1996 FORD CONTOUR tire pressure

168
*
[RE04500(ALL)03/95]
Changing a Tire
*
[RE04600(ALL)01/95]
If you get a flat tire while you are driving, do not apply the
brake heavily. Instead, gradually decrease the speed. Hold the
steering wheel firmly and slowly move to a safe place on the
side of the road. Park on a level spot, turn off the ignition, set
the parking brake, and turn on the hazard flashers.
*
[RE04700(ALL)03/95]
The Temporary Spare Tire
*
[RE04800(ALL)03/95]
You may have a high pressure temporary spare tire. This spare
tire is smaller than a regular tire and is designed for emergency
use only. Use it only when you get a flat tire and replace it as
soon as you can. This spare tire is marked with the words
ªTEMPORARY USE ONLYº so that you can easily identify it.
*
[RE04900(ALL)01/93]
RWARNING
If you use the temporary spare tire continuously or do
not follow these precautions, the tire could fail, causing
you to lose control of the vehicle, possibly injuring
yourself or others.
*
[RE05000(ALL)01/95]
When you drive with the temporary spare tire, DO NOT:
*
[RE05100(ALL)01/95]
n
exceed 50 mph (80 km/h) under any circumstances.
*
[RE05200(ALL)01/95]
n
load your vehicle so that it is heavier than the maximum
vehicle load rating listed on the tire decal.
*
[RE05300(ALL)01/95]
n
tow a trailer.
*
[RE05400(ALL)01/95]
n
use tire chains on this tire.
*
[RE05500(ALL)01/95]
n
try to repair the temporary spare tire or remove it from its
wheel.
*
[RE05600(ALL)01/95]
n
use the wheel for any other type of vehicle.
File:cdreo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:24:30 1996

Servicing Your Contour
209
*
[SV13510(ALL)02/95]
Self-Service Pointers
*
[SV13520(ALL)01/95]
If you choose to do your own fueling, you should also perform
a few simple maintenance routines. This extra effort will save
you additional money and contribute to the driving efficiency of
your vehicle.
*
[SV13530(ALL)01/95]
The following procedures require only a tire gauge, a rag, an oil
can spout and windshield washer fluid.
*
[SV13540(ALL)01/95]
n
Check the engine oil at every refueling stop
*
[SV13550(ALL)01/95]
n
Clean the windshield, outside mirrors and headlights
*
[SV13560(ALL)01/95]
n
Check windshield washer fluid
*
[SV13570(ALL)02/95]
n
Check tires for excessive wear or worn edges
*
[SV13580(ALL)01/95]
n
Check the tire pressure at least monthly
*
[SV13600(ALL)03/95]
Engine Oil Recommendations
*
[SV13610(ALL)05/95]
We recommend using Motorcraft oil or an equivalent oil
meeting Ford Specification ESE-M2C153-E and displaying the
American Petroleum Institute CERTIFICATION MARK on the
front of the container.
*
[SV13650(ALL)05/94]
10-1/2 pica
art:0001314-A
The API Certification Mark
File:cdsvo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:09:28 1996

Servicing Your Contour
223
[SV23756(ALL)07/94]
13-1/2 pica
art:0001244-B
Removing the passenger compartment air filter
[SV23761(ALL)07/94]5.
Slide the filter out of the housing, replace with the new
filter, and slide the housing and passenger compartment air
filter back into place. Reinstall the clips on the housing.
[SV23766(ALL)11/93]6.
Replace the grille and wiper arms.
*
[SV23800(ALL)03/95]
Tires
*
[SV23900(ALL)03/95]
Look at your tires each time you fill your fuel tank. If one tire
looks lower than the others, check the pressure in all of them.
Always follow these precautions:
*
[SV24200(ALL)03/95]
n
Keep your tires inflated to the recommended pressures.
*
[SV24300(ALL)02/95]
n
Stay within the recommended load limits (seeLoad limitsin
the Index).
*
[SV24500(ALL)02/95]
n
Make sure the weight of your load is evenly distributed.
*
[SV24550(ALL)10/89]
n
Drive at safe speeds.
File:cdsvo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:09:28 1996

224
*
[SV24700(ALL)01/95]
If you do not take these precautions, your tires may fail or go
flat.
*
[SV24750(ALL)06/95]
Ford Motor Company recommends obeying posted speed limits.
*
[SV24800(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Driving too fast for conditions creates the possibility of
loss of vehicle control. Driving at very high speeds for
extended periods of time may result in damage to vehicle
components.
[SV25000(ALL)02/95]
At least once a month, check the pressure in all your vehicle's
tires, including the spare. Use an accurate tire pressure gauge.
Check the tire pressure when tires are cold (after the vehicle has
been parked for at least one hour or has been driven less than
3 miles [5 km]). You can find the proper cold pressure and load
limits of recommended size tires on the Tire Pressure Decal on
the left front door lock facing.
*
[SV25075(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Improperly inflated tires can affect vehicle handling and
can fail suddenly, possibly resulting in loss of vehicle
control.
%*
[SV25100(ALL)02/95]
Tire Rotation
*
[SV25200(ALL)04/95]
Because your vehicle's front and rear tires perform different
jobs, they often wear differently. To make sure your tires wear
evenly and last longer, rotate them as indicated in the following
diagram.
*
[SV25300(ALL)04/95]
Do not include the spare tire as part of your rotation.
[SV25350(ALL)02/95]
If you notice that the tires wear unevely, have them checked.
File:cdsvo.ex
Update:Thu Jan 25 12:09:28 1996

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
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

279
Engine coolant temperature gauge............. 64
Engine fan...................... 196
Engine oil
ªbreak-inº oils.................... 4
changing oil and oil filter.............. 212
checking and adding................ 210
dipstick...................... 210
disposal...................... 212
engine oil pressure warning light............ 58
filter, specifications................. 253
refill capacities................... 252
specifications.................... 254
synthetic oil.................... 210
viscosity...................... 209
Entry system, illuminated................ 94
Exhaust fumes...................... 51
Extended Service Plan, Ford............... 4
F
Flashers, hazard..................... 86
Flashing the lamps.................... 84
Flat tire........................ 168
Fluid refill capacities.................. 252
Foglamps........................ 78
Ford Dispute Settlement Board............. 182
Ford Extended Service Plan................ 4
Ford of Canada Customer Assistance Centre....... 186
Foreign registration.................. 187
French owner guides, how to obtain............ 3
Fuel
calculating fuel economy............... 207
capacity...................... 252
choosing the right fuel................ 204
comparisons with EPA fuel economy estimates..... 208
filling your vehicle with fuel............. 202
filter, specifications................. 253
fuel gauge...................... 64
running out of fuel................. 207
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