2012 FORD F150 tire pressure

•When negotiating low speed obstacles, applying light brake pressure in
conjunction with the throttle will help prevent the vehicle from jerking
and will allow you to negotiate the obstacle in a more controlled
manner. Using 4L will also help with this.
•Use and equip supplemental safety equipment as discussed later in
this chapter.
•Please consult your local off-road group for other helpful tips.
•Off-roading requires a high degree of concentration. Even if your local
law does not prohibit alcohol use while driving off-road, Ford strongly
recommends against drinking if you plan to off-road.
Driving in mud
•Deep mud should be approached with caution especially if you are
driving in an unfamiliar area.
•If possible, test the depth of a mud hole before entering with the
vehicle.
•Keep in mind that obstacles and deep ruts may be hidden beneath the
surface of the mud.
•Proceed in a steady, controlled manner through deep mud while
maintaining momentum.
•If momentum is lost and you feel the vehicle becoming stuck, turning
the steering wheel back and forth (“sawing the wheel”)
14turn in
each direction may give the traction you need to clear the muddy
area.
•In higher speed areas with shallow mud, directional control will be
reduced in the muddy area much like on snow or ice. When
approaching such an area, be sure to slow to a speed which allows you
to maneuver as required by the conditions.
Driving in sand
WARNING:Tires must be returned to normal recommended tire
pressures before driving on pavement or hard surfaces. Failure
to properly maintain your tire pressure could increase the risk of tire
failure, loss of control, vehicle rollover and personal injury.
Driving
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Soft sand and dunes present a very unique driving challenge. Before
going on such a drive, some research is advised regarding proven
techniques and pitfalls inherent in driving in deep sand. Some general
points to consider:
•It is very difficult and in many cases impossible to navigate deep sand
with tire pressures which are appropriate for on-road driving. If you
decide to “air down” your tires, be advised that the tire pressure
monitoring light will illuminate. The tires must be returned to normal
recommended tire pressures before driving on pavement or hard
surfaces.
•Lower tire pressures are more likely to cause a debeading of the tire
during cornering. Avoid sharp or abrupt turns when you have
extremely low tire pressures.
•To help prevent becoming stuck in deep sand, avoid spinning the tires
or making abrupt maneuvers. Proceed in a controlled manner while
maintaining vehicle momentum.
•Avoid stopping or parking on inclines as this makes it more difficult to
resume driving.
Driving in deep snow
•Maintain vehicle momentum.
•Apply the throttle very gently to avoid spinning the tires. Spinning the
tires will potentially dig the vehicle deeper into the snow.
•Drive in a controlled manner, avoiding aggressive steering wheel
movements, and keep braking to a minimum.
•Extremely deep snow may cause the vehicle tohigh centercausing
the vehicle to become stuck. Test the depth of the snow before trying
to drive through it.
Crossing obstacles
•Review the path ahead before attempting to cross any obstacle. It is
best if the obstacle is reviewed from outside the vehicle so that there
is a good understanding of terrain condition both in, front of, and
behind the obstacle.
•Approach obstacles slowly and slowly inch the vehicle over.
•If a large obstacle such as a rock cannot be avoided, choose a path
that places the rock directly under the tire rather than the
undercarriage of the vehicle. This will help prevent damage to the
vehicle.
•Ditches and washouts should be crossed at a 45 degree angle, allowing
each wheel to independently cross the obstacle.
Driving
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•While driving in desert conditions, the midpoint of the day is the most
difficult time to see many of the small ridges and dips due toflat
shadowsfrom the sun being at its highest point. Extreme care should
be taken at these times to not inadvertently run into these obstacles.
•It is highly encouraged that you switch to off-road mode and perform
anAdvanceTrac single pressto ensure improved off-road braking
performance under these conditions. Be sure to disengage the
off-road modeand switch back toAdvanceTrac key-on modebefore
performing any street driving. Please see the Off-road mode section of
this supplement for more details.
After off-road driving
It is important to complete a full vehicle inspection after off-road driving.
Some items to check include:
•Ensure that tires are inflated to proper tire pressure as indicated on
the tire placard.
•Check the wheels and undercarriage for built up mud or debris which
can cause vehicle vibration.
•Ensure that the grille and radiator are clear of any obstructions that
may affect cooling.
•Ensure that the brakes are in proper working order and free of any
mud, stones etc., which can become trapped around the brake rotor,
backing plate and caliper.
•Check that the air filter is clean and dry.
•Inspect for torn or punctured boots on ball joints, half shafts, steering
gears.
•Inspect exhaust system for damage or looseness.
•Inspect undercarriage fasteners. If any are loose or damaged, tighten
or replace ensuring that the proper torque specification is used.
•Inspect the tires for any cuts in the tread or sidewall area. Also
inspect the sidewall for any bulge indicating damage to the tire.
•Inspect the wheels for dents, cracks, or other damage.
Driving
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WASHING YOUR F-150 SVT RAPTOR
Do not drive your vehicle through an automated, commercial car
wash due to the vehicle’s tire width and track. Wash your vehicle
by hand, or by using a touchless commercial wash with no
mechanical tracks on the floor. Do not use a commercial or high
pressure wand on the bed side graphic surface or graphics edges.
Cleaning
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OCTANE RECOMMENDATIONS
Regular unleaded gasoline with a
pump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87 is
recommended. Some stations offer
fuels posted asRegularwith an
octane rating below 87, particularly
in high altitude areas. Fuels with octane levels below 87 are not
recommended. Premium fuel will provide improved performance and is
recommended for severe duty usage such as trailer tow.
Do not be concerned if your engine sometimes knocks lightly. However, if
it knocks heavily under most driving conditions while you are using fuel
with the recommended octane rating, see your authorized dealer to
prevent any engine damage.
WHEELS AND TIRES
TiresLT315/70R17 BSW tires
WheelsSVT-Signature style, 17 in x 8.5 in
aluminum 6-spoke wheels
TIRE ROTATION
Because your vehicle’s tires perform
different jobs, they often wear
differently. To make sure your tires
wear evenly and last longer, have
them rotated.Note:The F-150
Raptor requires tire rotations every
5,000 miles (8,000 km). If you
notice that the tires wear unevenly,
have them checked.
SPARE TIRE AND WHEEL
Your vehicle is equipped with an LT315/70R17 spare tire. The spare
tire/wheel assembly has the same capability as the road tire/wheel
assembly, but is not equipped with a tire pressure monitoring sensor.
87(R+M)/2 METHOD
Maintenance
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IMPORTANT TIRE INFORMATION
Your SVT vehicle is equipped with unique wheels and tires designed to
enhance performance and appearance. To continue providing this
performance, extra care must be taken when operating and maintaining
your vehicle.
TIRES
Your SVT vehicle is equipped with high performance, all-terrain tires that
are designed to optimize handling, steering and braking to provide the
performance you expect in an SVT vehicle. These tires are optimized for
both on and off-road performance, and their ride, noise and wear
characteristics are different than other tires. Also, because of their
aggressive tread profile, it is important that you maintain your tires
properly.
•Always maintain your tire pressures according to the tire information
placard located on the driver’s door B-pillar, using an accurate gauge.
Note:If tire pressure has been reduced for off-road use, the tire
pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light will then activate in
the instrument panel as a reminder to reinflate the tires before
returning to the road.
Remember to be prepared to re-inflate your tires before returning to
the road. If a tire filling station is not available, remember to prepare a
supplemental means to inflate the tires, such as a portable
compressor.
WARNING:Always re-inflate tires to recommended tire
pressures before the vehicle is operated on-road. The
recommended pressure is located on the tire placard label or safety
certification label, located on the B-pillar, inside the driver’s door.
WARNING:Always check tires and wheels for damage before
returning to the road. Off-road use may cause damage to your
tires and wheels that could result in tire failure.
•Tire pressures are specified “cold” and should be checked after the
vehicle has been parked for at least three hours. Do not reduce
pressure of warm tires.
•Check your tire pressure often to maintain it properly. Tire pressure
can diminish over time and fluctuate with temperature.
Tire Information
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•Do not overload your vehicle. Maximum vehicle and axle weights are
listed on the tire information placard.
•Extra caution should be taken when operating the vehicle near its
maximum load, including assuring proper tire pressure and reducing
speeds.
•In the event that you encounter an abnormally harsh impact, inspect
your tires for damage.
•Inspect your tires for damage on a regular basis. If a tire is damaged,
replace it immediately.
•Proper suspension alignment is critical for maximum performance and
optimal tire wear. If you notice uneven tire wear, have your alignment
checked.
•Your SVT vehicle follows a more stringent tire rotation schedule as
compared to the base F-150. Refer toTire rotationin the
Maintenancechapter for more information.
•When replacing tires, the only way to assure original performance is to
use the original equipment tire. If a different tire is used, it should be
the same size, speed rating and load rating.
WHEELS
Your SVT vehicle is equipped with unique wheels matched to the tires.
To avoid damage to your wheels:
•Maintain proper tire pressure (see “Tires” previously listed).
•Due to extreme tire/wheel width, this vehicle cannot be taken through
an automatic car wash that uses mechanical tracks, as wheel damage
may result.
•When installing wheels, always torque lug nuts to specification with a
torque wrench.
•Inspect your wheels for damage on a regular basis. If a wheel is
damaged, replace it immediately.
•In the event that you encounter an abnormally harsh impact, inspect
the outer diameter of your wheels, both inside and out, for damage.
Tire Information
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OPERATING A PERFORMANCE VEHICLE AT HIGHER THAN
NORMAL SPEEDS
Your SVT vehicle is capable of operating at higher than normal off-road
speeds and is equipped with tires rated for the vehicles’ maximum speed.
However, it is important to remember to always drive safely, obey all
traffic laws and only operate your SVT vehicle at higher than normal
speeds at locations and under conditions where such can be done safely.
Also, before operating your vehicle at higher than normal speeds:
•Assure correct tire pressures (see “Tires” previously listed).
•Inspect wheels and tires for wear and damage. Replace any damaged
wheels or tires.
•Never operate the vehicle at higher than normal speeds when loaded
with passengers/cargo.
WINTER DRIVING
The original equipment tires on your SVT vehicle are designed for
maximum performance in all driving conditions. However, they are not
designed to be used with snow chains. If you will be operating your
vehicle with snow chains, use a smaller tire and wheel combination as
recommended in theOwner’s Guide.
Tire Information
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