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 climates.
Traction AA A B C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest are AA, A, B, and C. The
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 A and B 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
252
Consult your dealer for information on other Ford approved methods of
traction control.
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 cap to disengage in a collision, which may result in possible
personal injury.
Automotive fuels can cause serious injury or death if misused or
mishandled.
Fuel ethanol and gasoline may contain benzene, which is a
cancer-causing agent.
Observe the following guidelines when handling automotive fuel:
•Extinguish all smoking materials
and any open flames before
fueling your vehicle.
•Always turn off the vehicle before
fueling.
•Automotive fuels can be harmful
or fatal if swallowed. Fuels such as gasoline and ethanol are highly
toxic and if swallowed can cause death or permanent injury. If fuel is
swallowed, call a physician immediately, even if no symptoms are
immediately apparent. The toxic effects of fuel may not be visible for
hours.
Maintenance and care
257
replacing ..........................218, 254
rotating ....................................253
snow tires and chains ............256
spare tire .........................216–218
tire grades ...............................252
treadwear ................................252
Towing .......................................197
recreational towing .................201
trailer towing ..........................197
wrecker ....................................228
Traction control ........................177
active light ................................12
Transfer case
fluid checking .........................247
Transmission .............................181
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................247
fluid, refill capacities ..............282
lubricant specifications ..285, 287
Trip odometer .............................16
Trunk .........................................103
Turn signal ............................12, 77
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................287Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................289
Vehicle loading ..........................194
Ventilating your vehicle ...........173
W
Warning chimes ...........................13
Warning lights (see Lights) .........8
Washer fluid
..............................240
Water, Driving through
.............196
Windows
power
.........................................93
rear wiper/washer
.....................84
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers
checking and adding fluid
.....240
checking and cleaning
....250–251
liftgate reservoir
.....................240
operation
...................................83
replacing wiper blades
...........251
Wrecker towing
.........................228
Index
310
