Page 197 of 224
Note:If you have to drive a distance to get air for your tire(s), check
and record the tire pressure first 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 and measure the pressure.
3. Add enough 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. Check the tire label on the B pillar or the edge of the driver’s door
for the recommended spare tire pressure.
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 or bulges.
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 cause damage to your tires. If your
vehicle seems to pull to one side when you’re driving, the wheels may be
out of alignment. Have a qualified technician at a Ford or
Lincoln/Mercury dealer 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 Ford or Lincoln/Mercury dealer. Front wheel drive (FWD) vehicles
and those with an independent rear 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.
Tire rotation
Rotating your tires at the recommended interval (as indicated in the
Scheduled Maintenance Guidethat 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 5,000 miles (8,000 km).
2005 Focus(foc)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
197
Page 199 of 224
Note:If your tires show uneven wear ask a qualified technician at a
Ford or Lincoln/Mercury dealership to check for and correct any wheel
misalignment, tire imbalance or mechanical problem involved before tire
rotation.
Note:Your vehicle may be equipped with a dissimilar spare tire/wheel. A
dissimilar spare tire/wheel is defined as a spare tire and/or wheel that is
different in brand, size or appearance from the road tires and wheels. If
you have a dissimilar spare tire/wheel it is intended for temporary use
only and should not be used in a tire rotation.
Note:After having your tires rotated, inflation pressure must be checked
and adjusted to the vehicle requirements.
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
1/16th of an inch (2 mm), 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 1/16th of an inch (2 mm). 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
2005 Focus(foc)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
199
Page 219 of 224
Spare tire
(see Changing the Tire) ...........134
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................202, 206
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................205–206
Speed control ..............................45
Starting your vehicle .......103–104,
106
jump starting ..........................139
Steering wheel
tilting .........................................41
Sunroof (moonroof) ...................48
T
Temperature control
(see Climate control) .................26
Tilt steering wheel ......................41
Tires ...................................188–190
alignment ................................197
care ..........................................195
changing ..........................134, 136
checking the pressure ............195
label .........................................195
replacing ..................................200
rotating ....................................197
safety practices .......................200
sidewall information ...............191
snow tires and chains ............201
spare tire .................................135
terminology .............................190
tire grades ...............................189
treadwear ........................189, 199
Towing .......................................121
recreational towing .................124
trailer towing ..........................121
wrecker ....................................146
Traction control ........................108Transaxle
lubricant specifications ..........206
Transmission
automatic operation ...............110
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....110
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................186
fluid, checking and adding
(manual) .................................188
fluid, refill capacities ..............203
lubricant specifications ..........205
manual operation ....................113
Trunk ...........................................54
remote release ..........................57
Turn signal ..................................32
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................206
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................210
Vehicle loading ..........................115
Ventilating your vehicle ...........106
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......10
Washer fluid ..............................165
Water, Driving through .............115
Windows
power .........................................44
rear wiper/washer .....................40
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers
checking and adding fluid .....165
operation ...................................40
replacing wiper blades .............41
Wrecker towing .........................146
2005 Focus(foc)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
219