2008 FORD MUSTANG tires

The Traction Control™ system will allow your vehicle to make better use
of available traction on slippery surfaces while you are trying to
accelerate or while your foot is on the accelerator pedal. The system is a
driver aid which makes your vehicle easier to handle primarily on snow
and ice covered roads.
During Traction Control™ operation,
the traction control active light will
illuminate. If your vehicle is
equipped with a message center, a
message will display during Traction
Control™ operation. You may hear
an electric motor type of sound coming from the engine compartment
and the engine will not “rev-up” when you push further on the
accelerator. This is normal system behavior and should be no reason for
concern.
The Traction Control™ switch,
located above the radio, illuminates
when the system is off. The Traction
Control™ system will automatically
turn on every time the ignition is
turned OFF and ON.
If you should become stuck in snow
or ice or on a very slippery road
surface, try switching the Traction
Control™ system off. This may allow excess wheel spin to “dig” the
vehicle out and enable a successful “rocking” maneuver.
The traction control on/off status is shown by an indicator lamp on the
traction control switch. If the system is off, the indicator will be
illuminated. If a system fault is detected, the traction control active light
will illuminate, the Traction Control™ button will also illuminate and will
not turn the system on or off and your vehicle should be serviced by an
authorized dealer.
Aggressive driving in any road conditions can cause you to lose
control of your vehicle increasing the risk of severe personal
injury or property damage. The occurrence of a Traction Control™
event is an indication that at least some of the tires have exceeded
their ability to grip the road; this may lead to an increased risk of loss
of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. If you
experience a severe road event, SLOW DOWN.
2008 05+ Mustang(197)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
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STEERING
To help prevent damage to the power steering system:
•Never hold the steering wheel at its furthest turning points (until it
stops) for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.
•Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering fluid level
(below the MIN mark on the reservoir).
•Some noise is normal during operation. If the noise is excessive, check
for a low power steering fluid level before seeking service by your
authorized dealer.
•Heavy or uneven steering efforts may be caused by a low power
steering fluid level. Check for a low power steering fluid level before
seeking service by your authorized dealer.
•Do not fill the power steering fluid reservoir above the MAX mark on
the reservoir.
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•an improperly inflated tire
•uneven tire wear
•loose or worn suspension components
•loose or worn steering components
•improper steering alignment
A high crown in the road or high crosswinds may also make the steering
seem to wander/pull.
TRACTION-LOK™ AXLE (IF EQUIPPED)
This axle provides added traction on slippery surfaces, particularly when
one wheel is on a poor traction surface. Under normal conditions, the
Traction-Lok™ axle functions like a standard rear axle.
Extended use of other than the manufacturer’s specified size tires on a
Traction-Lok™ rear axle could result in a permanent reduction in
effectiveness. This loss of effectiveness does not affect normal driving
and should not be noticeable to the driver.
2008 05+ Mustang(197)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
178

Do not rock the vehicle for more than a minute or damage to the
transmission and tires may occur, or the engine may overheat.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)
Using the clutch
The manual transmission has a starter interlock that prevents cranking
the engine unless the clutch pedal is fully depressed.
To start the vehicle:
1. Make sure the parking brake is fully set.
2. Press the clutch pedal to the floor, then put the gearshift lever in the
neutral position.
3. Start the engine.
4. Press the brake pedal and move the gearshift lever to the desired
gear; 1 (First) or R (Reverse).
5. Release the parking brake, then slowly release the clutch pedal while
slowly pressing on the accelerator.
During each shift, the clutch pedal must be fully depressed to the floor.
Make sure the floor mat is properly positioned so it doesn’t interfere with
the full extension of the clutch pedal.
Failure to fully depress the clutch pedal to the floor may cause
increased shift efforts, prematurely wear transmission
components or damage the transmission.
Do not drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal or use the
clutch pedal to hold your vehicle at a standstill while waiting on a
hill. These actions will reduce the life of the clutch.
135
24
R
2008 05+ Mustang(197)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
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Note:The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) indicator light will
illuminate when the spare is in use. To restore the full functionality of
the TPMS system, all road wheels equipped with the tire pressure
monitoring sensors must be mounted on the vehicle.
Have a flat tire serviced by an authorized dealer in order to prevent
damage to the TPMS sensor, refer toTire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS)in theTires, Wheels, and Loadingchapter. Replace the spare
tire with a road tire as soon as possible. During repairing or replacing of
the flat tire, have the authorized dealer inspect the TPMS sensor for
damage.
The use of tire sealants may damage your Tire Pressure
Monitoring System and should only be used if it is supplied with
your vehicle as part of the original temporary mobility kit.
Refer toTire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)in theTire,
Wheels and Loadingchapter for important information. If the
tire pressure monitor sensor becomes damaged, it will no longer
function.
Dissimilar spare tire/wheel information
Failure to follow these guidelines could result in an increased
risk of loss of vehicle control, injury or death.
If you have a dissimilar spare tire/wheel, then it is intended for
temporary use only. This means that if you need to use it, you should
replace it as soon as possible with a road tire/wheel that is the same size
and type as 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.
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
and can be one of three types:
1.T-type mini-spare:This spare tire begins with the letter “T” for tire
size and may have “Temporary Use Only” molded in the sidewall
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”
2008 05+ Mustang(197)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
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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
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
•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)
2008 05+ Mustang(197)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
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•Do notdrive farther than 120 miles (193 km). Drive only to the
closest authorized dealer or tire dealer.
•Drive carefully and avoid abrupt steering maneuvers.
•Periodically monitor tire inflation pressure in the affected tire; if the
tire is losing pressure, have the vehicle towed.
•Read the information in theTips for use of the temporary mobility
kitsection to ensure safe operation of the temporary mobility kit and
your vehicle.
Tips for use of the temporary mobility kit
Read the following list of tips to ensure safe operation of the temporary
mobility kit:
•Before operating the temporary mobility kit, make sure your vehicle is
safely off the road and away from moving traffic.
•Always set the parking brake to ensure the vehicle doesn’t move
unexpectedly.
•Do not remove any foreign objects, such as nails or screws, from the
tire.
•When using the temporary mobility kit, leave the engine running
(only if the vehicle is outdoors or in a well-ventilated area)so
the compressor doesn’t drain the vehicle’s battery.
•Do not allow the compressor to operate continuously for more than
10 minutes; this will help prevent the compressor from overheating.
•Never leave the temporary mobility kit unattended when it is
operating.
•Keep the temporary mobility kit away from children.
•Only use the temporary mobility kit when the ambient temperature is
above –20°F (-29°C).
•Only use the temporary mobility kit for sealing/inflating the tires on
your vehicle. Do not use the kit for inflating tires on motorcycles,
bicycles or any other type of tire.
•Only use the sealing compound before the expiration date. The
expiration date is labeled on the unit.
•Do not store the temporary mobility kit inside the passenger
compartment of the vehicle as it may cause injury during a sudden
stop or collision. Store the kit in its proper location.
2008 05+ Mustang(197)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
202

Driving style — good driving and fuel economy habits
Give consideration to the lists that follow and you may be able to change
a number of variables and improve your fuel economy.
Habits
•Smooth, moderate operation can yield up to 10% savings in fuel.
•Steady speeds without stopping will usually give the best fuel
economy.
•Idling for long periods of time (greater than one minute) may waste
fuel.
•Anticipate stopping; slowing down may eliminate the need to stop.
•Sudden or hard accelerations may reduce fuel economy.
•Slow down gradually.
•Driving at reasonable speeds (traveling at 55 mph [88 km/h] uses
15% less fuel than traveling at 65 mph [105 km/h]).
•Revving the engine before turning it off may reduce fuel economy.
•Using the air conditioner or defroster may reduce fuel economy.
•You may want to turn off the speed control in hilly terrain if
unnecessary shifting between the top gears occurs. Unnecessary
shifting of this type could result in reduced fuel economy.
•Warming up a vehicle on cold mornings is not required and may
reduce fuel economy.
•Resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving may reduce fuel
economy.
•Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go driving.
Maintenance
•Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
•Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of alignment will reduce fuel
economy.
•Use recommended engine oil. Refer toMaintenance product
specifications and capacitiesin this chapter.
•Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found inscheduled maintenance information.
Conditions
•Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
2008 05+ Mustang(197)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
257

locking/unlocking doors ...........84
opening the trunk .....................85
panic alarm ...............................84
replacement/additional
transmitters ...............................86
replacing the batteries .............85
Roadside assistance ..................186
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ..........110
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ..................100, 104–108
Safety Canopy ...........................123
Safety defects, reporting ..222–223
Safety restraints ........100, 104–109
Belt-Minder...........................111
extension assembly ................109
for adults .........................105–108
for children .............................126
Occupant Classification
Sensor ......................................102
safety belt maintenance .........110
warning light and chime ........110
Safety seats for children ..........130
Safety Compliance
Certification Label ....................271
Satellite Radio Information ........38
Seats ............................................94
child safety seats ....................130
front seats .................................95
heated ........................................98
SecuriLock passive anti-theft
system ..........................................88
Servicing your vehicle ..............232
Setting the clock
AM/FM/CD .................................24
AM/FM/In-dash 6 CD ................30Spark plugs,
specifications .....................266, 270
Specification chart,
lubricants ...................................267
Speed control ..............................64
Starting your
vehicle ........................169–170, 172
jump starting ..........................210
Steering wheel
tilting .........................................58
T
Tilt steering wheel ......................58
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS)
Tires, Wheels and Loading ....155
Tires ...................................140–141
alignment ................................148
care ..........................................144
changing ..................................198
checking the pressure ............144
inflating ...................................142
label .........................................154
replacing ..................................146
rotating ....................................148
safety practices .......................147
sidewall information ...............150
snow tires and chains ............160
spare tire .................................196
terminology .............................141
tire grades ...............................141
treadwear ........................140, 145
Towing .......................................166
recreational towing .................168
trailer towing ..........................166
wrecker ....................................215
Traction control ........................176
Traction-lok rear axle ...............178
2008 05+ Mustang(197)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
279