1996 Mercury Mercury Cougar tires

256
*
[SV25400( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Improperly inflated tires can affect vehicle
handling and can fail suddenly, possibly
resulting in loss of vehicle control.
%*
[SV25500( ALL)02/95]
Tire Rotation
*
[SV25600( 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.
*
[SV25700( ALL)01/95]
For tire rotation intervals, see theMaintenance
Schedule. If you notice that the tires wear
unevenly, have them checked.
[SV26050( C )03/93]
half page art:0011087-B
Rotating the tires
File:rcsvc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 12 16:45:15 1995

257 %
*
[SV26500( ALL)04/95]
Replacing the Tires
*
[SV26600( ALL)01/95]
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.
% [SV26700( ALL)05/94]
one inch art:0001318-A
A worn-out tire
*
[SV26800( 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.
*
[SV26850( 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.
File:rcsvc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 12 16:45:15 1995

258 %
*
[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:rcsvc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 12 16:45:15 1995

259
*
[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.
*
[SV28599( ALL)01/95]
Temperature A B C
*
[SV28600( 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:rcsvc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 12 16:45:15 1995

260 %
*
[SV28700( ALL)04/95]
Snow Tires and Chains
*
[SV28800( BCGV)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.
*
[SV28900( ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Snow tires must be the same size and
grade as the tires you currently have on
your vehicle.
*
[SV29000( 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:
*
[SV29100( ALL)01/95]
q
Make sure the chains are the right size for
your tires. Use only SAE Class ªSº chains.
Other types may damage your vehicle.
*
[SV29200( ALL)01/95]
q
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.
*
[SV29300( ALL)01/95]
q
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.
*
[SV29400( ALL)10/94]
q
Avoid fully loading your vehicle if possible.
*
[SV29500( 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.
File:rcsvc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 12 16:45:15 1995

296 %
*
[SV59900( ALL)01/95]
Tires
*
[SV60000( ALL)05/95]
q
Maintain recommended air pressure.
*
[SV60100( ALL)01/95]
Miscellaneous
*
[SV60200( ALL)01/95]
q
Make sure all linkages, cables, levers and
clevis pins under vehicle are covered with
grease to prevent rust.
*
[SV60300( ALL)03/95]
q
Move vehicles at least 25 feet (8 m) every 15
days to lubricate working parts and prevent
corrosion.
File:rcsvc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 12 16:45:15 1995

Index 315
fluid, checking and adding...... 263
fluid, refill capacities......... 290
fluid, specifications.......... 292
front disc.............. 173
new brake linings............ 4
noise................ 174
parking............... 175
trailer................ 184
when storing your vehicle....... 295
Brake-shift interlock........... 166
Break-in period.............. 4
Bulbs, replacing
headlamps.............. 280
specifications............. 284
C
Canada, customer assistance....... 214
Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration
Plan (CAMVAP)........... 214
Capacities for refilling fluids....... 290
Carbon monoxide in exhaust........ 51
Car seats for children
(see Child safety seats)......... 27
Cassette tape player (see Electronic
sound system)..........141, 150
Catalytic converter........... 285
CD player (see Electronic sound system) . 131
Chains, tires.............. 260
Changing a tire............. 193
Charging system gauge.......... 69
Charging system warning light....... 60
Child safety restraints........... 25
child safety belts............ 43
child safety seats............ 27
Child safety seats
and air bags............ 20,27
automatic locking mode (retractor).... 29
in front seat.............. 29
in rear outboard seat.......... 35
in rear seat............... 42
File:rcixc.ex
Update:Wed Jun 28 16:52:09 1995

326 Index
Restraints, safety (see Safety restraints)
adult.................. 7
child.................. 25
head................. 118
infant................. 25
Roadside assistance........... 205
Roadside emergencies.......... 187
Rotating the tires............ 256
S
Safe driving tips............. 177
Safety belts (see Safety restraints)...... 7
Safety chains, when towing a trailer.... 183
Safety defects, reporting......... 213
Safety restraints
adjusting the safety belts..... 10,12,16
automatic locking mode (retractor).... 10
center rear lap belt........... 16
cleaning the safety belts......... 18
extension assembly........... 17
for children............... 25
for infants............... 25
for pregnant women........... 14
replacement.............. 17
warning light and chime......... 59
Safety seats for children
and air bags.............. 20
attaching with tether straps....... 27
automatic locking mode (retractor).... 29
in center seating positions........ 42
in front seat.............. 29
in rear outboard............ 35
tether anchorage hardware........ 27
Seats
adjusting the seat, manual....... 118
adjusting the seats, power....... 121
child safety seats............ 27
cleaning upholstery.......... 123
File:rcixc.ex
Update:Wed Jun 28 16:52:09 1995