1997 FORD ASPIRE tires

172
*
[MC43240(ALL)01/97]
Traction A B C
*
[MC43242(ALL)01/97]
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.
*
[MC43243(ALL)01/97]
WARNING
The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on braking (straightahead) traction
tests and does not include cornering
(turning) traction.
*
[MC43244(ALL)01/97]
Temperature A B C
*
[MC43246(ALL)05/96]
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.
File:11icmcf.ex
Update:Tue Mar 4 08:57:16 1997

173
*
[MC43247(ALL)01/97]
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.
%*
[MC43248(ALL)08/96]
Snow Tires and Chains
*
[MC43250(ALL)08/96]
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.
*
[MC43252(ALL)01/96]
WARNING
Snow tires must be the same size and
grade as the tires you currently have on
your vehicle.
*
[MC43254(ALL)01/96]
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:
*
[MC43256(ALL)01/96]
q
Local regulations may prohibit or restrict the
use of tire chains. Investigate the laws and
regulations in your area before installing
chains.
*
[MC43258(ALL)01/96]
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.
File:11icmcf.ex
Update:Tue Mar 4 08:57:16 1997

174
*
[MC43260(ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[MC43262(ALL)01/96]
q
Do not drive faster than 30 mph (48 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.
*
[MC43264(ALL)01/96]
q
Tire chains may affect vehicle handling. Drive
carefully and avoid hard braking.
*
[MC43266(ALL)01/96]
q
Do not use chains on temporary spare tires.
They may damage the vehicle and the tire.
%
*
[MC43755(ALL)01/96]
Filling the Fuel Tank
[MC43760(ALL)01/96]
Your fuel hatch door is located on the driver's
side. To open the fuel door, simply pull the
hatch open.
[MC43765(ALL)01/96]
one third page art:0032224-B
Fuel hatch and fuel cap
*
[MC43770(ALL)01/96]
If you lose the fuel cap, replace it with an
authorized Motorcraft or equivalent part.
File:11icmcf.ex
Update:Tue Mar 4 08:57:16 1997

181
*
[MC44130(ALL)01/96]
q
Underinflated tires
*
[MC44135(ALL)01/96]
q
Heavy loads
*
[MC44140(ALL)01/96]
q
Aftermarket add-ons such as bike, ski or
luggage racks, bug deflectors, etc.
[MC44145(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: During extended periods of vehicle
storage (60 days or more) fuel may
deteriorate due to oxidation. This can
damage rubber and other polymers in
the fuel system and may also clog
small orifices.
%
*
[MC47600(ALL)01/96]
Emission Control System
*
[MC47700(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle is equipped with a catalytic
converter which enables your vehicle to comply
with applicable exhaust emission requirements.
*
[MC47750(ALL)05/96]
WARNING
Exhaust leaks may result in the entry of
harmful and potentially lethal fumes into
the passenger compartment. Under
extreme conditions excessive exhaust
temperatures could damage the fuel
system, the interior floor covering, or
other vehicle components, possibly
causing a fire.
*
[MC47800(ALL)01/96]
To make sure that the catalytic converter and the
other emission control parts continue to work
properly:
*
[MC47900(ALL)01/96]
q
Use only unleaded fuel.
*
[MC48000(ALL)01/96]
q
Avoid running out of fuel.
*
[MC48100(ALL)01/96]
q
Do not turn off the ignition while your
vehicle is moving, especially at high speeds.
*
[MC48200(ALL)07/96]
q
Have the services listed in yourMaintenance
Schedulebooklet performed according to the
specified schedule.
File:11icmcf.ex
Update:Tue Mar 4 08:57:16 1997

198 %
*
[MC82800(ALL)01/96]
Brakes
*
[MC82900(ALL)01/96]
q
Make sure brakes and parking brake are fully
released.
%*
[MC83000(ALL)01/96]
Tires
*
[MC83100(ALL)01/96]
q
Maintain recommended air pressure.
*
[MC83200(ALL)01/96]
Miscellaneous
*
[MC83300(ALL)01/96]
q
Make sure all linkages, cables, levers and
clevis pins under vehicle are covered with
grease to prevent rust.
*
[MC83400(ALL)01/96]
q
Move vehicles at least 25 feet (10 m) every 15
days to lubricate working parts to prevent
corrosion.
File:11icmcf.ex
Update:Tue Mar 4 08:57:16 1997

Index 245
Break-in period.............. 5
Brights (high beams)........... 12
Bulbs, replacing............. 184
halogen............... 185
headlamps.............. 185
high-mount brakelamp........ 191
C
Canada, customer assistance....... 218
Canada, warranty information....... 3
Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan
(CAMVAP).............. 219
Carbon monoxide in exhaust....... 102
Car seats for children
(see Child safety seats)......... 77
Cassette tape player (see Electronic sound
system)................ 21
Catalytic converter........... 181
Chains, tires.............. 173
Changing a tire............. 130
Charging system warning light....... 11
Child safety restraints
child safety belts............ 90
child safety seats............ 77
Child safety seats............. 77
and air bags............77±78
attaching with tether straps....... 87
automatic locking mode (retractor) . . 67, 77
in front seat............77±78
in rear outboard seat.......... 77
in rear seat............... 77
tether anchorage hardware....... 87
Chime
key in ignition............. 16
safety belt............... 9
Circuit breakers, see also fuses...... 122
Cleaning your vehicle.......... 192
chrome and aluminum parts...... 193
engine compartment......... 194
exterior............... 192
File:icixf.ex
Update:Tue Mar 4 08:59:36 1997

Index 255
Roadside emergencies.......... 121
Rotating the tires............ 169
S
Safety belts (see Safety restraints)...... 63
Safety Compliance Certification Label . . . 206
Safety defects, reporting......... 209
Safety information relating to
automotive fuels........... 178
Safety restraints
adjusting the safety belts........ 65
automatic locking mode......... 67
automatic locking mode (retractor).... 67
cleaning the safety belts........ 195
extension assembly........... 68
for adults............... 63
for infants............... 77
for pregnant women........ 57,63
lap and shoulder belts....... 63,65
maintenance.............. 68
proper use............... 63
replacement.............. 68
warning light and chime........ 9
Safety seats for children.......... 77
and air bags....... 67,70,77±78, 85
attaching with tether straps....... 87
automatic locking mode (retractor) . . 67, 77
in front seat.............. 77
in rear outboard............ 77
in rear seat............... 77
tether anchorage hardware....... 87
Seat belts (see Safety restraints)....... 63
Seats................... 57
child safety seats............ 77
cleaning upholstery.......... 194
reclining the seat............ 58
Serial number (VIN).........206, 213
Service concerns............ 212
File:icixf.ex
Update:Tue Mar 4 08:59:36 1997

256 Index
Servicing your vehicle.......... 145
precautions when servicing...... 146
servicing when you tow........ 143
Shift positions (see Gearshift).....111, 115
Shoulder and lap belts
(see Safety restraints)........ 63,65
Shoulder belts (see Safety restraints)..... 65
Side mirrors............... 51
adjusting................ 52
Snow tires and chains.......... 173
Spare tire................ 130
changing the tire.........130, 133
conventional spare.......... 132
finding the spare........... 132
removing the spare tire........ 132
storing the flat tire........132, 136
temporary spare........... 130
Spark plugs, specifications........ 199
Speedometer............... 18
Starting your vehicle
preparing to start your vehicle...... 93
starting a cold engine.......... 95
starting after a collision........ 100
starting a warm engine......... 95
starting your vehicle if the battery
is disabled............. 138
Steering wheel, locking........... 44
Storage compartments........... 54
map pockets.............. 54
Storing your vehicle........... 195
Supplemental air bag readiness light.... 14
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS).... 69
T
Tail lamps
bulb replacement........... 184
cleaning............... 193
Temperature control (see Climate control) . . 33
Tether anchor installation
(see Child restraints).......... 87
File:icixf.ex
Update:Tue Mar 4 08:59:36 1997