Over the years, we've seen just about everything that can happen to a Miata -
good and bad. Each issue of Miata Magazine lists new tips and tricks for keeping your
Miata new and strong. To bring you up to speed, here are their ten most popular tips - Happy
Motoring!
NOTE - Miata Magazine is no longer being published, but their information is
still good.
1. Unlatch your top latches before unzipping or zipping your rear window - every time.
We've found that the zipper is the thing that fails due to tension on it when the top is
latched.
2. Unzip your rear window every time you drop your top, no exceptions, unless you like
a permanent crease in your back window.
3. Put a towel on top of the unzipped rear window before you lower the convertible top
onto it - this will prevent scuff marks. Window protectors are
sold by vendors in the magazine. The folded top weighs a bit and its vibration will cut
right into your clear rear window over time.
4. Always put your top boot on when you go out in the sun the underside of your
convertible top will deteriorate rapidly in direct sunlight.
5. Here's our favorite: Recline and push your passenger seat back against the rear
bulkhead so it won't rattle. Better yet, take a friend along to keep the seat still.
6. Run 28 psi in all your tires - there is a dreaded vibration at 65 mph for most
Miatas that can creep in at higher or lower pressures. This has been around since '89 but
can be avoided.
7. Shift your engine at 6,500 rpm as often as possible these motors make peak
power at this level of rpm, so your Miata won't be very fast unless you go up there.
Believe us, you won't be hurting anything (after you've broken in your engine, that is).
There is a rev limiter at 7,200 rpm to keep your engine safe.
8. To prevent your hydraulic lifters from making noises after a cold start, use 10W-30
oil from a major supplier. If you get any lifter noise (ticking
during startup), try a thinner oil like 5W-30.
9. Change your engine oil at the first 500 mile mark, then every 3,000 miles after
that. Change your filter at the same time and use only Mazda oil filters.
10. Buy door sill protectors for your Miata. The painted
door sills will get scratched up and rusty if you don't cover the paint with something
more substantial.
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