2011 FORD FLEX tires

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”
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
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Note: When the sealing compound is first added into the tire, the
air pressure gauge reading on the compressor unit may indicate a
higher value; this is normal and should be no reason for concern.
The pressure will drop after about 30 seconds of operation. The
tire pressure has to be checked with the compressor in the OFF
position to get the correct tire pressure reading.
WARNING:Do not stand directly over the temporary mobility
kit while inflating the tire. If you notice any unusual bulges or
deformations in the tire’s sidewall during inflation, stop and call
roadside assistance.
WARNING:If the tire doesn’t inflate to the recommended tire
pressure within 15 minutes, stop and call roadside assistance.
9. When the recommended tire pressure is reached, turn off the kit by
pressing the on/off button; disconnect the kit from the tire valve and the
power point. Re-install the valve cap on the tire valve, place the tube cap
on the metal connector, and return the kit to the stowage area.
10.Immediately and cautiously, drive the vehicle 4 miles (6 km)
to distribute the sealant evenly inside the tire. Do not exceed
50 mph (80 km/h).
Note:If you experience any unusual vibration, ride disturbance or
noise while driving, reduce your speed until you can safely pull off to
the side of the road to call for roadside assistance.Do not proceed
to the second stage of this operation.
11. After 4 miles (6 km), stop and check the tire pressure. SeeSecond
stage: Checking tire pressure.
Second stage: Checking tire pressure
Check the air pressure of your tires as follows:
1. Remove the valve cap from the tire valve.
2. Unhook the black hose from the side of the compressor and fasten
firmly on the valve stem by turning clockwise.
WARNING:If you are proceeding from theFirst stage:
Reinflating the tire with sealing compound and airsection
and have injected sealant in the tire and the pressure is below 20 psi
(1.4 bar),stop and call roadside assistance.If tire pressure is
above 20 psi (1.4 bar), continue to the next step.
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•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.
•Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
1 mpg [0.4 km/L] is lost for every 400 lb [180 kg] of weight carried).
•Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example bug
deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski racks) may reduce
fuel economy.
•Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
•Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
8–10 miles (12–16 km) of driving.
•Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to
driving on hilly terrain.
•Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure on the gas pedal.
•Close windows for high speed driving.
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•Cover interior trim to prevent fading.
•Keep all rubber parts free from oil and solvents.
Engine
•The engine oil and filter should be changed prior to storage, as used
engine oil contain contaminates that may cause engine damage.
•Start the engine every 15 days. Run at fast idle until it reaches normal
operating temperature.
•With your foot on the brake, shift through all the gears while the
engine is running.
Fuel system
•Fill the fuel tank with high-quality fuel until the first automatic shutoff
of the fuel pump nozzle.
Note:During extended periods of vehicle storage (30 days or more),
fuel may deteriorate due to oxidation. Add MotorcraftGas Stabilizer or
equivalent meeting Ford material specification ESE-M99C112-A to the
vehicle fuel system whenever actual or expected storage periods exceed
30 days. Follow the instructions on the additive label. The vehicle should
then be operated at idle speed to circulate the additive throughout the
fuel system.
Cooling system
•Protect against freezing temperatures.
•When removing vehicle from storage, check coolant fluid level.
Confirm there are no cooling system leaks, and fluid is at the
recommended level.
Battery
•Check and recharge as necessary. Keep connections clean.
•If storing your vehicle for more than 30 days without recharging the
battery, it may be advisable to disconnect the battery cables to ensure
battery charge is maintained for quick starting.
Note:If battery cables are disconnected, it will be necessary to reset
memory features.
Brakes
•Make sure brakes and parking brake are fully released.
Tires
•Maintain recommended air pressure.
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Multi-point inspection
In order to keep your vehicle running right, it is important to have the
systems on your vehicle checked regularly. This can help identify
potential issues and prevent major problems. Ford Motor Company
recommends the following multi-point inspection be performed at every
scheduled maintenance interval to help ensure your vehicle keeps
running great.
Maximum oil change interval
❑As indicated by the instrument cluster message center (can be up to one year or 10,000 miles [16,000 km])
Engine coolant change interval
❑6 years or 100,000 miles (160,000 km) - change engine coolant (whichever comes first)❑After initial change - change engine coolant every 3 years or 50,000 miles (80,000 km).
Check every month
❑Check function of all interior and exterior lights❑Check tires for wear and correct air pressure, including spare tire
❑Check windshield washer fluid level
❑Check engine oil level
Check every six months
❑Check lap/shoulder belts and seat latches for wear and function❑Check parking brake for proper operation
❑Check safety warning lamps (brake, ABS, airbag, safety belt) for operation
❑Check cooling system fluid level and coolant strength
❑Check battery connections and clean if necessary
❑Check washer spray, wiper operation and clean all wiper blades (replace as necessary)
❑Check and lubricate all hinges, latches and outside locks. Inspect for correct operation
❑Check and lubricate door rubber weatherstrips. Inspect for excessive wear
❑Check and clean body and door drain holes. Inspect for clogs and obstructions
Scheduled Maintenance Guide
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Be sure to ask your Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealership service advisor
or technician about the multi-point vehicle inspection. It’s a
comprehensive way to perform a thorough inspection of your vehicle. It’s
your checklist that gives you immediate feedback on the overall
condition of your vehicle. You’ll know what’s been checked, what’s okay,
as well as those things that may require future or immediate attention.
The multi-point vehicle inspection is one more way to keep your vehicle
running great!
Mutli-point inspection - Recommended at every visit
❑Check and top-up fluid levels: brake, coolant recovery reservoir, manual and automatic transmission (if equipped with an
underhood dipstick), power steering (if equipped) and window washer
❑Inspect tires for wear and check air pressure, including spare.
❑Check exhaust system for leaks, damage, loose parts and foreign material.
❑Check battery performance.
❑Check operation of horn, exterior lamps, turn signals and hazard warning lights.
❑Check radiator, coolers, heater and air conditioning hoses.
❑Inspect windshield washer spray and wiper operation.
❑Check windshield for cracks, chips and pitting.
❑Inspect for oil and fluid leaks.
❑Inspect engine air filter.
❑Inspect half shaft dust boots, if equipped.
❑Check shocks and struts and other suspension components for leaks and damage.
❑Inspect steering and linkage.
❑Inspect accessory drive belt(s).
❑Inspect clutch operation, if equipped.
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Oil Change Service Interval* 1 2 345678910
Change engine oil and filter• •••••••••
Rotate tires, inspect tire wear and measure tread
depth• •••••••••
Inspect wheels and related components for abnormal
noise, wear, looseness or drag• •••••••••
Perform multi-point inspection (recommended)• •••••••••
Inspect automatic transmission fluid level (if
equipped with a dipstick); consult dealer for
requirements• •••••••••
Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, brake
linings, hoses and parking brake• •••••••••
Inspect engine cooling system for strength, and
hoses• •••••••••
Inspect exhaust system and heat shields• •••••••••
Inspect half-shaft boots (if equipped)• •••••••••
Inspect steering linkage, ball joints, suspension,
tie-rod ends, driveshaft and U-joints; lubricate if
equipped with grease fittings• •••••••••
Inspect cabin air filter (if equipped)• ••••
*Oil change service intervals should be completed as indicated by the instrument cluster message center
Reset your Intelligent Oil Life Monitor™ after each engine oil and filter change; refer to theInstrument Clusterchapter
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Oil Change Service Interval* 11 12 13 14 15
Change engine oil and filter•••••
Rotate tires, inspect tire wear and measure tread depth•••••
Inspect wheels and related components for abnormal noise, wear,
looseness or drag•••••
Perform multi-point inspection (recommended)•••••
Inspect automatic transmission fluid level (if equipped with a
dipstick); consult dealer for requirements•••••
Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, brake linings, hoses and
parking brake•••••
Inspect engine cooling system for strength, and hoses•••••
Inspect exhaust system and heat shields•••••
Inspect half-shaft boots (if equipped)•••••
Inspect steering linkage, ball joints, suspension, tie-rod ends,
driveshaft and U-joints; lubricate if equipped with grease fittings•••••
Inspect cabin air filter (if equipped)•••
*Oil change service intervals should be completed as indicated by the instrument cluster message center
Reset your Intelligent Oil Life Monitor™ after each engine oil and filter change; refer to theInstrument Clusterchapter
Scheduled Maintenance Guide
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