2016 MAZDA MX5 MIATA weight

6–41
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
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 the vehicle (page 9-8)
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 the
vehicle.
Tire 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 Tires on page 9-8.
Use only a Mazda-genuine tire valve
cap: Use of a non-genuine part is
dangerous as the correct tire air
pressure cannot be maintained if the
tire valve becomes damaged. If the
vehicle is driven under this condition,
the tire air pressure will decrease which
could result in a serious accident. Do
not use any part for the tire valve cap
that is not a Mazda-genuine part.
Inspect all tire pressures monthly when
the tires are cold. Maintain recommended
pressures for the best ride, handling, and
minimum tire wear.
Refer to the specification charts (page
9-8).
(With tire pressure monitoring system)
After adjusting the tire pressure,
initialization of the tire pressure
monitoring system is necessary to make
the system operate normally.
Refer to Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Initialization on page 4-96.
NOTE
 Always check tire pressure when tir es
are cold. Warm tires normally exceed
recommended pressures. Do not release
air from warm tires to adjust the
pressure.
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7–40
If Trouble Arises
Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds
SignalWarning Action to be taken
Seat Belt Warning Light
Except Mexico
The seat belt warning light turns on if the
driver or passenger's seat is occupied and
the seat belt is not fastened with the ignition
switched ON.
If the driver or passenger's seat belt is
unfastened (only when the passenger's seat is
occupied) and the vehicle is driven at a speed
faster than about 20 km/h (12 mph), the warning
light flashes. After a short time, the warning
light stops flashing, but remains illuminated.
NOTE
The warning light flashes for about 6
seconds if the driver's seat belt is not
fastened when the ignition is switched ON.
To allow the passenger occupant classification sensor to function properly,
do not place and sit on an additional
seat cushion on the passenger's seat. The
sensor may not function properly because
the additional seat cushion could cause
sensor interference.
If a small child is seated on the passenger's seat, the warning light may not operate.
Mexico
The seat belt warning light turns on if the
driver or passenger's seat is occupied and
the seat belt is not fastened with the ignition
switched ON.
If the driver or passenger's seat belt is
unfastened (only when the passenger's seat
is occupied) and the vehicle is driven at a
speed faster than about 20 km/h (12 mph),
the warning light flashes. After a short
time, the warning light stops flashing, but
remains illuminated. If a seat belt remains
unfastened, the warning light flashes again
for a given period of time.
NOTE
Placing heavy items on the passenger's seat may cause the passenger's seat belt
warning function to operate depending on
the weight of the item.
To allow the passenger seat weight sensor to function properly, do not place and sit on an
additional seat cushion on the passenger's
seat. The sensor may not function properly
because the additional seat cushion could
cause sensor interference.
If a small child is seated on the passenger's seat, the warning light may not operate. Fasten the seat belts.
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7–46
If Trouble Arises
Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds
Seat Belt Warning Beep
Except Mexico
If the driver's seat belt is not fastened
when the ignition is switched ON, a beep
sound will be heard for about 6 seconds.
If the driver or the passenger's seat belt is
not fastened and the vehicle is driven at a
speed faster than about 20 km/h (12 mph),
a beep sound will be heard again for a
specified period of time.
Until a seat belt is fastened or a given
period of time has elapsed, the beep sound
will not stop even if the vehicle speed falls
below 20 km/h (12 mph).
NOTE
 To allow the passenger occupant
classification sensor to function
properly, do not place and sit on
an additional seat cushion on the
passenger's seat. The sensor may not
function properly because the additional
seat cushion could cause sensor
interference.
 If a small child is seated on the
passenger's seat, the warning beep may
not operate.
Mexico
If the vehicle speed exceeds about 20 km/h
(12 mph) with the driver or passenger's
seat belt unfastened, a warning beep
sounds continuously. If the seat belt
remains unfastened, the beep sound stops
once and then continues for about 90
seconds. The beep stops after the driver or
passenger's seat belt is fastened.
Until a seat belt is fastened or a given
period of time has elapsed, the beep sound
will not stop even if the vehicle speed falls
below 20 km/h (12 mph).
NOTE
 Placing heavy items on the passenger's
seat may cause the passenger's seat belt
warning function to operate depending
on the weight of the item.
 To allow the passenger seat weight
sensor to function properly, do not place
and sit on an additional seat cushion
on the passenger's seat. The sensor
may not function properly because the
additional seat cushion could cause
sensor interference.
 If a small child is seated on the
passenger's seat, the warning beep may
not operate.
Ignition Not Switched Off (STOP)
Warning Beep
If the driver's door is opened with the
ignition switched to ACC, a beep will
be heard continuously in the cabin to
notify the driver that the ignition has not
been switched OFF (STOP). Under this
condition, the keyless entry system will
not operate, the vehicle cannot be locked,
and the battery voltage will be depleted.
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8–25
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
P215/65R15 95H is an example of a tire size and load index rating. Here is an explanation
of the various components of that tire size and load index rating. Note \
that the tire size and
load index rating may be different from the example.
P
Indicates a tire that may be installed on cars, SUVs, minivans and light\
trucks as designated
by the Tire and Rim Association (T&RA).
NOTE
If your tire size does not begin with a letter this may mean it is designated by ei\
ther ETRTO
(European Tire and Rim Technical Organization) or JATMA (Japan Tire Manufacturing
Association).
215
“215” is the nominal width of the tire in millimeters. This three-digit number gives the
width in millimeters of the tire from sidewall edge to sidewall edge. In\
general, the larger
the number, the wider the tire.
65
“65” is the aspect ratio. This two-digit number indicates the tire's ratio of height to width.
R
“R” is the tire construction symbol. R indicates “Radial ply construction”.
15
“15” is the wheel rim diameter in inches.
95
“95” is the Load Index. This two-or three-digit number indicates how much weight each tire
can support.
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8–26
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
H
“H” is the speed rating. The speed rating denotes the maximum speed for which the use of
the tire is rated.
Letter RatingSpeed Rating
Q 99 mph
R 106 mph
S 112 mph
T 118 mph
U 124 mph
H 130 mph
V 149 mph
W 168
* mph
Y 186* mph
* For tires with a maximum speed capability over 149 mph, tire manufactur\
ers sometimes
use the letters ZR. For tires with a maximum speed capability over 186 mph, tire
manufacturers always use the letters ZR.
M S or M/S: Mud and Snow
AT: All Terrain.
AS: All Season. The “M
S” or “M/S” indicates that the tire has some functional use in \
mud
and snow.
U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number (TIN)
This begins with the letters “DOT” which indicates the tire meets \
all federal standards. The
next two numbers or letters are the plant code where it was manufactured\
, and the last four
numbers represent the week and year the tire was manufactured. For examp\
le, the numbers
457 means the 45st week of 1997. After 2000 the numbers go to four digits. For example,
the number 2102 means the 21th week of 2002. The other numbers are marketing codes
used at the manufacturer's discretion. This information is used to contact consumers if a tire
defect requires a recall.
Tire Ply Composition and Materials Used
The number of plies indicates the number of layers of rubber-coated fabric in the tire.
In general, the greater the number of plies, the more weight a tire can \
support. Tire
manufacturers also must indicate the tire materials, which include steel\
, nylon, polyester,
and other.
Maximum Load Rating
This number indicates the maximum load in kilograms and pounds that can \
be carried by the
tire.
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8–29
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
16
“16” is the wheel rim diameter in inches.
90
“90” is the Load Index. This two-or three-digit number indicates how much weight each tire
can support.
M
“M” is the speed rating. The speed rating denotes the maximum speed for which the use of
the tire is rated.
Letter RatingSpeed Rating
M 81 mph
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8–32
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
Glossary of Terms
Tire Placard: A label indicating the OE tire sizes, recommended inflation pressure, and the
maximum weight the vehicle can carry.
Tire Identification Number (TIN): A number on the sidewall of each tire providing
information about the tire brand and manufacturing plant, tire size, and\
date of manufacture.
Inflation Pressure: A measure of the amount of air in a tire.
kPa: Kilopascal, the metric unit for air pressure.
psi: Pounds per square inch, the English unit for air pressure.
B-pillar: The structural member at the side of the vehicle behind the front door.
Original Equipment (OE): Describes components originally equipped on the vehicle.
Vehicle Load Limit: The maximum value of the combination weight of occupants and
cargo.
Bead Area of the Tire: Area of the tire next to the rim.
Sidewall Area of the Tire: Area between the bead area and the tread.
Tread Area of the Tire: Area on the perimeter of the tire that contacts the road when it's
mounted on the vehicle.
Seating capacity means the total allowable number of vehicle occupants. Seating capacity\

is described on the tire label.
Production options weight is the combination weight of installed regular production
options weighing over 2.3 kilograms in excess of the standard items whic\
h they replace,
and not previously considered in the curb weight or accessory weight, in\
cluding heavy duty
brakes, ride levelers, roof rack, heavy duty battery, and special trim.
Rim is the metal support (wheel) for a tire or a tire and tube assembly u\
pon which the tire
beads are seated.
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8–36
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
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 ke\
ep 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.
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