6–44
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
CAUTION
A wrong-sized wheel may adversely
affect:
Tire fit Wheel and bearing life Ground clearance Snow-chain clearance Speedometer calibration Headlight aim Bumper height Tire Pressure Monitoring System
NOTE
When replacing a wheel, make sure
the new one is the same as the original
factory wheel in diameter, rim width,
and offset (inset/outset).
For details, contact an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.
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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7–6
If Trouble Arises
Flat Tire
Changing a Flat Tire
NOTE
If the following occurs while driving, it
could indicate a flat tire.
Steering becomes difficult. The vehicle begins to vibrate
excessively.
The vehicle pulls in one direction.
If you have a flat tire, drive slowly to a
level spot that is well off the road and out
of the way of traffic to change the tire.
Stopping in traffic or on the shoulder of a
busy road is dangerous.
WARNING
Be sure to follow the directions for
changing a tire: Changing a tire is dangerous if not
done properly. The vehicle can slip off
the jack and seriously injure someone.
No person should place any portion
of their body under a vehicle that is
supported by a jack.
Never allow anyone inside a vehicle
supported by a jack: Allowing someone to remain in
a vehicle supported by a jack is
dangerous. The occupant could cause
the vehicle to fall resulting in serious
injury.
NOTE
Make sure the jack is well lubricated
before using it. 1.
Park on a hard, level surface off the
right-of-way and firmly set the parking
brake.
2. Put a vehicle with an automatic
transaxle in Park (P), a manual
transaxle 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, tool, and spare tire
(page 7-3).
6. Block the wheel diagonally opposite
the flat tire. 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 if possible to hold
the tire in place.
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7–28
If Trouble Arises
Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds
*Some models.
SignalWarning
(Amber)
Lane-keep Assist System (LAS) & Lane Departure
Warning System
(LDWS) Warning Indication
*
The message is displayed when the system has a malfunction. Have your ve\
hicle inspected
at an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
The system does not operate when the warning message is displayed.
CAUTION
Always use tires for all wheels that are of the specified size, and the same
manufacture, brand, and tread pattern. In addition, do not use tires with significantly
different wear patterns on the same vehicle. If such improper tires are used, the system
may not operate normally.
When an emergency spare tire is used, the system may not operate normally.
NOTE
If the windshield area in front of the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) is fogged or
obstructed, the light turns on temporarily. If the light remains turned on, there may be a
problem with the system.
Blind Spot
Monitoring (BSM) OFF Indicator Light
*
A problem in the system may be indicated under the following conditions.
Have your vehicle inspected at an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
The light does not turn on when the ignition is switched ON.It turns on while driving the vehicle.
NOTE
If the vehicle is driven on a road with less traffic and few vehicles that the radar sensors
can detect, the system may pause (The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) OFF\
indicator light in
the instrument cluster illuminates). However, it does not indicate a malfunction.
LED Headlight Warning Light This light illuminates if there is a malfunction in the LED headlight. Have your vehicle
inspected by an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
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8–26
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
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 ei\
ther 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.
H
“H” is the speed rating. The speed rating denotes the maximum speed for which the use of
the tire is rated.
Letter RatingSpeed Rating
Q 99 mph
R 106 mph
S 112 mph
T 118 mph
U 124 mph
H 130 mph
V 149 mph
W 168
* mph
Y 186* mph
* For tires with a maximum speed capability over 149 mph, tire manufacturers sometimes use the letters ZR. For
tires with a maximum speed capability over 186 mph, tire manufacturers always use the letters ZR.
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8–27
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
M S or M/S: Mud and Snow
AT: All Terrain.
AS: All Season. The “M
S” or “M/S” indicates that the tire has some functional use in mud
and snow.
U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number (TIN)
This begins with the letters “DOT” which indicates the tire meets all federal standards. The
next two numbers or letters are the plant code where it was manufactured\
, and the last four
numbers represent the week and year the tire was manufactured. For examp\
le, the numbers
457 means the 45st week of 1997. After 2000 the numbers go to four digits. For example,
the number 2102 means the 21th week of 2002. The other numbers are marketing codes
used at the manufacturer's discretion. This information is used to contact consumers if a tire
defect requires a recall.
Tire Ply Composition and Materials Used
The number of plies indicates the number of layers of rubber-coated fabric in the tire.
In general, the greater the number of plies, the more weight a tire can \
support. Tire
manufacturers also must indicate the tire materials, which include steel\
, nylon, polyester,
and other.
Maximum Load Rating
This number indicates the maximum load in kilograms and pounds that can \
be carried by the
tire.
Maximum Permissible Inflation Pressure
This number is the greatest amount of air pressure that should ever be p\
ut in the tire under
normal driving conditions.
Tread Wear, Traction and Temperature Grades
Tread wear: The tread wear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of t\
he 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 c\
ontrolled 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. M\
ake
sure you purchase snow tires that are the same size and construction typ\
e as the other tires
on your vehicle.
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8–32
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
Glossary 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 whic\
h they replace,
and not previously considered in the curb weight or accessory weight, in\
cluding 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 u\
pon which the tire
beads are seated.
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