2008 MAZDA MODEL RX 8 ground clearance

Black plate (249,1)
CAUTION
ØWhen using the temporary spare
tire, driving stability may decrease
compared to when using only the
conventional tire.
Drive carefully.
Ø To 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.
(With limited slip differential)
When using the temporary spare tire
on the rear 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).
Instant Mobility System
(IMS) Emergency Flat
Tire Repair Kit
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.
In Case of an Emergency
Flat Tire
7-5
RX-8_8X44-EA-07G_Edition1 Page249
Friday, May 11 2007 5:4 PM
Form No.8X44-EA-07G

Black plate (292,1)
NOTElRemove the engine and battery covers
before performing battery maintenance.
Engine cover
Battery cover
lIf the cover has been removed, install it in
the reverse order of removal.
qBattery Maintenance
To get the best service from a battery:lKeep it securely mounted.lKeep the top clean and dry.lKeep terminals and connections clean,
tight, and coated with petroleum jelly
or terminal grease.
lRinse off spilled electrolyte
immediately with a solution of water
and baking soda.
lIf the vehicle will not be used for an
extended time, disconnect the battery
cables.
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.
Use all radial, all bias-belted, or all
bias-type tires.
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.
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
10-6.
8-22
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
RX-8_8X44-EA-07G_Edition1 Page292
Friday, May 11 2007 5:5 PM
Form No.8X44-EA-07G

Black plate (296,1)
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 9-18.
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 5-31.
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.
8-26
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
RX-8_8X44-EA-07G_Edition1 Page296
Friday, May 11 2007 5:5 PM
Form No.8X44-EA-07G