
any tire is under-inflated, carefully drive the vehicle to the nearest
location where air can be added to the tires. Inflate all the tires to the
recommended inflation pressure.
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 chains, it is recommended that steel
wheels (of the same size and specifications) be used, as chains may chip
aluminum wheels.
Note: Do not place chains on the following tires sizes: P265/60R18,
P275/65R18, LT275/65R18, P275/55R20, and P275/45R22.
Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and chains:
•Use only SAE Class S chains.
•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.
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
Tire Label or 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.
2007 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
188

Driving on snow and ice
4WD vehicles have advantages over 2WD vehicles in snow and ice but
can skid like any other vehicle.
Should you start to slide while driving on snowy or icy roads, turn the
steering wheel in the direction of the slide until you regain control.
Avoid sudden applications of power and quick changes of direction on
snow and ice. Apply the accelerator slowly and steadily when starting
from a full stop.
Avoid sudden braking as well. Although a 4WD vehicle may accelerate
better than a two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, it won’t stop any
faster, because as in other vehicles, braking occurs at all four wheels. Do
not become overconfident as to road conditions.
Make sure you allow sufficient distance between you and other vehicles
for stopping. Drive slower than usual and consider using one of the lower
gears. In emergency stopping situations, apply the brake steadily. Do not
“pump” the brakes. Refer to theBrakessection of this chapter for
additional information on the operation of the Anti-lock Brake System
(ABS).
Never drive with chains on the front tires of 4WD vehicles without also
putting them on the rear tires. This could cause the rear to slide and
swing around during braking.
Maintenance and Modifications
The suspension and steering systems on your vehicle have been designed
and tested to provide predictable performance whether loaded or empty
and durable load carrying capability. For this reason, Ford Motor
Company strongly recommends that you do not make modifications such
as adding or removing parts (such as lift kits or stabilizer bars) or by
using replacement parts not equivalent to the original factory equipment.
Any modifications to a vehicle that raise the center of gravity can make
it more likely the vehicle will roll over as a result of a loss of control.
Ford Motor Company recommends that caution be used with any vehicle
equipped with a high load or device (such as ladder racks or pickup box
cover).
Failure to maintain your vehicle properly may void the warranty, increase
your repair cost, reduce vehicle performance and operational capabilities
and adversely affect driver and passenger safety. Frequent inspection of
vehicle chassis components is recommended if the vehicle is subjected to
heavy off-road usage.
2007 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
237

2.Full-size dissimilar spare with label on wheel:This spare tire has
a label on the wheel that states: “THIS TIRE AND WHEEL FOR
TEMPORARY USE ONLY”
When driving with one of the dissimilar spare tires listed above,do not:
•Exceed 50 mph (80 km/h)
•Load the vehicle beyond maximum vehicle load rating listed on the
Safety Compliance Label
•Tow a trailer
•Use snow chains on the end of the vehicle with the dissimilar spare
tire
•Use more than one dissimilar spare tire at a time
•Use commercial car washing equipment
•Try to repair the dissimilar spare tire
Use of one of the dissimilar spare tires listed above at any one wheel
location 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
For vehicles equipped with 4WD, it is not recommended that the vehicle
be operated in 4WD modes with a temporary emergency spare tire. If
4WD operation is necessary, do not operate above speeds of 10 mph (16
km/h) or for distances above 50 miles (80 km).
3.Full-size dissimilar spare without label on wheel
When driving with the full-size 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 full-size dissimilar spare tire/wheel can lead to
impairment of the following:
•Handling, stability and braking performance
2007 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
253

Spark plugs,
specifications .....................322, 328
Special notice
ambulance conversions ..............8
four-wheel drive vehicles .......240
utility-type vehicles ....................8
Specification chart,
lubricants ...................................324
Speed control ..............................79
Starting a flex fuel vehicle .......211
Starting your
vehicle ........................208–209, 211
jump starting ..........................259
Steering wheel
controls ......................................81
tilting .........................................68
T
Tailgate ........................................98
Temperature control
(see Climate control) .................48
Tilt steering wheel ......................68
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS)
Tires, Wheels and Loading ....184
Tires ...........................169–170, 252
alignment ................................177
care ..........................................173
changing ..........................252, 255
checking the pressure ............173
inflating ...................................171
label .........................................183
replacing ..................................175
rotating ....................................177
safety practices .......................176
sidewall information ...............178
snow tires and chains ............188
spare tire .................................252terminology .............................171
tire grades ...............................170
treadwear ........................170, 174
Towing .......................................194
recreational towing .................206
trailer towing ..........................194
Traction control ........................215
Traction-lok rear axle ...............216
Transfer case
fluid checking .........................319
Transmission .............................217
brake-shift interlock
(BSI) ................................217–218
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................316
fluid, checking and adding
(manual) .................................318
fluid, refill capacities ..............324
lubricant specifications ..........324
manual operation ....................223
Turn signal ..................................61
V
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................330
Vehicle loading ..........................188
Ventilating your vehicle ...........212
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......12
Washer fluid ..............................288
Water, Driving through .............238
Windows
power .........................................74
power down back window .......75
2007 F-150(f12)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
339