Owner Maintenance
Owner Maintenance Precautions
Routine Service
We highly recommend that these items be inspected daily, or at least every week.
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Engine Oil Level (Search)
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Engine Coolant Level (Search)
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Brake Fluid Level (Search)
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Washer Fluid Level (Search)
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Battery Maintenance (Search)
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Tyre Inflation Pressure (Search)
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 do-it yourself maintenance during the warranty period may affect warranty coverage. 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 expert repairer, we recommend an Authorised Mazda Repairer.
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 Authorised Mazda Repairer.
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 bonnet, make certain that you remove all jewellery (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 bonnet with the engine running is dangerous. It becomes even more dangerous when you wear jewellery, 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.
Bonnet
Always check that the bonnet is closed and securely locked:
A bonnet that is not closed and securely locked is dangerous as it could fly open while the vehicle is moving and block the driver's vision which could result in a serious accident.
Closing the Bonnet
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Check under the bonnet 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 bonnet, 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 bonnet.
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Lower the bonnet slowly to a height of about 20 cm (7.9 in) above its closed position and then let it drop.
When closing the bonnet, do not push it excessively such as by applying your weight. Otherwise, the bonnet could be deformed.
Engine Compartment Overview
Engine Oil
Changing the engine oil should be done by an expert repairer, we recommend an Authorised Mazda Repairer.
Recommended Oil
In order to follow the maintenance interval (Search) and to protect the engine from damage caused by poor lubrication, it is vitally important to make use of engine oil with the correct specification. Do not use oils which do not meet the specification and requirements listed. Use of unsuitable oil may lead to engine damage which is not covered by the Mazda Warranty.
Engine oil viscosity, or thickness, has an effect on fuel economy and cold-weather operation (starting and oil flow).
Low-viscosity engine oils can provide improved fuel economy and cold-weather performance.
Use ILSAC GF-IV/GF-V, or API service SM or higher.
When choosing an oil, consider the temperature range your vehicle will operate in before the next oil change.
Then select the recommended viscosity from the chart.
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Using oils of viscosity besides those recommended for specific temperature ranges could result in engine damage.
New Zealand
Mazda recommends using Mazda Motor Oil which has been specifically designed and tested to meet the stringent Mazda Engineering Standards (MES) for your Mazda. To ensure engine longevity is not compromised particularly under the harsh climatic conditions existing in New Zealand, we only recommend using genuine Mazda engine oil which is available throughout the Mazda Repairer network.
If Mazda Motor Oil is not selected for use, always use an engine oil meeting the specifications.
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It is normal for all engines to consume engine oil under normal driving conditions.
Engine oil consumption may be as high as 0.8 L/1,000 km (1 L/800 miles). This may be as a result of evaporation, internal ventilation or burning of the lubricating oil in the working engine. Oil consumption may be higher when the engine is new due to the running-in process. Oil consumption is also dependant on engine speed and engine load. Under extreme driving conditions, oil consumption may be higher.
Vehicle Engine Control Unit Reset Procedure
After replacing the engine oil, it is recommended to have a repair shop such as an Authorised Mazda Repairer perform the initialization (engine oil data resetting) of the recorded value. If the value recorded by the computer is not initialized, the wrench indicator light may not turn off or it may turn on earlier than normal.
The initialization (engine oil data resetting) of the recorded value can be performed using the following procedure:
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Switch the ignition OFF.
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Switch the ignition ON with the instrument panel illumination knob pressed and continue pressing the knob for about 7 seconds.
Battery Maintenance
To get the best service from a battery:
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Keep it securely mounted.
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Keep the top clean and dry.
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Keep terminals and connections clean, tight, and coated with petroleum jelly or terminal grease.
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Rinse off spilled electrolyte immediately with a solution of water and baking soda.
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If the vehicle will not be used for an extended time, disconnect the battery leads and charge the battery every 6 weeks.
Inspecting Electrolyte Level
A low level of electrolyte fluid will cause the battery to discharge quickly.
Inspect the electrolyte level at least once a week. If it is low, remove the caps and add enough distilled water to bring the level between the upper and lower level (illustration).
Do not overfill.
Examine the specific gravity of the electrolyte with a hydrometer, especially during cold weather. If it is low, recharge the battery.
Battery Recharging
Battery Replacement
Contact an Authorised Mazda Repairer for a battery replacement purchase.
