Traction A B C
The traction grades, from highest
to lowest, are A, B, and C; 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.
The traction grade
assigned to this tire is
based on braking (straightahead)
traction tests and does not
include cornering (turning)
traction.
Temperature A B C
The temperature grades are A (the
highest), B, and C; they represent
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.
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 A and B
represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory test
wheel than the minimum required
by law.
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149
Make sure all replacement
tires are of the same type,
load-carrying capacity, and tread
design (e.g. ªAll Terrainº), as
originally offered by Ford.
Failure to follow these
precautions may adversely
affect the handling of the vehicle
and make it easier to lose control
and roll over.
IDENTIFYING TIRE TYPES
Your vehicle requires the use of
the following tire types: wagon and
sedan 18565R14 tires and
T115/70D14 mini-spare. When
purchasing replacemment tires for
your vehicle, consult your Ford or
Lincoln-Mercury dealer or qualified
service technician to assure that
correct tire types are used.
USING SNOW TIRES AND
CHAINS
Snow tires must be the
same size and grade as the
tires currently on your vehicle.
The tires on your vehicle have all
weather treads to provide traction
in rain and snow. However, in some
climates using snow tires and
chains may be necessary. Follow
these guidelines when using snow
tires and chains:
²Use only SAE Class ªSº chains.
Maintenance and care
152
