Mazda CX-5 (2022 year). Manual in english — page 42

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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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

Q

99 mph

R

106 mph

S

112 mph

T

118 mph

U

124 mph

H

130 mph

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Letter Rating

Speed Rating

V

149 mph

W

168

*

mph

Y

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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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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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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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 9-7.

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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WARNING

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.
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.

▼

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.

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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

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.

Do not incl

u

de (TEM

P

ORARY USE ONLY)

spare tire in rotation.

Forward

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 9-7) 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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▼

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.

New tread

Tread wear indicator

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. 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 8-25.

▼

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

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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-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

This section will guide you in the proper loading of your vehicle and/or trailer, to keep your
loaded vehicle weight within its design rating capability, with or without a trailer. 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, with or without a trailer, 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.

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

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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 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

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Cargo Weight

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

optional equipment. When towing, trailer tongue load or king pin weight is also part of
cargo weight.

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.

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

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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 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

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GCW (Gross Combination Weight)

is the weight of the loaded vehicle (GVW) plus the

weight of the fully loaded trailer.

GCWR (Gross Combination Weight Rating)

is the maximum allowable weight of the

vehicle and the loaded trailer - including all cargo and passengers - that the vehicle can
handle without risking damage. (Important: The towing vehicle's braking system is rated for
operation at GVWR, not at GCWR. Separate functional brakes should be used for safe
control of towed vehicles and for trailers weighing more than 1,500 lbs).

The GCW must

never exceed the GCWR.

Maximum Loaded Trailer Weight

is the highest possible weight of a fully loaded trailer

the vehicle can tow. It assumes a vehicle with only mandatory options, no cargo (internal or
external), a tongue load of 10

－

15% (conventional trailer) or king pin weight of 15

－

25%

(fifth-wheel trailer), and driver only (150 lbs).

Consult your dealership (or the RV and

Trailer Towing Guide provided by your dealership) for more detailed information.
Tongue Load or Fifth-Wheel King Pin Weight

refers to the amount of the weight that a

trailer pushes down on a trailer hitch.

Examples:

For a 5000 lb conventional trailer, multiply 5000 by 0.10 and 0.15 to obtain a

proper tongue load range of 500 to 750 lbs. For an 11,500 lb fifth-wheel trailer, multiply by
0.15 and 0.25 to obtain a proper king pin load range of 1,725 to 2,875 lbs.

WARNING

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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