Page 195 of 280

called for. Avoid abrupt steering, acceleration or braking which could
result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover
and/or personal injury. Use all available road surface to return the
vehicle to a safe direction of travel.
•In the event of an emergency stop, avoid skidding the tires and do not
attempt any sharp steering wheel movements.
•If the vehicle goes from one type of surface to another (i.e., from
concrete to gravel) there will be a change in the way the vehicle
responds to a maneuver (steering, acceleration or braking). Again,
avoid these abrupt inputs.
AWD Systems (if equipped)
AWD uses all four wheels to power the vehicle. This increases traction,
enabling you to drive over terrain and road conditions that a
conventional two-wheel drive vehicle cannot.
Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all four wheels on the most solid
area of the trail. Avoid reducing the tire pressures but shift to a lower
gear and drive steadily through the terrain. Apply the accelerator slowly
and avoid spinning the wheels.
If your vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission:When
driving at slow speeds in deep sand under high outside temperatures,
use L (Low) gear when possible. L (Low) gear operation will maximize
the engine and transmission cooling capability.
Under severe operating conditions, the A/C may cycle on and off to
protect overheating of the engine.
Avoid excessive speed because vehicle momentum can work against you
and cause the vehicle to become stuck to the point that assistance may
be required from another vehicle. Remember, you may be able to back
out the way you came if you proceed with caution.
Mud and water
If you must drive through high water, drive slowly. Traction or brake
capability may be limited.
When driving through water, determine the depth; avoid water higher
than the bottom of the wheel rims (for cars) or the bottom of the hubs
(for trucks) (if possible) and proceed slowly. If the ignition system gets
wet, the vehicle may stall.
Once through water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop the
vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by moving
your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
2008 MKZ(378)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
195
Page 208 of 280

CHANGING THE TIRES
If you get a flat tire while driving, do not apply the brake heavily.
Instead, gradually decrease your speed. Hold the steering wheel firmly
and slowly move to a safe place on the side of the road.
Note:The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) indicator light will
illuminate when the spare tire is in use. To restore the full functionality
of the monitoring system, all road wheels equipped with tire pressure
monitoring sensors must be mounted on the vehicle.
Have a flat serviced by an authorized dealer in order to prevent damage
to the TPMS sensors, refer toTire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS)in theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter. Replace the spare
tire with a road tire as soon as possible.
The use of tire sealants may damage your Tire Pressure
Monitoring System and should not be used.
Refer toTire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)in theTires,
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 MKZ(378)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
208
Page 279 of 280

Relays ........................................201
Remote entry system ...........88–89
illuminated entry ................92, 94
locking/unlocking doors ...........89
opening the trunk .....................90
opening the windows ...............89
panic alarm ...............................90
replacement/additional
transmitters ...............................92
replacing the batteries .............91
Reverse sensing system ...........191
Roadside assistance ..................199
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ..........119
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ..................111, 115–119
Safety Canopy ...........................134
Safety defects, reporting ..226–227
Safety restraints ........111, 115–119
Belt-Minder...........................120
extension assembly ................119
for adults .........................116–118
for children .....................140–141
Occupant Classification
Sensor ......................................113
safety belt maintenance .........119
warning light and chime ........120
Safety seats for children ..........144
Safety Compliance
Certification Label ....................271
Satellite Radio Information ........26
Seats ..........................................102
child safety seats ....................144
climate control ........................108
front seats .......................102, 106
heated ........................................31memory seat .....................90, 106
SecuriLock passive anti-theft
system ..........................................96
Servicing your vehicle ..............235
Side air curtain .........................137
Spark plugs, specifications ......267,
270
Specification chart,
lubricants ...................................268
Speed control ..............................60
Starting your vehicle ........179–181
jump starting ..........................214
Steering wheel
controls ......................................62
tilting .........................................53
T
Tilt steering wheel ......................53
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS)
Tires, Wheels and Loading ....167
Tires ...........................152–153, 208
alignment ................................160
care ..........................................156
changing ..................................208
checking the pressure ............156
inflating ...................................154
label .........................................166
replacing ..................................158
rotating ....................................160
safety practices .......................159
sidewall information ...............161
snow tires and chains ............172
spare tire .................................208
terminology .............................153
tire grades ...............................153
treadwear ........................152, 157
2008 MKZ(378)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
279