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on the tire sidewall). Additionally, if your vehicle was originally equipped
with run-flat tires, replacing them with tires that are not identical to
those originally fitted may cause malfunction of the TPMS, and is not
recommended. Run-flat tires should not be used to replace regular tires.
Always check your TPMS indicator immediately after replacing one or
more tires on your vehicle. If the TPMS indicator is flashing, your TPMS
is malfunctioning. Your replacement tire might be incompatible with your
TPMS, or some component of the TPMS may be damaged.
Safety practices
Driving habits have a great deal to do with your tire mileage and safety.
²Observe posted speed limits
²Avoid fast starts, stops and turns
²Avoid potholes and objects on the road
²Do not run over curbs or hit the tire against a curb when parking
If your 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.
Never spin the tires in excess of the 35 mph (55 km/h) 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 tires for damage. If a 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.
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
Tires, Wheels and Loading
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Page 235 of 328

ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
Getting roadside assistance
To fully assist you should you have a vehicle concern, Ford Motor
Company offers a complimentary roadside assistance program. This
program is separate from the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. The service
is available:
²24±hours, seven days a week
²for the New Vehicle Limited Warranty period of three years or 36,000
miles (60,000 km), whichever occurs first on Ford and Mercury
vehicles, and four years or 50,000 miles (80,000 km) on Lincoln
vehicles.
Roadside assistance will cover:
²a flat tire change with a good spare (except Ford GT which has a tire
inflation kit)
²battery jump start
²
lock-out assistance (key replacement cost is the customer's responsibility)
²fuel delivery ± Independent Service Contractors, if not prohibited by
state, local or municipal law shall deliver up to 2.0 gallons (7.5L) of
gasoline or 5 gallons (18.9L) of diesel fuel to a disabled vehicle.
²winch out ± available within 100 feet (30.5 meters) of a paved or
county maintained road, no recoveries.
²towing ± Ford/Mercury/Lincoln eligible vehicle towed to a
Ford/Mercury/Lincoln dealer within 35 miles (56.3 km) of the
disablement location or to the Nearest Qualified Ford/Mercury/Lincoln
dealer. If a member requests to be towed to a Ford/Mercury/Lincoln
dealer more than 35 miles (56.3 km) from the disablement location,
the member shall be responsible for any mileage costs in excess of 35
miles (56.3 km).
Trailers shall be covered up to $100 if the disabled eligible vehicle
requires service at the Nearest Qualified Ford/Mercury/Lincoln Dealer. If
the trailer is disabled, but the towing vehicle is operational, the trailer
does not qualify for any roadside services.
Roadside Emergencies
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checking and adding ..............281
dipstick ....................................281
filter, specifications ........284, 307
recommendations ...................284
refill capacities ........................308
specifications ..................310, 313
Exhaust fumes ..........................209
F
Fail safe cooling ........................293
Floor mats ...................................94
Fluid capacities .........................308
Foglamps .....................................42
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles .......226
driving off road .......................227
indicator light .........................226
preparing to drive your
vehicle .....................................216
Fuel ............................................294
calculating fuel
economy ......................71, 82, 299
cap ...........................................296
capacity ...................................308
choosing the right fuel ...........297
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................302
detergent in fuel .....................298
filling your vehicle with
fuel ...........................294, 296, 299
filter, specifications ........294, 307
fuel pump shut-off switch .....237
improving fuel economy ........299
octane rating ...................298, 313
quality ......................................298
running out of fuel .................298
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................294
Fuses ..................................238, 240G
Garage door opener ....................54
Garage Door Opener
(see Homelink wireless
control system) ...........................65
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............296
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................299
Gauges .........................................18
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight
Rating)
calculating ...............................199
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating)
calculating ...............................199
H
Hazard flashers .........................237
Head restraints .........................114
Headlamps
aiming ........................................44
bulb specifications ....................47
daytime running lights .............43
flash to pass ..............................43
high beam .................................43
Heating
heating and air conditioning
system .................................35, 37
Homelink wireless control
system ..........................................65
Hood ..........................................277
I
Ignition ...............................207, 313
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................160
Index
322