Ford Fusion Quiz
Wheels and Tires

Using Summer Tires. Using Traction Chains

In this manual: Wheels and Tires
Introduction — 7Environment — 1At a Glance — 1Child Safety — 9Seat Belts — 8Personal Safety System™ — 1Additional Restrictions — 8Keys and Remote Controls — 8MyKey™ — 5Doors & Locks — 10Safety — 3Steering Wheel — 5Wipers and Washers — 4Lighting — 8Automatic High Beam Control — 3Windows and Mirrors — 6Instrument Cluster — 4Information Displays — 5Climate Control — 10Seats — 9Garage Door Opener — 1Auxiliary Power Points — 3Storage Compartments — 1Starting and Stopping the Engine — 4Unique Driving Characteristics (if equipped) — 1Fuel and Refueling — 9Engine Emission Control — 5Infection Transmission — 1All-Wheel Drive — 1Brakes — 4Traction Control — 1Stability Control — 1Park Aid — 13Cruise Control — 10Driver Assistance — 14Loading — 1Tow/Haul — 5Driving Tips — 3Roadside Emergencies — 5Customer Assistance — 6Fuses — 3Maintenance — 16Vehicle Care — 9Wheels and Tires — 13Capacities and Specifications — 11Connected Vehicle — 1Wi-Fi Hotspot — 1Audio System — 7SYNC™ — 7SYNC™ 3 — 16Accessories — 1Ford Protect — 3Scheduled Maintenance — 5Appendices — 4
~3min read

Using Summer Tires

Summer tires provide excellent handling on wet and dry roads. Summer tires do not have the mud and snow (M+S or M/S) marking on the tire sidewall. Since summer tires do not have the same traction characteristics as all-season or winter tires, we do not recommend using summer tires when the temperature drops to approximately 45°F (7°C) or below (depending on the degree of tire wear and environmental conditions), or in snow and ice conditions. As with any tire, summer tire performance depends on tire wear and environmental conditions. If you must drive in such conditions, we recommend using Mud and Snow (M+S, M/S), all-season or winter tires.

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

Using Traction Chains

The tires on your vehicle may have all-weather treads to provide traction in rain and snow. However, in some climates you may need to use winter tires and traction devices. If you need to use traction devices, steel wheels (of the same size and specifications) are recommended, as chains may chip aluminum wheels.

Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and traction devices.

  • Avoid fully loading your vehicle whenever possible.
  • Purchase chains or cables from a manufacturer that clearly marks the housing with tire size restrictions.
  • Use cables or chains no larger than 0.59 in (15 mm) ONLY on the front axle with 215/60R16 tires. Do not use chains or cables on tires of any other size.
  • Anti-skid chains or cables must be installed in pairs on the front axle.
  • When driving with tire cables, do not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h) or the maximum speed recommended by the chain manufacturer, whichever is lower.
  • Drive carefully. If you hear the cables rubbing or banging against the vehicle, stop and retighten them. If this does not work, remove the cables to prevent vehicle damage.
  • Remove the cables when they are no longer needed. Do not use cables on dry roads.

If you have questions about snow chains or cables, contact an authorized dealer.

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