WA R N I N G
Keep your vehicle's tires properly inflated
and not overloaded:
Driving with improperly inflated or
overloaded tires is dangerous. Excessive
speed, underinflation, 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
inflated 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 tir
e sidewall between
tread shoulder and maximum section
width.
For example:
TREADWEAR 200 TRACTION AA
TEMPERATURE A
UTQGS MARK (example)
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Uniform Tire Quality G rading System (UTQGS)
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Tire Labeling
▼Tire Labeling
Federal law requires tire manufacturers to
place standardized information on the
sidewall of all tires. This information
identifies and describes the fundamental
characteristics of the tire and also provides
a tire identification number for safety
standard certification and in case of a
recall.
▼Information on Passenger Vehicle
Tires
Please refer to the sample below.
1. SAFETY WARNING
2. Passenger car tire
3. Nominal width of tire in millimeters
4. Ratio of height to width (aspect ratio)
5. Radial
6. Run-flat tire
7. Rim diameter code
8. TIN: U.S. DOT tir
e identification
number
9. Load index & speed symbol
10. Severe snow conditions
11. Tire ply composition and materials used
12. Max. load rating
13. Tread wear, traction and temperature grades
14. Max. permissible inflation pressure
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 w idth 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.
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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 Rating Speed RatingQ9 9 m ph
R1 06 m ph
S1 12 m ph
T1 18 m ph
U1 24 m ph
H1 30 m ph
V1 49 m ph
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 manufacture rs always use the letters
ZR.
M+S or M/S: Mud and Snow
AT: All Terrain.
AS: All Season. T he “M+S” or “M/S”
indicates that the tire has some functional
use in mud and snow.
U.S. DOT Tire Iden tification 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 Inflation
Pressure
This number is the greatest amount of air
pressure that should e ver be put in the tire
under normal driving conditions.
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Tread Wear, Traction and Temperature
Grades
Tr e a d w e a r : 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 conditi ons 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 a s the other tires on
your vehicle.
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.
▼ 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
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Location of the Tire Label(Placard)
▼Location of the Tire Label (Placard)
You will find the tire
label containing tire
inflation pressure by tire size and other
important info rmation on the driver's side
B-pillar or on the edge of the driver's door
frame.
SAMPLE
▼ Recommended 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 9-9.
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.
WA R N I N G
Always check the tire inflation pressures on
a regular basis according to the
recommended tire inflation pressure on the
tire label and in conjunction with the
information in this owner's manual:
Driving your vehicle with under-inflated
tires is dangerous.
Under-inflation is the most common cause
of failures in any kind of tire and may result
in severe cracking, tread separation or
“blowout”, with unexpected loss of vehicle
control and increased risk of injury.
Under-inflation increases sidewall
flexing
and rolling resistance, resulting in heat
buildup and internal damage to the tire. It
results in unnecessary tire stress, irregular
wear, loss of control and accidents. A tire
can lose up to half of its air pressure and
not appear to be flat!
It is impossible to determine whether or not
tires are properly inflated just by looking at
them.
▼ Checking Tire Pressure
1. When you check the air pressure, make
sure the tires are cold ―meaning they
are not hot from driving even a mile.
2. Remove the cap from the valve on one
tire.
3. Firmly press a tire gauge onto the
valve.
4. Add air to achieve recommended air pressure.
5. If you overfill the tire, release air by
pushing on the metal stem in the center
of the valve. Then recheck the pressure
with your tire gauge.
6. Replace the valve cap.
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7. Repeat with each tire, including thespare.
NOTE
Some spare tires require higher
inflation pressure.
8. Visually inspect the tires to make sure
there are no nails or other objects
embedded that could poke a hole in the
tire and cause an air leak.
9. Check the sidewalls to make sure there are no gouges, cuts, bulges, cracks or
other irregularities.
▼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 t hat 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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Tire Maintenance
▼Tire Maintenance
Improper or inad
equate vehicle
maintenance can cause tires to wear
abnormally. Here are some important
maintenance points:
▼ Tire Inflation Pressure
Inspect all tire p
ressure monthly
(including the spare) when the tires are
cold. Maintain recommended pressures for
the best ride, top handling, and minimum
tire wear. Use the pressures specified on
the vehicle tire inform ation placard or tire
label for optimum service.
▼ Tire Rotation
To equalize tread wear, rotate the tires
every 16,000 km (10,000 miles) at the
latest or sooner if irregular wear develops.
Mazda recommends to rotate every 8,000
km (5,000 miles) to help increase tire life
and distribute wear more evenly.
1. Forward
Do not include (TEMPORARY USE
ONLY) spare tire in rotation.
Inspect the tires for uneven wear and
damage. Abnormal wear is usually caused
by one or a combination of the following:
Incorrect tire pressure
Improper wheel alignment
Out-of-balance wheel
Severe braking
After rotation, inflate all tire pressures to
specification (page 9-9) and inspect the
lug nuts for tightness.
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.
▼ Replacing a Tire
WA R N I N G
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.
1. New tread
2. Worn tread
3. Tread wear indicator
You should replace the tire before the band
crosses the entire tread.
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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 Tire Labeling on page 8-23.
▼Safety Practices
The way you drive has a great deal to do
with your tire mileage and safety. So
cultivate good driving habits for your own
benefit.
Observe posted speed
limits and drive at
speeds that are safe for the existing
weather conditions
Avoid fast starts, stops and turns
Avoid potholes and objects on the road
Do not run over curbs or hit the tire
against the curb when parking
CAUTION
If you feel a sudden vibration or ride
disturbance while driving or you suspect
your tire or vehicle has been damaged,
immediately reduce yo ur speed. Drive with
caution until you can safely pull off the
road. Stop and inspect the tire for damage.
If the tire is under-inflated or damaged,
deflate it, remove the tire and rim and
replace it with your spare tire. If you cannot
detect a cause, have the vehicle towed to
the nearest vehicle or tire dealer to have
the vehicle inspected.
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