snow chains Mercury Sable 2005 Owner's Manuals

the road tires and wheels that were originally provided by Ford. If the
dissimilar spare tire or wheel is damaged, it should be replaced rather
than repaired.
When driving with the 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 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
•All-Wheel driving capability (if applicable)
•Load leveling adjustment (if applicable)
When driving with the dissimilar spare tire/wheel additional caution
should be given to:
•Towing a trailer
•Driving vehicles equipped with a camper body
•Driving vehicles with a load on the cargo rack
Drive cautiously when using a dissimilar spare tire/wheel and seek
service as soon as possible.
Tire change procedure
1. Park on a level surface, activate hazard flashers and set parking brake.
When one of the front wheels is off the ground, the transaxle
alone will not prevent the vehicle from moving or slipping off the
jack, even if the vehicle is in P (Park).
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2005 Sable(sab), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
137

SNOW TIRES AND CHAINS
Snow tires must be the same size and grade as the tires you
currently have on your vehicle.
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 chains. If you need to use snow tires and chains, it is
recommended that steel wheels are used of the same size and
specifications as those originally installed.
Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and chains:
•Use only cable type chains offered by Ford as an accessory or
equivalent. SAE class“S”or other conventional link type chains may
cause damage to the vehicle’s wheel house and/or body.
•Install cable chains securely, verifying that the cables do not touch any
wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
•Drive cautiously. If you hear the cables rub or bang against your
vehicle, stop and re-tighten the cables. If this does not work, remove
the cables to prevent damage to your vehicle.
•If possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle.
•Remove the tire cables when they are no longer needed. Do not use
tire cables on dry roads.
•The suspension insulation and bumpers will help prevent vehicle
damage. Do not remove these components from your vehicle when
using snow tires and cables.
•Do not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h) with tire cables on your vehicle.
VEHICLE LOADING–WITH AND WITHOUT A TRAILER
This section will guide you in the proper loading of your vehicle and/or
trailer, to keep your loaded vehicle weight within its design rating
capability, with or without a trailer. Properly loading your vehicle will
provide maximum return of vehicle design performance. Before loading
your vehicle, familiarize yourself with the following terms for determining
your vehicle’s weight ratings, with or without a trailer, from the vehicle’s
Safety Certification Label and Tire Label:
Base Curb Weight–is the weight of the vehicle including a full tank of
fuel and all standard equipment. It does not include passengers, cargo, or
optional equipment.
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2005 Sable(sab), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
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Tires, Wheels and Loading
150

R
Radio ......................................15, 18
Rear window defroster ...............28
Relays ........................................181
Remote entry system
illuminated entry ......................78
locking/unlocking doors ...........72
opening the trunk .....................76
Roadside assistance ..................173
Roof rack .....................................71
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ..........108
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ................92, 95–98, 100
Safety defects, reporting ..........196
Safety restraints ............92, 95–101
belt minder .............................103
extension assembly ................107
for adults .............................96–98
for children .....................117–118
lap belt ....................................100
Occupant Classification
Sensor ........................................93
safety belt maintenance .........108
warning light and
chime ...............................102–103
Safety seats for children ..........121
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) ...............92
Seats ............................................87
child safety seats ....................121
front seats .................................88
Servicing your vehicle ..............203
Setting the clock
AM/FM/CD .................................18AM/FM/Tape ..............................15
Spare tire
(see Changing the Tire) ...........135
Spark plugs, specifications ......234,
237
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................236–237
Speed control ..............................50
Starting a flex fuel vehicle .......163
Starting your
vehicle ........................160–161, 163
jump starting ..........................182
Steering wheel
tilting .........................................47
T
Tilt steering wheel ......................47
Tires ...........................130–131, 135
alignment ................................147
care ..........................................146
changing ..........................135, 137
checking the pressure ............133
inspecting and inflating .........132
label .........................................145
replacing ..................................135
rotating ....................................148
safety practices .......................147
sidewall information ...............141
snow tires and chains ............150
spare tire .................................136
terminology .............................131
tire grades ...............................131
treadwear ........................130, 146
Towing .......................................156
recreational towing .................159
trailer towing ..........................156
wrecker ....................................187
Traction control ........................167
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2005 Sable(sab), Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)(own2002),
Market:USA_English(fus)
Index
247