Get Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects -> Tire Information (U.S.A.) Guide for Mazda Mx-5 SUV Fourth Generation (2016-2026)

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.

Information 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

11. Max. load rating

12. Tread wear, traction and temperature grades

13. Max. permissible inflation pressure

14. SAFETY WARNING

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Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects

Tire Information (U.S.A.)

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.

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

T

U

H

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Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects

Tire Information (U.S.A.)

Letter Rating

Speed Rating

V

W

Y

149 mph

*

168 mph

*

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.

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.

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.

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Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects

Tire Information (U.S.A.)

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:



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.

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Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects

Tire Information (U.S.A.)

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.

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

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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

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 9-8.

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.

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Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects

Tire Information (U.S.A.)

WARNING

Always check the tire inꢀation pressures on a regular basis according to the recommended

tire inꢀation pressure on the tire label and in conjunction with the information in this owner's

manual:

Driving your vehicle with under-inꢀated tires is dangerous.

Under-inꢀation 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-inꢀation increases sidewall ꢀexing 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 ꢀat!

It is impossible to determine whether or not tires are properly inꢀated 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.

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.

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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 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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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:

Tire 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.

Tire Rotation

▼

To equalize tread wear, rotate the tires every 12,000 km (7,500 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.

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 9-8) 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.

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Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects

Tire Information (U.S.A.)

(With limited-slip diꢁerential)

Don't use the following:

Tires not of the designated size

Tires of diꢁerent sizes or types at the same time

Tires not suꢂciently inꢀated

If these instructions aren't followed, the rotation of the left and right wheels will be diꢁerent

and will thus apply a constant load on the limited-slip diꢁerential.

This will cause a malfunction.

Replacing 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.

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. 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.

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Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects

Tire Information (U.S.A.)

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 your speed. Drive with caution until you can

safely pull oꢁ the road. Stop and inspect the tire for damage. If the tire is under-inꢀated or

damaged, deꢀate 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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Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects

Tire Information (U.S.A.)

Vehicle Loading

WARNING

Do not tow a trailer with this vehicle:

Towing a trailer with this vehicle is dangerous because it has not been designed to tow a

trailer and doing so will aꢁect the drive system which could result in vehicle damage.

This section will guide you in the proper loading of your vehicle, to keep your loaded

vehicle weight within its design rating capability. 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, 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 inꢀation pressure.

Never overload the vehicle and always observe the vehicle's weight ratings from the vehicle's

Safety Certiꢃcation and Tire and Load Information labels.

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Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects

Tire Information (U.S.A.)

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

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.

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Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects

Tire Information (U.S.A.)

SAMPLE

CARGO

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

optional equipment.

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Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects

Tire Information (U.S.A.)

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.

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.

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Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects

Tire Information (U.S.A.)

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.

SAMPLE

WARNING

Never Exceed Axle Weight Rating Limits:

Exceeding the Safety Certiꢃcation 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.

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Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects

Tire Information (U.S.A.)

Always keep the vehicle within the axle weight rating limits.

GCW

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

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

vehicle - including all cargo and passengers - that the vehicle can handle without risking

damage. The GCW must never exceed the GCWR.

WARNING

Never Exceed GVWR or GAWR Speciꢂcations:

Exceeding the GVWR or the GAWR speciꢃed on the certiꢃcation 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 speciꢃed on the certiꢃcation label.

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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.

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Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects -> Tire Information (U.S.A.) for Your Mazda Mx-5 SUV Fourth Generation (2016-2026)

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