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CAUTION
lWhen using the temporary spare tire,
driving stability may decrease
compared to when using only the
conventional tire. Drive carefully.
lTo avoid damage to the temporary
spare or to the vehicle, observe the
following precautions:
lDon't exceed 80 km/h (50 mph).lAvoid 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).
lDon't use a tire chain on this tire
because it won't fit properly.
lDon't use your temporary spare
on any other vehicle; it has been
designed only for your Mazda.
lDo not tow a trailer while using
this tire.
lUse only one temporary spare tire
on your vehicle at the same time.
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.
NOTE
After installing the side spoiler cap,
make sure it is securely attached.
In Case of an Emergency
Flat Tire
7-5
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8. Rotate the small lever on top of the
retaining plate and pull the retaining
plate out from the center hole of the
tire.
NOTE
A flat tire which has been removed
from the vehicle for repair cannot be
carried in the spare tire carrier. Secure
the flat tire with the tire clamp and wing
nut in the luggage compartment (page
7-12).
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.
Lever
Spare tire
2. Raise the spare tire slowly in reverse
order of removal.
WARNING
Carrier Placement for the Specialized
Temporary Spare Tire:
Placing the specialized temporary
spare tire in the spare tire carrier
wrong side up or using any tire other
than the small temporary spare tire
designed for use with this vehicle is
dangerous. It will result in poor
attachment and insufficient ground
clearance in the spare tire carrier and
the danger of the tire falling off. This
could result in someone being badly
injured or even killed.
Place the specialized temporary spare
tire in the spare tire carrier correctly.
In Case of an Emergency
Flat Tire
7-7
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Inspect the electrolyte level at least once a
week. If it's low, remove the cap and add
enough distilled water to bring the level
between the upper and lower level
(illustration).
Don't overfill.
Examine the specific gravity of the
electrolyte with a hydrometer, especially
during cold weather. If it's low, recharge
the battery.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.
8-28
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
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qReplacing a Wheel
WARNING
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.
CAUTION
A wrong-sized wheel may adversely
affect:
lTire fit
lWheel and bearing life
lGround clearance
lSnow-chain clearance
lSpeedometer calibration
lHeadlight aim
lBumper height
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.
8-32
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
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