tires FORD E-150 2003 User Guide

These Tire Quality Grades are determined by standards that the United
States Department of Transportation has set.
Tire Quality Grades apply to new pneumatic tires for use on passenger
cars. They do not apply to deep tread, winter-type snow tires,
space-saver or temporary use spare tires, tires with nominal rim
diameters of 10 to 12 inches or limited production tires as defined in
Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 575.104(c)(2).
U.S. Department of Transportation-Tire quality grades:The U.S.
Department of Transportation requires Ford to give you the following
information about tire grades exactly as the government has written it.
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 (1 1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual
conditions of their use, however, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices, and
differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction AA A B C
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.
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not include
acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning or peak traction characteristics.
Temperature A B C
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. Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire to
degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature 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. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of performance on
the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by law.
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The temperature grade for this tire is established for a tire that
is properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.
SERVICING YOUR TIRES
Tire inflation information
All tires with Steel Carcass Plies (if equipped):
This type of tire utilizes steel cords in the sidewalls. As such, they
cannot be treated like normal light truck tires. Tire service, including
adjusting tire pressure, must be performed by personnel trained,
supervised and equipped according to Federal Occupational Safety and
Health Administration (OSHA) regulations. For example, during any
procedure involving tire inflation, the technician or individual must
utilize a remote inflation device, and insure that all persons are clear of
the trajectory area.
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WARNINGAn inflated tire and rim can be very dangerous if
improperly used, serviced or maintained. To reduce the risk of
serious injury, never attempt to re-inflate a tire which has been run flat
or seriously under-inflated without first removing the tire from the
wheel assembly for inspection. Do not attempt to add air to tires or
replace tires or wheels without first taking precautions to protect
persons and property.
Tire rotation
Because your vehicle’s tires perform different jobs, they often wear
differently. To make sure your tires wear evenly and last longer, rotate
them as indicated in the scheduled maintenance guide. If you notice that
the tires wear unevenly, have them checked.
The following procedure applies to vehicles equipped with single rear
wheels, if your vehicle is equipped with dual rear wheels it is
recommended that only the front wheels be rotated (side to side).
•Four tire rotation
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•Five tire rotation
Replacing the tires
Replace the tires when the wear
band is visible through the tire
treads. Due to exposure to the
elements and exhaust you should
replace the spare tire when you
replace the other tires.
When replacing full size tires, never mix radial bias-belted, or
bias-type tires. Use only the tire sizes that are listed on the
Certification Label. Make sure that all tires are the same size, speed
rating, and load-carrying capacity. Use only the tire combinations
recommended on the label. If you do not follow these precautions,
your vehicle handling may be affected which can lead to loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover and/or personal injury.
Make sure that all replacement tires are of the same size, type,
speed rating, load-carrying capacity and tread design (e.g.,“All
Terrain”,“Touring”, etc.), as originally offered by Ford.
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Do not replace your tires with“high performance”tires or larger
size tires.
Failure to follow these precautions may adversely affect the
handling of the vehicle, and increase the risk of loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover and/or personal injury.
Tires that are larger or smaller than your vehicle’s original tires may also
affect the accuracy of your speedometer.
SNOW TIRES AND CHAINS
Snow tires must be the same size and grade as the tires you
currently have on your vehicle.
The tires on your vehicle have all weather treads to provide traction in
rain and snow. However, in some climates, you may need to use snow
tires and chains. If you need to use chains, it is recommended that steel
wheels (of the same size and specifications) be used, as chains may chip
aluminum wheels.
Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and chains:
•Use only SAE Class S chains.
•Install chains securely, verifying that the chains do not touch any
wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
•Drive cautiously. If you hear the chains rub or bang against your
vehicle, stop and re-tighten the chains. If this does not work, remove
the chains to prevent damage to your vehicle.
•If possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle.
•Remove the tire chains when they are no longer needed. Do not use
tire chains on dry roads.
•The suspension insulation and bumpers will help prevent vehicle
damage. Do not remove these components from your vehicle when
using snow tires and chains.
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Safety restraints ....................83–87
belt minder ...............................89
extension assembly ..................92
for adults .............................84–85
for children .........................97–98
lap belt ......................................87
safety belt maintenance ...........92
warning light and chime ..........88
Safety seats for children ..........101
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) ...............83
Seats ............................................77
child safety seats ....................101
Servicing your vehicle ..............173
Spare tire (see Changing
the Tire) ....................................144
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................210, 218
Special notice
ambulance conversions ..............6
diesel-powered vehicles .............6
utility-type vehicles ....................6
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................215, 218
Speed control ..............................69
Starting your vehicle ........113–115
jump starting ..........................152
Steering wheel
tilting .........................................64
T
Temperature control
(see Climate control) ...........51, 53
Tilt steering wheel ......................64
Tires ...................................204–206
changing ..........................144–145
replacing ..........................147, 208rotating ....................................207
snow tires and chains ............209
tire grades ...............................205
treadwear ................................205
Towing .......................................126
recreational towing .................134
trailer towing ..........................126
wrecker ....................................157
Traction-lok rear axle ...............118
Transmission .............................119
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................201
fluid, refill capacities ..............211
lubricant specifications ..215, 218
Trunk ...........................................72
Turn signal ..................................55
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................218
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................220
Vehicle loading ..........................124
Ventilating your vehicle ...........116
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......10
Washer fluid ..............................175
Water, Driving through .............123
Windows
power .........................................68
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers ..........................................63
checking and adding fluid .....175
replacing wiper blades .............63
Wrecker towing .........................157
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