1998 FORD WINDSTAR tires

222
*
[GF10100(ALL)01/96]
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
*
[GF10200(ALL)01/96]
The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) is the total weight of the
passengers, cargo and all equipment.
*
[GF10300(ALL)01/96]
It is important to remember that GVW is not a limit or a
specification, but actual weight. If an owner loads up the vehicle
and weighs it, that's the GVW at that moment. If the owner
adds on more of a load and weighs it again, that becomes the
GVW.
%*
[GF10400(ALL)01/96]
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
[GF10500(ALL)01/96]
To avoid overloading your vehicle, never exceed the specified
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating for your vehicle. The GVWR is the
maximum allowable weight of the vehicle when fully loaded
including passengers, cargo and all equipment.
%*
[GF10600(ALL)01/96]
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
*
[GF10700(ALL)01/96]
We have all seen a car or a truck that is loaded down in the
rear and riding high in the front. This is a dangerous condition
that usually means that the rear suspension components are
under severe strain and that vehicle handling is impaired. There
is more to carrying a load than just payload or GVWR.
[GF10800(ALL)01/96]
Your Safety Compliance Certification Label not only gives the
GVWR, it also gives the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
which is the maximum weight allowed on the axle system.
*
[GF10900(ALL)01/96]
The rating is based on the carrying capacity of the weakest axle
and suspension component as well as other factors. This is why
it is so important to observe vehicle loading ratings.
Overloading a vehicle punishes components and can lead to
shortened service life or outright failure.
*
[GF11000(ALL)01/96]
The weakest link in the suspension system defines the GAWR,
and may be the tires. Tires are rated to carry a specific
maximum load at a specific tire pressure.
File:09wngfs.ex
Update:Mon Oct 7 11:46:08 1996

Driving
223
*
[GF11100(ALL)01/96]
When passenger car tires are installed on light trucks and
multipurpose passenger vehicles, they are rated at a 10% lower
load carrying capacity due to the differences in vehicle usages.
*
[GF11200(ALL)01/96]
With the tires inflated to the specified pressure, the total weight
of your vehicle must not exceed the GVWR and GAWR
specified on the Safety Compliance Certification Label. This
includes full fuel tank(s), vehicle equipment, and occupants, as
well as the cargo load.
*
[GF11300(ALL)01/96]
Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)
*
[GF11400(ALL)01/96]
The GCWR is the maximum allowable weight of the towing
vehicle and the loaded trailer (including all cargo and
passengers).
%*
[GF11500(ALL)01/96]
Calculating the Payload for Your Vehicle
*
[GF11600(ALL)01/96]
To know how much weight your vehicle can carry:
*
[GF11700(ALL)01/96]1.
Obtain the GVWR and GAWR from your Safety Compliance
Certification Label.
[GF11800(ALL)01/96]
Ð If you do not plan to pull a trailer, do not include these
ratings into your calculations.
*
[GF11900(ALL)01/96]2.
Fill the fuel tank.
*
[GF12000(ALL)01/96]3.
Weigh your vehicle without cargo.
*
[GF12100(ALL)01/96]4.
Subtract vehicle actual weight from the GVWR to find out
how much more weight your vehicle can carry.
*
[GF12200(ALL)01/96]5.
Weigh the vehicle again once it is loaded to make sure that
the GVWR and front and rear GAWR's are not exceeded.
File:09wngfs.ex
Update:Mon Oct 7 11:46:08 1996

Driving
231
*
[GF18300(ALL)01/96]
Wheel Spin
[GF18400(ALL)01/96]
Extreme acceleration can cause the front wheels to spin,
resulting in reduced steering control. If the wheels spin during
vehicle start-up, shift to 2 (Second) gear. Move forward slowly
and evenly. If this does not work, try rocking the vehicle.
% [GF18500(ALL)04/96]
Driving at High Speeds
*
[GF18600(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
Driving too fast for conditions creates the possibility of
loss of vehicle control. Driving at very high speeds for
extended periods of time may result in damage to vehicle
components.
*
[GF18700(ALL)03/96]
Ford Motor Company recommends obeying posted speed limits.
*
[GF18800(ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph (55 km/h). The
tires may fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
%*
[GF18900(ALL)01/96]
Driving in Bad Weather
%*
[GF19000(ALL)01/96]
Slippery roads
[GF19100(ALL)01/96]
n
Drive cautiously on wet or snowy roads.
*
[GF19200(ALL)01/96]
n
Do not quickly move the steering wheel unless necessary.
[GF19300(ALL)04/96]
n
Drive more slowly than you would normally.
*
[GF19400(ALL)01/96]
n
Do not use speed control.
*
[GF19500(ALL)01/96]
n
Give your vehicle more distance to stop.
[GF19600(ALL)04/96]
n
Use the ªsqueezeº technique for braking as described in
previous braking sections.
*
[GF19700(ALL)01/96]
n
Consider using one of the lower gears.
File:09wngfs.ex
Update:Mon Oct 7 11:46:08 1996

Driving
233
[GF20800(ALL)04/96]
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few minutes. This may
overheat the engine, damage the transaxle, or damage the tires.
%*
[GF20900(ALL)01/96]
Driving With a Heavy Load
*
[GF21000(ALL)01/96]
The Safety Compliance Certification Label, located on the
driver's door pillar, provides important information regarding
the weight limits your vehicle can safely carry or tow. The total
weight of your vehicle, including the weight of the passengers
and cargo, should never be more than the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR). Also, the weight that your vehicle carries on
the front axle and rear axle should never be more than the
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the respective axle.
*
[GF21100(ALL)01/96]
The load capacities of your vehicle's tires affect the GVWR or
GAWR limitations. Using replacement tires with a higher weight
limit than the originals does not increase GVWR or GAWR.
Using lower capacity replacement tires may lower GVWR and
GAWR limitations.
*
[GF21200(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the
Safety Compliance Certification Label.
*
[GF21300(ALL)03/96]
Vehicle/Trailer Loads
[GF21400(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle may tow a Class I trailer up to 2,000 lbs. (907 kgs)
or 3,500 lbs. (1,587 kgs) with Trailer Tow Package provided the
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) is less than the GVWR shown on
the Safety Compliance Certification Label.
File:09wngfs.ex
Update:Mon Oct 7 11:46:08 1996

234
%*
[GF21500(ALL)01/96]
Towing a Trailer
*
[GF21600(ALL)01/96]
Towing a trailer puts an additional load on your vehicle's
engine, transaxle, axle, brakes, tires and suspension. For your
safety and for the good of your vehicle, use the right equipment
for the type of trailer you tow.
*
[GF21700(ALL)01/96]
n
Stay within the load limits when you tow.
*
[GF21800(ALL)01/96]
n
Carefully and thoroughly prepare your vehicle for towing,
making sure to use the right equipment and to attach it
properly. SeePreparing to Towin this section.
*
[GF21900(ALL)01/96]
n
Use extra caution when driving your vehicle while you tow.
SeeDriving While You Towin this section.
*
[GF22000(ALL)01/96]
n
Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. See
Servicing Your Vehicle if You Towin this section.
*
[GF22100(ALL)01/96]
Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least
500 miles (800 km).
File:09wngfs.ex
Update:Mon Oct 7 11:46:08 1996

Roadside Emergencies
251
% [ER07700(ALL)04/96]
Changing the Tire
*
[ER07800(ALL)01/96]
You should only raise your vehicle with a jack properly placed
at the front or rear jacking points.
*
[ER07900(ALL)05/96]1.
Make sure that your vehicle will not move or roll and that
the tires and jack are on a level, solid surface. Put the
gearshift lever in P (Park). Set the parking brake and block
the wheel Ð in both directions Ð that is diagonally opposite
the tire that you are changing.
*
[ER08000(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
When one of the front wheels is off the ground, the
transaxle alone will not prevent the vehicle from moving
or slipping off the jack, even if the vehicle is in P (Park).
*
[ER08100(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
To prevent the vehicle from moving when you change a
tire, be sure the parking brake is set, then block (in both
directions) the wheel that is diagonally opposite (other
side and end of the vehicle) to the tire being changed.
*
[ER08200(ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
If the vehicle slips off the jack, you or someone else
could be seriously injured.
*
[ER08300(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
On vehicles equipped with Air Suspension, turn OFF the
Air Suspension switch prior to jacking, hoisting or
towing your vehicle.
File:10wners.ex
Update:Mon Oct 7 11:47:52 1996

294
*
[MC17200(ALL)08/95]3.
Attach a new wiper blade to the wiper arm and press it into
place until you hear it click.
%*
[MC17300(ALL)01/96]
Tires
[MC17400(ALL)04/96]
Look at your tires each time you fill your fuel tank. If one tire
looks lower than the others, check the pressure in all of them.
[MC17500(ALL)01/96]
n
Keep your tires inflated to the recommended pressures. See
Checking the pressure of the tireslater in this chapter.
*
[MC17600(ALL)01/96]
n
Stay within the recommended load limits. SeeDriving with a
heavy loadin the Index.
*
[MC17700(ALL)03/96]
n
Make sure the weight of your load is evenly distributed.
*
[MC17800(ALL)03/96]
n
Adjust tire pressure to recommended specifications found on
the Safety Compliance Certification Label.
*
[MC17900(ALL)03/96]
If you do not take these precautions, your tires may fail or go
flat.
*
[MC18000(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Always obey posted speed limits. If you drive too fast
for road conditions, you could lose control of your
vehicle. Under some circumstances, driving at very high
speeds for extended periods of time may damage vehicle
components, creating a risk of component failure and a
potential loss of vehicle control. Any time you lose
control of your vehicle, it may result in injury.
[MC18100(ALL)01/96]
At least once a month, check the pressure in all your tires,
including the spare. Use an accurate tire pressure gauge. Check
the tire pressure when tires are cold, that is, after the vehicle
has been parked for at least one hour or has been driven less
than 3 miles (5 km). You can find the proper cold tire pressure
on the Safety Compliance Certification Label located on the
driver's door pillar.
File:11wnmcs.ex
Update:Tue Oct 8 10:24:50 1996

Maintenance and Care
295
*
[MC18200(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Improperly inflated tires can affect vehicle handling and
can fail suddenly, possibly resulting in loss of vehicle
control.
%*
[MC18300(ALL)01/96]
Tire Rotation
*
[MC18400(ALL)01/96]
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.
[MC18500(ALL)01/96]
10-1/2 pica
art:0050224-A
Rotating the tires
*
[MC18600(ALL)01/96]
If your vehicle has the optional full-size spare tire, you may
rotate the spare tire into the rotation pattern.
[MC18700(ALL)01/96]
If your vehicle has aluminum wheels, you may remove the
full-size (if equipped) spare tire from the wheel and remount it
on an aluminum wheel to rotate the spare tire into your
vehicle's rotation pattern.
File:11wnmcs.ex
Update:Tue Oct 8 10:24:50 1996