2008 MAZDA MODEL RX 8 tire size

Black plate (296,1)
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. You should
replace the spare tire when you replace the
other road tires due to the aging of the spare
tire. Regarding the manufacturing week and
year is indicated with 4 digit.
Refer to The tire labeling on page 9-18.
qReplacing a Wheel
WARNING
Always use wheels of the correct size
on your vehicle:
Using a wrong-sized wheel is
dangerous. Braking and handling
could be affected, leading to loss of
control and an accident.
CAUTION
ØA wrong-sized wheel may
adversely affect:
ØTire fit
ØWheel and bearing life
ØGround clearance
ØSnow-chain clearance
ØSpeedometer calibration
ØHeadlight aim
ØBumper height
ØTire Pressure Monitoring
System
ØLimited-Slip Differential System
Ø (With Tire Pressure Monitoring
System)
ØWhen 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.
ØThe 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 5-31.
When replacing a wheel, make sure the
new one is the same as the original factory
wheel in diameter, rim width, and offset.
Proper tire balancing provides the best
riding comfort and helps reduce tread
wear. Out-of-balance tires can cause
vibration and uneven wear, such as
cupping and flat spots.
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Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
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Form No.8X44-EA-07G

Black plate (335,1)
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.)
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Friday, May 11 2007 5:5 PM
Form No.8X44-EA-07G

Black plate (337,1)
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.)
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Form No.8X44-EA-07G

Black plate (338,1)
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
6. Load index&speed symbol
T115/70D 16 90M 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).
115
“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.
9-22
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
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Friday, May 11 2007 5:5 PM
Form No.8X44-EA-07G

Black plate (340,1)
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.
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Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
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Black plate (342,1)
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 combination 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 capacity means the total allowable number of vehicle occupants. Seating capacity
is described on the tire label.
Production options weight is the combination 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.
Rim is the metal support (wheel) for a tire or a tire and tube assembly upon which the tire
beads are seated.
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Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
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Friday, May 11 2007 5:5 PM
Form No.8X44-EA-07G

Black plate (344,1)
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:
ØTires not of the designated size
Ø Tires of different sizes or types at the same time
Ø Tires 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
Always use tires that are in good condition:
Driving with worn tires is dangerous. Reduced braking, steering, and traction could
result in an accident.
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.
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. You should replace the spare tire when you
replace the other road tires due to the aging of the spare tire. Regarding the manufacturing week and
year is indicated with 4 digit. Refer to The tire labeling on page 9-18.
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Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
RX-8_8X44-EA-07G_Edition1 Page344
Friday, May 11 2007 5:5 PM
Form No.8X44-EA-07G

Black plate (346,1)
Vehicle Loading
WARNING
Do not taw a trailer with this vehicle:Towing a trailer with this vehicle is dangerous because it has not been designed to
tow a trailer and doing so will affect the drive system which could result in vehicle
damage.
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.
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Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
RX-8_8X44-EA-07G_Edition1 Page346
Friday, May 11 2007 5:5 PM
Form No.8X44-EA-07G