2003 Mercury Marauder tires

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 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 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 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.
Maintenance and Specifications
208

SERVICING YOUR TIRES
Checking the tire pressure
²Use an accurate tire pressure gauge.
²Check 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).
²Adjust 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 are styled with unique larger tires on the
rear wheels, you can only replace tires side to side. Must not rotate tires
in a criss cross pattern or front to rear. If you notice that the tires wear
unevenly, have them checked.
²Tire rotation
Maintenance and Specifications
209

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 or Tire Label. Make sure that all tires are the same size,
speed rating, and load-carrying capacity as those requiring
replacement. 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., ªAll Terrainº,
ªTouringº, 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
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.
Follow these guidelines when using snow tires:
²If possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle.
²DO NOT USE snow chains on your vehicle.
Maintenance and Specifications
210

Safety restraints ........91, 94, 96±98
belt minder ...............................99
cleaning the safety belts ........103
extension assembly ................103
for adults .............................96±98
for children .............................111
Occupant Classification
Sensor ........................................92
warning light and
chime .......................12, 14, 98±99
Safety seats for children ..........114
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) ...............91
Seats ............................................88
child safety seats ....................114
SecuriLock passive anti-theft
system ....................................84±86
Servicing your vehicle ..............179
Spare tire
(see Changing the Tire) ...........151
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................211, 214
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................212, 214
Speed control ..............................63
Speedometer ...............................17
Starting your vehicle .......122±123,
125
jump starting ..........................156
Steering
speed sensitive .......................130
Steering wheel
controls ..........................50, 63, 67
tilting .........................................50T
Tachometer .................................18
Tires ...........................151, 207±209
changing ..........................151±152
checking the pressure ............209
replacing ..................................210
rotating ....................................209
snow tires and chains ............210
tire grades ...............................208
treadwear ................................208
Towing .......................................138
recreational towing .................140
trailer towing ..........................138
wrecker ....................................162
Traction control ........................128
active light ................................13
Transmission .............................131
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................204
fluid, refill capacities ..............211
lubricant
specifications ..................212, 214
Trip odometer .............................18
Trunk ...........................................76
remote release ....................73, 79
Turn signal ............................14, 42
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................214
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................216
Vehicle loading ..........................136
Ventilating your vehicle ...........125
Index
226