Owner Maintenance
Owner Maintenance Precautions
The owner or a qualified service technician should make these vehicle inspections at the indicated intervals to ensure safe and dependable operation.
Bring any problem to the attention of an Authorized Mazda Dealer or qualified service technician as soon as possible.
When Refueling
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Brake fluid level (Search)
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Engine coolant level (Search)
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Engine oil level (Search)
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Washer fluid level (Search)
At Least Monthly
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Tire inflation pressures (Search)
At Least Twice a Year (For Example, Every Spring and Fall)
You can do the following scheduled maintenance items if you have some mechanical ability and a few basic tools and if you closely follow the directions in this manual.
Improper or incomplete service may result in problems. This section gives instructions only for items that are easy to perform.
As explained in the Introduction (Search), several procedures can be done only by a qualified service technician with special tools.
Improper owner maintenance during the warranty period may affect warranty coverage. Refer to Introduction (Search) for owner's responsibility in protecting your investment. For details, read the separate Mazda Warranty statement provided with the vehicle. If you are unsure about any servicing or maintenance procedure, have it done by an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
There are strict environmental laws regarding the disposal of waste oil and fluids. Please dispose of your waste properly and with due regard to the environment.
We recommend that you entrust the oil and fluid changes of your vehicle to an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Do not perform maintenance work if you lack sufficient knowledge and experience or the proper tools and equipment to do the work. Have maintenance work done by a qualified technician:
Performing maintenance work on a vehicle is dangerous if not done properly. You can be seriously injured while performing some maintenance procedures.
If you must run the engine while working under the hood, make certain that you remove all jewelry (especially rings, bracelets, watches, and necklaces) and all neckties, scarves, and similar loose clothing before getting near the engine or cooling fan which may turn on unexpectedly:
Working under the hood with the engine running is dangerous. It becomes even more dangerous when you wear jewelry, loose clothing or have long hair or a long beard.
Either can become entangled in moving parts and result in injury.
Pull over to a safe location, then switch the ignition off and make sure the fan is not running before attempting to work near the cooling fan:
Working near the cooling fan when it is running is dangerous. The fan could continue running indefinitely even if the engine has stopped and the engine compartment temperature is high. You could be hit by the fan and seriously injured.
Do not leave items in the engine compartment:
After you have finished checking or doing servicing in the engine compartment, do not forget and leave items such as tools or rags in the engine compartment.
Tools or other items left in the engine compartment could cause engine damage or a fire leading to an unexpected accident.
Closing the Hood
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Check under the hood area to make certain all filler caps are in place and all loose items (e.g. tools, oil containers, etc.) have been removed.
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Lift the hood, grasp the padded area on the support rod, and secure the support rod in the clip. Verify that the support rod is secured in the clip before closing the hood.
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Lower the hood slowly to a height of about 20 cm (7.9 in) above its closed position and then let it drop.
When closing the hood, do not push it excessively such as by applying your weight. Otherwise, the hood could be deformed.
Temporary Spare Tire
Inspect the temporary spare tire at least monthly to make sure it is properly inflated and stored.
The temporary spare tire condition gradually deteriorates even if it has not been used.
The temporary spare tire is easier to handle because of its construction which is lighter and smaller than a conventional tire. This tire should be used only for an emergency and only for a short distance.
Use the temporary spare tire only until the conventional tire is repaired, which should be as soon as possible.
Refer to Tires (Search).
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Do not use your temporary spare tire rim with a snow tire or a conventional tire. Neither will properly fit and could damage both tire and rim.
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The temporary spare tire has a tread life of less than 5,000 km (3,000 miles). The tread life may be shorter depending on driving conditions.
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The temporary spare tire is for limited use, however, if the tread wear solid-band indicator appears, replace the tire with the same type of temporary spare (Search).
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. The period in which the tire was manufactured (both week and year) is indicated by a 4-digit number.
Refer to Tire Labeling (Search).
Light Bulbs
When removing the lens or lamp unit using a flathead screwdriver, make sure that the flathead screwdriver does not contact the interior terminal. If the flathead screwdriver contacts the terminal, a short circuit may occur.
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To replace the bulb, contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
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Use the protective cover and carton for the replacement bulb to dispose of the old bulb promptly and out of the reach of children.
