Ford Explorer Quiz
Wheels and Tires

Using Summer Tires

In this manual: Wheels and Tires
Introduction — 10At a Glance — 3Child Safety — 11Seat Belts — 10Personal Safety System™ — 1Supplemental Restraint System — 10Pedestrian Protection — 1911 Assist — 3Keys and Remote Controls — 10MyKey™ — 8Doors & Locks — 9Liftgate — 7Safety — 3Steering Wheel — 11Wipers and Washers — 5Lighting — 13Automatic High Beam Control — 3Windows and Mirrors — 6Instrument Cluster — 4Information Displays — 4Climate Control — 6Cabin Air Quality — 2Seats — 9Garage Door Opener — 2Auxiliary Power Points — 3Storage Compartments — 2Starting and Stopping the Engine — 5Unique Driving Characteristics — 4Fuel and Refueling — 8Engine Emission Control — 3High-Voltage Battery — 1Infection Transmission — 8All-Wheel Drive Vehicle — 1Brakes — 5Reverse Brake Assist — 4Traction Control — 1Stability Control — 3Hill Descent Control — 3Park Aid — 8Cruise Control — 4Adaptive Cruise Control — 19Driver Assistance — 12Drive Mode Control — 4Loading — 6Tow/Haul — 6Driving Tips — 5Roadside Emergencies — 8Customer Assistance — 9Fuses — 3Maintenance — 21Vehicle Care — 12Wheels and Tires — 8Capacities and Specifications — 16Connectivity — 3Wi-Fi Hotspot — 3Audio System — 6SYNC™ 3 — 14Accessories — 1Ford Protect — 1Scheduled Maintenance — 5Appendices — 4
~1min read

Summer tires provide superior performance on wet and dry roads. Summer tires do not have the mud and snow (M+S or M/S) rating on the tire sidewall. Because summer tires do not have the same traction as all-season or winter tires, we do not recommend using summer tires when temperatures drop to approximately 45°F (7°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 these conditions, we recommend using mud and snow (M+S, M/S), all-season, or winter tires.

Always store summer tires indoors at a temperature above 19°F (-7°C). The rubber compounds used in these tires lose flexibility and may develop surface cracks in the tread area at temperatures below 19°F (-7°C). If tires have been exposed to 19°F (-7°C) or below, warm them in a heated room to at least 41°F (5°C) for less than 24 hours before installing them on the vehicle or checking tire inflation. Do not place tires near heaters or heating appliances used to heat the room where the tires are stored. Do not apply heat or blow heated air directly onto the tires. Always inspect tires after storage periods and before use.

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A quick Ford Explorer quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.