2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT tires

Tire rotation
Because your vehicle's tires perform different jobs, they often wear
differently. To make sure your tires wear evenly and last longer, rotate
them as indicated in the scheduled maintenance guide. If you notice that
the tires wear unevenly, have them checked.
The following procedure applies to vehicles equipped with single rear
wheels.
²Four tire rotation
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197

²Five tire rotation
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.
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198

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.
Do not replace your tires with ªhigh performanceº tires or larger
size tires.
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.
USING SNOW TIRES AND TRACTION DEVICES
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, using snow tires or traction
devices may be necessary. Ford offers tire cables as a Ford approved
accessory and recommends use of these or SAE class ªSº. See your
dealer or qualified service technician for more information on tire cables
for your vehicle.
Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and traction devices:
²Cables or chains should only be used on the rear wheels.
²Install cables or chains securely, verifying that the cables or chains do
not touch any wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
²Drive cautiously. If you hear the cables or chains rub or bang against
the vehicle, stop and retighten them. If this does not work, remove the
cables or chains to prevent vehicle damage.
²Avoid overloading your vehicle.
²Remove the cables or chains when they are no longer needed.
²Do not use cables or chains on dry roads.
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199

²Resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving may reduce fuel
economy.
²Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go driving.
Maintenance
²Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
²Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of alignment will reduce fuel
economy.
²Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found in your vehicle scheduled maintenance guide.
Conditions
²Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
²Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
0.4 km/L [1 mpg] is lost for every 180 kg [400 lb] of weight carried).
²Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example bug
deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks) may
reduce fuel economy.
²Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
²Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
12±16 km (8±10 miles) of driving.
²Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to
driving on hilly terrain.
²Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure on the gas pedal.
²Four-wheel-drive operation (if equipped) is less fuel efficient than
two-wheel-drive operation.
²Close windows for high speed driving.
EPA window sticker
Every new vehicle should have the EPA window sticker. Contact your
dealer if the window sticker is not supplied with your vehicle. The EPA
window sticker should be your guide for the fuel economy comparisons
with other vehicles.
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209

Safety restraints ....................93±98
belt minder ...............................99
cleaning the safety belts .......102,
223
extension assembly ..................98
for adults .............................94±97
for children .............................112
warning light and chime ...12, 15,
98±99
Safety seats for children ..........113
Seat belts (see Safety
restraints) ....................................93
Seats
child safety seats ....................113
cleaning ...................................222
SecuriLock passive anti-theft
system ....................................83±85
Servicing your vehicle ..............174
Snowplowing .................................4
Spark plugs, specifications ......224,
228±229
Special notice ................................4
ambulance conversions ..............4
utility-type vehicles ....................5
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................226, 228
Speed control ..............................57
Speedometer ...............................16
Starting your vehicle ........120, 122
jump starting ..........................166
Steering wheel
tilting .........................................62T
Tachometer .................................18
Tires ...........................161, 195±196
changing ..........................161, 163
checking the pressure ............196
replacing ..................................198
rotating ....................................197
snow tires and chains ............199
tire grades ...............................196
treadwear ................................195
Towing .......................................143
recreational towing .................149
trailer towing ..........................143
wrecker ....................................172
Traction-lok rear axle ...............128
Transfer case
fluid checking .........................191
Transmission
automatic operation ...............129
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................188
fluid, refill capacities ..............224
lubricant specifications ..226, 228
manual operation ....................133
Trip odometer .............................17
Turn signal ............................13, 56
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................229
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................231
Vehicle loading ..........................141
Ventilating your vehicle ...........124
Index
250