2003 MAZDA MODEL MPV ESP

9-13
Customer Information
Form No. 8R21-EA-02G
Uniform Tire Quality Grading System (UTQGS)
This information relates to the tire grading system developed by the U.S. National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration for grading tires by tread wear, traction, and
temperature performance.

Tre a d We a r
The tread wear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified government test course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one-and-a-half times as well on the government
course as a tire graded 100.
The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual conditions of their use, however,
and may depart significantly from the norm because of variations in driving habits, service
practices and differences in road characteristics and climate.

Traction-AA, A, B, C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C. These grades represent
the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions on
specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor
traction performance.

Temperature-A, B, C
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C, represent the tire’s resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions
on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire
life, and excessive temperatures can lead to sudden tire failure.
Grade C corresponds to a level of performance which all passenger vehicle tires must meet
under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent
higher levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by
law.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading System (UTQGS)
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on braking (straight ahead) traction
tests and does not include acceleration cornering (turning), hydroplaning, or peak
traction characteristics.
WARNING
J16L_8R21-EA-02G.book Page 13 Saturday, June 8, 2002 11:16 AM

9-14
Customer Information
Uniform Tire Quality Grading System (UTQGS)
Form No. 8R21-EA-02G
These grades will be added to the sidewalls of passenger vehicle tires over the next several
years according to a schedule established by the NHTSA and the tire manufacturers.
The grade of tires available as standard or optional equipment on Mazda vehicle may vary
with respect to grade.
ALL PASSENGER VEHICLE TIRES MUST CONFORM TO THESE GRADES AND
TO ALL OTHER FEDERAL TIRE-SAFETY REQUIREMENTS.

Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Quality grades can be found where applicable on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder
and maximum section width.
For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
The temperature grade for this tire is established for a tire that is properly inflated
and not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinflation, or excessive loading, either
separately or in combination, can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.
WARNING
UTQGS MARK (example)
TREADWEAR 200 TRACTION AA
TEMPERATURE A
J16L_8R21-EA-02G.book Page 14 Saturday, June 8, 2002 11:16 AM

9-15
Customer Information
Form No. 8R21-EA-02G
Reporting Safety Defects
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause
injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying Mazda Motor Corporation (Your Mazda
Importer/Distributor).
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a
safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign.
However, NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems between you, your
dealer, or Mazda Motor Corporation (Your Mazda Importer/Distributor).
To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at 1 (800) 424-
9393 (or 366-0123 in Washington, D.C. area) or write to: NHTSA, U.S. Department of
Transportation. Washington, D.C. 20590. You can also obtain other information about
motor vehicle safety from the Hotline.
Reporting Safety Defects
NOTE
If you live in the U.S.A., all correspondence to Mazda Motor Corporation should be
forwarded to:
Mazda North American Operations
7755, Irvine Center Drive
Irvine, California 92618-2922
P.O. Box 19734
Irvine, CA 92623-9734
Customer Assistance Center or toll free at 1 (800) 222-5500
If you live outside of the U.S.A., please contact the nearest Mazda Distributor shown
(page 9-7) in this booklet.
J16L_8R21-EA-02G.book Page 15 Saturday, June 8, 2002 11:16 AM