2006 MAZDA MODEL MX-5 MIATA tire size

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qSnow Tires
Use snow tires on all four wheels
Don't go faster than 120 km/h (75 mph)
while driving with snow tires. Inflate
snow tires 30 kPa (0.3 kgf/cm
2, 4.3 psi)
more than recommended on the tire
pressure label (driver's door frame), but
never more than the maximum cold-tire
pressure shown on the tires.
Your vehicle is originally equipped with
summer tires designed for optimum
traction on wet and dry roads. If your
vehicle is to be used on snow and ice
covered roads, Mazda recommends that
you replace the tires originally equipped
on your vehicle with snow tires during the
winter months.
WARNING
Mixing Tire Types:
Using tires different in size or type is
dangerous. Your vehicle's handling
could be greatly affected and result in
an accident. Use only the same size
and type tires (snow, radial, or non-
radial) on all four wheels.
CAUTION
Check local regulations before using
studded tires.
NOTE
If your vehicle is equipped with the tire
pressure monitoring system, the system
may not function correctly when using
tires with steel wire reinforcement in
the sidewalls (page 5-30).
q Tire Chains
Check local regulations before using tire
chains.
CAUTION
lChains may scratch or chip
aluminum wheels. Install tire chains
on steel wheels only.
lChains may affect handling.
lDon't go faster than 50 km/h (30
mph) or the chain manufacturer's
recommended limit, whichever is
lower.
lDrive carefully and avoid bumps,
holes, and sharp turns.
lAvoid locked-wheel braking.
lDon't use chains on roads that are
free of snow or ice. The tires and
chains could be damaged.
NOTE
If your vehicle is equipped with the tire
pressure monitoring system, the system
may not function correctly when using
tire chains.
Install the chains on the rear tires.
Don't use chains on the front tires.
Use only genuine Mazda tire chains.
Please consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
Installing the chains
1. Secure the chains on the rear tires as tightly as possible. Always follow the
chain manufacturer's instructions.
4-10
Before Driving Your Mazda
Driving Tips
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Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)
í
The Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
automatically controls braking and engine
torque in conjunction with systems such
as ABS and TCS to help control side slip
when driving on slippery surfaces, or
during sudden or evasive maneuvering,
enhancing vehicle safety.
Refer to ABS (page 5-7) and TCS (page
5-23).
WARNING
DSC and Unsafe Driving:
The dynamic stability control (DSC)
cannot compensate for unsafe and
reckless driving, excessive speed,
tailgating (following another vehicle
too closely), and hydroplaning
(reduced tire friction and road contact
because of water on the road surface).
You can still have an accident. So
don't rely on the dynamic stability
control as a substitute for safe driving.
CAUTION
lThe DSC may not operate correctly
unless the following are observed:
lUse tires of the correct size
specified for your Mazda on all
four wheels.
lUse tires of the same
manufacturer, brand and tread
pattern on all four wheels.
lDo not mix worn tires.
lThe DSC may not operate correctly
when tire chains are used or a
temporary spare tire is installed
because the tire diameter changes.
lIf repair or replacement of the
steering or other surrounding
equipment is necessary, have it done
at an Authorized Mazda Dealer. If
the center position of the steering
deviates, the DSC may not operate
correctly because there is a sensor in
the steering which detects driving
conditions.
qTCS/DSC Indicator Light
This indicator light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition switch is turned
to the ON position. If the TCS or DSC is
operating, the indicator light flashes.
5-24
Driving Your Mazda
íSome models.
Starting and Driving
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Tire Pressure Monitoring
System
í
The tire pressure monitoring system
(TPMS) monitors the pressure for each
tire.
If tire pressure is too low in one or more
tires, the system will inform the driver via
the warning light in the instrument panel
and by the warning beep sound.
The tire pressure sensors installed on each
wheel send tire pressure data by radio
signal to the receiver unit in the vehicle.
Tire pressure sensors
NOTE
When the ambient temperature is low
due to seasonal changes, tire
temperatures are also lower. If the tire
temperature lowers, the air pressure
lowers as well, and the TPMS warning
light illuminates more frequently.
Inspect the tire pressure dailybefore
driving, and check the tire pressures
monthly with a tire pressure gauge.
When checking the tire pressures, use
of a digital tire pressure gauge is
recommended. TPMS does not alleviate your need to
check the pressure and condition of all
four tires before you drive each day.
CAUTION
lEach tire, including the spare (if
provided), should be checked
monthly when cold and inflated to
the inflation pressure recommended
by the vehicle manufacturer on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation
pressure label. (If your vehicle has
tires of a different size than the size
indicated on the vehicle placard or
tire inflation pressure label, you
should determine the proper tire
inflation pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your
vehicle has been equipped with a tire
pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
that illuminates a low tire pressure
telltale when one or more of your
tires is significantly under-inflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire
pressure telltale illuminates, you
should stop and check your tires as
soon as possible, and inflate them to
the proper pressure. Driving on a
significantly under-inflated tire
causes the tire to overheat and can
lead to tire failure. Under-inflation
also reduces fuel efficiency and tire
tread life, and may affect the
vehicle's handling and stopping
ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a
substitute for proper tire
maintenance, and it is the driver's
responsibility to maintain correct tire
pressure, even if under-inflation has
not reached the level to trigger
illumination of the TPMS low tire
pressure telltale.
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
5-27íSome models.
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NOTE
lMake sure the jack is well lubricated
before using it.
(With Tire Pressure Monitoring
System)
lBe sure to register the tire pressure
sensor ID signal code whenever tires
or wheels are changed (page 5-30).
1. Park on a level surface off the right-of- way and firmly set the parking brake.
2. Put a vehicle with an automatic transmission in Park (P), a manual
transmission in Reverse (R) or 1, and
turn off the engine.
3. Turn on the hazard warning flasher.
4. Have everyone get out of the vehicle and away from the vehicle and traffic.
5. Remove the jack, and tool (page 7-5).
6. Block the wheel diagonally opposite the tire to be changed. When blocking
a wheel, place a tire block both in front
and behind the tire.
NOTE
When blocking a tire, use rocks or
wood blocks of sufficient size to hold
the tire in place.
qRemoving a Tire
1. Loosen the lug nuts by turning them
counterclockwise one turn each, but
don't remove any until the tire has been
raised off the ground.
2. Place the jack under the jackingposition closest to the tire being
changed.
Jacking position
7-14
In Case of an Emergency
Flat Tire
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Tires
For reasons of proper performance, safety,
and better fuel economy, always maintain
recommended tire inflation pressures and
stay within the recommended load limits
and weight distribution.
WARNING
Using Different Tire Types:
Driving your vehicle with different
types of tires is dangerous. It could
cause poor handling and poor
braking; leading to loss of control.
Using Wrong-Sized Tires:
Using any other tire size than what is
specified for your Mazda (page 10-6)
is dangerous. It could seriously affect
ride, handling, ground clearance, tire
clearance, and speedometer
calibration. This could cause you to
have an accident. Use only tires that
are the correct size specified for your
Mazda.
qTire Inflation Pressure
WARNING
Incorrect Tire Inflation:
Overinflation or underinflation of tires
is dangerous. Adverse handling or
unexpected tire failure could result in
a serious accident. Always inflate the
tires to the correct pressure (page
10-6). The Tire Pressure Monitoring System
í
does not alleviate the need to check the
tire condition every day, including
whether the tires all look inflated properly.
Inspect all tire pressure monthly when the
tires are cold. Maintain recommended
pressures for the best ride, top handling,
and minimum tire wear.
When checking the tire pressures, use of a
digital tire pressure gauge is
recommended.
Refer to the specification charts (page
10-6).
8-30
Maintenance and Care
íSome models.
Owner Maintenance
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CAUTION
Limited-Slip Differential system;
don't use the following:
lTires not of the designated size
lTires of different sizes or types at the
same time
lTires not sufficiently inflated
If these instructions aren't followed, the
rotation of the left and right wheels will
be different and will thus apply a
constant load on the limited-slip
differential.
This will cause a malfunction.
q Replacing a Tire
WARNING
Worn Tires:
Driving with worn tires is dangerous.
Reduced braking, steering, and
traction could result in an accident.
Always use tires that are in good
condition.
CAUTION
(With Tire Pressure Monitoring
System)
When replacing/repairing the tires or
wheels or both, have the work done by
an Authorized Mazda Dealer, or the tire
pressure sensors may be damaged.
NOTE
(With Tire Pressure Monitoring
System)
lWhen tires with steel wire
reinforcement in the sidewalls are
used, the system may not function
correctly even with a genuine wheel.
Refer to System Error Activation on
page 5-30.
lBe sure to install the tire pressure
sensors whenever tires or wheels are
replaced.
Refer to Tires and Wheels on page
5-30.
If a tire wears evenly, a wear indicator
will appear as a solid band across the
tread.
Replace the tire when this happens.
New tread Tread wear indicator
Worn tread
You should replace it before the band is
across the entire tread.
8-32
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
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NOTE
Tires degrade over time, even when
they are not being used on the road. It is
recommended that tires generally be
replaced when they are 6 years or older.
Heat caused by hot climates or frequent
high loading conditions can accelerate
the aging process. Regarding the
manufacturing week and year is
indicated with 4 digit.
Refer to The tire labeling on page 9-18.
qReplacing a Wheel
WARNING
Using a Wrong-Sized Wheel:
Using a wrong-sized wheel is
dangerous. Braking and handling
could be affected, leading to loss of
control and an accident. Always use
wheels of the correct size on your
vehicle.
CAUTION
lA wrong-sized wheel may adversely
affect:
lTire fitlWheel and bearing lifelGround clearancelSnow-chain clearancelSpeedometer calibrationlHeadlight aimlBumper heightlTire Pressure Monitoring SystemlLimited-Slip Differential System
l(With Tire Pressure Monitoring
System)
lWhen replacing/repairing the tires
or wheels or both, have the work
done by an Authorized Mazda
Dealer, or the tire pressure sensors
may be damaged.
lThe wheels equipped on your
Mazda are specially designed for
installation of the tire pressure
sensors. Do not use non-genuine
wheels, otherwise it may not be
possible to install the tire pressure
sensors.
NOTE
Be sure to install the tire pressure
sensors whenever tires or wheels are
replaced. Refer to Tires and Wheels on
page 5-30.
When replacing a wheel, make sure the
new one is the same as the original factory
wheel in diameter, rim width, and offset.
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
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11. Tread wear, traction and temperature grades
12. Max. permissible inflation pressure
13. SAFETY WARNING
P215/65R15 95H is an example of a tire size and load index rating. Here is an explanation
of the various components of that tire size and load index rating. Note that the tire size and
load index rating may be different from the example.
P
Indicates a tire that may be installed on cars, SUVs, minivans and light trucks as designated
by the Tire and Rim Association (T&RA).
NOTE
If your tire size does not begin with a letter this may mean it is designated by either
ETRTO (European Tire and Rim Technical Organization) or JATMA (Japan Tire
Manufacturing Association).
215
“215 ”is the nominal width of the tire in millimeters. This three-digit number gives the
width in millimeters of the tire from sidewall edge to sidewall edge. In general, the larger
the number, the wider the tire.
65
“ 65 ”is the aspect ratio. This two-digit number indicates the tire's ratio of height to width.
R
“R” is the tire construction symbol. R indicates “Radial ply construction ”.
15
“15 ”is the wheel rim diameter in inches.
95
“95 ”is the Load Index. This two-or three-digit number indicates how much weight each
tire can support.
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
9-19
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