2004 MAZDA MODEL 6 HATCHBACK tires

Black plate (129,1)
NOTE
lWhen driving slowly, the gears may
not shift up depending on vehicle
speed.
lIn manual shift mode, gears do not
shift up automatically. Don't run the
engine with the tachometer needle in
the RED ZONE. If the tachometer
needle enters the RED ZONE, you
may feel engine-braking because the
fuel delivery will be stopped to
protect the engine. However, this
does not indicate an abnormality.
lGears may not be shifted from M1 to
M2 right after shifting the lever from
D to M. Wait a few seconds and then
shift up to M2.
lWhen depressing the accelerator
fully, the transaxle will shift to a
lower gear, depending on vehicle
speed.
Manually Shifting down
(M5
*→M4→M3→M2→M1)
To shift down to a lower gear, tap the shift
lever forward (
) once.
* 3.0-liter engine model
WARNING
Sudden Engine-Braking:
Shifting down while driving on wet,
snowy, or frozen roads, or while
driving at high speeds causes sudden
engine braking, which 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. Do not use sudden engine
braking on slippery road surfaces or at
high speeds.
NOTE
lWhen driving at high speeds, the
gear may not shift down depending
on vehicle speed.
lDuring deceleration, the gear may
automatically shift down depending
on vehicle speed.
lWhen depressing the accelerator
fully, the transaxle will shift to a
lower gear, depending on vehicle
speed.
Shifting specification (2.3-liter enginemodel)
Shifting up
If the vehicle speed is lower than the
speed specified for each gear, the gear
cannot be shifted up to a higher gear.
Gear Vehicle speed
M1→M2You can shift up to M2 whether
the vehicle is stopped or moving.
M2→M3 20 km/h (12 mph)
M3→M4 35 km/h (22 mph)
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
5-13
Mazda6_8T12-EA-03K_Edition1 Page129
Friday, December 5 2003 8:55 AM
Form No.8T12-EA-03K

Black plate (136,1)
lPress the CANCEL button.
The system is off when the ignition is off.
NOTE
Cruise control will cancel at about 15
km/h (9 mph) below the preset speed or
below 40 km/h (25 mph).
Traction Control System
(TCS)í
The Traction Control System (TCS)
enhances traction and safety by
controlling engine torque. When the TCS
detects driving wheel slippage, it lowers
engine torque to prevent loss of traction.
This means that on a slick surface, the
engine adjusts automatically to provide
optimum power to the drive wheels
without causing them to spin and lose
traction.
WARNING
TCS and Unsafe 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. So
don't rely on the traction control
system as a substitute for safe driving.
TCS and Snow and Ice:
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. Use snow
tires and drive at reduced speeds when
roads are covered with ice and/or
snow.
5-20
Driving Your Mazda
íSome models.
Starting and Driving
Mazda6_8T12-EA-03K_Edition1 Page136
Friday, December 5 2003 8:55 AM
Form No.8T12-EA-03K

Black plate (231,1)
qLocking Lug Nutsí
If your vehicle has optional antitheft
wheel lug nuts, one on each wheel will
lock the tires and you must use a special
key to unlock them. This key is attached
to the lug wrench and is stored with the
spare tire. Register them with the lock
manufacturer by filling out the card
provided in the glove box and mailing it
in the accompanying envelope. If you lose
your key, consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer or use the lock manufacturer's
order form, which is with the registration
card.
Special key Antitheft lug nut
To remove an antitheft lug nut
1. Get the key for the locking lug nut.
2. Place it on top of the nut, and be sure
to hold the key square to it. If you hold
the key at an angle, you may damage
both key and nut. Don't use a power
impact wrench.
3. Place the lug wrench on top of the key
and apply pressure. Turn the wrench
counterclockwise.
To replace the nut
1. Place the key on top of the nut.
2. Place the lug wrench on top of the key,
apply pressure, and turn it clockwise.
qMounting the Spare Tire
1. Remove dirt and grime from the
mounting surfaces of the wheel and
hub, including the hub bolts, with a
cloth.
WARNING
Removing Dirt and Grime fromWheels, Hubs and Hub Bolts:
When changing or replacing a tire,
not removing dirt and grime from the
mounting surfaces of the wheel, hub
and hub bolts is dangerous. The lug
nuts could loosen while driving and
cause the tire to come off, resulting in
an accident. Make sure the mounting
surfaces of the wheel, hub and lug
nuts are clean before changing or
replacing tires.
2. Mount the spare tire.
In Case of an Emergency
Flat Tire
7-11íSome models. Mazda6_8T12-EA-03K_Edition1 Page231
Friday, December 5 2003 8:58 AM
Form No.8T12-EA-03K

Black plate (233,1)
WARNING
Metric Studs and Lug Nuts:
Because the wheel studs and lug nuts
on your Mazda have metric threads,
using a non-metric nut is dangerous.
On a metric stud, it would not secure
the wheel and would damage the stud,
which could cause the wheel to slip off
and cause an accident. Be sure to
reinstall the same nuts you removed or
replace them with metric nuts of the
same configuration.
Incorrect Tire Air Pressure:
Driving on tires with incorrect air
pressure is dangerous. Tires with
incorrect pressure could affect
handling and result in an accident.
Don't drive with any tires that have
incorrect air pressure. When you
check the regular tires' air pressure,
check the spare tire, too.
5. Store the damaged tire, using the tire
hold-down bolt to hold it in place.
Have the damaged tire repaired as soon
as possible.
Without sub-woofer
Tire hold-down bolt Tire clamp
With sub-woofer
WasherTire hold-down
bolt (Gold)
Sub-woofer
NOTE
(Hatchback with sub-woofer)
When storing a damaged conventional
tire in the luggage compartment, the
sub-woofer can be stored in its original
position, however, the sub-woofer
connector on the trunk board cannot be
connected.
NOTE
To prevent the jack and tool from
rattling, store them properly.
In Case of an Emergency
Flat Tire
7-13
Mazda6_8T12-EA-03K_Edition1 Page233
Friday, December 5 2003 8:58 AM
Form No.8T12-EA-03K

Black plate (243,1)
8Maintenance and Care
How to keep your Mazda in top condition.
Introduction .................................................................................. 8-2
Introduction ............................................................................... 8-2
Scheduled Maintenance ................................................................ 8-3
Scheduled Maintenance ............................................................ 8-3
Owner Maintenance ..................................................................... 8-7
Owner Maintenance Schedule .................................................. 8-7
Owner Maintenance Precautions ............................................... 8-8
Engine Compartment Overview ................................................ 8-9
Engine Oil ............................................................................... 8-10
Engine Coolant ....................................................................... 8-12
Brake/Clutch Fluid .................................................................. 8-15
Power Steering Fluid ............................................................... 8-16
Automatic Transaxle Fluid (ATF) ........................................... 8-17
Washer Fluid ........................................................................... 8-18
Body Lubrication .................................................................... 8-19
Air Filter .................................................................................. 8-20
Wiper Blades ........................................................................... 8-21
Battery ..................................................................................... 8-26
Tires ........................................................................................ 8-27
Light Bulbs ............................................................................. 8-31
Fuses ....................................................................................... 8-38
Appearance Care ........................................................................ 8-43
How to Minimize Environmental Paint Damage .................... 8-43
Exterior Care ........................................................................... 8-45
Interior Care ............................................................................ 8-48
8-1
Mazda6_8T12-EA-03K_Edition1 Page243
Friday, December 5 2003 8:58 AM
Form No.8T12-EA-03K

Black plate (269,1)
qBattery Maintenance
To get the best service from a battery:
lKeep it securely mounted.
lKeep the top clean and dry.
lKeep terminals and connections clean,
tight, and coated with petroleum jelly
or terminal grease.
lRinse off spilled electrolyte
immediately with a solution of water
and baking soda.
lIf the vehicle will not be used for an
extended time, disconnect the battery
cables and charge the battery every six
weeks.
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.
WARNING
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.
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-27
Mazda6_8T12-EA-03K_Edition1 Page269
Friday, December 5 2003 8:59 AM
Form No.8T12-EA-03K

Black plate (270,1)
qTire Inflation Pressure
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).
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.
Tire pressure label
Refer to the specification charts (page
10-6).
NOTE
lAlways check tire pressure when
tires are cold.
lWarm tires normally exceed
recommended pressures. Don't
release air from warm tires to adjust
the pressure.
lUnderinflation can cause reduced
fuel economy and poor sealing of the
tire bead, which will deform the
wheel and cause separation of tire
from rim.
lOverinflation can produce a harsh
ride 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.
qTire Rotation
To equalize tread wear, rotate the tires
every 12,000 km (7,500 miles)/8,000 km*
(5,000 miles) or sooner if irregular wear
develops. During rotation, inspect them
for correct balance.
* Unique driving conditions for USA,
Canada and Puerto Rico
Do not include (TEMPORARY USE ONLY)
spare tire in rotation.Front
8-28
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
Mazda6_8T12-EA-03K_Edition1 Page270
Friday, December 5 2003 8:59 AM
Form No.8T12-EA-03K

Black plate (271,1)
Also, inspect them for uneven wear and
damage. Abnormal wear is usually caused
by one or a combination of the following:
lIncorrect tire pressure
lImproper wheel alignment
lOut-of-balance wheel
lSevere braking
After rotation, inflate all tire pressures to
specification (page 10-6) 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 weakened if rotated from side to
side.
qReplacing a Tire
WARNING
Worn Tires:
Driving with worn tires is dangerous.
Reduced braking, steering, and
traction could result in an accident.
Always use tires that are in good
condition.If a tire wears evenly, a wear indicator
will appear as a solid band across the
tread.
Replace the tire when this happens.
New treadTread wear indicator
Worn tread
You should replace it before the band is
across the entire tread.
qTemporary Spare Tire
Inspect the temporary spare tire at least
monthly to make sure it's properly inflated
and stored.
The temporary spare tire is easier to
handle because of its construction. It is
lighter and smaller than a conventional
tire and should be used only for an
emergency and only for a short distance.
Use the temporary only until the
conventional tire is repaired, which should
be as soon as possible.
Maintain its pressure at 420 kPa (4.2 kgf/
cm
2or bar, 60 psi).
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-29
Mazda6_8T12-EA-03K_Edition1 Page271
Friday, December 5 2003 8:59 AM
Form No.8T12-EA-03K