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Frequently Asked Questions

The answers given below are gathered from a number of sources. UMN cannot guarantee that they are accurate or up-to-date. Use this information at your own risk. If in doubt, consult a qualified mechanic.

  1. My battery is dead and won't hold a charge. Where can I get a new battery and what type of battery is recommended?
  2. The zipper around my rear window is jamming. How can I lubricate it?
  3. Where can I buy Miata accessories? Are there any Canadian sources?
  4. I need to replace my seat covers. What are my options?
  5. Where can I get a cockpit cover (a thin fabric cover that goes over the windshield and attaches around the open passenger compartment)?
  6. The antenna mast of my power radio antenna has stopped going up/down. Can I fix it myself?
  7. The check engine light has come on. Can I continue to drive my car?
  8. Is the Miata a viable winter car?
  9. Why should I be concerned about my wheel alignment and where can I go to get it done? What if my car has been lowered?
  10. I'm about to buy new tires and/or new wheels for the car and I'm considering different sizes than what was on the car originally. How do I know what tire & wheel sizes will be compatible?
  11. I'm in the market for new tires. What is most popular with club members?
  12. My soft top need cleaning and conditioning. Any recommendations?
  13. I have a small oil leak at the back of my engine that I suspect is due to a bad valve cover gasket. Is this an expensive repair?
  14. I want to get a trailer hitch for my Miata to mount a bicycle rack/ tire tail/ golf bag carrier/ pull a small trailer. Are there any available?
  15. I've got to replace a seized brake caliper. Is there any source other than Mazda dealers?
  16. Who can we contact to fix dents?
  17. Who does soft top installations?
  18. How do I go about replacing the plastic window in my soft top?
  19. What are my options if I want to replace my seats?
  20. How do people receive Miata accessories ordered from the U.S.?
  21. What are people talking about when they say they had the "baby teeth" removed on their Miata?
  22. Someone backed into my car and dented the corner of my plastic bumper cover. Can it be repaired?
  23. My car has been scratched right down to the primer. Does it have to be repainted?
  24. My soft top latches don't seem to be locking in position anymore. Can they be adjusted?
  25. I'm trying to find a source for a used Miata parts. Any suggestions?
  26. What can I do to improve cold weather starting for my Miata?
  27. What should I do to prepare my Miata for winter storage?
  28. How can I find out what the part number is for a part on my Miata?
  29. Can anyone suggest a product to spruce up my windshield wiper arms?
  30. I've got a damaged alloy wheel. Can it be repaired?
  31. I've heard that some performance car owners go all the way to Montreal to get wheels, tires, balancing, etc. What's the story about Talon Tire?
  32. I've heard that some members buy tires on the Internet. Who are they dealing with?
  33. What are the different types of oils used in the Miata?
  34. Have there been any recalls for Miatas? Which years?
  35. Where do people get their tires mounted and balanced?
  36. I need to replace my aging soft top. Any recommendations?
  37. I have some stone chips but can't get the touch-up paint from the dealer anymore. Are there any other sources for Miata touch-up paints?
  38. What type of engine oil should I use for my Miata?
  39. I've heard members talk about Heel and Toe driving technique. What is that?

1. My battery is dead and won't hold a charge. Where can I get a new battery and what type of battery is recommended?

First, you need to be sure the battery is the problem, not some other component of your electrical system. You can remove the battery and take it to Canadian Tire (and probably any auto battery retailer). They can test it for you for free.

If you do need a replacement battery, a sealed, dry cell (i.e., spill-proof) battery is recommended. The web offers a few choices and, of course, Mazda dealers carry replacement batteries, but they are not considered to be as good as the original equipment batteries.

Another battery that is considered suitable is the OPTIMA 57R dry cell battery, which is available in the correct size with the POS and NEG posts in the correct positions to fit into Miatas. OPTIMA batteries are available at a variety of sources in the Ottawa area including Costco and Total Battery in Nepean. The batteries are available with either a red top or a yellow top. According to one member, yellow top OPTIMAs are deep-discharge batteries that are intended to be drained almost completely between charges. Red tops are supposed to be better for starting cars (more cold cranking amps?) but apparently are not available in the correct 57R size for a Miata. Bottom line – ask lots of questions before you buy.

In the opinion of many, the best quality replacement battery is the Westco battery (12 volt, 31 amp hours, 475 cold cranking amps), made specifically for the Miata: http://www.westcobattery.com/miata.html Westco batteries can be ordered through a number of Miata accessory dealers in the U.S. It can be ordered for the delivery to Rothwells or the UPS store in Ogdensburg (see FAQ #20) and you can drive over to the USA and install it yourself (they are delivered fully charged). According to one of our members, you do not have to go outside of Ottawa for good batteries. Total Battery, close to Bentley Avenue, has sealed batteries at a very good price. One member reported that Autozone may also sell the Westco battery. At least they have sealed batteries that are suitable for the Miata.

Some members have used ordinary car batteries and been completely satisfied

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2. The zipper around my rear window is jamming. How can I lubricate it?

There are a variety of zipper lubricants on the market, available at scuba diving stores (used for zippers on wetsuits).

The best bet is to rub a candle made of paraffin wax along both sides of the zipper and move the zipper back and forth a couple of times. Spread a towel or cloth on the back shelf to catch the bits of wax that fall off. Doing this once a year seems sufficient to keep zippers gliding smoothly.

Some people have achieved good results doing the same thing with a bar of soap, although the soap is less likely to survive past the first rain storm for obvious reasons.

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3. Where can I buy Miata accessories? Are there any Canadian sources?

There are many companies in the U.S. and some in the U.K. that specialize in selling aftermarket accessories and parts for the world's most popular (and numerous) sports car. Rather than listing all of the sources here, we suggest you check out the listings on the Miata.net: http://www.miata.net/marketplace.html

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4. I need to replace my seat covers . What are my options?

A number of people have opted for Katzkin soft leather seat covers. Here are three sites that show them:

If you want to renew the colour on faded black fabric seats, you can always paint them. Yes, paint! While this product will not do anything for wear or tears, it will restore grey seats to black both relatively easily and inexpensively. The spray product is sold at Canadian Tire.

While you can order new seat covers, either the backs, the seat portions or both, you must keep in mind that your new covers will almost certainly not be a perfect color match for any parts of the older, faded seat covers that were not replaced.

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5. Where can I get a cockpit cover (a thin fabric cover that goes over the windshield and attaches around the open passenger compartment)?

Many club members have purchased their covers (to keep out dust, leaves and prying eyes during lunch stops instead of putting up the top and windows) from Sylvie Rivard in Montreal. Sylvie can be reached by email at: crystalblue@videotron.ca or by calling her at: (450) 468-6191

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6. The antenna mast of my power radio antenna has stopped going up/down. Can I fix it myself?

The most common cause for this type of erectile dysfunction is that some of the cogs on the nylon drive cable inside the antenna have been chewed off. Keeping your antenna clean and lubricated (free of ice build-up in the winter) is the best way to extend the life of your antenna. But, the day will come and the good news is, this is an easy do-it yourself job, especially on a tech night with some advisors at your disposal. The only tricky part is removing the fitting at the base of the mast, which is designed to be turned with a special pin wrench. If you don't have a pin wrench, a screwdriver will usually get the job done. Here are some instructions: http://www.miata.net/garage/power_antenna_repair.html

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7. The ‘check engine' light has come on. Can I continue to drive my car?

The illumination of a ‘check engine' light (CEL) is typically an indication of one of two things: a sensor in your emissions system has gone on the fritz or there is actually something that is no longer operating within Mazda's ideal specifications within the air intake, fuel system or exhaust system. A CEL can be triggered by something as simple as not tightening your gas cap properly, which is detected by a pressure sensor in the fuel system. Sometimes, the CEL comes on, but then goes out a short while later, often after the car has been turned off and re-started.

The sensor system on modern cars is extremely sensitive and it is designed primarily to ensure the car runs within engine emissions standards set out by the government. When a CEL comes on and stays on, you can continue driving your car until a convenient opportunity when you can either take it in to a garage for diagnosis or bring it out to a tech night to have the codes read. While your car will not be running at peak efficiency, you won't do any damage to your engine in the short term.

For Miatas dated 1995 and older, all you need to read your diagnostic codes is a paper clip! This process and the different codes are explained at this Miata.net web page: http://www.miata.net/garage/faultcodes.html

Starting in 1996, all Miatas were manufactured with On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) computers that require a special hand-held scanner to read the codes. Almost any service station should have the OBD II scanner that plugs into the Miata's diagnostic system. We also have OBD scanners available at Tech Nights. You will need a Mazda service manual to know what each code indicates (some of our members have manuals too). The OBD scanner will indicate the trouble code number that specifies the nature of the problem. The fix could be as easy as cleaning the air filter, replacing the gas filter or changing the spark plugs. If it is more involved than that, at least you'll know why you have to take your car in for servicing.  Here is a link to articles on the Miata.net about EGR sensors and loose gas caps (two common CEL problems): http://miata.net/garage/egr.html

Disconnecting the car battery extinguishes the light and ‘erases' the code in the OBD's memory. Many members do this as a first step to see if the light comes on again. Be advised – this will also erase your radio pre-set channels.

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8. Is the Miata a viable winter car

With winter tires and the optional detachable hard top, the Miata is a viable and enjoyable winter car. The interior is quick to heat up and, believe it or not, it is actually peppier in the winter, thanks to the cold, dense air that the engine is breathing. Be sure to mount 4 good quality winter tires. Nokian Hakkapeliitta tires are very popular with winter Miata drivers (and rally drivers). This Finnish tire company has a long reputation for outstanding winter tires that are very reasonably priced.

If you are considering getting "all season" tires, start thinking of them as "no season tires" – tires that are not particularly good in any conditions. The rubber compound and the tread will never come close to the traction provided by a true winter tire (indicated with a snowflake and mountain symbol on the sidewall).

Choose your winter tires in a size that is skinnier than your summer tires. This will increase the pounds per square inch of tire that is being pressed onto the road surface. It will prevent "floatation" (the tire riding up onto the snow) and promote better traction. If you want to protect the finish of your alloy wheels, buy 4 inexpensive steel rims for the winter tires. Tires permanently mounted on wheels are alot easier to change and you will extend your tire life by not removing them and re-mounting them every season.

Because the Miata has less ground clearance than many cars, its tolerance for deep snow is even less than other cars. If you try to drive through a bank of snow (such as left behind by a snow plow) chances are that you'll end up suspended on top of a cushion of packed snow with your wheels off the ground. Your only option is to get towed off the snow or dig the snow out from under the belly of the car.

For most of the winter in eastern Ontario and western Quebec, the roads are bare and wet, thanks to the tons of salt spread each year. Driving conditions are hardly wintery at all a lot of the time! This should also suggest to you that rust-proofing is an important consideration if you are planning to winter-drive your Miata. Alternatively, regular use of drive-through car washes in the winter and avoiding heated parking garages can help reduce the effects of salt on your car.

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9. Why should I be concerned about my wheel alignment and where can I go to get it done? What if my car has been lowered?

Wheel alignment can achieve a number of different things: extend the life of your tires, provide a solution to darty steering, allow better traction for performance driving and provide handling characteristics that are best suited to your driving style. Yearly alignments are a good idea to get the best out of your Miata. You should definitely have your alignment check after any incident where your wheels take a good bang (like hitting a curb).

To get a wheel alignment done in Ottawa you have many options. Frisby Tire on Industrial Avenue not only does good work, their alignment rack can also handle lowered cars.

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10. I'm about to buy new tires and/or new wheels for the car and I'm considering different sizes than what was on the car originally. How do I know what tire and wheel sizes will be compatible?

For anyone considering the purchase of new tires, if you are thinking of getting tires in a different size than what came on the car originally, you should check out the Miata.net Tire Size Calculator: http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

All you do is select the basic dimensions of your original or "stock" tires and then select the dimensions of the tires you are considering as replacements and the calculator will provide all the critical info, right down to how many revolutions the new tires will turn per mile compared to the originals and what your actual speed is when your speedo reads 60 mph (sorry, results not avail in kph). This is an extremely useful website that our members have used countless times. The only information it can't provide is how wide your new tires can be before you risk rubbing the sidewalls on the fenders or suspension components (I've had no problems with my 225 Toyos for example).

The only word of caution I would add about buying non-stock sizes is this - we don't realize what a truly fantastic job Mazda did at producing very lightweight wheels and selecting light tires at the factory. Going from 14 in. wheels to a 15 in. rim can add a significant amount of weight if you are not very careful about the wheels you buy. For info on wheels, go to Miata.net, click on "garage" and then "tires and wheels". In addition to the Tire Size Calculator, you will find tables listing the weights of many popular tires and wheels. Remember - adding as little as 4-5 pounds per corner can produce dramatic results in the way your car feels, both under accelaration and while steering.

If you want to know what width tire will actually fit on your car, talk to an expert - someone who can tell you that a set of 225/50-15 tires will fit under the fenders of a 1999 model but not a 1990, for example. It's possible to run tires that aren't exactly the right size and the Miata.net calculator won't tell you that.  

There are benefits to going with a larger wheel and there are downsides. Most people consider 15" and 16" to be the best sizes for performance. Here are the "correct" sizes to use on Miata wheels. Sizes with an asterix (*) are not perfect, but will work and sometimes open up some options in tire brands that would not otherwise be available. The Kumho Ecsta MX, for example, is a light tire that is extremely grippy and relatively inexpensive. But it doesn't come in "correct" Miata sizes.

Here are some common choices:

185/60-14 (stock size on most Miatas)

195/55-14

195/60-14 *

195/50-15 (stock size for Miata 15" wheels)

205/50-15*

225/45-15 (check for fit, it can be too wide depending on the wheel choice)

205/45-16 (stock size for Miata 16" wheels)

215/40-16 (actually a better size, but hard to find)

205/40-17 (stock size for Miata 17" wheels)

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11. I'm in the market for new tires. What is most popular with club members?

You will get as many different answers to this question as if you had asked ‘what is the best colour for a Miata?' One thing you will quickly learn as you talk with Miata drivers: they each look for different qualities in tires. For some, it is all about grip - how sticky the tires are in the corners. But those gummy tires also wear down quickly. For others it is about tire life : not having to get new tires every year. Others want steering responsiveness: typically controlled by sidewall stiffness. Driving in the rain is unsettling for some, so they chose tires that are especially rated for wet handling. For others, noise is the determining factor; they seek the serenity of quiet-running tires.

Once you have done all your opinion shopping, you need to understand how to read the information on tire sidewalls and in brochures to make sure you are getting the tires you want.

For comparison shopping and info on specific tires, check out the information available on-line from internet tire dealers such as: http://www.tiretrends.com (Canadian), www.1010tires.com (also Canadian) and www.tirerack.com (U.S.).

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12. My soft top needs cleaning and conditioning. Recommendations?

You can wash the top with dishwashing liquid, which will get rid of any previous/old preparations that may have been used on the vinyl. If the dirt is really engrained, use a scrubbing brush or nail brush.

One of our members recommends Turtle Wax "Protectant" with advanced UV protection. Spray it onto a sponge to apply it rather than spraying directly onto the vinyl since any over spray onto the windows or paintwork is extremely hard to remove. You can also use the same product to treat your tire sidewalls and all the other bits of vinyl/rubber on the car. It also works well on the black trim piece part under the wiper blades too.

Another member uses the Mr Clean "Magic Eraser" to clean his top and leather seats, then just goes over them with a damp cloth. He has a tan colored top and the dirt really shows. You can really see the difference between the area cleaned with the "eraser" and the other areas yet to be cleaned - so don't miss a spot!

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13.I have a small oil leak at the back of my engine that I suspect is due to a bad valve cover gasket. Is this an expensive repair?

The valve cover gasket is a quick and easy job. It would be simple to do at a Tech Night. If your car is a 1990-97, it could also be a cam angle sensor o-ring. That is a little more involved to get out, but it's still a quick and easy job. The timing needs to be reset when it's done. Another job that is good for a Tech Night. In either case, the parts are not expensive. Back to top

14. I want to get a trailer hitch for my Miata to mount a bicycle rack / Tire Tail / golf bag carrier / pull a small trailer. Are any available?

There are a number of trailer hitches to fit Miatas – Hidden Hitch, Da'Lan, Moss Motors and Hard Dog Fabrication (famous for their roll bars) all offer hitches. Here is the link to look at the hitch available from Moss Motors (can be ordered through Performance Plus in Toronto):

http://www.miatamania.com/Shop/ViewProducts.aspx?PlateIndexID=33249

Here is the link for Hard Dog (check out their outstanding Miata products):

http://www.bethania-garage.com/hitch.htm

This thread discusses hitches, especially for Mazdaspeed Miatas:

http://mazda-speed.com/forum2/index.php?topic=87.0

Hidden Hitch bars and hitches are sold and installed by U-Haul Rental centres, in the U.S. and Canada. Like most trailor hitches, Hidden Hitch features a fairly inconspicuous square tube receiver that mounts horizontally. Only the receiver is visible from behind the car.

Da'Lan has a unique design. Its square tube receiver is mounted in a vertical position behind the bumper. It is totally invisible from behind the car. In fact, you can't see it until you get down on the ground and look up behind the bumper cover. One club member recently had a Da'Lan hitch installed at Attache Remorques in Gatineau (819) 669-6111.

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15.I've got to replace a seized brake caliper. Is there any other source than the Mazda dealers?

Another source for aftermarket callipers is Best Price on Algoma just after turning from Star Top Road. Best Price also offers a discount to club members.

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16. Who can we contact to fix dents?

The club routinely deals with Gilles Bernier who has a "Dent Tec" franchise. He can be reached at 819-743-5252

He works out of his van, so he will come to you to do the work.

Be advised, however many dents you think you have, he will find more (you'll be able to see them once he points them out to you). In a couple of respects, finding more dents is a good thing – because your car will look so much better once he is finished doing his magic and because the cost per dent goes down, the more dents you get him to fix.

In order for Gilles to fix a dent so that it disappears completely, the paint cannot be broken or scratched so deeply that the scratch cannot be buffed out.

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17. Who does soft top installations?

Replacement soft tops can be purchased through a number of Miata accessory stores on-line. Quality ranges from very nice looking fabric tops by Robbins to vinyl tops similar to Mazda original equipment quality. Once you have the top, the question is how to get it installed.

A number of members have had their tops installed by Danny Besharah at 4950 - 8th Line, Carlsbad Springs. His number is (613) 822-6207. Everyone appears to be very happy with the quality of his work and not having to deal with the hassle of doing it themselves.

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18. How do I go about replacing the plastic window in my M1 soft top?

One of our members was quite satisfied with the work done by Autowa on Laperriere. The member removed and replaced the panel that holds the window himself (it took about an hour to get it out and an hour to go back in). Autowa replaced the window itself for about $80. To do the whole job, they would have charged about $425.

Alternatively, Danny (see answer #17 above) will do the removal and replacement of the panel. But you'll still have to take the panel to someone like Autowa to have the actual plastic window replaced.

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19. What are my options if I want to replace my seats?

There are basically three options:

  1. a replacement Mazda seat, new or used, that will bolt right in
  2. an aftermarket seat that can be adapted to mount onto the original Miata sliders and functions like the stock Miata seat
  3. a racing seat (true or replica).

The aftermarket seats, in addition to functioning like a stock Miata seat (recline and tilts forward) typically offer more padding on the sides and seat bolsters to keep you snug in the seat during aggressive driving. There are as many colour combinations, fabrics, customizing features and sizes as you can imagine. Racing seats do not have adjustable backs and have deep sides that you drop your butt into, like a square bucket. They typically attached to the floor pan with custom brackets and they do not slide forward or back. They feature openings for 4 or 6 point racing harnesses and they can be tricky to get in and out of. They are meant for racing and generally a pain for use during daily driving. However, they are great for keeping you absolutely motionless if you do decide to go racing/autocrossing. Reviews of some aftermarket seats can be found on Miata.net at: http://www.miata.net/products/interior/

If you just want raw data (how wide, how high, how deep), Flyin' Miata has an impressive table of dimensions and weights for dozens of aftermarket seats that will fit in a Miata at: http://www.flyinmiata.com/tech/seats.php

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20.How do people receive Miata accessories ordered from the U.S?

If you are prepared to pay for the convenience, you can have them delivered right to your door for one all-inclusive price (see FAQ #3).

Otherwise, if you are planning a trip south of the border, you can arrange to have your order delivered to your hotel or you can just go across the border to pick up the package in Ogdensburg, New York.

For many years, the only option was in Ogdensburg was Roethel Parcel Service. However, they weren't open on weekends. More recently, members have been using the UPS Store in Ogdensburg. It is located in the shopping mall closest to the border crossing.

When placing your order, have it addressed for delivery as follows:

Your name
Your phone number
c/o The UPS Store
2981 Ford Street Extension
Gateway Shopping Center
Route 37
Ogdensburg, NY 13669

If the vendor does not ship to P.O. boxes, you can just give the address as follows, this way it looks like a private residence:

Your Name 2981 Ford Street Extension Ogdensburg, NY 13669

The UPS Store will usually call you once the package arrives. However, it may be prudent to ship your parcel via registered mail or courier, so that you can track it's progress via telephone or the Internet and then call UPS once it has arrived. The UPS Store phone number is: (315) 393-1188. Their current charge is $5 U.S. per parcel and it will cost you $2 U.S. or $2.50 Canadian each way to cross the bridge to the United States. Make sure you have proper ID (passports are strongly recommended these days). Remember, you will be asked if you have anything to declare when you return through Canadian Customs and that means paying both GST and provincial taxes on the value of the goods received.

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21. What are people talking about when they say they had the "baby teeth" removed on their Miata?

They are referring to the tie-down eyes that protrude forward from the radiator opening. Many Miata owners opt to install radiator grills, either for aesthetic reasons or to protect the rad from punctures by stones, etc. Most of these aftermarket grills require the tie-down eyes to be removed before the grill can be installed.

Warning: although they appear fairly substantial and they are not easily removed, the tie-down eyes are not designed for towing. Do not attempt to tow your car using them!

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22. Someone backed into my car and dented the corner of my plastic bumper cover. Can it be repaired?

Good news! Often they can repair themselves, with a bit of help! Before you head off to a body shop, try this cure. The plastic used on bumpers typically has "memory" - when heated it will return to its original molded shape. One of our members was hit in the corner, right under the brake light. The bumper was pushed in so far, there was an indent the size of a softball.

When he got home he pulled out his wife's blow drier, got a stool to sit on and started warming the area of impact. Although there was no indication of progress for the first 15 minutes or so, he kept heating the plastic until it was warm but not hot to the touch. At about the 20 minute mark the dent started to resolve itself and, ever so slowly, it returned to its normal shape. In the end, there was literally no indication that the bumper was ever dented, other than a small blemish in the paint which was fixed in the same way a stone chip is painted and filled in with touch-up paint.

For more serious damage, such as punctures or tears in the plastic, you'll have to ask around. We've heard about places that can do plastic repairs rather than ordering new bumper covers, but we have no such places to recommend.

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23. My car has been scratched right down to the primer. Does it have to be repainted?

Body shops can do miracles as long as you find craftsmen (or women) who take pride in their work rather than running a "spray and pay" operation. Such scratches and deep pitted marks like stone chips can be touched up with paint. After the car is wet sanded and polished, the repairs are invisible. In the words of one painter "it will look like a mirror".

Our members have recommended the following body shops:

BGM on highway 31, a couple of kilometres past the exit for Metcalfe. Ask for Brian

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24. My soft top latches don't seem to be locking in position anymore. Can they be adjusted?

Here is the quick and easy fix. If you look at your top latches while they are open or unlatched, you will see a ‘U' shaped clamp that extends to grab the hook clasps fixed to the top of the windshield frame. As you close the latch, the ‘U' clamp retracts, snugging the soft top against the rubber trim of the windshield frame. When it is properly closed, the latch handle is supposed to lock into position, requiring the release button to be pressed in order to open.

When you look at the inside the ‘U' clamp while it is unlatched, you'll find an adjustable hex nut about ¾ inch long covered by a black plastic guard. Gently push the guard towards the front of the car until it opens, pivoting off the hex nut. With the plastic guard open, you can turn the hex nut one way or the other to either tighten or loosen the tension on the ‘U' clamp. Don't turn it too much and test the tension little by little. Once you get the tension adjusted to the point that it feels snug, but isn't incredibly tight, just snap the plastic guard back into place and you're done.

Make sure you do not over-tighten the latch to the point where the locking mechanism on the latch won't work. Remember – unless the locking mechanism is properly engaged when the latch is closed, the top could open while driving! So, make small adjustments and check often, until the top closes snugly.

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25. I'm trying to find a source for a used Miata parts. Any suggestions?

Here are a number of potential sources for whatever part you need:

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26. What can I do to improve cold-weather starting for my Miata?

Fundamentally, cold starting in wintertime depends on two things – battery power to turn the starter and tuning to ensure the engine fires properly. The following tips from our members may help a reluctant cold weather starter:

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27. What should I do to prepare my Miata for winter storage?

More tips from our members:

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28. How can I find out what the part number is for a part on my Miata?

Once again, the Miata.net comes to the rescue. This web site has part numbers for 1990 through 1999 Miatas:

http://www.miata.net/garage/90-99Parts/index.html

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29. Can anyone suggest a product to spruce up my windshield wiper arms?

Brush-on Tremclad (Mat Black) does an excellent job, shows no brush marks and doesn't need all the masking that is required when using a spray can. Another paint that has been recommended is Krylon flat black interior/exterior spray paint.

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30. I've got a damaged alloy wheel. Can it be repaired?

There are a number of places that repair alloy wheels. Here are a few that come recommended by our members:

Talon Tire in Montreal (see FAQ # 31 for more info on Talon Tire)

P. Jacques Aftermarket Alloy & Metal Wheels
845, Second Ruisseau
Calixa-Lavallee, QC
Phone: 1-800-665-5577, Fax: (450) 583-5216
e-mail: pjacques@netrover.com

Alloy Wheel Repair Specialists
135 Iber Road
Stittsville, ON
Phone: 613-836-2300
or view their website at: http://www.mobilewheelrepair.com/

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31. I've heard that some performance car owners go all the way to Montreal to get wheels, tires, balancing etc. What's the story on Talon Tire?

Simply stated, Talon Tire has the best reputation for expert tire and wheel sales and service in Eastern Canada. It is the supplier of preference to most professional and amateur racers in the region. The folks at TT are so expert that they have been contracted to do forensic accident and defect analysis for the Automotive Protective Association. Many members of the Motorsport Club of Ottawa, BMW Club of Ottawa and the UMN, to name just a few car organizations, are regular customers of Talon Tire. Everyone agrees… the relatively short drive to the west end of Montreal is well worth the trip for what you get in knowledge, professional service and top quality products.

Talon Tire 2607 Diab, St Laurent, QC Phone: (514)337-0833 View their website at: http://www.talontire.com/

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32. I've heard that some members buy tires on the Internet. Who are they dealing with?

There are two Internet sources for tires, wheels and related products in Canada. Both will deliver right to your door and, if you order wheels and tires together, they arrive mounted and balanced. Check them out on the web:

1010tires.com: http://www.1010tires.com

Tire Trends: http://www.tiretrends.com

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33. What are the different types of oils used in the Miata?

Everything you need to know about lubricants for your car can be found in your owner's manual. However, here are the basics and some recommendations from members who prefer aftermarket products. Redline is a manufacturer of a full line of synthetic lubricants. Another popular synthetic (but harder to find) is the Royal Purple line.

LUBRICANT- USAGE

AS SPECIFIED BY MAZDA

AFTERMARKET RECOMMENDATIONS

ENGINE OIL

SAE 10w30 (5w30 below -20c)

Redline 10w30 or 10w40 or Royal Purple 10w30 or 10w40

MANUAL TRANSMISSION OIL

GL-4, GL-5 or 75w90 gear oil

Redline MTL (70w80 GL-4) or Redline MT-90 (75w90 GL-4) or Royal Purple Max-Gear (GL-5)

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OIL

Auto Trans Fluid (ATF) M-III

Royal Purple Max ATF

REAR DIFFERENTIAL OIL

API GL-5

Redline 75w90 Gear Oil (GL-5) or Royal Purple Max-Gear (GL-5) or Royal Purple Gear Oil (GL4/GL5)

POWER STEERING FLUID

Auto Trans Fluid (ATF) M-III

Royal Purple Max EZ

BRAKE/CLUTCH FLUID

DOT 3 brake fluid

ATE Super Blue (boil points dry 593F/wet 420F)

COOLANT ADDITIVE

none

Redline Water Wetter or Royal Purple Purple Ice

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34. Have there been any recalls for Miatas? Which years?

Transport Canada Recall Number: 1993015 Units affected: 240 1990-1993: This recall is for the hardtop hoist accessory kit sold to persons with the hard top Miata. The plastic buckle which is a component part of the hoist may break after the hardtop has been hung in the garage, causing the hardtop to fall. This could result in personal injury. Correction: Plastic buckle will be replaced with a steel buckle.

Transport Canada Recall Number: 1992083 Units affected: 1803 1990: These vehicles may not comply with CMVSS 1103 - exhaust emissions. Catalyst may fail due to vibration. Correction: Catalytic converters will be replaced on affected vehicles.

Transport Canada Recall Number: 1991014 Units affected: 7825 1990: These vehicles do not comply with CMVSS 108 - lighting. When the turn signal is switched on, both DRLs are extinguished and the turn signal is activated. This mode of operation is contrary to the requirements of the standard. Subsection 16 and 19(b) (iii). Correction: DRL control unit will be replaced with one that will ensure that the system's operation meets the standard.

Transport Canada Recall Number: 2000030 Units affected: 490 1995: Certain vehicles are prone to airbag deployments in minor undercarriage impacts. Correction: Dealers will replace the SAS sensor units to reduce the possibility of unnecessary deployments in low speed undercarriage impacts.

Transport Canada Recall Number: 2000060 Units affected: 1334 1999: On certain vehicles, the fuel filler non-return valve may stick causing "fuel spit back" when filling the fuel tank. Correction: Dealers will replace the non-return valve with a modified version.

Transport Canada Recall Number: 1998067 Units affected: 460 1999: The fuel injector harness may contact the manifold at the EGR pipe due to variations in the length and routing of the injector harness. If the harness is damaged a short circuit may occur, blowing the fuse for the fuel injector, resulting in engine stalling. Correction: Injector harness will be rerouted or replaced if damaged.

Transport Canada Recall Number: 2003047 Units affected: 14715 2001-2003: On certain vehicles, the front fog light bulb socket was installed improperly. If the vehicle continues to operate with this condition, the bulb socket and the wiring harness may separate from the fog light housing as a result of exposure to vehicle vibration. Should this occur, the bulb socket and the harness can drop inside the bumper and in the worst case, the heat generated can cause the bumper to burn. Correction: Dealer will re-install the bulb socket properly.

Used vehicle prices vary depending on factors such as general condition, odometer reading, usage history and options fitted. Always have a used vehicle checked by an experienced auto technician before you buy.

For information on recalls, see Transport Canada's web-site, www.tc.gc.ca, or the U.S. National Highway Transportation Administration (NHTSA)web-site, www.nhtsa.dot.gov.

For information on vehicle service bulletins issued by the manufacturer, visit www.nhtsa.dot.gov.

For information on consumer complaints about specific models, see www.lemonaidcars.com.

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35. Where do people get their tires mounted and balanced?

Two popular locations used by members include Frisby Tire on Clyde Avenue and Commercial Tire on Startop Road. Wherever you go, you should ask whether they will clamp weights onto the outside of the rim or use the adhesive weights on the inside of the rim. Also ask about their balancing machines – Hunter is the state of the art balancing machine right now (used at Commercial Tire).

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36. I need to replace my aging soft top. Any recommendations?

Replacement soft tops can be purchased from many Miata accessory outlets in the U.S.

Robbins is a very popular manufacturer of tops, including a very nice fabric top made of "Sunfast" fabric. For more info view their website: http://www.robbinsautotopco.com

One of our members ordered a new top from Cabrioworld and was very pleased with their service and product. For more info view their website: http://www.cabrioworld.com

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37. I have some stone chips but I can't get the touch-up paint at the dealers anymore. Are there any other sources for Miata touch-up paints?

Many Mazda dealers no longer stock touch-up paint in the earlier Miata colours, particularly the M1 Miatas.One local source for touch-up paint is MPS Metro at 1580 Laperriere Avenue (south side near Clyde). The 215 gram (7.6 oz) aerosol is $20 plus tax and the touch-up bottle is $11.95 plus tax. For those who would use a touch-up bottle, I would advise you not to use the brush that comes in the bottle, it is far too coarse. Instead, purchase a very fine and really good artists' brush from an art store - it is well worth the expense. You can take the paint from the coarse brush with the artists' brush and apply it in miniscule amounts to stone-chips, etc. The brush in the bottle will only make a nasty and very obvious blob.

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38. What type of engine oil should I use for my Miata?

One's choice of engine oils (brand, viscosity, "dino" vs. synthetic, etc.) ends up being one of the most debated topics in car care. Very often people can generally agree on things like tire selection, chassis set-up and other things – but start talking about oil and the hackles start to go up. The following information is simply based on what we've found works well in our cars and from our own backgrounds.

Choosing the correct viscosity is the easy part. We strongly suggest sticking with Mazda's spec of 10/30 for the NA and NB Miatas, and 5/20 for the NC MX-5s. You can go to the lighter side with 5/30 (for NA/NB) if you're going to be spending a lot of time in colder climates. Based on testing we generally only make one exception to this, and that is for applications other than stock – meaning forced induction engines (turbos, superchargers) or folks with specially modified engines for track use. In those situations Mobil One 5/50 (full synthetic) works quite well. (There will be more on synthetics later.) Now we get to a sticky part – the brands. In the category of "dino" (short for dinosaur, petroleum based) oils, there are a few that stand out – at both ends of the spectrum. Mobil makes an excellent product (actually several choices) as do Castrol and Valvoline. These are good oils that have consistent quality and should protect your engine well. At the other end of the spectrum is Pennzoil and Quaker State. In our experience, these have a noticeably higher paraffin content, resulting in gumming and deposits – what amounts to a dark varnish covering everything inside the engine. Not a pretty sight, and detrimental to your engine. A precautionary word here is that you'll find these oils (along with cheaply made filters) in most of the quick-lube locations. The next level of protection comes from the synthetics, and is in my opinion the better choice. This is also where we step into the area of even more heated debates. But first a few quick words of simple explanation of what a synthetic is, and how it works: When you see an oil rated as a 5W/30 – this relates to the weight of the oil. (Many of you already understand this – sorry – please skip ahead). So in a petroleum based oil in order to achieve this weight they need to blend oils (as well as viscosity improvers) to make it fit the weight parameters. Imagine that we have a large drum, and we need to fill it with balls that average in size to the size of a softball. We then fill that drum with baseballs, basketballs, and maybe even ping-pong balls to get it to that average. On the other hand, if we are manufacturing the base (synthetic), we can now make all of them uniformly the size of a softball. The benefits are obvious – better lubrication, and less tendency for the lighter (ping-pong balls) to boil off with heat and time. So it lasts longer, and does a better job for the duration of its service life. Within synthetics, there are also differing grades of base stock. (Brief side note – the whole industry of synthetic motor oils got its start from the aircraft industry (jet engines) where the standards and requirements were much tougher than consumer automobiles – making its way from aircraft, to auto racing, and ultimately to your Miata.) Both Mobil One and Redline use the highest quality base (and most expensive) base stocks. Make sure to do some research before you decide on a synthetic – they truly are not all created equal. Ask questions of experienced folk, and don't just let a manufacturer's ad campaign sway you. A popular choice for street driven Miatas is Mobil One. Redline is great for all racing engine applications, and in transmissions/differentials. A common question is, "Why is there a mileage and time recommendation for oil service?" The time recommendation is because of other things getting mixed in with the oil every time you start the car and drive. As part of the lubrication process, oil comes in contact with a certain amount of the combustion process, so both unburned fuel and carbon get entrained in it. Add to that some moisture from air due to the repeated heating and cooling process, and you actually end up with acids in your oil. So if you're a person who doesn't travel the miles between oil changes, but ignores the time recommendation ("they just want to get me back for an oil change") you are actually subjecting the internal parts of your engine to a long-term acid bath. And that's bad over the long haul. For petroleum oils, we recommend every 3 months or 3,000 miles, and for synthetics every 5 months or 5,000 miles.

-- Moss Motors, with technical contribution from Rick Weldon, PR Motorsports

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39. I've heard members talk about Heel and Toe driving technique, What is that?

You can learn about the Heel and Toe technique at Top Gear. For more info, view the Top Gear Website: http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/senna-2010-07-28

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