Page 165 of 250

7-5
In Case of an Emergency
Flat Tire
Form No. 8Q50-EA-01G
If you have a flat tire, drive slowly to a
level spot that is well off the road and out
of the way of traffic to change the tire.
Stopping in traffic or on the shoulder of a
busy road is dangerous.1. Park on a level surface off the right-of-
way and firmly set the parking brake.
2. Put a vehicle with an automatic transaxle in park (P), a manual
transaxle in reverse (R), and turn off
the engine.
3. Turn on the hazard warning flasher.
4. Have everyone get out of the vehicle and away from the vehicle and traffic.
5. Remove the jack, tool, and spare tire (page 7-3).
6. Block the wheel diagonally opposite the flat tire. When blocking a front
wheel, place the block in front of the
tire. When blocking a rear wheel, place
the block behind the tire.
Changing a Flat Tire
NOTE
If the following occurs while driving, it
could indicate a flat tire.
•Steering becomes difficult.
• The vehicle begins to vibrate
excessively.
• The vehicle pulls in one direction.
Jacking a Vehicle:Changing a tire is dangerous if not
done properly. The vehicle can slip off
the jack and seriously injure
someone.
Be sure to follow the directions for
changing a tire, and never get under a
vehicle that is supported only by a
jack.
Passenger in 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. Never allow anyone inside a
vehicle supported by jack.
WARNING
NOTE
Make sure the jack is well lubricated
before using it.
J94S.book Page 5 Saturday, June 23, 2001 1:04 PM
Page 166 of 250
7-6
In Case of an Emergency
Flat Tire
Form No. 8Q50-EA-01G
Removing a Flat Tire
1. Pry off the wheel cover with the
beveled end of the lug wrench. 2. Loosen the lug nuts by turning them
counterclockwise one turn each, but
don ’t remove any until the tire has been
raised off the ground.
3. Place the jack under the jacking position closest to the tire being
changed.
NOTE
Force the end of the wrench firmly
between wheel and cover, or removal
will be difficult.
Align the notch on the wheel cover
with the valve stem when installing it.
Damage could occur during
installation if the wheel cover is not
properly aligned.
Lug wrench
Wheel cover
CAUTION
Tire valve
Jacking position
J94S.book Page 6 Saturday, June 23, 2001 1:04 PM
Page 167 of 250

7-7
In Case of an Emergency
Flat Tire
Form No. 8Q50-EA-01G
4. Insert the lug wrench into the jack.5. Turn the lug wrench clockwise until
the tire just clears the ground, less than
25 mm (1 in). Before removing the lug
nuts, make sure your Mazda is firmly
in position and that it cannot slip or
move.
6. Remove the lug nuts by turning them counterclockwise; then remove the
wheel.
Mounting the Spare Tire
1. Remove dirt and grime from the
mounting surfaces of the wheel and
hub, including the hub bolts, with a
cloth.
Incorrect Jacking Position:Attempting to jack the vehicle in
positions other than those
recommended in this manual is
dangerous. The vehicle could slip off
the jack and seriously injure or even
kill someone. Use only the front and
rear jacking positions recommended
in this manual.
Improper Jack:
Using a jack that isn ’t designed for
your Mazda is dangerous. The vehicle
could slip off the jack and seriously
injure someone. Use only the jack
provided with your Mazda.
Placing Objects Under the Jack:
Jacking the vehicle with an object
under the jack is dangerous. The jack
could slip and someone could be
seriously injured by the jack or the
falling vehicle. Never place objects
under the jack.
WARNING
J94S.book Page 7 Saturday, June 23, 2001 1:04 PM