1998 Mercury Villager flat tire

WARNING
Improperly inflated tires can affect vehicle handling and
can fail suddenly, possibly resulting in loss of vehicle
control.
Tire Inspection and Maintenance
Inspect the tire treads and remove stones, nails, glass or other
objects that may be wedged in the tread grooves. Check for holes
or cuts that may permit air to leak from the tire and make the
necessary repairs.
Inspect the tire sidewalls for cuts, bruises and other damage. If
you suspect internal damage to the tire, have it removed and
checked. You may need to repair or replace it.
Tire Rotation
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.
In situations where the tires differ from front to rear
(snow/traction), simply rotate using a side to side pattern.
300

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 buidlup and
possible tire failure.
The information on braking performance and tire quality grading
found in the ªFord Motor Company Passenger Car Consumer
Informationº pamphlet (FPS 12024-92) also applies to the Villager.
This publication is available from your dealer.
Snow Tires and Cables
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 cables for your tires.
WARNING
When using snow tires, make sure they are the same size
and grade as the tires you normally use on your
vehicle.
Do not use cables when using a temporary spare. For full size
tires, use cables on the tires only in an emergency or if the law
requires them where you drive. When you use the tire cables:
mMake sure the cables are the right size for your tires. Use only
SAE Class ªSº cables. Other types may damage your vehicle.
mPut cables on tightly with the ends held down securely. Follow
the cable manufacturer's instructions.
Maintenance and Care
305

mMetric: L/100k = Multiply the number of liters used by 100
and divide the answer by the number of kilometers
travelled.
Comparisons With Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) Fuel Economy Estimates
EPA fuel economy figures are obtained from laboratory tests
under simulated road conditions and may not reflect the actual
conditions you experience or your style of driving. The EPA fuel
economy estimate is not a guarantee that you will achieve the
fuel economy shown.
The following decrease fuel economy:
mLack of regular, scheduled maintenance
mRapid acceleration and excessive speed
mDriving with your foot on the brake
mSudden stops
mExtended engine idling
mUsing speed control in hilly terrain
mExtended use of the A/C, defroster, rear window defroster
and other accessories
mUnderinflated tires
mHeavy loads
mAftermarket add-ons such as bike, ski or luggage racks, bug
deflectors, etc.
312

Roadside Assistance
Ford Motor Company has set up a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week
hotline with trained operators who put you in touch with the help
you need if you experience a problem with your vehicle. This
complimentary service is provided to you throughout your
warranty period of 3 years or 36,000 miles (60,000 km),
whichever comes first. To purchase Roadside Assistance coverages
beyond this period (available through Ford Auto Club in the
United States or Ford and Lincoln-Mercury dealers in Canada),
contact your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer. Additional Roadside
Assistance coverage is unavailable in Puerto Rico and the
Virgin Islands.
Roadside Assistance will cover the following:
mMount your spare if you have a flat tire.
mJump-start your battery if it is dead.
mUnlock your vehicle if you are locked out.
mBring you fuel if you run out.
mTow your vehicle if you are stranded. Even non-warranty
related tows, like accidents or getting stuck in mud or snow, are
covered (some exclusions apply, such as impound towing
and repossession).
How to use Roadside Assistance
Your Roadside Assistance (Mercury Commitment) identification
card can be found in the Owner Guide portfolio in your
glove compartment. Complete the card and place it in your
wallet for quick reference.
To receive roadside assistance in the United States call
1-800-241-FORD (in Canada call 1-800-665-2006).
Customer Assistance
345

preparing for storage...................335
proper solution......................292
recovery reservoir..................285, 341
specifications.......................339
temperature gauge...................18,23
Engine coolant temperature gauge............18,23
description......................18,23
mechanical......................18,23
Engine coolant temperature guage:electronic.......18,23
Engine fan.........................276
Engine knocking......................309
Engine oil.........................279
changing oil and oil filter................281
check oil warning light..................14
checking and adding...................281
dipstick.........................281
disposal.........................292
engine oil pressure warning light.............14
filter, specifications....................337
low oil warning light...................14
ªbreak-inº oils.......................5
specifications.......................279
synthetic oil.......................279
viscosity.........................279
Engine:idle speed control..................209
Exhaust fumes.......................212
F
Fan
engine fan, avoiding injury................276
Federal Communications Commission............51
Flashers, hazard.....................77,241
Flat tire...........................254
Ford Dispute Settlement Board...............348
Index
379

changing the tire..................254, 258
conventional spare..................254, 255
finding the spare.....................255
removing the spare tire..................255
storing the flat tire....................255
temporary spare.....................254
Spark plugs, specifications.................337
Specification chart, lubricants................339
Speed control
accelerating........................94
canceling a set speed...................95
resetting..........................95
resuming a set speed...................95
tap up/tap down.....................95
when towing a trailer..................236
Speedometer.........................19
Starting your vehicle
preparing to start your vehicle..............207
starting a cold engine..................208
starting after a collision.................242
Steering, power.......................220
Steering wheel
locking..........................86
tilting...........................91
Storage compartments...................126
cargonet .........................111
map pockets.......................126
Storing your vehicle....................333
Supplemental air bag readiness light.............11
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)............144
T
Tachometer.........................21
mechanical cluster.....................21
388