2017 MAZDA MODEL CX-9 tires

7–38
If Trouble Arises
Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds
*Some models.
Taking Action
Take the appropriate action and verify that the warning light turns off.

Signal Warning Action to be taken


(Illuminate)
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System Warning Light
* When the warning light illuminates, and
the warning beep sound is heard (about 3
seconds), tire pressure is too low in one or
more tires.
WARNING
If the tire pressure monitoring system
warning light illuminates or fl ashes,
or the tire pressure warning beep
sound is heard, decrease vehicle
speed immediately and avoid sudden
maneuvering and braking:
If the tire pressure monitoring system
warning light illuminates or fl ashes, or
the tire pressure warning beep sound
is heard, it is dangerous to drive the
vehicle at high speeds, or perform
sudden maneuvering or braking.
Vehicle drivability could worsen and
result in an accident.
To determine if you have a slow leak
or a fl at, pull over to a safe position
where you can check the visual
condition of the tire and determine
if you have enough air to proceed to
a place where air may be added and
the system monitored again by an
Authorized Mazda Dealer or a tire
repair station.

Do not ignore the TPMS Warning Light:
Ignoring the TPMS warning light is
dangerous, even if you know why it is
illuminated. Have the problem taken
care of as soon as possible before it
develops into a more serious situation
that could lead to tire failure and a
dangerous accident. Inspect the tires and adjust to the
specifi ed infl ation pressure (page
6-43 ).
NOTE
 Perform tire pressure adjustment when
the tires are cold. Tire pressure will
vary according to the tire temperature,
therefore let the vehicle stand for 1
hour or only drive it 1.6 km (1 mile) or
less before adjusting the tire pressures.
When pressure is adjusted on hot tires
to the cold infl ation pressure, the TPMS
warning light/beep may turn on after
the tires cool and pressure drops below
specifi cation.
Also, an illuminated TPMS warning
light, resulting from the tire air
pressure dropping due to cold ambient
temperature will remain illuminated
even if the ambient temperature rises.
In this case, it will also be necessary
to adjust the tire air pressures. If the
TPMS warning light illuminates due to
a drop in tire air pressure, make sure to
check and adjust the tire air pressures.

 Tires lose air naturally over time and
the TPMS cannot tell if the tires are
getting too soft over time or you have
a fl at. However, when you fi nd one low
tire in a set of four-that is an indication
of trouble; you should have someone
drive the vehicle slowly forward so
you can inspect any low tire for cuts
and any metal objects sticking through
tread or sidewall. Put a few drops of
water in the valve stem to see if it
bubbles indicating a bad valve. Leaks
need to be addressed by more than
simply reinfl ating the tire as leaks are
dangerous — take it to an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.

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8–22
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Uniform Tire Quality Grading System (UTQGS)
Uniform Tire Quality Grading System (UTQGS)
This information relates to the tire grading system developed by the U.S. National Highway
Traffi c Safety Administration for grading tires by tread wear, traction, and temperature
performance.
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 specifi ed government test course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one-and-a-half times as well on the government
course as a tire graded 100.

The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual conditions of their use, however,
and may depart signifi cantly from the norm because of variations in driving habits, service
practices and differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction-AA, A, B, C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C. These grades represent the
tire's ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions on specifi ed
government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction
performance.
WARNING
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on braking (straight ahead) traction tests
and does not include acceleration cornering (turning), hydroplaning, or peak traction
characteristics.

Temperature-A, B, C
The temperature grades A (the highest), B, and C, represent the tire's resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions on
a specifi ed indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire
life, and excessive temperatures can lead to sudden tire failure.

Grade C corresponds to a level of performance which all passenger vehicle tires must meet
under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher
levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by law.
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8–23
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Uniform Tire Quality Grading System (UTQGS)
WARNING
Keep your vehicle's tires properly infl ated and not overloaded:
Driving with improperly infl ated or overloaded tires is dangerous. Excessive speed,
underinfl ation, or excessive loading, either separately or in combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure. The temperature grade for this tire is established for a
tire that is properly infl ated and not overloaded.


These grades will be added to the sidewalls of passenger vehicle tires over the next several
years according to a schedule established by the NHTSA and the tire manufacturers.

The grade of tires available as standard or optional equipment on Mazda vehicles may vary
with respect to grade.

ALL PASSENGER VEHICLE TIRES MUST CONFORM TO THESE GRADES AND TO
ALL OTHER FEDERAL TIRE-SAFETY REQUIREMENTS.
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING
Quality grades can be found where applicable on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder
and maximum section width.
For example:
TREADWEAR 200 TRACTION AA TEMPERATURE A

UTQGS MARK (example)

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8–24
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
Tire Labeling
Federal law requires tire manufacturers to place standardized information on the sidewall of
all tires. This information identifi es and describes the fundamental characteristics of the tire
and also provides a tire identifi cation number for safety standard certifi cation and in case of
a recall.
Information on Passenger Vehicle Tires
Please refer to the sample below.


1. TIN: U.S. DOT tire identifi cation number
2. Passenger car tire
3. Nominal width of tire in millimeters
4. Ratio of height to width (aspect ratio)
5. Radial
6. Run-fl at tire
7. Rim diameter code
8. Load index & speed symbol
9. Severe snow conditions
10. Tire ply composition and materials used
11. Max. load rating
12. Tread wear, traction and temperature grades
13. Max. permissible infl ation pressure
14. 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.
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8–25
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 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.
6 5
“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”.
1 5
“15” is the wheel rim diameter in inches.
9 5
“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 Rating Speed 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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8–26
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 Identifi cation 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 example, 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 Infl ation Pressure
This number is the greatest amount of air pressure that should ever be put 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 the tire
when tested under controlled conditions on a specifi ed 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 specifi ed 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 specifi ed 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.
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8–27
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
SAFETY WARNING
The following safety warning appears on the tire's sidewall.
SERIOUS INJURY MAY RESULT FROM:
 


 EXPLOSION 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.
 


 TIRE FAILURE DUE TO UNDER-INFLATION/OVERLOADING/DAMAGE-
FOLLOW OWNER'S MANUAL AND PLACARD IN VEHICLE-FREQUENTLY
CHECK INFLATION PRESSURE AND INSPECT FOR DAMAGE.

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8–28
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
Information on Temporary Tires
Please refer to the sample 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

T115/70D16 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).
1 1 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.
7 0
“70” is the aspect ratio. This two-digit number indicates the tire's ratio of height to width.
D
“D” is the tire construction symbol. D indicates “diagonal ply construction”.
1 6
“16” is the wheel rim diameter in inches.
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