2008 MAZDA MODEL 3 HATCHBACK ground clearance

Black plate (250,1)
WARNING
Do not install the temporary spare tire
on the front wheels (driving wheels)
when driving on ice or snow:
Driving with a spare tire on the front
(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 rear axle and move a
regular tire to the front.
CAUTION
ØWhen using the temporary spare
tire, driving stability may decrease
compared to when using only the
conventional tire.
Drive carefully.
ØTo avoid damage to the temporary
spare tire or to the vehicle, observe
the following precautions:
ØDo not exceed 80 km/h (50
mph).
ØAvoid driving over obstacles.
Also, do not 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).
ØDo not use a tire chain on this
tire because it won't fit
properly.
ØDo not use your temporary
spare tire on any other vehicle;
it has been designed only for
your Mazda.
ØUse only one temporary spare
tire on your vehicle at the same
time.
Ø(With limited slip differential)
When using the temporary spare
tire on the front axle, replace it
with a standard tire as soon as
possible. The size difference
between the spare and the
standard tire will cause the limited
slip differential to malfunction.
NOTE
(With Tire Pressure Monitoring System)
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 (page 5-28).
7-6
In Case of an Emergency
Flat Tire
Mazda3_8X41-EA-07F_Edition2 Page250
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Form No.8X41-EA-07F

Black plate (303,1)
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 10-8)
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.
qTire Inflation Pressure
WARNING
Always inflate the tires to the correct
pressure:
Overinflation or underinflation of
tires is dangerous. Adverse handling
or unexpected tire failure could result
in a serious accident.
Refer to specification charts on page
10-8.The Tire Pressure Monitoring System
í
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
(including the spare) when the tires are
cold. Maintain recommended pressures
for the best ride, handling, and minimum
tire wear.
When checking the tire pressures, use of a
digital tire pressure gauge is
recommended.
Refer to the specification charts (page
10-8).
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-35íSome models. Mazda3_8X41-EA-07F_Edition2 Page303
Monday, June 18 2007 1:30 PM
Form No.8X41-EA-07F

Black plate (306,1)
NOTE
Tires degrade over time, even when they are
not being used on the road. It is recommended
that tires generally be replaced when they are
6 years or older. Heat caused by hot climates
or frequent high loading conditions can
accelerate the aging process. You should
replace the spare tire when you replace the
other road tires due to the aging of the spare
tire. Regarding the manufacturing week and
year is indicated with 4 digit.
Refer to The tire labeling on page 9-22.
qReplacing a Wheel
WARNING
Always use wheels of the correct size
on your vehicle:
Using a wrong-sized wheel is
dangerous. Braking and handling
could be affected, leading to loss of
control and an accident.
CAUTION
ØA wrong-sized wheel may
adversely affect:
ØTire fit
ØWheel and bearing life
ØGround clearance
ØSnow-chain clearance
ØSpeedometer calibration
ØHeadlight aim
ØBumper height
ØTire Pressure Monitoring
System
ØLimited-Slip Differential System
Ø(With Tire Pressure Monitoring
System)
ØWhen 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.
ØThe wheels equipped on your
Mazda are specially designed
for installation of the tire
pressure sensors. Do not use
non-genuine wheels, otherwise
it may not be possible to install
the tire pressure sensors.
NOTE
Be sure to install the tire pressure sensors
whenever tires or wheels are replaced. Refer to
Tires and Wheels on page 5-30.
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.
8-38
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
Mazda3_8X41-EA-07F_Edition2 Page306
Monday, June 18 2007 1:30 PM
Form No.8X41-EA-07F