Before Driving Your Mazda; Fuel And Engine Exhaust Precautions; Fuel Requirements - Mazda 2002 Miata MX-5 Owner's Manual

J07L_8Q42-EA-01F.book Page 2 Tuesday, March 5, 2002 3:14 PM

Before Driving Your Mazda

Fuel and Engine Exhaust Precautions

Vehicles with catalytic converters must use ONLY UNLEADED FUEL, which will reduce
exhaust emissions and keep spark plug fouling to a minimum.
Fuel with a lower rating could cause the emission control system to lose effectiveness. It
could also cause engine knocking and serious engine damage.
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 Octane Rating from 87 to 90 (91 to 95 RON) but
this will slightly reduce performance.
• USE ONLY UNLEADED FUEL.
Leaded fuel is harmful to the catalytic converter. The lead will accumulate on the
oxygen sensor and the catalyst inside the converter. This will result in a malfunction
of the emission control system, causing poor performance.
• 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.
• 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.
• Gasoline or gasohol containing methanol.
• Leaded fuel or leaded gasohol.
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Form No. 8Q42-EA-01F

Fuel Requirements

Octane Rating* (Anti-knock index)
91 [ (R+M)/2 method] or above (96 RON or above)
CAUTION