2003 FORD SUPER DUTY tires

•Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
These Tire QualityGrades are determined bystandards that the United
States Department of Transportation has set.
Tire QualityGrades applyto new pneumatic tires for use on passenger
cars. Theydo not applyto deep tread, winter-type snow tires,
space-saver or temporaryuse spare tires, tires with nominal rim
diameters of 10 to 12 inches or limited production tires as defined in
Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 575.104(c)(2).
U.S. Department of Transportation-Tire quality grades:The U.S.
Department of Transportation requires Ford to give you the following
information about tire grades exactlyas the government has written it.
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 maydepart significantlyfrom the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices, and
differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction AA A B C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest are AA, A, B, and C. The
grades represent the tire’s abilityto stop on wet pavement as measured
under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C mayhave 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 abilityto 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
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222

which all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
SafetyStandard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratorytest wheel than the minimum required by
law.
The temperature grade for this tire is established for a tire that
is properlyinflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive loading, either separatelyor 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. Tire pressure information can also be found on the
Tire Information label located on the inside of the fuel filler door.
Improperlyinflated tires can affect vehicle handling and can fail
suddenly, possibly resulting in loss of vehicle control, vehicle
rollover and/or personal injury.
Maintenance and Specifications
223

Tire inflation information
The F450 and F550 vehicles are equipped with a tire that is an all-steel
radial. All-steel radial tires utilize steel cords in the sidewalls, and also
require increased inflation pressures of up to 95 psi. As such, they
cannot be treated like normal light truck tires. Tire service, including
adjusting tire pressure, must be performed bypersonnel trained,
supervised and equipped according to Federal Occupational Safetyand
Health Administration (OSHA) regulations. For example, during any
procedure involving tire inflation, the technician or individual must
utilize a remote inflation device, and insure that all persons are clear of
the trajectoryarea.
WARNINGAn inflated tire and rim can be verydangerous if
improperlyused, serviced or maintained. To avoid serious injury,
never attempt to re-inflate a tire which has been run flat or seriously
under-inflated without first removing the tire from the wheel assembly
for inspection. Do not attempt to add air to tires or replace tires or
wheels without first taking precautions to protect persons and
property.
Tire rotation
Because your vehicle’s tires perform different jobs, they often wear
differently. To make sure y our 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
wheel.
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224

•DRW – Six tire rotation
If your vehicle is equipped with dual
rear wheels it is recommended that
front and rear tires (in pairs) be
rotated onlyside to side, with the
rear tires maintaining original
vehicle position. After tire rotation,
inflation pressures must be adjusted
for the tires new positions in
accordance with vehicle
requirements.
Replacing the tires
Replace the tires when the wear
band is visible through the tire
treads. Due to exposure to the
elements and exhaust you should
replace the spare tire when you
replace the other tires.
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 handling may be affected which can lead to loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover and/or personal injury.
Maintenance and Specifications
226

Make sure that all replacement tires are of the same size, type,
speed rating, load-carrying capacity and tread design (e.g., “All
Terrain”, “Touring”, etc.), as originallyoffered byFord.
Do not replace your tires with “high performance” tires or larger
size tires.
Failure to follow these precautions mayadverselyaffect 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 accuracyof your speedometer.
SNOW TIRES AND CHAINS
Snow tires must be the same size and grade as the tires you
currentlyhave 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 chains, it is recommended that steel
wheels (of the same size and specifications) be used, as chains maychip
aluminum wheels.
Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and chains:
•Use onlySAE Class S chains.
•Install chains securely, verify ing 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 fullyloading your vehicle.
•Remove the tire chains when theyare no longer needed. Do not use
tire chains on dryroads.
•The suspension insulation and bumpers will help prevent vehicle
damage. Do not remove these components from your vehicle when
using snow tires and chains.
Maintenance and Specifications
227

fluid, refill capacity................228
fluid, specifications .........232, 235
Power Windows ...........................47
Preparing to drive your
vehicle ........................................105
R
Radio ..........................17–18, 21, 25
Relays ........................................154
Remote entrysystem .................58
illuminated entry......................60
locking/unlocking doors ...........56
Reverse sensing system ...........111
Roadside assistance ..................152
S
Safetybelts (see Safety
restraints) ........................68–71, 73
Safetydefects, reporting ..........183
Safetyrestraints ....................68–73
belt minder ...............................74
cleaning the safetybelts ..........78
extension assembly..................78
for adults .............................69–71
for children .........................87–88
warning light and chime ..........74
Safetyseats for children ............90
Seat belts (see Safety
restraints) ....................................68
Seats ............................................63
child safetyseats ......................90
cleaning ...................................188
Servicing your vehicle ..............191
Snowplowing .................6, 148–150Spare tire
(see Changing the Tire) ...........159
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................228, 235
Special notice ................................7
ambulance conversions ..............6
diesel-powered vehicles .............6
four-wheel drive vehicles .......151
utility-type vehicles ....................6
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................232, 235
Speed control ..............................48
Starting your vehicle ....98–99, 101
jump starting ..........................168
Steering wheel
tilting .........................................45
T
Tailgate ........................................55
Tires ...................................221–223
changing ..........................159, 161
checking the pressure ............223
replacing ..................................226
rotating ....................................224
snow tires and chains ............227
tire grades ...............................222
treadwear ................................222
Towing .......................................127
trailer towing ..........................127
wrecker ....................................173
Traction-lok rear axle ...............105
Transfer case
fluid checking .........................220
Transmission
automatic operation ...............106
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................216
Index
253