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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.
SERVICING YOUR TIRES
Checking the tire pressure
•Use an accurate tire pressure gauge.
•Check the tire pressure when tires are cold, after the vehicle has been
parked for at least one hour or has been driven less than 5 km (3
miles).
•Adjust tire pressure to recommended specifications found on the
Certification label and inside fuel door.
Improperly inflated tires can affect vehicle handling and can fail
suddenly, possibly resulting in loss of vehicle control.
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.
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•Four tire rotation (for vehicles
with aluminum wheels)
•Five tire rotation (for vehicles
with steel wheels and full size
spare tires)
Replacing the tires
Replace the tires when the wear
band is visible through the tire
treads.
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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 or Tire 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.,“All Terrain”,
“Touring”, etc.), as originally offered by Ford.
Failure to follow these precautions may adversely affect the
handling of the vehicle, and increase the risk of loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover and/or personal injury.
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.
Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and chains:
•Either cable type chains or SAE class S chains can be used.
•Install chains securely, verifying that the chains do not touch any
wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
•Drive cautiously. If you hear the chains rub or bang against your
vehicle, stop and re-tighten the chains. If this does not work, remove
the chains to prevent damage to your vehicle.
•If possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle.
•Remove the tire chains when they are no longer needed. Do not use
tire chains on dry roads.
•The suspension insulation and bumpers will help prevent vehicle
damage. Do not remove these components from your vehicle when
using snow tires and chains.
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safety belt maintenance .........124
warning light and
chime ...................13, 16, 119–120
Safety seats for children ..........135
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) .............110
Seats ..........................................106
child safety seats ....................135
cleaning ...................................194
SecuriLock passive
anti-theft system ...............102–104
Servicing your vehicle ..............197
Spare tire (see Changing
the Tire) ....................................172
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................230, 233
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................232–233
Speed control ..............................77
Speedometer ...............................20
Starting your
vehicle ........................143–144, 146
jump starting ..........................176
Steering
speed sensitive .......................151
Steering wheel
controls ..........................64, 77, 81
tilting .........................................64
T
Tires ...........................171, 226–227
changing ..........................171–172
checking the pressure ............227
replacing ..................................228
rotating ....................................227
snow tires and chains ............229
tire grades ...............................227treadwear ................................226
Towing .......................................158
recreational towing .................161
trailer towing ..........................158
wrecker ....................................181
Traction control ........................149
active light ................................13
Traction-lok rear axle ...............156
Transmission .............................152
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................222
fluid, refill capacities ..............230
lubricant specifications ..232–233
Trip odometer .............................21
Trunk ...........................................94
remote release ....................91, 97
Turn signal ............................14, 56
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................233
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................235
Vehicle loading ..........................156
Ventilating your vehicle ...........146
W
Warning chimes ...........................16
Warning lights (see Lights) .......10
Washer fluid ..............................200
Water, Driving through .............156
Windows
power .........................................74
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers
checking and adding fluid .....200
2003 Crown Victoria(cro)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
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