LINCOLN MKZ HYBRID 2014 Owners Manual

R: Indicates a radial type tire.
E.
16: Indicates the wheel or rim
diameter in inches. If you change your
wheel size, you will have to purchase
new tires to match the new wheel
diameter.
Location of the Tire Label
You will find a Tire Label containing
tire inflation pressure by tire size and
other important information located
on the B-Pillar or the edge of the
driver’ s door.
Inflating Your Tires
Safe operation of your vehicle requires
that your tires are properly inflated.
Remember that a tire can lose up to
half of its air pressure without
appearing flat.
Every day before you drive, check
your tires. If one looks lower than the
others, use a tire gauge to check
pressure of all tires and adjust if
required.
At least once a month and before long
trips, inspect each tire and check the
tire pressure with a tire gauge
(including spare, if equipped). Inflate
all tires to the inflation pressure
recommended by Ford Motor
Company.
You are strongly urged to buy a
reliable tire pressure gauge, as
automatic service station gauges may
be inaccurate. Ford recommends the
use of a digital or dial-type tire
pressure gauge rather than a
stick-type tire pressure gauge. Use the recommended cold inflation
pressure for optimum tire performance
and wear. Under-inflation or
over-inflation may cause uneven
treadwear patterns
WARNING
Under-inflation is the most
common cause of tire failures
and may result in severe tire cracking,
tread separation or blowout, with
unexpected loss of vehicle control and
increased risk of injury. Under-inflation
increases sidewall flexing and rolling
resistance, resulting in heat buildup
and internal damage to the tire. It also
may result in unnecessary tire stress,
irregular wear, loss of vehicle control
and accidents. A tire can lose up to
half of its air pressure and not appear
to be flat! Always inflate your tires to the Ford
recommended inflation pressure even
if it is less than the maximum inflation
pressure information found on the tire.
The Ford recommended tire inflation
pressure is found on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label (affixed
to either the door hinge pillar,
door-latch post, or the door edge that
meets the door-latch post, next to the
driver's seating position), or Tire Label
which is located on the B-Pillar or the
edge of the driver’
s door. Failure to
follow the tire pressure
recommendations can cause uneven
treadwear patterns and adversely
affect the way your vehicle handles
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Maximum Permissible Inflation
Pressure is the tire manufacturer's
maximum permissible pressure and
the pressure at which the maximum
load can be carried by the tire. This
pressure is normally higher than the
manufacturer’ s recommended cold
inflation pressure which can be found
on the Safety Compliance Certification
Label (affixed to either the door hinge
pillar, door-latch post, or the door
edge that meets the door-latch post,
next to the driver's seating position),
or Tire Label which is located on the
B-Pillar or the edge of the driver’ s
door. The cold inflation pressure
should never be set lower than the
recommended pressure on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label or Tire
Label.
When weather temperature changes
occur, tire inflation pressures also
change. A 10°F (6°C) temperature drop
can cause a corresponding drop of 1
psi (7 kPa) in inflation pressure. Check
your tire pressures frequently and
adjust them to the proper pressure
which can be found on the Safety
Compliance Certification Label or Tire
Label.
To check the pressure in your tire(s):
1. Make sure the tires are cool, meaning they are not hot from
driving even a mile. Note:
If you are checking tire pressure
when the tire is hot, (for example
driven more than 1 mile [1.6
kilometers]), never bleed or reduce air
pressure. The tires are hot from
driving and it is normal for pressures
to increase above recommended cold
pressures. A hot tire at or below
recommended cold inflation pressure
could be significantly under-inflated.
Note: If you have to drive a distance
to get air for your tire(s), check and
record the tire pressure first and add
the appropriate air pressure when you
get to the pump. It is normal for tires
to heat up and the air pressure inside
to go up as you drive.
2. Remove the cap from the valve on
one tire, then firmly press the tire
gauge onto the valve and measure
the pressure.
3. Add enough air to reach the recommended air pressure.
Note: If you overfill the tire, release
air by pressing on the metal stem in
the center of the valve. Then recheck
the pressure with your tire gauge.
4. Replace the valve cap.
5. Repeat this procedure for each tire,
including the spare.
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Note:
Some spare tires operate at a
higher inflation pressure than the
other tires. For T type mini-spare tires
(refer to the Dissimilar spare wheel
and tire assembly information for a
description): Store and maintain at 60
psi (4.15 bar). For full-size and
dissimilar spare tires (refer to the
Dissimilar spare wheel and tire
assembly information for a
description): Store and maintain at the
higher of the front and rear inflation
pressure as shown on the Tire Label.
6. Visually inspect the tires to make
sure there are no nails or other
objects embedded that could poke
a hole in the tire and cause an air
leak.
7. Check the sidewalls to make sure there are no gouges, cuts or
bulges.
Inspecting Your Tires and Wheel
Valve Stems
Periodically inspect the tire treads for
uneven or excessive wear and remove
objects such as stones, nails or glass
that may be wedged in the tread
grooves. Check the tire and valve
stems for holes, cracks, or cuts that
may permit air leakage and repair or
replace the tire and replace the valve
stem. Inspect the tire sidewalls for
cracking, cuts, bruises and other signs
of damage or excessive wear. If
internal damage to the tire is
suspected, have the tire demounted and inspected in case it needs to be
repaired or replaced. For your safety,
tires that are damaged or show signs
of excessive wear should not be used
because they are more likely to blow
out or fail.
Improper or inadequate vehicle
maintenance can cause tires to wear
abnormally. Inspect all your tires,
including the spare, frequently, and
replace them if one or more of the
following conditions exist:
Tire Wear
When the tread is worn down to one
sixteenth of an inch (2 mm), tires must
be replaced to help prevent your
vehicle from skidding and
hydroplaning. Built-in treadwear
indicators, or wear bars, which look
like narrow strips of smooth rubber
across the tread will appear on the tire
when the tread is worn down to one
sixteenth of an inch (2 mm)
When the tire tread wears down to the
same height as these wear bars, the
tire is worn out and must be replaced.
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Damage
Periodically inspect the tire treads and
sidewalls for damage (such as bulges
in the tread or sidewalls, cracks in the
tread groove and separation in the
tread or sidewall). If damage is
observed or suspected have the tire
inspected by a tire professional. Tires
can be damaged during off-road use,
so inspection after off-road use is also
recommended.
Age
WARNING
Tires degrade over time
depending on many factors such
as weather, storage conditions, and
conditions of use (load, speed,
inflation pressure, etc.) the tires
experience throughout their lives.
In general, tires should be replaced
after six years regardless of tread
wear. However, heat caused by hot
climates or frequent high loading
conditions can accelerate the aging
process and may require tires to be
replaced more frequently.
You should replace your spare tire
when you replace the road tires or
after six years due to aging even if it
has not been used. U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number
Both U.S. and Canada Federal
regulations require tire manufacturers
to place standardized information on
the sidewall of all tires. This
information identifies and describes
the fundamental characteristics of the
tire and also provides a U.S. DOT Tire
Identification Number for safety
standard certification and in case of a
recall.
This begins with the letters DOT and
indicates that the tire meets all federal
standards. The next two numbers or
letters are the plant code designating
where it was manufactured, the next
two are the tire size code and the last
four numbers represent the week and
year the tire was built. For example,
the numbers 317 mean the 31st week
of 1997. After 2000 the numbers go
to four digits. For example, 2501
means the 25th week of 2001. The
numbers in between are identification
codes used for traceability. This
information is used to contact
customers if a tire defect requires a
recall.
Tire Replacement Requirements
Your vehicle is equipped with tires
designed to provide a safe ride and
handling capability.
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WARNINGS
Only use replacement tires and
wheels that are the same size,
load index, speed rating and type
(such as P-metric versus LT-metric or
all-season versus all-terrain) as those
originally provided by Ford. The
recommended tire and wheel size may
be found on either the Safety
Compliance Certification Label (affixed
to either the door hinge pillar,
door-latch post, or the door edge that
meets the door-latch post, next to the
driver's seating position), or the Tire
Label which is located on the B-Pillar
or edge of the driver’ s door. If this
information is not found on these
labels then you should contact your
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
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. If you have questions
regarding tire replacement, contact
your authorized dealer as soon as
possible. WARNINGS
To reduce the risk of injury, when
mounting replacement tires and
wheels, you should not exceed the
maximum pressure indicated on the
sidewall of the tire to set the beads
without additional precautions listed
below. If the beads do not seat at the
maximum pressure indicated,
re-lubricate and try again
When inflating the tire for mounting
pressures up to 20 psi (1.38 bar)
greater than the maximum pressure
on the tire sidewall, the following
precautions must be taken to protect
the person mounting the tire:
1. Make sure that you have the correct
tire and wheel size.
2. Lubricate the tire bead and wheel
bead seat area again.
3. Stand at a minimum of 12 feet (3.66
meters) away from the wheel and tire
assembly.
4. Use both eye and ear protection.
For a mounting pressure more than
20 psi (1.38 bar) greater than the
maximum pressure, a Ford dealer or
other tire service professional should
do the mounting.
Always inflate steel carcass tires with
a remote air fill with the person
inflating standing at a minimum of 12
feet (3.66 meters) away from the
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Important: Remember to replace the
wheel valve stems when the road tires
are replaced on your vehicle
It is recommended that the two front
tires or two rear tires generally be
replaced as a pair.
The tire pressure sensors mounted in
the wheels (originally installed on your
vehicle) are not designed to be used
in aftermarket wheels.
The use of wheels or tires not
recommended by Ford Motor
Company may affect the operation of
your tire pressure monitoring system.
If the TPMS indicator is flashing, your
TPMS is malfunctioning. Your
replacement tire might be
incompatible with your TPMS, or some
component of the TPMS may be
damaged.
Safety Practices WARNINGS
If your vehicle is stuck in snow,
mud or sand, do not rapidly spin
the tires; spinning the tires can tear
the tire and cause an explosion. A tire
can explode in as little as three to five
seconds. Do not spin the wheels at over
35 mph (56 km/h). The tires may
fail and injure a passenger or
bystander. Driving habits have a great deal to do
with your tire mileage and safety.
•
Observe posted speed limits
• Avoid fast starts, stops and turns
• Avoid potholes and objects on the
road
• Do not run over curbs or hit the tire
against a curb when parking
Highway Hazards
No matter how carefully you drive
there ’s always the possibility that you
may eventually have a flat tire on the
highway. Drive slowly to the closest
safe area out of traffic. This may
further damage the flat tire, but your
safety is more important.
If you feel a sudden vibration or ride
disturbance while driving, or you
suspect your tire or vehicle has been
damaged, immediately reduce your
speed. Drive with caution until you can
safely pull off the road. Stop and
inspect the tires for damage. If you
cannot detect a cause, have the
vehicle towed to the nearest repair
facility or tire dealer to have the
vehicle inspected.
Tire and Wheel Alignment
A bad jolt from hitting a curb or
pothole can cause the front end of
your vehicle to become misaligned or
cause damage to your tires. If your
vehicle seems to pull to one side
when you’re driving, the wheels may
be out of alignment. Have an
authorized dealer check the wheel
alignment periodically.
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Wheel misalignment in the front or the
rear can cause uneven and rapid
treadwear of your tires and should be
corrected by an authorized dealer.
Front-wheel drive vehicles and those
with an optional independent rear
suspension may require alignment of
all four wheels.
You should balance the tires
periodically. An unbalanced tire and
wheel assembly may result in irregular
tire wear.
Tire Rotation
Note:
If your tires show uneven wear
ask an authorized dealer to check for
and correct any wheel misalignment,
tire imbalance or mechanical problem
involved before tire rotation.
Note: Your vehicle may be equipped
with a dissimilar spare wheel and tire
assembly. A dissimilar spare wheel
and tire assembly is defined as a
spare wheel and tire assembly that is
different in brand, size or appearance
from the road tires and wheels. If you
have a dissimilar spare wheel and tire
assembly it is intended for temporary
use only and should not be used in a
tire rotation.
Note: After having your tires rotated,
inflation pressure must be checked
and adjusted to the vehicle
requirements. Rotating your tires at the
recommended interval (as indicated
in the Scheduled Maintenance
chapter) will help your tires wear more
evenly, providing better tire
performance and longer tire life.
Front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive
vehicles (front tires on the left side of
the diagram)
All vehicles with directional tires (front
tires on the left side of the diagram)
Sometimes irregular tire wear can be
corrected by rotating the tires.
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Summer Tires
Your Ford vehicle may be equipped
with summer tires to provide superior
performance on wet and dry roads.
Summer tires do not have the Mud
and Snow (M+S or M/S) tire traction
rating on the tire side wall. Since
summer tires do not have the same
traction performance as All-season or
Snow tires, Ford does not recommend
using summer tires when
temperatures drop to approximately
40°F (5°C) or below (depending on tire
wear and environmental conditions)
or in snow and ice conditions. Like any
tire, summer tire performance is
affected by tire wear and
environmental conditions. If you must
drive in those conditions, Ford
recommends using Mud and Snow
(M+S, M/S), All-season or Snow tires.
USING SNOW CHAINS
WARNINGS
If you choose to install snow tires on
your vehicle, they must be the same
size, construction, and load range as the
original tires listed on the tire placard, and
they must be installed on all four wheels.
Mixing tires of different size or construction
on your vehicle can adversely affect your
vehicle's handling and braking, and may
lead to loss of vehicle control. Do not use snow chains or cables
on this vehicle as they may cause
damage to your vehicle which may lead
to loss of vehicle control. Snow chains have not been approved for
use on your vehicle.
The original equipment tires on your
vehicle may have an all-weather tread
design to provide traction, handling, and
braking performance in year-round driving.
You may install snow tires for improved
traction when driving in areas with
sustained periods of snow or icy driving
conditions.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING
SYSTEM
WARNING
The tire pressure monitoring system
is NOT a substitute for manually
checking tire pressure. The tire pressure
should be checked periodically (at least
monthly) using a tire gauge, see Inflating
your tires in this chapter. Failure to
properly maintain your tire pressure could
increase the risk of tire failure, loss of
control, vehicle rollover and personal
injury. Each tire, including the spare (if
provided), should be checked
monthly when cold and inflated
to the inflation pressure recommended by
the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle
placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If
your vehicle has tires of a different size
than the size indicated on the vehicle
placard or tire inflation pressure label, you
should determine the proper tire inflation
pressure for those tires.)
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As an added safety feature, your vehicle
has been equipped with a tire pressure
monitoring system (TPMS) that illuminates
a low tire pressure telltale when one or
more of your tires is significantly
under-inflated. Accordingly, when the low
tire pressure telltale illuminates, you
should stop and check your tires as soon
as possible, and inflate them to the proper
pressure. Driving on a significantly
under-inflated tire causes the tire to
overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency
and tire tread life, and may affect the
vehicle
’s handling and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a
substitute for proper tire maintenance, and
it is the driver’ s responsibility to maintain
correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation
has not reached the level to trigger
illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure
telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with
a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate
when the system is not operating properly.
The malfunction indicator is combined with
the low tire pressure telltale. When the
system detects a malfunction, the telltale
will flash for approximately one minute and
then remain continuously illuminated. This
sequence will continue upon subsequent
vehicle start-ups as long as the
malfunction exists.
When the malfunction indicator is
illuminated, the system may not be able
to detect or signal low tire pressure as
intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur
for a variety of reasons, including the
installation of replacement or alternate
tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent
the TPMS from functioning properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction
telltale after replacing one or more tires
or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that
the replacement or alternate tires and
wheels allow the TPMS to continue to
function properly.
The tire pressure monitoring system
complies with part 15 of the FCC rules and
with RSS-210 of Industry Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) This device may not cause
harmful interference, and (2) This device
must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
Changing Tires with a Tire Pressure
Monitoring System
Note:
Each road tire is equipped with a
tire pressure sensor located inside the
wheel and tire assembly cavity. The
pressure sensor is attached to the valve
stem. The pressure sensor is covered by
the tire and is not visible unless the tire is
removed. Care must be taken when
changing the tire to avoid damaging the
sensor
It is recommended that you always have
your tires serviced by an authorized
dealer.
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The tire pressure should be checked
periodically (at least monthly) using an
accurate tire gauge. See Inflating Your
Tires in this chapter.
Understanding Your Tire Pressure
Monitoring System
The tire pressure monitoring system
measures pressure in your four road tires
and sends the tire pressure readings to
your vehicle. The low tire pressure warning
light will turn on if the tire pressure is
significantly low. Once the light is
illuminated, your tires are under-inflated
and need to be inflated to the
manufacturer’
s recommended tire
pressure. Even if the light turns on and a
short time later turns off, your tire pressure
still needs to be checked. When your Temporary Spare Tire is
Installed (If Equipped)
When one of your road tires needs to be
replaced with the temporary spare, the tire
pressure monitoring system will continue
to identify an issue to remind you that the
damaged road wheel and tire assembly
needs to be repaired and put back on your
vehicle.
To restore the full functionality of the tire
pressure monitoring system, have the
damaged road wheel and tire assembly
repaired and remounted on your vehicle.
When you Believe your System is not
Operating Properly
The main function of the tire pressure
monitoring system is to warn you when
your tires need air. It can also warn you in
the event the system is no longer capable
of functioning as intended. See the
following chart for information concerning
your tire pressure monitoring system:
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