Mazda MX-5 Owner's Manual page 287

When Driving
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
CAUTION
Each tyre, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly when cold
and in ated to the in ation pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on the
vehicle placard or tyre in ation pressure label. (If your vehicle has tyres of a different
size than the size indicated on the vehicle placard or tyre in ation pressure label, you
should determine the proper tyre in ation pressure for those tyres.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a tyre pressure
monitoring system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tyre pressure telltale when one or
more of your tyres is signi cantly under-in ated. Accordingly, when the low tyre
pressure telltale illuminates, you should stop and check your tyres as soon as possible,
and in ate them to the proper pressure. Driving on a signi cantly under-in ated tyre
causes the tyre to overheat and can lead to tyre failure. Under-in ation also reduces
fuel ef ciency and tyre tread life, and may affect the vehicle's handling and stopping
ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tyre maintenance, and it is the
driver's responsibility to maintain correct tyre pressure, even if under-in ation has not
reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tyre pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate
when the system is not operating properly.
The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with the low tyre pressure telltale.
When the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will ash for approximately
one minute and then remain continuously illuminated. This sequence will continue
upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction exists. When the
malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system may not be able to detect or signal
low tyre pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons,
including the installation of replacement or alternate tyres or wheels on the vehicle that
prevent the TPMS from functioning properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction
telltale after replacing one or more tyres or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the
replacement or alternate tyres and wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function
properly.
To avoid false readings, the system samples for a little while before indicating a
problem. As a result it will not instantaneously register a rapid tyre de ation or blow
out.
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