Black plate (408,1)
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.
Do not include (TEMPORARY USE ONLY)
spare tire in rotation.Forward
Inspect the tires for uneven wear and damage. Abnormal wear is usually caused by one or a
combination of the following:
lIncorrect tire pressurelImproper wheel alignmentlOut-of-balance wheellSevere braking
After rotation, inflate all tire pressures to specification (page 10-6) and inspect the lug nuts
for tightness.
9-30
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
RX-8_8AT5-EA-09E_Edition1 Page408
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Form No.8AT5-EA-09E
Black plate (409,1)
CAUTION
Rotate unidirectional tires and radial tires that have an asymmetrical tread pattern
or studs only from front to rear, not from side to side. Tire performance will be
weakened if rotated from side to side.
(With limited-slip differential)
Don't use the following:
ØTires not of the designated size
ØTires of different sizes or types at the same time
ØTires not sufficiently inflated
If these instructions aren't followed, the rotation of the left and right wheels will be
different and will thus apply a constant load on the limited-slip differential.
This will cause a malfunction.
qReplacing a Tire
WARNING
Always use tires that are in good condition:
Driving with worn tires is dangerous. Reduced braking, steering, and traction could
result in an accident.
If a tire wears evenly, a wear indicator will appear as a solid band across the tread. Replace
the tire when this happens.
New treadTread wear indicator
Worn tread
You should replace it before the band is across the entire tread.
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 9-21.
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
9-31
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Form No.8AT5-EA-09E
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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 limitslAvoid fast starts, stops and turnslAvoid potholes and objects on the roadlDo 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.
9-32
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
RX-8_8AT5-EA-09E_Edition1 Page410
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Form No.8AT5-EA-09E
Black plate (411,1)
Vehicle Loading
WARNING
Do not tow a trailer with this vehicle:
Towing a trailer with this vehicle is dangerous because it has not been designed to
tow a trailer and doing so will affect the drive system which could result in vehicle
damage.
This section will guide you in the proper loading of your vehicle, to keep your loaded
vehicle weight within its design rating capability. Properly loading your vehicle will
provide maximum return of vehicle design performance. Before loading your vehicle,
familiarize yourself with the following terms for determining your vehicle's weight ratings,
from the vehicle's Safety Certification Label and Tire and Load Information Label:
WARNING
Overloaded Vehicle:
Overloading a vehicle is dangerous. The results of overloading can have serious
consequences in terms of passenger safety. Too much weight on a vehicle's
suspension system can cause spring or shock absorber failure, brake failure,
handling or steering problems, irregular tire wear, tire failure or other damage.
Overloading makes a vehicle harder to drive and control. It also increases the
distance required for stopping. In cases of serious overloading, brakes can fail
completely, particularly on steep grades. The load a tire will carry safely is a
combination of the size of the tire, its load range, and corresponding inflation
pressure.
Never overload the vehicle and always observe the vehicle's weight ratings from the
vehicle's Safety Certification and Tire and Load Information labels.
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
9-33
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Form No.8AT5-EA-09E
Black plate (428,1)
qLight Bulbs
Exterior light
Light bulbCategory
Wattage ECE R (SAE)
HeadlightsHigh beam 65 H9 (H9)
Low beamHalogen 55 H7 (H7)
Xenon fusion 35 D2S (D2S)
Front turn signal lights/Parking lights (Front side-marker lights) 27/8 B1157MA (―)
Fog lights
í51 HB4 (#9005)
Side turn signal lights*15―(―)
High-mount brake light 21 W21W (#7440)
Rear turn signal lights 21 WY21W (―)
Brake lights/Taillights LED
*2―(―)
Reverse lights 16 W16W (#921)
License plate lights 5 W5W (4CP)
Rear side-marker lights 5 W5W (4CP)
*1 Bulb replacement is not possible because it is built into the unit. Replace the unit.
*2 LED is the abbreviation for Light Emitting Diode.
Interior light
Light bulbCategory
Wattage ECE R
Trunk light 5 W5W
Overhead light/Map lights (Front) 5 W5W
Overhead light (Rear) 10―
Courtesy lights 5 W5W
Vanity mirror lights 2―
qTires
NOTE
The tires have been optimally matched with the chassis of your vehicle.
When replacing tires, Mazda recommends that you replace tires of the same type originally fitted to
your vehicle. For details, contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Check the tire pressure label for tire size and inflation pressure.
Refer to Tire Inflation Pressure on page 8-23.
Tire sizeInflation pressure
Front Rear
225/45R18 91W
220 kPa (32 psi) 220 kPa (32 psi)
225/40R19 89W
Vehicle capacity weight: 308 kg (680 lbs)
10-6íSome models.
Specifications
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Form No.8AT5-EA-09E
Black plate (432,1)
A
Accessory Socket .............................. 6-87
Add-On Non-Genuine Parts and
Accessories ....................................... 9-15
Advanced Key ..................................... 3-2
Advanced key maintenance ......... 3-5
Advanced key suspend
function ...................................... 3-17
Auxiliary key .............................. 3-17
Locking, unlocking with request
switch ........................................... 3-8
Opening the trunk lid with request
switch ........................................... 3-9
Operational range ......................... 3-7
Remote control function ............. 3-14
Service ......................................... 3-6
Air Bag Systems ............................... 2-38
Ambient Temperature Display .......... 6-80
Antenna ............................................. 6-15
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ......... 5-8
Warning light ............................... 5-8
Appearance Care ............................... 8-42
Ashtray .............................................. 6-82
Audio System ................................... 6-15
Audio control switch .................. 6-52
Audio set .................................... 6-25
AUX mode ................................. 6-54
Operating tips for audio
system ........................................ 6-15
Safety certification ..................... 6-56
Automatic Transmission
Direct mode ................................ 5-19
Driving tips ................................ 5-20
Manual shift mode ..................... 5-15
Shift-lock system ....................... 5-15
Transmission ranges ................... 5-14
B
Battery
Emergency starting .................... 7-19
Maintenance ............................... 8-21
Specifications ............................. 10-4
Beep Sounds
Engine Oil Level Warning
Beep ........................................... 5-56
Engine overrev warning beep .... 5-56
Ignition key reminder ................. 5-56
Lights-on reminder ..................... 5-56
Seat belt warning beep ............... 5-56
Tire inflation pressure warning
beep ............................................ 5-56
Before Starting the Engine .................. 4-5
After getting in ............................. 4-5
Before getting in .......................... 4-5
Bluetooth Hands-Free ....................... 6-57
Basic Bluetooth Hands-Free
Operation ................................... 6-61
Convenient Use of the Hands-Free
System ........................................ 6-65
Hands-Free Telephone Setting .... 6-70
Mazda Bluetooth Hands-Free
Customer Service ....................... 6-76
Safety certification ..................... 6-76
When Bluetooth Hands-Free cannot
be used ....................................... 6-75
Body Lubrication .............................. 8-18
Brake/Clutch
Fluid ........................................... 8-16
Brakes
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) ..... 5-8
Foot brake .................................... 5-5
Pad wear indicator ........................ 5-9
Parking brake ............................... 5-6
Warning light ............................... 5-7
Break-In Period ................................... 4-6
Bulb Replacement ............................. 8-28
11-2
Index
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F
Flasher
Hazard warning .......................... 5-67
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 ......................................... 5-61
Foot Brake .......................................... 5-5
Front Seats
(Electrically Operated Seats) ............... 2-6
Front Seats
(Manually Operated Seats) ................. 2-2
Fuel
Filler lid and cap ........................ 3-43
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 .................... 5-67
Hazardous Driving .............................. 4-7
Headlight Washer .............................. 5-65
H
Headlights
Control ....................................... 5-57
Flashing ...................................... 5-59
High-low beam .......................... 5-59
Leveling ..................................... 5-59
On reminder ............................... 5-59
HomeLink Wireless Control
System .............................................. 5-68
Hood Release .................................... 3-45
Horn .................................................. 5-67
I
Ignition
Keys ........................................... 3-22
Switch .......................................... 5-2
Illuminated Entry System ................. 6-77
Immobilizer System
(with Advanced Key) ........................ 3-48
Immobilizer System
(without Advanced Key) ................... 3-51
Indicator Lights ................................. 5-40
Cruise ......................................... 5-54
DSC OFF .................................... 5-53
Headlight auto-leveling
malfunction ................................ 5-55
Headlight high-beam .................. 5-52
Power steering malfunction ........ 5-54
Security ...................................... 5-52
Shift position .............................. 5-53
TCS/DSC ................................... 5-53
Turn-signal/hazard warning ....... 5-55
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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S
Safety Defects, Reporting ................. 9-40
Seat Belt System
3-point type ................................ 2-18
Automatic locking ...................... 2-16
Belt minder ................................. 2-23
Emergency locking .................... 2-16
Extender ..................................... 2-21
Location of seat belt ................... 2-17
Pregnant women ........................ 2-16
Pretensioner and load limiting .... 2-19
Seat belt precautions .................. 2-14
Warning light/beep ..................... 2-23
Seats
Front seat
(Electrically operated seats) ......... 2-6
Front seat
(Manually operated seats) ............ 2-2
Rear seat ..................................... 2-11
Seat warmer ................................ 2-12
Security System
Immobilizer system
(with advanced key) ................... 3-48
Immobilizer system
(without advanced key) .............. 3-51
Service Publications .......................... 9-42
Spare Tire and Tool Storage ................ 7-3
Specifications .................................... 10-4
Speed Unit Selector ........................... 5-36
Speedometer ...................................... 5-36
SRS Air Bags
How the Air Bags Work ............. 2-44
Supplemental restraint systems
precautions ................................. 2-38
Starting the Engine .............................. 5-4
Steering Wheel .................................. 3-56
Horn ........................................... 5-67
Storage Box ...................................... 6-85
S
Storage Compartments ...................... 6-84
Center console ............................ 6-85
Coin box ..................................... 6-84
Glove box ................................... 6-84
Overhead console ....................... 6-84
Storage box ................................ 6-85
Sunshade ........................................... 3-47
Sunvisors .......................................... 6-77
T
Tachometer ........................................ 5-37
Temporary Spare Tire ....................... 8-26
Theft-Deterrent System ..................... 3-53
Tiedown
Hook .......................................... 7-25
Tire Information ................................ 9-21
Tire Pressure Monitoring System ...... 5-29
System error activation .............. 5-33
Tire pressure monitoring system
warning light .............................. 5-31
Tires and wheels ......................... 5-33
Tires
Flat tire ......................................... 7-3
Inflation pressure ........................ 8-23
Replacement ............................... 8-25
Rotation ...................................... 8-24
Snow tires .................................... 4-9
Spare tire and tool storage ............ 7-3
Specifications ............................. 10-6
Tire chains .................................. 4-10
Uniform tire quality grading system
(UTQGS) ................................... 9-19
Tool ..................................................... 7-3
11-6
Index
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Form No.8AT5-EA-09E