1996 FORD EXPLORER tires

Servicing Your Explorer
347
%*
[SV12300(ALL)08/95]
Comparisons With Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) and Transport Canada (TC) Fuel Economy
Estimates
*
[SV12400(ALL)05/95]
EPA fuel economy figures are obtained from laboratory tests
under simulated road conditions and may not reflect the actual
conditions you experience or your style of driving. The EPA
fuel economy estimate is not a guarantee that you will achieve
the fuel economy shown.
%*
[SV12500(ALL)08/95]
Improving Fuel Economy
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[SV12625(ALL)05/95]
Fuel economy is affected by a number of variables which can
reduce efficiency. You can improve fuel economy by
understanding these variables and minimizing their effect.
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[SV12650(ALL)05/95]
The following decrease fuel economy:
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[SV12675(ALL)05/95]
n
Lack of regular, scheduled maintenance
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[SV12725(ALL)05/95]
n
Excessive speed
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[SV12750(ALL)05/95]
n
Rapid acceleration and excessive speed
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[SV12775(ALL)05/95]
n
Driving with your foot on the brake
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[SV12825(ALL)05/95]
n
Sudden stops
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[SV12850(ALL)05/95]
n
Extended engine idling
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[SV12875(ALL)05/95]
n
Using speed control in hilly terrain
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[SV12925(ALL)05/95]
n
Extended use of the A/C, defroster, rear window defroster
and other accessories
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[SV12950(ALL)05/95]
n
Underinflated tires
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[SV12975(ALL)05/95]
n
Heavy loads
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[SV13025(ALL)05/95]
n
Aftermarket add-ons such as bike, ski or luggage racks, bug
deflectors, etc.
File:15unsvx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:20:34 1996

362
%*
[SV25200(ALL)03/95]
Tires
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[SV25300(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:
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[SV25400(ALL)03/95]
n
Keep your tires inflated to the recommended pressures.
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[SV25500(ALL)02/95]
n
Stay within the recommended load limits (seeLoad limitsin
the Index).
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[SV25600(ALL)02/95]
n
Make sure the weight of your load is evenly distributed.
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[SV25700(ALL)10/89]
n
Drive at safe speeds.
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[SV25800(ALL)01/95]
If you do not take these precautions, your tires may fail or go
flat.
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[SV25890(ALL)07/95]
Ford Motor Company recommends obeying posted speed limits.
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[SV25900(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.
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[SV26100(ALL)11/89]
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, that is, 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 on the Safety Compliance Certification Label.
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[SV26150(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Improperly inflated tires can affect vehicle handling and
can fail suddenly, possibly resulting in loss of vehicle
control.
File:15unsvx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:20:34 1996

364
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[SV26470(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
To avoid injury, never run the engine with one wheel off
the ground, such as when changing a tire.
%*
[SV26500(ALL)02/95]
Tire Rotation
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[SV26600(ALL)03/95]
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 at the mileage shown in the
Maintenance Schedule and Recordbooklet which came with your
vehicle.
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[SV26700(ALL)07/92]
Rotate the tires according to the following diagram. If you
notice that the tires wear unevenly, have them checked. If your
light truck has a temporary spare tire, do not include it in the
tire rotation pattern.
*
[SV26750(ALL)03/90]
In situations where the tires differ from front to rear
(snow/traction), simply rotate using a side to side pattern.
File:15unsvx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:20:34 1996

Servicing Your Explorer
365
[SV26850( X)04/94]
17-1/2 pica
art:0021075-B
Tire rotation pattern
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[SV26900(ALL)10/89]
After each rotation, adjust individual tire pressure as specified
on the Safety Compliance Certification Label. Tighten wheel lug
nuts to the required torque specification and retighten again
after 500 miles (800 km).
*
[SV27000(ALL)08/95]
If your vehicle has aluminum wheels, you may demount the full
size, non-temporary spare tire (if so equipped) and remount on
an aluminum wheel to rotate the spare tire into your vehicle's
rotation pattern. Rebalance the wheel.
[SV27050( X)01/95]
In addition to rotating the tires, the spare tire retention system
should be cycled. Using the jack handle, lower the spare tire to
the ground and then proceed to raise the tire until the
mechanism ªslips.º Refer toSpare Tire Locationsection of the
Roadside Emergencieschapter for the operation of the spare tire
retention system.
File:15unsvx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:20:34 1996

366
%*
[SV27300(ALL)04/95]
Replacing the Tires
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[SV27400(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.
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[SV27500(ALL)11/93]
7-1/2 pica art:0040200-A
A worn-out tire
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[SV27600(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.
*
[SV27700(ALL)03/90]
Your wheels and tires are match-mounted for improved ride.
Before you begin to repair a tire, mark the wheel and tire so
that they are properly aligned when remounted. This will
ensure that the tires will continue to give you the same ride
level.
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[SV27851(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.
File:15unsvx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:20:34 1996

Servicing Your Explorer
367
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[SV27860(ALL)03/90]
RWARNING
Make sure that all replacement tires are of the same size,
type, load-carrying capacity, and tread design (e.g. ªAll
Terrainº, etc.), as originally offered by Ford.
[SV27876( X)06/94]
RWARNING
Do not replace your tires with ªhigh performanceº tires,
or larger size tires. Do not use P235/75R15 ªAll Seasonº
tires. P235/75R15 ªAll Terrainº tires are acceptable.
[SV27890( X)10/94]
RWARNING
Do not use P255/70R16 tires on 2 door 4x2 model. The
P255/70R16 ªAll Terrainº tires are acceptable only on the
2 door 4x4, 4 door 4x2, and 4 door 4x4 models.
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[SV27895(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Failure to follow these precautions may adversely affect
the handling of the vehicle and make it easier to lose
control and roll over.
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[SV27900(ALL)01/95]
Tires that are larger or smaller than your vehicle's original tires
may also affect the accuracy of your speedometer.
File:15unsvx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:20:34 1996

Servicing Your Explorer
369
%*
[SV28800(ALL)04/95]
Wheel and Tire Matching
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[SV28950(ALL)03/95]
See an authorized tire dealer for proper servicing procedures.
Wheels and tires must be properly removed, matched and
remounted to maintain the best possible ride.
%*
[SV31100(ALL)04/95]
Snow Tires and Chains
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[SV31200(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.
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[SV31300(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Snow tires must be the same size and grade as the tires
you currently have on your vehicle.
[SV31350( X)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not use chains on P255/70R16 tires on vehicles
equipped with automatic ride control.
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[SV31400(ALL)02/95]
Do not use chains when using a temporary spare. For full size
tires, use chains on the tires only in an emergency or if the law
requires them where you live. When you use the tire chains:
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[SV31500(ALL)01/95]
n
Make sure the chains are the right size for your tires. Use
only SAE Class ªSº chains. Other types may damage your
vehicle.
*
[SV31525(ALL)08/93]
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.
[SV31550(ALL)01/95]
n
Install tire chains on rear tires; use of chains on front tires is
not recommended.
File:15unsvx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:20:34 1996

370
[SV31575(ALL)01/95]
n
Local regulations may prohibit or restrict the use of tire
chains. Investigate the laws and regulations in your area
before installing chains.
*
[SV31600(ALL)01/95]
n
Put the chains on tightly with the ends held down securely.
Verify that no chain touches any wiring, brake lines, or fuel
lines. Follow the chain manufacturer's instructions.
*
[SV31700(ALL)01/95]
n
Drive slowly. If you can hear the chains rub or bang against
your vehicle, stop the vehicle and tighten the chains. If you
continue to hear the chains rub or bang against your vehicle,
remove the chains to prevent damage to your vehicle.
*
[SV31800(ALL)10/94]
n
Avoid fully loading your vehicle if possible.
*
[SV31850(ALL)11/94]
n
Tire chains may affect vehicle handling. Drive carefully and
avoid hard braking.
[SV31900(ALL)03/95]
Remove tire chains at the first opportunity after using them on
snow and ice. Do not use the chains on dry roads.
*
[SV31950(ALL)05/91]
n
Make sure your suspension insulation and bumpers are not
missing or worn to avoid damage to your vehicle.
%*
[SV31960(ALL)04/95]
Cleaning the Wheels
*
[SV31970(ALL)05/95]
Wash the wheels with the same detergent you use to wash your
vehicle's body. Do not use acid-based wheel cleaners, steel wool,
abrasives, fuel, or strong detergents. These substances will
damage protective coatings. Use tar and road oil remover to
remove grease and tar.
*
[SV31975(ALL)09/95]
NOTE: Before going to a car wash, find out if the brushes are
abrasive.
[SV31980(ALL)03/95]
If you have raised white letter tires that are difficult to clean
with regular detergent, use whitewall tire cleaner. Follow the
directions on the container and rinse the tires with plenty of
clean water.
File:15unsvx.ex
Update:Thu Feb 29 09:20:34 1996