originally equipped
on your vehicle with snow tires during the
winter months.
WA R N I N G
Use only the same size and type tires (snow,
radial, or non-radial) on all 4 wheels:
Using tires 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 tires.
NOTE
The tire pressure monitoring system may
not function correctly when using tires
with steel wire reinforcement in the
sidewalls (page 4-118).
▼ Tire Chains
Check local regulations before using tire
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 tires and chains could
be damaged.
 Chains may scratch or chip aluminum
wheels.
NOTE
The tire pressure monitoring system may
not function correctly when using tire
chains.
Install the chains on the rear tires only.
Do not use chains on the front tires.
Please consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
Before Driving
Driving Tips
3-54
MX-5_8JA4-EA-19K_Edition1_old 2019-8-29 16:18:06

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 autom atically to provide
optimum power to th e drive wheels,
limiting wheel spin a nd loss of traction.

The warning light turns on when the
system has a malfunction.
Refer to Contact Authorized Mazda
Dealer and Have Vehicle Inspected on
page 7-36.
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 could still have an
accident.
NOTE
To turn off the TCS, press the DSC OFF
switch (page 4-68).
▼ 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
4-66
MX-5_8JA4-EA-19K_Edition1_old
2019-8-29 16:18:06

▼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 pressu
re sensor batteries
are exhausted.
When using a wheel with no tire
pressure sensor installed.
When using tires with steel wire
reinforcement in the sidewalls.
When using tire chains.
▼ 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 pressure sensor ID signal
code registration.

When Driving
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
4-118
MX-5_8JA4-EA-19K_Edition1_old 2019-8-29 16:18:06

Rear View Monitor*
The rear view monitor provides visual images of the rear of the vehicle when reversing.
WA R N I N G
Always drive carefully
confirming the safety of the rear and the surrounding conditions by
looking directly with your eyes:
Reversing the vehicle by only looking at the screen is dangerous as it may cause an accident
or a collision with an object. The rear view monitor is only a visual assist device when
reversing the vehicle. The images on the screen may be different from the actual conditions.
CAUTION
Do not use the rear view monitor under the following conditions: Using the rear view
monitor under the following conditions is dang erous and could result in injury or vehicle
damage or both.
 Icy or snow-covered roads.
 Tire chains or a temporary spare tire is installed.
 The vehicle is on a road incline.
 When the display is cold, images may course across the monitor or the screen and may be
dimmer than usual, which could cause difficul ty in confirming the surrounding conditions
of the vehicle. Always drive carefully confirming the safety of the rear and the surrounding
conditions by looking directly with your eyes.
 Do not apply excessive force to the camera. The camera position and angle may deviate.
 Do not disassemble, modify, or remove it as it may no longer be waterproof.
 The camera cover is made of plastic. Do not apply degreasing agents, organic solvents,
wax, or glass coating agents to the camera co ver. If any are spilled on the cover, wipe off
with a soft cloth immediately.
 Do not rub the camera cover forcefully with an abrasive or hard brush. The camera cover or
lens may be scratched which might affect the images.
When Driving
Rear View Monitor
4-120*Some models.
MX-5_8JA4-EA-19K_Edition1_old 2019-8-29 16:18:06

Index
Key battery.................................. 6-34
Light bulbs...................................6-42
Tires............................................. 6-40
Wheel........................................... 6-41
Wiper........................................... 6-28
Request Switch Inoperable Warning
Beep (With the advanced keyless
function)............................................ 7-50
Retractable hardtop warning beep..... 7-49
Rocking the Vehicle.......................... 3-53
S
Safety Defects, Reporting................. 8-14
Saving Fuel and Protection of the
Environment...................................... 3-51
Scheduled Maintenance...................... 6-4
Seat...................................................... 2-5
Seats Head restraint...............................2-11
Seat warmer................................. 2-12
Seat Belt System Automatic locking....................... 2-15
Emergency locking...................... 2-15
Extender....................................... 2-19
Pregnant women.......................... 2-15
Seat belt precautions................... 2-13
3-point type................................. 2-16
Seat Belt Warning Beep.................... 7-48
Seat Side Box....................................5-99
Security System Immobilizer system..................... 3-47
Theft-deterrent system................. 3-49
Smart City Brake Support
(SCBS)............................................ 4-101 Collision warning...................... 4-103
Smart City Brake Support (SCBS)
Indicator Light (Red).................4-103
Stopping the Smart City Brake
Support (SCBS) System
Operation................................... 4-104
Specifications...................................... 9-4
Speedometer...................................... 4-13
SRS Air BagsHow the SRS air bags work........ 2-43
Limitations to SRS air bag.......... 2-47
Monitoring................................... 2-55
Passenger occupant classification
system.......................................... 2-49
SRS air bag deployment
criteria.......................................... 2-46
Supplemental restraint system
components.................................. 2-42
Starting the Engine..............................4-5
Steering Wheel
Horn............................................. 4-56
Storage Compartments ...................... 5-99
Back trim storage box............... 5-100
Console box................................. 5-99
Seat side box............................... 5-99
Sunvisors........................................... 5-92
T
Tachometer........................................ 4-14
Theft-Deterrent System ..................... 3-49
Tiedown Hook............................................ 7-31
Tires................................................... 6-38 Flat tire.......................................... 7-3
Replacing a tire........................... 6-40
Replacing a wheel....................... 6-41
Snow tires.................................... 3-54
Specifications.................................9-8
Tire chains................................... 3-54
Tire inflation pressure................. 6-38
Tire rotation................................. 6-39
Uniform tire quality grading system
(UTQGS)..................................... 8-23
Tire Inflation Pressure Warning
Beep...................................................7-50
Tire Information................................ 8-25
10-7
MX-5_8JA4-EA-19K_Edition1_old 2019-8-29 16:18:06