2004 FORD MUSTANG tires

Tire inflation pressure
Use a tire gauge to check the tire inflation pressure,
including the spare, at least monthly and before long
trips. You are strongly urged to buy a reliable tire
pressure gauge, as automatic service station gauges
may be inaccurate.
Use the recommended cold inflation pressure for
optimum tire performance and wear. Under-inflation
or over-inflation may cause uneven treadwear
patterns.
Under-inflation is the most common cause of
tire failures and may result in severe tire
cracking, tread separation orblowout, with
unexpected loss of vehicle control and increased
risk of injury. Under-inflation increases sidewall
flexing and rolling resistance, resulting in heat
buildup and internal damage to the tire. It also
may result in unnecessary tire stress, irregular
wear, loss of vehicle control and accidents. A tire
can lose up to half of its air pressure and not
appear to be flat!
When weather temperature changes occur, tire
inflation pressures also change. A 10 degree
temperature change causes a corresponding drop of
7 kPa (1 psi) in inflation pressure. Check your tire
pressures frequently and adjust them to the proper
pressure which can be found on the tire label or
certification label.
If checking tire pressure when the tire is hot, (i.e.
driven more than 1.6 km [1mile]), never“bleed”or
reduce air pressure. The tires are hot from driving
and it is normal for pressures to increase above
recommended cold pressures. A hot tire at or below
recommended cold inflation pressure could be
significantly under-inflated.
To check the pressure in your tire(s):
1. Make sure the tires are cool, meaning they are not
hot from driving even a mile.
Note:If you have to drive a distance to get air for
your tire(s), check and record the tire pressure first
2004 Mustang(mus)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
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and add the appropriate air pressure when you get
to the pump. It is normal for tires to heat up and
the air pressure inside to go up as you drive. Never
“bleed”or reduce air pressure when tires are hot.
2. Remove the cap from the valve on one tire, then
firmly press the tire gauge onto the valve.
3. Add air to reach the recommended air pressure
Note:If you overfill the tire, release air by pushing
on the metal stem in the center of the valve. Then
recheck the pressure with your tire gauge.
4. Replace the valve cap.
5. Repeat this procedure for each tire, including the
spare.
Note:Some spare tires require higher inflation
pressure than the other tires.
6. Visually inspect the tires to make sure there are
no nails or other objects embedded that could poke
a hole in the tire and cause an air leak.
7. Check the sidewalls to make sure there are no
gouges, cuts, bulges or other irregularities.
Tire and wheel alignment
A bad jolt from hitting a curb or pothole can cause
the front end of your vehicle to become misaligned
or damage to your tires. If your vehicle seems to pull
to one side, vibrate or shake when you’re driving,
the wheels may be out of alignment. Have a qualified
technician at a reputable repair facility check the
wheel alignment periodically.
Wheel misalignment in the front or the rear can
cause uneven and rapid treadwear of your tires and
should be corrected by a qualified technician at a
reputable repair facility. Front wheel drive (FWD)
vehicles, and those with independent front
suspension require alignment of all four wheels.
The tires should also be balanced periodically. An
unbalanced tire and wheel assembly may result in
irregular tire wear.
2004 Mustang(mus)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
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Tire rotation
Rotating your tires at the recommended interval (as
indicated in the Service Maintenance Guide that
comes with your vehicle) will help your tires wear
more evenly providing better tire performance and
longer tire life. Unless otherwise specified, rotate the
tires approximately every 8,000 km (5,000 miles).
•Front Wheel Drive
(FWD) vehicles
(front tires at top of
diagram)
•Rear Wheel Drive
(RWD) vehicles/Four
Wheel Drive (4WD)
vehicles (front tires
at top of diagram)
Sometimes irregular tire wear can be corrected by
rotating the tires.
2004 Mustang(mus)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
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Note:If your tires show uneven wear ask a qualified
technician at a reputable repair facility to check for
and correct any wheel misalignment, tire imbalance
or mechanical problem involved before tire rotation.
Tire wear
Measure and inspect the tire tread on all your tires
periodically. Advanced and unusual tire wear can
reduce the ability of tread to grip the road in
adverse (wet, snowy, etc.) conditions. Visually check
your tires for uneven wear, looking for high and low
areas or unusually smooth areas. Also check for
signs of tire damage.
When the tread is worn
down to 4 mm (1/16th
of an inch), tires must
be replaced to prevent
your vehicle from
skidding and
hydroplaning. Built-in treadwear indicators, or“wear
bars”, which look like narrow strips of smooth
rubber across the tread will appear on the tire when
the tread is worn down to 4mm (1/16th of an inch).
When you see these“wear bars”, the tire is worn out
and should be replaced.
Inspect your tires frequently for any of the following
conditions and replace them if one or more of the
following conditions exist:
•Fabric showing through the tire rubber
•Bulges in the tread or sidewalls
•Cracks or cuts on the sidewalls
•Cracks in the tread groove
•Impact damage resulting from use
•Separation in the tread
•Separation in the sidewall
•Severe abrasion on the sidewall
If your vehicle has a leak in the exhaust system, a
road tire or the spare tire may be exposed to hot
exhaust temperatures requiring the tire to be
replaced.
2004 Mustang(mus)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
212

Safety practices
Driving habits have a great deal to do with your tire
mileage and safety.
•Observe posted speed limits
•Avoid fast starts, stops and turns
•Avoid potholes and objects on the road
•Do not run over curbs or hit the tire against a
curb when parking
If you vehicle is stuck in snow, mud, sand, etc.,do
notrapidly spin the tires; spinning the tires can tear
the tire and cause an explosion. A tire can explode
in as little as three to five seconds.
Tire explosions can cause death, personal
injury or property damage. Do not allow
anyone to stand near, or directly ahead or behind
the spinning tire.
Never spin the tires in excess of the 55 km/h
(35 mph) point indicated on the speedometer.
Highway hazards
No matter how carefully you drive there’s always the
possibility that you may eventually have a flat tire on
the highway. Drive slowly to the closest safe area
out of traffic. This may further damage the flat tire,
but your safety is more important.
If you feel a sudden vibration or ride disturbance
while driving or you suspect your tire or vehicle has
been damaged, immediately reduce your speed.
Drive with caution until you can safely pull off the
road. Stop and inspect the tire for damage. If the
tire is under-inflated or damaged, deflate it, remove
wheel and replace it with your spare tire and wheel.
If you cannot detect a cause, have the vehicle towed
to the nearest repair facility or tire dealer to have
the vehicle inspected.
2004 Mustang(mus)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
213

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.
•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.
2004 Mustang(mus)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
214

Speed control ............ 46
Starting your
vehicle ........ 99–100, 103jump starting ........ 136
Steering wheel tilting ....................... 44
T
Tilt steering wheel .... 44
Tires ................. 200–201 changing 130–132, 135
snow tires and
chains .................... 214
tire grades ............. 201
treadwear .............. 201
Towing ..................... 120 recreational
towing .................... 120
trailer towing ........ 120
wrecker .................. 141
Traction control ...... 107
Traction-lok rear
axle .......................... 108
Transmission automatic
operation ............... 108
brake-shift interlock
(BSI) ...................... 108
fluid, checking
and adding
(automatic) ........... 196
fluid, checking and
adding (manual) ... 199 fluid, refill
capacities ............... 215
lubricant
specifications. 218, 221
manual operation .. 114
Trunk ......................... 54 remote release .. 50, 57
Turn signal ................ 38
V
Vehicle dimensions . 221
Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN) ......... 222
Vehicle loading ........ 117
Ventilating your
vehicle ...................... 104
W
Warning lights
(see Lights) ............... 10
Washer fluid ............ 167
Water, Driving
through .................... 116
Windows power ....................... 45
Windshield washer
fluid and wipers ........ 43 checking and
adding fluid ........... 167
replacing wiper
blades ...................... 43
Wrecker towing ....... 141
2004 Mustang (mus)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Index
233