Disclaimers
What to Consider When Shopping for Mazda Tires
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported 622 fatal tire-related crashes in 2021. Keep your Mazda tires in top shape to stay safe on the road.
Worn tires raise your risk of skidding, hydroplaning, and failing to stop before a collision. Keep your passengers and yourself safe.
You may wonder how to choose tires. When do you need to replace them? How do you pick the right tires for your Mazda vehicle?
We've put together a guide for you. Read on to learn more!
When to Replace Mazda Tires
You need to check your tire condition each month regardless of which vehicle you drive. Check your tire pressure (PSI) as per your Mazda vehicle handbook. Now move onto your tread depth.
California law states that all tires must have 1/32 of an inch tread depth on any 2 adjacent grooves. Additionally, your front tires must have a tread depth of 1/8 (4/32) of an inch on all major grooves. Your rear tires must have a tread depth of 1/16 of an inch on all major grooves.
Snow tires must have 1/4 (6/32) of an inch depth in all major grooves. Luckily, much of California is mild year-round.
You may be subject to California's traffic violation penalties if you fail to maintain these standards.
Mazda Tires Buying Criteria
Before we get into specific types of tires, you need to know the basic specifications. These depend on your usage, budget, and vehicle options.
Size
The best policy is to follow your Mazda car handbook's advice on tire sizes. However, a bit of knowledge never hurts!
The standard format for tire sizing is as follows:
- Passenger-car cross-section width (Pmm)
- Sidewall height to cross-section ratio (/mm)
- Radial-ply construction (R) and wheel diameter (inches)
- Load rating
- Speed rating (A to Z)
In practice, this looks like P255/65R17 102V. Your Mazda specialist can take care of these details for you, but the specifics are handy to know.
Maximum Load
How much you can carry or tow safely depends on your maximum load rating. Aim for a higher rating if you frequently pack equipment into your Mazda vehicle or use it for heavy-duty work.
The max load rating works on a rising scale. At the lowest level, you will only be able to tow or carry light loads safely. At the highest levels, you could tow objects the same weight as a motorhome or more.
Speed Ratings
The A to Z system is the standardized way to measure a tire's performance at speed. The closer it is to Z, the higher the speed performance. Due to speeding laws in the USA, high ratings are superfluous in most cases.
It is wise practice to match the speed rating on new tires to that on your worn tires. Some ratings suit certain types of vehicles. For example, a speed rating of T is suited to speeds under 118mph in vans and sedans.
A speed rating of V or higher hits the realm of sports models, coupes, and racing cars. Premium tire brands may list a high-speed rating as a sign of quality.
Types of Tires
You have 4 major types of tires available for your Mazda car. You can identify the model of your existing tires if you are unsure. Different tires have different sizing, tread, and speed ratings for each type of use.
All-Season Tires
All-seasons are standard tires that come fitted to most vehicles. These are your do-it-all tires for every occasion. They can be narrower in width than other types of tires because drivers tend to need basic performance only.
All-season tires tend to last longer than other types of tires. You may even get 100 miles for every 12 cents you spend on them.
Longevity is partly due to the driving style of the driver but also the tires' all-condition design. Look for the Mountain and Snowflake Symbol (3PMSF) to check for cold-weather performance. However, the winter tires below are superior in icy environments.
Performance All-Season
Performance tires tend to be wider than all-season tires, giving you more grip and tighter cornering. Performance tires have a higher speed rating than basic tires, but given the USA's speed limits, this may be irrelevant.
Performance tires wear out faster than basic types, as a rule. If budget is a factor, you should opt for basic all-season tires to save money.
Ultra-High-Performance Tires
If responsive handling is your priority, these may be the tires for you. Ultra-high-performance tires are common on SUVs, sedans, and sports models. They will grip in wet or dry conditions, so you feel comfortable on the track or the road.
However, these tires are not all-season, so they will lack grip in cold conditions. All-season tires will serve you better year-round, but ultra-highs offer greater performance in fine conditions.
Winter Tires
Winter tires are the ultimate solution to snowy mountain roads. They are a worthy investment if you often find yourself in these conditions. They will wear faster in normal weather though; their tread is made to penetrate and grip on icy road surfaces, not smooth asphalt.
How to Find Mazda Tires
Choose Mazda tires from a dedicated Mazda dealership or garage. Most garages will stock suitable tires for your car, but experts in your specific brand have specialized knowledge of your model and its requirements.
Check out local Mazda dealers in your local California area. You can look at online reviews, ask your peers, or shop around to find the best option for you. Distance is key, but try to find the best dealership within a convenient range of your home.
Your specialized Mazda dealer will be able to spot issues before they arise. They can offer technical vehicle options and help you get the best out of your Mazda vehicle.
Stay Safe on the Road
Cardinale Mazda takes care of all your automotive needs. We have served our loyal customers since 1995 at our Salinas, CA, center. Our consumer reviews speak to our attention to detail and focus on performance.
We stock new Mazda tires for all types of vehicles. Our skilled technicians will fit them fast and get you back on the road.