tires FORD TAURUS 1996 User Guide

291 [SV25410(ALL)11/94]
one third page art:0001369-A
Rotating the tires
%*
[SV25700(ALL)04/95]
Replacing the Tires
[SV25800(ALL)01/89]
We recommend that you use all-weather tires
when you replace your tires.
[SV25850( T)12/95]
SHO models must use a P225/55VR16 tire for
replacement.
*
[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)05/94]
quarter page art:0001318-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.
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292
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[SV26300(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.
*
[SV26400(ALL)01/95]
Tires that are larger or smaller than your
vehicle's original tires may also affect the
accuracy of your speedometer.
%*
[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.
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293 %
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[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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294represent 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.
*
[SV28775(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:
*
[SV28825(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( T)12/95]
q
Do not use tire chains if your vehicle is
equipped with P225/55VR16 tires (SHO only).
*
[SV28925(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.
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295
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[SV28950(ALL)05/95]
q
Put the chains on the front tires tightly with
the ends held down securely. Retighten the
chains after driving 1/2 mile (1 km). Follow
the chain manufacturer's instructions.
*
[SV28975(ALL)05/95]
q
Do not drive faster than 30 mph (50 km/h)
or the chain manufacturer's recommended
speed limit, whichever is lower. Avoid
bumps, holes and sharp turns. If you can
hear the chains rub or bang against your
vehicle, remove the chains to prevent damage
to your vehicle.
*
[SV29025(ALL)11/94]
q
Tire chains may affect vehicle handling. Drive
carefully and avoid hard braking.
*
[SV29050(ALL)11/94]
q
Do not use chains on temporary spare tires.
They may damage the vehicle and the tire.
*
[SV29150(ALL)05/94]
q
Remove tire chains at the first opportunity
after using them on snow and ice. Do not use
the chains on dry roads.
%*
[SV29160(ALL)04/95]
Cleaning the Wheels
*
[SV29170(ALL)05/95]
Wash the wheels with the same detergent you
use to wash your vehicle's body. Do not use
acid-based wheel cleaners, steel wool, abrasives,
fuel, or strong detergents. These substances will
damage protective coatings. Use tar and road oil
remover to remove grease and tar.
*
[SV29180(ALL)09/95]
NOTE: Before going to a car wash, find out if
the brushes are abrasive.
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Update:Tue Jan 23 13:58:51 1996
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333 %
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[SV46200(ALL)01/95]
Cooling system
*
[SV46300(ALL)01/95]
q
Protect against freezing temperatures.
%*
[SV46400(ALL)01/95]
Battery
*
[SV46500(ALL)01/95]
q
Check and recharge as necessary.
*
[SV46600(ALL)01/95]
q
Keep connections clean and covered with a
light coat of grease.
%*
[SV46650(ALL)02/95]
q
If storing your vehicle for more than 30 days
without recharging the battery, disconnect the
battery cables to ensure battery charge is
maintained for quick starting. NOTE: If
battery cables are disconnected, it will be
necessary to reset any memory features (eg.
radio presets).
%*
[SV46700(ALL)01/95]
Brakes
*
[SV46800(ALL)01/95]
q
Make sure brakes and parking brake are fully
released.
%*
[SV46900(ALL)01/95]
Tires
*
[SV47000(ALL)05/95]
q
Maintain recommended air pressure.
*
[SV47100(ALL)01/95]
Miscellaneous
*
[SV47200(ALL)01/95]
q
Make sure all linkages, cables, levers and
clevis pins under vehicle are covered with
grease to prevent rust.
*
[SV47300(ALL)05/95]
q
Move vehicles at least 25 feet (10 m) every 15
days to lubricate working parts to prevent
corrosion.
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360 Index
C
Canada, customer assistance....... 245
Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan
(CAMVAP).............. 246
Capacities for refilling fluids....... 328
Carbon monoxide in exhaust........ 68
Cargo cover............... 162
Cargo net................ 161
Car seats for children
(see Child safety seats)......... 33
Cassette tape player (see Electronic
sound system)............ 177
Catalytic converter............ 323
CD player (see Electronic sound system) . . 182
Chains, tires.............. 294
Changing a tire............. 222
Charging system warning light....... 74
Childproof locks............. 125
Child safety restraints........... 31
child safety belts............ 57
child safety seats............ 33
Child safety seats
and air bags............ 26,33
attaching with tether straps....... 43
automatic locking mode (retractor) . . 14, 33
built-in................ 46
in front seat.............. 35
in rear outboard seat.......... 35
tether anchorage hardware........ 44
Chime
headlamps on.............. 77
key in ignition............. 60
safety belt............... 73
Cleaning your vehicle
built-in child seat............ 57
CD player and discs.......... 187
chrome and aluminum parts....... 7
engine compartment.......... 264
exterior................ 6
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372 Index
R
Radio (see Electronic sound systems) . . . 169
Rear window
defroster............... 104
washer................ 105
washer reservoir........... 284
Refill capacities for fluids........ 328
Regulations, National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration......... 244
Relays................. 303
Remote entry system
arming and disarming the
anti-theft system.......... 136
locking/unlocking doors........ 134
panic alarm.............. 135
replacement/additional transmitters . . . 137
replacing the batteries......... 136
Reporting safety defects......... 244
Restraints, safety (see Safety restraints)
adult.................. 9
child.................. 31
head................. 145
infant................. 31
Ride control, Semi-Active......... 202
Roadside assistance........... 237
Roadside emergencies.......... 217
Roof rack................ 163
Rotating the tires............ 290
S
Safe driving tips............. 206
Safety belts (see Safety restraints)...... 9
Safety chains, when towing a trailer.... 214
Safety Compliance Certification Label . . . 208
Safety defects, reporting......... 244
Safety information relating to
automotive fuels........... 268
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374 Index
Servicing your vehicle.......... 255
precautions when servicing...... 256
servicing when you tow........ 216
Shift-lock system..........192, 196
Shift positions
(see Gearshift)..........193, 197
Shoulder and lap belts
(see Safety restraints).......... 12
Shoulder belts
(see Safety restraints).......... 12
Side mirrors
adjusting............... 153
heated................ 104
Sliding moon roof (see Moon roof).... 144
Snow tires and chains.......... 294
Spare tire
changing the tire........... 222
conventional spare.......... 223
finding the spare........... 223
removing the spare tire........ 223
storing the flat tire.......... 223
temporary spare........... 222
Spark plugs, specifications........ 329
Special driving conditions........ 206
Specification chart, lubricants....... 330
Speed control (see cruise control)
accelerating.............. 122
indicator light............. 81
resetting............... 123
tap up/tap down........... 123
turning off.............. 124
when towing a trailer.......122, 216
Speedometer............... 84
Starting your vehicle
preparing to start your vehicle...... 61
starting a cold engine.......... 62
starting after a collision......... 65
starting a warm engine......... 62
starting your vehicle if the battery
is disabled............. 217
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Index 375
Steering, power............. 201
Steering wheel
horn................. 119
locking................ 59
speed controls............ 120
tilting................ 119
Storage compartments
cargo area.............. 160
cargo net.............. 161
center console............ 156
locking storage............ 161
Storing your vehicle........... 331
Sunroof (moon roof)........... 144
Sun visor................ 154
Supplemental air bag readiness light.... 77
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS).... 23
T
Tachometer................ 84
Tail lamps, cleaning........... 108
Temperature control (see Climate control) . . 93
Tether anchor installation
(see Child restraints).......... 43
Tilt steering wheel........... 119
Tires.................. 288
changing............... 222
checking the pressure......... 288
cleaning............... 295
inspection and maintenance...... 288
replacing............... 291
rotating............... 290
snow tires and chains......... 294
spare tire.............. 222
storing your vehicle.......... 333
tire grades.............. 292
treadwear.............. 293
wear bands............. 291
Towing a trailer (see Trailer towing) . . . 211
File:fcixt.ex
Update:Tue Jan 23 08:18:16 1996
ProCarManuals.com