Page 300 of 387
![FORD ESCORT 1996 7.G Owners Manual 301
*
[SV19480(ALL)04/93]
Leave the engine coolant in all year. Make sure
that the coolant will not freeze at the
temperature level in which you drive during
winter months. Keep an engine coolant in y FORD ESCORT 1996 7.G Owners Manual 301
*
[SV19480(ALL)04/93]
Leave the engine coolant in all year. Make sure
that the coolant will not freeze at the
temperature level in which you drive during
winter months. Keep an engine coolant in y](/manual-img/11/4888/w960_4888-299.png)
301
*
[SV19480(ALL)04/93]
Leave the engine coolant in all year. Make sure
that the coolant will not freeze at the
temperature level in which you drive during
winter months. Keep an engine coolant in your
engine that has a protection rating of at least
-20ÊF (-29ÊC), orwhatever protection rating is
appropriate for the climate in which you live.
*
[SV19900(ALL)02/95]
You may add water by itself only in an
emergency, but you should replace it with a
50/50 mixture as soon as possible.
*
[SV20000(ALL)01/95]
Have your dealer check the engine cooling
system for leaks if you have to add a quart
(liter) of engine coolant more than once a month.
%*
[SV20210(ALL)08/95]
Checking Hoses
*
[SV20220(ALL)01/93]
Inspect all engine and heater system hoses for
deterioration, leaks and loose clamps before
adding or replacing engine coolant. Make
whatever repairs or replacements are necessary
using Motorcraft parts or their equivalents.
%
*
[SV21700(ALL)03/95]
Windshield Washer Fluid and
Wipers
%*
[SV21800(ALL)03/95]
Washer Fluid
[SV22100(ALL)01/95]
The windshield washer reservoir is located in
the engine compartment.
*
[SV22350(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not put windshield washer fluid in the
container for the engine coolant.
%*
[SV22500(ALL)01/95]
Use specially formulated windshield washer
fluid rather than plain water, because specially
formulated washer fluids contain additives that
dissolve road grime. For safety reasons, washer
fluids containing an appropriate antifreeze such
as methanol should be used in freezing weather
File:15ctsve.ex
Update:Tue Sep 19 14:37:50 1995
Page 305 of 387
![FORD ESCORT 1996 7.G Owners Manual 306
%*
[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
t FORD ESCORT 1996 7.G Owners Manual 306
%*
[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
t](/manual-img/11/4888/w960_4888-304.png)
306
%*
[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]
q
Keep your tires inflated to the recommended
pressures.
*
[SV24300(ALL)02/95]
q
Stay within the recommended load limits (see
Load limitsin the Index).
*
[SV24500(ALL)02/95]
q
Make sure the weight of your load is evenly
distributed.
*
[SV24550(ALL)10/89]
q
Drive at safe speeds.
*
[SV24700(ALL)01/95]
If you do not take these precautions, your tires
may fail or go flat.
*
[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.
%*
[SV24925(ALL)05/95]
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 proper cold pressure and load limits of
recommended size tires on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label.
File:15ctsve.ex
Update:Tue Sep 19 14:37:50 1995
Page 306 of 387
307
*
[SV24975(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)03/95]
For tire rotation intervals, see theMaintenance
Schedule and Recordbooklet. If you notice the
tires wearing unevenly, have them checked.
[SV25410(E )08/92]
one third page art:0070010-B
Rotating the tires
File:15ctsve.ex
Update:Tue Sep 19 14:37:50 1995
Page 307 of 387
![FORD ESCORT 1996 7.G Owners Manual 308 %
*
[SV25700(ALL)04/95]
Replacing the Tires
*
[SV25900(ALL)05/95]
Replace any tires that show wear bands. When
your tire shows a wear band, it has only 1/16
inch (2 mm) of tread left.
*
[SV26150(A FORD ESCORT 1996 7.G Owners Manual 308 %
*
[SV25700(ALL)04/95]
Replacing the Tires
*
[SV25900(ALL)05/95]
Replace any tires that show wear bands. When
your tire shows a wear band, it has only 1/16
inch (2 mm) of tread left.
*
[SV26150(A](/manual-img/11/4888/w960_4888-306.png)
308 %
*
[SV25700(ALL)04/95]
Replacing the Tires
*
[SV25900(ALL)05/95]
Replace any tires that show wear bands. When
your tire shows a wear band, it has only 1/16
inch (2 mm) of tread left.
*
[SV26150(ALL)09/89]
quarter page art:0060006-A
A worn-out tire
*
[SV26175(ALL)01/95]
Because your vehicle's tires may wear unevenly,
you may need to replace them before a wear
band appears across the entire tread. Some spots
wear more heavily than others.
*
[SV26200(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.
[SV26250(E )02/94]
If you have the standard Escort 2-door
hatchback, the correct tire size for your vehicle is
P175/70R13. If you have the Escort GT, the
correct tire size for your vehicle is P185/60R15.
File:15ctsve.ex
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Page 309 of 387
![FORD ESCORT 1996 7.G Owners Manual 310 %
*
[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
govern FORD ESCORT 1996 7.G Owners Manual 310 %
*
[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
govern](/manual-img/11/4888/w960_4888-308.png)
310 %
*
[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 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
File:15ctsve.ex
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Page 310 of 387

311
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.
%*
[SV28500(ALL)04/95]
Snow Tires and Chains
*
[SV28600(ALL)01/95]
The tires on your vehicle have all-weather treads
that provide traction in rain or snow. However,
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.
*
[SV28810(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:
*
[SV28820(ALL)11/94]
q
Local regulations may prohibit or restrict the
use of tire chains. Investigate the laws and
regulations in your area before installing
chains.
*
[SV28830(ALL)08/93]
q
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.
*
[SV28850(E )06/93]
q
Do not use tire chains if you have the GT
model.
File:15ctsve.ex
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Page 316 of 387
![FORD ESCORT 1996 7.G Owners Manual 317 %
*
[SV29425(ALL)04/95]
NOTE: Always dispose of used automotive
fluids in a responsible manner. Follow
your communitys standards for
disposing of these types of fluids. Call
your local recycling FORD ESCORT 1996 7.G Owners Manual 317 %
*
[SV29425(ALL)04/95]
NOTE: Always dispose of used automotive
fluids in a responsible manner. Follow
your communitys standards for
disposing of these types of fluids. Call
your local recycling](/manual-img/11/4888/w960_4888-315.png)
317 %
*
[SV29425(ALL)04/95]
NOTE: Always dispose of used automotive
fluids in a responsible manner. Follow
your community's standards for
disposing of these types of fluids. Call
your local recycling center to find out
about recycling automotive fluids.
*
[SV29800(ALL)01/89]
Manual Transaxle Fluid
[SV29900(ALL)01/92]
The lubricant level and quality should not
deteriorate under normal driving conditions.
However, you should have the fluid level
checked occasionally. If lubricant is required, see
Lubricant specificationsin the Index.
%*
[SV30200(ALL)02/95]
Brake Fluid
[SV30250(ALL)02/94]
If you have a manual transaxle, the brake fluid
reservoir in your vehicle includes the clutch
fluid reservoir.
*
[SV30300(ALL)03/95]
Under normal circumstances, your vehicle
should not use up brake fluid rapidly. However,
expect the level of the brake fluid to slowly fall
as you put more mileage on your vehicle and
the brake pads wear.
%*
[SV30400(ALL)06/93]
You should check the brake fluid at every
scheduled engine oil change, but be sure to
check it at least once a year. You can do this by
looking at the fluid level in the plastic reservoir
on the master cylinder. (SeeThe Engine Typesin
this chapter to locate the master cylinder.) The
fluid level should be at or near the MAX mark.
[SV30425(ALL)03/95]
If the brake fluid level is low, the brake warning
light in the instrument cluster will illuminate.
*
[SV30450(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Brake fluid is toxic.
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Page 317 of 387
![FORD ESCORT 1996 7.G Owners Manual 318
*
[SV30460(ALL)07/95]
If brake fluid contacts eyes, flush eyes with
running water for 15 minutes. Get medical
attention if irritation persists. If taken internally,
drink water and induce vomiting FORD ESCORT 1996 7.G Owners Manual 318
*
[SV30460(ALL)07/95]
If brake fluid contacts eyes, flush eyes with
running water for 15 minutes. Get medical
attention if irritation persists. If taken internally,
drink water and induce vomiting](/manual-img/11/4888/w960_4888-316.png)
318
*
[SV30460(ALL)07/95]
If brake fluid contacts eyes, flush eyes with
running water for 15 minutes. Get medical
attention if irritation persists. If taken internally,
drink water and induce vomiting. Get medical
attention immediately.
[SV30475(ALL)07/93]
one third page art:0070173-A
Brake fluid master cylinder reservoir
%*
[SV30500(ALL)02/95]
If the fluid is low, carefully clean and remove
the filler cap from the reservoir. Fill the
reservoir to the MAX line with Ford High
Performance DOT 3 Brake Fluid C6AZ-19542-AA
or DOT 3 equivalent fluid meeting Ford
specification ESA-M6C25-A.
*
[SV30800(ALL)01/95]
RWARNING
If you use a brake fluid that is not DOT
3, you will cause permanent damage to
your brakes.
*
[SV30900(ALL)01/95]
Do not fill the reservoir above the MAX line.
[SV30950(ALL)06/93]
NOTE: Avoid spilling brake fluid on painted
surfaces.
*
[SV31000(ALL)01/95]
If you find that the fluid level is excessively low
Ð below the seam or ridge on the outside of the
plastic reservoir Ð have the brake system
inspected.
File:15ctsve.ex
Update:Tue Sep 19 14:37:50 1995