Page 173 of 254
![FORD ASPIRE 1997 1.G Owners Manual 171 %
*
[MC43224(ALL)03/96]
Wheel and Tire Matching
*
[MC43226(ALL)03/96]
See an authorized tire dealer for proper
servicing procedures. Wheels and tires must be
properly removed, matched and remounte FORD ASPIRE 1997 1.G Owners Manual 171 %
*
[MC43224(ALL)03/96]
Wheel and Tire Matching
*
[MC43226(ALL)03/96]
See an authorized tire dealer for proper
servicing procedures. Wheels and tires must be
properly removed, matched and remounte](/manual-img/11/4754/w960_4754-172.png)
171 %
*
[MC43224(ALL)03/96]
Wheel and Tire Matching
*
[MC43226(ALL)03/96]
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.
%*
[MC43228(ALL)01/96]
Information About Tire Quality Grades
*
[MC43230(ALL)01/96]
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.
*
[MC43232(ALL)01/96]
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).
*
[MC43234(ALL)01/96]
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.
%*
[MC43236(ALL)01/96]
Treadwear
*
[MC43238(ALL)01/96]
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.
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Page 174 of 254
![FORD ASPIRE 1997 1.G Owners Manual 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 tires ability
to stop on wet pavement as measured u FORD ASPIRE 1997 1.G Owners Manual 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 tires ability
to stop on wet pavement as measured u](/manual-img/11/4754/w960_4754-173.png)
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.
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Page 175 of 254
![FORD ASPIRE 1997 1.G Owners Manual 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, eit FORD ASPIRE 1997 1.G Owners Manual 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, eit](/manual-img/11/4754/w960_4754-174.png)
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.
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Page 195 of 254
![FORD ASPIRE 1997 1.G Owners Manual 193 %
*
[MC71100(ALL)01/96]
Cleaning Chrome and Aluminum Parts
*
[MC71200(ALL)01/96]
Wash chrome and aluminum parts with a mild
detergent. Do not use steel wool, abrasive
cleaners, fuel or strong dete FORD ASPIRE 1997 1.G Owners Manual 193 %
*
[MC71100(ALL)01/96]
Cleaning Chrome and Aluminum Parts
*
[MC71200(ALL)01/96]
Wash chrome and aluminum parts with a mild
detergent. Do not use steel wool, abrasive
cleaners, fuel or strong dete](/manual-img/11/4754/w960_4754-194.png)
193 %
*
[MC71100(ALL)01/96]
Cleaning Chrome and Aluminum Parts
*
[MC71200(ALL)01/96]
Wash chrome and aluminum parts with a mild
detergent. Do not use steel wool, abrasive
cleaners, fuel or strong detergents.
%*
[MC71300(ALL)01/96]
Cleaning Plastic Parts
*
[MC71400(ALL)01/96]
Some of your vehicle's exterior trim parts are
plastic. Clean with a tar and road oil remover if
necessary. Use a vinyl cleaner for routine
cleaning.
*
[MC71500(ALL)01/96]
Do not clean plastic parts with thinners, solvents
or petroleum-based cleaners.
%*
[MC71600(ALL)01/96]
If you have your vehicle rustproofed, remove
oversprayed rustproofing with a tar and road oil
remover. If rustproofing is not removed from
plastic and rubber parts, it can cause
deterioration.
%*
[MC71620(ALL)03/96]
Cleaning the Wheels
*
[MC71630(ALL)03/96]
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.
*
[MC71640(ALL)03/96]
NOTE: Before going to a car wash, find out if
the brushes are abrasive.
%*
[MC71700(ALL)01/96]
Cleaning the Exterior Lamps
[MC71800(ALL)01/96]
Do not use dry paper towel, chemical solvents
or abrasive cleaner to clean the lamps, as they
may cause scratches or crack the lights.
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Update:Tue Mar 4 08:57:16 1997
Page 198 of 254
196
*
[MC80700(ALL)01/96]
Body
*
[MC80800(ALL)01/96]
q
Wash vehicle thoroughly to remove dirt,
grease, oil, tar or mud from exterior surfaces,
rear wheel housing and underside of front
fenders.
*
[MC80900(ALL)01/96]
q
Periodically wash vehicles stored in exposed
locations.
*
[MC81000(ALL)01/96]
q
Touch-up raw or primed metal to prevent
rust.
*
[MC81100(ALL)01/96]
q
Cover chrome and stainless steel parts with a
thick coat of auto wax to prevent
discoloration. Re-wax as necessary when the
vehicle is washed.
*
[MC81200(ALL)01/96]
q
Lubricate all hood, door and trunk lid hinges
and latches with a light grade oil.
*
[MC81300(ALL)09/96]
q
Cover interior soft trim to prevent fading.
*
[MC81400(ALL)01/96]
q
Keep all rubber parts free from oil and
solvents.
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Update:Tue Mar 4 08:57:16 1997
Page 209 of 254
207 [CS60600(ALL)01/96]
half page art:0032235-B
Safety Compliance Certification label location
*
[CS60700(ALL)01/96]
The label contains the name of the manufacturer,
the month and year of manufacture, the
certification statement and the Vehicle
Identification Number. The label also contains
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating and Gross Axle
Weight Ratings, wheel and tire data and
information codes for additional vehicle data.
For further information about the Safety
Compliance Certification Label and the
information contained on it, refer to the Index.
File:12iccsf.ex
Update:Tue Mar 4 08:57:46 1997
Page 240 of 254

246 Index
Cleaning your vehicle (continued)
exterior lamps............ 193
fabric................ 194
headlamps.............. 193
instrument panel........... 193
instrument panel lens......... 195
interior................ 194
plastic parts............. 193
polishing............... 192
rear windows.............. 41
rustproofing............. 193
safety belts.............. 195
tail lamps.............. 193
upholstery and interior trim...... 194
washing............... 192
waxing................ 192
wheels................ 193
windows................ 41
Climate control system........... 33
Clock................... 27
Clutch................. 114
fluid reservoir............ 152
operation while driving........ 114
recommended shift speeds....... 117
shifting the gears........... 115
Cold engine starting............ 95
Combination lap and shoulder belts . . . 63, 65
Controls, mirrors............. 51
Convenience kit in cargo area...... 132
Coolant (see Engine coolant)....... 155
checking and adding......... 155
drain and flush............ 159
preparing for storage......... 197
temperature gauge........... 17
warnings............... 155
Cooling fan............... 146
Crankcase emission filter......... 199
Customer Assistance Center, Ford (U.S.) . . 213
Customer Assistance Centre,
Ford of Canada..........214, 218
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Page 250 of 254

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