
mph ( km/h)Letter rating
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)Letter rating
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 Identification Number: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 two
are the tire size code and the last fournumbers represent the week and yearthe tire was built. For example, thenumbers 317 mean the 31st week of1997. After 2000 the numbers go to four
digits. 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.
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.
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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 theTire and Rim Association, that isintended for service on light trucks.
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:
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BC
BDE142544 A
BCDE
E142545

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.
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's door.See Load Carrying (page 287).
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 long
trips, inspect each tire and check the tirepressure with a tire gauge (includingspare, if equipped). Inflate all tires to theinflation pressure recommended by us.
You are strongly urged to buy a reliabletire pressure gauge, as automaticservice station gauges may beinaccurate. We recommend the use ofa digital or dial-type tire pressure gaugerather than a stick-type tire pressuregauge.
Use the recommended cold inflationpressure for optimum tire performanceand wear. Under-inflation orover-inflation may cause uneventreadwear patterns.
WARNING: Under-inflation is themost common cause of tire failuresand may result in severe tire cracking,tread separation or blowout, withunexpected loss of vehicle control andincreased risk of injury. Under-inflationincreases sidewall flexing and rollingresistance, resulting in heat buildup
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and internal damage to the tire. It alsomay result in unnecessary tire stress,irregular wear, loss of vehicle controland accidents. A tire can lose up tohalf of its air pressure and not appearto be flat!
Always inflate your tires to the ourrecommended inflation pressure evenif it is less than the maximum inflationpressure information found on the tire.Our recommended tire inflation pressureis found on the Safety ComplianceCertification Label or Tire 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 locatedon the B-pillar or the edge of the driver's
door. Failure to follow the tire pressurerecommendations can cause uneventreadwear patterns and adversely affectthe way your vehicle handles.
Note:Do not reduce tire pressure tochange the ride characteristics of thevehicle. If you do not maintain theinflation pressure at the levels specifiedby us, your vehicle may experience acondition known as shimmy. Shimmy isa severe vibration and oscillation in thesteering wheel after the vehicle travelsover a bump or dip in the road that doesnot dampen out by itself. Shimmy mayresult from significant under-inflation ofthe tires, improper tires (load range, size,or type), or vehicle modifications suchas lift-kits. In the event that your vehicleexperiences shimmy, you should slowlyreduce speed by either lifting off theaccelerator pedal or lightly applying thebrakes. The shimmy will cease as thevehicle speed decreases.
Maximum Inflation Pressure is the tiremanufacturer's maximum permissiblepressure 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 Certification
Label (affixed to either the door hingepillar, door-latch post, or the door edgethat meets the door-latch post, next tothe driver's seating position), or TireLabel located on the B-pillar or the edgeof the driver's door. The cold inflationpressure should never be set lower thanthe recommended pressure on theSafety Compliance Certification Labelor Tire Label.
When weather temperature changesoccur, tire inflation pressures alsochange. A 10°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, meaningthey are not hot from driving even amile.
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![LINCOLN NAVIGATOR 2019 Owners Manual Note:If you are checking tire pressurewhen the tire is hot, (for example, drivenmore than 1 mile [1.6 kilometers]), neverbleed or reduce air pressure. The tiresare hot from driving and it is normal fo LINCOLN NAVIGATOR 2019 Owners Manual Note:If you are checking tire pressurewhen the tire is hot, (for example, drivenmore than 1 mile [1.6 kilometers]), neverbleed or reduce air pressure. The tiresare hot from driving and it is normal fo](/manual-img/15/59005/w960_59005-401.png)
Note:If you are checking tire pressurewhen the tire is hot, (for example, drivenmore than 1 mile [1.6 kilometers]), neverbleed or reduce air pressure. The tiresare hot from 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 tire gaugeonto the valve and measure thepressure.
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 Safety ComplianceCertification Label or Tire Label.
6. Visually inspect the tires to make surethere are no nails or other objectsembedded that could poke a hole in thetire and cause an air leak.
7. Check the sidewalls to make surethere are no gouges, cuts or bulges.
Inspecting Your Tires and Wheel ValveStems
Periodically inspect the tire treads foruneven or excessive wear and removeobjects such as stones, nails or glassthat may be wedged in the treadgrooves. Check the tire and valve stemsfor holes, cracks, or cuts that may permitair leakage and repair or replace the tireand replace the valve stem. Inspect thetire sidewalls for cracking, cuts, bruisesand other signs of damage or excessivewear. If internal damage to the tire issuspected, have the tire demounted andinspected in case it needs to be repairedor replaced. For your safety, tires that
are damaged or show signs of excessivewear should not be used because theyare more likely to blow out or fail.
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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.
WARNING: Only use replacementtires and wheels that are the samesize, load index, speed rating and type(such as P-metric versus LT-metric orall-season versus all-terrain) as thoseoriginally provided by Ford. Therecommended tire and wheel size maybe found on either the SafetyCompliance Certification Label (affixedto either the door hinge pillar,door-latch post, or the door edge thatmeets the door-latch post, next to thedriver's seating position), or the TireLabel which is located on the B-Pillaror edge of the driver's door. If thisinformation is not found on theselabels, then you should contact yourauthorized dealer as soon as possible.Use of any tire or wheel not
recommended by Ford can affect thesafety and performance of yourvehicle, which could result in anincreased risk of loss of vehiclecontrol, vehicle rollover, personalinjury and death.
WARNING: To reduce the risk ofserious injury, when mountingreplacement tires and wheels, youshould not exceed the maximumpressure indicated on the sidewall ofthe tire to set the beads withoutadditional precautions listed below. Ifthe beads do not seat at the maximumpressure indicated, re-lubricate andtry again.
WARNING: When inflating the
tire for mounting pressures up to20 psi (1.38 bar) greater than themaximum pressure on the tire sidewall,the following precautions must betaken to protect the person mountingthe tire:
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•Make sure that you have the correcttire and wheel size.
•Lubricate the tire bead and wheelbead seat area again.
•Stand at a minimum of 12 ft (3.66 m)away from the wheel and tire
assembly.
•Use both eye and ear protection.
WARNING: For a mountingpressure more than 20 psi (1.38 bar)greater than the maximum pressure,a Ford dealer or other tire serviceprofessional should do the mounting.
WARNING: Always inflate steelcarcass tires with a remote air fill withthe person inflating standing at aminimum of 12 ft (3.66 m) away fromthe wheel and tire assembly.
Important: Remember to replace thewheel valve stems when the road tiresare replaced on your vehicle.
The two front tires or two rear tiresshould generally be replaced as a pair,except if the vehicle is equipped withfour wheel drive. Vehicles equipped withfour wheel drive should have all fourtires replaced simultaneously. Unevenlyworn tires, mismatched makes, modelsor brands can be different in size,resulting in potential damage to the fourwheel drive system.
The tire pressure sensors mounted inthe wheels are not designed to be usedin aftermarket wheels.
The use of wheels or tires notrecommended by us may affect theoperation of your tire pressuremonitoring system.
If the tire pressure monitoring system
indicator is flashing, the system ismalfunctioning. Your replacement tiremight be incompatible with your tirepressure monitoring system, or somecomponent of the system may bedamaged.
Safety Practices
WARNING: If your vehicle is stuckin snow, mud or sand, do not rapidlyspin the tires; spinning the tires cantear the tire and cause an explosion.A tire can explode in as little as threeto five seconds.
WARNING: Do not spin thewheels at over 34 mph (55 km/h). Thetires may fail and injure a passengeror bystander.
Driving habits have a great deal to dowith your tire mileage and safety.
*Observe posted speed limits
*Avoid fast starts, stops and turns
*Avoid potholes and objects on the road
*Do not run over curbs or hit the tireagainst a curb when parking
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Note:Your vehicle may be equippedwith a dissimilar spare wheel and tireassembly. A dissimilar spare wheel andtire assembly is defined as a sparewheel and tire assembly that is differentin brand, size or appearance from theroad tires and wheels. If you have adissimilar spare wheel and tire assemblyit is intended for temporary use only andshould not be used in a tire rotation.
Note:After having your tires rotated,inflation pressure must be checked andadjusted to the vehicle requirements.
Rotating your tires at the recommendedinterval (as indicated in the ScheduledMaintenance chapter) will help your tireswear more evenly, providing better tireperformance and longer tire life.
Rear-wheel drive vehicles andfour-wheel drive vehicles (front tires atleft of diagram)
Sometimes irregular tire wear can becorrected by rotating the tires.
USING SNOW CHAINS
WARNING: Snow tires must be thesame size, load index and speed rating asthose originally provided by Ford. Use ofany tire or wheel not recommended byFord can affect the safety and performanceof your vehicle, which could result in anincreased risk of loss of control, vehiclerollover, personal injury and death.Additionally, the use of non-recommended
tires and wheels can cause steering,suspension, axle, transfer case or powertransfer unit failure. Follow the Fordrecommended tire inflation pressure foundon the Safety Compliance CertificationLabel (on the door hinge pillar, door latchpost or the door edge that meets the doorlatch post, next to the driver seat), or TireLabel on the B-Pillar or the edge of thedriver door. Failure to follow the tirepressure recommendations can causeuneven treadwear patterns and adverselyaffect the way your vehicle handles.
Note:The suspension insulation andbumpers will help prevent vehicle damage.Do not remove these components from yourvehicle when using snow tires and chains.
The tires on your vehicle have all-weathertreads to provide traction in rain and snow.However, in some climates, you may needto use snow tires and cables. If you need touse cables, it is recommended that steelwheels (of the same size and specifications)be used, as cables may chip aluminumwheels.
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