snow chains FORD FLEX 2014 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 theBrakeschapter for additional
information on the operation of the anti-lock brake system.
All-Wheel Drive (If Equipped)205
2014 Flex(471)
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•Front-wheel drive /All-wheel
drive vehicles (front tires at left
of diagram)
Sometimes irregular tire wear can be corrected by rotating the tires.
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, transfer case or power transfer unit failure.
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.
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.
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.
Wheels and Tires341
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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 and wheel assembly,
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 and wheel.
The usage of a full-size dissimilar spare tire and wheel assembly can lead
to impairment of the following:
•Handling, stability and braking performance
•Comfort and noise
•Ground clearance and parking at curbs
348Wheels and Tires
2014 Flex(471)
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USA(fus)

Settings ......................................484
Setting the clock ...............369, 484
Side air curtain ...........................59
Side-curtain airbags system .......59
SIRIUS® satellite radio ....369, 452
SIRIUS satellite radio voice
commands .................................453
SIRIUS Travel Link ...................476
SIRIUS Travel Link voice
commands .................................477
SOS Post Crash Alert .................51
Spare tire
(see Changing the Tire) ...........349
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................355, 359
Specification chart,
lubricants ...................................356
Stability system .........................211
Starting your vehicle ................180
jump starting ..........................267
push button start system .......179
Steering wheel ............................91
controls ......................................93
tilting .........................................91
Supplemental Restraint System
(SRS) (see airbags) ....................52
Supported media file types ......461
Supported player, media
formats and metadata
information ................................461
SYNC® customer support ........386
SYNC® Services ................410, 473
System settings .........................487T
Temperature control
(see Climate
control) ..............135, 137–138, 495
Text messaging .................397, 468
Text messaging (sending,
downloading, deleting) .....398, 400
Third-row power fold seat .......164
Tilt steering wheel ......................91
Tires ...................................326, 347
alignment ................................340
care ..........................................326
changing ..........................347, 349
checking the pressure ............336
inflating ...................................334
label .........................................333
replacing ..................................338
rotating ....................................340
safety practices .......................339
sidewall information ...............328
snow tires and chains ............341
spare tire .................................347
terminology .............................327
tire grades ...............................327
treadwear ........................326, 336
Touchscreen features
(climate) ....................................495
Towing .......................251, 258–259
recreational towing .................259
Trailer Brake
Controller-Integrated ..............256
trailer towing ..........................251
wrecker ....................................258
Traction control ........................209
Traffic, Directions and
Information ................................410
Traffic preferences ...................502
552Index
2014 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2013
USA(fus)