tires FORD E-450 2004 Owner's Manual

the tread is worn down to 4mm (1/16th of an inch). When you see these
“wear bars”, the tire is worn out and should be replaced.
Inspect your tires frequently for any of the following conditions and
replace them if one or more of the following conditions exist:
•Fabric showing through the tire rubber
•Bulges in the tread or sidewalls
•Cracks or cuts on the sidewalls
•Cracks in the tread groove
•Impact damage resulting from use
•Separation in the tread
•Separation in the sidewall
•Severe abrasion on the sidewall
If your vehicle has a leak in the exhaust system, a road tire or the spare
tire may be exposed to hot exhaust temperatures requiring the tire to be
replaced.
Safety practices
Driving habits have a great deal to do with 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 tire against a curb when parking
If you vehicle is stuck in snow, mud, sand, etc.,do notrapidly spin the
tires; spinning the tires can tear the tire and cause an explosion. A tire
can explode in as little as three to five seconds.
Tire explosions can cause death, personal injury or property
damage. Do not allow anyone to stand near, or directly ahead or
behind the spinning tire.
Never spin the tires in excess of the 55 km/h (35 mph) point
indicated on the speedometer.
2004 Econoline(eco)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
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Highway hazards
No matter how carefully you drive there’s always the possibility that you
may eventually have a flat tire on the highway. Drive slowly to the
closest safe area out of traffic. This may further damage the flat tire, but
your safety is more important.
If you feel a sudden vibration or ride disturbance while driving or you
suspect your tire or vehicle has been damaged, immediately reduce your
speed. Drive with caution until you can safely pull off the road. Stop and
inspect the tire for damage. If the tire is under-inflated or damaged,
deflate it, remove wheel and replace it with your spare tire and wheel. If
you cannot detect a cause, have the vehicle towed to the nearest repair
facility or tire dealer to have the vehicle inspected.
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.
2004 Econoline(eco)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
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Safety seats for children ............97
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) ...............79
Seats ............................................73
child safety seats ......................97
front seats .................................73
Servicing your vehicle ..............172
Setting the clock .......15, 17, 19, 22
AM/FM/CD .................................22
Spare tire (see Changing the
Tire) ...........................................143
Spark plugs,
specifications .............217, 225–226
Special notice
ambulance conversions ..............7
diesel-powered vehicles .............6
utility-type vehicles ....................6
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................222, 225
Speed control ..............................65
Starting your vehicle ........108–110
jump starting ..........................151
Steering wheel
tilting .........................................59
T
Temperature control
(see Climate control) ...........47, 49
Tilt steering wheel ......................59
Tires ...................................203–204
changing ..................143–144, 150
replacing ..................................147
snow tires and chains ............216
tire grades ...............................204treadwear ................................204
Towing .......................................123
recreational towing .................131
trailer towing ..........................123
wrecker ....................................156
Traction-lok rear axle ...............113
Transmission .............................115
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....115
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................200
fluid, refill capacities ..............218
lubricant specifications ..222, 225
Turn signal ..................................52
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................226
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................228
Vehicle loading ..........................120
Ventilating your vehicle ...........111
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......10
Washer fluid ..............................175
Water, Driving through .............119
Windows
power .........................................63
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers ..........................................58
checking and adding fluid .....175
replacing wiper blades .............58
Wrecker towing .........................156
2004 Econoline(eco)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
238
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