2006 MAZDA MODEL MX-5 spare tire

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Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)
í
The Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
automatically controls braking and engine
torque in conjunction with systems such
as ABS and TCS to help control side slip
when driving on slippery surfaces, or
during sudden or evasive maneuvering,
enhancing vehicle safety.
Refer to ABS (page 5-7) and TCS (page
5-23).
WARNING
DSC and Unsafe Driving:
The dynamic stability control (DSC)
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 dynamic stability
control as a substitute for safe driving.
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.
5-24
Driving Your Mazda
íSome models.
Starting and Driving
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Form No.8U35-EA-05F

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Vehicles with run-flat tires can be driven
even with a punctured tire under the
following conditions.
Maximum vehicle speed with a
punctured run-flat tire: 90 km/h (55
mph)
Maximum driving distance with a
punctured rum-flat tire: 80 km (49
miles)
CAUTION
The maximum driving distance may be
shorter depending on the driving
conditions.
If a run-flat tire is punctured, carefully
drive the vehicle to the nearest Mazda
Dealer and have the tire changed.
NOTE
lA spare tire or Instant Mobility
System (IMS) emergency flat tire
repair kit is not equipped on vehicles
with run-flat tires as standard.
lReplacing a punctured run-flat tire
with a new run-flat tire is
recommended.
lDo not use run-flat tires and
conventional tires on the same
vehicle.
qVehicle with conventional tires
If the following occurs while driving, it
could indicate a flat tire.
lSteering becomes difficult.
lThe vehicle begins to vibrate
excessively.
lThe vehicle pulls in one direction. If a
conventional tire is punctured, refer to
“Tool Storage”(page 7-5) and“Instant
Mobility System (IMS) Emergency
Flat Tire Repair Kit”(page 7-6).
7-4
In Case of an Emergency
Flat Tire
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Form No.8U35-EA-05F

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qJack
To remove the jack
1. Turn the knob and remove the cover.
2. Turn the wing bolt counterclockwise.
Wing bolt
Jack
To secure the jack
Perform the removal procedure in reverse.
Instant Mobility System
(IMS) Emergency Flat
Tire Repair Kit
í
The IMS emergency flat tire repair kit
included with your Mazda is for a
temporary repair of a slightly damaged
flat tire resulting from running over nails
or similar sharp objects on the road
surface.
NOTE
Your vehicle is not equipped with a
spare tire. In the event of a flat tire, use
the emergency flat tire repair kit to
repair the tire temporarily. When doing
the repair, refer to the instructions
included in the emergency flat tire
repair kit. After temporarily repairing a
tire with the emergency flat tire repair
kit, take your vehicle to an Authorized
Mazda Dealer to have the tire replaced.
7-6
In Case of an Emergency
íSome models.
Flat Tire
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Form No.8U35-EA-05F

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qAbout the IMS Emergency Flat
Tire Repair Kit
The IMS emergency flat tire repair kit
includes the following items.
Tire sealant
Injection hoseCompressor
Instruction
Repaired tire
stickerValve core
tool Spare valve
core
Speed restriction
sticker
WARNING
Ingestion of Tire Sealant:
Ingestion of tire sealant is dangerous.
In the event tire sealant is accidentally
swallowed, drink large amounts of
water immediately and seek medical
assistance. Do not allow children to
touch the tire sealant.
Tire Sealant Contacting Eyes and
Skin:
Tire sealant that comes into contact
with the eyes and skin is dangerous. If
tire sealant enters the eyes or contacts
the skin, flush immediately with large
amounts of water and seek medical
assistance. Do not allow children to
touch the tire sealant.
In Case of an Emergency
Flat Tire
7-7
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Form No.8U35-EA-05F

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The Tire Pressure Monitoring Systemí
does not alleviate the need to check the
tire condition every day, including
whether the tires all look inflated properly.
Inspect all tire pressure monthly when the
tires are cold. Maintain recommended
pressures for the best ride, top handling,
and minimum tire wear.
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 U.S.A.,
Canada and Puerto Rico
NOTE
Because your vehicle is not equipped
with a spare tire, you cannot do a tire
rotation safely with the jack that comes
with your vehicle. Have an Authorized
Mazda Dealer perform tire rotation.
Forward
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.
8-30
Maintenance and Care
íSome models.
Owner Maintenance
MX-5_8U35-EA-05F_Edition1 Page288
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Form No.8U35-EA-05F

Black plate (337,1)
WARNING
Tire Under-Inflation:
Driving your vehicle with under-inflated tires is dangerous.
Under-inflation is the most common cause of failures in any kind of tire and may
result in severe cracking, tread separation or“blowout”, with unexpected loss of
vehicle control and increased risk of injury. Under-inflation increases sidewall flexing
and rolling resistance, resulting in heat buildup and internal damage to the tire. It
results in unnecessary tire stress, irregular wear, loss of control and accidents. A tire
can lose up to half of its air pressure and not appear to be flat!
It is impossible to determine whether or not tires are properly inflated just by looking
at them.
Always check the tire inflation pressures on a regular basis according to the
recommended tire inflation pressure on the tire label and in conjunction with the
information in this owner's manual.
qChecking Tire Pressure
1. When you check the air pressure, make sure the tires are cold―meaning they are not
hot from driving even a mile.
2. Remove the cap from the valve on one tire.
3. Firmly press a tire gauge onto the valve.
4. Add air to achieve recommended air pressure.
5. If you overfill the tire, release air by pushing on the metal stem in the center of the
valve. Then recheck the pressure with your tire gauge.
6. Replace the valve cap.
7. Repeat with each tire, including the spare.
NOTE
Some spare tires require higher inflation pressure.
8. Visually inspect the tires to make sure there are no nails or other objects embedded that
could poke a hole in the tire and cause an air leak.
9. Check the sidewalls to make sure there are no gouges, cuts, bulges or other
irregularities.
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
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Form No.8U35-EA-05F

Black plate (339,1)
Tire Maintenance
Improper or inadequate vehicle maintenance can cause tires to wear abnormally. Here are
some important maintenance points:
qTire Inflation Pressure
Inspect all tire pressure monthly (including the spare) when the tires are cold. Maintain
recommended pressures for the best ride, top handling, and minimum tire wear. Use the
pressures specified on the vehicle tire information placard or tire label for optimum service.
qTire Rotation
To equalize tread wear, rotate the tires every 12,000 km (7,500 miles) or sooner if irregular
wear develops. During rotation, inspect them for correct balance.
Forward
Inspect the tires 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.
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
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Form No.8U35-EA-05F

Black plate (341,1)
qSafety Practices
The way you drive has a great deal to do with your tire mileage and safety. So cultivate
good driving habits for your own benefit.
lObserve posted speed limits
lAvoid fast starts, stops and turns
lAvoid potholes and objects on the road
lDo no run over curbs or hit the tire against the curb when parking
CAUTION
If you feel a sudden vibration or ride disturbance while driving or you suspect your tire
or vehicle has been damaged, immediately reduce your speed. Drive with caution until
you can safely pull off the road. Stop and inspect the tire for damage. If the tire is under-
inflated or damaged, deflate it, remove the tire and rim and replace it with your spare
tire. If you cannot detect a cause, have the vehicle towed to the nearest vehicle or tire
dealer to have the vehicle inspected.
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
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Form No.8U35-EA-05F