2011 MAZDA MODEL RX 8 tire type

Black plate (359,1)
CAUTION
ØDo not use your temporary spare
tire rim with a snow tire or a
conventional tire. Neither will
properly fit and could damage
both tire and rim.
ØThe temporary spare tire has a
tread life of less than 5,000 km
(3,000 miles). The tread life may
be shorter depending on driving
conditions.
ØThe temporary spare tire is for
limited use, however, if the tread
wear solid-band indicator
appears, replace the tire with the
same type of temporary spare
(page 8-25).
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. The period in which the tire was
manufactured (both week and year) is
indicated by a 4-digit number.
Refer to The tire labeling on page 9-21.
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 5-34.
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.
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-27
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Black plate (379,1)
qAluminum Wheel Maintenance
A protective coating is provided over the
aluminum wheels. Special care is needed
to protect this coating.
CAUTION
Do not use any detergent other than
a mild detergent. Otherwise, the
aluminum wheels can be stained or
discolored. Check the ingredients
when using various kinds of cleaners.
NOTE
lDo not use a wire brush or any abrasive
cleaner, polishing compound, or solvent on
aluminum wheels. They may damage the
coating.
lAlways use a sponge or soft cloth to clean
the wheels.
Rinse the wheels thoroughly with lukewarm
or cold water. Also, be sure to clean the
wheels after driving on dusty or salted
roads to help prevent corrosion.
lAvoid washing your vehicle in an automatic
car wash that uses high-speed or hard
brushes.
lIf your aluminum wheels lose luster, wax
the wheels.
(With Tire Pressure Monitoring System)
Check special requirements for Tire Pressure
Monitoring System.
Refer to Tires and Wheels on page 5-34.
qPlastic Part Maintenance
lWhen cleaning the plastic lenses of the
lights, do not use gasoline, kerosene,
rectified spirit, paint, thinner, highly
acidic detergents, or strongly alkaline
detergents. Otherwise, these chemical
agents can discolor or damage the
surfaces resulting in a significant loss
in functionality. If plastic parts become
inadvertently exposed to any of these
chemical agents, flush with water
immediately.
lIf plastic parts such as the bumpers
become inadvertently exposed to
chemical agents or fluids such as
gasoline, oil, engine coolant, or battery
fluid, it could cause discoloration,
staining, or paint peeling. Wipe off any
such chemical agents or fluids using a
soft cloth immediately.
lHigh water temperature and high water
pressure car washers are available
depending on the type of high pressure
car washer device. If the car washer
nozzle is put too close to the vehicle or
aimed at one area for an extended
period of time, it could deform plastic
parts or damage the paint.
lDo not use wax containing compounds
(polish). Otherwise, it could result in
paint damage.
lIn addition, do not use an electrical or
air tool to apply wax. Otherwise, the
frictional heat generated could result in
deformation of plastic parts or paint
damage.
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
8-47
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Black plate (383,1)
9
Customer Information and Reporting
Safety Defects
Important consumer information including warranties and add-on equipment.
Customer Assistance ............................... 9-2
Customer Assistance (U.S.A.) ............ 9-2
Customer Assistance (Canada) ........... 9-6
Customer Assistance (Puerto Rico) .... 9-9
Mazda Importer/Distributors ............... 9-10
Importer/Distributor .......................... 9-10
Distributor in Each Area ................... 9-10
Warranty ................................................ 9-11
Warranties for Your Mazda ............... 9-11
Outside the United States .................. 9-12
Outside Canada ................................. 9-13
Registering Your Vehicle in A Foreign
Country (Except United States and
Canada) ............................................. 9-14
Add-On Non-Genuine Parts and
Accessories ....................................... 9-15
Cell Phones ............................................. 9-16
Cell Phones Warning ......................... 9-16
Type Approval of Equipment ............... 9-17
Type Approval of Equipment ............ 9-17
Uniform Tire Quality Grading System
(UTQGS) ................................................ 9-19
Uniform Tire Quality Grading System
(UTQGS) .......................................... 9-19
Tire Information (U.S.A.) ..................... 9-21
Tire Labeling ..................................... 9-21
Location of the Tire Label
(Placard) ............................................ 9-27
Tire Maintenance .............................. 9-30
Vehicle Loading ................................ 9-33
Steps for Determining the Correct Load
Limit: ................................................ 9-39Reporting Safety Defects ....................... 9-40
Reporting Safety Defects (U.S.A.) .... 9-40
Reporting Safety Defects (Canada) ... 9-41
Service Publications .............................. 9-42
Service Publications .......................... 9-42
9-1
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Black plate (406,1)
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.
9-24
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
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Black plate (413,1)
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
ØTires of different sizes or types at the same time
ØTires 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
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 treadTread wear indicator
Worn tread
You should replace the tire before the band crosses the entire tread.
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
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Black plate (432,1)
qLight Bulbs
Exterior light
Light bulbCategory
Wattage ECE R (SAE)
HeadlightsHigh beam 65 H9 (H9)
Low beamHalogen 55 H7 (H7)
Xenon fusion 35 D2S (D2S)
Front turn signal lights/Parking lights (Front side-marker lights) 27/8 B1157MA (―)
Fog lights
í51 HB4 (#9005)
Side turn signal lights*15―(―)
High-mount brake light 21 W21W (#7440)
Rear turn signal lights 21 WY21W (―)
Brake lights/Taillights LED
*2―(―)
Reverse lights 16 W16W (#921)
License plate lights 5 W5W (4CP)
Rear side-marker lights 5 W5W (4CP)
*1 Bulb replacement is not possible because it is built into the unit. Replace the unit.
*2 LED is the abbreviation for Light Emitting Diode.
Interior light
Light bulbCategory
Wattage ECE R
Trunk light 5 W5W
Overhead light/Map lights (Front) 5 W5W
Overhead light (Rear) 10―
Courtesy lights 5 W5W
Vanity mirror lights 2―
qTires
NOTE
The tires have been optimally matched with the chassis of your vehicle.
When replacing tires, Mazda recommends that you replace tires of the same type originally fitted to
your vehicle. For details, contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Check the tire pressure label for tire size and inflation pressure.
Refer to Tire Inflation Pressure on page 8-24.
Tire sizeInflation pressure
Front Rear
225/45R18 91W
220 kPa (32 psi) 220 kPa (32 psi)
225/40R19 89W
Vehicle capacity weight: 308 kg (680 lbs)
10-6íSome models.
Specifications
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Black plate (440,1)
R
Rear Window Defroster .................... 5-68
Rearview Mirror ................................ 3-55
Recreational Towing ......................... 7-27
Registering Your Vehicle in A Foreign
Country ............................................. 9-14
Rocking the Vehicle ............................ 4-8
S
Safety Defects, Reporting ................. 9-40
Seat Belt System
3-point type ................................ 2-19
Automatic locking ...................... 2-17
Belt reminder .............................. 2-24
Emergency locking .................... 2-17
Extender ..................................... 2-22
Location of seat belt ................... 2-18
Pregnant women ........................ 2-17
Pretensioner and load limiting .... 2-20
Seat belt precautions .................. 2-15
Warning light/beep ..................... 2-24
Seats
Front seat
(Electrically operated seats) ......... 2-6
Front seat
(Manually operated seats) ............ 2-2
Rear seat ..................................... 2-12
Seat warmer ................................ 2-13
Security System
Immobilizer system
(with advanced key) ................... 3-46
Immobilizer system
(without advanced key) .............. 3-49
Service Publications .......................... 9-42
Spare Tire and Tool Storage ................ 7-3
Specifications .................................... 10-4
Speed Unit Selector ........................... 5-37
Speedometer ...................................... 5-37
S
SRS Air Bags
How the Air Bags Work ............. 2-46
Supplemental restraint systems
precautions ................................. 2-40
Starting the Engine .............................. 5-4
Steering Wheel .................................. 3-54
Horn ........................................... 5-69
Storage Box ...................................... 6-86
Storage Compartments ...................... 6-85
Center console ............................ 6-86
Coin box ..................................... 6-85
Glove compartment .................... 6-85
Overhead console ....................... 6-85
Storage box ................................ 6-86
Sunshade ........................................... 3-45
Sunvisors .......................................... 6-78
T
Tachometer ........................................ 5-38
Temporary Spare Tire ....................... 8-26
Theft-Deterrent System ..................... 3-51
Tiedown
Hook .......................................... 7-25
Tire Information ................................ 9-21
Tire Pressure Monitoring System ...... 5-30
System error activation .............. 5-34
Tire pressure monitoring system
warning light .............................. 5-32
Tires and wheels ......................... 5-34
11-6
Index
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