
4 –61 When Driving
Brake
Brake System Foot BrakeThis vehicle has power-assisted brakes
that adjust automatically through normal
use.
Should power-assist fail, you can stop by
applying greater force than normal to the
brake pedal. But the distance required to
stop will be greater than usual.
WARNING Do not coast with the engine stalled or
turned off, find a safe place to stop:
Coasting with the engine stalled or
turned off is dangerous. Braking will
require more effort, and the brake's
power-assist could be depleted if
you pump the brake. This will cause
longer stopping distances or even an
accident.
Shift to a lower gear when going down
steep hills:
Driving with your foot continuously on
the brake pedal or steadily applying
the brakes for long distances is
dangerous. This causes overheated
brakes, resulting in longer stopping
distances or even total brake failure.
This could cause loss of vehicle
control and a serious accident. Avoid
continuous application of the brakes. Dry off brakes that have become
wet by driving slowly, releasing the
accelerator pedal and lightly applying
the brakes several times until the brake
performance returns to 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.
CAUTION
Do not drive with your foot held on the
clutch pedal or brake pedal, or hold
the clutch pedal depressed halfway
unnecessarily. Doing so could result in
the following:
The clutch and brake parts will wear
out more quickly.
The brakes can overheat and
adversely affect brake performance.
Always depress the brake pedal with
the right foot. Applying the brakes with
the unaccustomed left foot could slow
your reaction time to an emergency
situation resulting in insufficient braking
operation.
Wear shoes appropriate for driving in
order to avoid your shoe contacting
the brake pedal when depressing the
accelerator pedal.
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 61 2016/08/11 20:28:57

4 –64 When Driving
Brake
WARNINGDo not rely completely on Hill Launch
Assist (HLA):
Hill Launch Assist (HLA) is an auxiliary
device for accelerating from a stop
on a slope. The system only operates
for about two seconds and therefore,
relying only on the system, when
accelerating from a stop is dangerous
because the vehicle may move (roll)
unexpectedly and cause an accident.
The vehicle could roll depending on
the vehicle's load or if it is towing
something. In addition, for vehicles
with a manual transmission, the
vehicle could still roll depending on
how the clutch pedal or the accelerator
pedal is operated.
Always confirm the safety around the
vehicle before starting to drive the
vehicle. NOTE
Hill Launch Assist (HLA) does not
operate on a gentle slope. In addition,
the gradient of the slope on which the
system will operate changes depending
on the vehicle's load.
Hill Launch Assist (HLA) does not
operate if the parking brake is applied,
the vehicle has not stopped completely,
or the clutch pedal is released.
While Hill Launch Assist (HLA) is
operating, the brake pedal may feel
stiff and vibrate, however, this does not
indicate a malfunction.
Hill Launch Assist (HLA) does not
operate while the TCS/DSC indicator
light is illuminated.
Refer to Warning/Indicator Lights on
page 4-26 .
Hill Launch Assist (HLA) does not
turn off even if the DSC OFF switch is
pressed to turn off the TCS/DSC.
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 64 2016/08/11 20:28:57

4 –103 When Driving
Cruise Control To Increase Cruising SpeedFollow either of these procedures.
To increase speed using cruise control
switch
Press the RESUME/
switch and hold it.
Your vehicle will accelerate. Release the
switch at the desired speed.
Press the RESUME/
switch and release
it immediately to adjust the preset speed.
Multiple operations will increase the
preset speed according to the number of
times it is operated.
Increasing speed with a single
RESUME/
switch operation
Instrument cluster display for vehicle
speed indicated in km/h: 1 km/h (0.6 mph)
Instrument cluster display for vehicle
speed indicated in mph: 1 mph (1.6 km/h)
To increase speed using accelerator
pedal
Depress the accelerator pedal to accelerate
to the desired speed. Press the SET/
switch and release it immediately.
NOTE
Accelerate if you want to speed up
temporarily when the cruise control is on.
Greater speed will not interfere with or
change the set speed. Take your foot off the
accelerator to return to the set speed. To Decrease Cruising Speed Press the SET/ switch and hold it. The
vehicle will gradually slow.
Release the switch at the desired speed.
Press the SET/
switch and release it
immediately to adjust the preset speed.
Multiple operations will decrease the
preset speed according to the number of
times it is operated.
Decreasing speed with a single SET/
switch operation
Instrument cluster display for vehicle
speed indicated in km/h: 1 km/h (0.6 mph)
Instrument cluster display for vehicle
speed indicated in mph: 1 mph (1.6 km/h)
To Resume Cruising Speed at
More Than 25 km/h (16 mph) If some other method besides the OFF/
CANCEL switch was used to cancel
cruising speed (such as applying the brake
pedal) and the system is still activated, the
most recent set speed will automatically
resume when the RESUME/
switch is
pressed.
If vehicle speed is below 25 km/h (16
mph), increase the vehicle speed up to 25
km/h (16 mph) or more and press the
RESUME/
switch.
To Temporarily Cancel
To temporarily cancel the system, use one
of these methods:
Slightly depress the brake pedal.
(Manual transmission)
Depress the clutch pedal.
Press the OFF/CANCEL switch.
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 103 2016/08/11 20:29:05

6 –16 Maintenance and Care How to keep your Mazda in top condition.
Essential Information ........................................................................ 6-2
Introduction
................................................................................... 6-2
Scheduled Maintenance ..................................................................... 6-4
Scheduled Maintenance (U.S.A., Canada, and Puerto Rico)
........ 6-4
Scheduled Maintenance (Mexico)
.............................................. 6-13
Maintenance Monitor
.................................................................. 6-20
Owner Maintenance ......................................................................... 6-22
Owner Maintenance Precautions
................................................ 6-22
Hood
............................................................................................ 6-24
Engine Compartment Overview
................................................. 6-26
Engine Oil
................................................................................... 6-27
Engine Coolant
............................................................................ 6-29
Brake/Clutch Fluid
...................................................................... 6-31
Washer Fluid
............................................................................... 6-31
Body Lubrication
........................................................................ 6-32
Wiper Blades
............................................................................... 6-33
Battery
......................................................................................... 6-36
Key Battery Replacement
........................................................... 6-38
Tires ............................................................................................. 6-41
Light Bulbs
.................................................................................. 6-45
Fuses
........................................................................................... 6-54
Appearance Care .............................................................................. 6-59
Exterior Care ............................................................................... 6-59
Interior Care
................................................................................ 6-68
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 1 2016/08/11 20:29:37

6 –9 Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance Schedule 2U.S.A. and Puerto Rico residents - Severe driving conditions maintenance interval Maintenance Interval Number of months or kilometers (miles), whichever comes first.
Months 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72
×1000 km 8 16 24 32 40 48 56 64 72 80 88 96
×1000 miles 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60
ENGINE
Drive belts I I
Engine oil & filter Flexible *1
Replace when wrench indicator light is ON. (Max interval: 12
months/16,000 km (10,000 miles))
Fixed R R R R R R R R R R R R
COOLING SYSTEM
Engine coolant *2
Replace at first 192,000 km (120,000 miles) or 10 years; after
that, every 96,000 km (60,000 miles) or 5 years.
Engine coolant level I I I I I I I I I I I I
FUEL SYSTEM
Air filter *3
Replace when any equivalent timing of replacing engine oil.
(Max interval: 36 months or 60,000 km (37,500 miles))
Fuel lines and hoses *4
I I I
Hoses and tubes for emission *4
I
IGNITION SYSTEM
Spark plugs Replace every 120,000 km (75,000 miles).
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Function of all lights I I I I I I I I I I I I
CHASSIS and BODY
Brake lines, hoses and connections I I I
Brake and clutch fluid level I I I I I I I I I I I I
Disc brakes I I I I
I I
Manual transmission oil Replace every 48,000 km (30,000 miles) or 2 years.
Tire (Rotation) *5
Rotate when any equivalent timing of replacing engine oil.
(Max interval: 8,000 km (5,000 miles))
Tire inflation pressure and tire wear *5
I I I I I I I I I I I I
Steering operation and linkages I I I
Front and rear suspension, ball joints and wheel
bearing axial play I I I
Rear differential oil *6
Driveshaft dust boots I I I
Bolts and nuts on chassis and body T T T
Exhaust system and heat shields Inspect every 72,000 km (45,000 miles) or 5 years.
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 9 2016/08/11 20:29:38

6 –11 Maintenance and Care
Scheduled MaintenanceCanada residents Maintenance Interval Number of months or kilometers (miles), whichever comes first.
Months 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72
×1000 km 8 16 24 32 40 48 56 64 72 80 88 96
×1000 miles 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60
ENGINE
Drive belts I I
Engine oil & filter R R R R R R R R R R R R
COOLING SYSTEM
Engine coolant *1
Replace at first 192,000 km (120,000 miles) or 10 years; after
that, every 96,000 km (60,000 miles) or 5 years.
Engine coolant level I I I I I I I I I I I I
FUEL SYSTEM
Air filter I I I I I I I I I I I I
Replace every 56,000 km (35,000 miles) or 3 years.
Fuel lines and hoses *2
I I I
Hoses and tubes for emission *2
I
IGNITION SYSTEM
Spark plugs Replace every 120,000 km (75,000 miles).
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Function of all lights I I I I I I I I I I I I
CHASSIS and BODY
Brake lines, hoses and connections I I I
Brake and clutch fluid level I I I I I I I I I I I I
Disc brakes Inspect every 24,000 km (15,000 miles) or 1 years.
Manual transmission oil Replace every 48,000 km (30,000 miles) or 2 years.
Tire (Rotation) *3
Rotate every 8,000 km (5,000 miles).
Tire inflation pressure and tire wear *3
I I I I I I I I I I I I
Steering operation and linkages I I I
Front and rear suspension, ball joints and wheel
bearing axial play I I I
Rear differential oil *4
Driveshaft dust boots I I I
Bolts and nuts on chassis and body T T T
Exhaust system and heat shields Inspect every 72,000 km (45,000 miles) or 5 years.
All locks and hinges L L L L L L L L L L L L
Washer fluid level I I I I I I I I I I I I
Emergency flat tire repair kit (if installed) *5
Inspect annually.
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 11 2016/08/11 20:29:39

6 –14 Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance Schedule 1 Maintenance Interval Number of months or kilometers, whichever comes first
Months 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72
×1000 km 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 11 0 120
ENGINE
Drive belts I I I
Engine oil & filter R R R R R R R R R R R R
COOLING SYSTEM
Cooling system I I I
Engine coolant *1
Replace at first 200,000 km or 10 years; after that, every
100,000 km or 5 years
FUEL SYSTEM
Air filter R R R R R R
Fuel lines and hoses I *2
I *2
I
Hoses and tubes for emission I *2
I *2
I
Fuel filter Replace every 60,000 km
IGNITION SYSTEM
Spark plugs I I I I I I I I I I I I
Replace every 120,000 km
CHASSIS and BODY
Brake lines, hoses and connections I I I I I I
Brake and clutch fluid level I I I I I I I I I
Brake fluid R R R
Disc brakes I I I I I I I I I I I I
Manual transmission oil R
Tire (Rotation) *3
Rotate every 10,000 km
Tire inflation pressure and tire wear *3
I I I I I I I I I I I I
Steering operation and linkages I I I I I I I I I I I I
Front and rear suspension, ball joints and wheel
bearing axial play I I I I I I
Rear differential oil *4
Driveshaft dust boots I I I I I I
Bolts and nuts on chassis and body T T T T T T
Exhaust system and heat shields I I I I I I
All locks and hinges L L L L L L L L L L L L
Washer fluid level I I I I I I I I I I I I
Emergency flat tire repair kit (if installed) *5
Inspect annually.
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 14 2016/08/11 20:29:40

6 –16 Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance Schedule 2 Maintenance Interval Number of months or kilometers, whichever comes first
Months 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30 33 36
×1000 km 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60
ENGINE
Drive belts I
Engine oil & filter R R R R R R R R R R R R
COOLING SYSTEM
Cooling system I
Engine coolant *1
Replace at first 200,000 km or 10 years; after that, every
100,000 km or 5 years
Engine coolant level I I I I I I I I I I I I
FUEL SYSTEM
Air filter C R C R C R
Fuel lines and hoses I *2
Hoses and tubes for emission I *2
Fuel filter Replace every 60,000 km
IGNITION SYSTEM
Spark plugs I I I I I I
Replace every 120,000 km
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Function of all lights I I I I I I I I I I I I
CHASSIS and BODY
Brake lines, hoses and connections I I I
Brake and clutch fluid level I I I I I
Brake fluid R
Disc brakes I I I I I I
Manual transmission oil R
Tire (Rotation) *3
Rotate every 10,000 km
Tire inflation pressure and tire wear *3
I I I I I I
Steering operation and linkages I I I I I I
Front and rear suspension, ball joints and wheel
bearing axial play I I I
Rear differential oil *4
Driveshaft dust boots I I I
Bolts and nuts on chassis and body T T T
Exhaust system and heat shields I I I
All locks and hinges L L L L L L
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 16 2016/08/11 20:29:40