2008 Mazda RX-8 Owner's Manual - Page 337

Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects Tire Information (U.S.A.) 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: l EXPLOSION OF TIRE/RIM ASSEMBLY DUE TO IMPROPER MOUNTINGMATCH TIRE DIAMETER TO RIM DIAMETER; NEVER EXCEED 40 psi (275 kPa) TO SEAT BEADS-ONLY SPECIALLY TRAINED PERSONS SHOULD MOUNT TIRES. l TIRE FAILURE DUE TO UNDER-INFLATION/OVERLOADING/DAMAGEFOLLOW OWNER'S MANUAL AND PLACARD IN VEHICLE-FREQUENTLY CHECK INFLATION PRESSURE AND INSPECT FOR DAMAGE. 9-21