tire size MAZDA MODEL MAZDASPEED 3 2012 (in English) User Guide
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: MAZDA, Model Year: 2012, Model line: MODEL MAZDASPEED 3, Model: MAZDA MODEL MAZDASPEED 3 2012Pages: 508, PDF Size: 9.01 MB
Page 466 of 508

Black plate (466,1)
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:
lEXPLOSION 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.
lTIRE FAILURE DUE TO UNDER-INFLATION/OVERLOADING/DAMAGE-
FOLLOW OWNER'S MANUAL AND PLACARD IN VEHICLE-FREQUENTLY
CHECK INFLATION PRESSURE AND INSPECT FOR DAMAGE.
9-26
Customer Information
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
Mazda3_8BM5-EA-10F_Edition2 Page466
Monday, July 26 2010 1:55 PM
Form No.8BM5-EA-10F
Page 467 of 508

Black plate (467,1)
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
T115/70D 16 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 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.
Customer Information
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
9-27
Mazda3_8BM5-EA-10F_Edition2 Page467
Monday, July 26 2010 1:55 PM
Form No.8BM5-EA-10F
Page 469 of 508

Black plate (469,1)
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 10-11.
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.
Customer Information
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
9-29
Mazda3_8BM5-EA-10F_Edition2 Page469
Monday, July 26 2010 1:55 PM
Form No.8BM5-EA-10F
Page 471 of 508

Black plate (471,1)
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 capacitymeans the total allowable number of vehicle occupants. Seating capacity
is described on the tire label.
Production options weightis 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.
Rimis the metal support (wheel) for a tire or a tire and tube assembly upon which the tire
beads are seated.
Customer Information
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
9-31
Mazda3_8BM5-EA-10F_Edition2 Page471
Monday, July 26 2010 1:55 PM
Form No.8BM5-EA-10F
Page 473 of 508

Black plate (473,1)
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:
ØTires not of the designated size
ØTires of different sizes or types at the same time
ØTires 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.
New treadTread wear indicator
Worn tread
You should replace the tire before the band crosses the entire tread.
Customer Information
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
9-33
Mazda3_8BM5-EA-10F_Edition2 Page473
Monday, July 26 2010 1:55 PM
Form No.8BM5-EA-10F
Page 475 of 508

Black plate (475,1)
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 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:
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.
Customer Information
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
9-35
Mazda3_8BM5-EA-10F_Edition2 Page475
Monday, July 26 2010 1:55 PM
Form No.8BM5-EA-10F
Page 497 of 508

Black plate (497,1)
qTires
NOTE
The tires have been optimally matched with the chassis of your vehicle.
When replacing tires, Mazda recommends that you replace tires of the same type originally fitted to
your vehicle. For details, contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Check the tire pressure label for tire size and inflation pressure.
Refer to Tire Inflation Pressure on page 8-36.
Standard tire
(Except 2.3-liter turbocharged engine)
Tire sizeInflation pressure
Front Rear
P205/55R16 89H 240 kPa (35 psi) 240 kPa (35 psi)
P205/50R17 88V 220 kPa (32 psi) 220 kPa (32 psi)
(2.3-liter turbocharged engine)
Tire sizeInflation pressure
Front Rear
P225/40R18 88Y 240 kPa (35 psi) 230 kPa (34 psi)
Temporary spare tire
Tire size Inflation pressure
T115/70D15 90M 420 kPa (60 psi)
T125/70D16 96M 420 kPa (60 psi)
T125/70D17 98M 420 kPa (60 psi)
qFuses
Refer to the fuse rating on page 8-54.
Specifications
10-11
Mazda3_8BM5-EA-10F_Edition2 Page497
Monday, July 26 2010 1:55 PM
Form No.8BM5-EA-10F