2018 LINCOLN MKC tire size

The traction grades, from highest tolowest are AA, A, B, and C. The gradesrepresent the tire’s ability to stop on wetpavement as measured under controlledconditions on specified government testsurfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tiremarked C may have poor tractionperformance.
Temperature A B C
WARNING
The temperature grade for this tireis established for a tire that isproperly inflated and not overloaded.Excessive speed, underinflation, orexcessive loading, either separately orin combination, can cause heat buildupand possible tire failure.
The temperature grades are A (thehighest), B and C, representing the tire’sresistance to the generation of heat andits ability to dissipate heat when testedunder controlled conditions on aspecified indoor laboratory test wheel.Sustained high temperature can cause
the material of the tire to degenerateand reduce tire life, and excessivetemperature can lead to sudden tirefailure. The grade C corresponds to alevel of performance which allpassenger car tires must meet under theFederal Motor Vehicle Safety StandardNo. 139. Grades B and A representhigher levels of performance on thelaboratory test wheel than the minimumrequired by law.
Glossary of Tire Terminology
*Tire label: A label showing the originalequipment tire sizes, recommendedinflation pressure and the maximumweight the vehicle can carry.
*Tire Identification Number (TIN): A
number on the sidewall of each tireproviding information about the tirebrand and manufacturing plant, tire sizeand date of manufacture. Also referredto as DOT code.
*Inflation pressure: A measure of theamount of air in a tire.
*Standard load: A class of P-metric orMetric tires designed to carry amaximum load at set pressure. Forexample: For P-metric tires 35 psi(2.4 bar) and for Metric tires 36 psi(2.5 bar). Increasing the inflationpressure beyond this pressure will notincrease the tire’s load carryingcapability.
*Extra load: A class of P-metric or Metrictires designed to carry a heaviermaximum load at 42 psi (2.9 bar).Increasing the inflation pressure beyondthis pressure will not increase the tire’sload carrying capability.
*kPa: Kilopascal, a metric unit of airpressure.
*PSI: Pounds per square inch, a standard
unit of air pressure.
*Cold tire pressure: The tire pressurewhen the vehicle has been stationaryand out of direct sunlight for an hour ormore and prior to the vehicle beingdriven for 1 mi (1.6 km).
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*Recommended inflation pressure: Thecold inflation pressure found on theSafety Compliance Certification Label(affixed to either the door hinge pillar,door-latch post, or the door edge thatmeets the door-latch post, next to thedriver's seating position), or Tire Labellocated on the B-Pillar or the edge of thedriver door.
* B-pillar: The structural member at theside of the vehicle behind the front door.
*Bead area of the tire: Area of the tirenext to the rim.
* Sidewall of the tire: Area between thebead area and the tread.
*Tread area of the tire: Area of theperimeter of the tire that contacts the
road when mounted on the vehicle.
*Rim: The metal support (wheel) for atire or a tire and tube assembly uponwhich the tire beads are seated.
Information Contained on the TireSidewall
Both United States and Canada Federalregulations require tire manufacturersto place standardized information on thesidewall of all tires. This informationidentifies and describes the fundamentalcharacteristics of the tire and alsoprovides a U.S. DOT Tire IdentificationNumber for safety standard certificationand in case of a recall.
Information on P Type Tires
P215/65R15 95H is an example of a tiresize, load index and speed rating. Thedefinitions of these items are listedbelow. (Note that the tire size, load indexand speed rating for your vehicle maybe different from this example.)
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I
J
KL
M
A
B
CDEFG
E142543

A. P: Indicates a tire, designated by theTire and Rim Association, that may beused for service on cars, sport utilityvehicles, minivans and light trucks. Note:If your tire size does not begin with aletter this may mean it is designated byeither the European Tire and RimTechnical Organization or the Japan TireManufacturing Association.
B. 215: Indicates the nominal width ofthe tire in millimeters from sidewall edgeto sidewall edge. In general, the largerthe number, the wider the tire.
C. 65: Indicates the aspect ratio whichgives 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 yourwheel size, you will have to purchasenew tires to match the new wheeldiameter.
F. 95: Indicates the tire's load index. Itis an index that relates to how muchweight a tire can carry. You may find thisinformation in your owner’s manual. Ifnot, contact a local tire dealer.
Note:You may not find this informationon all tires because it is not required byfederal law.
G. H: Indicates the tire's speed rating.The speed rating denotes the speed atwhich a tire is designed to be driven forextended periods of time under astandard condition of load and inflationpressure. The tires on your vehicle mayoperate at different conditions for loadand inflation pressure. These speedratings may need to be adjusted for thedifference in conditions. The ratings
range from 81 mph (130 km/h) to186 mph (299 km/h). These ratings arelisted in the following chart.
Note:You may not find this informationon all tires because it is not required byfederal law.
Speed ratingLetter 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
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Speed ratingLetter rating
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(TIN): This begins with the letters DOTand indicates that the tire meets allfederal standards. The next twonumbers or letters are the plant codedesignating where it was manufactured,
the next two are the tire size code andthe last four numbers represent theweek and year the tire was built. Forexample, the numbers 317 mean the 31stweek of 1997. After 2000, the numbers
go to four digits. For example, 2501means the 25th week of 2001. Thenumbers in between are identificationcodes used for traceability. Thisinformation is used to contact customersif 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 MaterialUsed: Indicates the number of plies orthe number of layers of rubber-coatedfabric in the tire tread and sidewall. Tiremanufacturers also must indicate the plymaterials in the tire and the sidewall,which include steel, nylon, polyester,and others.
K. Maximum Load: Indicates themaximum load in kilograms and poundsthat can be carried by the tire. See theSafety Compliance Certification Label(affixed to either the door hinge pillar,door-latch post, or the door edge thatmeets the door-latch post, next to thedriver's seating position), for the correcttire pressure for your vehicle.
L. Treadwear, Traction andTemperature Grades:
*Treadwear The treadwear grade is acomparative rating based on the wearrate of the tire when tested undercontrolled conditions on a specifiedgovernment test course. For example,a tire graded 150 would wear one andone-half times as well on the
government course as a tire graded 100.
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B. Load Range and Load InflationLimits: Indicates the tire's load-carryingcapabilities and its inflation limits.
C. Maximum Load Dual lb (kg) at psi(kPa) cold: Indicates the maximum loadand tire pressure when the tire is usedas a dual, defined as four tires on therear axle (a total of six or more tires onthe vehicle).
D. Maximum Load Single lb (kg) at psi(kPa) cold: Indicates the maximum loadand tire pressure when the tire is usedas 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 yourvehicle may be different from thisexample. Tire Quality Grades do notapply to this type of tire.
T type tires have some additionalinformation beyond those of P type tires;these differences are described below:
A. T: Indicates a type of tire, designatedby the Tire and Rim Association, that isintended for temporary service on cars,sport utility vehicles, minivans and lighttrucks.
B. 145: Indicates the nominal width ofthe tire in millimeters from sidewall edgeto sidewall edge. In general, the largerthe number, the wider the tire.
C. 80: Indicates the aspect ratio whichgives the tire's ratio of height to width.Numbers of 70 or lower indicate a shortsidewall.
D. D: Indicates a diagonal type tire.
R: Indicates a radial type tire.
E. 16: Indicates the wheel or rimdiameter in inches. If you change your
wheel size, you will have to purchasenew tires to match the new wheeldiameter.
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BCDE
E142545

Location of the Tire Label
You will find a Tire Label containing tireinflation pressure by tire size and otherimportant information located on theB-Pillar or the edge of the driver door.
Inflating Your Tires
Safe operation of your vehicle requiresthat your tires are properly inflated.Remember that a tire can lose up to halfof its air pressure without appearing flat.
Every day before you drive, check yourtires. If one looks lower than the others,use a tire gauge to check pressure of alltires and adjust if required.
At least once a month and before longtrips, inspect each tire and check the tire
pressure with a tire gauge (includingspare, if equipped). Inflate all tires to theinflation pressure recommended by FordMotor Company.
You are strongly urged to buy a reliabletire pressure gauge, as automaticservice station gauges may beinaccurate. Ford recommends the useof a digital or dial-type tire pressuregauge rather than a stick-type tirepressure gauge.
Use the recommended cold inflationpressure for optimum tire performanceand wear. Under-inflation orover-inflation may cause uneventreadwear patterns.
WARNING
Under-inflation is the most commoncause of tire failures and may resultin severe tire cracking, tread separationor blowout, with unexpected loss ofvehicle control and increased risk of
injury. Under-inflation increases sidewallflexing and rolling resistance, resultingin heat buildup and internal damage tothe tire. It also may result in unnecessarytire stress, irregular wear, loss of vehiclecontrol and accidents. A tire can lose upto half of its air pressure and not appearto be flat!
Always inflate your tires to therecommended inflation pressure evenif it is less than the maximum inflationpressure information found on the tire.The Ford recommended tire inflationpressure is found on the SafetyCompliance Certification Label (affixedto either the door hinge pillar, door-latchpost, or the door edge that meets thedoor-latch post, next to the driver'sseating position), or Tire Label which islocated on the B-Pillar or the edge of thedriver’s door. Failure to follow the tirepressure recommendations can causeuneven treadwear patterns andadversely affect the way your vehiclehandles.
Maximum Inflation Pressure is the tiremanufacturer's maximum permissible
pressure and the pressure at which themaximum load can be carried by the tire.This pressure is normally higher than themanufacturer’s recommended coldinflation pressure which can be foundon the Safety Compliance CertificationLabel (affixed to either the door hingepillar, door-latch post, or the door edge
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that meets the door-latch post, next tothe driver's seating position), or TireLabel which is located on the B-Pillar orthe edge of the driver’s door. The coldinflation pressure should never be setlower than the recommended pressureon the Safety Compliance CertificationLabel or Tire Label.
When weather temperature changesoccur, tire inflation pressures alsochange. A 11°F (6°C) temperature dropcan cause a corresponding drop of 1 psi(7 kPa) in inflation pressure. Check yourtire pressures frequently and adjustthem to the proper pressure which canbe found on the Safety ComplianceCertification Label or Tire Label.
To check the pressure in your tire(s):
1. Make sure the tires are cool,meaning they are not hot fromdriving even a mile.
Note:If you are checking tire pressurewhen the tire is hot, (for example, drivenmore than 1 mi (1.6 km), never bleed orreduce air pressure. The tires are hotfrom driving and it is normal forpressures to increase aboverecommended cold pressures. A hot tireat or below recommended cold inflationpressure could be significantlyunder-inflated.
Note:If you have to drive a distance toget air for your tire(s), check and recordthe tire pressure first and add theappropriate air pressure when you getto the pump. It is normal for tires to heatup and the air pressure inside to go upas you drive.
2.Remove the cap from the valve on
one tire, then firmly press the tiregauge onto the valve and measurethe pressure.
3. Add enough air to reach therecommended air pressure.
Note:If you overfill the tire, release airby pressing on the metal stem in thecenter of the valve. Then recheck thepressure with your tire gauge.
4. Replace the valve cap.
5.Repeat this procedure for each tire,including the spare.
Note:Some spare tires operate at ahigher inflation pressure than the othertires. For T type mini-spare tires, see theDissimilar spare wheel and tireassembly information for a description.Store and maintain at 60 psi (4.15 bar).For full-size and dissimilar spare tires,see the Dissimilar spare wheel and tireassembly information for a description.Store and maintain at the higher of thefront and rear inflation pressure as
shown on the Tire Label.
6.Visually inspect the tires to makesure there are no nails or otherobjects embedded that could pokea hole in the tire and cause an airleak.
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Age
WARNING
Tires degrade over time dependingon many factors such as weather,storage conditions, and conditions ofuse (load, speed, inflation pressure) thetires experience throughout their lives.
In general, tires should be replaced aftersix years regardless of tread wear.However, heat caused by hot climatesor frequent high loading conditions canaccelerate the aging process and mayrequire tires to be replaced morefrequently.
You should replace your spare tire whenyou replace the road tires or after six
years due to aging even if it has notbeen used.
U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number
Both United States and Canada Federalregulations require tire manufacturersto place standardized information on thesidewall of all tires. This informationidentifies and describes the fundamentalcharacteristics of the tire and alsoprovides a U.S. DOT Tire IdentificationNumber for safety standard certificationand in case of a recall.
This begins with the letters DOT andindicates that the tire meets all federalstandards. The next two numbers orletters are the plant code designatingwhere it was manufactured, the next twoare the tire size code and the last fournumbers represent the week and yearthe tire was built. For example, the
numbers 317 mean the 31st week of1997. After 2000, the numbers go to fourdigits. For example, 2501 means the25th week of 2001. The numbers inbetween are identification codes usedfor traceability. This information is usedto contact customers if a tire defectrequires a recall.
Tire Replacement Requirements
Your vehicle is equipped with tiresdesigned to provide a safe ride andhandling capability.
WARNINGS
Do not use replacement tires withlower load carrying capacities thanthe original tires because they maylower your vehicle's GVWR and GAWRlimitations. Replacement tires with ahigher limit than the original tires do notincrease the GVWR and GAWRlimitations.
Replace the wheels and tires withthe exact original brand, size andconstruction that came originally on yourvehicle. Use of any other wheel or tire
combinations, even with identical sizeratings, may result in insufficient runningclearances, tire rubbing and eventualpuncture. Failure to follow tirereplacement recommendations can leadto tire failure, loss of vehicle control,serious injury or death.
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