Fuel And Engine Exhaust Precautions; Fuel Requirements - Mazda 2008 MX-5 Miata Owner's Manual

MX-5_8X49-EA-07F_Edition2 Page138
Monday, June 25 2007 11:18 AM
Before Driving Your Mazda

Fuel and Engine Exhaust Precautions

Vehicles with catalytic converters or oxygen sensors must use ONLY UNLEADED FUEL,
which will reduce exhaust emissions and keep spark plug fouling to a minimum.
Your Mazda will perform best with fuel listed in the table.
Fuel
Premium unleaded fuel
* U.S. federal law requires that octane ratings be posted on gasoline station pumps.
You may use a regular unleaded fuel with an Octane Rating from 87 to 90 (91 to 95 RON)
but this will slightly reduce performance, such as reduced engine output, and engine
knocking.
Fuel with a rating lower than 87 octane (91 RON) could cause the emission control system
to lose effectiveness. It could also cause engine knocking and serious engine damage.
CAUTION
Ø USE ONLY UNLEADED FUEL.
Leaded fuel is harmful to the catalytic converter and oxygen sensors and will lead
to deterioration of the emission control system and or failures.
Ø Your vehicle can only use oxygenated fuels containing no more than 10% ethanol
by volume. Damage to your vehicle may occur when ethanol exceeds this
recommendation, or if the gasoline contains any methanol. Stop using gasohol of
any kind if your vehicle engine is performing poorly.
Ø Never add fuel system additives. Never add cleaning agents other than those
specified by Mazda. Other cleaning agents and additives may damage the system.
Consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Gasoline blended with oxygenates such as alcohol or ether compounds are generally
referred to as oxygenated fuels. The common gasoline blend that can be used with your
vehicle is ethanol blended at no more than 10%. Gasoline containing alcohol, such as
ethanol or methanol, may be marketed under the name Gasohol .
Vehicle damage and drivability problems resulting from the use of the following may not
be covered by the Mazda warranty.
Gasohol containing more than 10% ethanol.
l
Gasoline or gasohol containing methanol.
l
Leaded fuel or leaded gasohol.
l
4-2
Form No.8X49-EA-07F

Fuel Requirements

Octane Rating
91 [ (R+M)/2 method] or above (96 RON or above)
Black plate (138,1)
*
(Anti-knock index)