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SNOW TIRES AND CHAINS
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. If you need to use snow tires and chains, it is
recommended that steel wheels are used of the same size and
specifications as those originally installed.
Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and chains:
•Use only cable type chains. SAE class “S” or other conventional link
type chains may cause damage to the vehicle’s wheel house and/or
body.
•Install cable chains securely, verifying that the cables do not touch any
wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
•Drive cautiously. If you hear the cables rub or bang against your
vehicle, stop and re-tighten the cables. If this does not work, remove
the cables to prevent damage to your vehicle.
•If possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle.
•Remove the tire cables when they are no longer needed. Do not use
tire cables 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 cables.
•Do not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h) with tire cables on your vehicle.
VEHICLE LOADING – WITH AND WITHOUT A TRAILER
This section will guide you in the proper loading of your vehicle and/or
trailer, to keep your loaded vehicle weight within its design rating
capability, with or without a trailer. Properly loading your vehicle will
provide maximum return of vehicle design performance. Before loading
your vehicle, familiarize yourself with the following terms for determining
your vehicle’s weight ratings, with or without a trailer, from the vehicle’s
Safety Compliance Certification Label:
Base Curb Weight– is the weight of the vehicle including a full tank of
fuel and all standard equipment. It does not include passengers, cargo, or
optional equipment.
Vehicle Curb Weight– is the weight of your new vehicle when you
picked it up from your dealer plus any aftermarket equipment.
2006 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
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the road tires and wheels that were originally provided by Ford. If the
dissimilar spare tire or wheel is damaged, it should be replaced rather
than repaired.
When driving with the dissimilar spare tire/wheel,do not:
•Exceed 70 mph (113 km/h)
•Use more than one dissimilar spare tire/wheel at a time
•Use commercial car washing equipment
•Use snow chains on the end of the vehicle with the dissimilar spare
tire/wheel
The usage of a dissimilar spare tire/wheel can lead to impairment of the
following:
•Handling, stability and braking performance
•Comfort and noise
•Ground clearance and parking at curbs
•Winter weather driving capability
•Wet weather driving capability
•All-Wheel driving capability (if applicable)
•Load leveling adjustment (if applicable)
When driving with the dissimilar spare tire/wheel additional caution
should be given to:
•Towing a trailer
•Driving vehicles equipped with a camper body
•Driving vehicles with a load on the cargo rack
Drive cautiously when using a dissimilar spare tire/wheel and seek
service as soon as possible.
Tire change procedure
1. Park on a level surface, activate hazard flashers and set parking brake.
When one of the front wheels is off the ground, the transaxle
alone will not prevent the vehicle from moving or slipping off the
jack, even if the vehicle is in P (Park).
2006 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
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Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ........................80, 84–88
Safety defects, reporting ..........182
Safety restraints ..............80, 84–88
belt minder ...............................90
extension assembly ..................94
for adults .............................85–87
for children .....................104–105
lap belt ......................................89
Occupant Classification
Sensor ........................................82
safety belt maintenance ...........94
warning light and chime ....89–90
Safety seats for children ..........107
Safety Compliance
Certification Label ....................222
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) ...............80
Seats ............................................77
child safety seats ....................107
front seats .................................78
Servicing your vehicle ..............189
Setting the clock
AM/FM/Cassette ........................15
AM/FM/CD .................................18
Spare tire
(see Changing the Tire) ...........162
Spark plugs,
specifications .............217, 220–221
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................219–220
Speed control ..............................45
Starting a flex fuel vehicle .......143
Starting your
vehicle ........................140–141, 143
jump starting ..........................168Steering wheel
tilting .........................................41
T
Tilt steering wheel ......................41
Tires ...........................116–117, 162
alignment ................................128
care ..........................................126
changing ..........................162, 164
checking the pressure ............119
inspecting and inflating .........118
label .........................................126
replacing ..................................121
rotating ....................................128
safety practices .......................127
sidewall information ...............121
snow tires and chains ............130
spare tire .................................163
terminology .............................117
tire grades ...............................117
treadwear ........................116, 126
Towing .......................................136
recreational towing .................139
trailer towing ..........................136
wrecker ....................................173
Traction control ........................147
Transaxle
fluid, refill capacities ..............218
lubricant specifications ..........220
Transmission .............................148
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....148
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................215
lubricant specifications ..........219
Trunk .....................................62, 64
remote release ....................62, 67
Turn signal ..................................32
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................221
2006 Taurus(tau)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
231