1996 Mercury Mystique tires

Servicing Your Mystique
227
%*
[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
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.
File:cdsvz.ex
Update:Fri Feb 23 11:01:54 1996

228
*
[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 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
*
[SV28601(ALL)06/93]
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.
*
[SV28750(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:
*
[SV28801(ALL)11/94]
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.
File:cdsvz.ex
Update:Fri Feb 23 11:01:54 1996

Servicing Your Mystique
229
[SV28876(ALL)04/94]
n
Tire chains cannot be fitted with 205/60R tires.
*
[SV28901(ALL)11/94]
n
Local regulations may prohibit or restrict the use of tire
chains. Investigate the laws and regulations in your area
before installing chains.
*
[SV28950(ALL)05/95]
n
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.
*
[SV29001(ALL)05/95]
n
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.
*
[SV29050(ALL)11/94]
n
Tire chains may affect vehicle handling. Drive carefully and
avoid hard braking.
*
[SV29101(ALL)11/94]
n
Do not use chains on temporary spare tires. They may
damage the vehicle and the tire.
*
[SV29151(ALL)05/94]
n
Remove tire chains at the first opportunity after using them
on snow and ice. Do not use the chains on dry roads.
%*
[SV29200(ALL)04/95]
Cleaning the Wheels
*
[SV29225(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.
*
[SV29250(ALL)04/95]
NOTE: Before going to a car wash, find out if the brushes are
abrasive.
File:cdsvz.ex
Update:Fri Feb 23 11:01:54 1996

Servicing Your Mystique
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:cdsvz.ex
Update:Fri Feb 23 11:01:54 1996

275
Brights (high beams)................. 58,82
Bulbs, replacing
halogen...................... 245
headlamps..................... 245
high-mount brakelamp................ 246
C
Canada, customer assistance.............. 182
Canada, warranty information.............. 3
Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan (CAMVAP) . . . 183
Capacities for refilling fluids.............. 252
Carbon monoxide in exhaust............... 52
Car seats for children (see Child safety seats)....... 25
Cassette tape player (see Electronic sound system).... 132
Catalytic converter................... 248
Chains, tires...................... 228
Changing a tire.................... 164
Charging system warning light.............. 57
Childproof locks..................... 91
Child safety restraints
child safety belts................... 38
child safety seats................... 25
Child safety seats
and air bags................... 18,25
attaching with tether straps.............. 37
automatic locking mode (retractor)........... 25
in front seat..................... 28
in rear outboard seat................. 28
tether anchorage hardware............... 37
Chime
headlamps on..................... 59
key in ignition.................... 43
safety belt...................... 55
Circuit breakers, checking and replacing......... 243
Cleaning your vehicle
CD player and discs................. 123
chrome and aluminum parts.............. 6
exterior........................ 5
File:cdixz.ex
Update:Fri Feb 23 10:58:07 1996

286 Restraints, safety (see Safety restraints)
adult......................... 7
child......................... 24
head......................... 99
infant........................ 24
Roadside assistance.................. 175
Roadside emergencies................. 159
Rotating the tires................... 225
S
Safe driving tips.................... 151
Safety belts (see Safety restraints)............. 7
Safety chains, when towing a trailer........... 156
Safety Compliance Certification Label.......... 153
Safety defects, reporting................ 181
Safety information relating to automotive fuels...... 206
Safety restraints
adjusting the safety belts............. 12,14
cleaning the safety belts................ 16
dual locking mode retractors.............. 11
extension assembly.................. 14
for adults...................... 7
for children...................... 24
for infants...................... 24
head......................... 99
lap and shoulder belts................. 9
lap belt....................... 13
maintenance..................... 15
proper use...................... 7
replacement..................... 15
warning light and chime................ 55
Safety seats for children
and air bags................... 18,25
attaching with tether straps.............. 37
in front seat..................... 25
in rear outboard................... 28
in rear seat...................... 25
tether anchorage hardware............... 37
File:cdixz.ex
Update:Fri Feb 23 10:58:07 1996

287
Seat belts (see Safety restraints).............. 7
Seats
adjusting the seat, manual.............. 100
adjusting the seats, power.............. 102
child safety seats................... 25
head restraints.................... 99
Serial number (VIN)................177, 182
Service concerns.................... 176
Servicing your vehicle
precautions when servicing.............. 196
servicing when you tow............... 171
Shift-lock system................... 138
Shift positions (see Gearshift).............. 143
Shoulder and lap belts (see Safety restraints)........ 9
Shoulder belts (see Safety restraints)...........9,12
Side mirrors, adjusting................. 105
Sliding moon roof (see Moon roof)............ 97
Snow tires and chains................. 228
Spare tire
changing the tire.................. 164
finding the spare.................. 165
removing the spare tire............... 165
temporary spare................... 164
Spark plugs, specifications............... 253
Special driving conditions............... 151
Specification chart, lubricants.............. 254
Speed control
accelerating...................... 88
canceling a set speed................. 89
resetting....................... 88
resuming a set speed................. 89
tap up/tap down................... 88
turning off...................... 89
when towing a trailer................ 158
Speedometer...................... 64
Starting your vehicle
preparing to start your vehicle............. 44
File:cdixz.ex
Update:Fri Feb 23 10:58:07 1996

288 Starting your vehicle (continued)
starting a cold engine................. 46
starting after a collision................ 50
starting a warm engine................ 47
starting your vehicle if the battery is disabled..... 159
Steering, power.................... 147
Steering wheel
horn......................... 84
locking........................ 41
speed controls.................... 86
Storage compartments
center console................... 108
map pockets.................... 109
Storing your vehicle.................. 255
Sunroof (moon roof)................... 97
Sun visor....................... 107
Supplemental air bag readiness light........... 59
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)........... 17
T
Tachometer....................... 64
Tail lamps, cleaning................... 76
Temperature control (see Climate control)......... 69
Tether anchor installation (see Child restraints)....... 37
Tires
changing...................... 164
checking the pressure................ 224
cleaning...................... 229
replacing...................... 226
rotating...................... 225
snow tires and chains................ 228
spare tire...................... 165
storing your vehicle................. 257
tire grades..................... 227
treadwear..................... 227
wear bands..................... 226
File:cdixz.ex
Update:Fri Feb 23 10:58:07 1996