2006 MAZDA MODEL RX 8 tire size

Black plate (343,1)
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
RX-8_8U58-EA-05J_Edition1 Page343
Thursday, August 25 2005 5:0 PM
Form No.8U58-EA-05J

Black plate (345,1)
Tread Wear, Traction and Temperature Grades
Tread wear: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 one-half (1 1/2) times as well on the
government course as a tire graded 100.
Traction:The traction grades, from highest to lowest are AA, A, B, and C. The 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:The temperature grades are A (the highest), B and C, representing 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.
Snow Tires
In some heavy snow areas, local governments may require true snow tires, those with very
deeply cut tread. These tires should only be used in pairs or placed on all four wheels.
Make sure you purchase snow tires that are the same size and construction type as the other
tires on your vehicle.
SAFETY WARNING
The following safety warning appears on the tire's sidewall.
SERIOUS INJURY MAY RESULT FROM:
lEXPLOSION OF TIRE/RIM ASSEMBLY DUE TO IMPROPER MOUNTING-
MATCH TIRE DIAMETER TO RIM DIAMETER; NEVER EXCEED 40 psi (275 kPa)
TO SEAT BEADS-ONLY SPECIALLY TRAINED PERSONS SHOULD MOUNT
TIRES.
lTIRE FAILURE DUE TO UNDER-INFLATION/OVERLOADING/DAMAGE-
FOLLOW OWNER'S MANUAL AND PLACARD IN VEHICLE-FREQUENTLY
CHECK INFLATION PRESSURE AND INSPECT FOR DAMAGE.
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
9-21
RX-8_8U58-EA-05J_Edition1 Page345
Thursday, August 25 2005 5:0 PM
Form No.8U58-EA-05J

Black plate (346,1)
qInformation on Temporary Tires
Please refer to the diagram below.
1. Temporary tires
2. Nominal width of tire in millimeters
3. Ratio of height to width (aspect ratio)
4. Diagonal
5. Rim diameter code
T115/70D 16 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.
T
Indicates a tire that may be installed on cars, SUVs, minivans and light trucks as designated
by the Tire and Rim Association (T&RA).
11 5
“115”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.
70
“70”is the aspect ratio. This two-digit number indicates the tire's ratio of height to width.
9-22
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
RX-8_8U58-EA-05J_Edition1 Page346
Thursday, August 25 2005 5:0 PM
Form No.8U58-EA-05J

Black plate (348,1)
Location of the Tire Label (Placard)
You will find the tire label containing tire inflation pressure by tire size and other important
information on the driver's side B-pillar or on the edge of the rear door on the driver's side.
SAMPLE
qRecommended Tire Inflation Pressure
On the tire label you will find the recommended tire inflation pressure in both kPa and psi
for the tires installed as original equipment on the vehicle. It is very important that the
inflation pressure of the tires on your vehicle is maintained at the recommended pressure.
You should check the tire pressure regularly to insure that the proper inflation pressure is
maintained.
Refer to Tires on page 10-6.
NOTE
Tire pressures listed on the vehicle placard or tire information label indicate the
recommended cold tire inflation pressure, measured when the tires are cold, after the
vehicle has been parked for at least 3 hours. As you drive, the temperature in the tire
warms up, increasing the tire pressure.
9-24
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
RX-8_8U58-EA-05J_Edition1 Page348
Thursday, August 25 2005 5:0 PM
Form No.8U58-EA-05J

Black plate (350,1)
NOTE
Warm tires normally exceed recommended pressures. Don't release air from warm tires
to adjust the pressure.
Under-inflation can cause serious failures and accidents.
Over-inflation can produce a harsh ride and the greater possibility of damage from road
hazards.
qGlossary of Terms
Tire Placard:A label indicating the OE tire sizes, recommended inflation pressure, and
the maximum weight the vehicle can carry.
Tire Identification Number (TIN):A number on the sidewall of each tire providing
information about the tire brand and manufacturing plant, tire size, and date of
manufacture.
Inflation Pressure:A measure of the amount of air in a tire.
kPa:Kilopascal, the metric unit for air pressure.
psi:Pounds per square inch, the English unit for air pressure.
B-pillar:The structural member at the side of the vehicle behind the front door.
Original Equipment (OE):Describes components originally equipped on the vehicle.
Vehicle Load Limit:The maximum value of the combined weight of occupants and cargo.
Bead Area of the Tire:Area of the tire next to the rim.
Sidewall Area of the Tire:Area between the bead area and the tread.
Tread Area of the Tire:Area on the perimeter of the tire that contacts the road when it's
mounted on the vehicle.
Seating capacitymeans the total allowable number of vehicle occupants. Seating capacity
is described on the tire label.
Production options weightis the combined weight of installed regular production options
weighing over 2.3 kilograms in excess of the standard items which they replace, and not
previously considered in the curb weight or accessory weight, including heavy duty brakes,
ride levelers, roof rack, heavy duty battery, and special trim.
Rimis the metal support (wheel) for a tire or a tire and tube assembly upon which the tire
beads are seated.
9-26
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
RX-8_8U58-EA-05J_Edition1 Page350
Thursday, August 25 2005 5:0 PM
Form No.8U58-EA-05J

Black plate (352,1)
CAUTION
Rotate unidirectional tires and radial tires that have an asymmetrical tread pattern or
studs only from front to rear, not from side to side. Tire performance will be weakened if
rotated from side to side.
(With limited-slip differential)
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.
qReplacing 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.
If a tire wears evenly, a wear indicator will appear as a solid band across the tread. Replace
the tire when this happens.
New treadTread wear indicator
Worn tread
You should replace it before the band is across the entire tread.
9-28
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
RX-8_8U58-EA-05J_Edition1 Page352
Thursday, August 25 2005 5:0 PM
Form No.8U58-EA-05J

Black plate (354,1)
Vehicle Loading
NOTE
This vehicle is not designed to tow a trailer.
This section will guide you in the proper loading of your vehicle and/or trailer, to keep
your loaded vehicle weight within its design rating capability, with or without a trailer.
Properly loading your vehicle will provide maximum return of vehicle design performance.
Before loading your vehicle, familiarize yourself with the following terms for determining
your vehicle's weight ratings, with or without a trailer, from the vehicle's Safety
Certification Label and Tire and Load Information Label:
WARNING
Overloaded Vehicle:
Overloading a vehicle is dangerous. The results of overloading can have serious
consequences in terms of passenger safety. Too much weight on a vehicle's suspension
system can cause spring or shock absorber failure, brake failure, handling or steering
problems, irregular tire wear, tire failure or other damage.
Overloading makes a vehicle harder to drive and control. It also increases the distance
required for stopping. In cases of serious overloading, brakes can fail completely,
particularly on steep grades. The load a tire will carry safely is a combination of the
size of the tire, its load range, and corresponding inflation pressure.
Never overload the vehicle and always observe the vehicle's weight ratings from the
vehicle's Safety Certification and Tire and Load Information labels.
Base Curb Weight is the weight of the vehicle including a full tank of fuel and all
standard equipment. It does not include passengers, cargo, or optional equipment.
9-30
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
RX-8_8U58-EA-05J_Edition1 Page354
Thursday, August 25 2005 5:0 PM
Form No.8U58-EA-05J

Black plate (371,1)
Check the tire pressure label for tire size and inflation pressure.
Refer to Tire Inflation Pressure on page 8-27.
Tire sizeInflation pressure
Front Rear
225/55R16 94V
220 kPa (32 psi) 220 kPa (32 psi)
225/45R18 91W
Vehicle capacity weight: 308 kg (680 lbs)
qFuses
Refer to the fuse rating on page 8-39.
Specifications
10-7
RX-8_8U58-EA-05J_Edition1 Page371
Thursday, August 25 2005 5:0 PM
Form No.8U58-EA-05J