2000 Mercury Sable snow chains

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 snow tires and chains, it is
Maintenance and care
176

recommended that steel wheels are used of the same size and
specifications as those originally installed.
Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and chains:
²Use only cable type chains offered by Ford as an accessory or
equivalent. SAE class ªSº or other conventional link type chains may
cause damage to the vehicle's wheel house and/or body.
²Install cable chains securely, verifying that the cables do not touch any
wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
²Drive cautiously. If you hear the cables rub or bang against your
vehicle, stop and re-tighten the cables. If this does not work, remove
the cables to prevent damage to your vehicle.
²If possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle.
²Remove the tire cables when they are no longer needed. Do not use
tire cables on dry roads.
²The suspension insulation and bumpers will help prevent vehicle
damage. Do not remove these components from your vehicle when
using snow tires and cables.
²Do not exceed 48 km/h (30 mph) with tire cables on your vehicle.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT AUTOMOTIVE FUELS
Important safety precautions
Do not overfill the fuel tank. The pressure in an overfilled tank
may cause leakage and lead to fuel spray and fire.
The fuel system may be under pressure. If the fuel filler cap is
venting vapor or if you hear a hissing sound, wait until it stops
before completely removing the fuel filler cap. Otherwise, fuel may
spray out and injure you or others.
If you do not use the proper fuel filler cap, excessive pressure or
vacuum in the fuel tank may damage the fuel system or cause
the fuel system to work improperly in a collision, which may result in
possible personal injury.
Maintenance and care
177

Specification chart,
lubricants ............................206,207
Speed control ..............................43
Speedometer ...............................13
Starting your vehicle .........107,109
jump starting ..........................141
Steering wheel
tilting .........................................48
Tachometer .................................14
Tires ......................137,173,174,175
changing ...........................137,138
checking the pressure ............175
replacing ..................................176
rotating ....................................175
snow tires and chains ............176
tire grades ...............................174
treadwear ................................174
Towing ................................124,175
recreational towing .................127
trailer towing ..........................124
wrecker ....................................146
Traction control ...................43,115
active light ..................................8
Transaxle
automatic operation ...............117
fluid, refill capacities ..............205
lubricant specifications ..........207
Transmission
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................162lubricant specifications ..........206
Trip odometer .............................15
Trunk ............................57,59,60,71
remote release ..........................56
Turn signal ...............................8,46
Vehicle dimensions ...................207
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................210
Vehicle loading ..........................122
Ventilating your vehicle ...........111
Warning chimes ...........................13
Warning lights (see Lights) .........8
Washer fluid ..............................155
Water, Driving through .............123
Windows
power .........................................52
rear wiper/washer .....................47
Windshield washer
fluid and wipers
checking and adding fluid .....155
checking and cleaning .....172,173
liftgate reservoir .....................156
operation ...................................46
replacing wiper blades ...........173
Wrecker towing .........................146
Index
228