Mazda B-Series (2010 year). Manual

NOTICE TO UTILITY VEHICLE AND TRUCK OWNERS

Utility vehicles and trucks handle
differently than passenger cars in
the various driving conditions that
are encountered on streets,
highways and off-road. Utility
vehicles and trucks are not designed
for cornering at speeds as high as
passenger cars any more than
low-slung sports cars are designed
to perform satisfactorily under
off-road conditions.

WARNING:

Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover

rate than other types of vehicles. To reduce the risk of serious

injury or death from a rollover or other crash you must:
• Avoid sharp turns and abrupt maneuvers;
• Drive at safe speeds for the conditions;
• Keep tires properly inflated;
• Never overload or improperly load your vehicle; and
• Make sure every passenger is properly restrained.

WARNING:

In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is

significantly more likely to die than a person wearing a seat belt.

All occupants must wear seat belts and children/infants must use
appropriate restraints to minimize the risk of injury or ejection.

Study your owner’s manual and any supplements for specific information
about equipment features, instructions for safe driving and additional
precautions to reduce the risk of an accident or serious injury.

VEHICLE CHARACTERISTICS

4WD and AWD Systems (if equipped)

A vehicle equipped with AWD or 4WD (when selected) has the ability to
use all four wheels to power itself. This increases traction which may
enable you to safely drive over terrain and road conditions that a
conventional two-wheel drive vehicle cannot.

Tires, Wheels and Loading

122

REVIEW COPY ——
2010 B-Series (mbs), Owners Guide (own2002), 1st Printing, Market:
Canadian_French (fr_can)

Power is supplied to all four wheels through a transfer case or power
transfer unit. 4WD vehicles allow you to select different drive modes as
necessary. Information on transfer case operation and shifting procedures
can be found in the Driving chapter. Information on transfer case
maintenance can be found in the Maintenance and Specifications
chapter. You should become thoroughly familiar with this information
before you operate your vehicle.

On some 4WD models, the initial shift from two-wheel drive to 4WD
while the vehicle is moving can cause a momentary clunk and ratcheting
sound. These sounds are normal as the front drivetrain comes up to
speed and is not cause for concern.

WARNING:

Do not become overconfident in the ability of 4WD

and AWD vehicles. Although a 4WD or AWD vehicle may

accelerate better than two-wheel drive vehicle in low traction
situations, it won’t stop any faster than two-wheel drive vehicles.
Always drive at a safe speed.

How your vehicle differs from other vehicles

SUV and trucks can differ from
some other vehicles in a few
noticeable ways. Your vehicle may
be:
• Higher – to allow higher load

carrying capacity and to allow it
to travel over rough terrain
without getting hung up or
damaging underbody components.

• Shorter – to give it the capability

to approach inclines and drive
over the crest of a hill without
getting hung up or damaging
underbody components. All other
things held equal, a shorter
wheelbase may make your vehicle
quicker to respond to steering inputs than a vehicle with a longer
wheelbase.

Tires, Wheels and Loading

123

REVIEW COPY ——
2010 B-Series (mbs), Owners Guide (own2002), 1st Printing, Market:
Canadian_French (fr_can)

• Narrower — to provide greater

maneuverability in tight spaces,
particularly in off-road use.

As a result of the above dimensional
differences, SUV’s and trucks often
will have a higher center of gravity
and a greater difference in center of
gravity between the loaded and
unloaded condition.

These differences that make your
vehicle so versatile also make it
handle differently than an ordinary
passenger car.

INFORMATION ABOUT UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING

Tire Quality Grades apply to new
pneumatic passenger car tires. The
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
These Tire Quality Grades are determined by standards that the United
States Department of Transportation has set.

Tire Quality Grades apply to new pneumatic passenger car tires. They do
not apply to deep tread, winter-type snow tires, space-saver or
temporary use spare tires, light truck or “LT” type tires, tires with
nominal rim diameters of 10 to 12 inches or limited production tires as
defined in Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 575.104(c)(2).

U.S. Department of Transportation-Tire quality grades:

The U.S.

Department of Transportation requires Mazda to give you the following
information about tire grades exactly as the government has written it.

Tires, Wheels and Loading

124

REVIEW COPY ——
2010 B-Series (mbs), Owners Guide (own2002), 1st Printing, Market:
Canadian_French (fr_can)

Treadwear

The treadwear 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

⁄

) 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 due to variations in driving habits, service practices, and
differences in road characteristics and climate.

Traction AA A B C

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.

NOTE:

The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on

straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not include acceleration,
cornering, hydroplaning or peak traction characteristics.

Temperature A B C

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. Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire
to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of performance
which all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 139. Grades B and A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by
law.

WARNING:

The temperature grade for this tire is established

for a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive

speed, underinflation, or excessive loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.

Tires, Wheels and Loading

125

REVIEW COPY ——
2010 B-Series (mbs), Owners Guide (own2002), 1st Printing, Market:
Canadian_French (fr_can)

TIRES

Tires are designed to give many thousands of miles of service, but they
must be maintained in order to get the maximum benefit from them.

Glossary of tire terminology
• Tire label: A label showing the OE (Original Equipment) 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. Also referred
to as DOT code.

• Inflation pressure: A measure of the amount of air in a tire.
• Standard load: A class of P-metric or Metric tires designed to carry a

maximum load at 35 psi [37 psi (2.5 bar) for Metric tires]. Increasing
the inflation pressure beyond this pressure will not increase the tire’s
load carrying capability.

• Extra load: A class of P-metric or Metric tires designed to carry a

heavier maximum load at 41 psi [43 psi (2.9 bar) for Metric tires].
Increasing the inflation pressure beyond this pressure will not increase
the tire’s load carrying capability.

• kPa: Kilopascal, a metric unit of air pressure.
• PSI: Pounds per square inch, a standard unit of air pressure.
• Cold inflation pressure: The tire pressure when the vehicle has

been stationary and out of direct sunlight for an hour or more and
prior to the vehicle being driven for 1 mile (1.6 km).

• Recommended inflation pressure: The cold inflation pressure found

on the Safety Compliance Certification Label or Tire Label located on
the B-Pillar or the edge of the driver’s door.

• B-pillar: The structural member at the side of the vehicle behind the

front door.

• Bead area of the tire: Area of the tire next to the rim.
• Sidewall of the tire: Area between the bead area and the tread.
• Tread area of the tire: Area of the perimeter of the tire that

contacts the road when mounted on the vehicle.

• Rim: The metal support (wheel) for a tire or a tire and tube assembly

upon which the tire beads are seated.

Tires, Wheels and Loading

126

REVIEW COPY ——
2010 B-Series (mbs), Owners Guide (own2002), 1st Printing, Market:
Canadian_French (fr_can)

INFLATING YOUR TIRES

Safe operation of your vehicle requires that your tires are properly
inflated. Remember that a tire can lose up to half of its air pressure
without appearing flat.

Every day before you drive, check your tires. If one looks lower than the
others, use a tire gauge to check pressure of all tires and adjust if
required.

At least once a month and before long trips, inspect each tire and check
the tire pressure with a tire gauge (including spare, if equipped). Inflate
all tires to the inflation pressure recommended by Mazda.

You are strongly urged to buy a reliable tire pressure gauge, as automatic
service station gauges may be inaccurate. Mazda recommends the use of
a digital or dial type tire pressure gauge rather than a stick type tire
pressure gauge.

Use the recommended cold inflation pressure for optimum tire
performance and wear. Under-inflation or over-inflation may cause
uneven treadwear patterns.

NOTE:

If you are driving the vehicle at its maximum weight load, make

sure the tire inflation pressure is correct for the weight load on the tires.

WARNING:

Under-inflation is the most common cause of tire

failures and may result in severe tire cracking, tread separation

⬙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
also may result in unnecessary tire stress, irregular wear, loss of
vehicle control and accidents. A tire can lose up to half of its air
pressure and not appear to be flat!

Always inflate your tires to the Mazda recommended inflation pressure
even if it is less than the maximum inflation pressure information found
on the tire. The Mazda recommended tire inflation pressure is found on
the Safety Compliance Certification Label or Tire Label which is located
on the B-Pillar or the edge of the driver’s door. Failure to follow the tire
pressure recommendations can cause uneven treadwear patterns and
adversely affect the way your vehicle handles.

Tires, Wheels and Loading

127

REVIEW COPY ——
2010 B-Series (mbs), Owners Guide (own2002), 1st Printing, Market:
Canadian_French (fr_can)

Maximum Permissible Inflation Pressure

is the tire manufactures’

maximum permissible pressure and/or the pressure at which the
maximum load can be carried by the tire. This pressure is normally
higher than the manufacturer’s recommended cold inflation pressure
which can be found on either the Safety Compliance Certification Label
or Tire Label which is located on the B-Pillar or the edge of the driver’s
door. The cold inflation pressure should never be set lower than the
recommended pressure on the Safety Compliance Certification Label or
Tire Label.

When weather temperature changes occur, tire inflation pressures also
change. A 10°F (6°C) temperature drop can cause a corresponding drop
of 1 psi (7 kPa) in inflation pressure. Check your tire pressures
frequently and adjust them to the proper pressure which can be found
on the Safety Compliance Certification Label or Tire Label.

If you are checking tire pressure when the tire is hot, (i.e. driven more
than 1 mile [1.6 km]), never “bleed” or reduce air pressure. The tires are
hot from driving and it is normal for pressures to increase above
recommended cold pressures. A hot tire at or below recommended cold
inflation pressure could be significantly under-inflated.

To check the pressure in your tire(s):

1. Make sure the tires are cool, meaning they are not hot from driving

even a mile.

Note:

If you have to drive a distance to get air for your tire(s), check

and record the tire pressure first and add the appropriate air pressure
when you get to the pump. It is normal for tires to heat up and the air
pressure inside to go up as you drive. Never “bleed” or reduce air
pressure when tires are hot.

2. Remove the cap from the valve on one tire, then firmly press the tire

gauge onto the valve and measure the pressure.

3. Add enough air to reach the recommended air pressure

Note:

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.

4. Replace the valve cap.

5. Repeat this procedure for each tire, including the spare.

Note:

Some spare tires operate at a higher inflation pressure than the

other tires. For T-type/mini-spare tires (see T-Type/Mini-Spare Tire
Information section for description): Store and maintain at 60 psi
(4.15 bars). For Full Size and Dissimilar spare tires (see Dissimilar

Tires, Wheels and Loading

128

REVIEW COPY ——
2010 B-Series (mbs), Owners Guide (own2002), 1st Printing, Market:
Canadian_French (fr_can)

Spare Tire/Wheel Information section for description): Store and
maintain at the higher of the front and rear inflation pressure as shown
on the Safety Compliance Certification Label.

6. 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.

7. Check the sidewalls to make sure there are no gouges, cuts or

bulges.

TIRE CARE

Inspecting your tires and wheel valve stems

Periodically inspect the tire treads for uneven or excessive wear and
remove objects such as stones, nails or glass that may be wedged in the
tread grooves. Check the tire and valve stems for holes, cracks, or cuts
that may permit air leakage and repair or replace the tire and replace
the valve stem. Inspect the tire sidewalls for cracking, cuts, bruises and
other signs of damage or excessive wear. If internal damage to the tire is
suspected, have the tire demounted and inspected in case it needs to be
repaired or replaced. For your safety, tires that are damaged or show
signs of excessive wear should not be used because they are more likely
to blow out or fail.

Improper or inadequate vehicle maintenance can cause tires to wear
abnormally. Inspect all your tires, including the spare, frequently, and
replace them if one or more of the following conditions exist:

Tire wear

When the tread is worn down to
1/16th of an inch (2 mm), tires must
be replaced to help prevent your
vehicle from skidding and
hydroplaning. Built-in treadwear
indicators, or “wear bars”, which
look like narrow strips of smooth
rubber across the tread will appear
on the tire when the tread is worn
down to 1/16th of an inch (2 mm).
When the tire tread wears down to
the same height as these “wear bars”, the tire is worn out and must be
replaced.

Tires, Wheels and Loading

129

REVIEW COPY ——
2010 B-Series (mbs), Owners Guide (own2002), 1st Printing, Market:
Canadian_French (fr_can)

Damage

Periodically inspect the tire treads and sidewalls for damage (such as
bulges in the tread or sidewalls, cracks in the tread groove and
separation in the tread or sidewall). If damage is observed or suspected
have the tire inspected by a tire professional. Tires can be damaged
during off-road use, so inspection after off-road use is also
recommended.

WARNING:

Age

Tires degrade over time depending on many factors such as

weather, storage conditions, and conditions of use (load, speed,
inflation pressure, etc.) the tires experience throughout their lives.
In general, tires should be replaced after six years regardless of tread
wear. However, heat caused by hot climates or frequent high loading
conditions can accelerate the aging process and may require tires to be
replaced more frequently.
You should replace your spare tire when you replace the road tires or
after six years due to aging even if it has not been used.

U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number (TIN)

Both U.S. and Canada Federal regulations require 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 U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number for
safety standard certification and in case of a recall.

This begins with the letters “DOT” and indicates that the tire meets all
federal standards. The next two numbers or letters are the plant code
designating where it was manufactured, the next two are the tire size
code and the last four numbers represent the week and year the tire was
built. For example, the numbers 317 mean the 31st week of 1997. After
2000 the numbers go to four digits. For example, 2501 means the 25th
week of 2001. The numbers in between are identification codes used for
traceability. This information is used to contact customers if a tire defect
requires a recall.

Tire replacement requirements

Your vehicle is equipped with tires designed to provide a safe ride and
handling capability.

Tires, Wheels and Loading

130

REVIEW COPY ——
2010 B-Series (mbs), Owners Guide (own2002), 1st Printing, Market:
Canadian_French (fr_can)

WARNING:

Only use replacement tires and wheels that are the

same size, load index, speed rating and type (such as P-metric

versus LT-metric or all-season versus all-terrain) as those originally
provided by Mazda. The recommended tire and wheel size may be
found on either the Safety Compliance Certification Label or the Tire
Label which is located on the B-Pillar or edge of the driver’s door. If
this information is not found on these labels then you should contact
your authorized dealer as soon as possible. Use of any tire or wheel not
recommended by Mazda can affect the safety and performance of your
vehicle, which could result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. Additionally the use
of non-recommended tires and wheels could cause steering,
suspension, axle or transfer case/power transfer unit failure. If you
have questions regarding tire replacement, contact your authorized
dealer as soon as possible.

WARNING:

When mounting replacement tires and wheels, you

should not exceed the maximum pressure indicated on the

sidewall of the tire to set the beads without additional precautions
listed below. If the beads do not seat at the maximum pressure
indicated, re-lubricate and try again.
When inflating the tire for mounting pressures up to 20 psi (1.38 bar)
greater than the maximum pressure on the tire sidewall, the following
precautions must be taken to protect the person mounting the tire:

1. Make sure that you have the correct tire and wheel size.

2. Lubricate the tire bead and wheel bead seat area again.

3. Stand at a minimum of 12 ft. (3.66 m) away from the tire
wheel assembly.

4. Use both eye and ear protection.
For a mounting pressure more than 20 psi (1.38 bar) greater
than the maximum pressure, a Mazda Dealer or other tire
service professional should do the mounting.
Always inflate steel carcass tires with a remote air fill with the
person inflating standing at a minimum of 12 ft. (3.66 m) away
from the tire wheel assembly.

Important:

Remember to replace the wheel valve stems when the road

tires are replaced on your vehicle.

Tires, Wheels and Loading

131

REVIEW COPY ——
2010 B-Series (mbs), Owners Guide (own2002), 1st Printing, Market:
Canadian_French (fr_can)

It is recommended that the two front tires or two rear tires generally be
replaced as a pair.

The tire pressure sensors mounted in the wheels (originally installed on
your vehicle) are not designed to be used in aftermarket wheels.

The use of wheels or tires not recommended by Mazda Motor
Corporation may affect the operation of your Tire Pressure Monitoring
System.

If the TPMS indicator is flashing, your TPMS is malfunctioning. Your
replacement tire might be incompatible with your TPMS, or some
component of the TPMS may be damaged.

Safety practices

Driving habits have a great deal to do with your tire mileage and safety.
• Observe posted speed limits
• Avoid fast starts, stops and turns
• Avoid potholes and objects on the road
• Do not run over curbs or hit the tire against a curb when parking

WARNING:

If your vehicle is stuck in snow, mud, sand, etc., do

not rapidly spin the tires; spinning the tires can tear the tire and

cause an explosion. A tire can explode in as little as three to five
seconds.

WARNING:

Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph (56 km/h).

The tires may fail and injure a passenger or bystander.

Highway hazards

No matter how carefully you drive there’s always the possibility that you
may eventually have a flat tire on the highway. Drive slowly to the
closest safe area out of traffic. This may further damage the flat tire, but
your safety is more important.

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 tires for damage. If a tire is under-inflated or damaged,
deflate it, remove wheel and replace it with your spare tire and wheel. If
you cannot detect a cause, have the vehicle towed to the nearest repair
facility or tire dealer to have the vehicle inspected.

Tires, Wheels and Loading

132

REVIEW COPY ——
2010 B-Series (mbs), Owners Guide (own2002), 1st Printing, Market:
Canadian_French (fr_can)

Tire and wheel alignment

A bad jolt from hitting a curb or pothole can cause the front end of your
vehicle to become misaligned or cause damage to your tires. If your
vehicle seems to pull to one side, vibrate or shake when you’re driving,
the wheels may be out of alignment. Have a qualified technician at a
Mazda dealer check the wheel alignment periodically.

Wheel misalignment in the front or the rear can cause uneven and rapid
treadwear of your tires and should be corrected by a qualified technician
at a Mazda dealer. Front wheel drive (FWD) vehicles and those with an
independent rear suspension require alignment of all four wheels.

The tire should also be balanced periodically. An unbalanced tire and
wheel assembly may result in irregular tire wear.

NOTE:

When it is time to replace front tires with new ones, this is an

ideal time to perform an alignment. New tires should be balanced at the
time they are installed.

Tire rotation

Rotating your tires at the recommended interval (as indicated in the
scheduled maintenance information that comes with your vehicle) will
help your tires wear more evenly, providing better tire performance and
longer tire life.

Tires, Wheels and Loading

133

REVIEW COPY ——
2010 B-Series (mbs), Owners Guide (own2002), 1st Printing, Market:
Canadian_French (fr_can)

• Rear Wheel Drive (RWD)

vehicles/Four Wheel Drive
(4WD)/All Wheel Drive (AWD)
vehicles (front tires at top of
diagram)

Sometimes irregular tire wear can be corrected by rotating the tires.

Note:

If your tires show uneven wear ask an authorized dealer to check

for and correct any wheel misalignment, tire imbalance or mechanical
problem involved before tire rotation.

Note:

Your vehicle may be equipped with a dissimilar spare tire/wheel. A

dissimilar spare tire/wheel is defined as a spare tire and/or wheel that is
different in brand, size or appearance from the road tires and wheels. If
you have a dissimilar spare tire/wheel it is intended for temporary use
only and should not be used in a tire rotation.

Note:

After having your tires rotated, inflation pressure must be checked

and adjusted to the vehicle requirements.

INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THE TIRE SIDEWALL

Tires, Wheels and Loading

134

REVIEW COPY ——
2010 B-Series (mbs), Owners Guide (own2002), 1st Printing, Market:
Canadian_French (fr_can)

Information on “P” type tires

P215/65R15 95H is an example of a
tire size, load index and speed
rating. The definitions of these
items are listed below. (Note that
the tire size, load index and speed
rating for your vehicle may be
different from this example.)

1. P: Indicates a tire, designated

by the Tire and Rim Association
(T&RA), that may be used for
service on cars, SUVs, minivans
and light trucks.

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).

2. 215: Indicates the nominal width of the tire in millimeters from

sidewall edge to sidewall edge. In general, the larger the number, the
wider the tire.

3. 65: Indicates the aspect ratio which gives the tire’s ratio of height to

width.

4. R: Indicates a “radial” type tire.

5. 15: Indicates the wheel or rim diameter in inches. If you change

your wheel size, you will have to purchase new tires to match the
new wheel diameter.

6. 95: Indicates the tire’s load index. It is an index that relates to how

much weight a tire can carry. You may find this information in your
Owner’s Manual. If not, contact a local tire dealer.

Note:

You may not find this information on all tires because it is not

required by federal law.

7. H: Indicates the tire’s speed rating. The speed rating denotes the

speed at which a tire is designed to be driven for extended periods
of time under a standard condition of load and inflation pressure.
The tires on your vehicle may operate at different conditions for load
and inflation pressure. These speed ratings may need to be adjusted
for the difference in conditions. The ratings range from 81 mph
(130 km/h) to 186 mph (299 km/h). These ratings are listed in the
following chart.

Tires, Wheels and Loading

135

REVIEW COPY ——
2010 B-Series (mbs), Owners Guide (own2002), 1st Printing, Market:
Canadian_French (fr_can)

Note:

You may not find this information on all tires because it is not

required by federal law.

Letter rating

Speed rating - mph (km/h)

81 mph (130 km/h)

87 mph (140 km/h)

99 mph (159 km/h)

106 mph (171 km/h)

112 mph (180 km/h)

118 mph (190 km/h)

124 mph (200 km/h)

130 mph (210 km/h)

149 mph (240 km/h)

168 mph (270 km/h)

186 mph (299 km/h)

Note:

For tires with a maximum speed capability over 149 mph

(240 km/h), tire manufacturers sometimes use the letters ZR. For
those with a maximum speed capability over 186 mph (299 km/h), tire
manufacturers always use the letters ZR.

8. U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number (TIN): This begins with

the letters “DOT” and indicates that the tire meets all federal
standards. The next two numbers or letters are the plant code
designating where it was manufactured, the next two are the tire
size code and the last four numbers represent the week and year the
tire was built. For example, the numbers 317 mean the 31st week of
1997. After 2000 the numbers go to four digits. For example, 2501
means the 25th week of 2001. The numbers in between are
identification codes used for traceability. This information is used to
contact customers if a tire defect requires a recall.

9. M+S or M/S: Mud and Snow, or

AT:

All Terrain, or

AS:

All Season.

10. Tire Ply Composition and Material Used: Indicates the number

of plies or the number of layers of rubber-coated fabric in the tire
tread and sidewall. Tire manufacturers also must indicate the ply
materials in the tire and the sidewall, which include steel, nylon,
polyester, and others.

Tires, Wheels and Loading

136

REVIEW COPY ——
2010 B-Series (mbs), Owners Guide (own2002), 1st Printing, Market:
Canadian_French (fr_can)

11. Maximum Load: Indicates the maximum load in kilograms and

pounds that can be carried by the tire. Refer to the Safety
Compliance Certification Label, which is located on the B-Pillar or
the edge of the driver’s door, for the correct tire pressure for your
vehicle.

12. Treadwear, Traction and Temperature Grades
• Treadwear: The treadwear 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

⁄

) 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.

13. Maximum Permissible Inflation Pressure: Indicates the tire

manufacturers’ maximum permissible pressure and/or the pressure at
which the maximum load can be carried by the tire. This pressure is
normally higher than the manufacturer’s recommended cold inflation
pressure which can be found on the Safety Compliance Certification
Label or Tire Label which is located on the B-Pillar or the edge of
the driver’s door. The cold inflation pressure should never be set
lower than the recommended pressure on the vehicle label.

The tire suppliers may have additional markings, notes or warnings such
as standard load, radial tubeless, etc.

Tires, Wheels and Loading

137

REVIEW COPY ——
2010 B-Series (mbs), Owners Guide (own2002), 1st Printing, Market:
Canadian_French (fr_can)

Mazda B-Series (2010 year). Manual - part 8