tires FORD ESCORT 1996 7.G Owners Manual

239
*
[DR20750(ALL)03/95]
RWARNING
If your vehicle has speed control, do not
use it on slippery roads. You could lose
control of your vehicle and could injure
someone.
*
[DR20800(ALL)01/95]
If you have an automatic transaxle and your
vehicle gets stuck (for example, in mud or
snow), you may try to ºrockª it out of the spot.
Shift, in a steady rhythm, between forward and
reverse gears. While in each gear, press lightly
on the accelerator and release.
*
[DR20900(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph
(55 km/h). The tires may fail and injure a
passenger or bystander.
*
[DR21000(ALL)03/95]
By moving the vehicle backward and forward,
you may gain enough momentum to move out
of the spot. Do not rock the vehicle for more
than a few minutes. This may overheat the
engine, damage the transaxle, or damage the
tires. If you are still stuck after a minute or two
of rocking, call for a tow truck.
%*
[DR21200(ALL)01/95]
High water
*
[DR21300(ALL)01/95]
Do not drive through flooded areas unless you
are sure that the water is below the bottom of
the wheel rims.
*
[DR21400(ALL)04/94]
If you must drive through high water, drive
slowly. You may have limited traction or wet
brakes, so allow extra stopping distance because
your vehicle will not stop as quickly as usual.
*
[DR21500(ALL)01/95]
After you drive through the standing water,
apply your brakes gently several times as your
vehicle moves slowly. This helps to dry the
brakes.
File:10ctdre.ex
Update:Tue Sep 19 14:53:34 1995

240 %
*
[DR21600(ALL)03/95]
Driving With a Heavy Load
*
[DR21700(ALL)03/94]
There are limits to the amount of weight your
vehicle can carry. The total weight of your
vehicle, plus the weight of the passengers and
cargo, should never be more than the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Also, the weight
that your vehicle carries over the front axle and
rear axle should never be more than the Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the respective
axle.
%*
[DR21800(ALL)01/95]
You can find your vehicle's GVWR and GAWR
on the Safety Compliance Certification Label on
the left front door lock facing or on the door
latch post pillar.
[DR21900(ALL)10/91]
Usage of replacement tires with a higher weight
limit than originals does not increase GVWR or
GAWR. Usage of lower capacity replacement
tires may lower GVWR and GAWR limitations
and is not recommended.
*
[DR22000(ALL)02/95]
RWARNING
If the GVWR or the GAWR specified on
the Safety Compliance Certification Label
is exceeded, your vehicle may be damaged
or you may lose control and injure
someone.
*
[DR30525(ALL)03/91]
Towing Behind Another Vehicle Ð
Recreational Vehicle
[DR30530(ALL)03/91]
Towing an automatic transaxle vehicle behind
another vehicle, such as a Recreational Vehicle
(RV), is not recommended unless a front wheel
dolly is used. Do not tow your automatic
transaxle with the front wheels on the ground or
transaxle damage may occur.
File:10ctdre.ex
Update:Tue Sep 19 14:53:34 1995

251 %
*
[RE07400(ALL)03/95]
Preparing to Change the Tire
*
[RE07650(ALL)02/92]
1. Make sure that your vehicle will not move
or roll. If you have an automatic transaxle,
put the gearshift in P (Park). If you have a
manual transaxle, put the gearshift in 1
(First). Set the parking brake and block the
wheel that is diagonally opposite the tire
that you are changing.
*
[RE08590(ALL)08/95]
When one of the front wheels is off the ground,
the transaxle alone will not prevent the vehicle
from moving or slipping off the jack, even if the
vehicle is in P (Automatic) or 1 (Manual). To
prevent the vehicle from moving when you
change one of the front tires, put a block behind
the wheel that is diagonally opposite the tire.
*
[RE08600(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
If the vehicle slips off the jack, you or
someone else could be seriously injured.
*
[RE08800(ALL)03/95]
2. Get out the spare tire and jack.
[RE08850(ALL)08/93]
3. Remove any optional wheel covers or center
caps covering the lug nuts by gently prying
with the tapered end of the lug wrench.
[RE08870(ALL)09/89]
4. Loosen the wheel lug nuts one-half turn
each, but do not remove them until the tire
is raised off the ground. You should pull up
on the handle rather than push to develop
maximum force to loosen wheel lug nuts.
%*
[RE08875(ALL)05/95]
Removing and Replacing the Tire
[RE08880(ALL)03/95]
1. Place the scissors-type jack under the side of
the vehicle and adjust the jack height with
the jack handle. The jack should fit under
the side sill. There are small notches in the
seam to indicate the proper position for the
jack.
File:12ctree.ex
Update:Tue Sep 19 14:55:16 1995

294
*
[SV12560(ALL)05/95]
q
Driving with your foot on the brake
*
[SV12570(ALL)05/95]
q
Sudden stops
*
[SV12580(ALL)05/95]
q
Extended engine idling
*
[SV12590(ALL)05/95]
q
Using speed control in hilly terrain
*
[SV12610(ALL)05/95]
q
Extended use of the A/C, defroster, rear
window defroster and other accessories
*
[SV12620(ALL)05/95]
q
Underinflated tires
*
[SV12630(ALL)05/95]
q
Heavy loads
*
[SV12640(ALL)05/95]
q
Aftermarket add-ons such as bike, ski or
luggage racks, bug deflectors, etc.
%
*
[SV13600(ALL)02/95]
Engine Oil Recommendations
*
[SV13610(ALL)03/95]
We recommend using Motorcraft oil or an
equivalent oil meeting Ford Specification
ESE-M2C153-E and displaying the American
Petroleum Institute CERTIFICATION MARK on
the front of the container.
*
[SV13650(ALL)03/95]
one third page art:0060021-E
The API Certification Mark
*
[SV13670(ALL)01/95]
Neveruse:
*
[SV13680(ALL)01/95]
q
ªNon-Detergentº oils
*
[SV13690(ALL)04/95]
q
Oils labeled API SA, SB, SC, SD, SE, SF or SG
%*
[SV13700(ALL)01/95]
q
Additional engine oil additives, oil treatments
or engine treatments
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Update:Tue Sep 19 14:37:50 1995

306
%*
[SV23800(ALL)03/95]
Tires
*
[SV23900(ALL)03/95]
Look at your tires each time you fill your fuel
tank. If one tire looks lower than the others,
check the pressure in all of them. Always follow
these precautions:
*
[SV24200(ALL)03/95]
q
Keep your tires inflated to the recommended
pressures.
*
[SV24300(ALL)02/95]
q
Stay within the recommended load limits (see
Load limitsin the Index).
*
[SV24500(ALL)02/95]
q
Make sure the weight of your load is evenly
distributed.
*
[SV24550(ALL)10/89]
q
Drive at safe speeds.
*
[SV24700(ALL)01/95]
If you do not take these precautions, your tires
may fail or go flat.
*
[SV24800(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Driving too fast for conditions creates the
possibility of loss of vehicle control.
Driving at very high speeds for extended
periods of time may result in damage to
vehicle components.
%*
[SV24925(ALL)05/95]
At least once a month, check the pressure in all
your vehicle's tires, including the spare. Use an
accurate tire pressure gauge. Check the tire
pressure when tires are cold, after the vehicle
has been parked for at least one hour or has
been driven less than 3 miles (5 km). You can
find proper cold pressure and load limits of
recommended size tires on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label.
File:15ctsve.ex
Update:Tue Sep 19 14:37:50 1995

307
*
[SV24975(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Improperly inflated tires can affect vehicle
handling and can fail suddenly, possibly
resulting in loss of vehicle control.
%*
[SV25100(ALL)02/95]
Tire Rotation
*
[SV25200(ALL)04/95]
Because your vehicle's front and rear tires
perform different jobs, they often wear
differently. To make sure your tires wear evenly
and last longer, rotate them as indicated in the
following diagram.
*
[SV25300(ALL)04/95]
Do not include the spare tire as part of your
rotation.
*
[SV25350(ALL)03/95]
For tire rotation intervals, see theMaintenance
Schedule and Recordbooklet. If you notice the
tires wearing unevenly, have them checked.
[SV25410(E )08/92]
one third page art:0070010-B
Rotating the tires
File:15ctsve.ex
Update:Tue Sep 19 14:37:50 1995

308 %
*
[SV25700(ALL)04/95]
Replacing the Tires
*
[SV25900(ALL)05/95]
Replace any tires that show wear bands. When
your tire shows a wear band, it has only 1/16
inch (2 mm) of tread left.
*
[SV26150(ALL)09/89]
quarter page art:0060006-A
A worn-out tire
*
[SV26175(ALL)01/95]
Because your vehicle's tires may wear unevenly,
you may need to replace them before a wear
band appears across the entire tread. Some spots
wear more heavily than others.
*
[SV26200(ALL)01/95]
RWARNING
When replacing full size tires, never mix
radial, bias-belted, or bias-type tires. Use
only the tire sizes that are listed on the
tire pressure decal. Make sure that all tires
are the same size, speed rating, and
load-carrying capacity. Use only the tire
combinations recommended on the decal.
If you do not follow these precautions,
your vehicle may not drive properly and
safely.
[SV26250(E )02/94]
If you have the standard Escort 2-door
hatchback, the correct tire size for your vehicle is
P175/70R13. If you have the Escort GT, the
correct tire size for your vehicle is P185/60R15.
File:15ctsve.ex
Update:Tue Sep 19 14:37:50 1995

309 [SV26280(E )08/93]
If you have an Escort LX 2-door hatchback, an
Escort 4-door hatchback, an Escort wagon, or an
Escort sedan, the correct tire size for your
vehicle is P175/65R14.
*
[SV26400(ALL)01/95]
Tires that are larger or smaller than your
vehicle's original tires may also affect the
accuracy of your speedometer.
%*
[SV26500(ALL)04/95]
Wheel and Tire Matching
*
[SV26550(ALL)03/95]
See an authorized tire dealer for proper
servicing procedures. Wheels and tires must be
properly removed, matched and remounted to
maintain the best possible ride.
%*
[SV27400(ALL)02/95]
Information About Tire Quality Grades
*
[SV27500(ALL)01/95]
New vehicles are fitted with tires that have their
Tire Quality Grade (described below) molded
into the tire's sidewall. These Tire Quality
Grades are determined by standards that the
United States Department of Transportation has
set.
*
[SV27550(ALL)01/95]
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).
*
[SV27600(ALL)01/95]
U.S. Department of Transportation Ð 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.
File:15ctsve.ex
Update:Tue Sep 19 14:37:50 1995

310 %
*
[SV27799(ALL)01/95]
Treadwear
*
[SV27800(ALL)01/95]
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.
*
[SV27999(ALL)01/95]
Traction A B C
*
[SV28000(ALL)01/95]
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
A, B, and C, and they 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.
Warning: The traction grade assigned to this tire
is based on braking (straightahead) traction tests
and does not include cornering (turning)
traction.
*
[SV28299(ALL)01/95]
Temperature A B C
*
[SV28300(ALL)01/95]
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
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Update:Tue Sep 19 14:37:50 1995

311
represent higher levels of performance on the
laboratory test wheel than the minimum
required by law. Warning: 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.
%*
[SV28500(ALL)04/95]
Snow Tires and Chains
*
[SV28600(ALL)01/95]
The tires on your vehicle have all-weather treads
that provide traction in rain or snow. However,
during the winter months in some climates, you
may need to use snow tires and occasionally
chains for your tires.
*
[SV28700(ALL)05/95]
RWARNING
Snow tires must be the same size and
grade as the tires you currently have on
your vehicle.
*
[SV28810(ALL)02/95]
Use chains on the tires only in an emergency or
if the law requires them where you live. If you
choose to use chains on your vehicle's tires, be
aware of the following:
*
[SV28820(ALL)11/94]
q
Local regulations may prohibit or restrict the
use of tire chains. Investigate the laws and
regulations in your area before installing
chains.
*
[SV28830(ALL)08/93]
q
Tire chains may scratch or chip aluminum
wheels. IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT TIRE
CHAINS ARE INSTALLED ON STEEL
WHEELS ONLY. Be sure to remove wheel
covers (if equipped) from steel rims before
using tire chains to avoid scratches or
damage.
*
[SV28850(E )06/93]
q
Do not use tire chains if you have the GT
model.
File:15ctsve.ex
Update:Tue Sep 19 14:37:50 1995