1996 FORD PROBE tires

235
*
[SV26700(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.
*
[SV26800(ALL)09/89]
quarter page art:0060006-A
A worn-out tire
*
[SV26900(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.
*
[SV27000(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.
*
[SV27100(ALL)01/95]
Tires that are larger or smaller than your
vehicle's original tires may also affect the
accuracy of your speedometer.
*
[SV27200(ALL)04/95]
Wheel and Tire Matching
*
[SV27250(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.
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Update:Fri Jun 23 19:33:26 1995

236 %
*
[SV28100(ALL)02/95]
Information About Tire Quality Grades
*
[SV28200(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.
*
[SV28250(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).
*
[SV28300(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.
%*
[SV28399(ALL)01/95]
Treadwear
*
[SV28400(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.
File:prsvp.ex
Update:Fri Jun 23 19:33:26 1995

237
*
[SV28499(ALL)01/95]
Traction A B C
*
[SV28500(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.
*
[SV28699(ALL)01/95]
Temperature A B C
*
[SV28700(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:prsvp.ex
Update:Fri Jun 23 19:33:26 1995

238
*
[SV28750(ALL)02/95]
Snow tires
*
[SV28770(ALL)06/93]
During the winter months in some climates, you
may need to use snow tires and occasionally
chains for your tires.
*
[SV28790(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
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.
*
[SV28830(ALL)06/93]
q
Do not use tire chains if you have the GT
model.
*
[SV28840(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.
*
[SV28860(ALL)05/95]
q
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.
*
[SV28870(ALL)05/95]
q
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.
File:prsvp.ex
Update:Fri Jun 23 19:33:26 1995

239
*
[SV28880(ALL)11/94]
q
Tire chains may affect vehicle handling. Drive
carefully and avoid hard braking.
*
[SV28890(ALL)11/94]
q
Do not use chains on temporary spare tires.
They may damage the vehicle and the tire.
*
[SV29025(ALL)05/94]
q
Remove tire chains at the first opportunity
after using them on snow and ice. Do not use
the chains on dry roads.
%*
[SV29100(ALL)04/95]
Cleaning the Wheels
*
[SV29150(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.
*
[SV29175(ALL)04/95]
NOTE: Before going to a car wash, find out if
the brushes are abrasive.
*
[SV29200(ALL)04/95]
If you have whitewall 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.
*
[SV29610(ALL)05/95]
Battery
*
[SV29612(ALL)02/95]
The Motorcraft maintenance-free battery does
not require additional water during its life of
service. The vents are part of the cover and
cannot be removed. For longer, trouble-free
operation, keep the top of the battery clean and
dry. Also, make certain the battery cables are
tightly fastened to the battery terminals.
*
[SV29614(ALL)02/95]
If you see any corrosion on the battery cables or
terminals, remove the cables from the terminal
and clean them both with a wire brush. You can
neutralize the acid with a solution of baking
File:prsvp.ex
Update:Fri Jun 23 19:33:26 1995

273 %
*
[SV53600(ALL)01/95]
Brakes
*
[SV53700(ALL)01/95]
q
Make sure brakes and parking brake are fully
released.
%*
[SV53800(ALL)01/95]
Tires
*
[SV53900(ALL)05/95]
q
Maintain recommended air pressure.
*
[SV54000(ALL)01/95]
Miscellaneous
*
[SV54100(ALL)01/95]
q
Make sure all linkages, cables, levers and
clevis pins under vehicle are covered with
grease to prevent rust.
*
[SV54200(ALL)05/95]
q
Move vehicles at least 25 feet (10 m) every 15
days to lubricate working parts to prevent
corrosion.
File:prsvp.ex
Update:Fri Jun 23 19:33:26 1995

Index 293
C
Canada, customer assistance....... 192
Canada, warranty information....... 4
Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan
(CAMVAP).............. 193
Carbon monoxide in exhaust........ 48
Car seats for children
(see Child safety seats)......... 24
Cassette tape player
(see Electronic sound system) . . . 134, 140
Catalytic converter........... 261
CD player
(see Electronic sound system)..... 128
Chains, tires.............. 238
Changing a tire............. 173
Child safety restraints........... 23
child safety seats............ 24
Child safety seats
and air bags........... 17,24±25
attaching with tether straps....... 34
automatic locking mode (retractor) . . 13, 24
tether anchorage hardware....... 34
Chime, safety belt............. 54
Cleaning your vehicle
CD player and discs......... 131
chrome and aluminum parts....... 7
engine compartment......... 210
exterior................ 6
exterior lamps............. 81
fabric................ 112
headlamps............... 81
instrument panel............ 65
plastic parts.............. 7
polishing................ 6
rustproofing.............. 7
safety belts............... 15
tail lamps............... 81
upholstery and interior trim...... 112
washing................ 6
File:prixp.ex
Update:Fri Jun 23 19:30:26 1995

302 Index
R
Radio (see Electronic sound systems) . . . 121
Rear window.............. 101
Remote entry system
replacement/additional transmitters . . . 100
replacing the batteries.......... 99
Reporting safety defects......... 192
Restraints, safety (see Safety restraints)
adult.................. 9
child.................. 23
head................. 104
infant...............23±24
Roadside assistance........... 185
Roadside emergencies.......... 169
Rotating the tires............ 234
S
Safe driving tips............. 162
Safety belts (see Safety restraints)...... 9
Safety defects, reporting......... 192
Safety information relating to
automotive fuels........... 214
Safety restraints
automatic locking mode (retractor).... 13
cleaning the safety belts......... 15
extension assembly........... 14
for children............... 23
for infants.............23±24
for pregnant women........... 9
head................. 104
maintenance.............. 14
replacement.............. 14
warning light and chime......... 54
Safety seats for children
and air bags.......... 17,24±25
attaching with tether straps....... 34
automatic locking mode (retractor).... 13
tether anchorage hardware........ 34
File:prixp.ex
Update:Fri Jun 23 19:30:26 1995