Tire Care
Important Information for 235/40R19 Low-Profile Tires and Wheels If your vehicle is equipped with 235/40R19 tires, these are low-profile tires. These tires and wheels are designed to give your vehicle a sporty appearance. With low-profile tires, you may notice increased road noise and faster tire wear, depending on road conditions and driving style. Due to their design, low-profile tires and wheels are more susceptible to damage from potholes, uneven or unpaved roads, car wash rails and curb contact than standard tires and wheels.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading Information
Tire quality grades apply to new pneumatic tires for passenger cars. Quality grades can be found, where applicable, on the tire sidewall between the tread shoulder and the maximum section width. For example: Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A .
These tire quality grades are determined by standards established by the United States Department of Transportation.
Tire quality grades apply to new pneumatic tires for passenger cars. They do not apply to deep-tread, winter or snow tires, space-saver or temporary spare tires, light truck or LT-type tires, tires with rim diameters from 10 to 12 inches, or limited-production tires as defined in Section 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 575.104(c)(2).
U.S. Department of Transportation Tire Quality Grades: The U.S. Department of Transportation requires Ford Motor Company to provide you with the following tire grade information exactly as the government has written it.
Sport Utility
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 1 1/2 times as well on the government course as a tire graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends on 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.
Traction AA A B C
Traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B and C. The grades 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.
Temperature A B C
Temperature grades A (the highest), B and C represent 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 tire material to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. Grade C corresponds to a level of performance that all passenger car tires must meet under Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 139. Grades B and A represent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by law.
Tire Terminology Glossary
* Tire Information Label: A label showing the original tire size, recommended inflation pressure and the maximum weight the vehicle can carry.
*Tire Identification Number (TIN): The number on the sidewall of each tire, providing information on the tire brand and manufacturer, tire size and date of manufacture. Also referred to as the DOT code.
*Inflation Pressure: A measure of the amount of air in the tire.
*Standard Load: P-metric or metric tires are designed to carry their maximum load at a set pressure. For example: 35 psi (2.4 bar) for P-metric tires and 36 psi (2.5 bar) for metric tires. Increasing the inflation pressure above this pressure will not increase the tire's load-carrying capacity.
*Extra Load: P-metric or metric tires designed to carry a heavier maximum load at 42 psi (2.9 bar). Increasing the inflation pressure above this pressure will not increase the tire's load-carrying capacity.
*kPa: Kilopascal, a metric unit of air pressure.
*psi: Pounds per square inch, a standard unit of air pressure.
* Cold Tire Inflation Pressure: The tire pressure when the vehicle has been parked out of direct sunlight for one hour or more and before driving 1.0 mile (1.6 km).
*Recommended Cold Tire Inflation Pressure: The cold tire inflation pressure is found on the Safety Compliance Certification Label (attached to the door latch pillar, door latch post, or door edge that meets the door latch pillar, near the driver's seat position), or on the tire label located on the center pillar or driver's door edge.
* Center Pillar: The structural member on the side of the vehicle behind the front door.
* Tire Bead Area: The area of the tire adjacent to the rim.
* Tire Sidewall: The area between the bead area and the tread.
* Tire Tread Area: The area of the tire circumference that contacts the road when the tire is installed on the vehicle.
* Rim: The metal support (wheel) for the tire, or the tire and tube assembly, on which the tire beads seat.
Information Contained on the Tire Sidewall
Both U.S. and Canadian federal regulations require tire manufacturers to place standardized information on the sidewalls of all tires. This information identifies and describes the basic characteristics of the tire and provides the U.S. DOT identification number for safety standard certification and in the event of a recall.
P-Metric Tire Information
P215/65R15 95H is an example of tire size, load index, and speed rating. The definitions of these items are listed below. (Note that the tire size, load index, and speed rating of your vehicle may differ from this example.)
- P: Indicates a tire designated by the Tire and Rim Association for use on passenger cars, sport utility vehicles, minivans, and light trucks.
- 215: Indicates the nominal tire width in millimeters from sidewall edge to sidewall edge. In general, the larger the number, the wider the tire.
- 65: Indicates the aspect ratio, which is the ratio of the tire height to its width.
- R: Indicates a radial type tire.
- 15: Indicates the wheel or rim diameter in inches. If you change your wheel size, you will need to purchase new tires that match the new wheel diameter.
- 95: Indicates the tire load index. This is a rating of the weight the tire can carry. You can find this information in the owner's manual. If not, contact your local tire dealer.
- H: Indicates the tire speed rating. The speed rating denotes the speed at which the tire is designed to be driven for extended periods under standard load and inflation pressure conditions. The tires on your vehicle may operate under different load and inflation pressure conditions. These speed ratings may need to be adjusted for differences in conditions. Ratings range from 81 to 186 mph (130–299 km/h). These ratings are listed in the following table.
- U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number (TIN): It begins with the letters DOT and indicates that the tire complies with all federal standards. The following two numbers or letters are the plant code indicating where it was manufactured, the next two are the tire size code, and the last four digits indicate the week and year the tire was manufactured. For example, the digits 317 mean the 31st week of 1997. After 2000, the numbers become four digits. For example, 2501 means the 25th week of 2001. The digits between them are identification codes used for traceability. This information is used to contact customers if a tire defect requires a recall.
- M+S or M/S: Mud and snow, or V: all-terrain, or AS: All-season.
- Tire Ply Composition and Materials Used: Indicates the number of plies, or the number of layers of rubberized fabric in the tire tread and sidewall. Tire manufacturers must also indicate the materials in the plies of the tread and sidewall, which may include steel, nylon, polyester, and others.
- Maximum Load: Indicates the maximum load in kilograms and pounds that can be carried on the tire. See the Safety Compliance Certification Label (attached to the door latch pillar, door latch post, or door edge that meets the door latch pillar, near the driver's seat position) for the correct tire pressure for your vehicle.
Treadwear, Traction and Temperature Grades:
- *Treadwear: 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 will wear one and a half times as well on the government course as a tire graded 100.
- * Traction: Traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C. The grades represent the tire's ability to stop on wet pavement, measured under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction performance.
- * Temperature: Temperature grades are A (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.
- Maximum Inflation Pressure: Indicates the maximum permissible inflation pressure set by the tire manufacturer, or the pressure at which the tire can carry its maximum load. This pressure is usually higher than the vehicle manufacturer's recommended cold tire inflation pressure, which can be found on the Safety Compliance Certification Label (attached to the door latch pillar, door latch post, or door edge that meets the door latch pillar, near the driver's seat position), or on the tire label located on the center pillar or driver's door edge. Cold inflation pressure must never be set below the recommended pressure on the vehicle placard. Tire suppliers may have additional markings, notes, or warnings, such as standard load, radial tubeless, etc.
Additional information found on the sidewall of LT-type tires
LT-type tires have some additional information beyond the P-type tire information; these differences are described below.
- LT: Indicates a tire designated by the Tire and Rim Association for use on light trucks.
- Load Range and Load Inflation Limits: Indicates the load capacity of the tire and its inflation limits.
- Maximum Dual Load Pounds (kg) at psi (kPa) Cold: Indicates the maximum load and tire pressure when the tire is used as a dual; defined as the four tires on the rear axle (six or more tires total on the vehicle).
- Max. Load Single kg (lbs) at kPa (psi) Cold: Indicates the maximum load and tire pressure when the tire is used as a single; this is determined as two tires (total) on the rear axle.
Information on T-type tires
T145/80D16 is an example of a tire size.
T-type tires have some additional information beyond the P-type tire information; these differences are described below:
- T: Indicates the tire type designated by the Tire and Rim Association, intended for temporary service on passenger cars, sport utility vehicles, minivans and light trucks.
- 145: Indicates the nominal tire width in millimeters from sidewall edge to sidewall edge. In general, the larger the number, the wider the tire.
- 80: Indicates the aspect ratio, which is the ratio of tire height to width. Numbers 70 or lower indicate a short sidewall.
- D: Designates a bias-ply tire type.
R: Indicates a radial tire type.
- 16: Indicates the wheel or rim diameter in inches. If you change your wheel size, you will need to purchase new tires that match the new wheel diameter.
Tire Placard Location
The tire placard, which contains tire pressure, tire size and other important information, is located on the B-pillar or the edge of the driver's door.
Inflating the Tires
Safe operation of your vehicle requires that your tires be properly inflated. Remember that a tire can lose up to half of its air pressure without appearing flat.
Check your tires every day before driving. If any tire looks lower than the others, use a tire pressure gauge to check the pressure in all tires and adjust as necessary.
At least once a month and before long trips, inspect each tire and check the tire pressure with a tire pressure gauge (including the spare tire, if equipped). Inflate all tires to the cold tire pressure recommended by Ford Motor Company.
It is strongly recommended that you purchase a reliable tire pressure gauge, as gauges at automatic service stations may be inaccurate. Ford recommends using a digital or dial tire pressure gauge rather than a pencil-type gauge.
Use the recommended cold inflation pressure for optimum tire performance and wear. Under-inflation or over-inflation may cause uneven tread wear patterns.
Always inflate tires to the cold tire pressure recommended by Ford, even if it is lower than the maximum inflation pressure shown on the tire. The Ford recommended cold tire pressure is found on the Safety Compliance Certification Label (attached to the driver's door pillar, door latch pillar, or door edge that meets the door latch pillar, near the driver's seat position), or on the tire placard located on the center pillar or driver's door edge. Failure to maintain tire pressure to recommendations may cause uneven tire wear and adversely affect vehicle handling.
Maximum Inflation Pressure is the maximum tire manufacturer's permissible pressure and the pressure at which the tire can carry its maximum load. This pressure is usually higher than the cold inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer, which can be found on the Safety Compliance Certification Label (attached to the driver's door pillar, door latch pillar, or door edge that meets the door latch pillar, near the driver's seat position), or on the tire placard located on the center pillar or driver's door edge. Cold inflation pressure must never be set below the pressure recommended on the Safety Compliance Certification Label or the Tire Placard.
Tire pressure changes with weather temperature. A 10°F (6°C) drop in temperature may cause a corresponding drop of 1 psi (7 kPa) in inflation pressure. Check tire pressure often and adjust to the correct pressure, which can be found on the Safety Compliance Certification Label or the tire placard.
To check the tire pressure:
- Make sure the tires are cold, meaning they have not been driven more than one mile.
- Remove the valve cap from one tire, then press the tire pressure gauge firmly onto the valve and measure the pressure.
- Add enough air to reach the recommended tire pressure.
- Install the valve cap.
- Repeat this procedure for each tire, including the spare.
- Visually inspect the tires to make sure there are no nails or other embedded objects that may puncture the tire and cause air leakage.
- Inspect the sidewalls to make sure there are no cuts, gouges, or bulges.
Tire and Valve Stem Inspection
Periodically inspect the tire treads for uneven or excessive wear. Remove objects such as stones, nails or glass that may be lodged in the tread grooves. Inspect the tire and valve stems for holes, cracks or cuts that could allow air to leak. Repair or replace the tire, and replace the valve stem. Inspect the tire sidewalls for cracks, cuts, bulges and other signs of damage or excessive wear. If internal tire damage is suspected, have the tire removed and inspected. Repair or replace the tire if necessary. For your safety, do not use tires that are damaged or show signs of excessive wear, as they are more likely to burst or fail.
Improper or incorrect vehicle maintenance may cause abnormal tire wear. Inspect all of 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 1/16 inch (2 mm), the tires must be replaced to help prevent your vehicle from skidding and hydroplaning. Built-in tread wear indicators, or wear bars, which appear as narrow strips of smooth rubber across the tread, will appear on the tire when the tread is worn down to 1/16 inch (2 mm).
When the tire tread wears down to the same height as the wear bars, the tire is worn and must be replaced.
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 detected or suspected, have the tire inspected by a tire technician. Tires may be damaged during off-road use, so an inspection after off-road use is also recommended.
Age
U.S. Tire Identification Number (TIN)
Both U.S. and Canadian federal regulations require tire manufacturers to place standardized information on the sidewalls of all tires. This information identifies and describes the basic characteristics of the tire and provides the U.S. DOT identification number for safety standard certification and in the event of a recall.
It begins with the letters DOT and indicates that the tire meets all federal standards. The next two characters or letters are the plant code, indicating where it was manufactured. The next two numbers are the tire size code, and the last four numbers represent the week and year the tire was produced. For example, the numbers 317 mean the 31st week of 1997. After 2000, the numbers become four digits. For example, 2501 means the 25th week of 2001. The characters 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 safe driving and handling.
- Make sure you have the correct tire and wheel size.
- Lubricate the tire bead and wheel bead seat again.
- Stand at least 12 feet (3.66 meters) away from the wheel and tire assembly.
- Use both eye and ear protection.
Important: Do not forget to replace the wheel valve stems when the road tires are replaced on your vehicle.
It is recommended that the two front tires or the two rear tires be replaced as a pair.
Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensors installed in the wheels (as originally equipped on your vehicle) are not designed for use 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 flashes, your TPMS system is malfunctioning. Your tire replacement may be incompatible with your TPMS system, or a TPMS component may be damaged.
Safety Practices
Driving habits have a great effect on tire mileage and safety.
* Observe posted speed limits
* Avoid quick starts, stops, and turns
* Avoid potholes and objects on the road.
* Do not drive over curbs or strike tires against curbs when parking.
Road Hazards
No matter how carefully you drive, there is always a possibility that a tire may go flat on the highway. Slowly drive to the nearest safe area out of traffic. This may cause further tire damage, but your safety is more important.
If you feel a sudden vibration or change in ride quality while driving, or suspect that a tire or the vehicle has been damaged, reduce speed immediately. Drive carefully until you can safely pull off the road. Stop and inspect the tires for damage. If a tire is under-inflated or damaged, deflate it, remove the wheel and replace it with the spare tire and wheel. If you cannot determine the cause, have the vehicle towed to the nearest service station or authorized dealer for inspection.
Tire and Wheel Alignment
A strong impact from hitting a curb or a pothole may cause the front end of your vehicle to become misaligned, or may damage your tires. If your vehicle pulls to one side while driving, the wheels may be out of alignment. Have an authorized dealer check the wheel alignment periodically.
Front or rear wheel misalignment may cause uneven and rapid tire wear and must be corrected by an authorized dealer. Vehicles with front-wheel drive and vehicles with independent rear suspension (if equipped) may require alignment of all four wheels.
Tires must also be balanced periodically. An unbalanced tire and wheel assembly may cause uneven tire wear.
Tire Rotation
Rotating the tires at the recommended interval (as specified in the Maintenance Schedule chapter) helps the tires wear more evenly, provides better tire performance and extends tire life.
Front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive vehicles (front tires on the left side of the diagram)
All vehicles with directional tires (front wheels on the left side of the diagram)
Test yourself
A quick Ford Fusion quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.