2004 Mazda RX-8 Owners Manual - MyMazda

J60E_8R65-EA-03C_Edition2.book Page 10 Saturday, April 26, 2003 1:48 PMBefore Driving Your MazdaDriving Tips▼ Tire ChainsCheck local regulations before using tirechains.CAUTION• Chains may scratch or chipaluminum wheels. Install tire chainson steel wheels only.• Chains may affect handling.• Don’t go faster than 50 km/h (30 mph)or the chain manufacturer’srecommended limit, whichever is lower.• Drive carefully and avoid bumps,holes, and sharp turns.• Avoid locked-wheel braking.• Don’t use chains on a temporaryspare tire; it may result in damage tothe vehicle and to the tire. Yourvehicle is not equipped with a factoryinstalled temporary spare tire.• Don’t use chains on roads that arefree of snow or ice. The tires andchains could be damaged.Driving In Flooded AreaWARNINGDriving with Wet Brakes:Driving with wet brakes is dangerous.Increased stopping distance or thevehicle pulling to one side whenbraking could result in a seriousaccident. Light braking will indicatewhether the brakes have beenaffected. Dry the brakes by drivingvery slowly and applying the brakeslightly until brake performancereturns to normal.CAUTIONMake sure water does not enter thevehicle interior or the engine area. Thevehicle interior could become wet orthe engine could be damaged.NOTEIf your vehicle is equipped with the tirepressure monitoring system, thesystem may not function correctlywhen using tire chains.Install the chains on the rear tires.Don’t use chains on the front tires.Use only SAE Class "S" chains, and makesure they fit.Installing the chains1. Secure the chains on the rear tires astightly as possible. Always follow thechain manufacturer’s instructions.2. Retighten the chains after driving 1/2—1 km (1/4—1/2 mile).4-10Form No. 8R65-EA-03C