2003 MAZDA MODEL MPV ground clearance

7-5
In Case of an Emergency
Flat Tire
Form No. 8R21-EA-02G
To remove the spare tire
1. Have everyone get out of the vehicle
and away from the vehicle and traffic.
2. For side-spoiler equipped vehicles,
remove the fasteners on both sides of
the spoiler cap by turning them
counterclockwise.
Pull the spoiler cap out and to the left. To avoid damage to the temporary
spare or to the vehicle, observe the
following precautions:
•Don’t exceed 80 km/h (50 mph).
•Avoid driving over obstacles.
Also, don’t drive through an
automatic car wash. This tire’s
diameter is smaller than a
conventional tire’s, so the ground
clearance is reduced about 25 mm
(1 in).
•Don’t use a tire chain on this tire
because it won’t fit properly.
•Don’t use your temporary spare on
any other vehicle; it has been
designed only for your Mazda.
•Do not tow a trailer while using this
tire.
•Use only one temporary spare tire
on your vehicle at the same time.CAUTION
NOTE
•Install the side spoiler cap in reverse
order of removal.
•After installing the side spoiler cap,
make sure it is securely attached.
Fastener
Spoiler cap
J16L_8R21-EA-02G.book Page 5 Saturday, June 8, 2002 11:16 AM

7-7
In Case of an Emergency
Flat Tire
Form No. 8R21-EA-02G
8. Rotate the small lever on top of the
retaining plate and pull the retaining
plate out from the center hole of the
tire.
To secure the spare tire
1. Place the tire with the outer side facing
upward, rotate the small lever on top of
the retaining plate and slide the
retaining plate through the center hole
of the tire.
Rotate the small lever into place.
2. Raise the spare tire slowly in reverse
order of removal.3. Replace the spare tire carrier cap in the
socket and turn it until the spare tire is
pulled up tight.
Retaining
plate
Retaining
plate
Retaining
plate
Lever
Spare tire
•Applying excessive lateral force
while the spare tire lever is attached
may result in damage to the socket.
•Place the specialized temporary
spare tire in the spare tire carrier
correctly.
Placing the specialized temporary
spare tire wrong side up or using
any tire other than the small
temporary spare tire designed for
use with this vehicle will result in
poor attachment and insufficient
ground clearance in the spare tire
carrier and the danger of the tire
falling off.
NOTE
Unless the cable is rolled up
completely, the spare tire lever cannot
be removed from the socket.
CAUTION
J16L_8R21-EA-02G.book Page 7 Saturday, June 8, 2002 11:16 AM

8-23
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
Form No. 8R21-EA-02G
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.

Tire Inflation Pressure
Inspect all tire pressures monthly
(including the spare) when the tires are
cold. Maintain recommended pressures
for the best ride, top handling, and
minimum tire wear.
Refer to the specification charts
(page 10-6).
Tires
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 your Mazda (page 10-6)
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 your
Mazda.
WARNING
Incorrect Tire Inflation:
Overinflation or underinflation of
tires is dangerous. Adverse handling
or unexpected tire failure could result
in a serious accident. Always inflate
the tires to the correct pressure (page
10-6).
WARNING
J16L_8R21-EA-02G.book Page 23 Saturday, June 8, 2002 11:16 AM

8-26
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
Form No. 8R21-EA-02G

Replacing a Wheel
When replacing a wheel, make sure the
new one is the same as the original factory
wheel in diameter, rim width, and offset.
Proper tire balancing provides the best
riding comfort and helps reduce tread
wear. Out-of-balance tires can cause
vibration and uneven wear, such as
cupping and flat spots.
Using a Wrong-Sized Wheel:
Using a wrong-sized wheel is
dangerous. Braking and handling
could be affected, leading to loss of
control and an accident. Always use
wheels of the correct size on your
vehicle.
A wrong-sized wheel may adversely
affect
•Tire fit
•Wheel and bearing life
•Ground clearance
•Snow-chain clearance
•Speedometer calibration
•Headlight aim
•Bumper height
WARNING
CAUTION
J16L_8R21-EA-02G.book Page 26 Saturday, June 8, 2002 11:16 AM