inflation pressure FORD TAURUS 2017 User Guide

C.80: Indicates the aspect ratiowhich gives the tire's ratio ofheight to width. Numbers of 70 orlower indicate a short sidewall.
D.D: Indicates a diagonal type tire.
R: Indicates a radial type tire.
E.16: Indicates the wheel or rimdiameter in inches. If you changeyour wheel size, you will have topurchase new tires to match thenew wheel diameter.
Recommended Tire Pressuresand Inflating Your Tires
Safe operation of your vehiclerequires that your tires areproperly inflated. Remember thata tire can lose up to half of its airpressure without appearing flat.
Every day before you drive, checkyour tires. If one looks lower thanthe others, use a tire gauge tocheck the pressure of all tires andadjust if required.
At least once a month and beforelong trips, inspect each tire andcheck the tire pressure with a tiregauge (including spare, ifequipped). Inflate all tires to theinflation pressure recommendedby Ford Motor Company.
WARNING
Under-inflation is the mostcommon cause of tire failuresand may result in severe tirecracking, tread separation orblowout, with unexpected loss ofvehicle control and increased riskof injury. Under-inflation increasessidewall flexing and rollingresistance, resulting in heatbuildup and internal damage tothe tire. It also may result inunnecessary tire stress, irregularwear, loss of vehicle control andaccidents. A tire can lose up tohalf of its air pressure and notappear to be flat!
You are strongly urged to buy areliable tire pressure gauge, asautomatic service station gaugesmay be inaccurate. Fordrecommends the use of a digitalor dial-type tire pressure gaugerather than a stick-type tirepressure gauge. Use therecommended cold inflationpressure for optimum tireperformance and wear.Under-inflation or over-inflationmay cause uneven treadwearpatterns.
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Always inflate your tires to theFord recommended inflationpressure even if it is less than themaximum inflation pressureinformation found on the tire. Youwill find a Tire Label containingthe Ford recommended tireinflation pressure by the tire sizeand other important informationlocated on the B-Pillar or the edgeof the driver’s door.
The Ford recommended tireinflation pressure is also found onthe Safety ComplianceCertification Label (affixed toeither the door hinge pillar,door-latch post, or the door edgethat meets the door-latch on theB-pillar, or on the edge of thedriver’s door.
Failure to follow the tire pressurerecommendations can causeuneven treadwear patterns andadversely affect the way yourvehicle handles.
Inspecting Your Tires andWheel Valve Stems
Periodically inspect the tire treadsfor uneven or excessive wear andremove objects such as stones,nails or glass that may be wedgedin the tread grooves. Check the tireand valve stems for holes, cracks,or cuts that may permit airleakage and repair or replace thetire and replace the valve stem.Inspect the tire sidewalls forcracking, cuts, bruises and othersigns of damage or excessivewear. If internal damage to the tire
is suspected, have the tiredemounted and inspected in caseit needs to be repaired or replaced.For your safety, tires that aredamaged or show signs ofexcessive wear should not be usedbecause they are more likely toblow out or fail.
Improper or inadequate vehiclemaintenance can cause tires towear abnormally. Inspect all yourtires, including the spare,frequently, and replace them ifone or more of the followingconditions exist:
Tire Wear
When the tread is worn down toone sixteenth of an inch (2 mm),tires must be replaced to helpprevent your vehicle from skiddingand hydroplaning. Built-intreadwear indicators, or wear bars,which look like narrow strips ofsmooth rubber across the treadwill appear on the tire when thetread is worn down to one
sixteenth of an inch (2 mm).
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When the tire tread wears downto the same height as these wearbars, the tire is worn out and mustbe replaced.
Damage
Periodically inspect the tire treadsand sidewalls for damage (suchas bulges in the tread or sidewalls,cracks in the tread groove andseparation in the tread orsidewall). If damage is observedor suspected, have the tireinspected by a tire professional.Tires can be damaged duringoff-road use, so inspection afteroff-road use is alsorecommended.
Age
WARNING
Tires degrade over timedepending on many factorssuch as weather, storageconditions, and conditions of use(load, speed, inflation pressure)the tires experience throughouttheir lives.
In general, tires should bereplaced after six years regardlessof tread wear. However, heatcaused by hot climates orfrequent high loading conditionscan accelerate the aging processand may require tires to bereplaced more frequently.
You should replace your spare tirewhen you replace the road tires orafter six years due to aging even ifit has not been used.
U.S. DOT Tire IdentificationNumber
Both United States and CanadaFederal regulations require tiremanufacturers to placestandardized information on thesidewall of all tires. Thisinformation identifies anddescribes the fundamentalcharacteristics of the tire and alsoprovides a U.S. DOT TireIdentification Number for safetystandard certification and in caseof a recall.
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Highway Hazards
No matter how carefully you drive,there is always the possibility thatyou may eventually have a flat tireon the highway. Drive slowly to theclosest safe area out of traffic.This may further damage the flattire, but your safety is moreimportant.
If you feel a sudden vibration orride disturbance while driving, oryou suspect your tire or vehiclehas been damaged, immediatelyreduce your speed. Drive withcaution until you can safely pulloff the road. Stop and inspect thetires for damage. If a tire isunder-inflated or damaged,deflate it, remove wheel andreplace it with your spare tire andwheel. If you cannot detect acause, have the vehicle towed tothe nearest repair facility or tiredealer to have the vehicleinspected.
Tire and Wheel Alignment
A bad jolt from hitting a curb orpothole can cause the front endof your vehicle to becomemisaligned or cause damage toyour tires. If your vehicle seems topull to one side when you aredriving, the wheels may be out ofalignment. Have an authorizeddealer check the wheel alignmentperiodically.
Wheel misalignment in the frontor the rear can cause uneven andrapid treadwear of your tires andshould be corrected by anauthorized dealer. Front-wheeldrive vehicles and those with anindependent rear suspension (ifequipped) may require alignmentof all four wheels.
The tires should also be balancedperiodically. An unbalanced tireand wheel assembly may result inirregular tire wear.
Tire Rotation
Note:If your tires show unevenwear, ask an authorized dealer tocheck for and correct any wheelmisalignment, tire imbalance ormechanical problem involved
before tire rotation.
Note:Your vehicle may beequipped with a dissimilar sparewheel and tire assembly. Adissimilar spare wheel and tireassembly is defined as a sparewheel and tire assembly that isdifferent in brand, size orappearance from the road tires andwheels. If you have a dissimilarspare wheel and tire assembly, it isintended for temporary use onlyand should not be used in a tirerotation.
Note:After having your tiresrotated, inflation pressure must bechecked and adjusted to thevehicle requirements.
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Rotating your tires at therecommended interval (asindicated in the ScheduledMaintenance chapter) will helpyour tires wear more evenly,providing better tire performanceand longer tire life. Sometimesirregular tire wear can becorrected by rotating the tires.
USING SUMMER TIRES
Summer tires provide superiorperformance on wet and dry roads.Summer tires do not have the Mud andSnow (M+S or M/S) tire traction rating onthe tire side wall. Since summer tires donot have the same traction performanceas All-season or Snow tires, we do notrecommend using summer tires whentemperatures drop to approximately 45°F(7°C) or below (depending on tire wearand environmental conditions) or in snowand ice conditions. Like any tire, summertire performance is affected by tire wearand environmental conditions. If you mustdrive in those conditions, we recommendusing Mud and Snow (M+S, M/S),All-season or Snow tires.
Always store your summer tires indoors attemperatures above 20ºF (-7ºC). Therubber compounds used in these tires loseflexibility and may develop surface cracksin the tread area at temperatures below20ºF (-7ºC). If the tires have beensubjected to 20ºF (-7ºC) or less, warmthem in a heated space to at least 40ºF(5ºC) for at least 24 hours before installingthem on a vehicle, or moving the vehiclewith the tires installed, or checking tireinflation. Do not place tires near heatersor heating devices used to warm the roomwhere the tires are stored. Do not applyheat or blow heated air directly on the tires.Always inspect the tires after storageperiods and before use.
USING SNOW CHAINS
WARNING
Snow tires must be the same size,load index and speed rating as thoseoriginally provided by Ford. Use ofany tire or wheel not recommended byFord can affect the safety andperformance of your vehicle, which couldresult in an increased risk of loss of control,vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.Additionally, the use of non-recommendedtires and wheels can cause steering,suspension, axle, transfer case or powertransfer unit failure. Follow the Fordrecommended tire inflation pressure foundon the Safety Compliance CertificationLabel (on the door hinge pillar, door latchpost or the door edge that meets the doorlatch post, next to the driver seat), or TireLabel on the B-Pillar or the edge of thedriver door. Failure to follow the tirepressure recommendations can causeuneven treadwear patterns and adverselyaffect the way your vehicle handles.
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Note:The suspension insulation andbumpers will help prevent vehicle damage.Do not remove these components from yourvehicle when using snow tires and chains.
If the tires on your vehicle have all seasontreads, they will provide traction in rain andsnow. However, in some climates, you mayneed to use snow tires and cables. If youneed to use cables, it is recommended thatsteel wheels (of the same size andspecifications) be used, as cables may chipaluminum wheels.
Follow these guidelines when using snowtires and chains:
•If possible, avoid fully loading yourvehicle.
•Use only SAE Class S snow chains,snow cables or equivalent on the frontaxle for P235/55R18 equipped vehicles.The use of snow chains, snow cablesor other traction assist devices that arelarger than SAE Class S may causedamage to your vehicle’s wheel house,suspension and/or body.
•Do not install tire chains, cables, oroptional traction devices on the reartires. This could cause damage to thevehicle’s wheel house or body.
•Install cable chains securely, verifyingthat the cables do not touch any wiring,brake lines or fuel lines.
•Do not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h) withtire cables on your vehicle.
•Drive cautiously. If you hear the cablesrub or bang against your vehicle, stopand retighten the cables. If this doesnot work, remove the cables to preventdamage to your vehicle.
•Remove the tire cables when they areno longer needed. Do not use tirecables on dry roads.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING
SYSTEM
WARNING
The tire pressure monitoring systemis not a substitute for manuallychecking tire pressures. You shouldperiodically check tire pressures using apressure gauge. Failure to correctlymaintain tire pressures could increase therisk of tire failure, loss of control, vehiclerollover and personal injury.
Each tire, including the spare (ifprovided), should be checkedmonthly when cold and inflatedto the inflation pressure recommended bythe vehicle manufacturer on the vehicleplacard or tire inflation pressure label. (Ifyour vehicle has tires of a different sizethan the size indicated on the vehicleplacard or tire inflation pressure label, youshould determine the proper tire inflationpressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehiclehas been equipped with a Tire PressureMonitoring System (TPMS) thatilluminates a low tire pressure telltalewhen one or more of your tires issignificantly under-inflated. Accordingly,when the low tire pressure telltaleilluminates, you should stop and checkyour tires as soon as possible, and inflatethem to the proper pressure. Driving on asignificantly under-inflated tire causes thetire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiencyand tire tread life, and may affect thevehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
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Please note that the TPMS is not asubstitute for proper tire maintenance, andit is the driver’s responsibility to maintaincorrect tire pressure, even if under-inflationhas not reached the level to triggerillumination of the TPMS low tire pressuretelltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped witha TPMS malfunction indicator to indicatewhen the system is not operating properly.The TPMS malfunction indicator iscombined with the low tire pressuretelltale. When the system detects amalfunction, the telltale will flash forapproximately one minute and then remaincontinuously illuminated. This sequencewill continue upon subsequent vehiclestart-ups as long as the malfunction exists.
When the malfunction indicator isilluminated, the system may not be ableto detect or signal low tire pressure asintended. TPMS malfunctions may occurfor a variety of reasons, including theinstallation of replacement or alternatetires or wheels on the vehicle that preventthe TPMS from functioning properly.Always check the TPMS malfunctiontelltale after replacing one or more tires orwheels on your vehicle to ensure that thereplacement or alternate tires and wheelsallow the TPMS to continue to functionproperly.
This device complies with Part 15 of theFCC Rules and with Industry Canadalicense-exempt RSS standard(s).Operation is subject to the following twoconditions:
•This device may not cause harmfulinterference.
•This device must accept anyinterference received, includinginterference that may cause undesiredoperation.
Changing Tires With a TirePressure Monitoring System
Note:Each road tire is equipped with a tirepressure sensor located inside the wheeland tire assembly cavity. The pressuresensor is attached to the valve stem. Thepressure sensor is covered by the tire and isnot visible unless the tire is removed. Takecare when changing the tire to avoiddamaging the sensor
You should always have your tires servicedby an authorized dealer.
Check the tire pressure periodically (atleast monthly) using an accurate tiregauge. See Inflating Your Tires in thischapter.
Understanding Your Tire PressureMonitoring System
The tire pressure monitoring systemmeasures pressure in your four road tiresand sends the tire pressure readings toyour vehicle. The low tire pressure warninglight will turn on if the tire pressure issignificantly low. Once the light isilluminated, your tires are under-inflatedand need to be inflated to themanufacturer’s recommended tirepressure. Even if the light turns on and ashort time later turns off, your tire pressurestill needs to be checked.
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Customer action requiredPossible causeLow tire pressurewarning light
Make sure tires are at the proper pres-sure. See Inflating your tires in thischapter. After inflating your tires to themanufacturer’s recommended pressureas shown on the Tire Label (located onthe edge of driver’s door or the B-Pillar),the vehicle must be driven for at leasttwo minutes over 20 mph (32 km/h)before the light turns off.
Tire(s) under-inflatedSolid warning light
Repair the damaged road wheel and tireassembly and reinstall it on the vehicleto restore system function. For adescription on how the system functions,see When your temporary spare tireis installed in this section.
Spare tire in use
If the tires are properly inflated and thespare tire is not in use but the lightremains on, contact your authorizeddealer as soon as possible.
TPMS malfunction
Repair the damaged road wheel and tireassembly and reinstall it on the vehicleto restore system function. For adescription on how the system functions,see When your temporary spare tireis installed in this section.
Spare tire in useFlashing warninglight
If the tires are properly inflated and thespare tire is not in use but the lightremains on, contact your authorizeddealer as soon as possible.
TPMS malfunction
When Inflating Your Tires
When putting air into your tires (such as ata gas station or in your garage), the tirepressure monitoring system may notrespond immediately to the air added toyour tires.
It may take up to two minutes of drivingover 20 mph (32 km/h) for the light to turnoff after you have filled your tires to therecommended inflation pressure
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How Temperature Affects Your TirePressure
The tire pressure monitoring systemmonitors tire pressure in each pneumatictire. While driving in a normal manner, atypical passenger tire inflation pressuremay increase about 2–4 psi (14–28 kPa)from a cold start situation. If the vehicle isstationary overnight with the outsidetemperature significantly lower than thedaytime temperature, the tire pressure maydecrease about 3 psi (21 kPa) for a drop of30°F (17°C) in ambient temperature. Thislower pressure value may be detected bythe tire pressure monitoring system asbeing significantly lower than therecommended inflation pressure andactivate the system warning light for lowtire pressure. If the low tire pressurewarning light is on, visually check each tireto verify that no tire is flat. If one or moretires are flat, repair as necessary. Checkthe air pressure in the road tires. If any tireis under-inflated, carefully drive the vehicleto the nearest location where air can beadded to the tires. Inflate all the tires tothe recommended inflation pressure.
CHANGING A ROAD WHEEL
WARNINGS
Do not use tire sealants as they maydamage the tire pressure monitoringsystem.
If the tire pressure monitor sensorbecomes damaged it may notfunction.
Note:The tire pressure monitoring systemindicator light will illuminate when the sparetire is in use. To restore the full function ofthe monitoring system, all road wheelsequipped with tire pressure monitoringsensors must be mounted on the vehicle.
If you get a flat tire while driving, do notapply the brake heavily. Instead, graduallydecrease your speed. Hold the steeringwheel firmly and slowly move to a safeplace on the side of the road.
Have a flat serviced by an authorizeddealer in order to prevent damage to thetire pressure monitoring system sensors.See Tire Pressure Monitoring System(page 287). Replace the spare tire with aroad tire as soon as possible. Duringrepairing or replacing of the flat tire, havethe authorized dealer inspect the tirepressure monitoring system sensor fordamage.
Dissimilar Spare Wheel and TireAssembly Information
WARNING
Failure to follow these guidelinescould result in an increased risk ofloss of vehicle control, injury or death.
If you have a dissimilar spare wheel andtire, then it is intended for temporary useonly. This means that if you need to use it,you should replace it as soon as possiblewith a road wheel and tire assembly thatis the same size and type as the road tiresand wheels that were originally providedby Ford. If the dissimilar spare tire or wheelis damaged, it should be replaced ratherthan repaired.
A dissimilar spare wheel and tire assemblyis defined as a spare wheel and tireassembly that is different in brand, size orappearance from the road tires and wheelsand can be one of three types:
1.T-type mini-spare: This spare tirebegins with the letter T for tire size andmay have Temporary Use Only molded inthe sidewall.
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SYNC™ 3........................................................368General Information.........................................368SYNC™ 3 Troubleshooting.....................430SYNC™ Applications andServices........................................................345911 Assist...............................................................345SYNC™ AppLink™......................................347SYNC Mobile Apps............................................347SYNC™............................................................327General Information..........................................327SYNC™ Troubleshooting.........................359
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Technical SpecificationsSee: Capacities and Specifications............297The Better Business Bureau (BBB) AutoLine Program (U.S. Only)........................221Tire Care...........................................................273Glossary of Tire Terminology.........................274Information About Uniform Tire QualityGrading..............................................................273Information Contained on the TireSidewall............................................................275Temperature A B C.............................................274Traction AA A B C...............................................274Treadwear.............................................................273Tire Inflation When PuncturedSee: Tire Sealant and Inflator Kit.................267Tire Pressure Monitoring System...........287Changing Tires With a Tire PressureMonitoring System.......................................288Understanding Your Tire PressureMonitoring System ......................................288Tire Repair KitSee: Tire Sealant and Inflator Kit.................267Tire Sealant and Inflator Kit.....................267First Stage: Reinflating the Tire with SealingCompound and Air.......................................269General Information.........................................268Second Stage: Checking TirePressure............................................................270Tips for Use of the Kit......................................268What to do after the Tire has beenSealed.................................................................271What to do when a Tire Is Punctured........269TiresSee: Wheels and Tires......................................267
Towing a Trailer............................................206Load Placement................................................206Towing the Vehicle on FourWheels...........................................................210Emergency Towing.............................................210Recreational Towing..........................................210Towing.............................................................206Traction Control............................................166Principle of Operation......................................166Transmission Code Designation............303Transmission..................................................153TransmissionSee: Transmission..............................................153
U
Under Hood Overview - 2.0LEcoBoost™.................................................238Under Hood Overview - 3.5LDuratec.........................................................239Engine Shield......................................................240Under Hood Overview - 3.5LEcoboost™.................................................240Universal Garage Door Opener...............130HomeLink Wireless Control System...........130USB Port.........................................................326Using Adaptive Cruise Control.................179Automatic Cancellation...................................182Blocked Sensor...................................................184Changing the Set Speed..................................182Detection Issues..................................................183Disengaging the System..................................182Following a Vehicle...........................................180Hilly Condition Usage........................................182Overriding the System......................................182Resuming the Set Speed.................................182Setting Adaptive Cruise Control....................179Setting the Adaptive Cruise Speed.............180Setting the Gap Distance.................................181Switching the System Off...............................183Switching to Normal Cruise Control...........185Using All-Wheel Drive.................................157Driving In Special Conditions WithAll-Wheel Drive (AWD)...............................159Operating AWD Vehicles With MismatchedTires....................................................................159Operating AWD Vehicles With SpareTires....................................................................158
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Index