Black plate (94,1)
qTire Chains
Check local regulations before using tire
chains.
CAUTION
lChains may scratch or chip
aluminum wheels. Install tire chains
on steel wheels only.
lChains may affect handling.
lDon't go faster than 50 km/h (30
mph) or the chain manufacturer's
recommended limit, whichever is
lower.
lDrive carefully and avoid bumps,
holes, and sharp turns.
lAvoid locked-wheel braking.
lDon't use chains on a temporary
spare tire; it may result in damage to
the vehicle and to the tire. Your
vehicle is not equipped with a
factory installed temporary spare
tire.
lDon't use chains on roads that are
free of snow or ice. The tires and
chains could be damaged.
NOTE
If your vehicle is equipped with the tire
pressure monitoring system, the system
may not function correctly when using
tire chains.
Install the chains on the rear tires.
Don't use chains on the front tires.
Use only SAE Class“S”chains, and make
sure they fit.
Installing the chains
1. Secure the chains on the rear tires as
tightly as possible. Always follow the
chain manufacturer's instructions.
2. Retighten the chains after driving 1/
2―1 km (1/4―1/2 mile).
4-10
Before Driving Your Mazda
Driving Tips
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Form No.8T69-EA-04G
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CAUTION
lThe DSC may not operate correctly
unless the following are observed:
lUse tires of the correct size
specified for your Mazda on all
four wheels.
lUse tires of the same
manufacturer, brand and tread
pattern on all four wheels.
lDo not mix worn tires.
lThe DSC may not operate correctly
when using tire chains or the
temporary spare tire.
lIf repair or replacement of the
steering or other surrounding
equipment is necessary, have it done
at an Authorized Mazda Dealer. If
the center position of the steering
deviates, the DSC may not operate
correctly because there is a sensor in
the steering which detects driving
conditions.
qTCS/DSC Indicator Light
This indicator light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition switch is turned
to the ON position. If the TCS or DSC is
operating, the indicator light flashes.
If the light stays on, the TCS or DSC may
have a malfunction and they may not
operate correctly. Take your vehicle to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
qDSC OFF Indicator Light
This indicator light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition switch is turned
to the ON position.
It also comes on when the DSC OFF
switch is pressed and TCS/DSC is
switched off.
If the light stays on when the TCS/DSC is
not switched off, take your vehicle to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer. The dynamic
stability control may have a malfunction.
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
5-23
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Form No.8T69-EA-04G
Black plate (122,1)
CAUTION
lWhen the tire pressure monitoring
system warning light is lit, one or
more of your tires is significantly
under-inflated. You should stop and
check your tires as soon as possible,
and inflate them to the proper
pressure as indicated on the vehicle's
tire information placard. Driving on
a significantly under-inflated tire
causes the tire to overheat and can
lead to tire failure. Under-inflation
also reduces fuel efficiency and tire
tread life, and may affect the
vehicle's handling and stopping
ability. Each tire, including the spare,
should be checked monthly when
cold and set to the recommended
inflation pressure as specified in the
vehicle placard and owner's manual.
lTo avoid false readings, the system
samples for a little while before
indicating a problem. As a result it
will not instantaneously register a
rapid tire deflation or blow out.
NOTE
This device complies with part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) This
device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
qTire Pressure Monitoring System
Warning Light
This warning light illuminates for a few
seconds when the ignition switch is turned
to the ON position.
Thereafter, the warning light illuminates
when tire pressure is too low or too high
in one or more tires, and flashes when
there is a system malfunction.
WARNING
Vehicle Handling When Tire Pressure
Monitoring System Warning Light
Illuminates/Flashes:
When the tire pressure monitoring
system warning light illuminates or
flashes, or the tire pressure warning
beep sound is heard, it is dangerous to
drive the vehicle at high speeds, or
perform sudden maneuvering or
braking. Vehicle drivability could
worsen and result in an accident.
When the tire pressure monitoring
system warning light illuminates or
flashes, or the tire pressure warning
beep sound is heard, decrease vehicle
speed immediately and avoid sudden
maneuvering and braking. Have the
system and tires checked or perform
the appropriate repair as soon as
possible.
5-26
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
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Form No.8T69-EA-04G
Black plate (123,1)
WARNING
Ignoring the Warning Light:
Ignoring the warning light is
dangerous, even if you know why it is
illuminated. Have the problem taken
care of as soon as possible before it
develops into a more serious situation
that could lead to tire failure and a
dangerous accident.
Warning light illuminates/Warning
beep sounds
When the warning light illuminates, and
the warning beep sound is heard (about 3
seconds), tire pressure is too low or too
high in one or more tires.
Adjust the tire pressure to the correct tire
pressure at an Authorized Mazda Dealer
or the nearest service station. Refer to the
specification charts (page 10-6).
CAUTION
When replacing/repairing the tires or
wheels or both, have the work done by
an Authorized Mazda Dealer, or the tire
pressure sensors may be damaged.
If the warning light illuminates again even
after the tire pressures are adjusted, there
may be a tire puncture.
Vehicles with Instant Mobility System
(IMS) emergency flat tire repair kit
If an emergency tire repair is needed,
repair the punctured tire with the
emergency flat tire repair kit (page 7-5).
CAUTION
Do not use non-genuine tire sealant. It
may damage the tire pressure sensor.
Vehicles with optional temporary spare
tire
If you have bought the optional temporary
spare tire, replace the punctured tire with
the temporary spare tire . Refer to the
manufacturer's instructions.
NOTE
A tire pressure sensor is not installed to
the temporary spare tire. The warning
light will flash continuously while the
temporary spare tire is being used.
Warning light flashes
When the warning light flashes, there may
be a system malfunction. Consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
qSystem Error Activation
When the warning light flashes, there may
be a system malfunction. Consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
A system error activation may occur in
the following cases:
lWhen there is equipment or a device
near the vehicle using the same radio
frequency as that of the tire pressure
sensors.
lWhen a metallic device such as a non-
genuine navigation system is equipped
near the center of the dashboard, which
may block radio signals from the tire
pressure sensor to the receiver unit.
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
5-27
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Form No.8T69-EA-04G
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Adjust the tire pressure to the correct tire
pressure at an Authorized Mazda Dealer
or the nearest service station. Refer to the
specification charts (page 10-6).
CAUTION
When replacing/repairing the tires or
wheels or both, have the work done by
an Authorized Mazda Dealer, or the tire
pressure sensors may be damaged.
If the warning light illuminates again even
after the tire pressures are adjusted, there
may be a tire puncture.
Vehicles with Instant Mobility System
(IMS) emergency flat tire repair kit
If an emergency tire repair is needed,
repair the punctured tire with the
emergency flat tire repair kit (page 7-5).
CAUTION
Do not use non-genuine tire sealant. It
may damage the tire pressure sensor.
Vehicles with optional temporary spare
tire
If you have bought the optional temporary
spare tire, replace the punctured tire with
the temporary spare tire . Refer to the
manufacturer's instructions.
NOTE
A tire pressure sensor is not installed to
the temporary spare tire. The warning
light will flash continuously while the
temporary spare tire is being used.
Warning light flashes
When the warning light flashes, there may
be a system malfunction. Consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
qSecurity Indicator Light
This indicator light starts flashing every 2
seconds when the ignition switch is turned
from the ON to the ACC position and the
immobilizer system is armed.
The light stops flashing when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON position with
the correct ignition key.
At this time, the immobilizer system is
disarmed and the light illuminates for
about 3 seconds and then goes out.
If the engine doesn't start with the correct
ignition key, and the security indicator
light keeps illuminating or flashing, the
system may have a malfunction. Consult
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
qHeadlight High-Beam Indicator
Light
This light indicates one of two things:
lThe high-beam headlights are on.
5-44
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
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Form No.8T69-EA-04G
Black plate (207,1)
7In Case of an Emergency
Helpful information on what to do in an emergency.
Parking in an Emergency ............................................................. 7-2
Parking in an Emergency .......................................................... 7-2
Flat Tire ......................................................................................... 7-3
Spare Tire and Tool Storage ...................................................... 7-3
Instant Mobility System (IMS) Emergency Flat Tire Repair
Kit ............................................................................................. 7-5
Changing the Tire .................................................................... 7-12
Overheating ................................................................................. 7-18
Overheating ............................................................................. 7-18
Emergency Starting .................................................................... 7-20
Starting a Flooded Engine ....................................................... 7-20
Jump-Starting .......................................................................... 7-21
Push-Starting ........................................................................... 7-24
Emergency Towing ..................................................................... 7-25
Towing Description ................................................................. 7-25
Tiedown Hooks ....................................................................... 7-26
Recreational Towing ............................................................... 7-27
7-1
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Form No.8T69-EA-04G
Black plate (209,1)
Spare Tire and Tool Storage
Tools are stored in the locations illustrated in the diagram.
Lug wrench
Tiedown eyelet Jack handle
JackInstant Mobility System (IMS) Emergency Flat Tire Repair Kit
Tool box
In Case of an Emergency
Flat Tire
7-3
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Form No.8T69-EA-04G
Black plate (210,1)
qJack
To remove the jack
1. Open the tool box.
2. Turn the jack screw counterclockwise.
To secure the jack
Perform the removal procedure in reverse.
qSpare Tire
A temporary spare tire is not equipped
with your Mazda. If an emergency tire
repair is needed, repair the flat tire with
the emergency flat tire repair kit (page
7-5). If you require a temporary spare tire,
consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
When installing a temporary spare tire,
follow the manufacturer's instructions for
the temporary spare tire.The temporary spare tire is lighter and
smaller than a conventional tire, and is
designed only for emergency use and
should be used only for VERY short
periods. Temporary spares should
NEVER be used for long drives or
extended periods.
WARNING
Driving with a Temporary Spare Tire
on Ice or Snow:
Driving with a spare tire on the rear
(driving) wheels on ice or snow is
dangerous. Handling will be affected.
You could lose control of the vehicle
and have an accident. Put the spare
tire on the front axle and move a
regular tire to the rear.
7-4
In Case of an Emergency
Flat Tire
RX-8_8T69-EA-04G_Edition1 Page210
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Form No.8T69-EA-04G