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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 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 AA A B C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest are AA, A, B, and C. Those
grades 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
straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not include
acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning or peak traction characteristics.
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.
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.
Maintenance and care
171
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Replacing the tires
Replace the tires when the wear
band is visible through the tire
treads.
When replacing full size tires, never mix radial bias-belted, or
bias-type tires. Use only the tire sizes that are listed on the
Certification Label. Make sure that all tires are the same size, speed
rating, and load-carrying capacity. Use only the tire combinations
recommended on the label. If you do not follow these precautions,
your vehicle may not drive properly and safely.
Make sure that all replacement tires are of the same size, type,
load-carrying capacity and tread design (e.g., ªAll Terrainº, etc.),
as originally offered by Ford.
Failure to follow these precautions may adversely affect the
handling of the vehicle and make it easier for the driver to lose
control and roll over.
Tires that are larger or smaller than your vehicle's original tires may also
affect the accuracy of your speedometer.
SNOW TIRES AND CHAINS
Snow tires must be the same size and grade as the tires you
currently have on your vehicle.
The tires on your vehicle have all weather treads to provide traction in
rain and snow. However, in some climates, you may need to use snow
tires and chains. If you need to use chains, it is recommended that steel
Maintenance and care
173
Page 214 of 224

Accessory delay ..........................68
Air bag supplemental
restraint system ..............98,99,103
and child safety seats ............100
description .........................99,103
disposal ....................................106
driver air bag ...................101,104
indicator light ...............9,102,105
operation ..........................101,104
passenger air bag ............101,104
side air bag ..............................103
Air cleaner filter ................168,195
Air conditioning ..........................24
automatic temperature
control system ..........................24
Air suspension ...........................122
description ..............................122
warning light .............................12
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................157
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) .......................118,119
Audio system (see Radio) .........30
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................124
fluid, adding ............................164
fluid, checking ........................164
fluid, refill capacities ..............195
fluid, specification ..................198
Auxiliary power point .................54
Axle
lubricant specifications ...197,198
refill capacities ........................195
traction lok ..............................126
Battery .......................................166
acid, treating emergencies .....166
charging system
warning light .............................11
jumping a disabled battery ....144
maintenance-free ....................166
replacement, specifications ...195servicing ..................................166
Belt minder .................................94
Brakes ........................................118
anti-lock ............................118,119
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light ..........10,119
brake warning light ..................10
fluid, checking and adding ....156
fluid, refill capacities ..............195
fluid, specifications ..........197,198
lubricant specifications ...197,198
shift interlock ..........................123
Break-in period .............................3
Capacities for refilling fluids ....195
Cassette tape player ...................37
CD changer .................................49
Certification Label ....................200
Child safety restraints ..............106
child safety belts ....................106
Child safety seats ......................107
in front seat ............................109
in rear seat ..............................109
ISOFIX attachments .................94
Cleaning your vehicle ...............190
engine compartment ..............193
exterior .............................191,192
exterior lamps .........................192
instrument panel ....................193
interior ..............................194,195
mirrors .....................................192
plastic parts ............................192
safety belts ..............................194
washing ....................................190
waxing .....................................191
wheels ......................................191
windows ..................................194
wiper blades ............................192
woodtone trim ........................194
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............24
Clock ..................................35,48,53
Index
214