MAZDA MODEL 3 SEDAN 2021 Owners Manual

Tread Wear, Traction and Temperature
Grades
Tr ea d w ea r : The tread wear grade is a
comparative rating based on the wear
rate of the tire when tested under
controlled conditions on a speci fied
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
speci fied 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 speci fied
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.
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).
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 cons truction 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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Location of the Tire Label(Placard)
▼Location of the Tire Label (Placard)
Yo u w i l l 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 In
flation
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 in flation pressure is maintained.
Refer to Tires on page 9-10.
NOTE
Tire pressures listed on the vehicle
placard or tire information label
indicate the recommended cold tire
in flation 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.
WARNING
Always check the tire in flation
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-in flated tires is dangerous.
Under-in flation 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
fl at!
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 over fill 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 Identi fication 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.
In flation 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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Tire Maintenance
▼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 speci
fied on the vehicle
tire information 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, in flate all tire pressures
to speci fication on page 9-10 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
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.
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 bene
fit.
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
off the road. Stop and
inspect the tire for damage. If the tire
is under-in flated or damaged, de flate
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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Ve h i c l e L o a d i n g
▼Ve h i c l e L o a d i n g
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
aff ect 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 Certi fication 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
in flation pressure.
Never overload the vehicle and always
observe the vehicle's weight ratings
from the vehicle's Safety Certi fication
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.

PAY LOA D
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Pay l o a d 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

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 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 Certi fication
Label located on the driver's door
frame or door pillar. The total load 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 Certi fication 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 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
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
Speci fications:
Exceeding the GVWR or the GAWR
speci fied on the certi fication 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 th e originals do not
increase the GVWR and GAWR
limitations.
Never exceed the GVWR or the GAWR
speci fied on the certi fication 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 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 dr iver 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 fi ve 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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