Get Tire Information (U.S.A.) Guide for Mazda Cx-5 SUV First Generation (2013-2016)

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 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.

qInformation on Passenger Vehicle Tires

Please refer to the sample below.

1. TIN: U.S. DOT tire identification number

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. Load index & speed symbol

9. Severe snow conditions

10. Tire ply composition and materials used

8-25

Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects

Tire Information (U.S.A.)

11. Max. load rating

12. Tread wear, traction and temperature grades

13. Max. permissible inflation 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.

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.

8-26

Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects

Tire Information (U.S.A.)

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

99 mph

Q

R

S

106 mph

112 mph

118 mph

124 mph

130 mph

149 mph

168^*mph

186^*mph

T

U

H

V

W

Y

^*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.

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 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 ever be put in the tire under

normal driving conditions.

8-27

Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects

Tire Information (U.S.A.)

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:

l

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.

l

TIRE FAILURE DUE TO UNDER-INFLATION/OVERLOADING/DAMAGE-

FOLLOW OWNER'S MANUAL AND PLACARD IN VEHICLE-FREQUENTLY

CHECK INFLATION PRESSURE AND INSPECT FOR DAMAGE.

8-28

Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects

Tire Information (U.S.A.)

qInformation 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).

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.

8-29

Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects

Tire Information (U.S.A.)

70

“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”.

16

“16” is the wheel rim diameter in inches.

90

“90” is the Load Index. This two-or three-digit number indicates how much weight each

tire can support.

M

“M” is the speed rating. The speed rating denotes the maximum speed for which the use of

the tire is rated.

Letter Rating

Speed Rating

M

81 mph

8-30

Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects

Tire Information (U.S.A.)

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 driver's door frame.

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 9-8.

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.

8-31

Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects

Tire Information (U.S.A.)

WARNING

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.

qChecking 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.

7. Repeat with each tire, including the spare.

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.

8-32

Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects

Tire Information (U.S.A.)

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.

8-33

Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects

Tire Information (U.S.A.)

Tire Maintenance

Improper or inadequate vehicle maintenance can cause tires to wear abnormally. Here are

some important maintenance points:

qTire Inflation Pressure

Inspect all tire pressure 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 information placard or tire label for optimum service.

qTire Rotation

To equalize tread wear, rotate the tires every 12,000 km (7,500 miles) or sooner if irregular

wear develops. During rotation, inspect them for correct balance.

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:

l

Incorrect tire pressure

Improper wheel alignment

Out-of-balance wheel

Severe braking

l

After rotation, inflate all tire pressures to specification (page 9-8) and inspect the lug nuts

for tightness.

8-34

Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects

Tire Information (U.S.A.)

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:

Ø Tires 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.

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.

Tread wear indicator

New tread

Worn tread

You should replace the tire before the band crosses the entire tread.

8-35

Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects

Tire Information (U.S.A.)

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 8-25.

qSafety 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.

l

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

l

CAUTION

If you feel a sudden vibration or ride disturbance while driving or you suspect your

tire or vehicle has been damaged, immediately reduce your 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.

8-36

Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects

Tire Information (U.S.A.)

Vehicle Loading

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.

Base Curb Weight is the weight of the vehicle including a full tank of fuel and all

standard equipment. It does not include passengers, cargo, or optional equipment.

Vehicle Curb Weight is the weight of your new vehicle when you picked it up from your

dealer plus any aftermarket equipment.

PAYLOAD

8-37

Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects

Tire Information (U.S.A.)

Payload is the combination weight of cargo and passengers that the vehicle is designed to

carry. The maximum payload for your vehicle can be found on the Tire and Load

Information label on the driver's door frame or door pillar. Look for “THE

COMBINATION WEIGHT OF OCCUPANTS AND CARGO SHOULD NEVER

EXCEED XXX kg or XXX lbs” for your maximum payload. The payload listed on the tire

label is the maximum payload for the vehicle as built by the assembly plant. If any

aftermarket or dealer installed equipment has been installed on the vehicle, the weight of

the equipment must be subtracted from the payload listed on the tire label in order to be

accurate.

SAMPLE

8-38

Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects

Tire Information (U.S.A.)

CARGO

Cargo Weight includes all weight added to the Base Curb Weight, including cargo and

optional equipment. When towing, trailer tongue load or king pin weight is also part of

cargo weight.

The cargo weight limit decreases depending on the number of vehicle occupants. The cargo

weight limit can be calculated by subtracting the total weight of the vehicle occupants from

the “combination weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed” value on the tire

label.

Examples: Based on a single occupant weight of 68 kg (150 lbs), and a value of 385 kg

(849 lbs) for the “combination weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed”:

_

The cargo weight limit with one occupant is 385 kg (849 lbs) 68 kg (150 lbs) = 317 kg

(699 lbs)

_

The cargo weight limit with two occupants is 385 kg (849 lbs) (68 × 2) kg ( (150 × 2)

lbs) = 249 kg (549 lbs)

If the weight of the occupant increases, the cargo weight limit decreases by that much.

GAW (Gross Axle Weight) is the total weight placed on each axle (front and rear) -

including vehicle curb weight and all payload.

8-39

Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects

Tire Information (U.S.A.)

GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) is the maximum allowable weight that can be carried

by a single axle (front or rear). These numbers are shown on the Safety Compliance

Certification Label located on the driver's door frame or door pillar. The total load on

each axle must never exceed its GAWR.

GVW

GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) is the Vehicle Curb Weight

cargo

passengers.

GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) is the maximum allowable weight of the fully

loaded vehicle (including all options, equipment, passengers and cargo). The GVWR is

shown on the Safety Compliance Certification Label located on the driver's door

frame or door pillar. The GVW must never exceed the GVWR.

8-40

Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects

Tire Information (U.S.A.)

SAMPLE

WARNING

Exceeding Axle Weight Rating Limits:

Exceeding the Safety Certification Label axle weight rating limits is dangerous and

could result in death or serious injury as a result of substandard vehicle handling,

performance, engine, transmission and/or structural damage, serious damage to the

vehicle, or loss of control.

Always keep the vehicle within the axle weight rating limits.

GCW

8-41

Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects

Tire Information (U.S.A.)

GCW (Gross Combination Weight) is the weight of the loaded vehicle (GVW) plus the

weight of the fully loaded trailer.

GCWR (Gross Combination Weight Rating) is the maximum allowable weight of the

vehicle and the loaded trailer - including all cargo and passengers - that the vehicle can

handle without risking damage. (Important: The towing vehicle's braking system is rated

for operation at GVWR, not at GCWR. Separate functional brakes should be used for safe

control of towed vehicles and for trailers weighing more than 1,500 lbs). The GCW must

never exceed the GCWR.

Maximum Loaded Trailer Weight is the highest possible weight of a fully loaded trailer

the vehicle can tow. It assumes a vehicle with only mandatory options, no cargo (internal or

_

external), a tongue load of 10 15% (conventional trailer) or king pin weight of 15 25%

(fifth-wheel trailer), and driver only (150 lbs). Consult your dealership (or the RV and

Trailer Towing Guide provided by your dealership) for more detailed information.

Tongue Load or Fifth-Wheel King Pin Weight refers to the amount of the weight that a

trailer pushes down on a trailer hitch.

Examples: For a 5000 lb conventional trailer, multiply 5000 by 0.10 and 0.15 to obtain a

proper tongue load range of 500 to 750 lbs. For an 11,500 lb fifth-wheel trailer, multiply by

0.15 and 0.25 to obtain a proper king pin load range of 1,725 to 2,875 lbs.

WARNING

Exceeding GVWR or GAWR Specifications:

Exceeding the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the certification label is dangerous.

Exceeding any vehicle rating limitation could result in a serious accident, injury, or

damage to the vehicle.

Do not use replacement tires with lower load carrying capacities than the originals

because they may lower the vehicle's GVWR and GAWR limitations. Replacement

tires with a higher limit than the originals do not increase the GVWR and GAWR

limitations.

Never exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the certification label.

8-42

Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects

Tire Information (U.S.A.)

Steps for Determining the Correct Load Limit

Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit-

(1) Locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and cargo should

never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your vehicle's placard.

(2) Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will be

riding in your vehicle.

(3) Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX kg

or XXX lbs.

(4) The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage load

capacity. For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1400 lbs. and there

will be five 150 lb passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available

_

cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400 750 (5 × 150) = 650

lbs.)

(5) Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on the

vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the available cargo and luggage

load capacity calculated in Step 4.

(6) If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be

transferred to your vehicle. Consult this manual to determine how this

reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.

8-43

Tire Information (U.S.A.) for Your Mazda Cx-5 SUV First Generation (2013-2016)

Related Topics

Popular Owner Manuals

Latest Owner Manuals