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Before Getting In
lBe sure the windows, outside mirrors,
and outside lights are clean.
lInspect inflation pressures and
condition of tires.
lLook under the vehicle for any sign of
a leak.
lIf you plan to back up, make sure
nothing is in your way.
NOTE
Engine oil, engine coolant, brake/clutch
fluid, washer fluid, and other fluid
levels should be inspected. See
Maintenance, Section 8.
After Getting In
lAre all doors closed and locked?
lIs the seat adjusted properly?
lAre the inside and outside mirrors
adjusted?
lIs everyone's seat belt fastened?
lCheck all gauges.
lCheck all warning lights when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON
position.
lRelease the parking brake and make
sure the parking brake warning light
goes off.
Always be thoroughly familiar with your
Mazda.
Before Driving Your Mazda
Before Starting the Engine
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Break-In Period
No special break-in is necessary, but a few
precautions in the first 1,000 km (600
miles) may add to the performance,
economy, and life of your Mazda.
lDon't race the engine.
lDon't maintain one constant speed,
either slow or fast, for a long period of
time.
lDon't drive constantly at full-throttle or
high engine rpm for extended periods
of time.
lAvoid unnecessary hard stops.
lAvoid full-throttle starts.
Money-Saving Suggestions
How you operate your Mazda determines
how far it will travel on a tank of fuel. Use
these suggestions to help save money on
fuel and repairs.
lAvoid long warm-ups. Once the engine
runs smoothly, begin driving.
lAvoid fast starts.
lKeep the engine tuned. Follow the
maintenance schedule (page 8-3) and
have an Authorized Mazda Dealer
perform inspections and servicing.
lUse the air conditioner only when
necessary.
lSlow down on rough roads.
lKeep the tires properly inflated.
lDon't carry unnecessary weight.
lDon't rest your foot on the brake pedal
while driving.
lKeep the wheels in correct alignment.
lKeep windows closed at high speeds.
lSlow down when driving in crosswinds
and headwinds.
WARNING
Coasting:
Stopping the engine when going down
a hill is dangerous. This causes the
loss of power steering and power
brake control, and may cause damage
to the drivetrain. Any loss of steering
or braking control could cause an
accident. Never stop the engine when
going down a hill.
4-8
Before Driving Your Mazda
Driving Tips
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Turbocharger Information (MAZDASPEED MX-5)
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:
lThe 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.
lChange the engine oil and filter using the turbo engine interval outlined in the
maintenance schedule (for your driving condition).
lUse only the recommended engine oil (page 8-15). Extra oil additives are NOT
recommended.
lAfter 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.
lDon't race or over-rev the engine when starting. This should not be done with ANY
engine, especially not with one that's turbocharged.
lDo 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.
Before Driving Your Mazda
Driving Tips
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8Maintenance and Care
How to keep your Mazda in top condition.
Introduction .................................................................................. 8-2Introduction ............................................................................... 8-2
Scheduled Maintenance ................................................................ 8-3 Scheduled Maintenance (North America) ................................. 8-3
Scheduled Maintenance (Except North America) ..................... 8-8
Owner Maintenance ................................................................... 8-12 Owner Maintenance Schedule ................................................ 8-12
Owner Maintenance Precautions ............................................. 8-13
Engine Compartment Overview .............................................. 8-14
Engine Oil ............................................................................... 8-15
Engine Coolant ....................................................................... 8-18
Brake Fluid ............................................................................. 8-20
Clutch Fluid ............................................................................ 8-21
Power Steering Fluid ............................................................... 8-22
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) ..................................... 8-23
Washer Fluid ........................................................................... 8-25
Body Lubrication .................................................................... 8-26
Air Filter .................................................................................. 8-26
Wiper Blades ........................................................................... 8-27
Battery ..................................................................................... 8-29
Tires ........................................................................................ 8-30
Light Bulbs ............................................................................. 8-34
Fuses ....................................................................................... 8-38
Appearance Care ........................................................................ 8-42 How to Minimize Environmental Paint Damage .................... 8-42
Exterior Care ........................................................................... 8-44
Interior Care ............................................................................ 8-48
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Introduction
Be extremely careful and prevent injury to yourself and others or damage to your vehicle
when using this manual for inspection and maintenance.
If you're unsure about any procedure it describes, we strongly urge you to have a reliable
and qualified service shop perform the work, preferably an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Factory-trained Mazda technicians and genuine Mazda parts are best for your vehicle.
Without this expertise and the parts that have been designed and made especially for your
Mazda, inadequate, incomplete, and insufficient servicing may result in problems. This
could lead to vehicle damage or an accident and injuries.
For expert advice and quality service, consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
The owner should retain evidence that proper maintenance has been performed as
prescribed.
Claims against the warranty resulting from lack of maintenance, as opposed to defective
materials or authorized Mazda workmanship, will not be honored.
Any auto repair shop using parts equivalent to your Mazda's original equipment may
perform maintenance.But we recommend that it always be done by an Authorized
Mazda Dealer using genuine Mazda parts.
8-2
Maintenance and Care
Introduction
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Scheduled Maintenance (North America)
Follow Schedule 1 if the vehicle is operated mainly where none of the following conditions
apply.
If any do apply, follow Schedule 2 (Canada and Puerto Rico residents follow Schedule 2).
lRepeated short-distance driving
lDriving in dusty conditions
lDriving with extended use of brakes
lDriving in areas where salt or other corrosive materials are being used
lDriving on rough or muddy roads
lExtended periods of idling or low-speed operation
lDriving for long periods in cold temperatures or extremely humid climates
NOTE
After the prescribed period, continue to follow the described maintenance at the
recommended intervals.
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
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qSchedule 1
Maintenance Interval Number of months or kilometers (miles), whichever comes first
Months 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48
×1000 km 12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96
×1000 miles 7.5 15 22.5 30 37.5 45 52.5 60
ENGINE
Engine valve clearance I
Engine timing belt Replace every 96,000 km (60,000 miles)
Drive belt (tension) I I
Engine oil MX-5/Miata R R R R R R R R
MAZDASPEED MX-5 Replace every 8,000 km (5,000 miles) or 5 months
Engine oil filter MX-5/Miata R R R R R R R R
MAZDASPEED MX-5 Replace every 8,000 km (5,000 miles) or 5 months
COOLING SYSTEM
Cooling system I I
Engine coolant Replace at first 96,000 km (60,000 miles) or 48 months;
after that, every 24 months
FUEL SYSTEM
Idle speed I I
Air filter C C R C
Fuel lines and hoses
*II
Hoses and tubes for emission*I
IGNITION SYSTEM
Spark plugs MX-5/Miata R R
MAZDASPEED MX-5 Replace every 160,000 km (100,000 miles)
8-4
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
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Maintenance IntervalNumber of months or kilometers (miles), whichever comes first
Months 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48
×1000 km 12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96
×1000 miles 7.5 15 22.5 30 37.5 45 52.5 60
CHASSIS and BODY
Brake lines, hoses and connections I I
Disc brakes I I I I
Tire (Rotation) Rotate every 12,000 km (7,500 miles)
Steering operation and linkages I I
Manual transmission oil R
Rear differential oil R
Front and rear suspension ball joints I I
Driveshaft dust boots I I
Exhaust system and heat shields Inspect every 72,000 km (45,000 miles) or 60 months
All locks and hinges L L L L L L L L
Chart symbols
I: Inspect: Inspect and repair, clean, adjust, or replace if necessary.
R: Replace
C: Clean
L: Lubricate
Remarks
* According to state/provincial and federal regulations, failure to perform maintenance on these items will not
void your emissions warranties. However, Mazda recommends that all maintenance services be performed at the
recommended time or mileage/kilometer period to ensure long-term reliability.
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
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