2017 FORD C MAX ENERGI Owners Manual

U.S. Department ofTransportation Tire qualitygrades: The U.S. Department ofTransportation requires FordMotor Company to give you thefollowing information about tiregrades exactly as the governmenthas written it.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is acomparative rating based on thewear rate of the tire when testedunder controlled conditions on aspecified government test course.For example, a tire graded 150would wear 1 ½ times as well onthe government course as a tiregraded 100. The relativeperformance of tires dependsupon the actual conditions of their
use, however, and may departsignificantly from the norm due tovariations in driving habits, servicepractices, and differences in roadcharacteristics and climate.
Traction AA A B C
WARNING
The traction grade assignedto this tire is based onstraight-ahead braking tractiontests, and does not includeacceleration, cornering,hydroplaning or peak tractioncharacteristics.
The traction grades, from highestto lowest are AA, A, B, and C. Thegrades represent the tire’s abilityto stop on wet pavement asmeasured under controlledconditions on specifiedgovernment test surfaces ofasphalt and concrete. A tiremarked C may have poor tractionperformance.
Temperature A B C
WARNING
The temperature grade forthis tire is established for atire that is properly inflated andnot overloaded. Excessive speed,underinflation, or excessiveloading, either separately or incombination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure.
The temperature grades are A(the highest), B and C,representing the tire’s resistanceto the generation of heat and itsability to dissipate heat whentested under controlled conditionson a specified indoor laboratorytest wheel. Sustained hightemperature can cause thematerial of the tire to degenerateand reduce tire life, and excessivetemperature can lead to suddentire failure. The grade Ccorresponds to a level ofperformance which all passengercar tires must meet under the
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Federal Motor Vehicle SafetyStandard No. 139. Grades B and Arepresent higher levels ofperformance on the laboratorytest wheel than the minimumrequired by law.
Glossary of Tire Terminology
*Tire label: A label showing theoriginal equipment tire sizes,recommended inflation pressureand the maximum weight thevehicle can carry.
*Tire Identification Number(TIN): A number on the sidewallof each tire providing informationabout the tire brand andmanufacturing plant, tire size anddate of manufacture. Also referredto as DOT code.
*Inflation pressure: A measureof the amount of air in a tire.
*Standard load: A class ofP-metric or Metric tires designedto carry a maximum load at setpressure. For example: forP-metric tires 35 psi (2.4 bar) andfor Metric tires 36 psi (2.5 bar).Increasing the inflation pressurebeyond this pressure will notincrease the tire’s load-carryingcapability.
*Extra load: A class of P-metricor Metric tires designed to carry aheavier maximum load at 42 psi(2.9 bar). Increasing the inflationpressure beyond this pressure willnot increase the tire’sload-carrying capability.
*kPa: Kilopascal, a metric unit ofair pressure.
*PSI: Pounds per square inch, astandard unit of air pressure.
*Cold tire pressure: The tirepressure when the vehicle hasbeen stationary and out of directsunlight for an hour or more andprior to the vehicle being driven for1 mile (1.6 kilometers).
*Recommended inflationpressure: The cold inflationpressure found on the SafetyCompliance Certification Label(affixed to either the door hingepillar, door-latch post, or the dooredge that meets the door-latchpost, next to the driver's seatingposition) or Tire Label located onthe B-Pillar or the edge of thedriver’s door.
* B-pillar: The structural memberat the side of the vehicle behindthe front door
*Bead area of the tire: Area ofthe tire next to the rim.
* Sidewall of the tire: Areabetween the bead area and thetread.
*Tread area of the tire: Area ofthe perimeter of the tire thatcontacts the road when mountedon the vehicle.
*Rim: The metal support (wheel)for a tire or a tire and tubeassembly upon which the tire
beads are seated.
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Information Contained on theTire Sidewall
Both United States and CanadaFederal regulations require tiremanufacturers to placestandardized information on thesidewall of all tires. Thisinformation identifies anddescribes the fundamentalcharacteristics of the tire and alsoprovides a U.S. DOT TireIdentification Number for safetystandard certification and in caseof a recall.
Information on P Type Tires
P215/65R15 95H is an example ofa tire size, load index and speedrating. The definitions of theseitems are listed below. (Note thatthe tire size, load index and speedrating for your vehicle may bedifferent from this example.)
A.P: Indicates a tire, designatedby the Tire and Rim Association,that may be used for service oncars, sport utility vehicles,minivans and light trucks.Note: Ifyour tire size does not begin witha letter this may mean it isdesignated by either the EuropeanTire and Rim TechnicalOrganization or the Japan TireManufacturing Association.
B.215: Indicates the nominalwidth of the tire in millimetersfrom sidewall edge to sidewalledge. In general, the larger thenumber, the wider the tire.
C.65: Indicates the aspect ratiowhich gives the tire's ratio ofheight to width.
D.R: Indicates a radial type tire.
E.15: Indicates the wheel or rimdiameter in inches. If you changeyour wheel size, you will have topurchase new tires to match thenew wheel diameter.
F.95: Indicates the tire's loadindex. It is an index that relates tohow much weight a tire can carry.You may find this information inyour owner’s manual. If not,contact a local tire dealer.
Note:You may not find thisinformation on all tires because itis not required by federal law.
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Wheels and TiresH
I
J
KL
M
A
B
CDEFG
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G. Indicates the tire's speed rating.The speed rating denotes thespeed at which a tire is designedto be driven for extended periodsof time under a standard conditionof load and inflation pressure. Thetires on your vehicle may operateat different conditions for loadand inflation pressure. Thesespeed ratings may need to beadjusted for the difference inconditions. The ratings range from81 mph (130 km/h) to 186 mph(299 km/h). These ratings arelisted in the following chart.
Note:You may not find thisinformation on all tires because itis not required by federal law.
Speed ratingLetterrating
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
Speed ratingLetterrating
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 IdentificationNumber (TIN): This begins withthe letters DOT and indicates thatthe tire meets all federalstandards. The next two numbersor letters are the plant codedesignating where it wasmanufactured, the next two arethe tire size code and the last fournumbers represent the week andyear the tire was built. Forexample, the numbers 317 meanthe 31st week of 1997. After 2000the numbers go to four digits. Forexample, 2501 means the 25thweek of 2001. The numbers inbetween are identification codesused for traceability. Thisinformation is used to contactcustomers if a tire defect requiresa recall.
I.M+S or M/S: Mud and Snow, or
AT: All Terrain, or
AS: All Season.
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J.Tire Ply Composition andMaterial Used: Indicates thenumber of plies or the number oflayers of rubber-coated fabric inthe tire tread and sidewall. Tiremanufacturers also must indicatethe ply materials in the tire and thesidewall, which include steel,nylon, polyester, and others.
K.Maximum Load: Indicates themaximum load in kilograms andpounds that can be carried by thetire. See the Safety ComplianceCertification Label (affixed toeither the door hinge pillar,door-latch post, or the door edgethat meets the door-latch post,next to the driver's seatingposition), for the correct tirepressure for your vehicle.
L.Treadwear, Traction andTemperature Grades:
*Treadwear The treadwear gradeis a comparative rating based onthe wear rate of the tire whentested under controlled conditionson a specified government testcourse. For example, a tire graded150 would wear one and one-halftimes as well on the governmentcourse as a tire graded 100.
*Traction: The traction grades,from highest to lowest are AA, A,B, and C. The grades represent thetire's ability to stop on wetpavement as measured undercontrolled conditions on specifiedgovernment test surfaces ofasphalt and concrete. A tiremarked C may have poor tractionperformance.
*Temperature: The temperaturegrades are A (the highest), B andC, representing the tire'sresistance to the generation ofheat and its ability to dissipateheat when tested under controlledconditions on a specified indoorlaboratory test wheel.
M.Maximum InflationPressure: Indicates the tiremanufacturer's maximumpermissible pressure, or thepressure at which the maximumload can be carried by the tire. Thispressure is normally higher thanthe vehicle manufacturer'srecommended cold inflationpressure, which can be found onthe Safety ComplianceCertification Label (affixed toeither the door hinge pillar,door-latch post, or the door edgethat meets the door-latch post,next to the driver's seatingposition), or Tire Label which islocated on the B-Pillar or the edgeof the driver’s door. The coldinflation pressure should never beset lower than the recommended
pressure on the vehicle label.
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Wheels and Tires

The tire suppliers may haveadditional markings, notes orwarnings such as standard loador radial tubeless.
Additional InformationContained on the Tire Sidewallfor LT Type Tires
Note:Tire Quality Grades do notapply to this type of tire.
LT type tires have some additionalinformation beyond those of Ptype tires. These differences aredescribed below.
A.LT: Indicates a tire, designatedby the Tire and Rim Association,that is intended for service on lighttrucks.
B.Load Range and LoadInflation Limits: Indicates thetire's load-carrying capabilitiesand its inflation limits.
C.Maximum Load Dual lb (kg)at psi (kPa) cold: Indicates themaximum load and tire pressurewhen the tire is used as a dual,defined as four tires on the rearaxle (a total of six or more tires onthe vehicle).
D.Maximum Load Single lb(kg) at psi (kPa) cold: Indicatesthe maximum load and tirepressure when the tire is used asa single, defined as two tires(total) on the rear axle.
Information on T Type Tires
T145/80D16 is an example of atire size.
Note:The temporary tire size foryour vehicle may be different fromthis example. Tire Quality Grades
do not apply to this type of tire.
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BC
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T type tires have some additionalinformation beyond those of Ptype tires. These differences aredescribed below.
A.T: Indicates a type of tire,designated by the Tire and RimAssociation, that is intended fortemporary service on cars,sport-utility vehicles, minivans andlight trucks.
B.145: Indicates the nominalwidth of the tire in millimetersfrom sidewall edge to sidewalledge. In general, the larger thenumber, the wider the tire.
C.80: Indicates the aspect ratio,which gives the tire's ratio ofheight to width. Numbers of 70 orlower indicate a short sidewall.
D.D: Indicates a diagonal type tire.
R: Indicates a radial type tire.
E.16: Indicates the wheel or rimdiameter in inches. If you changeyour wheel size, you will have topurchase new tires to match thenew wheel diameter.
Location of the Tire Label
You will find a Tire Labelcontaining tire inflation pressureby tire size and other importantinformation located on the B-Pillaror the edge of the driver’s door.
Inflating Your Tires
Safe operation of your vehiclerequires that your tires areproperly inflated. Remember thata tire can lose up to half of its airpressure without appearing flat.
Every day before you drive, checkyour tires. If one looks lower thanthe others, use a tire gauge tocheck pressure of all tires andadjust if required.
At least once a month and beforelong trips, inspect each tire andcheck the tire pressure with a tiregauge (including spare, ifequipped). Inflate all tires to theinflation pressure recommendedby Ford Motor Company.
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You are strongly urged to buy areliable tire pressure gauge, asautomatic service station gaugesmay be inaccurate. Fordrecommends the use of a digitalor dial-type tire pressure gaugerather than a stick-type tirepressure gauge.
Use the recommended coldinflation pressure for optimum tireperformance and wear.Under-inflation or over-inflationmay cause uneven treadwearpatterns
WARNING
Under-inflation is the mostcommon cause of tire failuresand may result in severe tirecracking, tread separation orblowout, with unexpected loss ofvehicle control and increased riskof injury. Under-inflation increasessidewall flexing and rollingresistance, resulting in heatbuildup and internal damage tothe tire. It also may result inunnecessary tire stress, irregularwear, loss of vehicle control andaccidents. A tire can lose up tohalf of its air pressure and notappear to be flat!
Always inflate your tires to theFord recommended inflationpressure even if it is less than themaximum inflation pressureinformation found on the tire. TheFord recommended tire inflation
pressure is found on the SafetyCompliance Certification Label
(affixed to either the door hingepillar, door-latch post, or the dooredge that meets the door-latchpost, next to the driver's seatingposition), or Tire Label which islocated on the B-Pillar or the edgeof the driver’s door. Failure tofollow the tire pressurerecommendations can causeuneven treadwear patterns andadversely affect the way yourvehicle handles
Maximum Inflation Pressure isthe tire manufacturer's maximumpermissible pressure and thepressure at which the maximumload can be carried by the tire. Thispressure is normally higher thanthe manufacturer’s recommendedcold inflation pressure, which canbe found on the SafetyCompliance Certification Label(affixed to either the door hingepillar, door-latch post, or the dooredge that meets the door-latchpost, next to the driver's seatingposition), or Tire Label which islocated on the B-Pillar or the edgeof the driver’s door. The coldinflation pressure should never beset lower than the recommendedpressure on the SafetyCompliance Certification Label orTire Label.
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