2003 FORD MUSTANG tires

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 on
the driver side door latch pillar.
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.
•15 or 16 inch four
tire rotation
Maintenance and Specifications
234

•17 inch four 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 tire
pressure decal. 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”, etc.), as
originally offered by Ford.
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.
Maintenance and Specifications
235

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
Driving too fast for conditions creates the
possibility of loss of vehicle control. Driving
at very high speeds for extended periods of time
may result in damage to vehicle components.
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. Use chains on the tires only in an emergency
or if the law requires them.
Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and
chains:
•Chains may damage aluminum wheels.
•Use only Cable Type chains with size P225/55R16
or 245/45ZR17 tires. Use of SAE Class S chains
may damage your vehicle.
•SAE Class S chains may be used on P205/65R15
tires.
•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.
Maintenance and Specifications
236

•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.
MOTORCRAFT PART NUMBERS
Component 3.8L OHV V6
engine4.6L SOHC V8
engine
Air filter element FA-1611 FA-1634
Fuel filter FG-986 FG-986B
Battery BXT-59 BXT-59
Oil filter FL-400S FL-820S
PCV valve EV-152 EV-98
Spark plugs* AWSF-42EE** AWSF-32P
* Refer to Vehicle Emissions Control Information
(VECI) decal for spark plug gap information.
**If a spark plug is removed for inspection, it must
be reinstalled in the same cylinder. If a spark plug
needs to be replaced, use only spark plugs with the
same service part number suffix letter as shown on
the engine decal.
Maintenance and Specifications
237

Servicing your
vehicle ...................... 194
Spare tire
(see Changing
the Tire) .................. 165
Spark plugs,
specifications ... 237, 242
Specification chart,
lubricants ......... 240, 242
Speed control ............ 80
Speedometer ............. 17
Starting your
vehicle ...... 133–134, 136
jump starting ........ 170
Steering wheel
controls .............. 77, 80
tilting ....................... 77
T
Tachometer ............... 17
Tires ......... 165, 232–234
changing ........ 165–166
checking the
pressure ................. 234
replacing ................ 235
rotating .................. 234
snow tires and
chains .................... 236
tire grades ............. 233
treadwear .............. 232
Towing ..................... 156
recreational
towing .................... 156
trailer towing ........ 156
wrecker .................. 175
Traction control ...... 142
active light .............. 13Traction-lok rear
axle .......................... 144
Transmission
automatic
operation ............... 144
fluid, checking
and adding
(automatic) ........... 228
fluid, checking
and adding
(manual) ............... 231
fluid, refill
capacities ............... 238
lubricant
specifications... 240, 242
manual operation .. 150
Trip odometer ........... 18
Trunk ......................... 89
remote release .. 85, 93
Turn signal .......... 10, 70
V
Vehicle dimensions . 242
Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN) ......... 244
Vehicle loading ........ 154
Ventilating your
vehicle ...................... 138
W
Warning chimes ... 14–15
Warning lights
(see Lights) ............... 10
Washer fluid ............ 199
Water, Driving
through .................... 153
Index
254