1998 Mercury Villager tires

WARNING
Failure to follow these precautions may adversely affect
the handling of the vehicle and make it easier to lose control
and roll over.
Tires that are larger or smaller than your vehicle's original tires
may affect the accuracy of your speedometer and odometer.
Wheel and Tire Matching
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.
Information About Tire Quality Grades
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.
Tire Quality Grades apply to new pneumatic tires for use on this
vehicle. 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 (254-305 mm) or limited
production tires as defined in Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations
Part 575.104(c)(2).
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.
Treadwear
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
Maintenance and Care
303

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.
Traction A B C
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.
WARNING
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,
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.
304

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

Cleaning Chrome and Aluminum Parts
Wash chrome and aluminum parts with a mild detergent. Do not
use steel wool, abrasive cleaners, fuel or strong detergents.
Cleaning Plastic Parts
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.
Do not clean plastic parts with thinners, solvents or
petroleum-based cleaners.
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.
Cleaning the Exterior Lamps
Do not use dry paper towel, chemical solvents or abrasive
cleaners to clean the lamps, as these may cause scratches or crack
the lamps.
Cleaning the Wheels
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.
If you have whitewall tires that are difficult to clean with regular
detergent, use whitewall tire cleaner. Follow the directions on
the container and rinse the tires with plenty of clean water.
NOTE: Before going to a car wash, find out if the brushes are
abrasive.
330

Cooling system
mProtect your vehicle against freezing temperatures.
Battery
mCheck and recharge the battery as necessary.
mKeep connections clean and covered with a light coat of
grease.
Brakes
mMake sure the brakes and parking brake are fully released.
Tires
mMaintain recommended air pressure.
Miscellaneous
mMake sure all linkages, cables, levers and clevis pins under
the vehicle are covered with grease to prevent rust.
mLubricate working parts to prevent corrosion.
Maintenance and Care
335

servicing......................217, 282
stopping distances....................218
trailer..........................235
when storing your vehicle................335
Brights (high beams).....................17
Bulbs, replacing.......................316
halogen.........................316
headlamps........................316
specifications.......................322
C
Canada, customer assistance................352
Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan (CAMVAP)....352
Car seats for children (see Child safety seats)........153
Carbon monoxide in exhaust................212
Cargonet ..........................111
Catalytic converter.....................313
Chains, tires........................305
Changing a tire.......................254
Charging system warning light................14
Child safety restraints....................151
child safety belts.....................166
child safety seats.....................153
Child safety seats......................153
and air bags.......................153
attaching with tether straps...............160
automatic locking mode (retractor)..........136, 153
in front seat.......................153
in rear outboard seat...................153
in rear seat........................153
tether anchorage hardware................160
Childproof locks......................100
Index
375

driving with power steering...............220
fluid, checking and adding................289
fluid, specifications....................339
servicing.........................220
Prop rod, hood.......................277
R
Radio (see Electronic sound systems).............29
Rear window........................106
defroster.........................75
Relays...........................253
Remote entry system
replacing the batteries..................114
Restraints, safety (see Safety restraints)
adult........................121, 129
child...........................151
head...........................121
infant........................151, 153
Roadside assistance.....................345
Roadside emergencies....................241
Roof rack..........................239
Rotating the tires......................300
S
Safety belts (see Safety restraints)..............129
Safety Compliance Certification Label............231
Safety information relating to automotive fuels.......310
Safety restraints
adjusting the safety belts..............131, 137
automatic locking mode.................136
automatic locking mode (retractor)............136
cleaning the safety belts.................332
extension assembly....................143
for adults........................129
386