
Black plate (368,1)
qUnderbody Maintenance
Road chemicals and salt used for ice and
snow removal and solvents used for dust
control may collect on the underbody. If
not removed, they will speed up rusting
and deterioration of such underbody parts
as fuel lines, frame, floor pan, and exhaust
system, even though these parts may be
coated with anti-corrosive material.
Thoroughly flush the underbody and
wheel housings with lukewarm or cold
water at the end of each winter. Try also
to do this every month.
Pay special attention to these areas
because they easily hide mud and dirt. It
will do more harm than good to wet
down the road grime without removing
it.
The lower edges of doors, rocker panels,
and frame members have drain holes that
should not be clogged. Water trapped
there will cause rusting.
WARNING
Dry wet brakes by driving very slowly
and applying the brakes lightly until
brake performance is normal: Driving with wet brakes is
dangerous. Increased stopping
distance or the vehicle pulling to one
side when braking could result in a
serious accident. Light braking will
indicate whether the brakes have
been affected.
qAluminum Wheel Maintenance
A protective coating is provided over the
aluminum wheels. Special care is needed
to protect this coating.
NOTE
lDon't use a wire brush or any abrasive
cleaner, polishing compound, or solvent on
aluminum wheels. They may damage the
coating.
lOnly use a mild soap or neutral detergent
and always use a sponge or soft cloth to
clean the wheels.
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm or cold
water. Also, be sure to clean the wheels
after driving on dusty or salted roads. This
helps prevent corrosion.
lAvoid washing your vehicle in an automatic
car wash that uses high-speed or hard
brushes.
lIf your aluminum wheels lose luster, wax
the wheels.
8-46
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
RX-8_8Z09-EA-08C_Edition3 Page368
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Form No.8Z09-EA-08C

Black plate (382,1)
Outside the United States
Government regulations in the United States require that automobiles meet specific
emission regulations and safety standards. Therefore, vehicles built for use in the United
States may differ from those sold in other countries.
The differences may make it difficult or even impossible for your vehicle to receive
satisfactory servicing in other countries. We strongly recommend that you NOT take your
Mazda outside the United States. However, in the event that you are moving to Canada
permanently, Mazda vehicles built for use in the United States could be eligible for
exportation to Canada with specific vehicle modifications to comply with the Canadian
Motor Vehicle Safety requirements (CMVSS).
NOTE
The above is applicable for a permanent import/export situation and not related to travelers on
vacation.
You may have the following problems if you do take your vehicle outside of the United
States:
lRecommended fuel may be unavailable. Any kind of leaded fuel or low-octane fuel will
affect vehicle performance and damage the emission controls and engine.
lProper repair facilities, tools, testing equipment, and replacement parts may not be
available.
Please refer to your Manufacturer's Warranty Booklet for more information.
9-12
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Warranty
RX-8_8Z09-EA-08C_Edition3 Page382
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Form No.8Z09-EA-08C

Black plate (383,1)
Outside Canada
Government regulations in Canada require that automobiles meet specific emission
regulations and safety regulations. Therefore, vehicles built for use in Canada may differ
from those sold in other countries.
The differences may make it difficult or even impossible for your vehicle to receive
satisfactory servicing in other countries. We strongly recommend that you NOT take your
Mazda outside Canada. However, in the event that you are moving to the United States
permanently, Mazda vehicles built for use in Canada could be eligible for exportation to the
United States with specific vehicle modifications to comply with the United States Federal
Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).
NOTE
The above is applicable for a permanent import/export situation and not related to travelers on
vacation.
You may have the following problems if you do take your vehicle outside of Canada:lRecommended fuel may be unavailable. Any kind of leaded fuel or low-octane fuel will
affect vehicle performance and damage the emission controls and engine.
lProper repair facilities, tools, testing equipment, and replacement parts may not be
available.
Please refer to your Manufacturer's Warranty Booklet for more information.
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Warranty
9-13
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Form No.8Z09-EA-08C

Black plate (384,1)
Registering Your Vehicle in A Foreign Country (Except
United States and Canada)
Government regulations in your country could require that automobiles meet specific
emission and safety standards.
Vehicles built for your country may differ from those built for other countries. In addition
to registration problems, satisfactory service may be difficult or even impossible in another
country.
The fuel specified for your vehicle may be unavailable.
Parts, servicing techniques, and tools necessary to maintain and repair your vehicle may be
unavailable.
There might not be an Authorized Mazda Dealer in the country you plan to take your
vehicle.
The Mazda warranty is valid only in certain countries.
9-14
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Warranty
RX-8_8Z09-EA-08C_Edition3 Page384
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Form No.8Z09-EA-08C

Black plate (404,1)
Base Curb Weight is the weight of the vehicle including a full tank of fuel and all
standard equipment. It does not include passengers, cargo, or optional equipment.
Vehicle Curb Weightis the weight of your new vehicle when you picked it up from your
dealer plus any aftermarket equipment.
PAYLOAD
Payload is the combination weight of cargo and passengers that the vehicle is designed to
carry. The maximum payload for your vehicle can be found on the Tire and Load
Information label on the rear door on the driver's side or door pillar. Look for “THE
COMBINATION WEIGHT OF OCCUPANTS AND CARGO SHOULD NEVER
EXCEED XXX kg or XXX lbs” for your maximum payload. The payload listed on the tire
label is the maximum payload for the vehicle as built by the assembly plant. If any
aftermarket or dealer installed equipment has been installed on the vehicle, the weight of
the equipment must be subtracted from the payload listed on the tire label in order to be
accurate.
9-34
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
RX-8_8Z09-EA-08C_Edition3 Page404
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Form No.8Z09-EA-08C

Black plate (419,1)
qCapacities
(Approximate Quantities)
Item Capacity
Engine oil With oil filter replacement
4.4 L (4.6 US qt, 3.9 Imp qt)
Without oil filter
replacement 4.2 L (4.4 US qt, 3.7 Imp qt)
Coolant Manual transmission
10.0 L (10.6 US qt, 8.80 Imp qt)
Automatic transmission 9.8 L (10 US qt, 8.6 Imp qt)
Manual transmission oil 1.95 L (2.06 US qt, 1.72 Imp qt)
Automatic transmission fluid 8.0 L (8.5 US qt, 7.0 Imp qt)
Rear differential oil 1.3 L (1.4 US qt, 1.1 Imp qt)
Fuel tank 64.0 L (16.9 US gal, 14.1 Imp gal)
Check oil and fluid levels with dipsticks or reservoir gauges.
q Dimensions
Item Specification
Overall length Without license plate
holder
4,460 mm (175.6 in)
With license plate holder 4,470 mm (176.0 in)
Overall width 1,770 mm (69.7 in)
Overall height 1,340 mm (52.8 in)
Front tread 18-inch wheel vehicle
1,500 mm (59.1 in)
19-inch wheel vehicle 1,505 mm (59.3 in)
Rear tread 18-inch wheel vehicle
1,505 mm (59.3 in)
19-inch wheel vehicle 1,510 mm (59.4 in)
Wheelbase 2,700 mm (106.3 in)
qWeights
Item Weight
Manual transmission Automatic transmission
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) 1,732 kg (3,818 lbs) 1,752 kg (3,862 lbs)
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) Front 842 kg (1,856 lbs) 858 kg (1,892 lbs)
Rear 901 kg (1,986 lbs) 907 kg (2,000 lbs)
q
Air Conditioner
Item Classification
Refrigerant Type HFC134a (R-134a)
Specifications
10-5
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Form No.8Z09-EA-08C

Black plate (426,1)
F
FlasherHazard warning .......................... 5-66
Headlights .................................. 5-56
Flat Tire ............................................... 7-3 Changing .................................... 7-11
Instant Mobility System
(IMS) Emergency Flat Tire Repair
Kit ................................................ 7-5
Spare tire and tool storage ............ 7-3
Fluids Classification .............................. 10-4
Owner maintenance ..................... 8-8
Fog Lights ......................................... 5-60
Foot Brake .......................................... 5-5
Front Seats
(Electrically Operated Seats) ............... 2-6
Front Seats
(Manually Operated Seats) ................. 2-2
Fuel Filler lid and cap ........................ 3-42
Gauge ......................................... 5-38
Requirements ............................... 4-2
Tank capacity ............................. 10-5
Fuses ................................................. 8-36 Panel description ........................ 8-39
Replacement ............................... 8-36
G
Gauges .............................................. 5-35
Glove Box ......................................... 6-84
H
Hazard Warning Flasher .................... 5-66
Hazardous Driving .............................. 4-7
Headlight Washer .............................. 5-64
H
HeadlightsControl ....................................... 5-56
Flashing ...................................... 5-58
High-low beam .......................... 5-58
Leveling ..................................... 5-58
On reminder ............................... 5-58
HomeLink Wireless Control
System .............................................. 5-67
Hood Release .................................... 3-43
Horn .................................................. 5-66
I
Ignition
Keys ........................................... 3-21
Switch .......................................... 5-2
Illuminated Entry System ................. 6-77
Immobilizer System
(with Advanced Key) ........................ 3-47
Immobilizer System
(without Advanced Key) ................... 3-49
Indicator Lights ................................. 5-40
Cruise ......................................... 5-53
DSC OFF .................................... 5-53
Headlight auto-leveling
malfunction ................................ 5-54
Headlight high-beam .................. 5-52
Power steering malfunction ........ 5-54
Security ...................................... 5-51
Shift position .............................. 5-52
TCS/DSC ................................... 5-53
Turn-signal/hazard warning ....... 5-54
Information Display .......................... 6-79
Ambient temperature display ..... 6-80
Audio display ............................. 6-81
Climate control display .............. 6-81
Clock .......................................... 6-80
Information display functions .... 6-79
11-4
Index
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Form No.8Z09-EA-08C

Black plate (429,1)
T
TowingDescription ................................. 7-23
Emergency towing ..................... 7-23
Recreational towing ................... 7-25
Trailer towing ............................. 4-13
Traction Control System (TCS) ........ 5-25 TCS/DSC indicator light ............ 5-25
Trailer Towing .................................. 4-13
Trip Meter ......................................... 5-36
Trunk Lid .......................................... 3-32 Inside trunk release lever ............ 3-34
Trunk Light ....................................... 3-33
Turn and Lane-Change Signals ......... 5-59
V
Vanity Mirrors ................................... 6-77
Vehicle Information Labels ............... 10-2
W
Warning Lights ................................. 5-40 ABS ............................................ 5-42
Air bag system ........................... 5-45
Automatic transmission .............. 5-48
Brake system .............................. 5-42
Charging system ......................... 5-43
Check engine .............................. 5-45
Door-ajar .................................... 5-47
Engine coolant level ................... 5-44
Engine oil level .......................... 5-43
Front seat belt pretensioner
system ........................................ 5-45
KEY Warning Light
(Red)/KEY Indicator Light
(Green) ....................................... 5-50
Low fuel ..................................... 5-46
Low washer fluid level ............... 5-47
Seat belt ...................................... 5-46
Tire pressure monitoring
system ........................................ 5-48
Warranty ............................................ 9-11
Washer Fluid ..................................... 8-17
Weights ............................................. 10-5
Wheel Replacement .......................... 8-27
Windows Power windows .......................... 3-35
Rear quarter windows ................ 3-41
Windshield Washer ........................... 5-64
Windshield Wipers ............................ 5-61 Blades replacement .................... 8-19
Winter Driving .................................... 4-9
Index
11-7
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Form No.8Z09-EA-08C