1996 FORD CONTOUR tires

226
*
[SV26300(ALL)01/95]
RWARNING
When replacing full size tires, never mix radial,
bias-belted, or bias-type tires. Use only the tire sizes that
are listed on the tire pressure decal. Make sure that all
tires are the same size, speed rating, and load-carrying
capacity. Use only the tire combinations recommended on
the decal. If you do not follow these precautions, your
vehicle may not drive properly and safely.
*
[SV26400(ALL)01/95]
Tires that are larger or smaller than your vehicle's original tires
may also affect the accuracy of your speedometer.
%*
[SV27400(ALL)02/95]
Information About Tire Quality Grades
*
[SV27500(ALL)01/95]
New vehicles are fitted with tires that have their Tire Quality
Grade (described below) molded into the tire's sidewall. These
Tire Quality Grades are determined by standards that the
United States Department of Transportation has set.
*
[SV27550(ALL)01/95]
Tire Quality Grades apply to new pneumatic tires for use on
passenger cars. They do not apply to deep tread, winter-type
snow tires, space-saver or temporary use spare 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).
*
[SV27600(ALL)01/95]
U.S. Department of Transportation Ð Tire quality grades:The
U.S. Department of Transportation requires Ford to give you the
following information about tire grades exactly as the
government has written it.
%*
[SV27799(ALL)01/95]
Treadwear
*
[SV27800(ALL)01/95]
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 1/2) times as well on the
government course as a tire graded 100. The relative
File:cdsvo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:09:28 1996

Servicing Your Contour
227 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.
*
[SV27999(ALL)01/95]
Traction A B C
*
[SV28000(ALL)01/95]
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are A, B, and C,
and they 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 (straightahead) traction tests and
does not include cornering (turning) traction.
*
[SV28299(ALL)01/95]
Temperature A B C
*
[SV28300(ALL)01/95]
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. 109. 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.
File:cdsvo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:09:28 1996

228
%*
[SV28500(ALL)04/95]
Snow Tires and Chains
*
[SV28601(ALL)06/93]
During the winter months in some climates, you may need to
use snow tires and occasionally chains for your tires.
*
[SV28700(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Snow tires must be the same size and grade as the tires
you currently have on your vehicle.
*
[SV28750(ALL)02/95]
Use chains on the tires only in an emergency or if the law
requires them where you live. If you choose to use chains on
your vehicle's tires, be aware of the following:
*
[SV28801(ALL)11/94]
n
Tire chains may scratch or chip aluminum wheels. IT IS
RECOMMENDED THAT TIRE CHAINS ARE INSTALLED
ON STEEL WHEELS ONLY. Be sure to remove wheel
covers (if equipped) from steel rims before using tire chains
to avoid scratches or damage.
[SV28876(ALL)04/94]
n
Tire chains cannot be fitted with 205/60R tires.
*
[SV28901(ALL)11/94]
n
Local regulations may prohibit or restrict the use of tire
chains. Investigate the laws and regulations in your area
before installing chains.
*
[SV28950(ALL)05/95]
n
Put the chains on the front tires tightly with the ends held
down securely. Retighten the chains after driving 1/2 mile
(1 km). Follow the chain manufacturer's instructions.
*
[SV29001(ALL)05/95]
n
Do not drive faster than 30 mph (50 km/h) or the chain
manufacturer's recommended speed limit, whichever is
lower. Avoid bumps, holes and sharp turns. If you can hear
the chains rub or bang against your vehicle, remove the
chains to prevent damage to your vehicle.
*
[SV29050(ALL)11/94]
n
Tire chains may affect vehicle handling. Drive carefully and
avoid hard braking.
*
[SV29101(ALL)11/94]
n
Do not use chains on temporary spare tires. They may
damage the vehicle and the tire.
File:cdsvo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:09:28 1996

Servicing Your Contour
257
%*
[SV46700(ALL)01/95]
Brakes
*
[SV46800(ALL)01/95]
n
Make sure brakes and parking brake are fully released.
%*
[SV46900(ALL)01/95]
Tires
*
[SV47000(ALL)05/95]
n
Maintain recommended air pressure.
*
[SV47100(ALL)01/95]
Miscellaneous
*
[SV47200(ALL)01/95]
n
Make sure all linkages, cables, levers and clevis pins under
vehicle are covered with grease to prevent rust.
*
[SV47300(ALL)05/95]
n
Move vehicles at least 25 feet (10 m) every 15 days to
lubricate working parts to prevent corrosion.
File:cdsvo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:09:28 1996

275
Brake-shift interlock.................. 140
Break-in period..................... 4
Brights (high beams)................. 59,84
Bulbs, replacing
halogen...................... 245
headlamps..................... 245
high-mount brakelamp................ 246
C
Canada, customer assistance.............. 186
Canada, warranty information.............. 3
Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan (CAMVAP) . . . 187
Capacities for refilling fluids.............. 252
Carbon monoxide in exhaust............... 51
Car seats for children (see Child safety seats)....... 26
Cassette tape player (see Electronic sound system).... 134
Catalytic converter................... 248
Chains, tires...................... 228
Changing a tire.................... 168
Charging system warning light.............. 58
Childproof locks..................... 93
Child safety restraints
child safety belts................... 38
child safety seats................... 26
Child safety seats
and air bags................... 18,26
attaching with tether straps.............. 37
automatic locking mode (retractor)........... 26
in front seat..................... 29
in rear outboard seat................. 29
tether anchorage hardware............... 37
Chime
headlamps on..................... 60
key in ignition.................... 43
safety belt...................... 56
File:cdixo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:10:47 1996

285
Power features (continued)
moon roof...................... 99
seats........................ 104
windows....................... 98
Power steering
dipstick...................... 234
driving with power steering............. 149
fluid, checking and adding.............. 234
fluid, refill capacity................. 252
fluid, specifications................. 254
servicing...................... 149
Prop rod, hood.................... 198
R
Radio (see Electronic sound systems).......... 115
Rear axle, refill capacity................ 252
Rear window...................... 98
Refill capacities for fluids................ 252
Remote entry system
locking/unlocking doors................ 95
opening the trunk................... 95
panic alarm...................... 96
replacement/additional transmitters........... 97
replacing the batteries................. 96
Reporting safety defects................ 185
Restraints, safety (see Safety restraints)
adult......................... 7
child......................... 25
head........................ 101
infant........................ 25
Roadside assistance.................. 179
Roadside emergencies................. 163
Rotating the tires................... 224
File:cdixo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:10:47 1996

287
Servicing your vehicle
precautions when servicing.............. 196
servicing when you tow............... 161
Shift-lock system................... 140
Shift positions (see Gearshift)............140, 145
Shoulder and lap belts (see Safety restraints)........ 9
Side mirrors, adjusting................. 107
Sliding moon roof (see Moon roof)............ 99
Snow tires and chains................. 228
Spare tire
changing the tire.................. 168
finding the spare.................. 169
removing the spare tire............... 169
temporary spare................... 168
Spark plugs, specifications............... 253
Special driving conditions............... 153
Specification chart, lubricants.............. 254
Speed control
accelerating...................... 90
canceling a set speed................. 91
resetting....................... 90
resuming a set speed................. 91
tap up/tap down................... 90
turning off...................... 91
when towing a trailer................ 161
Speedometer...................... 65
Starting your vehicle
preparing to start your vehicle............. 44
starting a cold engine................. 46
starting after a collision................ 50
starting a warm engine................ 47
starting your vehicle if the battery is disabled..... 163
Steering, power.................... 149
Steering wheel
horn......................... 86
locking........................ 41
speed controls.................... 88
File:cdixo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:10:47 1996

288 Storage compartments
center console................... 110
map pockets.................... 111
Storing your vehicle.................. 255
Sunroof (moon roof)................... 99
Sun visor....................... 109
Supplemental air bag readiness light........... 60
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)........... 16
T
Tachometer....................... 66
Tail lamps, cleaning................... 79
Temperature control (see Climate control)......... 71
Tether anchor installation (see Child restraints)....... 37
Tires
changing...................... 168
checking the pressure................ 223
cleaning...................... 229
replacing...................... 225
rotating...................... 224
snow tires and chains................ 228
spare tire...................... 169
storing your vehicle................. 257
tire grades..................... 226
treadwear..................... 226
wear bands..................... 225
Towing a trailer (see Trailer towing).......... 157
Towing your vehicle.................. 175
with a tow truck.................. 175
File:cdixo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:10:47 1996