Mazda CX-5 Jack Placement: The Hidden Spot Most Owners Miss During Emergencies
Owning a Mazda CX-5 means embracing a vehicle known for its stylish design, comfortable ride, and spirited performance. But even the most reliable vehicles are susceptible to the occasional flat tire. Knowing where your jack is and, more importantly, how to correctly place it is crucial for your safety and roadside preparedness. This article will guide you through the often-overlooked jack placement on your Mazda CX-5, ensuring you can confidently handle a tire change when the unexpected happens.
Why Correct Jack Placement Matters
Attempting to change a tire without proper jack placement can be incredibly dangerous. Placing the jack incorrectly can:
- Damage your vehicle: Misplacing the jack can bend body panels, damage undercarriage components, and even compromise the structural integrity of your CX-5.
- Cause the vehicle to slip: An unstable jack can lead to the vehicle slipping off, potentially causing serious injury.
- Make the tire change impossible: Incorrect placement might prevent the tire from lifting high enough to clear the ground.
Understanding the proper jack placement is paramount for a safe and successful tire change.
Locating the Jack and Tools in Your Mazda CX-5
Before we delve into placement, let’s locate the essential tools you’ll need. Your Mazda CX-5 typically houses the jack, lug wrench, and sometimes a spare tire, in a hidden compartment. Here’s where you usually find them:
- Spare Tire (if equipped): Typically located under the cargo floor in the rear of the vehicle. The exact location might vary slightly depending on the year and trim level.
- Jack and Lug Wrench: Usually stored within the spare tire compartment, or sometimes in a compartment on the side of the cargo area. Consult your owner’s manual for the precise location.
Important Note: Modern CX-5s often come with a tire repair kit (tire sealant and an air compressor) instead of a spare tire. If you have this kit, familiarise yourself with its operation before you need it.
Identifying the Correct Jack Points on Your CX-5
The jack points on your Mazda CX-5 are specifically reinforced areas designed to withstand the pressure of the jack. These are usually located near the front and rear wheels. This is the hidden spot most owners miss:
- Look for the Indentations: You’ll find small, raised areas or indentations along the pinch welds (the seam where the side panels meet the underbody) on the side skirts, close to each wheel. These are the designated jack points.
- Consult Your Owner’s Manual: Your owner’s manual is your best resource. It contains detailed diagrams and illustrations that pinpoint the exact location of the jack points for your specific model year and trim. Don’t skip this step!
- Front Jack Points: Located behind the front wheels, typically just behind the front tire.
- Rear Jack Points: Located in front of the rear wheels, usually just in front of the rear tire.
Step-by-Step Guide to Safe Jack Placement
Once you’ve located the jack points, follow these steps for a safe tire change:
- Safety First: Park on a level, stable surface. Engage the parking brake firmly. Turn on your hazard lights. Consider placing warning triangles or flares to alert other drivers.
- Loosen the Lug Nuts: Before jacking up the car, use the lug wrench to slightly loosen the lug nuts on the flat tire. Do this before you lift the vehicle – it’s much easier when the tire is still on the ground. Turn the lug nuts counterclockwise.
- Position the Jack: Carefully position the jack under the designated jack point. Ensure the jack head is securely engaged with the reinforced area.
- Raise the Vehicle: Slowly and steadily raise the vehicle using the jack. Lift the vehicle until the flat tire is completely off the ground, providing enough clearance for the spare tire (or for the new tire if you’re replacing it).
- Remove and Replace the Tire: Remove the lug nuts completely. Carefully pull the flat tire off the wheel studs. Mount the spare tire (or new tire) onto the studs.
- Tighten the Lug Nuts: Hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern (opposite nuts) to ensure even pressure.
- Lower the Vehicle: Slowly lower the vehicle until the tire touches the ground.
- Final Tightening: Use the lug wrench to fully tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. Use the correct torque specification (found in your owner’s manual) to avoid over-tightening.
- Lower Completely and Final Check: Lower the vehicle completely to the ground. Give the lug nuts one final check to ensure they are secure.
- Stow the Flat Tire and Tools: Place the flat tire, jack, and tools back in their designated compartments.
- Check Tire Pressure: Once you can safely, check the tire pressure of the spare tire and inflate it to the recommended pressure (found on the tire sidewall or in your owner’s manual).
- Get Your Flat Tire Repaired or Replaced: Have your flat tire repaired or replaced as soon as possible. Spare tires are usually for temporary use only.
Conclusion: Be Prepared and Stay Safe
Knowing the proper jack placement for your Mazda CX-5 is a critical skill that can save you time, frustration, and potentially, prevent injury. By familiarizing yourself with the jack points, tools, and the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to handle a flat tire with confidence. Always consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions and diagrams relevant to your vehicle’s model year and trim. Roadside emergencies can be stressful, but with preparation and knowledge, you can navigate them safely and efficiently.
FAQs
1. Where is the jack located in my Mazda CX-5?
The jack is typically found in the spare tire compartment in the rear of the vehicle, or sometimes in a compartment on the side of the cargo area. Consult your owner’s manual for the exact location for your specific model year.
2. What happens if I don’t use the correct jack points?
Using the wrong jack points can damage the vehicle’s body, undercarriage, or suspension components. It can also cause the vehicle to be unstable, potentially leading to the jack slipping and causing serious injury.
3. What should I do if I don’t have a spare tire?
If your CX-5 is equipped with a tire repair kit (sealant and compressor), follow the instructions provided in the kit and your owner’s manual. If you are unable to repair the tire with the kit, contact roadside assistance or a towing service.
4. How often should I check my spare tire pressure?
Check your spare tire pressure regularly, ideally every few months, and before long trips. The recommended tire pressure is usually printed on the tire sidewall or in the owner’s manual.
5. Can I use a different type of jack than the one that came with my CX-5?
You can use a different jack, such as a hydraulic jack or a scissor jack, as long as it has sufficient weight capacity for your vehicle and you ensure it is properly placed on the designated jack points. Always prioritize safety and consult your owner’s manual for any specific recommendations.
