load capacity FORD ESCORT 1997 7.G Owners Manual

²GAWR (Gross axle weight
rating)Ð carrying capacity for
each axle system (front and
rear). This amount is specific to
each vehicle and is listed on the
Safety Compliance Certification
Label on the driver's door pillar.
Payload = Gross vehicle weight
rating - Base curb weight
To obtain correct weights, try
taking your vehicle to a shipping
company or an inspection station
for trucks.
Do not use replacement tires with
lower weight capacities than the
originals because they may lower
the vehicle's GVWR and GAWR
limitations. (Replacement tires
with a higher weight limit than the
originals do not increase the
GVWR and GAWR limitations.)
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 cause injury.
Trailer towing
Your vehicle is capable of towing a
trailer up to 454 kg (1000 lb) gross
trailer weight with a maximum
tongue load of 45 kg (100 lb). The
trailer should have 18.6 m
2(20 ft2)
or less frontal area.
Do not exceed the maximum loads
stated on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label. For load
Driving
102

Make sure all replacement
tires are of the same type,
load-carrying capacity, and tread
design (e.g. ªAll Terrainº), as
originally offered by Ford.
Failure to follow these
precautions may adversely
affect the handling of the vehicle
and make it easier to lose control
and roll over.
IDENTIFYING TIRE TYPES
Your vehicle requires the use of
the following tire types: wagon and
sedan 18565R14 tires and
T115/70D14 mini-spare. When
purchasing replacemment tires for
your vehicle, consult your Ford or
Lincoln-Mercury dealer or qualified
service technician to assure that
correct tire types are used.
USING SNOW TIRES AND
CHAINS
Snow tires must be the
same size and grade as the
tires currently on your vehicle.
The tires on your vehicle have all
weather treads to provide traction
in rain and snow. However, in some
climates using snow tires and
chains may be necessary. Follow
these guidelines when using snow
tires and chains:
²Use only SAE Class ªSº chains.
Maintenance and care
152