snow chains FORD FLEX 2013 1.G Owners Manual

Driving on Snow and Ice
WARNING:If you are driving in slippery conditions that require tire
chains or cables, then it is critical that you drive cautiously. Keep
speeds down, allow for longer stopping distances and avoid aggressive
steering to reduce the chances of a loss of vehicle control which can lead to
serious injury or death. If the rear end of the vehicle slides while cornering,
steer in the direction of the slide until you regain control of the vehicle.
Note:Excessive tire slippage can cause transmission damage.
AWD vehicles have advantages over 2WD vehicles in snow and ice but
can skid like any other vehicle.
Should you start to slide while driving on snowy or icy roads, turn the
steering wheel in the direction of the slide until you regain control.
Avoid sudden applications of power and quick changes of direction on
snow and ice. Apply the accelerator slowly and steadily when starting
from a full stop.
Avoid sudden braking as well. Although an AWD vehicle may accelerate
better than a two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, it won’t stop any
faster, because as in other vehicles, braking occurs at all four wheels. Do
not become overconfident as to road conditions.
Make sure you allow sufficient distance between you and other vehicles
for stopping. Drive slower than usual and consider using one of the lower
gears. In emergency stopping situations, apply the brake steadily. Since
your vehicle is equipped with a four wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS),
do not “pump” the brakes. Refer to theBrakessection of this chapter for
additional information on the operation of the anti-lock brake system.
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USING SNOW CHAINS
WARNING:Snow tires must be the same size, load index, speed
rating as those originally provided by Ford. Use of any tire or
wheel not recommended by Ford can affect the safety and performance
of your vehicle, which could result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. Additionally, the use
of non-recommended tires and wheels could cause steering, suspension,
axle or transfer case/power transfer unit failure.
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 cables. If you need to use cables, it is recommended that steel
wheels (of the same size and specifications) be used, as cables may chip
aluminum wheels.
Note:The suspension insulation and bumpers will help prevent vehicle
damage. Do not remove these components from your vehicle when using
snow tires and chains.
Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and chains:
•If possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle.
•Use only SAE Class S snow chains, snow cables or equivalent on the
front axle for P235/60R17, P235/60R18, and P235/55R19 equipped
vehicles. The use of snow chains, snow cables or other traction assist
devices that are larger than SAE Class S may cause damage to your
vehicle’s wheel house, suspension and/or body.
•Do not install tire chains, cables, or optional traction devices on the
rear tires. This could cause damage to the vehicle’s wheel house or
body.
•Do not use tire chains, cables, or optional traction devices with
255/45R20 tires.
•Install cable chains securely, verifying that the cables do not touch any
wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
•Do not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h) with tire cables on your vehicle.
•Drive cautiously. If you hear the cables rub or bang against your
vehicle, stop and retighten the cables. If this does not work, remove
the cables to prevent damage to your vehicle.
•Remove the tire cables when they are no longer needed. Do not use
tire cables on dry roads.
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2.Full-size dissimilar spare with label on wheel:This spare tire has
a label on the wheel that states: “THIS TIRE AND WHEEL FOR
TEMPORARY USE ONLY”
When driving with one of the dissimilar spare tires listed above,do not:
•Exceed 50 mph (80 km/h)
•Load the vehicle beyond maximum vehicle load rating listed on the
Safety Compliance Label
•Tow a trailer
•
Use snow chains on the end of the vehicle with the dissimilar spare tire
•Use more than one dissimilar spare tire at a time
•Use commercial car washing equipment
•Try to repair the dissimilar spare tire
Use of one of the dissimilar spare tires listed above at any one wheel
location can lead to impairment of the following:
•Handling, stability and braking performance
•Comfort and noise
•Ground clearance and parking at curbs
•Winter weather driving capability
•Wet weather driving capability
3.Full-size dissimilar spare without label on wheel
When driving with the full-size dissimilar spare tire/wheel,do not:
•Exceed 70 mph (113 km/h)
•Use more than one dissimilar spare tire/wheel at a time
•Use commercial car washing equipment
•Use snow chains on the end of the vehicle with the dissimilar spare
tire/wheel
The usage of a full-size dissimilar spare tire/wheel can lead to impairment
of the following:
•Handling, stability and braking performance
•Comfort and noise
•Ground clearance and parking at curbs
•Winter weather driving capability
•Wet weather driving capability
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Selecting your media source
(USB, Line in, BT audio) ......... 436
Sending new text messages ..... 494
Setting a destination ................ 521
Setting a destination by
voice ........................................... 522
Setting the clock ............... 140, 510
Setting your wallpaper ............. 510
Side air curtain ........................... 58
Side-curtain airbags system ....... 58
SIRIUSsatellite radio ..... 140, 475
SIRIUS satellite radio voice
commands ................................. 478
SIRIUS Travel Link ................... 502
SIRIUS Travel Link voice
commands ................................. 504
SOS Post Crash Alert ................. 50
Spare tire (see Changing the
Tire) ........................................... 364
Spark plugs,
specifications ..................... 370, 375
Specification chart,
lubricants ................................... 371
Stability system ......................... 227
Starting your vehicle ................ 198
jump starting .......................... 283
push button start system ....... 196
Steering wheel ............................ 90
controls ...................................... 92
tilting ................................... 90–91
Supplemental Restraint System
(SRS) (see airbags) .................... 51Supported media file types ...... 487
Supported player, media
formats and metadata
information ................................ 487
SYNCcustomer support ......... 404
SYNCServices ................. 429, 498
System settings ......................... 512
T
Temperature control (see
Climate control) ........ 153, 155, 157
Text messaging ................. 415, 494
Text messaging (sending,
downloading, deleting) ..... 416, 418
Third-row power fold seat ....... 182
Tilt steering wheel ................ 90–91
Tires ........................... 341–342, 362
alignment ................................ 355
care .......................................... 341
changing .......................... 362, 364
checking the pressure ............ 351
inflating ................................... 349
label ......................................... 348
replacing .................................. 353
rotating .................................... 356
safety practices ....................... 354
sidewall information ............... 343
snow tires and chains ............ 357
spare tire ................................. 362
terminology ............................. 342
tire grades ............................... 342
treadwear ........................ 341, 351
Touchscreen features
(climate) .................................... 519
Index557
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