4-2
Before Driving Your Mazda
Form No. 8T02-EA-03L
Fuel and Engine Exhaust Precautions
Vehicles with catalytic converters or oxygen sensors must use ONLY UNLEADED FUEL,
which will reduce exhaust emissions and keep spark plug fouling to a minimum.
MX-5/miata
Your Mazda will perform best with fuel listed in the table.
* U.S. federal law requires that octane ratings be posted on gasoline station pumps.
You may use a regular unleaded fuel with an Octane Rating from 87 to 90 (91 to 95 RON)
but this will slightly reduce performance.
Fuel with a rating lower than 87 octane (91 RON) could cause the emission control system
to lose effectiveness. It could also cause engine knocking and serious engine damage.
MAZDASPEED MX-5
Use only premium unleaded fuel listed in the table.
* U.S. federal law requires that octane ratings be posted on gasoline station pumps.
Fuel Requirements
Fuel Octane Rating* (Anti-knock index)
Premium unleaded fuel 91 [ (R+M)/2 method] or above (96 RON or above)
Fuel Octane Rating
*(Anti-knock index)
Premium unleaded fuel 91 [ (R+M)/2 method] or above (96 RON or above)
•USE ONLY UNLEADED FUEL.
Leaded fuel is harmful to the catalytic converter or the oxygen sensor. The lead will
accumulate on the oxygen sensor and the catalyst inside the converter. This will result
in a malfunction of the emission control system, causing poor performance.
• Your vehicle can only use oxygenated fuels containing no more than 10% ethanol by
volume. Damage to your vehicle may occur when ethanol exceeds this
recommendation, or if the gasoline contains any methanol. Stop using gasohol of any
kind if your vehicle engine is performing poorly.
• Never add fuel system additives. Never add cleaning agents other than those specified
by Mazda. Other cleaning agents and additives may damage the system. Consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
• (MAZDASPEED MX-5)
Never use fuel other than premium unleaded fuel for your vehicle. Use of other fuel
could cause poor engine performance and serious engine knocking.
CAUTION
J07S_8T02-EA-03L_Edition1.book Page 2 Monday, November 10, 2003 11:21 AM
Black process 45.0 ° 240.0 LPI
4-12
Before Driving Your Mazda
Driving Tips
Form No. 8T02-EA-03L
The turbocharger greatly enhances engine power. Its advanced design provides better
operation and requires minimum additional maintenance. To get maximum performance
from your turbocharged engine, take note of the following tips:
•The turbocharged engine is designed for optimal operation with premium unleaded
gasoline (page 4-2). Do not use fuel with a lower octane rating. Extra fuel additives are
NOT recommended.
• Change the engine oil and filter using the turbo engine interval outlined in the
maintenance schedule (for your driving condition).
• Use only the recommended engine oil (page 8-13).Extra oil additives are NOT
recommended.
• After driving at freeway speeds or up a long hill, idle the engine at least 30 seconds to
cool the turbo. Avoid simply shutting the engine off abruptly after a hard or long drive.
Damage to the turbocharger may result.
• Don
’t race or over-rev the engine when starting. This should not be done with ANY
engine, especially not with one that ’s turbocharged.
• Do not add any aftermarket devices to alter the engine
’s ignition timing, fuel delivery, or
turbo boost pressure. This may lead to serious engine damage and may void your
warranty.
Turbocharger Information (MAZDASPEED MX-5)
J07S_8T02-EA-03L_Edition1.book Page 12 Monday, November 10, 2003 11:21 AM
Black process 45.0 ° 240.0 LPI
