Before Driving Your Mazda; Fuel Requirements; Fuel and Engine Exhaust Precautions- Page 72

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Before Driving Your Mazda

Form No. 8R09-EA-02G

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.

*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.
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.

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.

Fuel Requirements

Fuel

Octane Rating* (Anti-knock index) 

Premium unleaded fuel

91 [ (R+M)/2 method] or above (96 RON or above) 

•

USE ONLY UNLEADED FUEL.
Leaded fuel is harmful to the catalytic converter or the oxygen sensor. 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.

CAUTION

J07R_8R09_EA_02G_Edition4.book  Page 2  Monday, February 3, 2003  1:16 PM