G.H: Indicates the tire's speedrating. The speed rating denotesthe speed at which a tire isdesigned to be driven for extendedperiods of time under a standardcondition of load and inflationpressure. The tires on your vehiclemay operate at differentconditions for load and inflationpressure. These speed ratings mayneed to be adjusted for thedifference in conditions. Theratings range from 81–186 mph(130–299 km/h). These ratingsare listed in the following chart.
Note:You may not find thisinformation on all tires because itis not required by federal law.
mph ( km/h)Letterrating
75 (120)L
81 (130)M
87 (140)N
99 (159)Q
106 (171)R
112 (180)S
118 (190)T
124 (200)U
130 (210)H
149 (240)V
mph ( km/h)Letterrating
168 (270)W
186 (299)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: This begins with theletters DOT and indicates that thetire meets all federal standards.The next two numbers or lettersare the plant code designatingwhere it was manufactured, thenext two are the tire size code andthe last four numbers representthe week and year the tire wasbuilt. For example, the numbers317 mean the 31st week of 1997.After 2000 the numbers go to fourdigits. For example, 2501 meansthe 25th week of 2001. Thenumbers in between areidentification codes used fortraceability. This information isused to contact customers if a tiredefect requires a 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. (affixed to either the doorhinge pillar, door-latch post, or thedoor edge that meets thedoor-latch post, next to thedriver's seating position), or TireLabel located on the B-pillar orthe edge of the driver's door.
L.Treadwear, Traction andTemperature Grades:
*Treadwear: The treadweargrade is a comparative ratingbased on the wear rate of the tirewhen tested under controlledconditions on a specifiedgovernment test course. Forexample, a tire graded 150 wouldwear 1½ times as well on thegovernment course as a tiregraded 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 tiremanufacturers' 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 located onthe B-pillar or the edge of thedriver's door. The cold inflationpressure should never be set lowerthan the recommended pressure
on the vehicle label.
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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 Gradesdo not apply to this type of tire.
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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, sportutility vehicles, minivans and lighttrucks.
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 ratiowhich 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 have topurchase new tires to match thenew wheel diameter.
Location of the Tire Label
You can 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 recommended
by 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 or
Tire Label (affixed to either thedoor hinge pillar, door-latch post,or the door edge that meets thedoor-latch post, next to thedriver's seating position), or TireLabel located on the B-pillar orthe edge of the driver's door.Failure to follow the tire pressurerecommendations can causeuneven treadwear patterns andadversely affect the way yourvehicle handles
Note:Do not reduce tire pressureto change the ride characteristicsof the vehicle. If you do notmaintain the inflation pressure atthe levels specified by Ford, yourvehicle may experience a conditionknown as shimmy. Shimmy is asevere vibration and oscillation inthe steering wheel after the vehicletravels over a bump or dip in theroad that does not dampen out byitself. Shimmy may result fromsignificant under-inflation of thetires, improper tires (load range,size, or type), or vehiclemodifications such as lift-kits. Inthe event that your vehicleexperiences shimmy, you shouldslowly reduce speed by either liftingoff the accelerator pedal or lightlyapplying the brakes. The shimmyceases as the vehicle speeddecreases.
Maximum Inflation Pressure isthe tire manufacturer's maximumpermissible pressure and thepressure at which the maximum
load can be carried by the tire. Thispressure is normally higher than
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the 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 located onthe B-pillar or the edge of thedriver's door. The cold inflationpressure should never be set lowerthan the recommended pressureon the Safety ComplianceCertification Label or Tire Label.
When weather temperaturechanges occur, tire inflationpressures also change. A 10°F(6°C) temperature drop cancause a corresponding drop of1 psi (7 kPa) in inflation pressure.Check your tire pressuresfrequently and adjust them to theproper pressure which can befound on the Safety ComplianceCertification Label or Tire Label.
To check the pressure in yourtire(s):
1. Make sure the tires are cool,meaning they are not hot fromdriving even a mile.
Note:If you are checking tirepressure when the tire is hot, (forexample, driven more than 1.0 mi(1.6 km)), never bleed or reduce airpressure. The tires are hot fromdriving and it is normal forpressures to increase aboverecommended cold pressures. Ahot tire at or below recommendedcold inflation pressure could besignificantly under-inflated.
Note:If you have to drive adistance to get air for your tire(s),check and record the tire pressurefirst and add the appropriate airpressure when you get to thepump. It is normal for tires to heatup and the air pressure inside to goup as you drive.
2. Remove the cap from the valveon one tire, then firmly press thetire gauge onto the valve andmeasure the pressure.
3. Add enough air to reach therecommended air pressure.
Note:If you overfill the tire, releaseair by pressing on the metal stemin the center of the valve. Thenrecheck the pressure with your tiregauge.
4. Replace the valve cap.
5. Repeat this procedure for eachtire, including the spare.
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Note:Some spare tires operate ata higher inflation pressure than theother tires. For T type mini-sparetires, (see the Dissimilar sparewheel and tire assemblyinformation for a description. Storeand maintain at 60 psi (4.15 bar).For full-size and dissimilar sparetires, see the Dissimilar spare wheeland tire assembly information fora description. Store and maintainat the higher of the front and rearinflation pressure as shown on theSafety Compliance CertificationLabel or Tire Label.
6. Visually inspect the tires tomake sure there are no nails orother objects embedded thatcould poke a hole in the tire andcause an air leak.
7. Check the sidewalls to makesure there are no gouges, cuts orbulges.
Tire Inflation Information
WARNING
An inflated tire and rim canbe very dangerous ifimproperly used, serviced ormaintained. To reduce the risk ofserious injury, never attempt tore-inflate a tire which has been runflat or seriously under-inflatedwithout first removing the tirefrom the wheel assembly forinspection. Do not attempt to addair to tires or replace tires orwheels without first takingprecautions to protect personsand property.
All tires with Steel Carcass Plies(if equipped):
This type of tire utilizes steel cordsin the sidewalls. As such, theycannot be treated like normal lighttruck tires. Tire service, includingadjusting tire pressure, must beperformed by personnel trained,supervised and equippedaccording to Federal OccupationalSafety and Health Administrationregulations. For example, duringany procedure involving tireinflation, the technician orindividual must utilize a remoteinflation device, and ensure thatall persons are clear of thetrajectory area.
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Tire Wear
When the tread is worn down toone sixteenth of an inch (2millimeters), tires must bereplaced to help prevent yourvehicle from skidding andhydroplaning. Built-in treadwearindicators, or wear bars, whichlook like narrow strips of smoothrubber across the tread appearson the tire when the tread is worndown to one sixteenth of an inch(2 millimeters).
When the tire tread wears downto the same height as these wearbars, the tire is worn out and mustbe replaced.
Damage
Periodically inspect the tire treadsand sidewalls for damage (suchas bulges in the tread or sidewalls,cracks in the tread groove andseparation in the tread orsidewall). If damage is observed
or suspected have the tireinspected by a tire professional.Tires can be damaged duringoff-road use, so inspection afteroff-road use is alsorecommended.
Age
WARNING
Tires degrade over timedepending on many factorssuch as weather, storageconditions, and conditions of use(load, speed, inflation pressure)the tires experience throughouttheir lives.
In general, tires should bereplaced after six years regardlessof tread wear. However, heatcaused by hot climates orfrequent high loading conditionscan accelerate the aging processand may require tires to bereplaced more frequently.
You should replace your spare tirewhen you replace the road tires orafter six years due to aging even ifit has not been used.
U.S. DOT Tire IdentificationNumber
Both United States and CanadaFederal regulations require tiremanufacturers to placestandardized information on thesidewall of all tires. This
information identifies and
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