Owner`s manual
ROUTINE MAINTENANCE
110
your tire may still be slightly under-inated due to the extra pounds of pressure in the warm tire, it
is safer to drive with air pressure that is slightly lower than the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended
cold ination pressure than to drive with a signicantly under-inated tire. Since this is a temporary
x, don’t forget to recheck and adjust the tire’s pressure when you can obtain a cold reading.
Tire Size
To maintain tire safety, purchase new tires that are the same size as the vehicle’s original tires or
another size recommended by the manufacturer. Look at the tire information placard, the owner’s
manual, or the sidewall of the tire you are replacing to nd this information. If you have any doubt
about the correct size to choose, consult with the tire dealer.
Tire Tread
e tire tread provides the gripping action and traction that prevent your vehicle from slipping or
sliding, especially when the road is wet or icy. In general, tires are not safe and should be replaced
when the tread is worn down to 1/16 of an inch. Tires have built-in tread-wear indicators that let you
know when it is time to replace your tires. ese indicators are raised sections spaced intermittently
in the bottom of the tread grooves. When they appear “even” with the outside of the tread, it is time
to replace your tires.
Another method for checking tread depth is to place a penny in the tread with Lincoln’s head upside
down and facing you. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, you are ready for new tires.
Tire Balance and Wheel Alignment
To avoid vibration or shaking of the vehicle when a tire rotates, the tire must be properly balanced.
is balance is achieved by positioning weights on the wheel to counterbalance heavy spots on the
wheel-and-tire assembly. A wheel alignment adjusts the angles of the wheels so that they are posi-
tioned correctly relative to the vehicle’s frame. is adjustment maximizes the life of your tires. ese
adjustments require special equipment and should be performed by a qualied technician.
Tire Rotation
Rotating tires from front to back and from side to side can reduce irregular wear (for vehicles that
have tires that are all the same size). Look in your owner’s manual for information on how frequently
the tires on your vehicle should be rotated and the best pattern for rotation.
Tire Repair
e proper repair of a punctured tire requires a plug for the hole and a patch for the area inside the
tire surrounds the puncture hole. Punctures through the tread can be repaired if they are not too
large, but punctures to the sidewall should not be repaired. Tires must be removed from the rim to
be properly inspected before being plugged and patched.