tire size MAZDA MODEL MX-5 MIATA RF 2021 Owners Manual

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 sno
w 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 c old-tire pressure
shown on the tires.

The vehicle is originally 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.
WARNING
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 vehi cle'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 4-116).
▼ Tire Chains
Check local regulati
ons 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
3-51
MX-5_8JS9-EA-20K_Edition1_old 2020-8-28 13:50:01

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 4-66) and TCS (page
4-67).

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 Contact Authorized Mazda
Dealer and Have Vehicle Inspected on
page 7-36.
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 4 wheels.
 Use tires of the same manufacturer,
brand and tread pattern on all 4
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
4-68
MX-5_8JS9-EA-20K_Edition1_old
2020-8-28 13:50:01

Heed the following cautions to assure the correct operation of the Forward Sensing Camera
(FSC).
 Be careful not to scratch the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) lens or allow it to get dirty.
 Do not remove the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) cover.
 Do not place objects on the dashboard which reflect light.
 Always keep the windshield glass around the camera clean by removing dirt or fogging.
Use the windshield defroster to remove fogging on the windshield.
 Consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer regardi ng cleaning the interior side of the
windshield around the Forw ard Sensing Camera (FSC).
 Consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer before performing repairs around the Forward
Sensing Camera (FSC).
 The Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) is installe d to the windshield. Consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer for windshield repair and replacement.
 When cleaning the wind shield, do not allow glass cleaners or similar cleaning fluids to
get on the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) le ns. In addition, do not touch the Forward
Sensing Camera (FSC) lens.
 When performing repairs around the rearv iew mirror, consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
 Consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer regarding cleaning of the camera lens.
 Do not hit or apply strong force to the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) or the area around
it. If the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) is severely hit or if there are cracks or damage
caused by flying gravel or debris in the area around it, stop using the following systems
and consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
 High Beam Control System (HBC)
 Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS)
 Traffic Sign Recognition System (TSR)
 Smart City Brake Support (SCBS)
 The direction in which the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) is pointed has been finely
adjusted. Do not change the installation posi tion of the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) or
remove it. Otherwise, it could result in damage or malfunction.
 Always use tires for all wheels that are of the specified size, and the same manufacturer,
brand, and tread pattern. In addition, do no t use tires with significantly different wear
patterns on the same vehicle as the system may not operate normally.
 The Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) includes a function for detecting a soiled windshield
and informing the driver, however, depending on the conditions, it may not detect plastic
shopping bags, ice or snow on the windshield. In such cases, the system cannot accurately
determine a vehicle ahead and may not be able to operate normally. Always drive carefully
and pay attention to the road ahead.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
4-104
MX-5_8JS9-EA-20K_Edition1_old 2020-8-28 13:50:01

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.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle ha s been equipped with a tire pressure monitoring
system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pre ssure telltale when one or more of your tires is
significantly under-inflated. Accordingly, when th e 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-in flated tire causes the tire to overheat and can
lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also reduce s 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 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 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 wi ll 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 reasons, 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 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.
 To avoid false readings, the system samples fo r a little while before indicating a problem. As
a result it will not instantaneously regi ster a rapid tire deflation or blow out.
When Driving
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
4-115
MX-5_8JS9-EA-20K_Edition1_old 2020-8-28 13:50:01

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 9-9) 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 9-9.
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
9-9).
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.
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 frequen tly needs inflating,
have it inspected.
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
6-34
MX-5_8JS9-EA-20K_Edition1_old 2020-8-28 13:50:01

▼Tire 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 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 9-9) 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
6-35
MX-5_8JS9-EA-20K_Edition1_old 2020-8-28 13:50:01

▼Replacing a Tire
WA R N I N G
Always use tires that are in good condition:
Driving with worn tires is dangerous.
Reduced braking, steering, and traction
could result in an accident.
Replace all four tires at the same time:
Replacing just one ti
re is dangerous. It
could cause poor handling and poor
braking resulting in loss of vehicle control.
Mazda strongly recommends that you
replace all four tires at the same time.
If a tire wears evenly, a wear indicator will
appear as a solid band across the tread.
Replace the tire when this happens.
New tread Tread wear indicator
Worn tread
You should replace the tire before the band
crosses the entire tread.
NOTE
Tires degrade over time, even when they
are not being used on the road. It is
recommended that tires generally be
replaced when they are 6 years or older.
Heat caused by hot climates or frequent
high loading conditions can accelerate the
aging process. The period in which the tire
was manufactured (both week and year) is
indicated by a 4-digit number.
Refer to Tire Labeling on page 8-25.
▼Replacing a Wheel
WA R N I N G
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:
 Tire fit
 Wheel and bearing life
 Ground clearance
 Snow-chain clearance
 Speedometer calibration
 Headlight aim
 Bumper height
 Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
6-36
MX-5_8JS9-EA-20K_Edition1_old 2020-8-28 13:50:01

Changing a Tire
WARNING
Be sure to follow the directions for
changing a tire:
Changing a tire 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, le vel surface off the
right-of-way and firm ly set the parking
brake.
2. Put a vehicle with an automatic
transmission in Park (P), a manual
transmission in Reve rse (R) or 1, and
turn off the engine.
3. Turn on the hazard warning flasher.
4. Have passengers get out of the vehicle and away from the vehicle and traffic.
5. Remove the jack and tool (page 7-3).
6. Block the wheel diagonally opposite the tire to be changed. When blocking
a wheel, place a tire block both in front
and behind the tire.
NOTE
When blocking a tire, use rocks or
wood blocks of sufficient size if
possible to hold the tire in place.
▼Removing a Tire
WA R N I N G
When jacking-up a vehicle, always shift the
shift lever to 1st or R (manual transmission
vehicle) or shift the selector lever to P
(automatic transmission vehicle), apply the
parking brake, and place wheel blocks in
the position diagonally opposed to the
jack:
Changing a
flat tire without using wheel
blocks is dangerous because the vehicle
may move and fall off the jack even with
the shift lever in 1st or R, or the select lever
is in P, which could result in an accident.
If Trouble Arises
Flat Tire
7-17
MX-5_8JS9-EA-20K_Edition1_old 2020-8-28 13:50:01

SignalWarning
(Red)
(Turns on)
KEY Warning
Light
*
If any malfunction occurs in the keyless entry system, it illuminates continuously.
CAUTION
If the key warning indicator light illuminates or the push button start indicator light (amber)
flashes, the engine may not start. If the engine cannot be started, try starting it using the
emergency operation for starting the engine, and have the vehicle inspected at an Author‐
ized Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.
Refer to Emergency Operation for Starting the Engine on page 4- 10.
(Turns on)
Lane Departure
Wa r n i n g S y s t e m
(LDWS) Warning
Indication/Warning
Light
*
The warning indication/warning light illuminates if there is a problem with the system.
Have your vehicle inspected at an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
The LDWS does not operate when the warning indication/warning l ight illuminates.
CAUTION
A problem in the system may be indicated under the following conditions. Have your ve‐
hicle inspected at an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
When the warning indication/warning light illuminates while driving the vehicle.
When the system is canceled automatically, the warning indication/warning light illu‐
minates. Normally, the system restores automatically and the warning indication/
warning light turns off, however, if the wa rning indication/warning light illuminates,
there may be a problem with the system.
 The warning indication/warning light does no t illuminate when the ignition is switch‐
ed ON.
 Always use tires for all wheels that are of the specified size, and the same manufacture,
brand, and tread pattern. In addition, do not use tires with significantly different wear
patterns on the same vehicle. If such improper tires are used, the LDWS may not operate
normally.
 When an emergency spare tire is used, the system may not operate normally.
NOTE
If the windshield area in front of the Fo rward Sensing Camera (FSC) is fogged or ob ‐
structed, the light turns on temporarily. If the light remains turned on, there may be a
problem with the system.
(Amber)
High Beam Control System (HBC)
Warning Indication/
Warning Light
*
The warning indication/warning light illuminates if there is a problem with the system.
Have your vehicle inspected a t an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
NOTE
If the windshield area in front of the Fo rward Sensing Camera (FSC) is fogged or ob ‐
structed, the warning in dication/warning light illuminates temporarily. If the warning in ‐
dication/warning light illuminates, ther e may be a problem with the system.
If Trouble Arises
Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds
*Some models.7-39
MX-5_8JS9-EA-20K_Edition1_old 2020-8-28 13:50:01

P215/65R15 95H is an example of a tire size and load index rating. Here is an explanation
of the various components of tha t tire size and load index rating. Note that the tire size and
load index rating may be different from the example.
P
Indicates a tire that may be ins talled on cars, SUVs, minivans and light trucks as designated
by the Tire and Rim Association (T&RA).
NOTE
If your tire size does not begin with a letter this may mean it is designated by either ETRTO
(European Tire and Rim Technical Organization) or JATMA (Japan Tire Manufacturing
Association).
215
“215” is the nominal width of the tire in millimeters. This thr ee-digit number gives the
width in millimeters of the tire from sidewall edge to sidewall edge. In general, the larger
the number, the wider the tire.
65
“65” is the aspect ratio. This two-digit number indicates the t ire's ratio of height to width.
R
“R” is the tire construction symbol. R indicates “Radial ply co nstruction”.
15
“15” is the wheel rim diameter in inches.
95
“95” is the Load Index. This two-or three-digit number indicate s how much weight each tire
can support.
H
“H” is the speed rating. The speed rating denotes the maximum s peed for which the use of
the tire is rated.
Letter Rating Speed Rating
Q9 9 m ph
R1 06 m ph
S 112 mph
T 118 mph
U1 24 m ph
H1 30 m ph
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
8-26
MX-5_8JS9-EA-20K_Edition1_old 2020-8-28 13:50:01