MAZDA MODEL B4000 TRUCK 2005 Owners Manual

7.H: Indicates the tire’s speed rating. The speed rating denotes the
speed at which a tire is designed to be driven for extended periods
of time under a standard condition of load and inflation pressure.
The tires on your vehicle may operate at different conditions for load
and inflation pressure. These speed ratings may need to be adjusted
for the difference in conditions. The ratings range from 159 km/h (99
mph) to 299 km/h (186 mph). These ratings are listed in the
following chart.
Note: You may not find this information on all tires because it is not
required by federal law.
Letter rating Speed rating - km/h (mph)
Q 159 km/h (99 mph)
R 171 km/h (106 mph)
S 180 km/h (112 mph)
T 190 km/h (118 mph)
U 200 km/h (124 mph)
H 210 km/h (130 mph)
V 240 km/h (149 mph)
W 270 km/h (168 mph)
Y 299 km/h (186 mph)
Note: For tires with a maximum speed capability over 240 km/h (149
mph), tire manufacturers sometimes use the letters ZR. For those with
a maximum speed capability over 299 km/h (186 mph), tire
manufacturers always use the letters ZR.
8. U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number (TIN): This begins with
the letters “DOT” and indicates that the tire meets all federal
standards. The next two numbers or letters are the plant code where
it was manufactured, the next two are the tire size code and the last
four numbers represent the week and year the tire was built. For
example, the numbers 317 mean the 31st week of 1997. After 2000
the numbers go to four digits. For example, 2501 means the 25th
week of 2001. The numbers in between are marketing codes used at
the manufacturer’s discretion. This information is used to contact
customers if a tire defect requires a recall.
9. M+S or M/S: Mud and Snow. or
AT: All Terrain. or
AS: All Season.
2004 Mazda B Series (mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
231

10.Tire Ply Composition and Material Used: Indicates the number
of plies or the number of layers of rubber-coated fabric in the tire
tread and sidewall. Tire manufacturers also must indicate the ply
materials in the tire and the sidewall, which include steel, nylon,
polyester, and others.
11. Maximum Load: Indicates the maximum load in kilograms and
pounds that can be carried by the tire. Refer to the tire label or the
safety certification label, located on the B-Pillar or the driver’s door,
for the correct tire pressure for your vehicle
12. Treadwear, Traction and Temperature Grades
• Treadwear: The treadwear 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
12) 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.
13. Maximum Permissible Inflation Pressure: Tire manufactures
maximum permissible pressure and/or the pressure at which the
maximum load can be carried by the tire. This pressure is normally
higher than the manufacturer’s recommended cold inflation pressure
which can be found on either the tire label or certification label
which is located on the structure by the trailing edge of the driver’s
door or the edge of the driver’s door. The cold inflation pressure
should never be set lower than the recommended pressure on the
label.
Note: You may not find this information on all tires because it is not
required by federal law.
The tire suppliers may have additional markings, notes or warnings such
as standard load, radial tubeless, etc.
2004 Mazda B Series (mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
232

Additional information contained on the tire sidewall for “LT” type
tires
“LT” type tires have some additional
information than those of “P” type
tires; these differences are
described below:1. LT: Indicates a tire, designated
by the Tire and Rim Association
(T&RA), that is intended for
service on light trucks.
2. Load Range/Load Inflation
Limits: Indicates the tires
load-carrying capabilities and its
inflation limits.
3. Maximum Load Dual kg
(lbs.) at kPa (psi) cold:
Indicates the maximum load and
tire pressure when the tire is
used as a dual; a dual is defined as when four tires are put on the
rear axle (a total of six or more tires on the vehicle).
4. Maximum Load Single kg (lbs.) at kPa (psi) cold: Indicates the
maximum load and tire pressure when the tire is used as a single; a
single is defined as when two tires (total) are put on the rear axle.
2004 Mazda B Series (mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
233

Information on “T” type tires
T145/80D16 is an example of a tire
size.
Note:The temporary tire size for
your vehicle may be different than
this example.
1. T:Indicates a type of tire,
designated by the Tire and Rim
Association (T&RA), that is
intended for temporary service
on cars, SUVs, minivans and
light trucks.
2. 145: Indicates the nominal
width of the tire in millimeters
from sidewall edge to sidewall
edge. In general, the larger the
number, the wider the tire.
3. 80: Indicates the aspect ratio
which gives the tires ratio of height to width. Numbers of 70 or
lower indicate a short sidewall.
4. D: Indicates a “diagonal” type tire.
R: Indicates a “radial” type tire.
5. 16: Indicates the wheel or rim diameter in inches. If you change
your wheel size, you will have to purchase new tires to match the
new wheel diameter.
Location of the tire label
You will find a tire label containing tire inflation pressure by tire size and
other important information located on the B-Pillar or the driver’s door.
TIRE CARE
Improper or inadequate vehicle maintenance can also cause tires to wear
abnormally. Here are some of the important maintenance items
Tire inflation pressure
Use a tire gauge to check the tire inflation pressure at least monthly
(check the tire inflation in the spare tire every 6 months) and before
long trips. You are strongly urged to buy a reliable tire pressure gauge, as
automatic service station gauges may be inaccurate. Mazda recommends
the use of a digital or dial type tire pressure gauge rather than a stick
type of tire pressure gauge.
SPARETIRE
TEMPORARYUSEONLY
INFLATETO60P.S.I.T
T145/80D16105M
2004 Mazda B Series (mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
234

Use the recommended cold inflation pressure for optimum tire
performance and wear. Under-inflation or over-inflation may cause
uneven treadwear patterns.
NOTE:If you are driving the vehicle at its maximum weight load, make
sure the tire inflation pressure is correct for the weight load on the tires.
WARNING: Under-inflation is the most common cause of tire
failures and may result in severe tire 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 also may result in unnecessary
tire stress, irregular wear, loss of vehicle control and accidents.
A tire can lose up to half of its air pressure and not appear to
be flat!
When weather temperature changes occur, tire inflation pressures also
change. A 10 degree temperature change causes a corresponding drop of
7 kPa (1 psi) in inflation pressure. Check your tire pressures frequently
and adjust them to the proper pressure which can be found on the tire
label or certification label.
If checking tire pressure when the tire is hot, (i.e. driven more than 1.6
km [1mile]), never “bleed” or reduce air pressure. The tires are hot from
driving and it is normal for pressures to increase above recommended
cold pressures. A hot tire at or below recommended cold inflation
pressure could be significantly under-inflated.
To check the pressure in your tire(s): 1. Make sure the tires are cool, meaning they are not hot from driving even a mile.
Note: If you have to drive a distance to get air for your tire(s), check
and record the tire pressure first and add the appropriate air pressure
when you get to the pump. It is normal for tires to heat up and the air
pressure inside to go up as you drive. Never “bleed” or reduce air
pressure when tires are hot.
2. Remove the cap from the valve on one tire, then firmly press the tire gauge onto the valve.
3. Add air to reach the recommended air pressure
Note: 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.
2004 Mazda B Series (mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
235

4. Replace the valve cap.
5. Repeat this procedure for each tire, including the spare.
Note: Some spare tires require higher inflation pressure than the other
tires.
6. 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.
7. Check the sidewalls to make sure there are no gouges, cuts, bulges or other irregularities.
Tire and wheel alignment
A bad jolt from hitting a curb or pothole can cause the front end of your
vehicle to become misaligned or damage to your tires. If your vehicle
seems to pull to one side, vibrate or shake when you’re driving, the
wheels may be out of alignment. Have a qualified technician at a
reputable repair facility check the wheel alignment periodically.
Wheel misalignment in the front or the rear can cause uneven and rapid
treadwear of your tires and should be corrected by a qualified technician
at a reputable repair facility. Front wheel drive (FWD) vehicles, and
those with independent front suspension require alignment of all four
wheels.
The tire should also be balanced periodically. An unbalanced tire and
wheel assembly may result in irregular tire wear.
NOTE: When it is time to replace front tires with new ones, this is an
ideal time to perform an alignment. New tires should be balanced at the
time they are installed.
Tire rotation
Rotating your tires at the recommended interval (as indicated in the
Service Maintenance Guide that comes with your vehicle) will help your
tires wear more evenly providing better tire performance and longer tire
life. Unless otherwise specified, rotate the tires approximately every
8,000 km (5,000 miles).
2004 Mazda B Series (mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
236

•Front Wheel Drive (FWD)
vehicles (front tires at top of
diagram)
• Rear Wheel Drive (RWD)
vehicles/Four Wheel Drive (4WD)
vehicles (front tires at top of
diagram)
2004 Mazda B Series (mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
237

Sometimes irregular tire wear can be corrected by rotating the tires.
Note:If your tires show uneven wear ask a qualified technician at a
reputable repair facility to check for and correct any wheel misalignment,
tire imbalance or mechanical problem involved before tire rotation.
Tire wear
Measure and inspect the tire tread on all your tires periodically.
Advanced and unusual tire wear can reduce the ability of tread to grip
the road in adverse (wet, snowy, etc.) conditions. Visually check your
tires for uneven wear, looking for high and low areas or unusually
smooth areas. Also check for signs of tire damage.
When the tread is worn down to 4
mm (1/16th of an inch), tires must
be replaced to prevent your vehicle
from skidding and hydroplaning.
Built-in treadwear indicators, or
“wear bars”, which look like narrow
strips of smooth rubber across the
tread will appear on the tire when
the tread is worn down to 4mm (1/16th of an inch). When you see these
“wear bars”, the tire is worn out and should be replaced.
Inspect your tires frequently for any of the following conditions and
replace them if one or more of the following conditions exist:
• Fabric showing through the tire rubber
• Bulges in the tread or sidewalls
• Cracks or cuts on the sidewalls
• Cracks in the tread groove
• Impact damage resulting from use
• Separation in the tread
• Separation in the sidewall
• Severe abrasion on the sidewall
If your vehicle has a leak in the exhaust system, a road tire or the spare
tire may be exposed to hot exhaust temperatures requiring the tire to be
replaced.
2004 Mazda B Series (mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
238

Safety practices
Driving habits have a great deal to do with your tire mileage and safety.
•Observe posted speed limits
• Avoid fast starts, stops and turns
• Avoid potholes and objects on the road
• Do not run over curbs or hit the tire against a curb when parking
If you vehicle is stuck in snow, mud, sand, etc., do notrapidly spin the
tires; spinning the tires can tear the tire and cause an explosion. A tire
can explode in as little as three to five seconds.
WARNING: Tire explosions can cause death, personal injury or
property damage. Do not allow anyone to stand near, or directly
ahead or behind the spinning tire.
WARNING: Never spin the tires in excess of the 55 km/h (35
mph) point indicated on the speedometer.
Highway hazards
No matter how carefully you drive there’s always the possibility that you
may eventually have a flat tire on the highway. Drive slowly to the
closest safe area out of traffic. This may further damage the flat tire, but
your safety is more important.
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 wheel and replace it with your spare tire and wheel. If
you cannot detect a cause, have the vehicle towed to the nearest repair
facility or tire dealer to have the vehicle inspected.
SNOW TIRES AND CHAINS WARNING: Driving too fast for conditions creates the
possibility of loss of vehicle control. Driving at very high speeds
for extended periods of time may result in damage to vehicle
components.
NOTE: Snow tires must be the same size and grade as the tires you
currently have on your vehicle.
2004 Mazda B Series (mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
239

The tires on your vehicle have all weather treads to provide traction in
rain and snow. However, in some climates, you may need to use snow
tires and chains. If you need to use snow tires and chains, it is
recommended that steel wheels are used of the same size and
specifications as those originally installed.
Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and chains:
•Do not use tire chains on aluminum wheels. Chains may chip the
wheels.
• Use only SAE Class S chains.
• Install chains securely, verifying that the chains do not touch any
wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
Drive cautiously. If you hear the cables or chains rub or bang
against the vehicle, stop and retighten them. If this does not
work, remove the cables or chains to prevent vehicle damage.
• If possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle.
• Remove the tire chains when they are no longer needed. Do not use
tire chains on dry roads.
• The suspension insulation and bumpers will help prevent vehicle
damage. Do not remove these components from your vehicle when
using snow tires and chains.
REFILL CAPACITIES
Fluid Mazda Part
NameApplication Capacity
Engine oil
(includes filter
change) Mazda SAE 5W-
20 Premium
Motor Oil2.3L engine 3.8L (4.0
quarts.)
3.0L V6 engines 4.3L (4.5 quarts)
Mazda SAE 5W-
30 Premium
Motor Oil 4.0L V6 engine 4.7L (5.0
quarts)
Brake fluid DOT 3 Brake FluidAll
Fill to line on
reservoir
6
Power steering
fluidMazda
MERCON
AT FAll Fill to range on
dipstick
2004 Mazda B Series (mbs)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
240