Mazda MX-5 PRHT (2015 year). Instruction

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Cell Phones Warning

WARNING

Please comply with the legal regulations concerning the use of communication
equipment in vehicles in your State or Province:

Use of any electrical devices such as cell phones, computers, portable radios, vehicle
navigation or other devices by the driver while the vehicle is moving is dangerous.
Dialing a number on a cell phone while driving also ties-up the driver's hands. Use of
these devices will cause the driver to be distracted and could lead to a serious
accident. If a passenger is unable to use the device, pull off the right-of-way to a safe
area before use. If use of a cell phone is necessary despite this warning, use a hands-
free system to at least leave the hands free to drive the vehicle. Never use a cell
phone or other electrical devices while the vehicle is moving and, instead,
concentrate on the full-time job of driving.

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Uniform Tire Quality Grading System (UTQGS)

This information relates to the tire grading system developed by the U.S. National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration for grading tires by tread wear, traction, and
temperature performance.

qTread 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-a-half times as well on the government
course as a tire graded 100.

The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual conditions of their use, however,
and may depart significantly from the norm because of variations in driving habits, service
practices and differences in road characteristics and climate.

qTraction-AA, A, B, C

The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C. These 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.

WARNING

The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on braking (straight ahead) traction
tests and does not include acceleration cornering (turning), hydroplaning, or peak
traction characteristics.

qTemperature-A, B, C

The temperature grades A (the highest), B, and C, represent 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.
Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire
life, and excessive temperatures can lead to sudden tire failure.

Grade C corresponds to a level of performance which all passenger vehicle tires must meet
under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent
higher levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by
law.

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WARNING

Keep your vehicle's tires properly inflated and not overloaded:

Driving with improperly inflated or overloaded tires is dangerous. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive loading, either separately or in combination, can cause
heat buildup and possible tire failure. The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded.

These grades will be added to the sidewalls of passenger vehicle tires over the next several
years according to a schedule established by the NHTSA and the tire manufacturers.

The grade of tires available as standard or optional equipment on Mazda vehicles may vary
with respect to grade.

ALL PASSENGER VEHICLE TIRES MUST CONFORM TO THESE GRADES AND
TO ALL OTHER FEDERAL TIRE-SAFETY REQUIREMENTS.

qUNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING

Quality grades can be found where applicable on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder
and maximum section width.
For example:
TREADWEAR 200 TRACTION AA TEMPERATURE A

UTQGS MARK (example)

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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.

qInformation 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

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11. Max. load rating

12. Tread wear, traction and temperature grades

13. Max. permissible inflation pressure

14. SAFETY WARNING

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.

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.

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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

99 mph

106 mph

112 mph

118 mph

124 mph

130 mph

149 mph

168

mph

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.

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.

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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:

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.

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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

T115/70D16 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.

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.

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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

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

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 10-7.

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.

qChecking 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.

NOTE

Warm tires normally exceed recommended pressures. Don't release air from warm tires to adjust the
pressure.
Under-inflation can cause serious failures and accidents.
Over-inflation can produce a harsh ride and the greater possibility of damage from road hazards.

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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 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:

qTire 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.

qTire Rotation

To equalize tread wear, rotate the tires every 12,000 km (7,500 miles) or sooner if irregular
wear develops. During rotation, inspect them for correct balance.

Do not include (TEMPORARY 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 10-7) and inspect the lug nuts
for tightness.

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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:

Ø Tires not of the designated size

Ø Tires of different sizes or types at the same time

Ø Tires 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 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. 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 9-23.

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qSafety 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 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

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.

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Mazda MX-5 PRHT (2015 year). Instruction - part 26