Mazda 2009 Mazda3 4-Door, Owner'S Manual

Page: 108 / 412

Black plate (108,1)
Fuel Requirements
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.
2.3-liter turbocharger engine
Your Mazda will perform best with fuel listed in the table.
Fuel Octane Rating
*
(Anti-knock index)
Premium unleaded fuel 91 [ (R+M)/2 method] or above (96 RON or above)
* U.S. federal law requires that octane ratings be posted on gasoline station pumps.
This vehicle is designed for and requires use of premium unleaded fuel. If 91 octane fuel [
(R+M)/2 method] (96RON) is not available, gasoline as low as 87 octane [ (R+M)/2
method] (91RON) can be used temporarily for emergency purposes. Use of gasoline lower
than 91 octane [ (R+M)/2 method] (96RON) can decrease performance during its use.
Refueling the vehicle with the correct octane fuel a couple of times will restore vehicle
performance.
Except 2.3-liter turbocharger engine
Your Mazda will perform best with fuel listed in the table.
Fuel Octane Rating
*
(Anti-knock index)
Regular unleaded fuel 87 [ (R+M)/2 method] or above (91 RON or above)
* U.S. federal law requires that octane ratings be posted on gasoline station pumps.
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
”
.
4-2
Before Driving Your Mazda
Fuel and Engine Exhaust Precautions
Mazda3_8Z87-EA-08F_Edition1 Page108
Monday, May 19 2008 9:56 AM
Form No.8Z87-EA-08F