2014 LINCOLN MKZ HYBRID flat tire

can lead to sudden tire failure. The
grade C corresponds to a level of
performance which all passenger car
tires must meet under the Federal
Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No.
139. Grades B and A represent higher
levels of performance on the
laboratory test wheel than the
minimum required by law.
Glossary of Tire Terminology
•
Tire label: A label showing the
original equipment tire sizes,
recommended inflation pressure
and the maximum weight the
vehicle can carry.
• Tire Identification Number:
A
number on the sidewall of each tire
providing information about the tire
brand and manufacturing plant, tire
size and date of manufacture. Also
referred to as DOT code.
• Inflation pressure:
A measure of
the amount of air in a tire.
• Standard load:
A class of P-metric
or Metric tires designed to carry a
maximum load at 35 psi [37 psi (2.5
bar) for Metric tires]. Increasing the
inflation pressure beyond this
pressure will not increase the tire ’s
load carrying capability.
• Extra load:
A class of P-metric or
Metric tires designed to carry a
heavier maximum load at 41 psi [43
psi (2.9 bar) for Metric tires].
Increasing the inflation pressure
beyond this pressure will not
increase the tire ’s load carrying
capability. •
kPa:
Kilopascal, a metric unit of air
pressure.
• PSI:
Pounds per square inch, a
standard unit of air pressure.
• Cold inflation pressure:
The tire
pressure when the vehicle has
been stationary and out of direct
sunlight for an hour or more and
prior to the vehicle being driven
for 1 mile (1.6 km).
• Recommended inflation pressure:
The cold inflation pressure found
on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label (affixed to either
the door hinge pillar, door-latch
post, or the door edge that meets
the door-latch post, next to the
driver's seating position), or Tire
Label located on the B-Pillar or the
edge of the driver’ s door.
• B-pillar:
The structural member at
the side of the vehicle behind the
front door
• Bead area of the tire:
Area of the
tire next to the rim.
• Sidewall of the tire: Area between
the bead area and the tread.
• Tread area of the tire: Area of the
perimeter of the tire that contacts
the road when mounted on the
vehicle.
• Rim:
The metal support (wheel) for
a tire or a tire and tube assembly
upon which the tire beads are
seated.
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Information Contained on the Tire
Sidewall
Both U.S. and Canada Federal
regulations require tire manufacturers
to place standardized information on
the sidewall of all tires. This
information identifies and describes
the fundamental characteristics of the
tire and also provides a U.S. DOT Tire
Identification Number for safety
standard certification and in case of a
recall.
Information on P Type Tires
P215/65R15 95H is an example of a
tire size, load index and speed rating.
The definitions of these items are
listed below. (Note that the tire size,
load index and speed rating for your
vehicle may be different from this
example.) A. P: Indicates a tire, designated by
the Tire and Rim Association, that may
be used for service on cars, sport
utility vehicles, minivans and light
trucks. Note: If your tire size does not
begin with a letter this may mean it is
designated by either the European
Tire and Rim Technical Organization
or the Japan Tire Manufacturing
Association.
B.
215: Indicates the nominal width of
the tire in millimeters from sidewall
edge to sidewall edge. In general, the
larger the number, the wider the tire.
C. 65: Indicates the aspect ratio which
gives the tire's ratio of height to width.
D.
R: Indicates a radial type tire.
E.
15: Indicates the wheel or rim
diameter in inches. If you change your
wheel size, you will have to purchase
new tires to match the new wheel
diameter.
F.
95: Indicates the tire's load index.
It is an index that relates to how much
weight a tire can carry. You may find
this information in your owner’ s
manual. If not, contact a local tire
dealer.
Note: You may not find this
information on all tires because it is
not required by federal law.
G.
H: Indicates the tire's speed rating.
The speed rating denotes the speed
at which a tire is designed to be driven
for extended periods of time under a
standard condition of load and
inflation pressure. The tires on your
vehicle may operate at different
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conditions for load and inflation
pressure. These speed ratings may
need to be adjusted for the difference
in conditions. The ratings range from
81 mph (130 km/h) to 186 mph (299
km/h). These ratings are listed in the
following chart.
Note:
You may not find this
information on all tires because it is
not required by federal law. mph ( km/h)
Letter
rating
81 mph (130 km/h)
M
87 mph (140 km/h)
N
99 mph (159 km/h)
Q
106 mph (171 km/h)
R
112 mph (180 km/h)
S
118 mph (190 km/h)
T
124 mph (200 km/h)
U
130 mph (210 km/h)
H
149 mph (240 km/h)
V
168 mph (270 km/h)
W
186 mph (299 km/h)
Y
Note: For tires with a maximum speed
capability over 149 mph (240 km/h),
tire manufacturers sometimes use the
letters ZR. For those with a maximum
speed capability over 186 mph (299
km/h), tire manufacturers always use
the letters ZR. H. U.S. DOT Tire Identification
Number: This begins with the letters
DOT and indicates that the tire meets
all federal standards. The next two
numbers or letters are the plant code
designating where it was
manufactured, the next two are the
tire size code and the last four
numbers represent the week and year
the tire was built. For example, the
numbers 317 mean the 31st week of
1997. After 2000 the numbers go to
four digits. For example, 2501 means
the 25th week of 2001. The numbers
in between are identification codes
used for traceability. This information
is used to contact customers if a tire
defect requires a recall.
I.
M+S or M/S: Mud and Snow, or
AT:
All Terrain, or
AS:
All Season.
J.
Tire Ply Composition and Material
Used: Indicates the number of plies
or the number of layers of
rubber-coated fabric in the tire tread
and sidewall. Tire manufacturers also
must indicate the ply materials in the
tire and the sidewall, which include
steel, nylon, polyester, and others.
K.
Maximum Load: Indicates the
maximum load in kilograms and
pounds that can be carried by the tire.
Refer to the Safety Compliance
Certification Label (affixed to either
the door hinge pillar, door-latch post,
or the door edge that meets the
door-latch post, next to the driver's
seating position), for the correct tire
pressure for your vehicle.
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L. Treadwear, Traction and
Temperature Grades:
• Treadwear
The treadwear grade
is a comparative rating based on
the wear rate of the tire when
tested under controlled conditions
on a specified government test
course. For example, a tire graded
150 would wear one and one-half
times as well on the government
course as a tire graded 100.
• Traction: The traction grades, from
highest to lowest are AA, A, B, and
C. The grades represent the tire's
ability to stop on wet pavement as
measured under controlled
conditions on specified
government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction
performance.
• Temperature:
The temperature
grades are A (the highest), B and
C, representing the tire's resistance
to the generation of heat and its
ability to dissipate heat when
tested under controlled conditions
on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel.
M.
Maximum Permissible Inflation
Pressure: Indicates the tire
manufacturers' maximum permissible
pressure or the pressure at which the
maximum load can be carried by the
tire. This pressure is normally higher
than the vehicle manufacturer's
recommended cold inflation pressure
which can be found on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label (affixed
to either the door hinge pillar, door-latch post, or the door edge that
meets the door-latch post, next to the
driver's seating position), or Tire Label
which is located on the B-Pillar or the
edge of the driver’
s door. The cold
inflation pressure should never be set
lower than the recommended
pressure on the vehicle label.
The tire suppliers may have additional
markings, notes or warnings such as
standard load, radial tubeless, etc.
Additional Information Contained on
the Tire Sidewall for LT Type Tires
Note: Tire Quality Grades do not
apply to this type of tire. LT type tires have some additional
information beyond those of P type
tires; these differences are described
below.
A.
LT: Indicates a tire, designated by
the Tire and Rim Association, that is
intended for service on light trucks.
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B. Load Range and Load Inflation
Limits: Indicates the tire's
load-carrying capabilities and its
inflation limits.
C. Maximum Load Dual lb (kg) at psi
(kPa) cold:
Indicates the maximum
load and tire pressure when the tire
is used as a dual; defined as four tires
on the rear axle (a total of six or more
tires on the vehicle).
D.
Maximum Load Single lb (kg) at
psi (kPa) cold: Indicates the maximum
load and tire pressure when the tire
is used as a single; defined as two
tires (total) on the rear axle.
Information on T Type Tires
T145/80D16 is an example of a tire
size.
Note: The temporary tire size for your
vehicle may be different from this
example. Tire Quality Grades do not
apply to this type of tire. T type tires have some additional
information beyond those of P type
tires; these differences are described
below:
A.
T: Indicates a type of tire,
designated by the Tire and Rim
Association, that is intended for
temporary service on cars, sport utility
vehicles, minivans and light trucks.
B.
145: Indicates the nominal width of
the tire in millimeters from sidewall
edge to sidewall edge. In general, the
larger the number, the wider the tire.
C. 80: Indicates the aspect ratio which
gives the tire's ratio of height to width.
Numbers of 70 or lower indicate a
short sidewall.
D.
D: Indicates a diagonal type tire.
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R: Indicates a radial type tire.
E.
16: Indicates the wheel or rim
diameter in inches. If you change your
wheel size, you will have to purchase
new tires to match the new wheel
diameter.
Location of the Tire Label
You will find a Tire Label containing
tire inflation pressure by tire size and
other important information located
on the B-Pillar or the edge of the
driver’ s door.
Inflating Your Tires
Safe operation of your vehicle requires
that your tires are properly inflated.
Remember that a tire can lose up to
half of its air pressure without
appearing flat.
Every day before you drive, check
your tires. If one looks lower than the
others, use a tire gauge to check
pressure of all tires and adjust if
required.
At least once a month and before long
trips, inspect each tire and check the
tire pressure with a tire gauge
(including spare, if equipped). Inflate
all tires to the inflation pressure
recommended by Ford Motor
Company.
You are strongly urged to buy a
reliable tire pressure gauge, as
automatic service station gauges may
be inaccurate. Ford recommends the
use of a digital or dial-type tire
pressure gauge rather than a
stick-type tire pressure gauge. Use the recommended cold inflation
pressure for optimum tire performance
and wear. Under-inflation or
over-inflation may cause uneven
treadwear patterns
WARNING
Under-inflation is the most
common cause of tire failures
and may result in severe tire cracking,
tread separation or blowout, with
unexpected loss of vehicle control and
increased risk of injury. Under-inflation
increases sidewall flexing and rolling
resistance, resulting in heat buildup
and internal damage to the tire. It also
may result in unnecessary tire stress,
irregular wear, loss of vehicle control
and accidents. A tire can lose up to
half of its air pressure and not appear
to be flat! Always inflate your tires to the Ford
recommended inflation pressure even
if it is less than the maximum inflation
pressure information found on the tire.
The Ford recommended tire inflation
pressure is found on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label (affixed
to either the door hinge pillar,
door-latch post, or the door edge that
meets the door-latch post, next to the
driver's seating position), or Tire Label
which is located on the B-Pillar or the
edge of the driver’
s door. Failure to
follow the tire pressure
recommendations can cause uneven
treadwear patterns and adversely
affect the way your vehicle handles
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Maximum Permissible Inflation
Pressure is the tire manufacturer's
maximum permissible pressure and
the pressure at which the maximum
load can be carried by the tire. This
pressure is normally higher than the
manufacturer’ s recommended cold
inflation pressure which can be found
on the Safety Compliance Certification
Label (affixed to either the door hinge
pillar, door-latch post, or the door
edge that meets the door-latch post,
next to the driver's seating position),
or Tire Label which is located on the
B-Pillar or the edge of the driver’ s
door. The cold inflation pressure
should never be set lower than the
recommended pressure on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label or Tire
Label.
When weather temperature changes
occur, tire inflation pressures also
change. A 10°F (6°C) temperature drop
can cause a corresponding drop of 1
psi (7 kPa) in inflation pressure. Check
your tire pressures frequently and
adjust them to the proper pressure
which can be found on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label or Tire
Label.
To check the pressure in your tire(s):
1. Make sure the tires are cool, meaning they are not hot from
driving even a mile. Note:
If you are checking tire pressure
when the tire is hot, (for example
driven more than 1 mile [1.6
kilometers]), never bleed or reduce air
pressure. The tires are hot from
driving and it is normal for pressures
to increase above recommended cold
pressures. A hot tire at or below
recommended cold inflation pressure
could be significantly under-inflated.
Note: If you have to drive a distance
to get air for your tire(s), check and
record the tire pressure first and add
the appropriate air pressure when you
get to the pump. It is normal for tires
to heat up and the air pressure inside
to go up as you drive.
2. Remove the cap from the valve on
one tire, then firmly press the tire
gauge onto the valve and measure
the pressure.
3. Add enough air to reach the recommended air pressure.
Note: If you overfill the tire, release
air by pressing on the metal stem in
the center of the valve. Then recheck
the pressure with your tire gauge.
4. Replace the valve cap.
5. Repeat this procedure for each tire,
including the spare.
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Note:
Some spare tires operate at a
higher inflation pressure than the
other tires. For T type mini-spare tires
(refer to the Dissimilar spare wheel
and tire assembly information for a
description): Store and maintain at 60
psi (4.15 bar). For full-size and
dissimilar spare tires (refer to the
Dissimilar spare wheel and tire
assembly information for a
description): Store and maintain at the
higher of the front and rear inflation
pressure as shown on the Tire Label.
6. Visually inspect the tires to make
sure there are no nails or other
objects embedded that could poke
a hole in the tire and cause an air
leak.
7. Check the sidewalls to make sure there are no gouges, cuts or
bulges.
Inspecting Your Tires and Wheel
Valve Stems
Periodically inspect the tire treads for
uneven or excessive wear and remove
objects such as stones, nails or glass
that may be wedged in the tread
grooves. Check the tire and valve
stems for holes, cracks, or cuts that
may permit air leakage and repair or
replace the tire and replace the valve
stem. Inspect the tire sidewalls for
cracking, cuts, bruises and other signs
of damage or excessive wear. If
internal damage to the tire is
suspected, have the tire demounted and inspected in case it needs to be
repaired or replaced. For your safety,
tires that are damaged or show signs
of excessive wear should not be used
because they are more likely to blow
out or fail.
Improper or inadequate vehicle
maintenance can cause tires to wear
abnormally. Inspect all your tires,
including the spare, frequently, and
replace them if one or more of the
following conditions exist:
Tire Wear
When the tread is worn down to one
sixteenth of an inch (2 mm), tires must
be replaced to help prevent your
vehicle from skidding and
hydroplaning. Built-in treadwear
indicators, or wear bars, which look
like narrow strips of smooth rubber
across the tread will appear on the tire
when the tread is worn down to one
sixteenth of an inch (2 mm)
When the tire tread wears down to the
same height as these wear bars, the
tire is worn out and must be replaced.
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