MAZDA MODEL 3 SEDAN 2019 Owners Manual

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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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).
11 5
“115” is the nominal w idth of the tire in
millimeters. This three-digit number gives
the width in millimet ers 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 M8 1 m ph
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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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Vehicle Loading
▼Vehicle Loading
WA R N I N G
Do not tow a trailer with this vehicle:
Towing a trailer wi
th this vehicle is
dangerous because it has not been
designed to tow a trailer and doing so will
affect 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:
WA R N I N G
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 f ull tank of fuel and
all standard equip ment. 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
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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 l abel 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 s ubtracted from the
payload listed on the tire label in order to
be accurate.

SAMPLE

CARGO
Cargo Weight includes all weight added
to the Base Curb Weight, including cargo
and optional equipment.

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 ve hicle 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 Certificat ion Label located
on the driver's door frame or door
pillar. The total lo ad on each axle must
never exceed its GAWR.

GVW
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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.

SAMPLE
WA R N I N G
Never Exceed 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 substandar d 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
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.

WA R N I N G
Never Exceed 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.
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Steps for Determining the Correct Load Limit
▼Steps for Determining the Correct Load Limit
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit-
(1) Locate the statement “The com
bined 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 t hat 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 an d luggage load capacity. For
example, if the “XXX” amount equ als 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 loa ded on the vehicle. That
weight may not safely exceed the available cargo and luggage lo ad capacity calculated
in Step 4.
(6) If your vehicle will be towi ng 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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