Operator`s manual

1213 1200.01
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1.6.4. Steps for Maintaining Proper Tire Pressure
Step 1: Locate the recommended tire pressure on the vehicle's tire information
placard, certification label, or in the owner's manual.
Step 2: Record the tire pressure of all tires.
Step 3: If the tire pressure is too high in any of the tires, slowly release air by gently
pressing on the tire valve stem with the edge of your tire gauge until you get to the
correct pressure.
Step 4: If the tire pressure is too low, note the difference between the measured tire
pressure and the correct tire pressure. These "missing" pounds of pressure are what
you will need to add.
Step 5: At a service station, add the missing pounds of air pressure to each tire that
is underinflated.
Step 6: Check all the tires to make sure they have the same air pressure (except in
cases in which the front and rear tires are supposed to have different amounts of
pressure).
If you have been driving your vehicle and think that a tire is underinflated, fill it to the
recommended cold inflation pressure indicated on your vehicle's tire information placard or
certification label. While your tire may still be slightly underinflated 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 inflation pressure than to drive with a significantly
underinflated tire. Since this is a temporary fix, don't forget to recheck and adjust the tire's
pressure when you can obtain a cold reading.
1.6.5. 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 find this information. If you have any doubt
about the correct size to choose, consult with the tire dealer.
1.6.6. Tire Tread
The 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 treadwear indicators
that let you know when it is time to replace your tires. These 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.
1.6.7. Tire Balance and Wheel Alignment
To avoid vibration or shaking of the vehicle when a tire rotates, the tire must be properly
balanced. This 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 positioned correctly relative to the vehicle's frame. This adjustment
maximizes the life of your tires. These adjustments require special equipment and should be
performed by a qualified technician.
1.6.8. Tire Repair
The proper repair of a punctured tire requires a plug for the hole and a patch for the area inside
the tire that 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.
1.6.9. Tire Fundamentals
Federal law requires tire manufacturers to place standardized information on the sidewall of all
tires. This information identifies and describes the fundamental characteristics of the tire and also
provides a tire identification number for safety standard certification and in case of a recall.