2004 FORD ESCAPE tires

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. Tire pressure information can also be found on the
Tire Information label located on the inside of the fuel filler door.
Improperly inflated tires can affect vehicle handling and can fail
suddenly, possibly resulting in loss of vehicle control, vehicle
rollover and/or personal injury.
2004 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
217

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.
•Four tire rotation
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.
2004 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
218

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 originally offered by Ford.
Do not replace your tires with “high performance” tires or larger
size tires.
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.
USING SNOW TIRES AND TRACTION DEVICES
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, using snow tires or traction
devices may be necessary.
Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and traction devices:
•SAE class “S” cable should be used only on front axle for P235/70R16
tires. With P225/70R15 and P215/70R16 tires, SAE class “S” cables can
be used on both the front and rear wheels.
•Install cables or chains securely, verifying that the cables or chains do
not touch any wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
•Drive cautiously. If you hear the cables or chains rub or bang against
the vehicle, stop and retighten them. If this does not work, remove the
cables or chains to prevent vehicle damage.
•Avoid overloading your vehicle.
•Remove the cables or chains when they are no longer needed.
•Do not use cables or chains on dry roads.
•Do not exceed 48 km/h (30 mph) with tire cables or chains on your
vehicle.
Consult your dealer for information on other Ford approved methods of
traction control.
2004 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
219

* Denotes a 4x4 vehicle with optional 16” tires
3
2
1
2004 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
226

T
Temperature control
(see Climate control) .................31
Tilt steering wheel ......................46
Tires ...........................158, 215–217
changing ..................158–159, 163
checking the pressure ............217
replacing ..................................218
rotating ....................................218
snow tires and chains ............219
spare tire .................................158
tire grades ...............................217
treadwear ................................216
Towing .......................................143
recreational towing .................148
trailer towing ..........................143
wrecker ....................................169
Transaxle
fluid, checking and adding
(manual) .................................213
manual operation ....................127
Transmission .............................121
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....121
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................211fluid, refill capacities ..............220
lubricant specifications ..223, 225
Turn signal ..................................37
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................225
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................228
Vehicle loading ..........................141
Ventilating your vehicle ...........119
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......10
Washer fluid ..............................190
Water, Driving through .............141
Windows
power .........................................49
rear wiper/washer .....................45
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers
checking and adding fluid .....190
liftgate reservoir .....................190
operation ...................................44
replacing wiper blades .............45
Wrecker towing .........................169
2004 Escape(204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
236